Antonio Conte said he had no cause for complaint after seeing his Italy side defeated 1-0 by Republic of Ireland in their final Group E match on Wednesday. Conte made eight changes from the side that beat Sweden as Italy were already confirmed as group winners going into the final game. Despite some good chances, including substitute Lorenzo Insigne hitting the post, they were beaten when Robbie Brady headed home a Wes Hoolahan cross on 85 minutes. The second-string Azzurri side did not come close to the standards set in Italy's group opener when they beat Belgium 2-0, but Conte said he was satisfied with the match. "In all honesty, I have little to complain about," Conte told Rai Sport in quotes reported by Football Italia. "It was a very tough, … [Read more...]
Liverpool linked with a move for Martin Odegaard
Liverpool have been linked with a fresh move for long-term target Martin Odegaard – and a man who Carlo Ancelotti admitted was signed by Real Madrid as a ‘public relations exercise’. Norwegian Odegaard was once one of Europe’s most-coveted youngsters, with Real eventually beating Liverpool, Ajax and a number of other elite clubs to the then-16-year-old’s signature. The teenager had been pictured visiting Liverpool’s Melwood training ground before his move from Stromgodset, with Odegaard claiming he was a life-long Reds fan. Although his eventual arrival at Real was met with much fanfare and excitement, he has endured a difficult time, making only one first-team appearance, and struggling to have an enduring impact at youth levels. Writing in his … [Read more...]
Juventus considering Arsenal star man as Morata’s replacement
Alexis Sanchez could return to the Seria A, although the Old Lady will have to be prepared to spend big if they are to tempt him away from the Emirates With Juventus having lost striker Alvaro Morata to Real Madrid , they are identifying attacking arrivals and are mulling over a move for Alexis Sanchez. The Arsenal striker has previous experience in Serie A, having starred with Udinese from 2006 until 2011, where his performances earned him a big-money move to Barcelona. Now in London, Juventus are keen on offering him a way back to Italian football as they look to fill the attacking void that Morata is set to leave behind him. With Juventus set to pocket €32 million from the sale of the Spaniard to Real Madrid, there is cash available for them this … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]