Jurgen Klopp believes signing any player for £100million is a huge transfer risk and says Liverpool will never operate like that with him in charge. The Reds have spent over £60m this summer – more than any other Premier League side – but their biggest single outlay has been the £34m paid to Southampton for Sadio Mane. Premier League clubs have spent a combined £500m on players in this transfer window as the added money from new television deals filters through to the clubs, and fees have risen as a result. Jordon Ibe, with one goal in 41 Premier League appearances, has joined Bournemouth for £15m. Manchester United have signed Eric Bailly, who has 61 career league games to his name, for £30m. Watford have spent £12.5m on Isaac Success, who has scored 16 … [Read more...]
Bastian Schweinsteiger quits international football
Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football. Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger, who was part of the 2014 World Cup-winning side, said after Euro 2016 that he would make a decision on his future with the national side. The 31-year-old former Bayern Munich star confirmed on social media on Friday that he has told coach Joachim Low that he has decided to call time on an international career in which he won 120 caps. Vielen Dank an alle für die tolle Zeit! #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/kNrLa7eDvE - Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) July 29, 2016 In a message to Germany fans, he wrote: "I just asked the national team coach to not consider me for future call-ups for the German national … [Read more...]
Chelsea midfielder denies giving money to country’s Olympic team
Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has denied media reports that he donated $30,000 to assist his cash-strapped teammates in the country's Olympics team. The Nigeria under-23 squad, together with select overage players like Mikel, are training in Atlanta ahead of next month's Olympics in Brazil. Reports on Thursday claimed that Mikel had pitched in with the money to assist the team, but the Chelsea midfielder said there was no truth to them. "I was first told of this story by a friend who called me from Nigeria," Mikel said from camp at Hyatt Place. "I thought he was joking until he sent me the link. "I don't know the source of this story, which to me is all out to divide us as a team. I would have thought that stories that should be coming out in the … [Read more...]
massive clear-out as Mourinho set to axe nine players from United Squad
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is believed to be set for a clear-out, with up to nine players reportedly on their way out of Old Trafford. Several national newspapers have suggested Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will be the highest profile victim, a little more than a year after he joined the Premier League club from Bayern Munich. The 31-year-old moved from Bayern to United last summer for a fee of arounnd £6.5million, signing a three-year deal, but he made only 13 Premier League starts. His last appearance for United came in the derby win at Manchester City in March. Schweinsteiger then suffered a partial medial collateral ligament tear during training with Germany ahead of the friendly with England, but he recovered sufficiently … [Read more...]
Arsenal defeat MLS All-stars with late goal in San Jose
The MLS All-Stars went down to Chuba Akpom's 87th-minute goal, after Didier Drogba cancelled out Joel Campbell's opener. Substitute Chuba Akpom netted a late match-winner as Arsenal saw off the MLS All-Stars 2-1 in San Jose on Thursday. Akpom came off the bench past the hour-mark and he proved to be the difference, scoring from close range with three minutes remaining after big-money recruit Granit Xhaka made his debut for the Premier League giants at Avaya Stadium. Scores were level at half-time following Didier Drogba's equaliser at the third time of asking for Kaka and Co., cancelling out Joel Campbell's 11th-minute penalty. The result ended the All-Stars' run of consecutive wins against European opposition, having upstaged Tottenham last year and … [Read more...]
Sturridge feeling fresh as striker admits intense preseason ever
Daniel Sturridge has never experienced a pre-season as intense as Liverpool's first under Jurgen Klopp - but he has relished the work. Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says pre-season under Jurgen Klopp has been the most intense he has ever experienced. Klopp has been conducting repeated, high-intensity training drills during his side's stay in the United States, in between International Champions Cup matches with Chelsea and AC Milan. Sturridge struggled to stay fit for large spells of last season, but enjoyed a strong run of form in the Premier League in March and April before earning a place in England's Euro 2016 squad. And the 26-year-old, who sat out the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the Rose Bowl, hopes to hit the ground running in 2016-17 after … [Read more...]
Cech: Arsenal shouldn’t buy for the sake of spending
Petr Cech has defended Arsenal’s transfer policy, claiming that there is little point the Gunners buying players they do not need. The Gunners have once again brought in just one senior player, with midfielder Granit Xhaka joining earlier in the summer for £30m. Arsenal fans have once again derided their club’s lack of transfer activity but goalkeeper Cech agrees with the ‘philosophy’ of the club. Cech said “I think you need to be buy players you need, you need to buy players that will improve the team and not to buy players just for buying. “That’s the philosophy of the club. I’ve been here since last season and you can see that every time we bring in a player, it’s a player we need, and the manager believes he improves the team. “There is a core … [Read more...]
Liverpool misfit rejects Besiktas move
Besiktas president Fikret Orman claimed yesterday the Turkish club were closing in on a deal for Mario Balotelli and the Liverpool striker was keen on the move. "Mario Balotelli is the type of footballer that our fans can associate themselves with," Orman told Turkish magazine Fanatik. "In short, we want Mario Balotelli and he wants us too." However, reports in Turkish newspaper Sabah claim the 25-year-old has now turned down a move to the Istanbul-based club. The report says Balotelli told his agent Mino Raiola to inform Besiktas of his decision and to let them know he sees his future in Europe's top leagues instead. “Currently I want to continue my career in England, Italy or Spain. Maybe in the future I can wear a Besiktas shirt," Balotelli's … [Read more...]
Man City drops interest in Bonucci as club open Stones talks
Manchester City’s pursuit of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could be all but over after it emerged that the Citizens have opened talks with Everton over the transfer of John Stones. Despite only assuming the role at the start of the summer, new City boss Pep Guardiola has immediately prioritised defensive reinforcements, with his search for a ball-playing centre-back who is able to start attacks, leading him to Bonucci and the Everton youngster. Last month, a bid of €60 million was immediately knocked back by the Bianconeri for their star defender, and now it appears that Guardiola has focused his attentions elsewhere, with the BBC claiming that talks between the two Premier League clubs over Stones are at an advanced stage. Bought from Barnsley for … [Read more...]
Guardiola gets first win as Man City beat Dortmund in shoot-out
Sergio Aguero scored the first goal of the new Pep Guardiola era but he needed penalties to see his first win as Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup. Argentina striker Aguero came on as a half-time substitute to put City ahead in the 78th minute before Christian Pulisic scored with virtually the last kick of the game to send the match to penalties. Academy keeper Angus Gunn then became the hero -- saving three spot-kicks as City won 6-5 on penalties. It was just City's second game of preseason -- following the cancellation of Monday's game against Manchester United -- while it was Dortmund's sixth and Guardiola can be pleased with his side's workout on a sultry night and on a pitch that cut up badly. But they … [Read more...]
Inter Milan to make improve offer for Liverpool target
Liverpool and Chelsea are among four clubs to have had bids rejected for in-demand Portugal midfielder Joao Mario with Inter Milan set to make another move. The player’s father yesterday claimed in the Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias that both Liverpool and Inter had seen offers rejected for the 23-year-old. And now the player’s agent Kia Joorabchian has confirmed those reports. “A European champion must be rewarded,” he said. “From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club. “Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids.” Portuguese newspaper Record claims that the other two clubs to have bids rejected were … [Read more...]
Arsenal linked with a move for Juventus striker
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic just a year after he joined Juventus. The Old Lady have signed Gonzalo Higuain for £75m and Italian reports suggest that they will now sell either Mandzukic of Simone Zaza. Gazzetta credit Arsenal, West Ham and Watford with interest in the 30-year-old who scored ten Serie A goals last season descpite starting only 24 games. The Croatian is valued at around £18m in Italy. He said in May: “I am very happy here and I feel extraordinary. I had bad luck with injuries, but now I feel great and that is why I’m happy. “I want to stay here, 100 per cent. I am happy at Juve and next season we can do even better. “The important thing is to maintain the squad and introduce a couple of … [Read more...]
Diego Costa hints at Chelsea exit
The biggest story for Chelsea on Thursday may turn out to be an Instagram post from Diego Costa, which many fans interpreted as a goodbye message, rather than their 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool. Although the Spain striker didn’t play a single minute of the victory in the International Champions Cup, he posed with some Chelsea teammates in the dressing room after the match at the Pasadena Rose Bowl and hinted at an exit with the caption of his photo. “Thank you very much for all my friends,” he posted, offering an unusual amount gratitude to his colleagues for securing a friendly win. Costa has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, with his former team Atletico Madrid one of the suitors, which has led … [Read more...]
Manchester City keen on Everton defender John Stones
Manchester City have opened talks with Everton over a deal for John Stones, according to reports. With Vincent Kompany set to miss the start of the season through injury, Martin Demichelis having been released, and neither Nicolas Otamendi or Eliaquim Mangala managing to fully convince in the Premier League, City are in the market for a new centre-back. Leonardo Bonucci – who featured in our top five defensive targets – had been mooted, but it now appears City manager Pep Guardiola has set his sights on England international Stones. The 22-year-old is expected to cost around £50million and it is understood the two clubs are not far apart in their valuations. Stones’ comfort on the ball and willingness to play out from the back – which has often … [Read more...]
Conte and Fabregas apologises to Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and midfielder Cesc Fabregas have apologised to Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan after the Spain international was sent off for a reckless challenge in the teams' International Champions Cup clash. Gary Cahill's early header proved to be the difference as Chelsea secured a 1-0 win at the Rose Bowl, but the match was overshadowed by Fabregas' dismissal in the 70th minute. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said after the game that Fabregas "came by us in the dressing room and said sorry" and Conte added: "I am sorry and the player is too. "I am sorry for him and the Liverpool player. In this period the fatigue can sometimes bring a bit of going too late and I know Fabregas is a good man and it is not his habit to have this sort of … [Read more...]
Klopp reaveals why he sent Sakho back home
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he sent defender Mamadou Sakho home from the United States preseason tour early because he repeatedly broke club rules. The France international returned to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, having been ordered to leave the club's California training base in Palo Alto by Klopp. The German boss has cited three reasons as to why he felt it necessary for the centre-back return to Merseyside. Sakho is to sit out the start of the Premier League season due to an Achilles injury and will continue his rehabilitation work at Melwood, the club's training ground. "I have to build a group here, we have to start new here," Klopp said on Wednesday. "So I thought maybe it made sense for him to fly home to Liverpool and … [Read more...]
Chelsea bid £38m for Kalidou Koulibaly
Napoli face a fight to keep defender Kalidou Koulibaly at the club after Chelsea made an official approach for his services on Wednesday. New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has wasted no time in implementing his transfer masterplan at the club, already bringing in fresh faces in the form of N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi. A third major addition could now be in the pipeline with the Blues submitting a bid for Koulibaly that Napoli will consider. An offer of around £38 million has now been made by Chelsea report Sky Sport Italia. If Napoli choose to accept the offer then it would represent a hefty profit on a player they bought for just €6m in 2014 from Belgian outfit Racing Genk. Since his move to Naples, the Senegal international has blossomed … [Read more...]
Paul Pogba to seal Man United move on Friday
Paul Pogba will sign for Manchester United on Friday and is set to become the most expensive player in history, according to reports. Sources have told calciomercato.com that the France midfield general is going to complete his transfer to the Old Trafford club in the next 24 hours after his agent Mino Raiola renounced part of the 20% revenue from Pogba’s sale. Jose Mourinho has been tracking the Juve star all summer and it finally looks as though he has got his man for a world-record transfer fee of €115million, including all bonuses and add-ons. It will make the 23-year-old the most expensive player in the history of football, returning to the club four years after leaving the Old Trafford as a free agent after failing to agree a new deal with former … [Read more...]
Fabregas sent off as Chelsea down Liverpool in preseason friendly
Chelsea had Cesc Fabregas sent off as they beat Liverpool 1-0 in their International Champions Cup clash in Los Angeles. The midfielder was dismissed with 20 minutes remaining at the Rose Bowl Stadium for a late challenge on the Reds’ new signing Ragnar Klavan. Gary Cahill got the only goal of the game in the 10th minute, heading in a Fabregas corner. The England defender was also booked in the clash of the Premier League rivals, with Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno, Ovie Ejaria, Marko Grujic, Dejan Lovren and Kevin Stewart also receiving yellow cards. As well as Kavlan, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gave starts to fellow recent arrivals Sadio Mane and Loris Karius in a match which was watched by more than 53,000 in California. The closest his team came … [Read more...]
Arsenal and Liverpool receive boost as Real Madrid consider selling Jese Rodriguez
Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for Jese Rodriguez, with Arsenal and Liverpool both set to be alerted by the forward’s availability. The 23-year-old is likely to struggle for game time this season given Real’s abundance of attacking talent, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale backed up by Isco and James Rodriguez. Jese’s prospects appear no better than last season, when he started only seven games. Marca reports that Real are ready to hear offers for their academy graduate, who has scored 13 goals in 63 first-team appearances. The versatile forward is thought to want to stay and fight for his place during pre-season, but Real may also be willing to sanction a loan exit or a permanent deal with a buy-back-option – a ploy that … [Read more...]
Wenger seek to replace injured Mertesacker
Arsene Wenger is unsure how long Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker will be out, but he is searching for a replacement. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed he would look to the transfer market to replace Per Mertesacker despite being unsure how long the defender will be sidelined. The former Germany international underwent knee surgery after suffering the injury in his side's 1-1 friendly draw against Lens on Friday. Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Wenger said he was uncertain as to how long Mertesacker, 31, would be sidelined. "We have bad news on Per Mertesacker. He played in Lens on Friday night, he finished the game and had a little pain on his knee," he said. "We found out the next day that it was much more serious than expected. … [Read more...]
Mertesacker to miss start of season- Wenger
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker will be sidelined for "a few months" with a knee injury, manager Arsene Wenger has announced. The 31-year-old suffered the injury in Friday's pre-season draw against Lens and did not travel with the rest of Arsenal's squad for their two-match tour of the United States. The German World Cup winner, who lost his place in the Gunners' side towards the end of last season, will now miss the start of the new campaign as Wenger revealed the news at a press conference in the US on Tuesday. Fellow central defender Gabriel was also left at home and, with Laurent Koscielny on an extended break following his exertions with France at Euro 2016, it means new signing Rob Holding is likely to be involved in both matches. Wenger's men … [Read more...]
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