234sport

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

Middlesbrough in talks to sign former Man City striker

Middlesbrough are trying to finalise a deal to bring back Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo to the Premier League on loan. The newly-promoted Teessiders are understood to have opened talks over the 30-year-old former Manchester City frontman as head coach Aitor Karanka looks to boost the firepower at his disposal in the Premier League. However, the negotiations are proving painstaking with Boro seeking an initial loan agreement without taking on full responsibility for the player’s existing financial package. Discussions are understood to have been ongoing for some time and, while progress has been made, any deal remains distant. Madrid-born Negredo scored 23 goals in his one season at City before returning to Spain to join Valencia, initially on loan … [Read more...]

Willian signs new four-year deal at Chelsea

Chelsea have announced that Manchester United target Willian has signed a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho was understood to be keen on being reunited with Willian, and the winger was reportedly interested in a move to Old Trafford. But the Blues have managed to tie down the 27-year-old Brazilian, who was voted the club’s player of the year last season, until 2020. “I’m very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea. It’s a dream to continue with this club and over the next four years I will try to help the team win more trophies,” Willian said on the club’s official website. Chelsea bought Willian from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala three years ago in a £32million deal, clinching his signature ahead of London rivals … [Read more...]

Juventus rejects Arsenal bid for Rugani

Arsenal have reportedly had a £25million bid rejected for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani. The Italy Under-21 international impressed in Italy last season, but he is behind Massimiliano Allegri's first-choice centre-backs Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini in the pecking order and made just 17 Serie A appearances. He has been linked with a move away from Turin this summer, with Arsenal and Italian sides Napoli and Sampdoria all reportedly interested in his signature. Reports from Italy claim the Gunners have had a £25m bid rejected for the defender. The report claims the north London club made the proposal after Everton moved for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly. The Toffees will apparently begin negotiations with the Italian club … [Read more...]

Arsenal lacking fit strikers as search continues

Arsenal are struggling with injuries up top and have so far failed to sign a new leading man. Danny Welbeck is out long-term after suffering another knee injury near the end of last season and isn't expected back until around February at the earliest. Elsewhere, Olivier Giroud has now gone on his summer holidays after Euro 2016 . As France reached the final of the tournament, Giroud now begins his three week break and won't be match fit when the campaign gets underway at home to Liverpool. Arsenal face two crucial fixtures: hosting Jurgen Klopp's side on August 14 before travelling to champions Leicester the following weekend. Jamie Vardy could have been in red but rejected a move to Arsenal in favour of staying at the King Power … [Read more...]

Swansea signs Tyler Reid from Man United

Swansea have announced the signing of defender Tyler Reid from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. Reid, 18, has agreed a three-year deal and is set to link up with the club’s development squad ahead of their pre-season tour to Scotland later this month. Right-back Reid joined United from Arsenal’s youth ranks in 2012, but did not feature for the first team. “I am really looking forward to a fresh challenge and getting started,” he told Swansea’s official website. “I see a good opportunity to play first-team football with the development squad here. Swansea play good attractive football, and I think that suits my style of play.” … [Read more...]

Liverpool defender set for Turkey move

The defender’s time in Liverpool looks to have come to an end after eight and a half years. Skrtel has been deemed surplus to requirements by Jurgen Klopp as the German boss sets about building a team capable of challenging for the title. And according to website Turkish Football , Skrtel will fly to Istanbul to complete his move, before joining up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp later this week. Both clubs have been in negotiations over his transfer for a number of weeks with a fee of £5.5million now reportedly agreed. The 31-year-old has been on holiday since Slovakia’s Euro 2016 campaign came to an end with a 3-0 defeat to Germany in the last-16. But the Slovakian will finally have his future sorted this week as he … [Read more...]

Man City close to completing Moreno deal

Promising Colombian teenager Marlos Moreno is expected to complete a move to Premier League side Manchester City. Manchester City are "very close" to completing the signing of Colombia international Marlos Moreno, according to Atletico Nacional coach Reinaldo Rueda. Moreno has been heavily linked to City in recent weeks, with media reports on Monday suggesting a deal for the 19-year-old was all but wrapped up. The Atletico forward is one of the brightest young talents in South American football, showcased by his efforts at the Copa America Centenario with Colombia. Rueda confirmed Moreno's deal to the Premier League is imminent, pending a few minor details to be ironed out in the coming days. "Everything with Marlos is very close," the … [Read more...]

Thierry Henry set to leave coaching role at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has rejected an offer from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to work for the club for free with the record goalscorer poised to become the latest in a long line of players to start his coaching career elsewhere. Henry was offered a job coaching Arsenal’s Under-18s by head of the academy Andries Jonker, only to be personally overruled by Wenger. Despite his statue sitting outside the Emirates Stadium, Henry joins the likes of Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Marc Overmars and, most recently, Mikel Arteta in making the move into coaching away from manager Wenger and Arsenal . Having completed his A licence coaching qualification while working with Arsenal’s kids, Henry must now coach a team to get his Uefa pro licence and had hoped to do so … [Read more...]

yaya Toure linked with a move to China

Following the arrival of Pep Guardiola to Manchester City, the future of midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure is in the air . After it emerged that Roberto Mancini wanted to link up with former player Yaya Toure, the Manchester City midfielder could be now heading to China. The Inter tactician remains a fan of the Ivory Coast international despite his advancing age, after the duo shared a successful period during their time together in Manchester. Following the arrival of Pep Guardiola to the Etihad Stadium, the future of the box-to-box midfielder has been up in the air, and now clubs from China are interested in signing the 33-year-old, according to sources. Toure arrived in England from Barcelona in 2010, and has since gone on to make just short that 200 … [Read more...]

Mourinho set to wield the axe at United

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has indicated that his squad could be set for further changes before the end of the summer transfer window. Mourinho has signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly so far this summer. But the former Chelsea boss said during his first news conference at Manchester United that he and the club had "made a nucleus of four priorities, four positions, to give a certain balance to the squad," with sources saying that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba remains a target. The only first-team players to leave Old Trafford since the end of last season have been Victor Valdes and Nick Powell, who were both released at the ends of their contracts. But Mourinho's message for the fans, published on the club's … [Read more...]

Arsenal considers offering Giroud for Napoli striker

Arsenal could make a huge splash in the transfer market by offering cash plus Olivier Giroud as part of a deal that would circumvent Gonzalo Higuain’s release clause . Arsenal are ready to make an offer of €60 million plus Olivier Giroud for  Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain in one of the blockbuster moves of the summer. Azzurri President Aurelio De Laurentiis already rejected an offer from Atletico Madrid last week, but could be intrigued by the idea of a player exchange. A player of Giroud’s calibre would give the Neapolitans an instant replacement for Higuain, and the large transfer sum could allow them to reinforce other areas of the pitch. For Arsenal, obtaining a striker like Higuain would keep them among the elite in the Premier League, a position they … [Read more...]

Chelsea and Arsenal in race to sign Arda Turan

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign £23million-rated Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan, according to reports in the Spanish media. The midfielder’s future has been subject of heavy speculation in recent weeks after failing to make his mark in his first season at the Nou Camp. The Turkey international joined the Catalan giants last summer from Atletico Madrid for £34m but was unable to make his debut for his new side until January 2016 due to a transfer embargo on the club. Despite winning the La Liga title in his first season with Barcelona, Turan found it difficult to cement a spot in the starting line-up, featuring just nine times in the league and scoring twice. Several top European clubs have been rumoured to be interested in the … [Read more...]

Man City target to get improved contract at Juventus

After helping Italy to the quarter-final at the European Championship in France, Leonardo Bonucci is now expected to decide on his future at domestic level. With Manchester City interested in signing Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, the Bianconeri will look to ward off interest by offering him an improved contract. Etihad officials are prepared to offer the 29-year-old a contract worth €8 million per season until 2021, which is more than twice his current salary that sees him earn €3.7m at the Bianconeri. Bonucci is a fan favourite at the Juventus Stadium whilst a contract renewal at the Serie A champions could make him the highest paid player at the club, which could see the Italian turn down the chance to work with Pep Guardiola in … [Read more...]

Pogba may remain at Juventus- Mino Raiola

Paul Pogba may yet remain a Juventus player beyond this summer despite intense interest from Manchester United, according to Mino Raiola. United have emerged as the sole candidates to re-sign the player who left them for free to join Juventus four years ago, after Real Madrid dropped out of the race to sign him . The midfielder’s future has been left uncertain during Euro 2016, as he played a key role in France’s surge to the final. But the 23-year-old disappointed in the showpiece against Portugal, and will now look ahead to his club career. According to Raiola, while “big clubs are interested” in the Frenchman, he may remain at Juventus as the Turin club are preparing a renewed contract offer. “There is a lot of talk about Paul’s future, but … [Read more...]

Mourinho calls on fans for unity at Man United

Jose Mourinho has reaffirmed his desire to achieve “everything” at Manchester United and has told the club’s fans what he expects of them this season. Mouirnho replaced Louis van Gaal immediately after the end of last season and has begun reshaping the squad, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly already brought in. The Portuguese boss began work last week with his new squad and is expected to step up his pursuit of Paul Pogba this week now the European Championships have concluded. There is excitement among United fans over the club’s recruitment and their prospects under the new manager but Mourinho has outlined the role the supporters can play as the Reds look to re-establish themselves at the top of the Premier League. “I … [Read more...]

Man City told to pay more for Torino right-back Bruno Peres

After losing captain Kamil Glik , Torino are reluctant to see Bruno Peres depart the club, with Manchester City being told they must spend big to sign him. The Etihad outfit launched a €15 million bid, which was subsequently rejected, before following up with a bid in the region of €17.5m, which Granata officials also turned down . Torino President Urbano Cairo values Peres at €20m, with the club unwilling to accept any figure less than that amount, according to Toro News. The right-back joined from Santos for €2.2m in 2014, and has since made 65 league appearances for the club whilst being developed into one of Serie A ’s elite defenders, dominating the right flank in former coach Giampiero Ventura’s 3-5-2 system. Peres has recently asked for a few … [Read more...]

Realmadrid drops Pogba interest, United now favourites

Manchester United’s route to sign Paul Pogba ‘is now clear’ after Real Madrid dropped out of the race to sign him, according to reports. Pogba has been linked with a move away from Juventus this summer for a world-record fee, claimed to be at least £100million by most sources. The midfielder’s potential transfer from the Serie A champions could now proceed after France’s exit from Euro 2016, where he played in the final defeat to Portugal in extra time. There have been countless claims on the 23-year-old’s future, with United ‘ beginning negotiations‘ for his signature last week, the player ‘ telling friends he wanted to return ‘ to Old Trafford the next day, and it then emerging that any potential move was ‘ not even out of the starting blocks ‘ come … [Read more...]

Liverpool offer Clyne to Barcelona

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne has reportedly been offered to Barcelona, who rejected the opportunity to sign the England full-back. Barca are said to be in the market for a right-back after Dani Alves left the Nou Camp to join Juventus. According to The Sunday Times , Clyne “has become dissatisfied with his status since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival as manager” and the former Southampton full-back was “informally offered” to Barca. The Catalans, however, passed on the opportunity to recruit the 25-year-old, given their finances are somewhat stretched after renewing Neymar’s contract. Clyne made 52 appearances for Liverpool last season after joining from Southampton for £12.5million last summer. … [Read more...]

AC Milan interested in Liverpool target

AC Milan are looking to sign Udinese midfielder Piotr Zielinski as new coach Vincenzo Montella hopes to rebuild a struggling Rossoneri side for the upcoming season. The Poland international, who has been on-loan at Empoli for the past two seasons, has made a name for himself as one of the league’s most exciting talents. Zielinski’s performances have subsequently seen him linked with a move to either Napoli or Europa League runners-up Liverpool this summer. Nevertheless, reports suggest Milan are now in prime position to acquire the 22-year-old. Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani is said to have made the most of the club’s good relationship with the Zebrette, with the 71-year-old recently travelling to Ibiza to meet with Udinese President … [Read more...]

Portugal beats France in extra time to win 2016 European Championships

Portugal overcame the early loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to beat France 1-0 in the final of Euro 2016 thanks to a stunning goal from substitute Eder. Wednesday’s clash with Wales represented a seventh major tournament semi-final for Portugal, but brought with it progress for just the second time, 12 years on from the ignominy of falling to Greece at the end of the European Championship they hosted. The roles reversed at the Stade de France as the underdogs ploughed on after Ronaldo’s first-half injury, making amends for the humiliation of 2004 by winning their first ever major trophy as Eder secured a 1-0 win. The substitute struck the historic blow after 109 minutes, beating Hugo Lloris from distance as Swansea fans rubbed their eyes in disbelief given … [Read more...]

Michael Carrick expecting an entertaining friendly against City

With Manchester United facing Manchester City in China later this month, Michael Carrick is predicting a friendly with an edge. Michael Carrick is expecting a typically feisty encounter when Manchester United meet rivals Manchester City in a friendly in China later this month. The Red Devils have two International Champions Cup fixtures in the Far East, facing Borussia Dortmund and then City. And veteran midfielder Carrick is expecting a lively affair between the two Manchester clubs - no doubt aggravated by the respective arrivals of managerial rivals Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. "I'm sure there will be a little bit of added spice for a pre-season friendly and it'll be great for the fans out there to witness," he told the club's official … [Read more...]

Chelsea interested in Lazio attacking midfielder

Lazio are willing to let Felipe Anderson leave at the right price, with Premier League club Chelsea understood to be interested in the Brazilian. The future of Lazio attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson looks increasingly unlikely to be in the Italian capital after the Biancocelesti relaxed their previously rigid stance on letting the player leave. This may well have something to do with the fact that Anderson changed agent only a few weeks ago, opting to affiliate himself with Giuliano Bertolucci. Bertolucci is a close associate of Iranian agent Kia Joorabchian, and the Italian is reportedly working hard to secure a transfer for his new client. Favourites to secure the 23-year-old’s services are Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who have developed strong ties … [Read more...]