Wayne Rooney says the arrival of Jose Mourinho has given him added motivation for next season. Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has suggested he preferred to play Rooney in a more attacking role, rather than see him pull strings from midfield as he did under predecessor Louis van Gaal. Rooney will be looking to forge a formidable strike partnership with new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after a dearth of goals last season. “I’m really excited to be working with Jose,” said the England captain. “He’s one of the best managers in the world and it’s an exciting time for Manchester United. “I’ve always respected him both as a man and a manager. I like to think I’m always motivated as a player but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit more motivated when a new … [Read more...]
Arsenal look to sign Napoli striker but won’t meet release clause
Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Gonzalo Higuain but will not remotely consider meeting the Napoli striker’s £78.8million release clause. The Italian club have indicated to the Gunners that Higuain is available this summer as manager Arsene Wenger scours Europe to find a top class centre-forward to spearhead Arsenal’s Premier League title push next season. Higuain has a release clause of 94.4m euros, which due to the slump in the value of the pound since Britain’s referendum vote to leave the European Union, now equates to approximately £10m more than earlier in the year. Sources in Italy claim Arsenal have expressed an interest in pursuing a deal for the 28-year-old and that due to Napoli’s desire to sell, they could drop the asking … [Read more...]
Conte set to be unveiled as new Chelsea boss
Antonio conte will be unveiled as Chelsea coach on thursday, with fans hoping he can deliver the goods at Stamford Bridge. Conte was appointed Chelsea boss on April 4 and takes up his role after leading Italy at Euro 2016, where they suffered a penalty shootout loss to Germany in the quarter-finals. The Godfather – his nickname among the Italy players, according to Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci – is the permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, who is now boss of Manchester United. As well as having a new man at the helm, Chelsea are expected to be more active than usual in the transfer market this summer. Michy Batshuayi is Conte’s sole signing to date, but Leicester’s N’Golo Kante, Bonucci , Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan and numerous others … [Read more...]
Mario Balotelli set for Liverpool exit
Mario Balotelli looks set for the exit at Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp having told him he cannot afford to be competing for places. Jurgen Klopp has told Mario Balotelli he needs to leave Liverpool, but hopes to help him rediscover his best form beforehand. Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan in 2014 but, after scoring just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances in his first season at the club, he was sent back to San Siro on loan the following year. The 25-year-old managed just to find the net just once in Serie A last term, though he missed more than three months with a groin injury, and Klopp does not see a future for him at Anfield. However, the German hopes to help build Balotelli's confidence back up before sending him to a club where he … [Read more...]
Arsenal and Chelsea look set to bring Roma defender to England
With contract talks seemingly set to break down and defensive reinforcements on their way, Roma could be set to offload centre-back Kostas Manolas. The impending arrival of Juan Jesus could signal the end of Kostas Manolas’ time at Roma , with the defender being monitored by Arsenal and Chelsea. With a deal agreed with Inter for an initial loan, followed by a mandatory purchase, of their Brazilian centre-back, it has fuelled further rumours that Manolas will depart the Giallorossi. Although he is contracted until 2019, considerable interest from the Premier League could force Roma’s hand and lead to a sale this summer, according to GazzaMercato. With the Giallorossi also looking to bring in Real Madrid’s Nacho and free agent Martin Caceres, who most … [Read more...]
Chelsea and Arsenal battle for Kante as Chinese club shows interest
Chelsea's attempts to sign N'Golo Kante are complicated by interest from China and the efforts of several Leicester players to convince him to stay. Kante’s £20m release-clause is not prohibitive to Manchester United, Arsenal or Juventus, who are among those monitoring the situation, but Chelsea have shown the greatest willingness to act. Progress is expected this week now France have completed their Euro 2016 campaign but Chinese club Shanghai SIPG have raised the stakes by indicating they are prepared to pay £35m. Kante is thought to be undecided on his future, with his team-mates pleading with him to stay for one more year. Although the 25-year-old is keen to join Chelsea, they cannot offer him Champions League football and Leicester hope the lure of … [Read more...]
David Beckham sends Marcus Rashford a signed Manchester United shirt
Former England captain David Beckham has sent a signed Manchester United shirt to youngster Marcus Rashford. The 19-year-old burst onto the scene for the Red Devils last season and secured a place in England's Euro 2016 squad, despite his inexperience at international level. The tournament ended in disappointment for Roy Hodgson's side but Rashford was one of few players to emerge with credit courtesy of a couple of eye-catching substitute appearances in France. Rashford is now set to turn his attention back to United ahead of his first full season at Old Trafford and has recevied a message of encouragement from club legend Beckham. Nice to be appreciated by one of the best 3:14 PM - 11 Jul 2016 Marcus … [Read more...]