Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel seemed poised to make a switch to Everton, but Liverpool have reportedly lined up an eleventh hour move. Liverpool are attempting to gain ground on Napoli and rivals Everton in the race to sign Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel. The Anfield outfit are eager to bolster the centre of the pitch by pursuing the sought-after Belgian now that one of their former transfer targets, Gregorz Krychowiak, has signed for Paris Saint-Germain. That said, the Toffees, who placed a €36 million bid on the 27-year-old, believe they’re still in pole position to acquire the footballer, according to The Sun. Maurizio Sarri had been keen to add the Belgian to his Napoli midfield, whilst Roma , Inter , and Juventus had all … [Read more...]
Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski set to join Napoli
Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski is closing in on a move to Napoli, according to reports in Italy. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the Poland international and last month his intention was to reject all overtures from Napoli and hold out for a move to Liverpool. However, that now appears to have changed with Tele Club Italia reporting that Zielinski will sign for the Serie A club by tomorrow at the latest. Liverpool and Napoli are believed to lodged a €12million bids for the player, but according to reports Liverpool’s offer has been rejected, while the Naples-based club have had their same bid accepted. Udinese are trying to get more money from the Premier League club and are now intent on selling Zielinski to their Serie A … [Read more...]
Ballack hails Giroud after netting a brace against Iceland
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack says Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is becoming his favourite player at Euro 2016. Giroud was named man of the match after scoring twice in France’s 5-2 victory over Iceland in the quarter-finals, a victory which sets up a clash with Germany in the final four. And former Germany captain Ballack has heaped praise on the 29-year-old, who has been much maligned by Arsenal supporters throughout his three years in north London. “Maybe he doesn’t get a lot of praise sometimes because he is not that fast. But Giroud really knows how to play upfront on and off the ball and we saw that today [against Iceland],” he said “He is becoming my favourite player in the tournament so far because he plays in a way that always … [Read more...]
Lucas Leiva unsure of Liverpool future amid Besiktas interest
Lucas Leiva has admitted he is unsure what the future holds for him at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp amid talk Besiktas are set to swoop for his services. The 29-year-old midfielder will return to Melwood this week to start pre-season training, but his long-term future is far from assured and reports suggest Besiktas are back on the trail of the holding midfielder. Lucas told Radio Joven Pan in Brazil: “There have been some changes last season, with the coaching change. “I still do not know exactly what will be my role within the group, but I am returning on Thursday to start the pre-season. “It’s the first transfer window in which Klopp will participate more actively in Liverpool, so I will get a better idea when I return.” Martin Skrtel is set to … [Read more...]
Lazio interested in Chelsea flop
With Corinthians keen to offload him, former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato could be on his way back to Serie A, as Lazio look to push for a European spot next season. After the club missed out on Europe last season, incoming Lazio coach Marcelo Bielsa is keen to add new options to his attack, particularly in the wake of Miroslav Klose’s departure . The Biancocelesti are looking to build on last year’s eighth place finish in Serie A and are hoping to bring in former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato move to the Stadio Olimpico. The Aquile are readying an approach for the Corinthians-owned forward, who only has six months left on his contract with the Brazilian league champions and could be available for a cut price, according to reports. A return to … [Read more...]
Morata wants pay rise as Arsenal are set to lure him to the Emirates
Alvaro Morata’s agent will meet with Real Madrid officials and demand a pay rise after his excellent Euro 2016, according to AS. Morata has returned to the Spanish club after they exercised his buy-back clause for £25m, but they could still sell him to a Premier League club to help fund expected moves for Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante. After an impressive season for Juventus and three goals at Euro 2016, Morata’s agents want an increase on his wages of £65,000 a week after tax; reports suggest that Madrid will offer the same terms. ‘It’s understandable that Morata would want a pay rise considering the offers he has received from the Premier (Arsenal are willing to pay 9 million). But Madrid, for the moment at least, have other ideas,’ say AS. Morata is … [Read more...]
Kelechi Iheanacho risks wrath of new City gaffer Pep Guardiola
KELECHI IHEANACHO has risked the wrath of Pep Guardiola by declaring he wants to represent Nigeria at the Olympics. The striker, who netted 14 goals for City last season, is now set to miss the start of new season by going to the Games The 19 year old Nigerian was included in his country’s 35–man provisional squad early last month. But it was then made clear to him that Guardiola – presented on Sunday to the club’s fans at the City Football Academy – wanted him to remain and start work with him. But Iheanacho, who was last season’s eight – goal second top scorer in the Premier League admits he would still like to go to Rio. He says: “I don’t know if I can go because it is not up to me to decide because they have not concluded the squad. “But … [Read more...]