Premier League champions Leicester City could switch their striking targets to Man City misfit Wilfried Bony, according to a report. Sources claim that Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri is now considering a move for the 27-year-old after being quoted a staggering £30million for Watford hitman Troy Deeney. Ivory Coast frontman Bony looks set to move on this summer after making just 13 Premier League starts last season, scoring four times. He is under contract until June 2019 after signing a four-and-a-half-year deal when he arrived from Swansea for £24million in January 2015, but he has found life tough at The Etihad. Hamstring and calf injuries did not help his cause last term, but has always played second fiddle to star striker Sergio Aguero and City will … [Read more...]
Courtois: Hungary made a mistake by playing open football
Belgium will meet Wales in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals after running out 4-0 winners over Hungary on Sunday. Thibaut Courtois believes Hungary made a "mistake" by coming out to play against Belgium after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat in their round-of-16 tie at Euro 2016. Belgium ran out big winners in Toulouse on Sunday, with Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco all finding the net. However, Hungary took the game to Belgium as they pushed for an equaliser up until the last 12 minutes, when Marc Wilmots' men scored three times to claim their passage to the quarter-finals. Courtois was forced into a number of crucial saves as the Hungary forwards peppered, but ultimately that attacking intent cost them on the … [Read more...]
No rift between Rooney and Vardy- Hodgson
Roy Hodgson hit out at suggestions there is a rift between Jamie Vardy and Wayne Rooney ahead of England’s clash with Iceland. England boss Hodgson was in relaxed mood as he and Rooney took questions in Nice, appearing less tense than during his similar engagement during the group stages. But his avuncular demeanour gave way to something a little more testy when a German broadcaster queried Rooney about newspaper reports that he had spoken with Leicester forward Vardy about his wife Rebekah and her growing profile during the tournament. Hodgson intervened on his skipper’s behalf, saying: “I’ll answer for Wayne. “I haven’t a clue what you are referring to. There are absolutely no problems in football terms between Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy, quite … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Griezmann double lift host pass Republic of Ireland
Antoine Griezmann’s quickfire double was enough to see France progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 with a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland. The formal Chelsea target second-half brace, which came inside three crucial minutes, helped his side avoid an almighty scare as they eventually showed their class at the Stade de Lyon. However, for almost an hour, Ireland, who ended the game down to 10 men after central defender Shane Duffy was dismissed for a professional foul on the Atletico Madrid star, had threatened to gatecrash the party. They took a second-minute lead through Robbie Brady’s nerveless penalty after Paul Pogba’s rash challenge on Shane Long, and France were booed off by a section of their own support at the break as they failed … [Read more...]
Buffon is a living Legend- De Gea
Two of Europe’s best goalkeepers will do battle on Monday with David de Gea and Gianluigi Buffon expected to lead La Roja and the Azzurri respectively. Gianluigi Buffon is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, according to David De Gea ahead of Spain and Italy’s meeting in the last-16 on Monday. The 38-year-old will earn his 160th cap for the Azzurri at the Stade de France, and the La Roja goalkeeper hopes to emulate the Juventus player’s longevity and success. “I have been following him for a long time, he is a living legend,” the 25-year-old told UEFA.com. “He continues to demonstrate that after so many years of being an elite player, and he is one of my idols.” De Gea also spoke about his team’s chances of winning a record third-straight … [Read more...]
Germany ease into Euro 2016 quarter-finals
World champions Germany breezed into the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Slovakia. Germany took the lead after only eight minutes when Jerome Boateng scored with an excellent low volley from the edge of the box. And Germany could have doubled their lead five minutes later after being awarded a penalty, only for Mesut Ozil to see his spot-kick saved by Matus Kozacik. Mario Gomez made no mistake minutes before half-time, however, converting from inside the six-yard box after excellent work from Julian Draxler down the left flank. Die Mannschaft continued in cruise control in the second half and added a third when Draxler found himself unmarked in the penalty area and fired into the top corner. The Stade Pierre Mauroy … [Read more...]
Eden Hazard back to brilliant best as Belgium thumped Hungary into Euro 2016 Quarter-finals
Belgium trampled Hungary 4-0 with their best performance of Euro 2016, firing on all cylinders, getting a world class performance out of their stars, and most importantly, showing that notoriously stubborn manager Marc Wilmots has the ability to learn from his mistakes and do what's best for his team. If they continue to improve at the rate they have so far, they have to be considered one of the favorites to raise the European trophy. Belgium struggled early on in the tournament, slumping to a 2-0 loss against Italy before bouncing back against the Irish, and finishing their group stage strong with a win against Sweden. Marc Wilmots had to change his team after his mistakes against Antonio Conte's Azzuri, and his Belgium were absolutely unstoppable … [Read more...]
Moyes wanted Kroos at United as Paul Scholes replacement
David Moyes has confirmed wanted to sign Toni Kroos for Manchester United as Paul Scholes' long-term replacement. During Moyes' opening months in charge at Old Trafford Kroos was strongly linked with a move to the club before eventually remaining at Bayern Munich and joining Real Madrid the following summer. Moyes has been working at Euro 2016 as a technical observer for UEFA and has watched Germany play as part of that role. Writing in the Sunday Times, the former Everton boss explained his plans for the central midfielder. "I wanted to bring Kroos to Manchester United, from Bayern," Moyes wrote. "I thought his range of passing and his ability to play people in would have made him a top United player, maybe Scholes' heir. He's gone on and shown at Real … [Read more...]
Ricardo Quaresma scores late in extra-time to keep Portugal hope alive
Ex Chelsea player Ricardo Quaresma headed in a 117th-minute winner as Portugal reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Croatia after extra time in Lens. It was the first time either goalkeeper had been remotely threatened by either side who both struggled to create chances and the fact the Portuguese are into the last eight having not yet won a match in 90 minutes speaks volumes about the quality on show. Cristiano Ronaldo cut a peripheral figure throughout until a quick counter-attack immediately after Ivan Perisic headed against the foot of a post saw his shot – the first on target all evening was saved by Daniel Subasic only to pop up to Quaresma two yards out. Even the goal had an element of luck as it looked like it was a … [Read more...]
Ryan Giggs set to meet Jose Mourinho over future
Ryan Giggs is unlikely to accept a lesser position under the ex-Chelsea manager following nearly 30 years at the club But his next move will be finalised within days when he meets the Special One face-to-face. Mourinho is still completing his backroom staff after taking over from Louis van Gaal at United for the new season. Portuguese coach Rui Faria, who worked with him at Chelsea, will be the main assistant — the role Giggs had under LVG. Giggs, 42, is said to be unlikely to accept a lesser role. He may now choose to go into management on his own, two years after hanging up his boots to focus on coaching. Giggs had dressing-room support to take over as manager from LVG. But United went for Mourinho to try to get the club back on track as title … [Read more...]
Ireland plays France for the first time after Henry dubious handball
The Republic of Ireland could be looking to exorcise some demons in Sunday's knockout round match against France. The last time the Ireland squared off against France in a competitive match, there was a bit of controversy. OK, there was a lot of controversy, as France crushed Ireland's 2010 World Cup hopes when a dubious Thierry Henry handball resulted in the decisive goal. Irish fans, you might want to look away (unless you're the kind of person that will use this as rage fuel to root on your team, then go ahead): Henry's handball in extra time that set up William Gallas' equalizer gave France a 2-1 aggregate win after extra time. Henry admitted after the match to handling the ball, but the damage was done. Ireland launched a protest and asked for a … [Read more...]
Liverpool reject Swansea bid for Welsh midfielder Joe Allen
Liverpool have rejected an £8m bid made by Swansea for Wales internatioonal Joe Allen, but are demanding £10m for the 26-year old midfielder. The Welshman has played a somewhat peripheral role in Jurgen Klopp’s side this season but impressed towards the end of the year. Allen took this form with him into Euro 2016 where’s he so far impressed for Wales and has subsequently earned himself many admirers across the Premier League. Many fans have expressed their desire to hold onto the Welshman – who’s been affectionately dubbed the “Welsh Pirlo” – but Anfield still remains poised to sell the player who has one year left on his contract. It’s understood that Allen wants to play more regular first-team football after struggling to cement a place in Klopp’s … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Wales edge out Northern Ireland after a Gareth McAuley own goal
Gareth McAuley’s cruel own-goal was enough edge Wales into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. On one of Europe’s grandest football stages at the Parc des Princes, the two sides produced a game that would not have won any beauty contests. It was competitive and wholehearted, but entertainment and chances were at a premium with so much at stake. So perhaps the goal which decided matters – and sends Wales through to a quarter-final against either Hungary or Belgium in Lille on Friday – was appropriate as Gareth Bale eventually left his mark on proceedings. It came as Northern Ireland, who had fought and harried for their lives, were within 15 minutes of taking the game to extra time, but punished for switching off for a … [Read more...]
Poles reach Euro quarter-final for the first time in their history after Arsenal new boy Granit Xhaka misses in shootou
Arsenal new boy Granit Xhaka suffered a penalty shootout woe as Switzerland were dumped out of Euro 2016 (5-4) on penalties after their last-16 tie had finished 1-1 AET. A Jakub Blaszczykowski strike had looked to be enough in normal time for Poland only for Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri to make it 1-1 with a tremendous athletic volley to send the game into extra-time. With no winning goal found, the tie was decided on penalties with new Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka missing and Sevilla’s Grzegorz Krychowiak hammering home the winning penalty as Poland scored all five efforts. Poland should have been ahead inside 30 seconds when Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer bowled the ball out to Johan Djourou who passed it back across his box, only for Robert Lewandowski … [Read more...]
Marc Wilmots confirms Nianggolan smoking habit
It isn’t unheard of for Radja Nainggolan to smoke five or six cigarettes a day from his special hotel room balcony admits Marc Wilmots Radja Nainggolan is the only member of Belgium’s Euro 2016 squad who smokes, national team coach Marc Wilmots has confirmed in response to rumours. In his homeland, the Roma star has been hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons as newspapers blast him over his alleged smoking, prompting the tactician to intervene and justify the habit on behalf of his player. “I confirm, Radja does smoke,” he told Sporza.be. “It’s a habit that’s easily seen in France or Italy, where many players do smoke. “I’m flexible, it’s his body and as long as he is performing well then it isn’t a problem for me.” Wilmots also revealed … [Read more...]
Crystal Palace interested in Liverpool flop Christain Benteke
Crystal Palace are said to be interested in Liverpool's Christain Benteke as a replacement for recently-released Emmanuel Adebayor. The Liverpool striker has recently admitted he was considering his future with the Reds after a poor first season at Merseyside and was said to be high up on new Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte’s list of transfer targets . However, according to reports in the Daily Star Palace manager Alan Pardew is said to be on the look out for a new striker after Adebayor and Marouane Chamakh were recently released from the club. Also the claims add that a source from Crystal Palace had told the tabloid that Pardew was interested in bringing in Benteke to fill that void and add some more firepower to their ranks. Dwight Gayle, Fraizer … [Read more...]
Keylor Navas reveals frustration about his failed Man United move
The Real Madrid goalkeeper was set for a switch to Old Trafford last summer as David De Gea was on course to head the opposite way. But a fax machine stopped the deal being processed as Madrid failed to get their paperwork finalised before the transfer deadline. As a result, Navas stayed put at the La Liga giants while De Gea went on to pen a new four-year deal at United. The silver lining for the Costa Rican shot-stopper was his success at the Bernabeu last season, adding a Champions League medal to his accolades. But frustration was admittedly the overriding emotion less than a year ago for 29-year-old Navas. "It’s not good when something like that happens but I’m not someone who is always looking back and I don’t bear any grudges," Navas told … [Read more...]
Man United one of three clubs chasing Neymar
Real, along with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, have reportedly sent officials to Brazil to try and broker a deal for the Barcelona frontman. Neymar is locked in contract talks with the Nou Camp club, who have told the Brazil international they will not increase their latest £10.9million-a-season offer. And United's hopes of landing the 23-year-old have been boosted after a move to Real was ruled out. “The owners of Neymar are Barcelona. Any offers that arrive must go through Barcelona,” Neymar Snr. told Fox Brasil . “We don’t have to talk about it because Neymar is under contract and the club know everything. “The speculation is huge and it’s clear that Neymar is always involved in it. The fans know that several clubs are interested in … [Read more...]
Brexit will damage Premier League football- Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas has warned that England’s decision to quit the European Union will “damage” the Premier League . The Spaniard moved to Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona thanks to an exemption in Fifa regulations that allows transfers to take place within the territory of the EU if the youngster is aged between 16 and 18. Clubs outside the EU are prohibited from signing overseas players under the age of 18, meaning the likes of Fabregas would not be able to move to England at such an early age. Fabregas is also considered a ‘homegrown’ player, irrespective of nationality, because he was registered with Arsenal for three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday. Current Premier League rules state that clubs must include eight ‘homegrown’ … [Read more...]
Pep Guardiola assures Raheem Sterling of his future at City
Incoming Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has contacted Raheem Sterling to assure him that he has a big future at the club, according to reports. The England forward has been the subject of plenty of criticism after his disappointing performances in the Euro 2016 opening games against Russia and Wales. And Roy Hodgson's coaching staff have said they are concerned about the state of Sterling's mind with his confidence apparently dented following criticism from pundits and fans and on social media. However, Guardiola contacted him to give him a morale boost following the Wales game, in which Sterling was substituted at half-time. "Pep told Raheem, 'As long as you work for me, I will fight for you,'" said reports in England citing a source close to … [Read more...]
Liverpool to pay more for Udinese playmaker
Despite appearing close to the signature of Udinese playmaker Piotr Zielinski, Liverpool and the Zebrette are still some way apart in their valuation of the player. Napoli are also interested in the Pole and want to keep him in Italy , but it is thought that he has turned them down in favour of a move to Anfield. Liverpool have already offered €11.5 million for the player, according to The Sun, but that is not deemed enough to convince the club into selling the 22-year-old. Instead, Udinese are holding out for a fee closer to €18.5 million. Zielinski has told Liverpool that they must wait until the end of Poland’s European Championship campaign before negotiating a move. Poland face Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday, and that is all Zielinski is … [Read more...]
Ozil preaches Premier League football to German teammates
Mesut Ozil believes the likes of Mario Gotze and Leroy Sane should consider moving to the Premier League. Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in summer 2013 in a club-record £42.5m deal, and has been a success at the Gunners thus far. He won consecutive FA Cups in his first two seasons, and has regularly been one of the club’s best performers in his first three campaigns. With Gotze linked with Liverpool, and Sane a reported target of Manchester City, Ozil has intimated that his team-mates should consider moving to England. “What’s it like at Arsenal? What distinguishes the Premier League? How are the dealings with the media and public? These are questions I am asked [by team-mates],” Ozil told German newspaper Bild. “I can only tell them of my … [Read more...]
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