As Paul Pogba looks closer to sealing a return to Manchester United, Juventus have identified Chelsea holding midfielder Nemanja Matic as an ideal replacement. The 27-year-old Serbian international, who is in his second stint with the Blues after re-joining from Benfica in 2014, suffered a huge dip in form last season after initially impressing at Stamford Bridge with his powerful all-round game. Despite fears that he could be sold following such a lacklustre season, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte recently insisted that Matic was a key part of his plans and is not on the market. “Matic is a very important player for me, he is very important in my idea of football,” he said. “He is not for sale.” Reports suggest that Matic is open to a move to Juventus … [Read more...]
Former Chelsea striker joins Villareal
After spending the final six months of last season on loan with Chelsea, Alexandre Pato has found his next club in Villarreal. The Yellow Submarines have agreed to sign the former AC Milan man on a permanent basis from Brazilian champions Corinthians. However, as part of the agreement between the two clubs, there is an understanding that none of the economic figures involved in the deal shall be made public. The striker has left the Timao after a mixed spell, which briefly saw arguably his best football since he returned to Brazil in 2014, on an initial loan spell at city rivals Sao Paulo. Last campaign however, the 26-year-old only managed to accumulate two appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League, although he did net a solitary goal. Pato’s … [Read more...]
Gary Cahill determined to fight for shirt under Sam Allardyce
Gary Cahill revealed he is determined to fight for his England career and prove he should be a part of new coach Sam Allardyce 's plans. The Chelsea defender believes Allardyce, who was named as Roy Hodgson's successor last week, is the right man for the post, but is not taking a place for granted. Cahill was in the England squad which failed to impress at Euro 2016 and were knocked out in humiliating fashion by Iceland at the last 16 stage. The 30-year-old, who was vice captain under Hodgson, is desperate to begin the next campaign for Chelsea strongly and secure an opportunity to add to his tally of 47 caps for the Three Lions "I am excited to be working under Sam. I'm looking to impress him at the start of the season and looking to impress him, if … [Read more...]
Totti: Higuain’s move a complete disaster
Francesco Totti has taken aim at Gonzalo Higuain's big-money transfer from Napoli to Juventus. Roma great Francesco Totti has hit out at Gonzalo Higuain's €90 million move from Napoli to Juventus, claiming modern players do not feel any loyalty toward a club. Higuain signed a five-year deal with the Serie A champions on Tuesday to end weeks of speculation linking him with the Turin giants, but Totti, famously a one-club man, is not impressed with the former Real Madrid striker's decision to join Massimiliano Allegri's side. "Modern players are a bit like nomads. They are following the money, not their heart. Not many athletes follow their heart. They decide to move elsewhere to win trophies and to earn more money," Totti told La Gazzetta dello … [Read more...]
Liverpool send Sakho home from USA as future remains unclear
Mamadou Sakho’s Liverpool future has been thrown into doubt after the France defender was sent home from their tour of the United States amid doubts about his attitude. Sakho has endured a troubled year, first missing the end of the season – including Liverpool’s Europa League final and the European Championship with France – due to a drugs ban, the results of which still remain uncertain with WADA considering whether to contest the verdict The 26-year-old then suffered an injury on his return to training for the Reds, but still travelled on their pre-season tour of the US. However, according to the Liverpool Echo, the Frenchman has now been sent home after causing trouble in the club’s training camp. James Pearce writes: ‘Sakho had been receiving … [Read more...]
Liverpool misfit wanted by Turkish champions
With Liverpool keen to get Mario Balotelli off their books, Turkish champions Besiktas will look to secure the Italian on a loan deal. The 25-year-old forward is on the market as the Reds see no future for him at Anfield, and he is being lined up to replace Mario Gomez in Istanbul. The German’s own successful loan spell has ended and he has returned to Fiorentina . According to Fanatik, Balotelli’s wages, currently standing at around €5.5 million each year, are far too much for Besiktas to consider a permanent move for the former AC Milan man. However, if Liverpool are willing to pay a percentage of his salary, the deal could go through. Indeed, Besiktas president Fikret Orman did not rule out the possibility when asked about the 25-year-old’s link … [Read more...]
Liverpool face competition for Moussa Sissoko’s signature
Liverpool have made a proposal to sign Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle, yet Jurgen Klopp will have to fight his former club Borussia Dortmund for his signature. The 26-year-old, who admitted he is looking to leave Tyneside following his “10 out of 10” performance for France at Euro 2016 , has been valued at £35m , but according to Le 10 Sport the Magpies have yet to receive a bid of this kind. The Frenchman currently has two contract proposals to consider, with Klopp’s ex-club Borussia Dortmund also keen on landing the former Toulouse midfielder. However, the Reds appear to be in pole position as Sissoko is thought to be favouring the prospect of staying in England rather than a move abroad. Liverpool also have the resources to meet Newcastle’s demands. … [Read more...]
Lyon reject Arsenal’s offer for irreplaceable Lacazette
Lyon have announced that they have rejected an Arsenal bid for striker Alexandre Lacazette and have insisted that their star striker is not for sale. Referring to a Le Progres report that said Arsenal had offered €48 million for Lacazette, 25, the Ligue 1 club issued a statement saying that was untrue and that the bid had actually been only €35m. Lyon said they had not followed up on Arsenal's offer because the France international is "irreplaceable." The statement read: "Olympique Lyonnais categorically denies having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette as Le Progres claims in this morning's edition. "The club regrets once again that Le Progres did not bother to contact the club before publishing this … [Read more...]
Gonzalo Higuain seals Juventus move
In one of the biggest deals of the transfer window thus far, Serie A champions Juventus have snared Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli. Juventus have confirmed the signing Gonzalo Higuain from Serie A rivals Napoli for €90million. Lega Serie A announced the transfer of the Argentina striker to the Italian champions had been completed earlier on Tuesday. And the Bianconeri confirmed the deal has been ratified on their official website, the former Real Madrid player agreeing a five-year deal in something of a coup for Massimiliano Allegri's men. Napoli posted a tweet to announce Juventus had met a buyout clause in Higuain's contract and they will pay the hefty transfer fee - the third most expensive in football history after Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale's … [Read more...]
Coutinho: Mane faster than expected
Philippe Coutinho admits he can’t wait to see Sadio Mane use his pace against opposition defences after admitting he’s been impressed with Liverpool’s new signing. Mane joined the Reds from Southampton in a £34million deal following three years with the club. The Senegal international joins the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Loris Karius and Joel Matip as new signings at Anfield this summer and Brazilian midfielder Coutinho can’t wait to supply the ammunition for Mane to flourish this season. Speaking on Liverpool’s tour of the USA, Coutinho, admitted he was taken aback by Mane’s speed in training. “It’s been very good playing with Sadio so far, but if anything he’s too fast,” he told the club’s official website . “That’s good because you need this … [Read more...]
N’Golo Kante to wear the No. 7 shirt for Chelsea next season
N'Golo Kante has been handed the No. 7 shirt next season for Chelsea after his £32 million move from Premier League champions Leicester. Kante, who is currently on an extended vacation, is yet to join up with the Blues following his involvement at Euro 2016 with hosts France, but will meet his new teammates this week for their tour of the United States. Kante follows Brazil midfielder Ramires in wearing the No. 7, after the former Benfica star joined Jiangsu Suning in January. Other notable number changes include Pedro. The Spain winger has opted to wear No. 11 after initially wearing No. 17 upon joining from Barcelona last season. Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi has taken the No. 23 and Ola Aina -- fresh from signing a new long-term deal -- will wear … [Read more...]
Joe Allen excited to join Stoke City
Joe Allen, 26, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract after the clubs agreed a fee which Press Association Sport understands is £13million. He has struggled for playing time under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, having been restricted to mainly Europa League appearances last season. But he was one of the stars of the Wales squad which reached the semi-finals at Euro 2016 earlier this summer. Stoke’s bid met Liverpool’s valuation of a player with less than 12 months remaining on his contract and means they recouped most of the £15million they paid Swansea four years ago. Allen told the club’s official website: “It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours for me, but I am delighted to have finally been able to put pen to paper. “I was really excited as soon as I … [Read more...]
John Obi Mikel set to miss start of the season due to Rio Olympics
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is set to miss the start of the season after being named in Nigeria's squad for the Rio Olympics. The 29-year-old has been included in the 18-man squad for the tournament and did not fly with the rest of his Chelsea team-mates to Los Angeles yesterday for their pre-season tour to the USA. Nigeria decided to make Mikel one of the three players aged over 23 that are allowed to participate according to the permitted quota. The men's competition begins on August 3, just 12 days before Chelsea's opening Premier League match against West Ham. Nigeria are considered one of the favourites for the competition and have been drawn in a group with Colombia, Sweden and Japan. Their last group game is on August 10, but the final … [Read more...]
Chelsea interested in former Man City and Man United striker
Former Manchester City and Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has told reporters in Italy that Chelsea are interested in signing him. As per a report from Corriere dello Sport , the 32-year-old said that Chelsea, along with Serie A club Napoli, have interest in signing him, but he is happy to see out the remainder of his career with Boca Juniours. He said: "I feel really good at Boca, better, my idea, my dream is to end my career in this sensational club. It’s true, Napoli and Chelsea are following me but, I repeat, my will is to remain at Boca until I retire.” Tevez knows the Premier League very well after spells with the two Manchester-based clubs and West Ham , and despite him coming to the latter stages of his career, he still could have … [Read more...]
Villareal not interested in signing former Chelsea striker
Villarreal are set to turn down the opportunity to sign former AC Milan and Chelsea forward Alexandre Pato, despite agreeing a fee with current club Corinthians. The Brazilian striker has returned to his homeland after a disappointing six month spell in the Premier League, in which he only made two appearances for Chelsea. Corinthians are keen to get the 26-year-old, who they purchased from Milan in 2013, off their books, particularly as he has less than six months remaining on his contract and would soon be eligible to leave for free. Spanish outfit Villarreal have agreed a €5 million deal with the Brazilian champions, although the move has now been cast into doubt due to concerns surrounding Pato’s physical condition, according to Fichajes.net. The … [Read more...]
Allardyce: ‘Too early’ to decide captaincy
New England manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that he hasn’t decided whether Wayne Rooney will carry on as captain of the national team. Allardyce came up against the English press for the first time since his appointment as the new Three Lions manager on Monday after being handed the reins last week. The former West Ham and Newcastle boss, who succeeds Roy Hodgson in the hotseat, was beaming from ear to ear as he began answering questions after quitting Sunderland to take the job he has coveted for many years. First on the agenda for Allardyce was the future of Rooney and whether the forward would continue his captaincy under the new regime and ‘Big Sam’ didn’t give much away. “No, it’s far too early [to say whether Rooney will be captain] or make … [Read more...]
Stoke completes £13m deal for Liverpool’s Allen
Stoke have completed the signing of midfielder Joe Allen from Liverpool on a five-year deal, the club has officially announced. The 26-year-old joins the Potters for a fee of £13million, and passed a medical on Monday in order to finalise his move. After impressing for Wales during Euro 2016 and making the Team of the Tournament, Allen was linked with a summer Anfield exit as his playing time would likely be limited. BREAKING | Stoke City are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Allen from @LFC on a 5-year deal #SCFC 8:00 PM - 25 Jul 2016 2,699 2,088 Stoke City FC @stokecity Follow Stoke’s bid met Liverpool’s valuation of a player with less than 12 months remaining on his contract and means they recouped most of the £15million they … [Read more...]
Celtic sign Ex Liverpool defender
Celtic have completed the signing of former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender Kolo Toure. Toure, 35, has signed a one-year deal and reunites with former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park. The centre-back, who played in Liverpool's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in May, was a free agent after the expiry of his contract at Anfield. Celtic delighted to sign Kolo Toure, https://t.co/V9KeK2nCDR (PV) pic.twitter.com/U9a7DZC0mR - Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) July 24, 2016 Rodgers told Celtic's official website: "I brought Kolo into Liverpool to add that bit of experience and help to the centre-halves there at the time. "You saw from his impact there and in particular last season, he was a very important player for … [Read more...]
Juventus considering move for Man United defender
With new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho building a team to suit his tactics, Matteo Darmian may be set for a return to Italy, with Juventus contemplating a move. In his first season with the Red Devils, the 26-year-old defender played in 28 Premier League matches but he battled with inconsistent form and injuries, which has prompted Mourinho to place him on the transfer list. Daily Express reports that Darmian is one of a few Manchester United players who will be facing the exit along with fellow defender Marcos Rojo and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. After playing for four seasons at Torino, Darmian moved to Old Trafford for the 2015/16 season but he could be set to make a quick return to Turin, albeit with the Granata’s city rivals … [Read more...]
Manchester derby called off due to bad weather
The International Champions Cup match between Premier League rivals Manchester United and Man City has been canceled after recent extreme weather made the playing surface at Beijing's National Stadium unfit for play. Organizers say the decision to call off Monday's match was made in the interests of player safety, and in conjunction with both clubs, the China Football Association and management of the stadium, which was the main venue for the 2008 Olympics. In a statement, International Champions Cup organizers said that ''due to international travel schedules and planned sporting commitments, the match cancellation is definitive and the match will not be re-scheduled.'' … [Read more...]
Liverpool and Sevilla fined for fans behavior in Europa League final
UEFA has fined Liverpool and Sevilla €16,000 and €17,000 respectively as a result of incidents which marred the Europa League final. Liverpool and Sevilla have been hit with UEFA fines as a result of incidents that took place at the Europa League final on May 18. Jurgen Klopp's side have been fined €16,000 for an "illicit banner and the setting off of fireworks", European football's governing body said in a statement. Sevilla, who triumphed 3-1 at St. Jakob Park to claim a third title in three years, were slapped with a €17,000 fine for crowd disturbances and throwing objects. Liverpool had also been charged with crowd disturbances after fans clashed in the stands, though UEFA's sanction appears not to apply to that offence. Police were forced to … [Read more...]
Nolito: choosing Man City over Barcelona was the best decision
Nolito has revealed he turned down the chance to re-join Spanish champions Barcelona because of his desire to play for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Spain winger signed for City last month after the club activated the £13.8 million release clause in his contract with Celta Vigo. Nolito played just five senior games for Barcelona under Guardiola between 2008 and 2011 before being sold to Benfica. But the 29-year-old insisted the prospect of working for the Catalan again was too good to pass up and said he was keener to do that than play with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and company. Asked if it had been a straight choice between City and Barcelona, Nolito said: "Yes. It’s something I spoke about with my family and my management. I thought it … [Read more...]
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