Germany will continue to use Bastian Schweinsteiger in his role as a substitute in their second group match against Poland on Thursday, according to head coach Joachim Low. Schweinsteiger, 31, made an impressive return from injury on Sunday, when it took the Manchester United midfielder only minutes to score in his first competitive match since a 21-minute appearance in the Red Devil's 1-0 derby defeat of Manchester City on March 20. The Germany captain came off the bench in the 90th minute against Ukraine on Sunday and scored two minutes into extra-time, striking from a Mesut Ozil cross after storming into the box with a 40-metre sprint. But despite his impressive return, Schweinsteiger is set to start on the bench when Germany take on Poland in Paris … [Read more...]
Martin Skrtel set for Fernabache move
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is set for a £5.5m move to Turkish side Fernabache The 31-year-old centre-back is ready to hold personal talks with Liverpool set to accept the offer from the Turkish giant to bring an end to Skrtel’s eight years at Anfield. The £6.5million recruit from Zenit in 2008 has had a pretty successful career on Merseyside although his performances have slipped in recent seasons and he has fallen down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp. The German coach has also signed Joel Matip from Schalke and Skrtel is now understood to be surplus to requirements with Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sako are expected to partner the new boy in the Reds’ back four next term. Skrtel himself accepts that he must take on a new challenge after making … [Read more...]
Spalletti insists Radja Nianggolan will stay at Roma
Luciano Spalletti insists midfielder Radja Nainggolan has told him he will stay at Roma despite being linked with a move away. Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has promised to stay with the Serie A giants, according to coach Luciano Spalletti. The 28-year-old midfielder is reportedly a transfer target for Chelsea, but may yet be offered a new and improved deal by Roma. Spalletti has already seen Miralem Pjanic leave the club for league champions Juventus, and he is keen to keep the Belgium international. He said Nainggolan had told him he would remain at the Stadio Olimpico. "I think he stays with us. He is a man of his word and promised," Spalletti said "He seemed enthusiastic about continuing to give us his contribution next season." Roma … [Read more...]
Yaya Toure set to reject Inter Milan
Inter could miss out on Yaya Toure for a second consecutive summer, with the midfielder expected to remain with Premier League side Manchester City. The 33-year-old had been earmarked as the player to kick-start coach Roberto Mancini’s second stint with the Nerazzurri last summer, but a deal could not be found to take him to Milan. With Pep Guardiola arriving to coach the Citizens for the upcoming campaign the signs were positive that Inter might get there man this year, but the Express are reporting that he will now remain in England. Although the Ivorian had a much publicised falling out with Guardiola when together at Barcelona, it seems the Spaniard is happy to retain Toure given that new signing Ilkay Gundogan will not be fit when the season … [Read more...]
Liverpool and Chelsea interested in Moussa Sissoko
Chelsea and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on want-away Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko despite recent interest from Arsenal. There were reports that the Frenchman was a possible target for Arsenal and speaking to FootMercato, the Magpies midfielder expressed his desire to play for the North London club . However according to French publication L’Equipe, Chelsea and Liverpool have now entered the race to sign the French international. Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte are both said to be keeping an eye on the 26-year-old’s situation at Newcastle especially after the player confirmed his desire to play “for the greatest European clubs”. The reports also claim that the trio of Premier League clubs may face stiff competition from Germany for the … [Read more...]
Liverpool denies rumours of reported takeover
Liverpool have reportedly denied they have received an approach from a Chinese investment group to buy the club. Reports emerged last night indicating SinoFortune, are exploring the idea of a takeover. But according to the Liverpool Echo, owners FSG haven’t held talks with the aforementioned group about selling the club for £700million. It is thought the owners have no appetite to sell the club. The £700m figure is thought to be based on the revenues the Reds will receive from the redevelopment of the Main Stand plus the money that will be generated from the new Premier League deal. Meanwhile Simon Mignolet thinks Loris Karius’ arrival will help make him a better goalkeeper. Jurgen Klopp sealed a £4.7m deal for Karius last month to provide more … [Read more...]
Chelsea to play West Ham in the opening fixture of the league
Chelsea will renew their London rivalry with West Ham on the opening day of the season after being pitted against the Hammers at Stamford Bridge to kick-off Antonio Conte's reign as manager. The Blues then hit the road to take on Watford at Vicarage Road, with a testing run of fixtures firmly on the horizon through September and October that could give a big indication of how their season will unfold. Chelsea will face Liverpool, Leicester City and Manchester United at home along with Arsenal away in the space of five matches, with a trip to Hul sandwiched in the middle of the run of tricky ties. Here are some of the highlights from Chelsea’s fixture list to look out for: First game Chelsea will face West Ham at Stamford Bridge on the 13 August … [Read more...]