Manchester City’s pursuit of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could be all but over after it emerged that the Citizens have opened talks with Everton over the transfer of John Stones. Despite only assuming the role at the start of the summer, new City boss Pep Guardiola has immediately prioritised defensive reinforcements, with his search for a ball-playing centre-back who is able to start attacks, leading him to Bonucci and the Everton youngster. Last month, a bid of €60 million was immediately knocked back by the Bianconeri for their … [Read more...]
Guardiola gets first win as Man City beat Dortmund in shoot-out
Sergio Aguero scored the first goal of the new Pep Guardiola era but he needed penalties to see his first win as Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup. Argentina striker Aguero came on as a half-time substitute to put City ahead in the 78th minute before Christian Pulisic scored with virtually the last kick of the game to send the match to penalties. Academy keeper Angus Gunn then became the hero -- saving three spot-kicks as City won 6-5 on penalties. It was just City's second game of preseason -- … [Read more...]
Inter Milan to make improve offer for Liverpool target
Liverpool and Chelsea are among four clubs to have had bids rejected for in-demand Portugal midfielder Joao Mario with Inter Milan set to make another move. The player’s father yesterday claimed in the Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias that both Liverpool and Inter had seen offers rejected for the 23-year-old. And now the player’s agent Kia Joorabchian has confirmed those reports. “A European champion must be rewarded,” he said. “From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club. “Sporting received four … [Read more...]
Arsenal linked with a move for Juventus striker
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic just a year after he joined Juventus. The Old Lady have signed Gonzalo Higuain for £75m and Italian reports suggest that they will now sell either Mandzukic of Simone Zaza. Gazzetta credit Arsenal, West Ham and Watford with interest in the 30-year-old who scored ten Serie A goals last season descpite starting only 24 games. The Croatian is valued at around £18m in Italy. He said in May: “I am very happy here and I feel extraordinary. I had bad luck with injuries, … [Read more...]
Diego Costa hints at Chelsea exit
The biggest story for Chelsea on Thursday may turn out to be an Instagram post from Diego Costa, which many fans interpreted as a goodbye message, rather than their 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool. Although the Spain striker didn’t play a single minute of the victory in the International Champions Cup, he posed with some Chelsea teammates in the dressing room after the match at the Pasadena Rose Bowl and hinted at an exit with the caption of his photo. “Thank you very much for all my friends,” he posted, offering an unusual amount … [Read more...]
Manchester City keen on Everton defender John Stones
Manchester City have opened talks with Everton over a deal for John Stones, according to reports. With Vincent Kompany set to miss the start of the season through injury, Martin Demichelis having been released, and neither Nicolas Otamendi or Eliaquim Mangala managing to fully convince in the Premier League, City are in the market for a new centre-back. Leonardo Bonucci – who featured in our top five defensive targets – had been mooted, but it now appears City manager Pep Guardiola has set his sights on England international Stones. The … [Read more...]
Conte and Fabregas apologises to Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and midfielder Cesc Fabregas have apologised to Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan after the Spain international was sent off for a reckless challenge in the teams' International Champions Cup clash. Gary Cahill's early header proved to be the difference as Chelsea secured a 1-0 win at the Rose Bowl, but the match was overshadowed by Fabregas' dismissal in the 70th minute. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said after the game that Fabregas "came by us in the dressing room and said sorry" and Conte added: "I am sorry and the … [Read more...]
Klopp reaveals why he sent Sakho back home
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he sent defender Mamadou Sakho home from the United States preseason tour early because he repeatedly broke club rules. The France international returned to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, having been ordered to leave the club's California training base in Palo Alto by Klopp. The German boss has cited three reasons as to why he felt it necessary for the centre-back return to Merseyside. Sakho is to sit out the start of the Premier League season due to an Achilles injury and will continue … [Read more...]
Chelsea bid £38m for Kalidou Koulibaly
Napoli face a fight to keep defender Kalidou Koulibaly at the club after Chelsea made an official approach for his services on Wednesday. New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has wasted no time in implementing his transfer masterplan at the club, already bringing in fresh faces in the form of N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi. A third major addition could now be in the pipeline with the Blues submitting a bid for Koulibaly that Napoli will consider. An offer of around £38 million has now been made by Chelsea report Sky Sport Italia. If … [Read more...]
Paul Pogba to seal Man United move on Friday
Paul Pogba will sign for Manchester United on Friday and is set to become the most expensive player in history, according to reports. Sources have told calciomercato.com that the France midfield general is going to complete his transfer to the Old Trafford club in the next 24 hours after his agent Mino Raiola renounced part of the 20% revenue from Pogba’s sale. Jose Mourinho has been tracking the Juve star all summer and it finally looks as though he has got his man for a world-record transfer fee of €115million, including all bonuses and … [Read more...]
Fabregas sent off as Chelsea down Liverpool in preseason friendly
Chelsea had Cesc Fabregas sent off as they beat Liverpool 1-0 in their International Champions Cup clash in Los Angeles. The midfielder was dismissed with 20 minutes remaining at the Rose Bowl Stadium for a late challenge on the Reds’ new signing Ragnar Klavan. Gary Cahill got the only goal of the game in the 10th minute, heading in a Fabregas corner. The England defender was also booked in the clash of the Premier League rivals, with Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno, Ovie Ejaria, Marko Grujic, Dejan Lovren and Kevin Stewart also receiving … [Read more...]