Santos' highly-rated forward Gabriel Barbosa is set to consider his future at the club after winning gold with Brazil at the Rio Olympics . The 19-year-old went to the 2016 Games being linked with a host of Premier League sides, including Chelsea and Manchester United, but put speculation on hold as he helped the Selecao beat Germany in the final of the Olympic football tournament at the weekend to take gold on home soil. With the Games now over, Barbosa - also known as 'Gabigol' for his goal-scoring exploits - has revealed he will think about his future at Santos. "Up until now, I haven’t really had the time to think about anything because my attention was completely on the Olympics," the forward said. "Now I will celebrate with my family, then I … [Read more...]
Guardiola ‘cannot deny’ move for Bravo; Toure, Hart could play
Pep Guardiola has suggested both Joe Hart and Yaya Toure could feature in Wednesday’s Steaua Bucharest clash and also spoke about Claudio Bravo. The Spaniard will allow the England No.1 goalkeeper to leave the Etihad if he wishes, but is willing to give him some first-team football as he rotates his squad for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier. “In terms of long-term injuries, Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan have little problems,” Guardiola told reporters. “We have ten days to work with them and improve their physical conditions. “Hopefully, when we come back from the international break, they will be a full part of our training sessions. “Bacary Sagna is not available. Against West Ham it is not possible for him to play. Maybe at … [Read more...]
Milan reject Chelsea bid for Alessio Romagnoli
AC Milan have rejected a bid “in excess of €25million” from Chelsea for defender Alessio Romagnoli. The Serie A side confirmed on their TV channel that they had rebuffed an approach for the 21-year-old defender, who only moved to Milan in a €25million deal from Roma last summer. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has told the Blues that Romagnoli is “unsellable” after reports in Italy on Monday claimed that Chelsea had turned their attentions to Romagnoli, having switched the attention from Kalidou Koulibaly. Sky Italia have also reported the story but claim Antonio Conte’s bid was closer to £30million. New Blues boss Conte is in desperate need for a centre-back and may well up his offer for Romagnoli, who … [Read more...]
Liverpool ‘open to loan offers’ for Mamadou Sakho
Liverpool are ready to allow Mamadou Sakho to leave the club on loan to allow him to regain his form, according to reports. Sakho, 26, has not played a competitive game since April, when UEFA launched an anti-doping investigation following a failed test. The France centre-back was cleared by a UEFA board in July but suffered an Achilles injury ahead of the preseason tour to America, and Jurgen Klopp then sent him home from the tour for repeatedly breaking rules. Sakho returned to training on Monday after recovering from injury but The Times, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph all report that Liverpool are now open the idea of allowing him to spend time elsewhere rebuilding his form and fitness. Klopp brought in Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan in the summer … [Read more...]
Klopp backs Sturridge to get back to his best
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has questioned the mindset of Daniel Sturridge, but is aiming to help the striker put his injury problems behind him. Klopp insists the England man remains “outstanding player”, but has refused to compare him to the Sturridge of old. The 26-year-old striker made his first appearance of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday after a hip problem sidelined him at Arsenal. Sturridge played on the right-hand side of Klopp’s front three at Turf Moor, but he struggled to make an impact on the game in attack and was replaced on 65 minutes by Divock Origi. “Daniel is still a very quick player but he’s had a lot of injuries in the last few years and a few muscle issues – I have no idea how this exactly changes the mind … [Read more...]
Valencia insist Arsenal target Mustafi is ‘not for sale’
Shkodran Mustafi will remain at the club this summer according to Valencia manager Pako Ayestaran. Arsene Wenger revealed he was hopeful of completing a deal for the 23-year-old after Saturday's goalless draw with Leicester, but the clubs are yet to strike an agreement that satisfies all parties despite the Gunners settling personal terms with the player. Mustafi's manager has since delivered a blow to Wenger, who is pursuing defensive targets following long-term injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista. The Valencia boss said: "Mustafi is not for sale and he will stay at VCF. The market is open and there are still possibilities." The Germany international is Wenger's primary target with just over a week to go in the summer transfer … [Read more...]
MLS attractive option for Rooney – Paulson
Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson believes Wayne Rooney should consider MLS soon. Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney would find MLS "attractive", according to Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson. Rooney, 30, could find it difficult to hold his place at United, but he has a goal and an assist in two Premier League games this season. Timbers owner Paulson believes the England international would be well suited to the United States – if he makes the move in the near future. "I would argue he still has some good soccer ahead of him," he told the Mirror. "I think he would be a great signing for MLS - 100 per cent MLS would be attractive for him. "Keeping in mind that is a very talented footballer, who has quality soccer ahead of him, you … [Read more...]