Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out the possibility of rushing Laurent Koscielny back for Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool, leaving him with only a trio of young centre-backs to choose from for the game. Arsenal have lost Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista to injuries in preseason, leading to some speculation that he could be forced to bring Koscielny into the team even though the France defender only returned to training this week after his post-Euro 2016 break. But Wenger said his only options against Liverpool at … [Read more...]
Hart’s future with Manchester City undecided – Guardiola
Joe Hart won praise for his "qualities and behaviour" from Pep Guardiola but the Manchester City boss will keep his goalkeeping option open. Pep Guardiola praised the goalkepper's attitude and application ahead of Manchester City's Premier League opener versus Sunderland but refused to give any guarantees over the England goalkeeper's future at the Etihad Stadium. The shot-stopper endured a chastening Euro 2016 with England, making glaring errors in the matches against Wales and Iceland. The 29-year-old's future has been a matter of … [Read more...]
Conte hopeful about more signings at Chelsea
Antonio Conte has said Chelsea are looking for new players “every day” but the “crazy” prices being paid has made the process difficult. The Blues have made two big-money signings this summer with midfielder N’Golo Kante and striker Michy Batshuayi both arriving for over £30m apiece, but there are concerns over the lack of options in defence. However, Conte suggested that Chelsea are still active in the transfer market and will make more signings before the window closes if the right deals can be made. “I speak every day with the club … [Read more...]
Paul Pogba suspended for Manchester United’s first game
Manchester United will open their season without the most expensive signing in the history of the game, Paul Pogba who has been suspended for the Red Devils' Premier League opener, pushing his debut back a week. Pogba was booked twice in last season's Coppa Italia final with Juventus and Manchester United have been informed that the ban will be enforced by the Premier League. Jose Mourinho said he wasn't sure if he would still be suspended with his move to England, but it was confirmed that it will be. Even if Pogba wasn't suspended, he … [Read more...]
Jesse Lingard amazed at Mourinho’s sense of humour
Manchester United youngster Jesse Lingard has described the "aura" around manager Jose Mourinho, and says the Portuguese has surprised him with his joking nature. The 23-year-old Lingard scored in Manchester United's 2-1 Community Shield defeat of Premier League champions Leicester City last Sunday, and has impressed in the preseason thus far despite stiff competition from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata and others for a spot in the first team. Mourinho, known for his sometimes prickly disposition, took over the club this summer following … [Read more...]
Arsenal have not agreed personal terms with Mustafi – reports
Arsenal remain in talks with Shkodran Mustafi, but the defender’s agent has denied claims than agreement has been reached. The Gunners face an injury crisis just days before the start of the Premier League season, with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel unavailable, while Laurent Koscielny is not match fit. Calum Chambers and Rob Holding could be used as the central-defensive pairing to face Liverpool on Sunday, but Arsene Wenger remains keen to add a defender this summer. Valencia centre-half Mustafi has emerged as his main target, and the … [Read more...]
Fenerbahce interested in Man United midfielder
Fenerbahce have not given up hope of signing Manchester United man Juan Mata, despite his reported £20m price tag. The Spaniard's future at Old Trafford is uncertain following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager and he has reportedly handed in a transfer request at the club. Everton have been linked with a move for the former Chelsea playmaker but they are not expected to face an easy run at him. Now, according to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, Fenerbahce are still working out an approach for Mata as they bid to replace Nani in their … [Read more...]
Odion Ighalo signs new Watford contract
Odion Ighalo has ended speculation of a move away from Watford by signing a new five-year deal at Vicarage Road. The Nigeria international, who scored 17 goals in 42 appearances last season, had been linked with a move away this summer with West Brom reportedly keen on signing him. But the club have announced that Ighalo, 27, has followed Hornets captain and strike partner Troy Deeney in committing his future to the club until 2021. Ighalo initially joined Watford on a season-long loan deal from Udinese in July 2014, but the transfer … [Read more...]
Manchester United now have different values-Lindegaard
Anders Lindegaard has told 888 Sport that Manchester United are now "a different club" after the world-record signing of Paul Pogba. Anders Lindegaard Lindegaard, 32, joined Sir Alex Ferguson's United in 2010 as a potential successor to goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar but, after failing to make the breakthrough, Louis van Gaal allowed the Dane to join West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer last year. United have since replaced Van Gaal with Jose Mourinho and have made significant reinforcements to the squad this summer, most notably when … [Read more...]
Westbrom to battle Palace for Liverpool misfit
West Brom have joined Crystal Palace in the race to sign Christian Benteke from Liverpool. The Baggies need to rebuild their strike-force with Saido Berahino expected to leave, and Benteke is under consideration, Press Association Sport understands. The forward will be allowed to leave Anfield, although Liverpool are keen on recouping as much of the £32.5million they paid Aston Villa last year meaning any deal will break Albion’s transfer record. Crystal Palace are also interested in the 25-year-old, who scored nine goals in 14 league … [Read more...]
Liverpool appoint former England international as scout
Former Real Madrid, Tottenham and Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate will take up a scouting role with Liverpool according to sources. Woodgate, 36, retired at the end of last season after helping hometown club Middlesbrough achieve promotion to the Premier League. The former England international will scout for the Reds in Spain and Portugal, countries that have been utilised with varying success in recent seasons. Alberto Moreno, Javier Manquillo, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Aly Cissokho have arrived from Spain while Joao Carlos … [Read more...]