Jose Mourinho has informed his Manchester United players that he wishes to work with a first-team group of just 24. Mourinho, who used just 22 players when leading Chelsea to the 2014/15 Premier League title, will seek to use a similarly ‘small, tight-knit group’ at Old Trafford. Joe Bernstein claims that the Portuguese will select just 24 players for his first team, and ‘will allow anyone outside that to leave the club or train with the under 21s’. He prefers to work with a smaller group as opposed to a ‘bloated squad with players frustrated at a lack of game-time’. Mourinho’s predecessor, Louis van Gaal, used a total of 33 players in the Premier League this past season, as the Dutchman struggled with a spate on injuries and relied on youth-team players … [Read more...]
Chelsea to replace Fabregas with Kante as Mourinho shows interest
With new Blues coach Antonio Conte expected to let several players go this summer, Cesc Fabregas could well need to find a new club . With his future at Chelsea uncertain, Cesc Fabregas could be offered a lifeline by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. The pair worked together at Stamford Bridge during the last two campaigns, winning both the Premier League and the Capital One Cup before the Portuguese tactician was sacked for a poor start to last season. New Chelsea boss and former Italy coach Antonio Conte could have a clear out at Chelsea this summer and Fabregas may be forced to leave, though he could stay in the Premier League. According to reports, Mourinho has targeted the Spaniard in order to bolster his midfield at Old Trafford, and … [Read more...]
Joe Allen set for showdown talks with Jurgen Klopp
As speculation mounts over whether Joe Allen will be offered a new deal or offloaded by Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp says talks are imminent. Joe Allen is set for showdown talks with Jurgen Klopp to decide his Liverpool future. The midfielder is a reported transfer target for the likes of Celtic, where ex-Reds boss Brendan Rodgers took charge in May, and former club Swansea City, as he enters the final year of his current Liverpool deal having put himself firmly in the shop window with his Euro 2016 exploits for Wales. Allen made eight Premier League starts for the Merseyside club last season and boss Klopp told BBC Radio 5 live: "We will find a solution but it's not done. "Obviously Joe Allen is a good player. We never doubted this. "He played a good … [Read more...]
Galatasaray offer Wilfried Bony an escape route
Galatasaray have offered Wilfried Bony an escape route from Manchester City after the striker was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium. The Ivory Coast international has failed to make an impact at the Etihad, scoring just 10 goals in 18 months at the club. The 27-year-old was in superb form at Swansea before his move to Manchester in January 2015 for £28m, netting 35 goals in 70 appearances for the Swans in all competitions. Bony scored just eight goals in 34 appearances for City last season, starting 18 times. Swansea also have an interest in bringing the striker back to South Wales but he may favour a £3million loan spell with the Turkish giants. If the Galatasaray transfer does go ahead, the Turkish club will be in pole position … [Read more...]
Ferguson heaps praise on Ex-United superstar Ronaldo
Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic makes him the "special" player he is. Cristiano Ronaldo is the "special footballer" of his generation, according to former boss Alex Ferguson. The ex-Manchester United manager was on hand to witness Ronaldo finally convert his phenomenal club success into international honours in Paris on Sunday, as the injured Portugal captain rallied his country from the sidelines to Euro 2016 glory. And the 74-year-old insists that Ronaldo's work rate and hunger - part of the reason he first brought the attacker to Old Trafford as an 18-year-old in 2003 - is what sets him apart from his contemporaries. "He has an incredible desire for football, Cristiano is looking forward to each workout. He always wants to be … [Read more...]
Chelsea make £29m bid for N’Golo Kante
Chelsea have made a £29 million bid for Leicester’s France international midfielder, N’Golo Kanté, and want to push the deal forward this weekend. Antonio Conte, the new Chelsea manager, has made his move for the player, with a formal offer being considered by the Premier League champions. Leicester’s hierarchy were discussing Chelsea’s bid in Austria on Wednesday night yet remain hopeful of persuading the 25-year-old to stay for at least another season. Kanté has already turned down one contract proposal since the end of last season but Leicester are prepared to make another improved offer in a bid to keep him at the King Power Stadium. The new offer will make him the club’s best-paid player and is expected to be worth over £100,000 a week. Chelsea, … [Read more...]
Skrtel passes medical ahead of Fenerbahce move
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has passed a medical ahead of his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. It was reported last week that a fee of around £5 million had been agreed and that Skrtel was given permission to enter discussions with Fenerbahce. The centre-back arrived in Turkey on Tuesday to finalise his move with last season’s Super Lig runners-up. Skrtel, who signed a new contract with the Reds in July 2015, fell out of favour under manager Jurgen Klopp and found his game time limited. The arrival of Joel Matip from Schalke and the near return of promising youngster Joe Gomez meant that competition for a place in the heart of the defence at Anfield had increased. The Slovakian defender joined Liverpool in January 2008 and made 320 appearances … [Read more...]