Chris Smalling sent England to Euro 2016 on the back of another win, but the late header could not mask an underwhelming display against Portugal. England and Portugal, potential quarter-final opponents in France, combined for a lacklustre friendly at Wembley, only to be separated by a Chris Smalling 's 86th minute header. Set up in a diamond formation that compromised more or less every attacking player, England created very little - their best chance in the opening exchanges fell to Wayne Rooney , his shot superbly saved by Rui Patricio - but it turned out that he was offside in any case. Then, with just four minutes of the first half remaining, Bruno Alves launched himself into the flying kick that nearly tore Harry Kane 's face from its moorings. … [Read more...]
Liverpool turn attention to Joao Mario after missing out on Mario Gotze transfer
Liverpool have turned their attention to signing Joao Mario in the summer transfer window after missing out on Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze. Mario, 23, has scored nine goals in 75 appearances for Sporting Lisbon since making his debut for the Portuguese outfit in 2011 but is now being linke with a move to the Premier League with the Anfield giants showing interest. A Bola say Jurgen Klopp is keen on bringing the highly-rated midfielder to Anfield – and the Reds boss may come up against stiff competition. Both Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in signing Mario ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. It’s understood Chelsea representatives met with the Portugal international’s agent in May. … [Read more...]
Arsenal Target Alvaro Morata wants contract sorted as he fancies a move to England
Alvaro Morata has admitted he is “tired” of the discussion over his future at Real Madrid weigh-up a clause in his contract that will allow them to sign the Juventus striker from the start of July, with reports that the former Real striker will be immediately sold on to another club. Morata has a buy-out clause of €30m [£23.6m] in his contract that can only be activated by his former club Real from the 1 July. It has been widely reported though that Real will look to sell Morata on for as much as £50m, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United linked with the Spain forward. The 23-year-old will head to France with Spain for the Euro 2016 Championship after being named in Vicente del Bosque’s squad, but after previously admitting that he does … [Read more...]
Arsenal Target Alvaro Morata wants contract sorted as he fancies a move to England
Alvaro Morata has admitted he is “tired” of the discussion over his future at Real Madrid weigh-up a clause in his contract that will allow them to sign the Juventus striker from the start of July, with reports that the former Real striker will be immediately sold on to another club. Morata has a buy-out clause of €30m [£23.6m] in his contract that can only be activated by his former club Real from the 1 July. It has been widely reported though that Real will look to sell Morata on for as much as £50m, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United linked with the Spain forward. The 23-year-old will head to France with Spain for the Euro 2016 Championship after being named in Vicente del Bosque’s squad, but after previously admitting that he does … [Read more...]
Premier League trio in chase for out of favour Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos
Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all eyeing up out of favour Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos. The Brazilian centre-back, 22, has struggled to break into the PSG first XI — falling in the pecking order behind compatriots David Luiz and Thiago Silva in the heart of defence — and is now hoping for a summer move. The news has caught the attention of the three Premier League giants— who are all keen to boost their back-line after they failed to keep it tight at the back last season. There is a concern however, as the Brazil star himself is hot on a move to Barcelona. The Catalan club already have four of his compatriots in their ranks — including Neymar and Adriano. However, Marquinhos will keep the Premier League trio interesting, … [Read more...]
Manchester City make bid of £39m for defender Aymeric Laporte
Manchester are ready to meet the £39m release clause in Aymeric Laporte’s contract with Athletic Bilbao, after announcing the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund The 22-year-old French defender will be sidelined until August because of a broken leg and dislocated ankle but is understood to be a main transfer target for new City manager Pep Guardiola . Laporte has stepped up his training in recent weeks and although Bilbao are ready to offer him an improved contract, he is believed to be keen to join Guardiola’s revolution at the Etihad. Laporte, who has been at the Bilbao since he was 16, is a predominantly left-footed player and is rated as one of the best young defenders in the world. Guardiola is also keen to sign Everton and England … [Read more...]
Ilkay Gundogan arrives City from Borussia Dortmund on a £20m deal
Manchester City have announced the signing of Germany international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan in a reported £20m transfer from Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old, who will miss Euro 2016 and the start of the new Premier League season through injury, and will not be back for City's preseason tour to China, which includes a game against Dortmund, becomes the first signing for incoming City manager Pep Guardiola. However, it is hoped the deep-lying playmaker could be back in action by September. Gundogan dislocated his kneecap in training at the start of May and was also sidelined for the 2014 World Cup with a back problem that ruled him out for almost the entire 2013-14 season. "When I learned of City's interest my heart was set on coming. Things things … [Read more...]