Besiktas president Fikret Orman claimed yesterday the Turkish club were closing in on a deal for Mario Balotelli and the Liverpool striker was keen on the move. "Mario Balotelli is the type of footballer that our fans can associate themselves with," Orman told Turkish magazine Fanatik. "In short, we want Mario Balotelli and he wants us too." However, reports in Turkish newspaper Sabah claim the 25-year-old has now turned down a move to the Istanbul-based club. The report says Balotelli told his agent Mino Raiola to inform Besiktas of his decision and to let them know he sees his future in Europe's top leagues instead. “Currently I want to continue my career in England, Italy or Spain. Maybe in the future I can wear a Besiktas shirt," Balotelli's … [Read more...]
Man City drops interest in Bonucci as club open Stones talks
Manchester City’s pursuit of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could be all but over after it emerged that the Citizens have opened talks with Everton over the transfer of John Stones. Despite only assuming the role at the start of the summer, new City boss Pep Guardiola has immediately prioritised defensive reinforcements, with his search for a ball-playing centre-back who is able to start attacks, leading him to Bonucci and the Everton youngster. Last month, a bid of €60 million was immediately knocked back by the Bianconeri for their star defender, and now it appears that Guardiola has focused his attentions elsewhere, with the BBC claiming that talks between the two Premier League clubs over Stones are at an advanced stage. Bought from Barnsley for … [Read more...]
Guardiola gets first win as Man City beat Dortmund in shoot-out
Sergio Aguero scored the first goal of the new Pep Guardiola era but he needed penalties to see his first win as Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup. Argentina striker Aguero came on as a half-time substitute to put City ahead in the 78th minute before Christian Pulisic scored with virtually the last kick of the game to send the match to penalties. Academy keeper Angus Gunn then became the hero -- saving three spot-kicks as City won 6-5 on penalties. It was just City's second game of preseason -- following the cancellation of Monday's game against Manchester United -- while it was Dortmund's sixth and Guardiola can be pleased with his side's workout on a sultry night and on a pitch that cut up badly. But they … [Read more...]
Inter Milan to make improve offer for Liverpool target
Liverpool and Chelsea are among four clubs to have had bids rejected for in-demand Portugal midfielder Joao Mario with Inter Milan set to make another move. The player’s father yesterday claimed in the Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias that both Liverpool and Inter had seen offers rejected for the 23-year-old. And now the player’s agent Kia Joorabchian has confirmed those reports. “A European champion must be rewarded,” he said. “From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club. “Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids.” Portuguese newspaper Record claims that the other two clubs to have bids rejected were … [Read more...]
Arsenal linked with a move for Juventus striker
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic just a year after he joined Juventus. The Old Lady have signed Gonzalo Higuain for £75m and Italian reports suggest that they will now sell either Mandzukic of Simone Zaza. Gazzetta credit Arsenal, West Ham and Watford with interest in the 30-year-old who scored ten Serie A goals last season descpite starting only 24 games. The Croatian is valued at around £18m in Italy. He said in May: “I am very happy here and I feel extraordinary. I had bad luck with injuries, but now I feel great and that is why I’m happy. “I want to stay here, 100 per cent. I am happy at Juve and next season we can do even better. “The important thing is to maintain the squad and introduce a couple of … [Read more...]
Diego Costa hints at Chelsea exit
The biggest story for Chelsea on Thursday may turn out to be an Instagram post from Diego Costa, which many fans interpreted as a goodbye message, rather than their 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool. Although the Spain striker didn’t play a single minute of the victory in the International Champions Cup, he posed with some Chelsea teammates in the dressing room after the match at the Pasadena Rose Bowl and hinted at an exit with the caption of his photo. “Thank you very much for all my friends,” he posted, offering an unusual amount gratitude to his colleagues for securing a friendly win. Costa has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, with his former team Atletico Madrid one of the suitors, which has led … [Read more...]
Manchester City keen on Everton defender John Stones
Manchester City have opened talks with Everton over a deal for John Stones, according to reports. With Vincent Kompany set to miss the start of the season through injury, Martin Demichelis having been released, and neither Nicolas Otamendi or Eliaquim Mangala managing to fully convince in the Premier League, City are in the market for a new centre-back. Leonardo Bonucci – who featured in our top five defensive targets – had been mooted, but it now appears City manager Pep Guardiola has set his sights on England international Stones. The 22-year-old is expected to cost around £50million and it is understood the two clubs are not far apart in their valuations. Stones’ comfort on the ball and willingness to play out from the back – which has often … [Read more...]