Alvaro Morata has admitted he is “tired” of the discussion over his future at Real Madrid weigh-up a clause in his contract that will allow them to sign the Juventus striker from the start of July, with reports that the former Real striker will be immediately sold on to another club. Morata has a buy-out clause of €30m [£23.6m] in his contract that can only be activated by his former club Real from the 1 July. It has been widely reported though that Real will look to sell Morata on for as much as £50m, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United linked with the Spain forward. The 23-year-old will head to France with Spain for the Euro 2016 Championship after being named in Vicente del Bosque’s squad, but after previously admitting that he does … [Read more...]
Premier League trio in chase for out of favour Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos
Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all eyeing up out of favour Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos. The Brazilian centre-back, 22, has struggled to break into the PSG first XI — falling in the pecking order behind compatriots David Luiz and Thiago Silva in the heart of defence — and is now hoping for a summer move. The news has caught the attention of the three Premier League giants— who are all keen to boost their back-line after they failed to keep it tight at the back last season. There is a concern however, as the Brazil star himself is hot on a move to Barcelona. The Catalan club already have four of his compatriots in their ranks — including Neymar and Adriano. However, Marquinhos will keep the Premier League trio interesting, … [Read more...]
Manchester City make bid of £39m for defender Aymeric Laporte
Manchester are ready to meet the £39m release clause in Aymeric Laporte’s contract with Athletic Bilbao, after announcing the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund The 22-year-old French defender will be sidelined until August because of a broken leg and dislocated ankle but is understood to be a main transfer target for new City manager Pep Guardiola . Laporte has stepped up his training in recent weeks and although Bilbao are ready to offer him an improved contract, he is believed to be keen to join Guardiola’s revolution at the Etihad. Laporte, who has been at the Bilbao since he was 16, is a predominantly left-footed player and is rated as one of the best young defenders in the world. Guardiola is also keen to sign Everton and England … [Read more...]
Ilkay Gundogan arrives City from Borussia Dortmund on a £20m deal
Manchester City have announced the signing of Germany international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan in a reported £20m transfer from Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old, who will miss Euro 2016 and the start of the new Premier League season through injury, and will not be back for City's preseason tour to China, which includes a game against Dortmund, becomes the first signing for incoming City manager Pep Guardiola. However, it is hoped the deep-lying playmaker could be back in action by September. Gundogan dislocated his kneecap in training at the start of May and was also sidelined for the 2014 World Cup with a back problem that ruled him out for almost the entire 2013-14 season. "When I learned of City's interest my heart was set on coming. Things things … [Read more...]
Barcelona bid for Manchester United’s Daley Blind
Barcelona are reportedly interested in a £14million transfer move for Manchester United defender Daley Blind. The versatile is rumoured to be one of the first names who could be axed from the club’s first-team under new manager Jose Mourinho, which has alerted Barca. Blind has had two decent seasons at Old Trafford, failing to hold down a regular position due to his versatility. However, this is seen as an advantage to Barcelona, who are admirers of his defensive strength combined with intelligence and ability on the ball. The Catalan giants could need men at the back, with neither Thomas Vermaelen nor Jeremy Mathieu impressing on a consistent basis, and could land Blind for around £14m. Mourinho would favour a more traditional centre half in his back … [Read more...]
Manchester City face competition for Serie A starlet
MANCHESTER CITY have entered the race to sign Bologna wonderkid Amadou Diawara, according to reports in Italy. The 18-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the Serie A side's star men this season, making 34 league appearances. And his performances have cut the eyes of big clubs in Europe. Italian giants Juventus, Napoli and Roma are all thought to be keeping tabs on Diawara. While Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to have registered an interest in bringing him to England this summer. However, the appointment of Jose Mourinho has seen United rethink their transfer plans. But local newspaper Corriere di Bologna report their fierce rivals City, have joined the battle to secure Guinean services. Pep Guardiola is set to take the reins at the … [Read more...]
Liverpool new signing wants top goalkeeping spot
New Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius has made known his intentions of becoming the new No. 1 at Anfield and described Jurgen Klopp as one of the best coaches in the world. Karius, 22, sealed a £4.7 million move from Mainz last week to provide added competition for first-choice keeper Simon Mignolet. The former Germany under-21 international, who spent time with Manchester City as a youth, was ever-present for Mainz as they finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season but he told Sport Bild he is ready for the challenge of fighting for his place at Liverpool. "Competition is just part of a big club like this," he said. "I want to become the No. 1, have success with Liverpool and play in Europe as soon as possible. Those are my goals." He said Liverpool … [Read more...]