Joel Matip ready to prove his worth at Liverpool and says he came to England to test himself against the very best in the league. Liverpool defender Joel Matip is confident he will prove he is capable of competing against the best in the Premier League. Matip, 24, signed for Jurgen Klopp's men in February before officially joining the club at the start of the month. The former Schalke centre-back and 27-time Cameroon international feels he is ready to show he belongs at the Anfield club and in England's top flight. "That's why I came here. I want to play against the best to become better. That was my thinking and my choice and I'm really looking forward to it," Matip told the Liverpool Echo. "There's pressure but I want that – it's the reason why I … [Read more...]
Manchester City to negotiate Leroy Sane’s deal
Manchester City have balked at Schalke’s £42 million starting valuation of Leroy Sane but hope to reach a compromise with the German club after the attacking midfielder signalled his desire to move to the Etihad Stadium. Sane is ready to sign the offer of a four-year contract with City but negotiations over a fee for the highly-regarded 20-year-old are proving difficult with Schalke asking for €50 million (£41.7 million) with further performance related payments to follow. Although Pep Guardiola has pinpointed City’s defence as the main area of the team that needs addressing, the new head coach is keen to add more pace, creativity and goal threat to the attack and regards Sane as a priority target. Sane has played less than 60 senior games for Schalke … [Read more...]
Striking woes for Gunners as Sanchez set to miss start of the season
Arsenal are facing a potential striker crisis with star striker Alexis Sanchez set to miss the start of the season, according to reports. Sanchez has received treatment throughout his summer for an ankle injury sustained while on international duty at the Copa America Centenario with Chile and there are suggestions that the forward, who has been linked with a move to Juventus, will not be fit to face Liverpool on Sunday, August 14. Sanchez took to social media in June to post a defiant message after his injury. The 27-year-old was substituted after 104 minutes of the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – which Chile went on to win following a penalty shoot-out – in the wake of a heavy tackle by Gabriel Mercado. But reports say Arsenal fear that … [Read more...]
Klopp unhappy despite Reds friendly win
Jurgen Klopp was not happy with Liverpool’s first-half display as they brushed aside Fleetwood Town in pre-season on Wednesday. Marko Grujic, Ben Woodburn, Lucas Leiva and Roberto Firmino all scored as the Premier League side proved their dominance over the League One outfit. Liverpool’s three summer signings – Sadio Mane, Loris Karius and Joel Matip – all started, while a number of the club’s youngsters impressed the manager. Klopp made 11 changes at half-time with Liverpool only leading 1-0, before their superiority showed in the second half. After the game, the German said: “I take a few good things from the game. We have to work, but I saw a few good things. The chances we created, of course, and I saw a few good defensive actions as … [Read more...]
Guardiola wants Kimmich reunion at City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly weighing up a move for Bayern Munich and Germany defender Joshua Kimmich. City are considering making a £20m bid for the Bayern right-back who also excels as a defensive midfielder, but he is highly rated in Bavaria and the German champions are unlikely to want to lose one of their young stars. It was Guardiola who signed Kimmich for Bayern in January 2015 for £6m from RB Leipzig and he regularly featured last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions as Bayern won their fourth consecutive league title and the German Cup. Kimmich appeared at his first major international tournament for Germany at Euro 2016 this summer, becoming Germany’s first choice right back after their final group game against … [Read more...]
Bournemouth sign Jordon Ibe for £15m from Liverpool
AFC Bournemouth have announced the signing of winger Jordon Ibe from Liverpool, with the Cherries reportedly splashing out £15m to sign him. The England U21 international has signed a four-year deal at the Vitality Stadium and arrives at Bournemouth after he made 41 appearances for the Reds in all competitions last season. AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “We’re delighted to bring Jordon to the football club. “He played plenty of football with Liverpool last season and we’re looking forward to seeing him to continue to grow now with us, he’s a huge prospect. “We’ve now signed five players this summer, all of whom have an abundance of potential. “It shows that we’re serious about nurturing talent at this football club and we have … [Read more...]
Kante to decide future- Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri remains hopeful Leicester City can hold on to N'Golo Kante, but has admitted it's up to the midfielder to make a decision. Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has stressed N'Golo Kante's future is "in his own hands" amid reports claiming Real Madrid and Chelsea are keen to sign him. The holding midfielder was a key figure in Leicester winning the Premier League title in 2015-16 and his performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Madrid and Chelsea are believed to be interested in luring Kante away from Leicester, but the champions remain hopeful of keeping the 25-year-old. "We offered Kante a new deal before he went to the Euros," Ranieri told reporters. "Now I know there are a lot of big teams interested. "His future is … [Read more...]