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Nolito agrees personal terms with Man City as move inches closer

Manchester City are reportedly confident of completing the signing of Nolito from Celta Vigo amid claims they had agreed a three-year contract with the Spaniard. According to widespread reports on Wednesday, City boss Pep Guardiola is on the verge of making the 29-year-old Celta Vigo star his second signing at the Etihad, following on from the recent £20million capture of Ilkay Gundogan. Nolito, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Durán, is currently part of the Spain squad at Euro 2016 having scored 12 goals in La Liga last season and will cost City €18m (£13.8m) after the club agreed to meet the buy-out clause in his contract. Barcelona, Arsenal and West Ham had also registered an interest in signing the player, who began his career at Camp Nou before … [Read more...]

Chelsea submit bid for Napoli defender

Napoli‘s resolve in keeping hold of star defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been tested again by Chelsea, who have submitted a €25 million bid for the player. The Blues, who will be coached by current Italy boss Antonio Conte next season, are known to be keen on strengthening at the back and are big admirers of the Senegalese star. However, according sources, Chelsea’s €25m bid has already been rejected by the Partenopei as Maurizio Sarri’s side are holding out for a big transfer fee. Napoli want an offer closer to €40m if they are to sell the central defender this summer and it is unclear at this time whether the Londoners will return to the table with a fresh offer. Koulibaly, who has three years left to run on his current deal at the Stadio San Paolo, … [Read more...]

Ex Manchester City coach linked with Russia job

Leonid Slutsky will step away from the Russia job after a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign in France. Following Russia’s poor performance at Euro 2016 , coach Leonid Slutsky has ended his spell with the team and ex-Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini is first choice to replace him. Russia exit the tournament with only one point gained from their three group games and with the coach taking all of the responsibility for the poor quality shown during the tournament. The Russian Football Association (RFS) has apparently targeted Pellegrini to replace him on Russia’s bench, after the Chilean exited the Etihad to make way for Pep Guardiola. According to AS.com, Russia, who will host the next World Cup, have offered Pellegrini a multi-million euro two-year … [Read more...]

Petr Cech considering hanging up his gloves for the Czechs

Following Tuesday night’s defeat to Turkey, Petr Cech is pondering whether or not to call time on his international career with the Czech Republic. The 34-year-old has a record 124 caps for his country, but is considering hanging up his gloves in the wake of their Euro 2016 elimination. “I will take time to decide if I [will] continue with the national team,” he told Daily Sport, a Czech outlet, following his team’s 2-0 loss to Turkey. “I’m not going to make my decision today,” he added, according to L’Equipe, “[it is] a huge disappointment. I will really take the time to think, but before the new qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup begins, the coach will be the first to know. “Prior to the tournament, we knew that we wanted to have at least … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Arsene Wenger backs Pogba to rediscover form

As the tournament goes on this summer, the Juventus star will be hoping to improve at Euro 2016, as he has recently struggled to make an impact for France. France midfielder Paul Pogba has failed to meet expectations at Euro 2016 so far, but Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger believes that the best is yet to come from the player. The 23-year-old was even dropped by Didier Deschamps for their second group game against Albania, but having shown glimpses of his undeniable talent, Pogba will hope to be more consistent in the knockout stage of the tournament. Wenger understands that it’s difficult for the young midfielder to deal with the expectations, pressure and adversity that he is currently facing, but has backed him to come out stronger and continue to … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: De Gea falters as Croatia beat Spain

Croatia provided late heroics as they came from behind to beat Spain and top Group D with 2-1 win in Bordeaux. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the perfect start with a seventh minute goal, but Nikola Kalinic levelled and Sergio Ramos had a penalty saved before Ivan Perisic scored late on after a devastating counter. The 2-1 defeat means Spain finish second to Croatia and will meet Italy in the round of 16 on Monday in a repeat of the 2012 final. Morata opened the scoring in just the seventh minute as the forward stole in to poke home Cesc Fabregas’ effort from virtually on the goal-line. An error from De Gea almost allowed Ivan Rakitic to equalise but the Barcelona midfielder’s lofted attempt came back off the crossbar after possession had been gifted … [Read more...]

Euro2016: Hart backs England strikers to score as tournament progresses

Joe Hart is backing England's toothless attack to come good in Euro 2016's round of 16. Roy Hodgson's men drew a blank in their 0-0 draw with Slovakia in Saint-Etienne on Monday; Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy failing to build on their goals in the 2-1 win over Wales, while Harry Kane, introduced as a substitute in the second half, endured another fruitless outing in France. Vardy in particular wasted England's best chance of the game in the 17th minute, shooting straight at goalkeeper Matus Kozacik after racing on to a forward pass and getting in behind the opposition defence. Hodgson faced criticism after the game for making six changes from the Wales win, as a point saw Chris Coleman's men top Group B. Questioned after the game on the quality of … [Read more...]

Man City close to bringing Nolito to the Ethihad

Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Spain forward Nolito from Celta Vigo, according to reports. The 29-year-old has an €18 million (£13.8m) release clause in his contract and Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino has already stated that he expects him to move on this summer. Sources say City are confident of securing a deal and claim that Nolito has already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract worth around €4m a year. The former Barcelona player, who has started all of Spain's three group games at the 2016 European Championship, has been linked with a return to the Camp Nou. Nolito, who turns 30 in October, left Barca for Portuguese side Benfica in 2011 before joining Celta Vigo two years later. His international teammate … [Read more...]

Manchester United linked with Swiss striker Breel Embolo

Manchester United are likely to stiff competition from Schalke for the signing of Swiss youngster Breel Embolo, according to reports in the German media. Embolo has been heavily linked with Manchester United in reports say that new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is keeping tabs on the Basel striker. RB Leipzig, who have just recently been promoted to the Bundesliga, were claimed to be rivalling United for the 19-year-old’s signature and were also said to have made a bid in the region of £16million. But Leipzig’s manager, Ralf Rangnick ruled out a move for the Swiss international recently. Speaking to German newspaper, Leipziger Volkszeitung, Rangnick says: “We’ve informed the agent of Embolo and Basel that we are no longer interested in his … [Read more...]

Mats Hummels reveals why he snubbed United

Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels has suggested he turned down a move to Manchester United because they could not offer him Champions League football. Hummels, 27, is due to join Bayern, the club where he began his career, from Borussia Dortmund after he returns from Euro 2016 with Germany. Although the centre-back has flirted in the past with a move abroad, he opted to stay in Germany, signing a five-year deal in May with Bayern, who are paying €37 million for his services. Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung, Hummels revealed that he considered a transfer to England, but did not receive the right offer. "Fundamentally, England, Spain and Germany were the relevant leagues I could see myself playing football in," Hummels said. "But at this stage there … [Read more...]

Aurelio De Laurentiis insists Gonzalo Higuain would stay at Napoli

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says he wants Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain to stay at the club forever. Gonzalo Higuain is set to continue at Napoli for the next five years, according to club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. Higuain has attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs following his record-breaking season for Napoli in 2015-16. The Argentine striker scored 36 goals in 35 Serie A appearances, breaking the league's long-standing goalscoring record. The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in Higuain, but De Laurentiis says the 28-year-old has committed to Napoli. "If his words are sincere then Higuain will play in Naples for at least another five … [Read more...]

Wojciech Szczęsny set for Arsenal return after loan spell at Roma

Wojciech Szczęsny is likely to end his loan spell at Roma and return to Arsenal this summer. Szczęsny spent last season with the Serie A side in a loan arrangement that saw Arsenal continuing to pay a percentage of his wages. Despite Roma’s desire to extend the deal, reports have it that the offer they have made has been deemed inadequate by Arsenal. It is also being reported that Szczęsny will be offered an extension to his existing contract, which still has two years to run. The Polish international has rebuilt his career in Rome after enduring a difficult period with the Gunners . He was dropped from Arsenal’s starting line-up in January 2015, after being accused of smoking in the showers following a 2-0 defeat at Southampton. The Pole … [Read more...]

Chelsea linked with Italian striker Simone Zaza

While Simone Zaza still remains under contract with the Old Lady until 2020, the striker doesn’t seem likely to remain as Massimiliano Allegri’s fourth choice much longer With a chance to shine as a starter in Italy ‘s clash with Ireland at Euro 2016 on Wednesday, Simone Zaza could gain added transfer interest with a strong performance. Despite proven lethality with far less minutes than his Bianconeri teammates during the 2015/16 campaign, the player still remains behind the likes of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata in the club’s pecking order. Even though Real Madrid may decide to reclaim Morata this summer, Juventus could act on their desire for Edinson Cavani to bolster their attacking depth. Zaza’s eight goals in 24 appearances … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Pedro unhappy with substitute role

Chelsea winger Pedro has cast doubt on his international future by claiming being asked to sit on the Spain bench at Euro 2016 is “not worth” his time. Coach Vicente Del Bosque has showed a preference for the likes of Nolito and David Silva on the flanks – something which has upset the Chelsea forward. “I had different expectations when I first came here,” he said in an interview with Movistar, quoted in Marca. “It is difficult for me to play this role (as a substitute), and if there is no continuity it is not worth me turning up just to be part of the group.” The Chelsea forward, who joined the Blues from Barcelona last summer, is one of the most experienced players in the Spain squad, having won 58 caps and scored 17 goals since making his debut in … [Read more...]

Roma keen on Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta

Roma are hoping they can land Pablo Zabaleta as the Argentine may not feature in Pep Guadiola's plans. Roma are very keen on bringing Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta to the Italian capital to further shore up their defence ahead of next season. The 31-year-old currently has one more year left on his deal at the Etihad, and the Giallorossi are hoping to bring him in much in the same way they brought in Maicon in 2013. In the case of Maicon, Manchester City agreed to a mutual termination of his contract which allowed him to join Roma on a free transfer. Zabaleta only saw limited action with the Citizens last season due to a knee injury that caused him to miss most of the first half on the season. With the Argentine’s injury problems and a … [Read more...]

Zlatan to join United as he seeks revenge on Guardiola

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent has dropped another hint that the player is Manchester United bound – by saying his client wants to inflict “revenge” upon his former manager Pep Guardiola. Ibrahimovic is out of contract at Paris Saint-German this summer and will announce his next club soon, after Sweden’s Euro 2016 campaign ends. His nation face Belgium in their final group game and are long odds to beat the Red Devils. Manchester United is thought to be the 34-year-old’s most likely destination, with Jose Mourinho keen to instill star power and guaranteed goals at Old Trafford in his first season as manager. Ibrahimovic’s agent, Mino Raiola, has dropped a big hint that the striker could be headed to United, as he wants “revenge” over Manchester City boss … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Wilshere fails to shine as England draw Slovakia

It was precisely the mental picture Jack Wilshere would have held two years ago. Him at the nexus of England's midfield; pointing, manoeuvring, picking up the little pockets of space and being the tempo man of England's European Championship campaign. Then the scene changed utterly. Wilshere has played so little football in the last nine months that his start in the Massif Central last night took his England appearances ahead of those for Arsenal - four to three - for the season and starting a group game was actually against his expectations. “I'm ready. I'm ready,” he said in a player/journalist mixed zone just before this tournament, where the pain behind his scenes revealed what he knew: that others had accelerated ahead of him in the pecking order. Then … [Read more...]

playing with Gerrard and Scholes helped me adapt- Rooney

Former England team-mates Paul Scholes and Steven Gerarrd are the inspiration for Wayne Rooney as he establishes himself as a midfielder. Wayne Rooney says playing alongside midfield greats like Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes has prepared him for his late-career drop back from a regular striking role. Manchester United and England captain Rooney has shone in midfield at Euro 2016 so far, with his stellar performances set to earn him protected status and a rest ahead of the knockout stages as Roy Hodgson's side round off the Group B campaign against Slovakia on Monday. Already England's record goalscorer, and second only to Bobby Charlton in United's striking stakes, Rooney says it should be no surprise to see him moving down the pitch as his career goes … [Read more...]

Manchester United target Paul Pogba in talks with Real Madrid, his agent confirms

The 23-year-old Frenchman, who has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, Man City , Chelsea and in particular Manchester United , has been at Juventus since 2012 — and won the Serie A title in each of his four seasons in Italy. Paul Pogba is reported to be in talks with Real Madrid over a summer move However, the European champions appear to be firmly at the front of the queue after super-agent, Mino Raiola, admitted Pogba ’s fondness for fellow countryman Zidane could be key as talks between the two parties are ongoing. He said: “We are in the first stage of the negotiations. “Paul admirers Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will obviously be important towards his decision.” Raiola also suggested it will take a world-record fee to … [Read more...]

Arsenal target Inter Milan forward Jovetic after Vardy snubs club

The Montenegro international left Manchester City to join Inter last summer, and scored six goals for the Serie A side. But Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport claim he will be on the move again, with Arseanl interested in his signature. The report adds Spartak Moscow are also interested in signing the 26-year-old. But the forward, who is valued at £13million, would apparently prefer a move back to the Premier League. And the Gunners could now up their interest in the striker after Arsene Wenger admitted Jamie Vardy will snub a move to the Emirates and stay at Leicester . The Gunners triggered the 29-year-old's £20m release clause earlier this month and the striker seemed set for a move to the Emirates. However the Foxes made a counter offer in … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Ozil criticized for poor performances

Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil says he does not care about outside criticism of his performances at the European Championship. "It bounces off me," the Arsenal playmaker said, after being one of many Germany players to be knocked for his performance against Poland in the team's second game at Euro 2016. World champions Germany were strongly criticised for their lack of attacking power in the 0-0 draw on Thursday, with even defender Jerome Boateng warning that the team needs to improve to avoid an early elimination. And several former Germany players were highly critical of the performance, with Mehmet Scholl singling out Ozil. The midfielder turned pundit said on ARD that Ozil's body language did not help the team. But, in an interview with Bild, the … [Read more...]

Arsenal new poor impressive in shirtless display

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka, and teammates Admir Mehmedi and Breel Embolo have their Puma shirts ripped to shreds in Switzerland’s match against France But the manufacturing faults did not stop at the shirts – the Adidas match ball astonishingly burst in the second half. There was some major manufacturing errors during France’s goalless draw with Switzerland which saw both teams qualify for the knockout stages of the competition. Three different Swiss players had to change their Puma shirts after having them ripped during the scrappy match. But the faults did not stop with the Puma Swiss shirts. Quite astonishingly, the Adidas match ball even burst in the second half when Valon Behrami stood on the ball while he made a last-ditch tackle on Antoine … [Read more...]