Joe Hart won praise for his "qualities and behaviour" from Pep Guardiola but the Manchester City boss will keep his goalkeeping option open. Pep Guardiola praised the goalkepper's attitude and application ahead of Manchester City's Premier League opener versus Sunderland but refused to give any guarantees over the England goalkeeper's future at the Etihad Stadium. The shot-stopper endured a chastening Euro 2016 with England, making glaring errors in the matches against Wales and Iceland. The 29-year-old's future has been a matter of much speculation during the close-season, with the changes to City's style implemented by Guardiola reported to include the desire for a "sweeper-keeper" who joins his defence in passing out from the back. With the England … [Read more...]
Conte hopeful about more signings at Chelsea
Antonio Conte has said Chelsea are looking for new players “every day” but the “crazy” prices being paid has made the process difficult. The Blues have made two big-money signings this summer with midfielder N’Golo Kante and striker Michy Batshuayi both arriving for over £30m apiece, but there are concerns over the lack of options in defence. However, Conte suggested that Chelsea are still active in the transfer market and will make more signings before the window closes if the right deals can be made. “I speak every day with the club and we have a plan,” Conte told a press conference. “We know that this transfer market is crazy and different but we must be patient to find the right solutions for the team and it is important to speak every day with … [Read more...]
Paul Pogba suspended for Manchester United’s first game
Manchester United will open their season without the most expensive signing in the history of the game, Paul Pogba who has been suspended for the Red Devils' Premier League opener, pushing his debut back a week. Pogba was booked twice in last season's Coppa Italia final with Juventus and Manchester United have been informed that the ban will be enforced by the Premier League. Jose Mourinho said he wasn't sure if he would still be suspended with his move to England, but it was confirmed that it will be. Even if Pogba wasn't suspended, he almost definitely wouldn't have started anyway. The midfielder was given an extended summer break after playing with France at the Euros and only returned to training this week after he signed with Manchester United. He … [Read more...]
Jesse Lingard amazed at Mourinho’s sense of humour
Manchester United youngster Jesse Lingard has described the "aura" around manager Jose Mourinho, and says the Portuguese has surprised him with his joking nature. The 23-year-old Lingard scored in Manchester United's 2-1 Community Shield defeat of Premier League champions Leicester City last Sunday, and has impressed in the preseason thus far despite stiff competition from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata and others for a spot in the first team. Mourinho, known for his sometimes prickly disposition, took over the club this summer following the sacking of former boss Louis van Gaal. Speaking to gathered media on Thursday, Lingard, while acknowledging the demanding nature of the ex-Chelsea manager's training sessions, spoke of a more light-hearted Mourinho … [Read more...]
Arsenal have not agreed personal terms with Mustafi – reports
Arsenal remain in talks with Shkodran Mustafi, but the defender’s agent has denied claims than agreement has been reached. The Gunners face an injury crisis just days before the start of the Premier League season, with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel unavailable, while Laurent Koscielny is not match fit. Calum Chambers and Rob Holding could be used as the central-defensive pairing to face Liverpool on Sunday, but Arsene Wenger remains keen to add a defender this summer. Valencia centre-half Mustafi has emerged as his main target, and the Gunners reportedly had a £15m bid rejected recently. But it was reported earlier on Thursday that Arsenal had reached a breakthrough with regards to the deal, and hope to confirm the signing of the German international … [Read more...]
Fenerbahce interested in Man United midfielder
Fenerbahce have not given up hope of signing Manchester United man Juan Mata, despite his reported £20m price tag. The Spaniard's future at Old Trafford is uncertain following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager and he has reportedly handed in a transfer request at the club. Everton have been linked with a move for the former Chelsea playmaker but they are not expected to face an easy run at him. Now, according to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, Fenerbahce are still working out an approach for Mata as they bid to replace Nani in their attack. And it has been claimed that the Super Lig side will not be put off by his high asking price this summer - and may make a move in the coming days. The 28-year-old has played 86 times for Manchester United in … [Read more...]
Odion Ighalo signs new Watford contract
Odion Ighalo has ended speculation of a move away from Watford by signing a new five-year deal at Vicarage Road. The Nigeria international, who scored 17 goals in 42 appearances last season, had been linked with a move away this summer with West Brom reportedly keen on signing him. But the club have announced that Ighalo, 27, has followed Hornets captain and strike partner Troy Deeney in committing his future to the club until 2021. Ighalo initially joined Watford on a season-long loan deal from Udinese in July 2014, but the transfer was made permanent the following October. He rose to prominence with four second-half goals as the Hornets came from 2-0 down to beat Blackpool 7-2 in January 2015. Ighalo finished last season with 20 goals in 38 … [Read more...]