The Jose Mourinho era at Manchester United began with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan, with goals from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira settling a low-key pre-season friendly. Missing his Euro 2016 contingent, Mourinho still used 22 players on his touchline debut with the Red Devils and will be content with what, in truth, was little more than a glorified training exercise. United controlled a goalless first half before goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen saw his kick charged down by Juan Mata in the 48th minute and Keane nabbed the first goal of Mourinho’s reign. Pereira found the top corner nine minutes later to secure the result, though Mourinho will surely have been more interested in bright showings from new arrivals Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly … [Read more...]
Chelsea sign N’Golo Kante from Leicester City
Chelsea have signed N'Golo Kante from Leicester City on a five-year deal reported to be worth around £30 million, both clubs have announced. Kante, 25, becomes Chelsea's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and arrives at Stamford Bridge just 12 months after joining Leicester from Caen. Chelsea saw off reported competition from Juventus, Arsenal and Shanghai SIPG to make Kante second signing of the summer transfer window, after the acquisition of Belgium international striker Michy Batshuayi for a fee of £33m at the start of July. Kante established a reputation as one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe after playing a key role in Leicester's stunning Premier League title triumph last season, and breaking … [Read more...]
Klopp happy with Liverpool squad at his disposal as he hints on more signings
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool can challenge at the top of the Premier League this season regardless of whether they lure 'big name' signings to Anfield . Klopp has recruited four players so far – and at least three more are expected soon – but the most renowned target, Mario Gotze, eluded him . The German international’s refusal to commit prior to the European Championships snapped Klopp’s patience Klopp felt Liverpool were being used by Gotze as a back-up option so withdraw his offer to his former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who is now close to rejoining his old club from Bayern Munich. The Liverpool coach is adamant the right players - committed to his vision - are available, and don’t need to be hugely expensive, famous faces. “If we go for players … [Read more...]
Markovic set to leave Liverpool as Klopp continues cut down
Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic is expected to be another victim of Jurgen Klopp’s squad trimming, according to a report. The 22-year-old was hoping to get a chance to impress Klopp in pre-season and the coach had hinted that would be the case, but the lack of European football at Anfield means Klopp has been told to trim his squad. Goal claim there have been enquiries from clubs in Spain and Italy for Markovic, but Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon are leading the chase for the player, who spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce. Sporting boss Jorge Jesus worked with Markovic when he was with Benfica in 2013/14 and Jesus is believed to be eager to be reunited with Markovic, who has a contract at Anfield until 2019. Last week Klopp reportedly told his … [Read more...]
Chelsea sign N’Golo Kante for £30m from Leicester
Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante is reported to have undergone a medical at Chelsea, with a £30million transfer expected to be completed over the weekend. Numerous reports on Friday evening claimed Chelsea had agreed a deal with Leicester, despite the champions’ best efforts to keep the France workhorse at the King Power Stadium. Kante is understood to have passed a medical at Chelsea’s Cobham base on Friday, with confirmation of the transfer likely to come in the next 48 hours. Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said earlier this week that he was unsure of Kante’s intentions, despite the Foxes offering the player a new contract. When asked about Kante’s future Ranieri told the Leicester Mercury: “I don’t know. I know one thing, we have offered a new … [Read more...]
Juventus join race for Napoli striker
An Argentine striking partnership could be about to form at the Juventus Stadium as the Old Lady weigh up a mega move for Gonzalo Higuain. Interest in Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain continues to grow as Juventus have now joined the race, with the Bianconeri reportedly willing to meet his release clause. After the departure of Alvaro Morata earlier in the summer to Real Madrid, the Old Lady are in the market for a replacement and they don’t get much better than last season’s Serie A top goalscorer. Juventus director Beppe Marotta is ready to submit a proposal to the Partenopei for the player – with indications suggesting that it will come close or meet the release clause of €94.7 million. Any bid in the region of the reported release clause would … [Read more...]
Arda Turan to stay at Barcelona despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea
Arda Turan is determined to remain at Barcelona this summer and fight for his place, despite heavy interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, according to the player’s agent. It was reported earlier this week that Barcelona would be willing to let Turan leave for £23million after a disappointing first season at the Catalan giants. The Turkey midfielder was unable to play for the first half of the season because of Barcelona’s transfer embargo and when finally eligible, he featured for only 810 minutes in the league, scoring two goals and providing four assists. However the 29-year-old is keen to stay with the Spanish champions, despite reports that Arsenal and Chelsea are keen to sign the midfielder. “The interest [in Arda] is normal but the rumours saying he … [Read more...]