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Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise retires from football

A fter spending three Serie A seasons with Roma , John Arne Riise has hung up his boots as he has confessed he can’t enjoy playing football anymore. The Norwegian left fond memories in the Italian capital, where he enjoyed a successful stint from 2008 to 2011 and got close to winning the Scudetto twice, as the Giallorossi lost out on both occasions to Inter . The left-back then returned to his youth club Aalesunds in March 2016, concluding his career just three months later, as he realised he wasn’t motivated enough to keep up with game. “This is the most important decision in my career and I’ve decided to retire” the 35-year-old told reporters in a press conference. “Recently, I’ve realised that the enthusiasm and the motivation you need to continue in this … [Read more...]

Ac Milan to sign Yaya Toure and pablo Zabaleta if Pellegrini is made manager

Should AC Milan hire Manuel Pellegrini as their new coach this summer, the Chilean may decide to bring both Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta with him to Serie A . While official talks between the Rossoneri and the ex-Manchester City boss have not taken place, it is suggested that the experienced duo may be keen on reuniting with the tactician if they don’t factor into Pep Guardiola’s plans at the Etihad Stadium for next season. That is according to a report in the Daily Star, who report that the 33-year-old Toure could offer Milan the dynamism that their midfield has been missing of late, and he could even be joined at the Diavolo by a current teammate. Previous pursuits for the Ivorian’s signature have already been made by former coach Roberto Mancini at Inter … [Read more...]

Chelsea to tempt Dimitri Payet away from West Ham

West Ham have responded to Chelsea’s request to ‘name their price’ for Dimitri Payet by putting a £60million transfer fee on the France playmaker, according to reports on Sunday. Sources claims the Blues have contacted their Premier League rivals to check on the availability of the player, who has enjoyed a stellar first campaign for West Ham, and has since seen his star climb higher following a spectacular winner in France’s Euro 2016 opener against Romania on Friday . The 29-year-old signed for the Hammers last summer from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille for a reported fee of £10.7million and was rewarded with a new deal after scoring nine goals and also notching 12 assists on his way to being named our Signing of the Season. But with Barcelona and Real Madrid … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: England not afraid of Gareth Bale’s Welsh team- Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney rates Gareth Bale among the world's best, but England's collective quality means he is not getting hung up on Wales' star turn ahead of their Euro 2016 clash. All eyes will be on the tiny French city of Lens on Thursday as the neighbours do battle in a mouth-watering Group B clash at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. England head into the match reeling from a late sucker punch against Russia in Marseille, where Eric Dier's thunderous strike was cancelled out by a stoppage-time Vasili Berezutsky header. That 1-1 draw adds an extra ingredient to Thursday's already fascinating encounter, which Wales approach buoyed by winning their first ever European Championship match. Bale set Chris Coleman's men on their way with a fine free-kick in the 2-1 defeat … [Read more...]

Liverpool interested in Argentine’s defender Gabriel Mercado

Jurgen Klopp is reported to be considering a move for Gabriel Mercado after it was claimed the Liverpool manager travelled to San Francisco to watch the player in Copa America action for Argentina this week. The Reds boss has made secret of his wish to strengthen his defence this summer and the full-back could be on Klopp’s wanted list. And Mercado’s versatility will certainly appeal to the German. Mercado, who plays for River Plate, is a right-back by trade but can also play in central defence or the right side of midfield. Sources say Klopp was in the crowd when Mercado – who started his career with Racing Club before joining Estudiantes and then River Plate – played for his country in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Chile at the Levi’s Stadium on … [Read more...]

Marouane Fellaini eager to impress Mourinho

Marouane Fellaini insists he hopes to stay at Manchester United this summer by claiming he would be “proud and honoured” to work with Jose Mourinho. Mourinho was appointed a fortnight ago and has immediately set about rebuilding United’s squad, with Eric Bailly already signed up and Zlatan Ibrahimovic reportedly set to follow. United have on Sunday morning been linked with a move for N’Golo Kante, with Mourinho reportedly desperate to strengthen his midfield. Fellaini has been one of the members of the current playing staff whose place is reportedly most in danger, but the Belgium star is keen to prove his worth to the new manager. “Mourinho contacted me by text to say welcome to United and to wish me a good Euro,” said the midfielder. “As far as my … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Joachim Low happy with Schweinsteiger after scoring decisive goal

Germany manager Joachim Low praised substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger after the Manchester United midfielder saw his hard work result in a crucial goal against the Ukraine. Germany cruised to a 2-0 victory in their Group C opener at the European Championship, with Schweinsteiger adding the second in stoppage time after coming on in the 90th minute on Sunday. Speaking after the match, Low was pleased for the longtime Bayern Munich man, who had battled a knee injury for most of 2016. "I'm very happy for Bastian Schweinsteiger -- after all the work he's done in recent months, he scored the decisive goal," Low said. "It will help him and the team a lot." Germany left the result in doubt before Schweinsteiger's strike from a Mesut Ozil cross. While aware of … [Read more...]

Napoli warned they would take legal action against Chelsea over Kalidou Koulibaly transfer

  Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has claimed Kalidou Koulibaly has cost the club millions of euros in merchandising revenue -- and warned that he could take legal action against Chelsea. Last week, Senegal international Koulibaly said he was likely to leave the Serie A club in the summer and expected rumoured interest from the Blues to become more concrete. The defender told L'Equipe: "If nothing happens with Napoli, I'm going to start making contact with other clubs. "I'm going to make the most favourable choice, not only financially but also on a sporting level -- clubs of a high standing want me, and I've had no sign from Napoli." But De Laurentiis responded angrily, with Corriere dello Sport quoting him as saying: "I had thought … [Read more...]

Goalkeeping headache for Vincente Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque refused to confirm which of David De Gea or Iker Casillas will be starting goalkeeper when the defending champions meet Czech Republic in their opening match on Monday. Speaking on Sunday in Toulouse at his prematch press conference, Del Bosque said he will inform the goalkeepers of his decision in front of the rest of the squad. "I'm going to tell them together," he said. "I will tell the goalkeepers at the same time as the rest of the players. We have to think about situations for the team, we're not thinking just about the keeper [but] thinking about the whole team. The final decision will be made tomorrow." Del Bosque admitted he was not sure if Manchester United's De Gea had been affected by accusations made in a … [Read more...]

Arenal track fullbacks as fear of losing Bellerin to Barcelona grows

Arsenal are reportedly pondering moves for two-right backs amid fears Hector Bellerin will be joining LA Liga giants Barcelona. The Gunners have on Sunday been linked with a £15million swoop for Albania ace Elseid Hysaj, while Bayern Munich’s Rafinha, 30, is also reportedly on the Gunners’ list of targets. Barcelona are in the race to sign a new right-back with Dani Alves leaving for Juventus and are reportedly keen on their former academy star Bellerin, who did little to dampen talk of a return to his former club when asked recently. Arsenal, are therefore, reportedly drawing up a list of potential targets should Barcelona move for for Bellerin and Napoli right-back Hysaj, who played in his country’s opening Euro 2016 clash against Switzerland on Saturday, … [Read more...]

Inter set to sign Yaya Toure with a little help from China

Yaya Toure has been a transfer target for the Nerazzurri for a while and his acquisition could be a reality with a help from China After being linked with Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure for a long time, Inter might finally secure the Ivorian international with help from Chinese club Jiangsu Suning. Both Inter and Jiangsu are owned by the Suning Commerce Group and this situation will allow the Biscione to acquire the 33-year-old whilst dealing with the constraints of Financial Fair Play. Since the two clubs are part of different confederations, the move should not come under scrutiny from UEFA but the Italian giants would like to find a way to meet the Financial Fair Play requirements as well as the wage demands of the former Barcelona man. One … [Read more...]

MANCHESTER UNITED JOINS RACE FOR N’GOLO KANTE

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready to launch a £22m raid for Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to the Sunday Mirror. Kante, who played in hosts France’s 2-1 win over Romania on Friday, played a major part in the Foxes’ shock Premier League triumph. And Man United are now ready to trigger the release clause in his contract and bring him to Old Trafford. Mourinho wants the midfield powerhouse to add steel and energy to United’s midfield as he continues his plans to rebuild after the £30m signing of defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal . But United will face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG have all expressed their interest in the midfielder, who joined the Foxes in a £5.6m deal from Caen last summer. Meanwhile, reports … [Read more...]

Liverpool to swap Jordan Ibe plus cash for Southampton’s Sadio Mane

Jordan Ibe has failed to light up Anfield under Jurgen Klopp and may leave in cash plus swap deal for the Senegalese sensation If the Anfield club agree a straight cash fee with Saints for £30million-rated winger Mane, 24, Ibe would be a major loser. So they are willing to put him in the deal for around £10m. The former Wycombe wide man has clocked up a lot of games since coming to Liverpool and in loan spells at Birmingham and Derby. But his future chances look slim. Saints will need to wait for a new boss before proceeding with the Mane sale and possible swap but the ground is being prepared for the deal to go through … [Read more...]

Miralem Pjanic has disappointed his Premier league admirers by moving to Juventus

  The Bosnia midfielder, 26, took the unusual step of writing to his club Roma and demanding a move as agreed in his contract. Pjanic’s blunt letter added that he had chosen to join the Italian champions. And Juve director Beppe Marotta confirmed the news that will disappoint a host of Europe’s biggest clubs. Moratta told Italina newspapers: “The Pjanic operation was concluded with the push of the player, who strongly wanted the transfer to Juventus by activating the release clause he had already stipulated with Roma. “The player will undergo a medical with us shortly.” Pjanic’s haul of 27 goals in 159 games for Roma since 2011 included many spectacular efforts. And he is just the type of exciting scorer from deep that United and Chelsea, … [Read more...]

Arsenal will turn to Cavani if Vardy fails to join club

  Cavani is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer and it is said he favours a move to the Premier League after rejecting a big-money offer from China. The Uruguay international has snubbed a £500k-a-week deal from the Chinese Super League. Report have it that he is being lined up by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger if the deal for Jamie Vardy falls through. The 29-year-old is a top target for Wenger and will be handed a £120k-a-week contract to move to the Emirates. The Gunners activated Vardy's £20m release clause last week and were expecting to hear back from the Leicester star before he head to France for Euro 2016. However, the 29-year-old has delayed making a decision until after the tournament and the deal has stalled. If the move … [Read more...]

Mourinho wants Inter Milan defender Miranda at Old Trafford

  Positive showings in his debut Serie A campaign have put Miranda on Jose Mourinho’s transfer target list for the Red Devils to pursue. Premier League in the dugout with Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has emphasised the need for an improved defence by targeting Inter centre-back Miranda. The Brazilian proved to be a vital cog within a resilient Nerazzurri defence during an impressive start to the Serie A campaign, but his excellence has inevitably garnered transfer interest from the English giants this summer. Mourinho has already set the wheels in motion at Old Trafford with the recent signing of Eric Bailly, but the Portuguese tactician is keen on adding some experience to his back line and may raid his former club to add the 31-year-old to his … [Read more...]

Roma set to keep Radja Nianggolan despite Chelsea showing interest

Although Radja Nainggolan has attracted the interest of Chelsea, James Pallotta wants to keep him at the Giallorossi, particularly as they are close to losing Miralem Pjanic to Juventus. Given the continued speculation linking Radja Nainggolan with a move to Chelsea, Roma President James Pallotta has no intention of selling the Belgian international and he wants to keep him at all costs. Chelsea have shown interest in the 28-year-old midfielder, especially new Blues coach Antonio Conte who is a big fan of Nainggolan, and the Belgian revealed to the Giallorossi hierarchy by a phone call that he has spoken to the English club. With Miralem Pjanic expected to leave Roma for Juventus , Pallotta does not want to lose another key midfielder during the summer and … [Read more...]

Conte eager to bring Leonardo Bonucci to Stamford Bridge

  Current Italy coach Antonio Conte, who is set to take over at Premier League club Chelsea following Euro 2016 , will try to entice Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci during the summer transfer window. While the 29-year-old Azzurri international centre-back has repeatedly insisted he is happy in Turin, Conte is hoping to convince the player he worked with at club level while in charge of the Bianconeri between 2011-2014 to join him in West London. Bonucci has won five successive league titles with the Old Lady since joining the club from Bari in 2010, and according to La Republicca, the new man in charge at Stamford Bridge has instructed Blues officials to do everything possible to land the defender. This is despite the player being deemed unsellable … [Read more...]

Manchester City track Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte

Manchester City are said to be long admirers of Laporte, with a serious ankle injury sustained on France under-21s international duty not enough to quell their interest in the player. The France Under-21 international was not considered for the European Championship in France as a result of injury. One positive for City is that Laporte’s agents are Ivan de la Pena and Carles Puyol, the former Barcelona players who featured for the Catalans’ youth side at the same as Txiki Begiristain, City’s current sporting director, starred for the first team. The north west giants have also been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba but city rivals Manchester United are understood to be in pole position should the Frenchman elect to leave Turin this summer. … [Read more...]

Thierry Henry surprised at Jermy Vardy’s refusal to join Arsenal

Thierry Henry has spoken of his surprise as to why Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is hesitating over a move to Arsenal. Vardy, 29, is currently weighing up whether to make the switch to the Gunners, with sources daying that he has already undergone the first stage of his medical at the club. The former Fleetwood Town player is currently on international duty with England and reports claim he will not make a final decision on his future until after Euro 2016. "All I can say is if I was playing for Leicester and I had Arsenal coming, and I'm 29, I would have gone. But I'm not Jamie Vardy," Gunners legend Henry told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Either he has another proposition on the table, or Arsenal doesn't seem attractive to him anymore." While Henry is … [Read more...]

Rummeneigge: No contract prohibiting Pep from signing Bayern players

Bayern Munich have confirmed that Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is not contractually prohibited from signing players from his former club. Bayern's confirmation comes after Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa was quoted by Brazilian television network Globo Esporte as saying the opposite, earlier this week. He said of his former coach Pep Guardiola: "It is something he has in the contract, a clause that he can't take anyone from Bayern." Sources at City, however, said that is not the case and City are free to do business with Bayern Munich in the future. Speaking at a German Football League meeting in Frankfurt on Thursday, the Bavarian's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the PA report. "There is no agreement," the Bayern Chief said, adding that … [Read more...]

Nemanja Matic to force his way out of Chelsea to link up with Mourinho

Nemanja Matic has told Antonio Conte he wants to leave Chelsea this summer and link up with former boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, according to The Sun . Mourinho brought the Serb back to Stamford Bridge during his second spell with the Blues and is hoping to sign him again this summer. Despite playing a key part in 2015’s title win, Matic was one of the team’s biggest underperformers when Mourinho was sacked last year. It was claimed the pair fell out when Matic was substituted just 27 minutes after coming off the bench in the 3-1 defeat to Southampton, but Mourinho is actually a big fan of the defensive midfielder. Matic was one of the few Chelsea players to speak out in support of the Portuguese tactician after he was fired. And alongside … [Read more...]