Chris Smalling has been in hospital in Bali, Indonesia with food poisoning which led to him fainting, his club Manchester United said in a statement. Reports earlier on Monday said United were investigating after a picture of Smalling on a hospital bed surfaced on social media, and a club statement was released giving the official reason. The statement added that Smalling is "now feeling fine" and that the player thanked everyone for their support. Smalling has been in Bali on holiday ahead of reporting back for preseason training later this month. United players who have been involved in the European Championship will return to the club later than those not involved. Players who were not given delayed holidays, after international duty, begin work this … [Read more...]
Hirving Lozano to join Man United after Olympics
Hirving Lozano admits he cannot wait to start working for Jose Mourinho and to link up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United. Lozano has made 91 league appearances for Pachuca and has seven caps for Mexico, receiving his first call-up in February before going on to feature in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The player has since emerged as a target for United and his club’s vice-president Andres Fassi has confirmed talks are underway between the winger and the Premier League club. “Already there are negotiations with that team, yes, but there is still nothing finalised,” Fassi said. Since then the Mexico international’s father-in-law has talked up the 20-year-old’s move to Old Trafford and explained it will be finalised following the Rio … [Read more...]
Takuma Asano hopes his qualities will help him succeed at Arsenal
New Arsenal frontman Takuma Asano believes his “quick moves and eagerness” will help him become a success in the Premier League. The 21-year-old Japan striker has joined the Gunners from Sanfrecce Hiroshima for an undisclosed fee with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger seeing him as one for the future. Takuma, who has five caps for Japan revealed he was looking forward to proving himself abroad. “I am glad that I can have a challenge overseas, which I have always wanted,” he told the Evening Standard. “I want to play aggressively. I want to score many goals on the pitch, performing with my quick moves and eagerness.” The forward is nicknamed “The Jaguar” because of his lightning pace helped Sanfrecce win the Japanese J.League title in 2015 by scoring nine … [Read more...]
Liverpool and Man United battle for Porto Midfielder
Liverpool and Manchester United are set to battle each other for the signature of Porto Midfielder Ruben Neves according to reports. Neves has been linked with a host of clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, over the last 12 months after catching the eye since making his Porto breakthrough in 2014. The 19-year-old has made 75 appearances in all competitions for the club and has won two caps for Portugal, although he missed out on selection for Euro 2016. Reports in Portugal suggest it is now a race between Liverpool and United to land the sough-after teenager. Repors have it that Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Neves and the club are negotiating a €20million deal. However, O Jogo suggest the Red Devils are favourites to land Neves. Porto are … [Read more...]
Napoli determined to keep defender despite Chelsea interest
Contrary to speculation, a deal to take the highly-rated centre-back to Stamford Bridge is far from complete, with the Campania club determined not to sell. Despite reports suggesting a move to Chelsea is imminent, Napoli have insisted that Kalidou Koulibaly is not for sale. Sources in England over the weekend had claimed that the 25-year-old was on course to become Antonio Conte’s first major defensive signing at Stamford Bridge , with a fee of around €35.75 million being mooted for the imposing centre-back. However, with three years left to run on his current deal at the Stadio San Paolo, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested that he expects the ex-Genk player to see out the remainder of his contract with the Partenopei. “I have never … [Read more...]
Chelsea want Higuain as replacement for Diego Costa
With the Neapolitans standing firm on their talisman’s €94m release clause, their resolve it set to be tested by the Blues, who are seeking a Diego Costa replacement. A return to Atletico Madrid for Diego Costa will reportedly see Chelsea replace the Spaniard with Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain. The Rojiblancos have been chasing a new striker for the season ahead, with the Argentine himself strongly linked, but it appears that Diego Simeone will seek to return Costa to the Spanish capital, where he spent a number of years before moving to England. According to AS, Antonio Conte’s side will offer the Partenopei a sizeable figure for Higuain, although it is unclear if they’ll meet his €94 million release clause or seek to negotiate a lower … [Read more...]
Arsenal goalkeeper Szcsesny set to remain on loan with Roma
Wojciech Szczesny could join the Lupi side on loan for another campaign after Luciano Spalletti made his capture a top priority. After spending last season on loan with Roma , Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szcsesny is set for another spell with the capital club. Lupi coach Luciano Spalletti made it clear to directors that he wants the Polish international at his disposal next campaign, and it appears they are ready to satisfy his demands. Although Roma locked up a deal for promising Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson from Internacional for €7.5 million, that move came prior to the Italian’s appointment as boss. With the Brazilian having yet to play in Europe, Spalletti is keen to ensure he has an experienced option at his disposal. A move for Szczesny … [Read more...]