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Martin Skrtel seals Fenerbahce move

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel will be presented as a Fenerbahce player on Friday, the Turkish side have confirmed. The centre-back had a medical on Wednesday ahead of his transfer, which is believed to be in the region of £5 million before the Turkish Super Lig runners-up welcomed his arrival in a short statement on Thursday. Skrtel departs Anfield after 320 appearances and eight-and-a-half seasons of service, having joined from Zenit Saint Petersburg in January 2008. The 31-year-old struggled to convince Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp that he was worthy of a regular starting place following a difficult 2015-16 campaign for the Slovakia international. Fenerbahçe'ye Hoşgeldin Martin Skrtel! pic.twitter.com/mQVxRETrwt - Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) … [Read more...]

Antonio Conte backs John Terry as Chelsea captain

New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has said John Terry will remain club captain this season regardless of whether he is on the pitch. Conte was confirmed as Chelsea's new manager in April, when Guus Hiddink was in interim charge and there were significant doubts over Terry's future at the club. The 35-year-old ultimately put pen to paper on a new one-year contract in May but had previously said he would have to accept a "different role" at the club. Conte has finally arrived at Stamford Bridge after having led Italy to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016 and, in his first news conference, told reporters: "John Terry signed a contract as a player, not as a different role. "He's a player with a great personality a great charisma. I like to speak with him … [Read more...]

Chelsea set to Hijack Joao Mario move

Euro 2016 winner Joao Mario looked set to join the Biscione but now the Premier League side lead the race due to being able to offer the Portuguese club more money . After helping Portugal to Euro 2016 triumph, Joao Mario could be set for a move to Chelsea after the Premier League club moved ahead of Inter in the race to sign the Sporting midfielder. Antonio Conte’s side are now in pole position to sign the Portugal international – as they look to strengthen ahead of a title challenge –with the Premier League club able to offer more money than the Nerazzurri. Stamford Bridge officials are ready to offer the Portuguese club close to €60 million, according to the Sun, after impressive performances which saw his nation win their first major trophy. The … [Read more...]

Conte eager to set the ball rolling at Chelsea

Antonio Conte says he was “born with pressure” and will remain unfazed by the challenge of leading Chelsea as they seek to recover from a “bad season”. Former Italy boss Conte, speaking English well, expressed his pride and excitement at what awaits with the Blues as he unveiled by the club at a press conference on Thursday. He also acknowledged the challenge ahead at a club which won the 2014-15 Premier League title, but finished a lowly 10th last term. “The pressure for me is not important,” Conte added. “I was born with pressure. It’s normal. “When you are a player, a footballer, or a manager of a great club like Chelsea you must play to win the title or to fight at the end to compete with the other teams, to win the title, to reach your … [Read more...]

Christian Benteke ready to fight for Liverpool shirt

Christian Benteke is ready to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool with his future at Anfield still in doubt. Crystal Palace and West Ham United are keen to sign Benteke but Liverpool are at risk of pricing the Belgium striker out of a move by trying to recoup all of the £32.5 million they paid Aston Villa for the player last summer. Neither Palace nor West Ham have been prepared to meet the Merseyside club’s asking price, and with negotiations at an impasse, Benteke is now hoping to force his way back into Jurgen Klopp’s plans , despite falling down the pecking order after the German’s arrival at Anfield last October. Klopp has Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi to choose from as well as Danny Ings, who is on the comeback trail … [Read more...]

Man United make Forbes list top five

Manchester United are the highest-ranked British club in Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s 50 most valuable sports teams. United, who were at the top of the list in 2011 and 2012, remain in fifth position with a value of $3.32billion (£2.53bn). For the first time since the list’s inception in 2011, a football team is not at the top of the pile with Real Madrid knocked into second after three years at number one. Their place has been taken by NFL franchise Dallas Cowboys. The Texas-based American football side have been listed as being worth $4bn (£3.04bn) with Real at $3.65bn (£2.78bn) and LaLiga rivals Barcelona just behind in third at $3.55bn (£2.7billion). Arsenal are the second highest British team, sitting down in 23rd – 13 places higher than … [Read more...]

Antonio Conte takes first Chelsea training session at Cobham

A "very vocal" Antonio Conte took charge of his first training session as Chelsea manager on Wednesday after arriving in London to begin work in his new role. The 46-year-old was pictured touching down in the capital on Tuesday evening before he made his way to Chelsea's training base in Cobham the following morning to put his players through their paces. After a light jogging session, the Chelsea squad were split into two groups to work on their passing, look at their patterns of play and improve their ability to keep the ball - with Conte heavily involved. According to Chelsea's official website, Conte was "very vocal" throughout the training session as he handed his players advice before ending the session. Antonio Conte taking his first … [Read more...]

Man Utd squad to be cut to 24 under Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has informed his Manchester United players that he wishes to work with a first-team group of just 24. Mourinho, who used just 22 players when leading Chelsea to the 2014/15 Premier League title, will seek to use a similarly ‘small, tight-knit group’ at Old Trafford. Joe Bernstein claims that the Portuguese will select just 24 players for his first team, and ‘will allow anyone outside that to leave the club or train with the under 21s’. He prefers to work with a smaller group as opposed to a ‘bloated squad with players frustrated at a lack of game-time’. Mourinho’s predecessor, Louis van Gaal, used a total of 33 players in the Premier League this past season, as the Dutchman struggled with a spate on injuries and relied on youth-team players … [Read more...]

Chelsea to replace Fabregas with Kante as Mourinho shows interest

With new Blues coach Antonio Conte expected to let several players go this summer, Cesc Fabregas could well need to find a new club . With his future at Chelsea uncertain, Cesc Fabregas could be offered a lifeline by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. The pair worked together at Stamford Bridge during the last two campaigns, winning both the Premier League and the Capital One Cup before the Portuguese tactician was sacked for a poor start to last season. New Chelsea boss and former Italy coach Antonio Conte could have a clear out at Chelsea this summer and Fabregas may be forced to leave, though he could stay in the Premier League. According to reports, Mourinho has targeted the Spaniard in order to bolster his midfield at Old Trafford, and … [Read more...]

Joe Allen set for showdown talks with Jurgen Klopp

As speculation mounts over whether Joe Allen will be offered a new deal or offloaded by Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp says talks are imminent. Joe Allen is set for showdown talks with Jurgen Klopp to decide his Liverpool future. The midfielder is a reported transfer target for the likes of Celtic, where ex-Reds boss Brendan Rodgers took charge in May, and former club Swansea City, as he enters the final year of his current Liverpool deal having put himself firmly in the shop window with his Euro 2016 exploits for Wales. Allen made eight Premier League starts for the Merseyside club last season and boss Klopp told BBC Radio 5 live: "We will find a solution but it's not done. "Obviously Joe Allen is a good player. We never doubted this. "He played a good … [Read more...]

Galatasaray offer Wilfried Bony an escape route

Galatasaray have offered Wilfried Bony an escape route from Manchester City after the striker was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium. The Ivory Coast international has failed to make an impact at the Etihad, scoring just 10 goals in 18 months at the club. The 27-year-old was in superb form at Swansea before his move to Manchester in January 2015 for £28m, netting 35 goals in 70 appearances for the Swans in all competitions. Bony scored just eight goals in 34 appearances for City last season, starting 18 times. Swansea also have an interest in bringing the striker back to South Wales but he may favour a £3million loan spell with the Turkish giants. If the Galatasaray transfer does go ahead, the Turkish club will be in pole position … [Read more...]

Ferguson heaps praise on Ex-United superstar Ronaldo

Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic makes him the "special" player he is. Cristiano Ronaldo is the "special footballer" of his generation, according to former boss Alex Ferguson. The ex-Manchester United manager was on hand to witness Ronaldo finally convert his phenomenal club success into international honours in Paris on Sunday, as the injured Portugal captain rallied his country from the sidelines to Euro 2016 glory. And the 74-year-old insists that Ronaldo's work rate and hunger - part of the reason he first brought the attacker to Old Trafford as an 18-year-old in 2003 - is what sets him apart from his contemporaries. "He has an incredible desire for football, Cristiano is looking forward to each workout. He always wants to be … [Read more...]

Chelsea make £29m bid for N’Golo Kante

Chelsea have made a £29 million bid for Leicester’s France international midfielder, N’Golo Kanté, and want to push the deal forward this weekend. Antonio Conte, the new Chelsea manager, has made his move for the player, with a formal offer being considered by the Premier League champions. Leicester’s hierarchy were discussing Chelsea’s bid in Austria on Wednesday night yet remain hopeful of persuading the 25-year-old to stay for at least another season. Kanté has already turned down one contract proposal since the end of last season but Leicester are prepared to make another improved offer in a bid to keep him at the King Power Stadium. The new offer will make him the club’s best-paid player and is expected to be worth over £100,000 a week. Chelsea, … [Read more...]

Skrtel passes medical ahead of Fenerbahce move

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has passed a medical ahead of his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. It was reported last week that a fee of around £5 million had been agreed and that Skrtel was given permission to enter discussions with Fenerbahce. The centre-back arrived in Turkey on Tuesday to finalise his move with last season’s Super Lig runners-up. Skrtel, who signed a new contract with the Reds in July 2015, fell out of favour under manager Jurgen Klopp and found his game time limited. The arrival of Joel Matip from Schalke and the near return of promising youngster Joe Gomez meant that competition for a place in the heart of the defence at Anfield had increased. The Slovakian defender joined Liverpool in January 2008 and made 320 appearances … [Read more...]

Wayne Rooney excited to work with new boss Jose Mourinho

Wayne Rooney says the arrival of Jose Mourinho has given him added motivation for next season. Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has suggested he preferred to play Rooney in a more attacking role, rather than see him pull strings from midfield as he did under predecessor Louis van Gaal. Rooney will be looking to forge a formidable strike partnership with new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after a dearth of goals last season. “I’m really excited to be working with Jose,” said the England captain. “He’s one of the best managers in the world and it’s an exciting time for Manchester United. “I’ve always respected him both as a man and a manager. I like to think I’m always motivated as a player but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit more motivated when a new … [Read more...]

Arsenal look to sign Napoli striker but won’t meet release clause

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Gonzalo Higuain but will not remotely consider meeting the Napoli striker’s £78.8million release clause. The Italian club have indicated to the Gunners that Higuain is available this summer as manager Arsene Wenger scours Europe to find a top class centre-forward to spearhead Arsenal’s Premier League title push next season. Higuain has a release clause of 94.4m euros, which due to the slump in the value of the pound since Britain’s referendum vote to leave the European Union, now equates to approximately £10m more than earlier in the year. Sources in Italy claim Arsenal have expressed an interest in pursuing a deal for the 28-year-old and that due to Napoli’s desire to sell, they could drop the asking … [Read more...]

Conte set to be unveiled as new Chelsea boss

Antonio conte will be unveiled as Chelsea coach on thursday, with fans hoping he can deliver the goods at Stamford Bridge.  Conte was appointed Chelsea boss on April 4 and takes up his role after leading Italy at Euro 2016, where they suffered a penalty shootout loss to Germany in the quarter-finals. The Godfather – his nickname among the Italy players, according to Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci – is the permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, who is now boss of Manchester United. As well as having a new man at the helm, Chelsea are expected to be more active than usual in the transfer market this summer. Michy Batshuayi is Conte’s sole signing to date, but Leicester’s N’Golo Kante, Bonucci , Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan and numerous others … [Read more...]

Mario Balotelli set for Liverpool exit

Mario Balotelli looks set for the exit at Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp having told him he cannot afford to be competing for places. Jurgen Klopp has told Mario Balotelli he needs to leave Liverpool, but hopes to help him rediscover his best form beforehand. Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan in 2014 but, after scoring just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances in his first season at the club, he was sent back to San Siro on loan the following year. The 25-year-old managed just to find the net just once in Serie A last term, though he missed more than three months with a groin injury, and Klopp does not see a future for him at Anfield. However, the German hopes to help build Balotelli's confidence back up before sending him to a club where he … [Read more...]

Arsenal and Chelsea look set to bring Roma defender to England

With contract talks seemingly set to break down and defensive reinforcements on their way, Roma could be set to offload centre-back Kostas Manolas. The impending arrival of Juan Jesus could signal the end of Kostas Manolas’ time at Roma , with the defender being monitored by Arsenal and Chelsea. With a deal agreed with Inter for an initial loan, followed by a mandatory purchase, of their Brazilian centre-back, it has fuelled further rumours that Manolas will depart the Giallorossi. Although he is contracted until 2019, considerable interest from the Premier League could force Roma’s hand and lead to a sale this summer, according to GazzaMercato. With the Giallorossi also looking to bring in Real Madrid’s Nacho and free agent Martin Caceres, who most … [Read more...]

Chelsea and Arsenal battle for Kante as Chinese club shows interest

Chelsea's attempts to sign N'Golo Kante are complicated by interest from China and the efforts of several Leicester players to convince him to stay. Kante’s £20m release-clause is not prohibitive to Manchester United, Arsenal or Juventus, who are among those monitoring the situation, but Chelsea have shown the greatest willingness to act. Progress is expected this week now France have completed their Euro 2016 campaign but Chinese club Shanghai SIPG have raised the stakes by indicating they are prepared to pay £35m. Kante is thought to be undecided on his future, with his team-mates pleading with him to stay for one more year. Although the 25-year-old is keen to join Chelsea, they cannot offer him Champions League football and Leicester hope the lure of … [Read more...]

David Beckham sends Marcus Rashford a signed Manchester United shirt

Former England captain David Beckham has sent a signed Manchester United shirt to youngster Marcus Rashford. The 19-year-old burst onto the scene for the Red Devils last season and secured a place in England's Euro 2016 squad, despite his inexperience at international level. The tournament ended in disappointment for Roy Hodgson's side but Rashford was one of few players to emerge with credit courtesy of a couple of eye-catching substitute appearances in France. Rashford is now set to turn his attention back to United ahead of his first full season at Old Trafford and has recevied a message of encouragement from club legend Beckham. Nice to be appreciated by one of the best 3:14 PM - 11 Jul 2016 Marcus … [Read more...]

Henry ‘respects’ Wenger’s decision after Gunners exit

Thierry Henry insists he 'respects, Arsene Wenger's decision to make him choose between punditry or coachimg Arsenal's under-18. The former Gunners striker had been involved with Arsenal’s academy players last season during his course to gain his UEFA A Licence. The 38-year-old, who works on Sky’s Premier League coverage and also appeared on the BBC’s Euro 2016 output, was offered a role within the Arsenal set-up by manager Wenger – but was told he would have to step down as a pundit. Henry, one of the top-earners at Sky since signing for the network in December, clarified the situation with Arsenal in a series of posts on his official Twitter account. “I would like to thank Andries Jonker for offering me the chance to coach the U18’s @arsenal, which … [Read more...]