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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]