234sport.com

Sports News, Entertainment, Picks and More...

Napoli sign Liverpool target Zielinski

Piotr Zielinski has completed his transfer to Napoli after they reached an agreement with Udinese over the transfer of the midfielder. Napoli have secured the services of Piotr Zielinski from Udinese for a fee believed to be in the region of €15 million. The 22-year-old underwent a medical on Thursday before signing a five-year deal. The midfielder had previously been linked with Liverpool and seemed set to continue his career at Anfield, but the Premier League side refused to meet Udinese's valuation of the player and he has now moved … [Read more...]

Liverpool set to keep Lucas Leiva

Liverpool will only sell midfielder Lucas Leiva if they can sign adequate defensive cover, according to reports. The Brazilian is the club’s longest-serving player after Martin Skrtel was sold to Fenerbahce earlier this summer. Lucas featured 40 times for the Reds last season – 27 times in the Premier League – as the club reached the finals of both the Europa League and Capital One Cup. But the 29-year-old remains back-up at best in a number of positions at Anfield, and has attracted interest from Galatasaray this summer. The Turkish … [Read more...]

Diego Costa to stay at Chelsea-Cerezo

Diego Costa looks set to stay at Chelsea after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo cooled reports of a move for their former striker. The Brazilian-born Spanish international has been the subject of intense speculation over the summer, with Blues boss Antonio Conte confusing matters with various contradictory statements. A reunion with Atletico Madrid, who have since signed Kevin Gameiro from Sevilla, did appear to be happening, but now Cerezo has respectfully ended those rumours. “There was never a Diego Costa transfer saga,” … [Read more...]

Suarez tips former club for top four finish

Luis Suarez believes his former club should be targeting a Champions League spot and is looking forward to a reunion this weekend. The Reds showed some signs of promise under Jurgen Klopp and the Uruguayan, who left Anfield in 2014 for £65m, has backed the German to set his sights high for the following season. “The last few months, everybody saw a really good performance from Liverpool,” the Barcelona attacker told the official Liverpool website. “They had a chance to win the Europa League and in the Premier League they played really … [Read more...]

Terry delighted with Kante’s performance against AC Milan

Chelsea captain John Terry was full of praise for new signing N'Golo Kante after the midfielder made his debut for the club in the 3-1 win over AC Milan on Thursday morning. Kante joined the Blues from Premier League champions Leicester City last month in a £32million deal after his superb performances in midfield for the Foxes played a crucial role in Claudio Ranieri's side winning their first-ever top-flight title last term. After enjoying an extended break following Euro 2016, Kante joined up with his new Chelsea teammates last week and … [Read more...]

Szczesny returns to Roma on season-long loan deal

Roma have acquired the services of Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny for a second consecutive season after the two clubs agreed to extend his loan deal. The Poland international made 34 Serie A appearances for the Lupi last campaign, and expressed his satisfaction at the prospect of another year in the Italian capital. “I am very happy,” Szczesny told Roma TV. “After a good season last year I had the possibility of coming back and I was very happy that the coach [Luciano Spalletti] wanted me. “I’m delighted to be back and I hope we … [Read more...]

‘Mourinho should go to prison for bullying Schweinsteiger’

Jose Mourinho should be sent to prison over his treatment of Bastian Schweinsteiger, according to a member of world players’ union FifPro. Schweinsteiger appears to have been cut out of the Manchester United first-team picture since Mourinho’s arrival as manager in the summer, with reports that he has been training with the reserves. The World Cup winner’s name was conspicuous by its absence from United’s squad for Wayne Rooney’s testimonial against Everton at Old Trafford on Wednesday, a match in which Mourinho used 22 players. Dejan … [Read more...]

Belgium name former Everton boss Martinez as new coach

Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been appointed as the Belgium national team's new head coach, it has been confirmed. The Royal Belgian Football Association announced the news via their Twitter account on Wednesday night, writing: "Our new head coach: Roberto Martínez ! #welcomeRoberto #tousensemble". He replaces Marc Wilmots, who was relieved of his duties as Red Devils manager following Belgium's exit at the quarter-final stage of Euro 2016. Martinez's first match in his new role will be against Spain on 1 September. The … [Read more...]

Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey meet up with Arsenal squad

Arsene Wenger will take Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey on Arsenal’s mini-tour of Scandinavia this weekend as he attempts to build up their match fitness in time for the start of the new season. Ramsey returned to pre-season training this week, having reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 with Wales last month. Sanchez won the Copa America with Chile and has only just come back to pre-season at London Colney. Wenger wants both players to be ready for the visit of Liverpool on 14 August and so will involve both this week. Arsenal will … [Read more...]

Oscar double lifts Blues pass AC Milan

Chelsea came away 3-1 winners over AC Milan, as an Oscar brace helped Antonio Conte's team end their U.S. tour with a convincing result. The West London club secured a victory in their International Champions Cup finale in front of a sold-out 64,101-strong crowd in the first sporting event ever to be held at US Bank Stadium, the brand-new, $1.1-billion home of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. Second-half substitute Oscar scored the decisive tally from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, after Keisuke Honda had been guilty of handling a Cesar … [Read more...]

Kante praises Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

New Chelsea signing N'Golo Kante has praised manager Antonio Conte in his first interview at the club, saying the Italian played a big role in his decision to swap champions Leicester City for the Blues. Kante joined Chelsea from Claudio Ranieri's side in a £32million deal last month, and has impressed Conte so much during his six days of training that the Chelsea manager is set to start the midfielder in the club's next game against AC Milan at the US Bank Stadium on Thursday morning. Kante has also been left impressed with Chelsea's new … [Read more...]

Ahmed Musa shines as Spanish champions beat Leicester in Stockholm

After succumbing to a 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, Leicester City were edged out by Barcelona in a six-goal thriller. Leicester City showed commendable resolve to go toe-to-toe with Barcelona in the International Champions Cup, though they eventually fell to a 4-2 loss in Stockholm. The Premier League champions, gearing up for their first Champions League campaign, had been thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in California on Sunday and needed a much-improved second-half showing to avoid a similar outcome on … [Read more...]

Salah completes Chelsea exit with permanent move to Roma

Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah has completed a permanent move to Serie A club Roma. Salah makes the move after a successful loan spell at Roma last season, in which he helped the club to third place in the table. The Egyptian joined Chelsea from Swiss club Basel in 2014 but spent the second part of that season on loan at Fiorentina before his temporary move to Roma. .@22mosalah has completed a permanent transfer to Italian club Roma... https://t.co/vVCZYpg23Y - Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2016 Roma president James Pallotta has … [Read more...]

Kante to play against AC Milan-Conte

N'Golo Kante will make his Chelsea debut against AC Milan on Thursday, Antonio Conte has confirmed. Summer signing Kante, who joined from Premier League champions Leicester for £32million this summer, has yet to feature for Chelsea after being given an extended break following France's run to the Euro 2016 final. The midfielder has joined up with his new team-mates for their final International Champions Cup clash against Milan on Thursday at the new $1bn US Bank Stadium. And despite only starting training with the squad last Thursday, … [Read more...]

Wayne Rooney Man Utd testimonial ends in stalemate

Wayne Rooney’s testimonial ended in a 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Everton. The game was streamed live on Facebook, and both managers picked strong line-ups. United and England captain Rooney played 52 minutes at Old Trafford as his testimonial against his former club doubled up as a stern Premier League warm-up. Rooney got the chance to play alongside new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a promising attacking formation that also featured Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. The front pair linked well, with Ibrahimovic often … [Read more...]

Klopp hints at further summer signings

Jurgen Klopp has hinted he could bring another defender to Liverpool this summer after teasing that he has “no idea” if the Reds’ transfer activity is over. The Reds boss has already welcomed seven new signings to Anfield this summer but could add one more, with ongoing concerns about his lack of cover at left-back. That problem has been exasperated after Alberto Moreno limped off with a dead leg in the defeat to Roma in St Louis. Klopp has indicated he’s prepared to use James Milner there as cover after failing in a bid to sign … [Read more...]

Manchester City sign Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of teenage Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras. The 19-year-old, who is currently with the Brazil squad at the Rio Olympics, will make the move to City in January on a contract that runs until the end of the 2020-21 season. The deal – for a reported £27million with further add-ons – sees the Blues continue their considerable recruitment drive under new boss Pep Guardiola, with the news coming a day on from them wrapping up the £37million signing of 20-year-old Germany winger Leroy Sane … [Read more...]

Rooney Premier league best ever- Ferguson

Everton great Duncan Ferguson says former team-mate and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is the best ever in the Premier League. Wayne Rooney has been named the best Premier League player ever by his boyhood hero Duncan Ferguson - whom he played with at Everton. Rooney would later sign for Manchester United in 2004, where he plays and captains to this day, and ahead of his testimonial on Wednesday, Ferguson has named him the Premier League's best. The former Everton forward has won five Premier League titles at United and scored … [Read more...]

loris Karius undergoes successful surgery on broken hand

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius has undergone a successful operation to repair his broken right hand and is set to be back in October. The German returned home early from the club’s tour of the United States after sustaining the injury having collided with team-mate Dejan Lovren in Wednesday’s friendly against Chelsea. Karius, a £4.7million signing from Mainz this summer, is likely to be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks, dealing a blow to his hopes of challenging Simon Mignolet to be manager Jurgen Klopp’s first choice. “I’m back at … [Read more...]

Darmian to fight for United place

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian is ready to fight for his place and win over new manager Jose Mourinho. Matteo Darmian has insisted he does not fear the competition for places at Manchester United and is happy to play wherever Jose Mourinho needs him. The Italy international defender joined United from Torino last year and made 39 appearances in all competitions in his first season at Old Trafford. Darmian will now be looking to build on last term's performances under Mourinho and is ready to fight for his place. "I think … [Read more...]

Lyon boss not ruling out Lacazette sale

Lyon have admitted they would sell Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette if they received “an offer they couldn’t refuse”. Lacazette, who only recently signed a new four-year deal at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, was the subject of a failed £29.3m (€35million) bid from the Gunners last week. And with Arsene Wenger hinting they’re ready to make an improved bid, the Gunners appear to have been handed encouragement in their pursuit of the France international striker. “He can leave if Lyon want him to,” said the French club’s manager Bruno … [Read more...]

Courtois backs Batshuayi for Chelsea success

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has little doubt Michy Batshuayi has what it takes to succeed at Stamford Bridge. Thibaut Courtois is confident compatriot Michy Batshuayi will become a success at Chelsea once he has fully adapted to his new surroundings. Batshuayi joined Chelsea from Marseille during the close season and Courtois believes his fellow Belgium international has all the characteristics required to become an instant hit at Stamford Bridge. "Michy is a very strong striker, fast, good technique, he can hold a ball and … [Read more...]

Manchester City sign Leroy Sane from Schalke

Manchester City have completed the signing of Germany winger Leroy Sane from Schalke, the Premier League club have announced. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium after a fee, understood to be around £37million, was agreed between the two clubs. Sane’s arrival continues new manager Pep Guardiola’s rebuilding of the City squad following the signings of Nolito, Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer. Sané told the club’s website, www.mancity.com: “I feel really good, I’m happy to be here and happy … [Read more...]

Schweinsteiger’s brother slams Manchester United and Mourinho

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s brother has appeared to accuse Jose Mourinho of ‘lacking respect’ as his expected Manchester United exit threatened to turn acrimonious. Mourinho told Schweinsteiger last week that he does not figure in his plans and is free to find another club this summer, with the former Bayern Munich player likely to be the most high-profile casualty of the Portuguese’s extensive clear-out. But the situation has now taken a more dramatic development with Schweinsteiger forced to relocate to the reserve team’s dressing room, a … [Read more...]

Dzeko, Salah on target as Roma down Liverpool

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko handed Roma a 2-1 win over Liverpool in Missouri on Monday night. The Reds fielded strong team from the off, with regulars Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and James Milner joined by new signings Sadio Mane, Alex Manninger and Georginio Wijnaldum in the starting line-up. Nonetheless, the Premier League team were second best for the majority of the contest, with Radja Nainggolan particularly effective in Roma's midfield alongside Kevin Strootman -- who was restored to the Italian side following a … [Read more...]