Jamie Vardy is adamant he was never close to joining Arsenal as he feels he has unfinished business at Leicester. Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has stressed that rejecting a move to Arsenal was an easy decision for him and has claimed a transfer was never a realistic option. The England international was believed to be close to joining Arsenal ahead of Euro 2016 after the Emirates side triggered his release clause, but he eventually signed a new contract with Leicester instead. The 29-year-old has now reflected on his decision to stay put and is adamant staying at the Premier League champions was an easy call in the end. "[Turning down Arsenal] wasn't that big when I think about it. It was quite easy and this is where I want to be," Vardy told … [Read more...]
Klopp praises players after brilliant display
Jurgen Klopp reserved particular praise for four players after Liverpool eased past AC Milan in a pre-season friendly. Second half goals from Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino gave Liverpool a 2-0 victory over AC Milan in their International Champions Cup clash in California. Klopp’s team bounced back from Wednesday’s defeat to Chelsea with a deserved success over their Italian opponents at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium. Origi shone as a striker, while the manager was also impressed with summer signings Sadio Mane, Ragnar Klavan and debutant Georginio Wijnaldum. “Everyone knows about the potential of Divock Origi,” Klopp said. “I understand why you ask about Divock after a game like this but tonight wasn’t a night to talk about single players. “We … [Read more...]
Arsenal boosted in £50m chase after Wenger hint
Arsene Wenger has reaffirmed his desire to sign a new striker after Inter Milan hinted they are ready to accept a £50million bid for reported target Mauro Icardi. Along with Paul Pogba and Gonzalo Higuain, the future of Icardi has become the most-talked about transfer in Italy, with the Inter Milan talisman linked with moves to Napoli, Spurs and Arsenal this summer. And Inter president Erick Thohir has revealed he is willing to listen to offers for the forward, 23, if any club matches his £50m asking price. The Indonesian businessman would like to keep Icardi, who has scored of 52 goals in all competitions, since signing from Sampdoria in 2013. But he said: “All of us and Inter are hoping that figure goes above 60million euros. “Inter will be here … [Read more...]
Former Chelsea midfielder nets hat-trick for MLS side
After a less than ideal start to life in MLS, Frank Lampard now has eight goals in as many matches. Frank Lampard could not hide his delight after becoming the first New York City player to score a hat-trick in MLS. Lampard etched his name into the history books after scoring three goals in New York City's 5-1 rout of Colorado Rapids on Saturday. It has been a long and hard road for Lampard in New York, battling fitness and injury concerns, while attempting to win over fans in the Big Apple. But the 38-year-old former England international seems to have finally gained the approval of fans after improving his tally to eight goals in eight games. First hat trick in @NYCFC history Lampard finishes it off from the spot to make it three on the day. … [Read more...]
John stones focused despite Manchester City’s interest
Everton assistant manager Erwin Koeman has praised the attitude of John Stones in the face of Manchester City’s ongoing transfer pursuit. City boss Pep Guardiola on Thursday confirmed his club were “going to try” to sign the 22-year-old England centre-back . There has been increased speculation about a reported £50million move but Stones, who played the last 11 minutes of the Toffees’ penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Betis in Germany on Saturday and 69 minutes against Dynamo Dresden on Friday, has remained focused. “He is very positive,” Erwin Koeman said post-match. “Of course we know the rumours. John is very positive in training. He does his job, so that’s great. “It’s very simple – he is a member of Everton. Top professionals don’t show … [Read more...]
Everton reject Chelsea offer for striker Romelu Lukaku
Everton are keen to retain star striker Romelu Lukaku, but Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is hoping the Blues will use their financial muscle to land the 23-year-old this summer. The Belgian, who featured in just one full season at Stamford Bridge in 2011/12, has been put among the Italian’s top attacking targets during his extensive squad rebuild in London. Alvaro Morata is another wish that Conte would like granted by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, but a push for the striker appears to be the main objective at the moment. According to the Daily Mirror, Everton have already turned down a whopping €68 million offer from Chelsea for the Antwerp native, responding that a bid of more than €100m is needed to land the player. Such steep demands come amidst … [Read more...]
Origi, Firmino on target as Reds defeat Milan
Liverpool defeated AC Milan at the International Champions Cup as Divock Origi starred off the bench. Divock Origi had an instant impact in his first game of pre-season for Liverpool, scoring in a 2-0 victory over AC Milan at the International Champions Cup. The Belgium international came on at half-time and netted just before the hour-mark at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Saturday. Origi, who had been away at Euro 2016, produced a sublime finish into the bottom corner, before fellow substitute Roberto Firmino also struck. Sadio Mane, impressive in patches, should have scored in the first half, while M'Baye Niang had a great chance for Milan shortly after Origi's opener. Jurgen Klopp made numerous changes to the XI he started … [Read more...]