Liverpool have been linked with a fresh move for long-term target Martin Odegaard – and a man who Carlo Ancelotti admitted was signed by Real Madrid as a ‘public relations exercise’. Norwegian Odegaard was once one of Europe’s most-coveted youngsters, with Real eventually beating Liverpool, Ajax and a number of other elite clubs to the then-16-year-old’s signature. The teenager had been pictured visiting Liverpool’s Melwood training ground before his move from Stromgodset, with Odegaard claiming he was a life-long Reds fan. Although his eventual arrival at Real was met with much fanfare and excitement, he has endured a difficult time, making only one first-team appearance, and struggling to have an enduring impact at youth levels. Writing in his … [Read more...]
Juventus considering Arsenal star man as Morata’s replacement
Alexis Sanchez could return to the Seria A, although the Old Lady will have to be prepared to spend big if they are to tempt him away from the Emirates With Juventus having lost striker Alvaro Morata to Real Madrid , they are identifying attacking arrivals and are mulling over a move for Alexis Sanchez. The Arsenal striker has previous experience in Serie A, having starred with Udinese from 2006 until 2011, where his performances earned him a big-money move to Barcelona. Now in London, Juventus are keen on offering him a way back to Italian football as they look to fill the attacking void that Morata is set to leave behind him. With Juventus set to pocket €32 million from the sale of the Spaniard to Real Madrid, there is cash available for them this … [Read more...]
Nolito agrees personal terms with Man City as move inches closer
Manchester City are reportedly confident of completing the signing of Nolito from Celta Vigo amid claims they had agreed a three-year contract with the Spaniard. According to widespread reports on Wednesday, City boss Pep Guardiola is on the verge of making the 29-year-old Celta Vigo star his second signing at the Etihad, following on from the recent £20million capture of Ilkay Gundogan. Nolito, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Durán, is currently part of the Spain squad at Euro 2016 having scored 12 goals in La Liga last season and will cost City €18m (£13.8m) after the club agreed to meet the buy-out clause in his contract. Barcelona, Arsenal and West Ham had also registered an interest in signing the player, who began his career at Camp Nou before … [Read more...]
Chelsea submit bid for Napoli defender
Napoli‘s resolve in keeping hold of star defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been tested again by Chelsea, who have submitted a €25 million bid for the player. The Blues, who will be coached by current Italy boss Antonio Conte next season, are known to be keen on strengthening at the back and are big admirers of the Senegalese star. However, according sources, Chelsea’s €25m bid has already been rejected by the Partenopei as Maurizio Sarri’s side are holding out for a big transfer fee. Napoli want an offer closer to €40m if they are to sell the central defender this summer and it is unclear at this time whether the Londoners will return to the table with a fresh offer. Koulibaly, who has three years left to run on his current deal at the Stadio San Paolo, … [Read more...]
Ex Manchester City coach linked with Russia job
Leonid Slutsky will step away from the Russia job after a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign in France. Following Russia’s poor performance at Euro 2016 , coach Leonid Slutsky has ended his spell with the team and ex-Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini is first choice to replace him. Russia exit the tournament with only one point gained from their three group games and with the coach taking all of the responsibility for the poor quality shown during the tournament. The Russian Football Association (RFS) has apparently targeted Pellegrini to replace him on Russia’s bench, after the Chilean exited the Etihad to make way for Pep Guardiola. According to AS.com, Russia, who will host the next World Cup, have offered Pellegrini a multi-million euro two-year … [Read more...]
Petr Cech considering hanging up his gloves for the Czechs
Following Tuesday night’s defeat to Turkey, Petr Cech is pondering whether or not to call time on his international career with the Czech Republic. The 34-year-old has a record 124 caps for his country, but is considering hanging up his gloves in the wake of their Euro 2016 elimination. “I will take time to decide if I [will] continue with the national team,” he told Daily Sport, a Czech outlet, following his team’s 2-0 loss to Turkey. “I’m not going to make my decision today,” he added, according to L’Equipe, “[it is] a huge disappointment. I will really take the time to think, but before the new qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup begins, the coach will be the first to know. “Prior to the tournament, we knew that we wanted to have at least … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Arsene Wenger backs Pogba to rediscover form
As the tournament goes on this summer, the Juventus star will be hoping to improve at Euro 2016, as he has recently struggled to make an impact for France. France midfielder Paul Pogba has failed to meet expectations at Euro 2016 so far, but Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger believes that the best is yet to come from the player. The 23-year-old was even dropped by Didier Deschamps for their second group game against Albania, but having shown glimpses of his undeniable talent, Pogba will hope to be more consistent in the knockout stage of the tournament. Wenger understands that it’s difficult for the young midfielder to deal with the expectations, pressure and adversity that he is currently facing, but has backed him to come out stronger and continue to … [Read more...]