234sport

Confirmed Football, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Soccer and Sports News

Chelsea Launch £30m Bid For Highly Rated Defensive Midfielder

Chelsea have reportedly made Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Veratti a top target in January. Reports in Daily Mail claim that the Blues are growing increasingly confident of signing Veratti from Ligue 1 champions, PSG during the January transfer window with the French outfit asking for over £30 million. However, the Premier League table toppers believe they can sign the French midfielder for under £40 million. The 24-year-old midfielder has doubts over his future with PSG due to attacks from the French media. Donati Di Campli told Rai Sport: ‘Verratti wants to win at PSG,’ ‘However, if these attacks from the French media continue then Marco will evaluate his position and will probably leave Paris.’ The coach of the Italian national side, … [Read more...]

Photo – Blues Star Eden Hazard Returns To Training Ahead Of Palace Trip

  Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard has returned to training ahead of their clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Belgian attacker was side-lined from the Blues trip to Stadium of Light last Wednesday after suffering a knock in training but has now returned to action and is in contention to face Palace at Selhurst Park. When asked on the absence of Hazard from their victory over Sunderland, Antonio Conte told Sky Sports: ‘I don’t think so. For this game he couldn’t play. ‘There are no easy games, for this reason we must pay attention.’ Reports in the Metro claim, the Blues forward was spotted running at the Cobham training facility with indications he will be part of the squad that play Palace on Saturday. In related news, reports in the … [Read more...]

Chelsea Hijacks Liverpool Move For Franck Kessie

Chelsea are set to sign Atlanta midfielder Franck Kessie ahead of Liverpool, according to reports in Italy. The 19-year-old midfielder looks to be on his way to Stamford Bridge following reports in the Corriere dello Sport that the player's agent, Georges Atangana met with Chelsea officials this week to thrash details of a potential move to London in January. Liverpool are said to be interested in signing the midfielder but it appears the Blues are ready to nick the midfielder in the next transfer window. The Ivorian star has been an integral part of Atalanta squad this season, as they sit sixth in the Serie A, scoring five goals in 11 appearances this season. However, Kessie is set to feature for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations next month and … [Read more...]

Manchester United Closing In On January Deal, Mourinho Eager To Let Go

Jose Mourinho led Manchester United to receive yet another boost on Wednesday night as the United boys beat their opponent Crystal Palace in an English Premier League game. Despite making the Manchester United management to cough out huge amount of money in the summer window transfer to bring in players like Paul Pogba, the Portuguese tactician has failed to wholly convince since being handed the managing baton at Old Trafford. With so much deadwood picked up during the post-Sir Alex Ferguson period, the Daily Telegraph said something that tickles pundits. The Daily Telegraph insisted that Morgan Schneiderlin’s unhappy stay at the Theatre of Dreams is set to come to an end as he closes in on a £24m move to Everton. Even though he was one of the most … [Read more...]

4-2-3-1 Formation: Key Player Dropped, One Change For The Gunners in Arsenal Probable Line-up Vs Manchester City

Brazilian defender Gabriel would likely continue to deputise for injured German star Skhrodan Mustafi at the heart of Arsenal defence ahead of their crucial English Premier League (EPL) clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening in what would be a week 17 fixture. Mustafi, who was signed from Spanish La Liga outfit Valencia for a princely sum of £32m during the transfer window earlier in the summer, has been an ever present fixture in the Arsenal side making 12 league appearances before sustaining a hamstring injury in Arsenal's last league game at home against Stoke City which eventually ended 3-1 in the Gunners' favour. The previously mentioned Gabriel replaced Mustafi for the last league game against Everton at Goodison Park but … [Read more...]

Mourinho Eager To Get Former United Youngster Michael Keane Back To Old Trafford

Manchester United seem to enjoy signing former players for a higher price than at which they were let go, and a clear instance was seen when France International Paul Pogba was signed at a world record fee in summer. Now, they are back in their usual habit. But this time around the management don't have the intention of splashing as huge as £89 million. The Sun recently reported that Manchester United are set to move for Burnley star Michael Keane. The 23 year-old left Old Trafford in 2015 after making just one appearance for United, and has since thrived at Turf Moor. Keane has been instrumental in Sean Dyche's defensive line and he had even earned a call-up to the England squad.Of course, Mourinho is quite aware that his defense rank needs to be … [Read more...]

Transfer News: Barcelona Star Ivan Rakitic Revealed Decision About Deal

Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic has been linked away from Camp Nou and it is stated that teams like Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea are interested in getting his signature. Nevertheless, Mundo Deportivo reported that  Ivan Rakitic is set to dismiss interest from Jose Mourinho and sign a new deal at Camp Nou. The Croatian has been a key player since his arrival from Sevilla in 2014 but has unfortunately recently lost importance following the signings of other players like Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez. This season however, Rakitic who was rated €44M has started 10 of Barcelona’s 15 La Liga games and can still be seen as a key part of the squad therefore it is expected that he would sign a new deal at the club. This season in La Liga, he has scored two goals, … [Read more...]

All Set: United Ready To Announce The Signing Of Talented Striker Daishawn Redan

Reports recently emerged that English Premier League side Manchester United are close to bringing in teenage Ajax star Daishawn Redan. Squawka stated that the striker “turns 16 in January and is believed to have decide that he would like to join United". Additionally, it was reported that Redan had gained the attention of a handful of top European clubs and they are keeping an eye on him. Nevertheless,  Dutch side Ajax desire to keep the youngster to themselves for the time being. The talented teenager has made 23 appearances for the Netherlands at youth level—most recently for their under-17s—and has scored 18 superb goals. United officials were reportedly tipped off about Redan by former Ajax scout Henny De Regt. De Regt now works in the Manchester United … [Read more...]

Klopp Gives Injury Update On Divock Origi

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has stated that his Belgian star Divock Origi, who has scored 5 goals in his last 5 games, only has a little knock after he was substituted during his side's 3-0 away win over Middlesbrough at The Riverside. Klopp was speaking with the club's official website after the game. He said: "I don't think [he is injured], no. A little knock and a little bit of pain. We wanted to change Sadio but then Divock was on the floor." Liverpool's next four fixtures are against Everton (Merseyside Derby), Stoke City, Manchester City and Sunderland with the last three games expected in the space of less than a week. To this effect, the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 boss spoke on the busy schedule and he was surprisingly positive. He said: "The … [Read more...]

Courtois Sends Message To Fans Over His Future At Chelsea

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has issued a heart apology for his the comments he made about his future during the summer. The Belgian had earlier talked up on his chances of returning to Spain which caused suggestion that he could move away from Stamford Bridge when his current contract expires in 2018. Courtois signed for Chelsea in 2011 from Genk but was sent out on loan to Atletico Madrid where he spent three successful years and returned to Stamford Bridge in the 2014/15 season under Jose Mourinho, helping the Blues to a glorious Premier League title but clearly  became frustrated as they lost their steam in the 2015/16 season which led to the sack of the Portuguese boss. In the summer, the Belgium international said he might be considering his … [Read more...]

Liverpool Faces Challenge In Race To Sign Highly Rated Virgil Van Dijk

Anfield giants Liverpool are one of the many teams interested in the signature of Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk, who currently plays for South Coast club Southampton having moved from Scottish Premier League (SPL) champions Celtic. As per the report from Daily Record, Liverpool will have to fight for their transfer target with the likes of Manchester United, Everton Manchester City and Chelsea with the report claiming that 2-time English Premier League (EPL) champions Manchester City are ahead of the queue for the transfer of the Dutchman due to his preference to play under the Citizens manager Pep Guardiola. Virgil Van Dijk's stok has risen since his move to Southampton from Celtic and has grown to become one of the best centre backs in the EPL. He has formed … [Read more...]

La Liga Star João Cancelo Not Optimistic About United Transfer

During the approach of the transfer window, different dramas are being staged between clubs and their players. At some points, we see situations where the player desire leaving the club but the club want him to stay. But actually, the opposite is happening at Valencia presently. During the past few months, speculations were spreading that João Cancelo was being linked to top European clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City. It is obvious that United's boss Jose Mourinho and City's manager Pep Guardiola could arguably do with a right back, Manchester United especially if Matteo Darmian returns to Italy, so the speculations deserves attention. On Tuesday, Spanish newspaper Sport reported that Cancelo could be sold so Valencia would be … [Read more...]

Blues Player Michy BatshuayiTo Snub January Move

Belgian star Michy Batshuayi is set to remain and fight for his place at Chelsea according to reliable reports. Batshuayi arrived Stamford Bridge from Ligue 1 side, Marseille during the last summer transfer window but has not nailed a spot in the starting eleven due to the brilliant form of Diego Costa. Costa is currently the top scorer in the Premier League and has continue keep the Belgian striker on the bench, sparking speculations that he might leave for loan in January. Reports in Goal.com claim that Batshuayi is being touted by a host of English clubs and also from clubs from Italy and France. However, it has emerged that the 23-year-old is prepared to remain at Chelsea and fight for his place. Though, Antonio Conte has been naming the same starting … [Read more...]

Arsenal Legend Reveals Selling Oscar Could Weaken Chelsea Squad

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has warned Antonio Conte that the departure of Oscar will damage his Chelsea squad. The Brazilian midfielder is on his way out of Chelsea after seeing his chances reduced to a bench role under Antonio Conte. The 25-year-old is set to join former boss, Andre Villas-Boas at Chinese club, Shanghai SIPG. Confirming his departure, Oscar said: "It's 90 per cent certain, it just depends on a few bureaucratic details." But Keown holds a different view about the transfer, claiming Conte will be left with a weaker squad if the Brazilian leaves mid-season. He told Daily Mail: "I think his departure would weaken Chelsea's cause — and you question the ambition of the player, "Even though he is not playing at the moment, the 25-year-old … [Read more...]

Ahead Of January Transfer: Mourinho Set To Splash Upto £143m On Keane, Griezmann and Hector Herrera

A recent report suggested that English giants Manchester United may be lining up a return for a former defender, and have put their attention once again on a La Liga star. The Sun reported that United boss Jose Mourinho, after re-signing Frenchman Paul Pogba in the summer for a world-record fee, could be looking to bring back former Red Devils’ academy man Michael Keane. The report also states further that Manchester United are considering a move for Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann. 23-year old Keane made just one appearance in the first team at United before switching to Burnley in January 2015 on a three-and-a-half year deal. And with United's manager interested in reinforcing his defense department, the centre-back is apparently being … [Read more...]

Ahead Of January Transfer, Liverpool Target Xerdan Shaqiri Alerts Club Of His Availability

Stoke City and Switzerland star Xerdan Shaqiri has openly discussed his desire to play for a club playing regularly in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) having tasted the competition when he was at German champions Bayern Munich. The 25-year old Swiss star was strongly linked with Liverpool before he moved to the Potters at the start of last season and has also been linked with other clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. Shaqiri, who has scored three league goals this season to match his total return from last season, expressed his desire to play for a UCL side in a chat with popular English news outlet Daily Mirror. He said: "At 25, it would be silly to say that I want to end my career at Stoke." "Of course I want to play Champions League again in the near … [Read more...]

Ahead Of January Transfer, Chelsea Target Tottenham Defender Eric Dier

English Premier League (EPL) league leaders Chelsea are monitoring the situation of fellow London side Tottenham's defensive player Eric Dier, who is reportedly frustrated at his lack of playing time this season on the colours of the team. Eric Dier, who can play anywhere across the backline in addition to the defensive midfield position, made his transfer to White Hart Lane from Portuguese Super League side Sporting Lisbon during the summer of 2014 and went on to do great things for Mauricio Pochettino's team as he helped them to almost win the league title before they eventually lost to champions Leicester City. In his time at Tottenham he made his debut for the Three Lions of England and went on to feature at this summer's European Championships however he … [Read more...]

Spurs Boss Opens Up On Dier’s Rumoured Move To Chelsea

  Tottenham hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has ruled out possibility of Eric Dier joining Chelsea. Reports in the Times had earlier claimed that the Blues are attempting to sign the 23-year-old who has seen his role at the White Hart Lane reduced to the bench. But Pochettino told Sky sports: “Absolutely no. Eric Dier is our player,” “He extended his contract and improved his salary after the Euros. There is no doubt that his future is here at Tottenham.” Dier has recently deployed to centre-back to stand in for the injured Toby Aiderwerld while the duo of Victor Wanyama and Moussa Dembele has continued to play in the middle for the North London club which has sparked suggestions that the Englishman is worried that his place in the Three Lions … [Read more...]

Conte Closely Monitoring This Serie A Midfielder

  Chelsea are closely monitoring Genoa midfielder Diego Laxalt according to his agent. Antonio Conte is keen on bringing the midfielder to Stamford Bridge as per his agent, Vincenzo D’Ippolito who revealed there are offers on the table for the 23-year-old. Chelsea are understood to be actively being in the market for new signings after their success in the League so far. Vincenzo D’Ippolito has revealed Conte is interested signing Laxalt having watched him since his days as Juventus boss and has continued to monitor his situation even as Chelsea manager. He told Calciomercato: ‘Genoa believe in him, but they are always open to selling their players for the right offer,’ ‘He’s not going to leave in January, but the club will definitely listen to … [Read more...]

Rudi Garcia Sure Maxime Lopez Won’t Leave For Liverpool Or Arsenal Amidst Transfer Rumours

Olympique Marseille coach Rudi Garcia has disclosed that ongoing transfer rumours involving his young midfielder Maxime Lopez won't harm him in any way despite the opening of the January transfer window in the next few weeks. Maxime Lopez, who recently returned from a serious injury, has been linked several times with English heavyweight clubs and league title contenders like Liverpool and Arsenal. Speaking about the transfer rumours surrounding his young prospect, Olympique Marseille boss Rudi Garcia, who is surely aware of those rumours, confirmed that he trusts the midfielder to stay focused. In his words, he said: "He was sent to our internal media and we saw that this boy has his head on his shoulders. We will continue to protect him." "Maxime Lopez is … [Read more...]

Tottenham Midfielder Tom Carroll Could Go On Loan

The American manager of struggling English Premier League (EPL) side Swansea City has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Carroll is a transfer target for the club with the January transfer window just some few weeks away from opening. The 24-year-old had earlier spent the 2014/15 football season at Welsh club Swansea City on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur and if what the former manager of the United States of America (USA) said is anything to go by Tom Carroll may ink a permanent deal with the Liberty Stadium outfit. When asked about transfer targets and plans ahead of the window, Bob Bradley, who is the father of American international midfielder Michael Bradley said: "You get different names out on the table, and then there are … [Read more...]

Liverpool Boss Klopp Wants Attacking Reinforcements In January

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has stated that he is on the look out for attacking options as he prioritises what he wants to do ahead of the January transfer window scheduled to open on the 1st of January, 2017. Despite the well publicized malaise being suffered by his leaky defence, Klopp hinted that he wants to reinforce his attacking options rather than solve his team's defensive woes. Speaking on the winter transfer window that is due to open in the next few weeks, Jurgen Klopp said: "The winter transfer market is the most difficult. We are always looking." "If you watch our bench, very experienced in defence and not offence. If the situation stays like this it is clear we have open eyes." the former Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund boss further … [Read more...]