The European Championship may be in full swing, but that doesn't mean we can't get excited about the announcement of the Premier League fixture list for the 2016-17 season. Here's a quick reaction to some of the more notable lines to come out of the fixture list... Arsenal have perhaps the toughest start to the campaign of the big clubs: they face Liverpool, Leicester and Chelsea in their first six fixtures; while Liverpool's away run begins Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea. But Hull's start is positively nightmarish: the Tigers will have to play Leicester, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea before Oct. 1. Get them out of the way early, eh? Toughest run-in If Mourinho is to take Manchester United back to something like their past glories, … [Read more...]
City to face Sunderland in the opening fixtures of the new season
The 2016/17 Premier League fixture list has been announced and Arsenal will face Liverpool, while Bournemouth will tackle Manchester United on a thrilling opening weekend. The new top flight season gets underway on the weekend of August 13/14 and a thrilling start also sees champions Leicester travel to Hull City. Manchester City gets a relatively straightforward start to life in the rough and tumble of the Premier League, kicking off at home to Sunderland before travelling to Stoke, then it's home to West Ham before the Manchester derby with Jose Mourinho and all that entails, and then it's back to more gentle far with Bournemouth and Swansea. Though they pay for it in December.– and it won’t be long before Mourinho and Guardiola renew their rivalry – the … [Read more...]
Napoli set to offer Gonzalo Higuain new contract amid Liverpool’s interest
Napoli are hoping to end rumours that Gonzalo Higuain is set to leave the club for Liverpool by offering the Argentinian striker a new deal worth £110,000-a-week. The former Real Madrid star bagged a record breaking 36 league goals in Serie A last season, with his performances earning him a place in our top five European Players of the Season . The player has been linked with numerous clubs over recent months but he’s been most heavily linked with Liverpool of late, with the player r eportedly making a move to Anfield his preference . Those links grew when it emerged recently that Jurgen Klopp had travelled to San Francisco to watch Argentina in Copa America action, though the Reds boss was also reported to be making a check on right-back target Gabriel … [Read more...]
David Silva reaches milestone with Spain
S pain’s 1-0 win over the Czech Republic on Monday meant more than just three precious points for David Silva, as the player joined the exclusive bunch of players to reach a century of caps for La Roja. The 30-year-old from Gran Canaria now joins an illustrious set of Spanish players, including the likes of Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Raul. He received a souvenir for achieving the milestone, as he proudly accepted a Spain shirt with ‘Silva 100′ on the back, and he also shared his delight with supporters on social media. “First game of the Euros, winning start and 100 caps – what more could I ask for? Thank you for all the kind messages! Viva Espana!” said Silva on his official Twitter account. The Manchester City midfielder made his … [Read more...]
Zlatan agrees terms with United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed to provisional terms with Manchester United and will complete his move to Old Trafford after Euro 2016, sources close to the deal said. Ibrahimovic, 34, will be a free agent when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs out this summer, but both United and new manager Jose Mourinho had been in contact with the striker about a prospective move from as far back as March. The Portuguese manager gave his approval to the signing then, and both manager and player were enthused by the idea of working with each other again after winning the Italian title together at Inter Milan in 2008-09. Negotiations could not get under way fully until the past few weeks, and sources claim that some clauses related to Ibrahimovic's one-year deal … [Read more...]
Nolito not distracted by speculation linking him to Manchester City
Spain attacker Nolito says he is aware of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City this summer but is just concentrating on having success at Euro 2016. Celta Vigo attacker Nolito, 29, has established himself as a regular with the Spain team over the last 18 months and he started Monday's Group D win against Czech Republic in Toulouse, although he had been substituted by the time Gerard Pique headed the game's only goal in the 87th minute. Nolito has often been linked with a move away from Celta through recent years, and was close to rejoining former club Barcelona during the January transfer window, but the Catalan club ultimately decided against paying his €18 million release clause. Speaking from the Spain camp at the Euros in France, he … [Read more...]
Chelsea and Arsenal keen on Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti
Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in signing Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish news outlet acknowledges that Umtiti “has the priority to” move to La Liga giants Barcelona if a prospective transfer was to suit both parties, but they report that Chelsea have recently made an approach to the player’s agent. Chelsea want to lure the 22-year-old France international to Stamford Bridge but face stiff competition from Barca, who could decide to move for the £20million-rated centre-back rather than pursuing a big-money move for PSG’s Marquinhos, Atletico Madrid’s Jose Maria Jimenez or Everton’s John Stones. Umtiti told L’Equipe : “Barcelona is a club where every player wants to play. “But I have a contract with Lyon as … [Read more...]
Antonio Conte set to lure Matteo Darmian to Chelsea
Incoming Blues manager reckons Italy full-back would fit in with new-look defence he is planning at Stamford Bridge The incoming Chelsea boss is currently managing Italy at Euro 2016, with Darmian a key player in his squad. And according to Bleacher Report , the 26-year-old Old Trafford star has been identified as a possible signing to kick-start Conte’s reign. It is thought the versatille defender will fit in at Chelsea as Conte wants to experiment with both a three and a four-man defence. Darmian can play as a full-back or as a wing-back, as he does for the Azzurri. The Blues will make inquiries over his future at the Theatre of Dreams but it is unclear whether Mourinho will be willing to do business with his former club so soon after being sacked by … [Read more...]
Leroy Sane set to join Manchester City when he returns from international duty
Manchester City are set to confirm the signing of Leroy Sane from Schalke for £40m. City have been trying to seal a deal for the highly-rated German since the start of the year – having watched him since last season. Sane looks to be Guardiola’s second signing of the summer after snapping-up Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. Sane has scored 13 times for Schalke and made 55 appearances since breaking through their academy in 2014. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United were all also interested in signing the talented teenager … [Read more...]
Nigerian starlet rejects Arsenal set to join Porto
Arsenal appear to have missed out in the race to Samuel Chukwueze after the Nigerian wonderkid performed a U-turn and opted for a move to Porto instead. Chukwueze and fellow Nigeria Under-17 starlet Kelechi Nwakali were pictured with boss Arsene Wenger and former Gunners star Nwankwo Kanu ahead of the pair finalising long-term deals with the club earlier this year. But it appears a deal has now fallen through for Chukwueze with the president of his Nigeria club Diamond Academy claiming the player would now sign with the Portuguese club. Martin Apugo said: “Chukwueze is going to FC Porto. “They are waiting for him to sign the papers but he couldn’t travel because he is with the Flying Eagles. “We don’t know the length of contract he will sign until we … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: I only care about what Joachim Low says- Ozil
Germany coach Joachim Low lauded Mesut Ozil after his side beat Ukraine at Euro 2016, and his is the only opinion the playmaker cares about. Mesut Ozil only cares about the opinion of one man on his performances at Euro 2016 - Germany coach Joachim Low. Arsenal star Ozil played the full 90 minutes of the world champions' tournament-opening 2-0 victory over Ukraine on Sunday, setting up Bastian Schweinsteiger for their second goal with a typically classy assist in injury time. Despite his key role in securing the three points for Germany, the 27-year-old faced criticism in some quarters for his overall performance in Lille. Low was effusive in his praise of Ozil before the start of the European Championship, hailing his "outstanding physical condition", … [Read more...]
Vardy to decide his future- Ranieri
Arsenal have activated Jamie Vardy's release clause but Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri is keen to hang on to the England striker. Claudio Ranieri has not given up hope of keeping Jamie Vardy at Leicester City, but admits his star striker will have "the last word" on a potential move to Arsenal. The Gunners are believed to have offered Vardy a three-year deal after activating a release clause of around £20million in his contract, but the 29-year-old is thought to be delaying making a decision on his future until England's participation at Euro 2016 is over. Vardy scored 24 Premier League goals last season as Leicester stormed to the most unlikely of title triumphs, and Ranieri wants him to stay at the King Power Stadium - even if, as he admits, the … [Read more...]
Borussia Dortmund to make a decision on Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed the Bundesliga club “will make a decision this week” as Henrikh Mkhitaryan continues to be linked with a switch to Arsenal. The 27-year-old has confirmed he is in no rush to sign a new deal at Dortmund while Mino Raiola, the player’s agent, has indicated his client could leave the Westfalenstadion this summer a year before his contract expires. Mkhitaryan scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists as Dortmund finished second behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga but a move to England has long been suggested as a possibility. When quizzed on the future of Mkhitaryan – and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Zorc said Dortmund will act “this week” as rumors continue to overshadow their summer recruitment … [Read more...]
Zouma eager to work with Conte next season as he continues to recover
Kurt Zouma has confirmed that he will not be fit for the start of Chelsea's season as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, but says he is relishing the prospect of learning from new boss Antonio Conte. The 21-year-old has not featured for Chelsea since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a Premier League clash with Manchester United in February, ruling him out of the rest of the season and France's Euro 2016 campaign. Prior to the injury, Zouma had become a regular starter in the heart of Chelsea's defence under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink, and the Frenchman insists he has no fear of falling down the pecking order under Conte despite the fact that he will miss pre-season. "I am working hard every day, from 10 … [Read more...]
Joao Teixeira joins Porto after four years withat Anfield
After over four years at Liverpool, Joao Teixeira will return to his homeland after signing a four-year deal with Porto. Joao Teixeira will join Porto from Liverpool on a free transfer, the Portuguese club announced on Monday. Teixeira, 23, has struggled for first-team opportunities since making the switch from Sporting CP in 2012. The midfielder played just three minutes of Premier League football in 2015-16, making six other senior appearances. He will return to his homeland after over four years at Anfield as Porto look to break Benfica's dominance on the domestic front. "I am very happy," Teixeira told Porto's official website. "It's a dream for me to play in this great club. "I have aspired to wear this shirt because I was used to seeing FC … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho plans showdown talks with Phil Jones
Jose Mourinho is set to give Phil Jones assurances about his future at Manchester United, according to a report. Mourinho has reportedly requested a meeting Phil Jones to clear up the defender’s future at Old Trafford with Goal claiming the Portuguese boss is intent on keeping the versatile player at the club. Jones, 24, signed a new four-year contract at Old Trafford in June 2015, but numerous ankle problems and a blood clot in his calf meant he made only six Premier League starts last season. Dutch utility player Daley Blind also filled in at centre-back under Louis van Gaal limiting Jones’ first-team action, but Mourinho is understood to be keen on keeping the player at Old Trafford, Mourinho will sit down with Jones when he returns from … [Read more...]
Manchester City’s target Aymeric Laporte signs contract renewal with Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has signed a new contract that sees his buyout clause rise to an initial €65 million. France under-21 international Laporte, who has been regularly linked with Manchester City in recent months, is now tied to Athletic until 2020. A statement on the Basque club's official website read: "Athletic Club and Aymeric Laporte have signed the renewal contract by which the player will remain in the rojiblanca discipline until 30 June 2020. "His cancellation clause is 65 million Euros, and the following seasons will be: 65 million Euros in 2017-2018, 70 million Euros in 2018-2019 and 70 million Euros in 2019-2020." Laporte had signed a contract with Athletic last summer that tied him to the club until 2019 and contained a … [Read more...]
Erik Harmren happy with Ibrahimovic despite score draw
Sweden boss Erik Hamren said his side will "have to give 300 percent" against Italy and Belgium if they are to progress following Monday's 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland. Ireland had much the better of the first half at the Stade de France, with Derby midfielder Jeff Hendrick going closest when he struck the crossbar with just over half an hour played, but it remained goalless at the break. Wes Hoolahan's fine goal gave Ireland the advantage on 48 minutes but Sweden then improved and salvaged a draw when Ciaran Clark headed a Zlatan Ibrahimovic cross into his own net. The point gives Sweden hope of progress but they face a tough challenge given the quality of opposition in Group E. Hamren said: "The feeling right now is disappointment more than being … [Read more...]
Euro 2016:Italy were the better side- Courtois
The Belgium goalkeeper was helpless to prevent his side falling to a 2-0 defeat to Italy in their opening Euro 2016 match in Group E B elgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted that his side were no match for Italy , as the Azzurri romped to a 2-0 win in their Euro 2016 opener on Monday evening. Despite going into the match as favourites, Belgium could only muster a single shot on target and fell to strikes from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle, as Antonio Conte’s team went top of the group. Following the defeat, the Belgian shot-stopper conceded that the Euro 2012 finalists had set themselves up better to secure all three points, although dismissed suggestions that the pressure had affected the Red Devils. “Tactically we were outclassed by … [Read more...]
Blood and sweat as Conte’s Italy dismissed Belgium
Italy boss Antonio Conte said his side "can do great things" after they defeated Belgium 2-0 in their Euro 2016 opener in Group E on Monday. Italy took the lead through Emanuele Giaccherini in the 32nd minute and held firm until injury time, when Graziano Pelle smashed the ball home following a counter-attack to make victory certain. There have been doubts as to the quality of the current Italy squad going into the tournament but Conte felt the win over Belgium -- currently the top-placed European side in the FIFA World Ranking -- showed the Azzurri have the potential to succeed this summer. "It was a good game, played in the right way and prepared well," he told Rai Sport in quotes reported by Football Italia. "The lads knew how to suffer under … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Petr Cech’s heroics unable to save Czech Republic from narrow defeat
Petr Cech, nearly stole the spotlight, producing a string of superb saves that kept the Czech Republic in the match, as the Arsenal goalkeeper showed against Spain why he has been so important for his country. The veteran goalkeeper recently set a record of most international appearances for his country and now has 122. His form will be essential if the Czech Republic has any chance of advancing at Euro 2016. He pushed away, punched and caught dangerous shots, giving hope to the Czech fans that the team could produce a result against the European champion. But Cech couldn't do anything when Andres Iniesta whipped in a pinpoint cross in the 87th minute for Gerard Pique to head home. He called it tough, but praised his teammates for their efforts. "I thought … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: David De Gea not distracted as he helps Spain secure win
Spain goalkeeper David De Gea finally put a bad week behind him, displacing his compatriot Iker Casillas and making a vital save at the end of his team's 1-0 win over the Czech Republic on Monday in their European Championship opener. De Gea helped Spain extend its tournament record of not conceding a goal for 600 minutes, three days after facing allegations involving a pornography filmmaker. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque waited until the last minute to name De Gea as the starter in goal ahead of Casillas after a police investigation threatened to destabilize La Roja's camp. The 25-year-old De Gea's name appeared in court papers on Friday in which a protected witness accused him of promoting an encounter between her and two other soccer players. De Gea … [Read more...]
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