After stepping down from his job as Spain’s coach following the early elimination in Euro 2016 at the hands of Italy, Vicente Del Bosque dropped Pep Guardiola’s name as the ideal La Roja in the future. The Salamanca native considers that political divergences should not be an obstacle. After stepping down from his job as Spain’s coach following the early elimination in Euro 2016 at the hands of Italy , Vicente Del Bosque dropped Pep Guardiola’s name as the ideal La Roja in the future. The Salamanca native considers that political divergences should not be an obstacle. “Why can’t a Catalan coach the Spanish national team?” Del Bosque told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper. “It would be great if such a move pulled Spain and Catalunya back … [Read more...]
Theo Walcott only fit striker at Wenger’s disposal
Theo Walcott could begin the new Premier League season as Arsenal’s only fit striker as manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Olivier Giroud has been given a month off after his Euro 2016 exploits. Both Giroud and France teammate Laurent Koscielny will holiday for four weeks before returning to Gunners training just before the start of the new league season on August 13. Danny Welbeck is a long-term absentee and the Gunners have so far failed to add to their striker ranks; Welbeck, Giroud and Walcott were the only three players to start Premier League games up front for Arsenal last season. Jamie Vardy publicly rejected Arsenal’s overtures and talk of a move for Alexandre Lacazette seem to have gone quiet. Arsenal’s only other current option is … [Read more...]
Ex-United coach linked with vacant Belgium job
Louis van Gaal will be considered to replace Marc Wilmots as Belgium manager if he applies for the role, according to Francois De Keersemacker, the president of the Belgian FA. Former Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax boss Van Gaal has taken charge of the Netherlands' national team on two separate occasions and is currently available after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season. Francois De Keersemacker, the president of the Belgian FA, told reporters on Friday: "Van Gaal might be a potential candidate. We will see if he puts himself forward as a candidate. If he does then we will evaluate his candidacy." Van Gaal's candidacy will be helped by his success with Netherlands, whom he led to the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup, according to the … [Read more...]
James Rodriguez wanted by Premier League clubs
James Rodriguez fancies a switch to the Premier League if a club matches his £67m release clause, according to Spanish reports. Marca have gone big on the front page with the headline ‘LA PREMIER TIENTA A JAMES’, which basically means that the Colombian has the horn for English football. Rodriguez started only 17 La Liga games last season and did not even make it off the bench for the Champions League final, with first Isco and then Lucas Vazquez preferred as substitutes. His preference is reportedly to stay at Real but he obviously wants Premier League clubs to know that he would be open to a switch. Manchester United are understandably is preference but Chelsea and West Ham are also mentioned as potential suitors. … [Read more...]
Guardiola eyeing a new goalkeeper at Man City
A new goalkeeper has popped up on Manchester City’s radar with Pep Guardiola reportedly unconvinced that Joe Hart can be his reliable No.1. Hart, who featured in our six stars with the most to prove this season , is under intense scrutiny after his dismal showing with England at Euro 2016 and the new Citizens chief is thought to be weighing up other options to rival him as first-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad. According to the Daily Mail, PSV’s £7m-rated stopper Jeroen Zoet has been added to Guardiola’s wishlist alongside Barcelona pair Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen after a great season in Holland. Zoet was named in the Eredivisie team of the year after 13 clean sheets last term and was already being monitored regularly by Manchester City … [Read more...]
Mkhitaryan delighted with debut performance
Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his Manchester United debut on Saturday and is happy to play in any position for Jose Mourinho. Manchester United attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists he is happy with any role given to him by Jose Mourinho after making his debut at Wigan Athletic. Mkhitaryan lined up in the number 10 role behind James Wilson during the first half at the DW Stadium, before being replaced at the interval with the game scoreless. The former Borussia Dortmund man set up a golden chance which was wasted by Memphis Depay, before missing a presentable opportunity of his own. United went on to win 2-0 in Mourinho's first game in charge thanks to second-half goals from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira, and Mkhitaryan was encouraged by the start made by … [Read more...]
Conte suffers defeat as Rapid Vienna beat Chelsea 2-0
Antonio Conte's reign as Chelsea head coach got off to an underwhelming start in front of Roman Abramovich, who was in the stands, as his team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna. An early goal from teenage Brazilian striker Joelinton gave Rapid a lead they never relinquished as the Austrian giants marked the opening of their brand new 28,000-seater Allianz Stadion with a famous victory. Spanish substitute Tomi added a second late on. Chelsea announced the signing of Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante for a reported £30 million shortly before kick-off and Rapid were also in the mood to celebrate, staging a spectacular prematch show that included a group of classical musicians, a rock band, Harley Davidson bikers who rode around the stadium and a … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho happy with friendly result against Wigan
Jose Mourinho has vowed he will give everything to deliver success to Manchester United's fans after kicking off his reign with a comfortable friendly win over Wigan. With the Euro 2016 contingent -- including the likes of David De Gea, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial -- resting, Mourinho's Red Devils bow was always likely to be a soft start, though second-half strikes from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira guaranteed a 2-0 win at the DW Stadium. Everything about the 90 minutes was low key -- from Mourinho's comfort-first leisure wear to his use of 22 different players -- but the Portuguese admitted to being taken aback by the level of support he and his side received. Around 7,000 United fans turned out for the gentle workout, unanimously … [Read more...]
A winning debut for Jose Mourinho as United manager
The Jose Mourinho era at Manchester United began with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan, with goals from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira settling a low-key pre-season friendly. Missing his Euro 2016 contingent, Mourinho still used 22 players on his touchline debut with the Red Devils and will be content with what, in truth, was little more than a glorified training exercise. United controlled a goalless first half before goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen saw his kick charged down by Juan Mata in the 48th minute and Keane nabbed the first goal of Mourinho’s reign. Pereira found the top corner nine minutes later to secure the result, though Mourinho will surely have been more interested in bright showings from new arrivals Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly … [Read more...]
Chelsea sign N’Golo Kante from Leicester City
Chelsea have signed N'Golo Kante from Leicester City on a five-year deal reported to be worth around £30 million, both clubs have announced. Kante, 25, becomes Chelsea's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and arrives at Stamford Bridge just 12 months after joining Leicester from Caen. Chelsea saw off reported competition from Juventus, Arsenal and Shanghai SIPG to make Kante second signing of the summer transfer window, after the acquisition of Belgium international striker Michy Batshuayi for a fee of £33m at the start of July. Kante established a reputation as one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe after playing a key role in Leicester's stunning Premier League title triumph last season, and breaking … [Read more...]
Klopp happy with Liverpool squad at his disposal as he hints on more signings
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool can challenge at the top of the Premier League this season regardless of whether they lure 'big name' signings to Anfield . Klopp has recruited four players so far – and at least three more are expected soon – but the most renowned target, Mario Gotze, eluded him . The German international’s refusal to commit prior to the European Championships snapped Klopp’s patience Klopp felt Liverpool were being used by Gotze as a back-up option so withdraw his offer to his former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who is now close to rejoining his old club from Bayern Munich. The Liverpool coach is adamant the right players - committed to his vision - are available, and don’t need to be hugely expensive, famous faces. “If we go for players … [Read more...]
Markovic set to leave Liverpool as Klopp continues cut down
Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic is expected to be another victim of Jurgen Klopp’s squad trimming, according to a report. The 22-year-old was hoping to get a chance to impress Klopp in pre-season and the coach had hinted that would be the case, but the lack of European football at Anfield means Klopp has been told to trim his squad. Goal claim there have been enquiries from clubs in Spain and Italy for Markovic, but Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon are leading the chase for the player, who spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce. Sporting boss Jorge Jesus worked with Markovic when he was with Benfica in 2013/14 and Jesus is believed to be eager to be reunited with Markovic, who has a contract at Anfield until 2019. Last week Klopp reportedly told his … [Read more...]
Chelsea sign N’Golo Kante for £30m from Leicester
Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante is reported to have undergone a medical at Chelsea, with a £30million transfer expected to be completed over the weekend. Numerous reports on Friday evening claimed Chelsea had agreed a deal with Leicester, despite the champions’ best efforts to keep the France workhorse at the King Power Stadium. Kante is understood to have passed a medical at Chelsea’s Cobham base on Friday, with confirmation of the transfer likely to come in the next 48 hours. Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said earlier this week that he was unsure of Kante’s intentions, despite the Foxes offering the player a new contract. When asked about Kante’s future Ranieri told the Leicester Mercury: “I don’t know. I know one thing, we have offered a new … [Read more...]
Juventus join race for Napoli striker
An Argentine striking partnership could be about to form at the Juventus Stadium as the Old Lady weigh up a mega move for Gonzalo Higuain. Interest in Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain continues to grow as Juventus have now joined the race, with the Bianconeri reportedly willing to meet his release clause. After the departure of Alvaro Morata earlier in the summer to Real Madrid, the Old Lady are in the market for a replacement and they don’t get much better than last season’s Serie A top goalscorer. Juventus director Beppe Marotta is ready to submit a proposal to the Partenopei for the player – with indications suggesting that it will come close or meet the release clause of €94.7 million. Any bid in the region of the reported release clause would … [Read more...]
Arda Turan to stay at Barcelona despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea
Arda Turan is determined to remain at Barcelona this summer and fight for his place, despite heavy interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, according to the player’s agent. It was reported earlier this week that Barcelona would be willing to let Turan leave for £23million after a disappointing first season at the Catalan giants. The Turkey midfielder was unable to play for the first half of the season because of Barcelona’s transfer embargo and when finally eligible, he featured for only 810 minutes in the league, scoring two goals and providing four assists. However the 29-year-old is keen to stay with the Spanish champions, despite reports that Arsenal and Chelsea are keen to sign the midfielder. “The interest [in Arda] is normal but the rumours saying he … [Read more...]
Joel Matip: I joined Liverpool to compete with the best
Joel Matip ready to prove his worth at Liverpool and says he came to England to test himself against the very best in the league. Liverpool defender Joel Matip is confident he will prove he is capable of competing against the best in the Premier League. Matip, 24, signed for Jurgen Klopp's men in February before officially joining the club at the start of the month. The former Schalke centre-back and 27-time Cameroon international feels he is ready to show he belongs at the Anfield club and in England's top flight. "That's why I came here. I want to play against the best to become better. That was my thinking and my choice and I'm really looking forward to it," Matip told the Liverpool Echo. "There's pressure but I want that – it's the reason why I … [Read more...]
Manchester City to negotiate Leroy Sane’s deal
Manchester City have balked at Schalke’s £42 million starting valuation of Leroy Sane but hope to reach a compromise with the German club after the attacking midfielder signalled his desire to move to the Etihad Stadium. Sane is ready to sign the offer of a four-year contract with City but negotiations over a fee for the highly-regarded 20-year-old are proving difficult with Schalke asking for €50 million (£41.7 million) with further performance related payments to follow. Although Pep Guardiola has pinpointed City’s defence as the main area of the team that needs addressing, the new head coach is keen to add more pace, creativity and goal threat to the attack and regards Sane as a priority target. Sane has played less than 60 senior games for Schalke … [Read more...]
Striking woes for Gunners as Sanchez set to miss start of the season
Arsenal are facing a potential striker crisis with star striker Alexis Sanchez set to miss the start of the season, according to reports. Sanchez has received treatment throughout his summer for an ankle injury sustained while on international duty at the Copa America Centenario with Chile and there are suggestions that the forward, who has been linked with a move to Juventus, will not be fit to face Liverpool on Sunday, August 14. Sanchez took to social media in June to post a defiant message after his injury. The 27-year-old was substituted after 104 minutes of the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – which Chile went on to win following a penalty shoot-out – in the wake of a heavy tackle by Gabriel Mercado. But reports say Arsenal fear that … [Read more...]
Klopp unhappy despite Reds friendly win
Jurgen Klopp was not happy with Liverpool’s first-half display as they brushed aside Fleetwood Town in pre-season on Wednesday. Marko Grujic, Ben Woodburn, Lucas Leiva and Roberto Firmino all scored as the Premier League side proved their dominance over the League One outfit. Liverpool’s three summer signings – Sadio Mane, Loris Karius and Joel Matip – all started, while a number of the club’s youngsters impressed the manager. Klopp made 11 changes at half-time with Liverpool only leading 1-0, before their superiority showed in the second half. After the game, the German said: “I take a few good things from the game. We have to work, but I saw a few good things. The chances we created, of course, and I saw a few good defensive actions as … [Read more...]
Guardiola wants Kimmich reunion at City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly weighing up a move for Bayern Munich and Germany defender Joshua Kimmich. City are considering making a £20m bid for the Bayern right-back who also excels as a defensive midfielder, but he is highly rated in Bavaria and the German champions are unlikely to want to lose one of their young stars. It was Guardiola who signed Kimmich for Bayern in January 2015 for £6m from RB Leipzig and he regularly featured last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions as Bayern won their fourth consecutive league title and the German Cup. Kimmich appeared at his first major international tournament for Germany at Euro 2016 this summer, becoming Germany’s first choice right back after their final group game against … [Read more...]
Bournemouth sign Jordon Ibe for £15m from Liverpool
AFC Bournemouth have announced the signing of winger Jordon Ibe from Liverpool, with the Cherries reportedly splashing out £15m to sign him. The England U21 international has signed a four-year deal at the Vitality Stadium and arrives at Bournemouth after he made 41 appearances for the Reds in all competitions last season. AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “We’re delighted to bring Jordon to the football club. “He played plenty of football with Liverpool last season and we’re looking forward to seeing him to continue to grow now with us, he’s a huge prospect. “We’ve now signed five players this summer, all of whom have an abundance of potential. “It shows that we’re serious about nurturing talent at this football club and we have … [Read more...]
Kante to decide future- Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri remains hopeful Leicester City can hold on to N'Golo Kante, but has admitted it's up to the midfielder to make a decision. Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has stressed N'Golo Kante's future is "in his own hands" amid reports claiming Real Madrid and Chelsea are keen to sign him. The holding midfielder was a key figure in Leicester winning the Premier League title in 2015-16 and his performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Madrid and Chelsea are believed to be interested in luring Kante away from Leicester, but the champions remain hopeful of keeping the 25-year-old. "We offered Kante a new deal before he went to the Euros," Ranieri told reporters. "Now I know there are a lot of big teams interested. "His future is … [Read more...]
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