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Henrikh Mkhitaryan close to joining United

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's agent says he is still working on a move to Manchester United for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder. Mkhitaryan, 27, has been linked with a transfer away from Dortmund this summer, with sources saying that Arsenal are interested, while his agent Mino Raiola has claimed United have made a €24 million offer. However, the Bundesliga club have insisted that they have no plans to sell the Armenia international and will force him to see out his contract at the Westfalenstadion, which expires next summer. Mkhitaryan has said he has no plans to extend his stay at Dortmund, and Raiola still believes he can fashion a move to United for his client. "It would be a sin to stop talking," Raiola is quoted as saying, "I am a positive guy. If I … [Read more...]

Jamie Vardy set to reject Arsenal

Jamie Vardy is set to turn down an offer from Arsenal and stay with Premier League champions Liecester, according to reports. The England international was subject of a £20million bid from the Gunners prior to Euro 2016, but the 29-year-old has stalled on making a decision since the start of England’s campaign in France. According to report, it is now understood Vardy is set to reject the north-London club and is in favour of extending his stay at the King Power Stadium. Arsenal launched a shock £20million bid for Vardy, activating a release clause in his contract, and offered the England international a deal reportedly worth £120,000-a-week. Leicester responded by offering their star man a reported £100,000-a-week deal, but the former Fleetwood Town … [Read more...]

Former Manchester City striker linked with a move back to the Premier League

Sunderland have been linked with a shock move for former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, according to reports in Italy. Dzeko has been unconvincing in his first season in Serie A, scoring 10 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions. According to reports, Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce is planning an ambitious swoop for the 31-year-old to bring him back to the Premier League. Sunderland are said to have bid £11million for the Bosnia and Herzegovina captain, with Roma said to be holding out for nearer £15million. According to Chronicle Live , a deal for the former City striker is unlikely, with Dzeko looking for wages of around £140,000-a-week having taken a pay cut to seal a move to Italy. After talks with Roma manager Luciano Spalletti, Dzeko … [Read more...]

Liverpool wants Aston Villa defender despite interest from AC Milan

AC Milan could face competition for Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi, with Premier League side Liverpool and Ligue 1 outfit Bastia also keen on the relegated full-back. Despite the Villains awful domestic campaign, the 22-year-old’s quality stood out and the Rossoneri had planned to tie up a deal, despite Bastia hoping to take the French defender back home. However, with Jose Enrique departing Merseyside and Alberto Moreno far from convincing at left-back, Sources say Jurgen Klopp is willing to splash out around €15 million to secure Amavi. Whether that will detract Milan from making a move remains to be seen, but it now seems increasingly unlikely that the Frenchman will be plying his trade in the second tier of English football next year. Last season the … [Read more...]

Rooney willing to end his career at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney is interested in extending his deal with Manchester United even further than the three seasons he has left on his contract. Rooney, 30, has been playing in midfield for England at Euro 2016 and was also in a deeper role for United in the closing stages of last season and says he is viewing Ryan Giggs as a role model, with the former United winger having prolonged his career by shifting into a midfield role in the latter stages of his career. New United manager Jose Mourinho recently said of Rooney: "Wayne is and has been England's best player for over a decade," showing the high regard that the Portuguese has for the player. When Mourinho returned to Chelsea as manager for a second spell in summer 2013, he had quickly tried to sign Rooney, … [Read more...]

Jose Mourinho’s dad Felix rushed back to hospital with pneumonia

78-year-old former Portugal goalkeeper suffered a number of health scares during his son's second stint as Chelsea manager He has reportedly been rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties in another health setback for the ailing OAP, after suffering breathing difficulties and will remain there until Monday at the earliest Showbiz website Flash Vidas said the 78-year-old was admitted to Sao Bernardo Hospital in his native Setubal an hour’s drive south of Lisbon on Thursday. He is said to have been diagnosed with pneumonia and reportedly has to remain in hospital until at least Monday. A private medical team which reportedly cares for him round-the-clock following his hospital release a few months ago is believed to have decided he needed immediate … [Read more...]

Skrtel warns Liverpool team mates ahead of England clash

Martin Skrtel has warned his Liverpool teammates there will be “no such thing as friends” when Slovakia take on England. The 31-year-old shares an Anfield dressing room with Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner, with Raheem Sterling another former colleague, but will not be dishing out any preferential treatment in St Etienne on Monday. “It’s not a normal situation for me, but we’re professionals and it’s all part of the job,” the defender told FIFA.com. “I know them and they know me, though there’s more to the match than just that. “In a match like this there are no such things as friends. You can maybe be friends before or after the game, but not on the pitch. “Everyone will be giving their all for … [Read more...]

United and Chelsea do battle for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci

After a storming start to Euro 2016, Juventus ‘ Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci has caught the attention of Premier League giants Manchester United. The Azzurri have kept two clean sheets in their opening Group E matches, with the 29-year-old even claiming an assist to continue an excellent double-winning season with the Old Lady. That form has seen Manchester United consider a bid for Bonucci, according to Daily Star, with a whopping €64 million being placed on the centre-back’s price tag by Juve. Having only just signed tied the Italian down to a fresh contract that will run until 2020, the Bianconeri are also having to hold off Premier League giants Chelsea , where ex-Juventus coach Antonio Conte is aiming to reunite with one of his former star … [Read more...]

Former City Boss Pellegrini linked with vacant Southampton job

Southampton’s search for a new manager has taken a further twist, with Claude Puel, Vitor Pereira and Manuel Pellegrini all on the shortlist before further interviews this weekend. The bookmakers’ favourite has been Rudi Garcia but, after talks over recent days, the former Lille and Roma manager is no longer regarded as an option. Frank de Boer, André Villas-Boas and Eddie Howe are also not on the shortlist list, but Pellegrini has emerged as a potential candidate after signals that he would be interested in talking to Southampton and remaining in the Premier League following his departure from Manchester City. Southampton want a manager who encourages a high-pressing and passing style, as well as a willingness to promote young players and, ideally, … [Read more...]

Vicente Del Bosque key to Spain success- Fabregas

After an impressive victory against Turkey at Euro 2016 , Cesc Fabregas spoke at length about the influence of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. Highlighting his coach’s importance, the Chelsea player focussed on the creativity with which Del Bosque allows his players to perform. “The coach transmits security and tranquillity,” the 29-year-old told reporters. “You always go out on the pitch knowing what you have to do – he gives us that freedom on the field and you feel free to play your game. “That’s very important at the moment especially for skilled players and Del Bosque is key.” Fabregas has started both of Spain’s groups games, though there are those that are questioning his influence and place in the starting XI. “I don’t care what people … [Read more...]

Manchester City set sights on German playmaker Toni Kroos

Manchester City have lined up a second German swoop with a £37million deal for Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos Kroos has been on of the players of the tournament so far, and City boss Pep Guardiola believes the German will fit into his philosophy of the passing and pressing game. The Real Madrid player almost joined City's rivals Manchester United a couple of summers ago before joining the Spanish giants instead He was influential in Real’s run to winning the Champions League last season, but is now set for a move to City which They have already snapped up another German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan in a £21m deal from Borussia Dortmund. It is understood the transfer of Kroos could be finalised a few days after the conclusion of Euro 2016 - and he … [Read more...]

Chelsea and United interested in Napoli star Marek Hamsik

Manchester United and Chelsea face a difficult task to sign Napoli Star Marek Hamsik, according to his agent. The 28-year-old Slovakia star, who has been one of the shining lights at Euro 2016 scoring a wonderful goal in the recent win over Russia, has come on to the radar of the Premier League duo, according to sources. Chelsea and United are reportedly keen on Hamsik, who played in every Serie A game last season, scoring six goals as the Naples club finished second to secure a place in the Champions League. However, the Premier League duo’s interest may be shortlived after the player’s agent revealed he will soon sit down for talks with the Italian club. “Maurizio Sarri [Napoli manager] is important for Hamsik who is having the best time of his … [Read more...]

Alexis Sanchez scores as Chile hit Mexico for seven

This Mexico team was supposed to be different. They were spectacularly talented, had the longest unbeaten streak in the world and were playing what amounted to home matches, with gigantic green-clad crowds packing every stadium they played in. Copa America Centenario was going to be El Tri's breakout tournament, as they conquered the Western Hemisphere to win their biggest trophy ever and make their statement as true contenders on the world stage. Instead, they went out in the first round of the knockout stages, making it no different than every single one of the last six World Cups. And not only were they prematurely eliminated, they were humiliated. Four goals from Eduardo Vargas helped reigning champions Chile thrash Mexico 7-0 in Santa Clara, … [Read more...]

Manchester United one of three clubs interested in Neymar

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Barcelona superstar Neymar as his agent claims three clubs are interested in the Brazilian. The Brazilian superstar has a clause in his Barca contract that allows the forward to speak to any interested parties who meet his €200million (£157m) price tag. And his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claims there are thee clubs – reportedly Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid – who are ready to put the money up in a bid to lure the 24-year-old away from Catalonia. Ribeiro said: “There are three big clubs in the world that want to sign Neymar and pay a clause of €200m to Barcelona. “I cannot say more than this because it is sensistive. I can only guarantee that Neymar is happy at … [Read more...]

Conte likely to recall Cuadrado

New Chelsea coach Antonino Conte, could be prepared to give Juan Cuadrado another chance at Stamford Bridge and prise him away from Juventus . The Colombian midfielder played at Juventus last season, helping them to lift Serie A and the Coppa Italia, and the new Chelsea coach is believed to to be a fan of the winger. Since signing for Chelsea from Fiorentina in January 2015 for €32 million, the 24-year-old has only played 15 matches for the Blues and was loaned back to Italy with Juventus for the whole of last season. However, Conte is keen to bring him back, according to the Daily Mail, and the 3-5-2 formation preferred by the Italy coach suits Cuadrado’s ability and the speedy winger thrived using this formation for Juventus last season, scoring … [Read more...]

Manchester United linked with a move for Cesar Azpilicueta

Manchester United are interested in signing Chelsea full-back Cesar Azpilicueta, according to reports in Spain. Spanish daily AS claims incoming Chelsea gaffer Antonio Conte is happy to offload the versatile defender this summer for just £11.8million. Sourcea say that Azpilicueta is a target for Barcelona as they look to replace the departed Dani Alves, but now Jose Mourinho is believed to be interested in the defender. The Spain star was a key player under Mourinho at Chelsea and the United boss is a big admirer of the consistent 26-year-old. “Azpilicueta is the kind of player I like a lot. I think a team with 11 Azpilicueta’s probably could win the competition [Champions League] because football is not just about the pure talent,” said Mourinho in … [Read more...]

Liverpool head physiotherapist Chris Morgan to leave the club this summer

Morgan has spent 10 years working with the Reds, with both the first team and the academy. His departure follows that of fitness and conditioning coach Ryland Morgans late last season and continues a reshaping of backroom staff under manager Jurgen Klopp. In a statement Liverpool thanked Morgan for his contribution. It read: “Chris is someone who commands the professional respect and personal warmth of the first-team players and all his colleagues at Melwood. When I started at Liverpool 10 years ago I never dreamt I would get to experience the things I did and play a tiny role at a club of Liverpool’s standing and history. Thank you to those who gave me a chance at the club all those years ago.. Thank you to those who I worked for and alongside .. Thank … [Read more...]

Liverpool and Roma keep tabs on Mateo Kovacic

A return to Seria A could be on the cards for Mateo Kovacic, although Liverpool have shown keen interest for the Croatian. After an inconsistent season with Real Madrid, Mateo Kovacic is interesting a number of clubs, with Serie A giants Roma facing competition in the form of Liverpool. The Premier League side suffered their own inconsistencies during 2015-16, replacing coach Brendan Rodgers with Borussia Dortmund icon, Jurgen Klopp, who recently took the Reds to the Europa League final, only for them to be defeated by Sevilla. It is thought that Liverpool could swoop for Kovacic with a €30 million bid, while the Giallorossi favour a season-long loan move , with Real happy to accept either deal. The Croatian midfielder knows Serie A well after two … [Read more...]

Antonio Conte answers his critics

Following their two consecutive victories in France, Conte's men have now progressed to the round of 16, and the incoming Chelsea boss has called on fans to join celebrate him team's performance. After Italy secured their spot in the next round of the European Championship , Antonio Conte has revealed his delight in having surpassed the scepticism that had previously surrounded the squad. A dramatic 1-0 victory over Sweden on Friday means that the Azzurri will now advance to the Round of 16 after only just two Euro 2016 matches, and the passionate tactician has since praised his Nazionale squad for suppressing the tough Swedish opposition. “First of all I think that this satisfaction should be enjoyed by all,” said Conte to the press. “Only very few … [Read more...]

Arsenal target Jamie Vardy admits using nicotine pouches

England’s Jamie Vardy has admitted that he uses nicotine pouches and does not like spending time in the gym but has no intention of changing a routine which runs contrary to what is expected of a striker who wants to lead his country’s line deep into the European Championships. Vardy, who scored England’s vital equaliser against Wales in Lens on Thursday, was pictured last week holding a pouch of powdered chewing tobacco, known as snus, which sources at Leicester say he places in his mouth, underneath his gum, during games. But despite one expert saying this week that the stimulant could boost performance by seven per cent and the anti-doping authorities monitoring it, Vardy insisted he had had the patches checked. “It’s just something I’ve always done and … [Read more...]

David Ospina the hero as Colombia see off Peru in penalty shootout

Colombia reached the semifinals of the Copa America Centenario by beating Peru on penalties in New Jersey. The two teams played out a low-key goalless draw at MetLife Stadium, Colombia with the better chances until stoppage time, when Peru defender Christian Ramos threatened a dramatic winner. Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina, who plays for Arsenal in the Premier League, then saved from Miguel Trauco before Christian Cueva's miss handed Colombia a 4-2 win in the shootout. Carlos Bacca's early run and shot drew a sharp save from Peru keeper Pedro Gallese while at the other end, Paulo Guerrero's cross was headed over by Edison Flores. The best chance yet came when Colombia captain James Rodriguez curled a shot with his weaker right foot from 20 yards … [Read more...]