Jurgen Klopp was not happy with Liverpool’s first-half display as they brushed aside Fleetwood Town in pre-season on Wednesday. Marko Grujic, Ben Woodburn, Lucas Leiva and Roberto Firmino all scored as the Premier League side proved their dominance over the League One outfit. Liverpool’s three summer signings – Sadio Mane, Loris Karius and Joel Matip – all started, while a number of the club’s youngsters impressed the manager. Klopp made 11 changes at half-time with Liverpool only leading 1-0, before their superiority showed in the … [Read more...]
Guardiola wants Kimmich reunion at City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly weighing up a move for Bayern Munich and Germany defender Joshua Kimmich. City are considering making a £20m bid for the Bayern right-back who also excels as a defensive midfielder, but he is highly rated in Bavaria and the German champions are unlikely to want to lose one of their young stars. It was Guardiola who signed Kimmich for Bayern in January 2015 for £6m from RB Leipzig and he regularly featured last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions as Bayern won their fourth … [Read more...]
Bournemouth sign Jordon Ibe for £15m from Liverpool
AFC Bournemouth have announced the signing of winger Jordon Ibe from Liverpool, with the Cherries reportedly splashing out £15m to sign him. The England U21 international has signed a four-year deal at the Vitality Stadium and arrives at Bournemouth after he made 41 appearances for the Reds in all competitions last season. AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “We’re delighted to bring Jordon to the football club. “He played plenty of football with Liverpool last season and we’re looking forward to seeing him to continue to … [Read more...]
Kante to decide future- Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri remains hopeful Leicester City can hold on to N'Golo Kante, but has admitted it's up to the midfielder to make a decision. Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has stressed N'Golo Kante's future is "in his own hands" amid reports claiming Real Madrid and Chelsea are keen to sign him. The holding midfielder was a key figure in Leicester winning the Premier League title in 2015-16 and his performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Madrid and Chelsea are believed to be interested in luring Kante away from Leicester, … [Read more...]
Martin Skrtel seals Fenerbahce move
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel will be presented as a Fenerbahce player on Friday, the Turkish side have confirmed. The centre-back had a medical on Wednesday ahead of his transfer, which is believed to be in the region of £5 million before the Turkish Super Lig runners-up welcomed his arrival in a short statement on Thursday. Skrtel departs Anfield after 320 appearances and eight-and-a-half seasons of service, having joined from Zenit Saint Petersburg in January 2008. The 31-year-old struggled to convince Liverpool manager Jurgen … [Read more...]
Antonio Conte backs John Terry as Chelsea captain
New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has said John Terry will remain club captain this season regardless of whether he is on the pitch. Conte was confirmed as Chelsea's new manager in April, when Guus Hiddink was in interim charge and there were significant doubts over Terry's future at the club. The 35-year-old ultimately put pen to paper on a new one-year contract in May but had previously said he would have to accept a "different role" at the club. Conte has finally arrived at Stamford Bridge after having led Italy to the quarterfinals … [Read more...]
Chelsea set to Hijack Joao Mario move
Euro 2016 winner Joao Mario looked set to join the Biscione but now the Premier League side lead the race due to being able to offer the Portuguese club more money . After helping Portugal to Euro 2016 triumph, Joao Mario could be set for a move to Chelsea after the Premier League club moved ahead of Inter in the race to sign the Sporting midfielder. Antonio Conte’s side are now in pole position to sign the Portugal international – as they look to strengthen ahead of a title challenge –with the Premier League club able to offer more money … [Read more...]
Conte eager to set the ball rolling at Chelsea
Antonio Conte says he was “born with pressure” and will remain unfazed by the challenge of leading Chelsea as they seek to recover from a “bad season”. Former Italy boss Conte, speaking English well, expressed his pride and excitement at what awaits with the Blues as he unveiled by the club at a press conference on Thursday. He also acknowledged the challenge ahead at a club which won the 2014-15 Premier League title, but finished a lowly 10th last term. “The pressure for me is not important,” Conte added. “I was born with pressure. … [Read more...]
Christian Benteke ready to fight for Liverpool shirt
Christian Benteke is ready to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool with his future at Anfield still in doubt. Crystal Palace and West Ham United are keen to sign Benteke but Liverpool are at risk of pricing the Belgium striker out of a move by trying to recoup all of the £32.5 million they paid Aston Villa for the player last summer. Neither Palace nor West Ham have been prepared to meet the Merseyside club’s asking price, and with negotiations at an impasse, Benteke is now hoping to force his way back into Jurgen Klopp’s plans , … [Read more...]
Man United make Forbes list top five
Manchester United are the highest-ranked British club in Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s 50 most valuable sports teams. United, who were at the top of the list in 2011 and 2012, remain in fifth position with a value of $3.32billion (£2.53bn). For the first time since the list’s inception in 2011, a football team is not at the top of the pile with Real Madrid knocked into second after three years at number one. Their place has been taken by NFL franchise Dallas Cowboys. The Texas-based American football side have been listed as … [Read more...]
Antonio Conte takes first Chelsea training session at Cobham
A "very vocal" Antonio Conte took charge of his first training session as Chelsea manager on Wednesday after arriving in London to begin work in his new role. The 46-year-old was pictured touching down in the capital on Tuesday evening before he made his way to Chelsea's training base in Cobham the following morning to put his players through their paces. After a light jogging session, the Chelsea squad were split into two groups to work on their passing, look at their patterns of play and improve their ability to keep the ball - with … [Read more...]