Jose Mourinho has informed his Manchester United players that he wishes to work with a first-team group of just 24. Mourinho, who used just 22 players when leading Chelsea to the 2014/15 Premier League title, will seek to use a similarly ‘small, tight-knit group’ at Old Trafford. Joe Bernstein claims that the Portuguese will select just 24 players for his first team, and ‘will allow anyone outside that to leave the club or train with the under 21s’. He prefers to work with a smaller group as opposed to a ‘bloated squad with players … [Read more...]
Chelsea to replace Fabregas with Kante as Mourinho shows interest
With new Blues coach Antonio Conte expected to let several players go this summer, Cesc Fabregas could well need to find a new club . With his future at Chelsea uncertain, Cesc Fabregas could be offered a lifeline by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. The pair worked together at Stamford Bridge during the last two campaigns, winning both the Premier League and the Capital One Cup before the Portuguese tactician was sacked for a poor start to last season. New Chelsea boss and former Italy coach Antonio Conte could have a clear out … [Read more...]
Joe Allen set for showdown talks with Jurgen Klopp
As speculation mounts over whether Joe Allen will be offered a new deal or offloaded by Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp says talks are imminent. Joe Allen is set for showdown talks with Jurgen Klopp to decide his Liverpool future. The midfielder is a reported transfer target for the likes of Celtic, where ex-Reds boss Brendan Rodgers took charge in May, and former club Swansea City, as he enters the final year of his current Liverpool deal having put himself firmly in the shop window with his Euro 2016 exploits for Wales. Allen made eight … [Read more...]
Galatasaray offer Wilfried Bony an escape route
Galatasaray have offered Wilfried Bony an escape route from Manchester City after the striker was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium. The Ivory Coast international has failed to make an impact at the Etihad, scoring just 10 goals in 18 months at the club. The 27-year-old was in superb form at Swansea before his move to Manchester in January 2015 for £28m, netting 35 goals in 70 appearances for the Swans in all competitions. Bony scored just eight goals in 34 appearances for City last season, starting 18 … [Read more...]
Ferguson heaps praise on Ex-United superstar Ronaldo
Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic makes him the "special" player he is. Cristiano Ronaldo is the "special footballer" of his generation, according to former boss Alex Ferguson. The ex-Manchester United manager was on hand to witness Ronaldo finally convert his phenomenal club success into international honours in Paris on Sunday, as the injured Portugal captain rallied his country from the sidelines to Euro 2016 glory. And the 74-year-old insists that Ronaldo's work rate and hunger - part of the reason he first brought … [Read more...]
Chelsea make £29m bid for N’Golo Kante
Chelsea have made a £29 million bid for Leicester’s France international midfielder, N’Golo Kanté, and want to push the deal forward this weekend. Antonio Conte, the new Chelsea manager, has made his move for the player, with a formal offer being considered by the Premier League champions. Leicester’s hierarchy were discussing Chelsea’s bid in Austria on Wednesday night yet remain hopeful of persuading the 25-year-old to stay for at least another season. Kanté has already turned down one contract proposal since the end of last season … [Read more...]
Skrtel passes medical ahead of Fenerbahce move
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has passed a medical ahead of his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. It was reported last week that a fee of around £5 million had been agreed and that Skrtel was given permission to enter discussions with Fenerbahce. The centre-back arrived in Turkey on Tuesday to finalise his move with last season’s Super Lig runners-up. Skrtel, who signed a new contract with the Reds in July 2015, fell out of favour under manager Jurgen Klopp and found his game time limited. The arrival of Joel Matip from Schalke and … [Read more...]
Wayne Rooney excited to work with new boss Jose Mourinho
Wayne Rooney says the arrival of Jose Mourinho has given him added motivation for next season. Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has suggested he preferred to play Rooney in a more attacking role, rather than see him pull strings from midfield as he did under predecessor Louis van Gaal. Rooney will be looking to forge a formidable strike partnership with new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after a dearth of goals last season. “I’m really excited to be working with Jose,” said the England captain. “He’s one of the best managers in the world and … [Read more...]
Arsenal look to sign Napoli striker but won’t meet release clause
Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Gonzalo Higuain but will not remotely consider meeting the Napoli striker’s £78.8million release clause. The Italian club have indicated to the Gunners that Higuain is available this summer as manager Arsene Wenger scours Europe to find a top class centre-forward to spearhead Arsenal’s Premier League title push next season. Higuain has a release clause of 94.4m euros, which due to the slump in the value of the pound since Britain’s referendum vote to leave the European Union, now equates to … [Read more...]
Conte set to be unveiled as new Chelsea boss
Antonio conte will be unveiled as Chelsea coach on thursday, with fans hoping he can deliver the goods at Stamford Bridge. Conte was appointed Chelsea boss on April 4 and takes up his role after leading Italy at Euro 2016, where they suffered a penalty shootout loss to Germany in the quarter-finals. The Godfather – his nickname among the Italy players, according to Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci – is the permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, who is now boss of Manchester United. As well as having a new man at the helm, Chelsea are … [Read more...]
Mario Balotelli set for Liverpool exit
Mario Balotelli looks set for the exit at Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp having told him he cannot afford to be competing for places. Jurgen Klopp has told Mario Balotelli he needs to leave Liverpool, but hopes to help him rediscover his best form beforehand. Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan in 2014 but, after scoring just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances in his first season at the club, he was sent back to San Siro on loan the following year. The 25-year-old managed just to find the net just once in Serie A last term, … [Read more...]