MICHY BATSHUAYI has reportedly received permission from Belgium to fly into London and complete a £33.2million move to Chelsea. The 22-year-old looked to be on his way to Crystal Palace after they had a £31.6m bid accepted by Marseille on Monday. But the Blues have swooped in to beat their London rivals to the highly-rated striker. Batshuayi scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season and on Sunday he scored in his country’s 4-0 win over Hungary at Euro 2016. French outlet RMC Sport say he will arrive in the capital today to undergo a medical and sign a five-year deal. He will then return to Belgium to prepare for their quarter-final against Wales on Friday. Batshuayi will become the first signing of Antonio Conte’s tenure at the Bridge … [Read more...]
Pablo Zabaleta set for a move to Roma
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta is close to completing a £2.5 million move to Roma, according to reports in Italy. The 31-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract at City but has been offered a longer deal with the Serie A club, according to reports. Zabaleta fell below right-back Bacary Sagna in the pecking order at the Etihad last season and, coupled with two major injury setbacks, he made just 12 starts in the Premier League. The Argentina international also had to have surgery on an ankle injury in May, which ruled him out of this summer's Copa America. Zabaleta admitted in April that he would consider his future in the summer and said he expected the squad to be overhauled when new manager Pep Guardiola takes over as the … [Read more...]
England willing to wait for Wenger
The FA have refused to rule out the possibility of waiting a year to appoint Arsene Wenger as Roy Hodgson’s successor, with chief executive Martin Glenn confident in the abilities of Gareth Southgate to hold the fort. Glenn was determined not to mention names in the immediate aftermath of Hodgson’s decision to quit following the embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Iceland in Nice. But even though there are only nine weeks until England’s opening World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, a three-man committee of Glenn, FA technical director Dan Ashworth and former Manchester United chief executive David Gill are prepared to wait if that is what it takes to get the best man. Wenger is out of contract at Arsenal next summer and Glenn said: “Yes, we would be willing to … [Read more...]
Premier League clubs on red alert as Marek Hamsik leaves door open
The Napoli star has been attracting interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea in recent weeks following his impressive displays at Euro 2016 with Slovakia. Hamsik is under contract with Napoli until 2018, but when asked about his future in Italy he seemed unsure. “Will I renew with Napoli or leave? We'll see." “Now I want to rest, first and foremost. It's been a difficult year with a lot of games, I want to enjoy time with my family." The Napoli midfielder is under contract with the Italian outfit until 2018 but the Premier League trio are all chasing him. Liverpool are said to be showing the most interest with reports this month claiming they have tabled a €45million (£34.8m) bid for the Slovakian, with a four-year deal said to be on … [Read more...]
Liverpool keen on Ac Milan Mattia De Scigilio
The 23-year-old defender made 21 Serie A appearances as AC Milan finished seventh this season, And he is reportedly being lined up for a move to Anfield by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. The German manager is set to remodel his squad this summer ahead of his first full Premier League campaign and a new left back is said to be one of his top priorities, a pursuit escalated by Alberto Moreno's disastrous Europa League final showing. However, Liverpool are seemingly not the only side keen on the Italy international. Speaking to Italian outlet SoccerWeb24 , De Sciglio's agent, Donato Orgnoni, claimed a handful of Serie A sides are tracking his client . "At this time a number of clubs have shown interest, however we have not discussed anything," he … [Read more...]
Barcelona linked with Man United defender as replacement for Dani Alves
After Dani Alves departed for Juventus , Barcelona are now eyeing a move for Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian to replace him. The former Torino man moved to Manchester United last summer, going on to make 28 appearances in the Premier League for Louis van Gaal’s side during his debut season. While he impressed enough in those chances to earn a call up to Antonio Conte’s Italy side for this summer’s European Championship, there is strong speculation that incoming United manager Jose Mourinho is interested in moving him on with the Blaugrana interested, according to a report in the Daily Star. With Alves having left the club after the conclusion of the La Liga campaign, Barcelona are anxious to find a suitable replacement for the iconic right-back. The … [Read more...]
Wayne Rooney not doing a Messi
While big changes are set to sweep the England football team following their embarrassing defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016, Wayne Rooney has vowed not to retire from the international game. Despite being overwhelming favourites in their first knockout round tie on Monday, the Three Lions lost 2-1 to a nation with a population of just over 300,000. Rooney, England’s all-time top scorer with 53 goals, gave them the lead with an early penalty but was one of the players to receive most of the criticism. The skipper, however, remained defiant. “As I said before the tournament, it is an honour to play for England,” he said to the press. “Whoever the next coach is, I’ll make my self available if chosen.” There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the … [Read more...]
Nani linked with a move to Merseyside
Liverpool and Everton will have to act quickly if they want to sign Fenerbache winger Nani, according to reports in the Turkish media. Turkish publication, Fanatik claimed that the Merseyside clubs were both interested in the former Manchester United man and are also looking to try and a pip the midfielder’s former club to the coup. However recent reports from Turkey suggest that both clubs may have to act swiftly if they wish to acquire the player’s services in a cheap deal. According to Futbolarena, Nani reportedly has a relatively low release clause of around £7million, which would certainly make him affordable to any of the mentioned suitors. But the catch being that the clause must be triggered by July 1 as it will no longer be active after the … [Read more...]
Chelsea set to battle Napoli for Belgian midfielder
With his performances for Belgium having grabbed attention across Europe, Axel Witsel looks set to leave Zenit St.Petersburg this summer, with Napoli keen to bring the midfielder to the Stadio San Paolo. They will however face competition from Chelsea, who will turn their attention to the 27-year-old if a move for Roma midfielder and fellow Belgian international, Radja Nainggolan, fails to materialise. Witsel is not the only name on the list of midfield targets, with the Partenopei also looking to conclude deals for Udinese‘s Piotr Zielinski and Porto’s Hector Herrera. Indeed, the Mexican is pushing for the transfer to be completed soon, with representatives from both clubs set to meet in the coming days. As for Zielinski, Liverpool are yet to … [Read more...]
Chelsea join Inter in race for Antonio Candreva
After missing Italy’s last 16 tie against Spain, speculation around Antonio Candreva future continues to make the headlines, with Chelsea and Inter keen. The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Inter , who now view Candreva as their main target after an attempt to sign Domenico Berardi from Sassuolo failed . Candreva’s agent Federico Pastorello spoke with Sky Sport 24 about his client’s future and admitted that the player’s intentions have been made clear to the club. “Let’s say that the president [Claudio Lotito] knows what the boy desires,” he said. “The decision lies with Lazio , and Lotito will need to decide his price, but he knows the desires of the boy and we’ll see what happens in the coming days.” Incoming Lazio coach Marcelo Bielsa … [Read more...]
Hazard missed training but should be fine for the quarter-finals
Belgium captain Eden Hazard was a noticeable absentee from Tuesday's training session as his team prepared for its quarterfinal match against Wales at the European Championship. Coach Marc Wilmots said that Hazard, who inspired Belgium to its 4-0 victory over Hungary on Sunday, had a muscle problem. ''Eden felt a slight spasm in the quadriceps at halftime against Hungary,'' Wilmots said. ''He is now following an individual program ... and will be back again the day after tomorrow. He will be 100 percent, no problem.'' Defender Thomas Vermaelen was also absent but he is suspended for Friday's match. After a slow start to the tournament, Belgium is finally living up to its favorites tag. The manner in which it swept aside Hungary in the round of 16 has … [Read more...]
Liverpool sign Saido Mane from Southampton
Sadio Mane has become Liverpool’s third most expensive signing after the club confirmed his £30million arrival from Southampton. The Senegal international has signed a “long-term contract” believed to be a five-year deal at Anfield and that puts the 24-year-old behind only Andy Carroll (£35million) and Christian Benteke (£32.5m) in terms of the club’s record signings. The Senegal international, who scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for the Saints, is the fourth signing by manager Jurgen Klopp, who has already brought in centre-back Joel Matip, midfielder Marko Grujic and goalkeeper Loris Karius. Mane told Liverpoolfc.com: “Today is a big day and I am very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. “It’s a club that has won a lot of trophies … [Read more...]
Joe Hart apologies after Iceland howler
Three Lions crashed out of Euro 2016 against minnows Iceland and Joe Hart admits they deserve flak. But it was still not enough to save them from a brutal kicking from fans and pundits as Roy Hodgson paid the ultimate price for failure. Hodgson, the highest-paid boss at the Euros on £3.5million a year, knew his number was up long before the final whistle blew in Nice last night. But his players were just as quick to shoulder the blame, with blunder keeper Joe Hart admitting: “We will get a lot of flak and we deserve it. “I was to blame for two of the goals conceded at this tournament. I didn’t perform personally. “I hold my hands up to that and I apologise for ultimately costing us the game tonight and the tournament. “I can only thank the fans … [Read more...]
Lazio prepare massive bid for Chelsea defender
In an attempt to return to European football, Lazio are willing to spend big to bring in Chelsea left-back Abdul Baba Rahman during the transfer window. Having come third in Serie A in 2014/15, the Aquile could only follow up with a disappointing eighth place finish this term and are ringing the changes ahead of the upcoming campaign. With new coach Marcelo Bielsa set to take the reigns at the Stadio Olimpico, the capital club are preparing a sizeable war chest for the Argentine tactician to make use of. A left-back is high on the agenda at the Biancocelesti and Chelsea are set to be approached with a bid of €18 million for their Ghanaian full-back, according to reports. The former Augsburg defender only arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2015 but was a … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Wayne Rooney disappointed by England loss to Iceland
England captain Wayne Rooney has conceded that his side’s inability to create clear chances against Iceland on Monday night ultimately cost them. Roy Hodgson’s men fell to a 2-1 defeat to their rivals in Nice, and now face plenty of difficult questions moving forward having crashed out of Euro 2016 . While the tactician resigned immediately after the game, Rooney was left to give his opinion on the game and assess the mood within the England camp. “Obviously tonight it is [the lowest point for England], but I don’t think you can compare it to other tournaments,” he told the BBC. “It’s always disappointing to go out of any tournament, and we’re all gutted. We feel as though we’ve let a chance slip tonight, we believed we could win the game and we … [Read more...]
Ibrahimovic set to undergo United medical next week
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will undergo a medical with Manchester United next week ahead of a move to Old Trafford, according to sources . Ibrahimovic, who retired from international football following Sweden's group stage exit at Euro 2016, will sign a one-year contract at United following the completion of his medical. Personal terms on a one-year contract were agreed prior to Euro 2016 after negotiations between Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola and United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. The talks took longer than expected and a move could therefore not be completed before Euro 2016 began. Reports say, United do not expect any issues with the medical and the 34-year-old is said to be in excellent physical condition. Ibrahimovic, all being well, will … [Read more...]
Man City striker Sergio Aguero and Mascherano follow Lionel Messi in quitting National team after Copa America loss
Argentina stars Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero have followed Lionel Messi in retiring from international football following their penalty heartbreak to Chile in the Copa America. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was the first to go after his miss in the shootout , emotionally bidding farewell to the international scene after another high-profile failure. And now Mascherano and Aguero have also followed suit, with reports in Argentina suggesting that Angel Di Maria, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain and Lucas Biglia could ALL be poised to quit. The exodus comes after a harrowing defeat on penalties yet again, with Chile holding their nerve to secure a second straight Copa America. The 29-year-old Barca star said: "For me the national team is … [Read more...]
Sanchez wins most valuable player at the Copa America centenario
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez was named player of the Copa America Centenario champions Chile also swept the individual awards. Chile beat Argentina on penalties for the second year in a row in the final on Sunday, and Sanchez was then awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player after scoring three goals and setting up two in six games. His teammate Eduardo Vargas won the Golden Boot after finishing as the top scorer with six goals, while Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was awarded the Golden Glove. Chile also dominated the selections for the Copa's Best XI, with eight players selected. The other three were Argentina players -- including Lionel Messi, who missed his penalty in the shootout and then said he will retire from … [Read more...]
Manchester United in talks over signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Manchester United have agreed a £26.3milllion fee with Borussia Dortmund for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, according to numerous sources. The 27-year-old Armenia midfielder and his representative have held talks with United and agreed personal terms and the player will undergo a medical this week. Mkhitaryan has one year left on his Dortmund deal but has shown no willingness to extend his deal with the Bundesliga club and has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for the last couple of months. Dortmund have been keen to tie the player to a new long-term contract with chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke earlier this month claiming the club were desperate to keep him. He told Bild: “We have been negotiating with Henrikh Mkhitaryan for four months for him to … [Read more...]
Chile beat Argentina in penalty kicks, win 2nd straight Copa title
Lionel Messi and Argentina missed out on international glory once again, as Chile claimed the Copa America Centenario 4-2 on penalties. After Sergio Romero stopped Arturo Vidal’s first attempt, the Barcelona man’s miss and Claudio Bravo’s save on Lucas Biglia proved the difference, helping La Roja claim back to back titles in a match that saw neither side able to hit the back of the net. Unfortunately for Messi and teammates, who fell to Chile on penalties in last year’s final as well, their streak of 23 years without a senior international title continues. It all looked so promising early on for the Albiceleste, as Gonzalo Higuain was sent in all alone after a miscue in the Chilean backline. However, the Napoli striker chipped his effort left of the … [Read more...]
Liverpool close in on signing of Southampton forward Mane
SADIO MANE will have a medical at Liverpool today after the Anfield club agreed a £30million deal for the Southampton player. Senegal forward Mane, 24, was given permission to head to Merseyside after Saints completed the signing of Norwich winger Nathan Redmond on Saturday. Mane he is expected to become Kop boss Jurgen Klopp’s fourth signing of the summer once personal terms have been agreed. Klopp is keen to complete his summer business early, after agreeing deals for midfielder Marko Grujic, centre-back Joel Matip and goalkeeper Loris Karius, Klopp expects Mane to join before players, not at the Euros, report back on July 2. Mane — who will become the Reds’ third-most expensive signing — when Germany and Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze went cold on … [Read more...]
Leicester City considering a move for Wilfried Bony
Premier League champions Leicester City could switch their striking targets to Man City misfit Wilfried Bony, according to a report. Sources claim that Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri is now considering a move for the 27-year-old after being quoted a staggering £30million for Watford hitman Troy Deeney. Ivory Coast frontman Bony looks set to move on this summer after making just 13 Premier League starts last season, scoring four times. He is under contract until June 2019 after signing a four-and-a-half-year deal when he arrived from Swansea for £24million in January 2015, but he has found life tough at The Etihad. Hamstring and calf injuries did not help his cause last term, but has always played second fiddle to star striker Sergio Aguero and City will … [Read more...]
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