234sport

Cesar Azpilicueta’s future in London remains unclear, with PSG and Barcelona also interested in landing his services Antonio Conte holds the key to Cesar Azpilicueta’s fate for both club and country in the coming weeks as the defender’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain. On Monday, the incoming Blues coach will face off against Spain in the knock-out stage of Euro 2016, a game which could be his last in charge of Italy, but could also decide whether the full-back will start the new season at Stamford Bridge. Azpilicueta threatens to be deemed surplus to requirement at Chelsea, with Conte’s preference for a formation consisting of three central defenders well-documented, but there is no shortage of potential suitors from across Europe. Athletic Club … [Read more...]

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged that his side have been fortunate to end up with what looks like a more comfortable path through the knockout stages of Euro 2016. Marc Wilmots' side will take on Hungary in the round of 16 on Sunday after their 1-0 win over Sweden on Wednesday ensured they finished as runners-up to Italy in Group E. Though the Chelsea keeper, 24, is not planning to underestimate Hungary, who finished ahead of Iceland, Portugal and Austria in Group  F. "We have to admit that we have an 'easy' half of the draw because obviously all the teams that are there deserve it but there are no big teams like Spain, France or Italy," he told RTBF. "Of course we have to do everything but Hungary had three good matches and they … [Read more...]

Radja Nainggolan insisted he was only focused on Belgium’s Euro 2016 campaign, but confessed that Chelsea was in negotiations with Roma over a transfer The Belgian midfielder is currently on international duty at Euro 2016, as the Red Devils prepare for a First Knockout Round clash against Hungary on Sunday, but admitted that his club side was in talks with Chelsea. Nainggolan is thought to be a key transfer target for incoming Blues coach Antonio Conte, with the Italian keen to restructure the midfield at Stamford Bridge. The player himself insisted he is not focused on the discussions between the clubs, however. “Every year for seven seasons I have been linked with a different team,” Nainggolan told Het Nieuwsblad. “We will see what happens, Chelsea and … [Read more...]

Colombia international Juan Cuadrado will be returning to London shortly, after helping his side to the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario, and is expected to remain with Chelsea. Juventus may not be able to hold on to loanee Juan Cuadrado this summer, as incoming coach Antonio Conte is anxious to retain the Colombian. The Italy coach will be taking over at Chelsea following the conclusion of the European Championship , and recalling Cuadrado is a top priority. Cuadrado first arrived in London in January of 2015 after completing a permanent move from Fiorentina but struggled under Jose Mourinho, despite his €31 million price tag. However, a season-long loan move to Juventus in the summer of 2015 allowed Cuadrado to repair his damaged … [Read more...]

Chelsea are reportedly set to offer Willian a bumper new four-year contract to fend off interest from Manchester United. New United boss Jose Mourinho is said to be keen to take the Brazil midfielder with him to Old Trafford but, sources say , Chelsea are refusing to consider allowing a prime asset to follow their former boss and have instead offered Willian a new deal. The 27-year-old still has two years remaining on the contract he signed upon moving to west London from Anzhi Makhachkala but with United reported to be willing to pay more than £60million , the Blues want to tie down one of last season’s most impressive performers. The final details of Willian’s new terms are being thrashed out between Chelsea and the player’s representatives. … [Read more...]

Diego Costa will reportedly do whatever it takes to force a move back to Atletico Madrid as Chelsea look to cash in on Alvaro Morata. Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte is intent on signing a new forward this summer, with Costa said to be desperate to return to the Vicente Calderon. AS carried a story claiming the Brazil-born Spaniard is considering no other option other than rejoining Diego Simeone, with the coach equally as keen to make the deal happen. The Spanish outlet says Costa no longer wants to live in London and is “constantly on the phone to the club, his former teammates and his agent Jorge Mendes to try and force the deal.” Atletico have £32million from the sale of Jackson Martinez, and Chelsea are likely to be open to offers given Costa’s … [Read more...]

Antonio Conte said he had no cause for complaint after seeing his Italy side defeated 1-0 by Republic of Ireland in their final Group E match on Wednesday. Conte made eight changes from the side that beat Sweden as Italy were already confirmed as group winners going into the final game. Despite some good chances, including substitute Lorenzo Insigne hitting the post, they were beaten when Robbie Brady headed home a Wes Hoolahan cross on 85 minutes. The second-string Azzurri side did not come close to the standards set in Italy's group opener when they beat Belgium 2-0, but Conte said he was satisfied with the match. "In all honesty, I have little to complain about," Conte told Rai Sport in quotes reported by Football Italia. "It was a very tough, … [Read more...]