Antonio Conte has reportedly held talks with Cesar Azpilicueta and Pedro to stress that they are both in his first-team plans at Chelsea. According to reports, the Italian sought out the Spanish duo following the last-16 clash at Euro 2016 as he tries to build a Chelsea squad capable of mounting a title challenge this season. Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United have been linked with Azpilicueta, while Pedro revealed recently that he has held talks with Barcelona. However, it is thought that Conte wants to keep both at Stamford Bridge … [Read more...]
Ander Herrera confirms Giggs exit by paying tribute to the United legend
It's not been easy to keep secrets at United this summer and Giggs' story has been one of those. It started with Louis van Gaal and the constant story that he would be relieved of his duties as his team struggled through last season. That eventually happened, with the shadow of the available Jose Mourinho looming large over the Dutchman. The former Chelsea gaffer was heavily linked with taking over from van Gaal and that ended up happening at the end of May. And it's been followed up by constant talk of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik … [Read more...]
Borussia Dortmund confirm Mkhitaryan sale to Man United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will join Manchester United after Borussia Dortmund reluctantly confirmed the two clubs had agreed a fee – believed to £26.3m – for the player. Dortmund released a statement reading: “After intensive discussions BVB have complied with the wishes of the Armenian national team player to join Manchester United.” . @HenrikhMkh wechselt zu @ManUtd // Henrikh Mkhitaryan moves to Manchester United. Details to follow. pic.twitter.com/mFxTgZoS3J — Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 2, 2016 “This transfer was for us a difficult … [Read more...]
Tello rejects Liverpool set for Fiorentina return.
Heading for the exit at the Camp Nou, Cristian Tello is determined to return to Fiorentina after his successful loan spell at the club last season. After enjoying a six-month loan with the club in the latter half of the season, Barcelona’s Cristian Tello is angling for a permanent move to Fiorentina and turned down Liverpool for the Viola. The Spaniard had failed to establish himself in the first team of the Spanish champions and spent the first half of the last campaign on loan at Portuguese outfit Porto, before arriving at the Stadio … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Ozil out to end Italian jinx
The world champions have never beaten Italy in a major tournament but the Arsenal playmaker is hoping to end that run in Bordeaux. Knowing history is stacked against them as they face Italy on Saturday, Germany ‘s Mesut Ozil hopes that they can overturn their historical hoodoo to make it through to the semi-final. These nations have met in eight previous international tournaments, with Italy winning four of those clashes and drawing the rest. Most recently Germany were dumped out at the semi-final stage of the last European Championship … [Read more...]
Man City set to make £50m bid for Everton defender
The centre-back favours a move to the Etihad and City are prepared to deliver the 22-year-old for new manager Pep Guardiola and will not baulk at making him Britain’s most expensive defender. A firm bid is imminent with contact between the clubs already established and the prospect of an auction developing now seems unlikely with Stones keen to work with Guardiola. Stones was denied a move to Chelsea last summer with Everton rejecting a series of bids which went up to £35m. The TV money pouring into the Premier League means his … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Courtois criticises Wilmots decision
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois declined to back coach Marc Wilmots, who said he will decide his future at a later time after the Red Devils crashed out of Euro 2016 with a 3-1 quarterfinal defeat to Wales. Asked after the game if Belgium needed a new coach, Courtois replied: "This was an opportunity we may not get again. I gave him my opinion in the dressing room. He has to make his own decision." In his postgame news conference, Wilmots would not say if he would stay on as Belgium coach. "I said I'd make my decision after the … [Read more...]
Christian Benteke nears Liverpool exit
Eagles boss Alan Pardew has turned his attention towards Liverpool flop Benteke after missing out on compatriot Mitcy Batshauyi from Marseille who appears set to join Chelsea. Christian Benteke could be about to make the switch from Liverpool to Crystal Palace, with the London side agreeing a club record transfer fee for his services. Although he was well liked by Brendan Rodgers, the arrival of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield has cast his future into doubt and it seems as though he’ll have the option to leave. Close to €40 million could be … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Ramsey stars as Wales stun Belgium to book semi-finals ticket
A sensational display from Wales saw the underdogs fight back from a goal down to beat Belgium 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016. On a night dripping with raw emotion in northern France, Wales went one better than their 1958 predecessors who reached the last eight of the World Cup. They also did it the hard way after falling behind to Radja Nainggolan’s thunderous strike, with Ashley Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu and substitute Sam Vokes proving the goal-scoring heroes. They will now meet Portugal in the semi-final in Lyon on … [Read more...]
Manchester United sign Zlatan
Manchester United have confirmed that former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has joined the club, and has signed a one-year deal according to reports. Ibrahimovic, 34, arrives as a free agent after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired on Thursday when he announced on social media that he would be moving to Old Trafford -- writing on Instagram: "Time to let the world know. My next destination is @manchesterunited #iamcoming" The move will see Ibrahimovic reunited with United manager Jose Mourinho, whom he had worked with at Inter … [Read more...]
Ryan Giggs departs United after 29-years
Ryan Giggs has reached a settlement to confirm his departure from Manchester United – bringing an end to his 29-year stay at the club. Giggs, 42, had a year remaining on his contract as assistant manager but new boss Jose Mourinho intends to fill that role with long-time friend Rui Faria. Unable to reach agreement over another role at the Premier League club, Giggs, who made a record 963 appearances for the club, has decided to move on. United are expected to release an official statement in the coming days to officially confirm the … [Read more...]