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...]
Henrikh Mkhitaryan turns down Borussia Dortmund offer as he weighs Premier League options
Mkhitaryan has just one year remaining on his contract and has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has rejected Borussia Dortmund’s latest approach to open contract talks, with reports of a Premier League move to either Arsenal or Chelsea growing stronger by the day after his agent admitted they are “looking at his options”. Mkhitaryan has been linked with a move to England, although Dortmund are hugely reluctant to see another of their players leave the club after seeing Mats Hummels return to Bayern Munich last month. 27-year-old Mkhitaryan impressed last season as Dortmund finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga as well as reach the DFB-Pokal final, only to lose out to Bayern in a penalty shootout. Having scored 11 goals last … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho Set to axe Juan Mata and Daley Blind from Manchester United squad
Jose Mourinho has already decided Juan Mata and Daley Blind are surplus to requirements at Manchester United, according to reports. The former Chelsea manager was confirmed as Louis van Gaal’s successor last week and has set about improving his squad and formalising his transfer plans with Untied’s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward. Mourinho sold Mata to Manchester United for £37 million in January 2014 after the then reigning Chelsea player of the year, had spent most of the first part of that season on the bench. The Portuguese is reported to still harbour doubts that the former Valencia forward possesses the requisite energy and defensive diligence to fit into his ultra disciplined tactical system. Blind, meanwhile, has been a solid, if not … [Read more...]
Chelsea weigh defensive options as Rudiger joins Roma
AS Roma have signed German defender Antonio Rudiger on a long-term contract until 2020, making permanent his loan move from VfB Stuttgart for a fee of nine million euros ($10.02 million), the Italian club said on thereby ending speculations he could join Chelsea. The 23-year old joined the Italian club on a one-year loan deal from Stuttgart in September for an initial fee of four million euros and has made 30 appearances in Serie A. Chelsea boss Antonio Conte reportedly lined up a £16m bid for the Germany international, but have to look elsewhere as the German sealefd his move to Roma. Meanwhile, there are claims in Italy that Chelsea have agreed an £8.4m deal with Juventus for Swiss right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner. The defender could join Chelsea when … [Read more...]
Raheem Sterling gunning for European glory with the Three Lions
RAHEEM STERLING praised England boss Roy Hodgson for helping to put back his career on track and hopes him and his teammates can win England the European championships. The Manchester City star revealed that Hodgson's influence and tactics had played a major part in lifting his game at a time when he appeared to be struggling with injury and form. Sterling, whose performance in the 2-1 warm up win over Australia, said the England manager's decision to give him a role operating more in the middle had given him a huge boost. "It's a position I can get in behind and I'm closer to the goal," he said. "Some times I been drawn into staying out too wide, but against Australia I got closer to the box and created stuff. "It's really a positive when the manager tells … [Read more...]
Chelsea rules out defender sale despite bumber offer
Chelsea will not sell Andreas Christensen to Borussia Monchengladbach, according to reports. Christensen is half-way through a two year loan spell with the German club and has cemented himself in the starting XI. The centre-back made 39 appearances in all competitions last term for the Bundesliga side and scored three goals. And according to German newspaper Bild , Gladbach want to make the deal permanent and will table an offer in the region of £15million - a record for the club. They will also reportedly include a buy-back clause in any deal for the Denmark international to smooth things over with the Blues. However, reports from Italy says the Premier League side are not willing to part company with the 20-year-old and are keen for him to … [Read more...]
Morgan Schneiderlin gets late call-up for injured Lassana Diarra
Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has been called into the France squad for Euro 2016 after Lassana Diarra was ruled out with an injury. The Marseille midfielder has swelling in his left knee, the French Football Federation announced on Tuesday night. Diarra played the first half of Monday's 3-2 win over Cameroon and was replaced at half-time by Liecester City's N'Golo Kante. The FFF said the combative midfielder informed coach Didier Deschamps that he was not fit enough to play at the Euros. The hosts, the favourites to win the tournament, have already been forced to call Sevilla's Adil Rami and Samuel Umtiti of Lyon into the squad after injury ruled out Real Madrid's Raphael Varane and Barcelona's Jeremy Mathieu. Didier Deschamps' side … [Read more...]
Middlesbrough keen for out of favour Martin Skrtel
The Liverpool defender is under contract until 2018, but having fallen out of favour under Jurgen Klopp his days look numbered. Newly-promoted Middlesbrough are keen to bring him to the Riverside. Report claims Aitor Karanka wants to add the Slovakian’s Premier League experience to his squad as his side prepare for life in the top flight. Skrtel is also attracting interest from abroad with Turkish outfit Besiktas showing interest. The 31-year-old’s agent Karol Csonto has denied that a deal has been agreed with Besiktas, but is almost certain Skrtel will leave Anfield. He said: "It’s complete nonsense, he has not signed any contract (with Besiktas). I’ve even talked with Martin about another club. "Besiktas is one of those interested in Martin, but … [Read more...]
Didier Deschamps defends Olivier Giroud after booing in Friendly against Cameroon.
France manager Didier Deschamps has defended Olivier Giroud after home supporters booed the Arsenal striker during the 3-2 friendly victory against Cameroon on Monday night. The 29-year-old scored Les Blues’ second goal of the night in Nantes as they continue their preparations to host the European Championship as one of the favourites to win the competition. But Giroud was jeered through the match by disgruntled locals on a night when Dimitri Payet made the headlines, scoring his second free-kick in as many France games to secure a last-minute win. He said: “You hear what you want. The whistles were unfair tonight, but in Biarritz, he was applauded. People can be conditioned. “But Olivier scored again. When you say it, you are not helpful. You are free … [Read more...]
Louis Van Gaal sack was expected-Herrera
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera said he was grateful to former manager Louis van Gaal despite his sacking by the club. Ander Herrera was not surprised to see Louis van Gaal depart Manchester United but said he was grateful to the Dutchman for signing him. The Spaniard has played over 70 games for United since signing ahead of Van Gaal's first season, but will now have to impress new manager Jose Mourinho, who was confirmed as the club's new boss after the Dutchman was sacked following United's FA Cup win over Crystal Palace. The former Bilboa man admitted the players were fully aware of the speculation surrounding Van Gaal in his final months, as the club completed a difficult campaign in which they finished fifth. "It wasn't a comfortable … [Read more...]
Terry backs former boss Jose Mourinho to Succeed at the Theatre of Dreams
Chelsea captain John Terry believes his former boss Jose Mourinho will achieve great success at Manchester United. Mourinho, who was named as Louis van Gaal's successor on Friday, and will hope to hit the ground running in order to bring back the glory days the Old Trafford fans used to know under Alex Ferguson trophy-laden 26-year tenure with his retirement in 2013. The 35-year old expects the Portuguese manager to have a major impact at Old Trafford, telling Sky Sports News: "I'm sure the Man United fans and players will be delighted with that. "I've said many times before, he's the best manager I've worked under and a real delight. It's a shame the way he finished at Chelsea this year but I wish him well because he's a great manager and a great man as … [Read more...]
Bellerin available for selection if Carvajal fails to recover
Hector Bellerin is ready if called into the Spain squad for Euro 2016 after Dani Carvajal’s injury was confirmed. The Arsenal defender was named as a standby player for the tournament and is with La Roja for pre-competition friendlies but after Carvajal was injured as Real Madrid won the Champions League, and reports put him out for almost a month as a result , Bellerin has a chance to go to France. “I’m available for whatever the Coach needs from me. I’m delighted for the experience. I had planned a holiday with my family but I’m happy to cancel it for the call of the national team,” the full-back told a Press conference, AS reports, Del Bosque having suggested Bellerin would be next cab off the rank. “Firstly though I want Carvajal to recover well and … [Read more...]
Manuel Pellegrini regrets timing of Pep Guardiola announcement
Manuel Pellegrini has confessed he harbours regrets over his mid-season announcement that Pep Guardiola had agreed to replace him as Manchester City manager this summer. The Chilean is approaching the end of his three-year reign at the Etihad, a spell which included one Premier League title and two Capital One Cup success, after breaking with convention to confirm he was leaving this summer back in February. City subsequently finished 15 points behind champions Leicester City, were knocked out of both the Champions League and the FA Cup and just scraped into the top four on the final weekend. He told The Guardian : “After Guardiola said he was coming to England it was my decision [to go public] because all the media was talking about Guardiola here, … [Read more...]
Liverpool plans a drink on Drinkwater as Reds keep Gundogan on standby
Liverpool keen on Leicester Midfielder Danny Drinkwater The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the Foxes in their historic Premier League title-winning season, contributing with three goals and creating eight assists. His impressive form has reportedly attracted the interest of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who is believed to be keen on bringing him to Anfield. However, Leicester are keen to keep hold of the midfielder as Claudio Ranieri's side are in advanced talks with Drinkwater's representatives over signing a new and improved deal. It is understood the Foxes are prepared to offer him a two-year contract extension, which will see him earn £80,000-a-week. Meanwhile, Liverpool look set to miss out on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. Manchester … [Read more...]
Marcus Rashford signs new long-term deal to keep him at Old Trafford
Marcus Rashford has signed a new contract to remain at Manchester United until 2020, with the in-form striker waiting to see if he will celebrate his extension with a call-up to England’s Euro 2016 Championship squad. The English club recently announced that Rashford has signed a new long-term deal to keep him at Old Trafford for many years to come. The 18-year old has made massive progress under former boss Louis van Gaal, scoring eight goals in 18 appearances as a Man United man. Not only has he been enjoying a sensational breakthrough with his club but also at the international level, as he was called up to join his national team at the beginning of the year. Due to his impressive form last season, Manchester United has rewarded the striker with a … [Read more...]
Gonzalo Higuain puts Liverpool on Red alert
The Napoli striker enjoyed a sensational season for the Italian giants as he broke a 66-year record for the most goals in a Serie A season. The 28-year-old was in breathtaking form for the Serie A outfit last season, scoring a record 36 goals in 35 appearances to help Maurizio Sarri’s side to a second-place finish. Higuaín has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United in recent seasons but a switch to England has failed to materialise. Reports claims the 28-year-old is ready to quit Napoli, despite his contract running until 2018, and Anfield is his preferred choice with Klopp being the main attraction. But Liverpool's failure to secure European football next season has not put him off a move. Napoli are reluctant to sell their star man, but should he … [Read more...]
Marcus Rashford displays edges him closer to Euro 2016
Marcus Rashford look set for a place in the England squad for Euro 2016 as his impressive displays has caught the attention of England manager Roy Hodgson since he joined with the rest of the team last week. The United man struck inside three minutes on his England debut, sending his team on their way to a 2-1 win over Australia in a friendly on Friday. The Manchester United striker has also impressed with his skill and trickery, his temperament and his willingness to adapt and play anywhere across the forward line when required and can fill the void left by the injury to Danny Welbeck which has so affected England’s plans for France. The England coaching staff are, meanwhile, enthusing about Rashford – who has signed a new contract with United to cap an … [Read more...]
Raheem Sterling puts fate in England psychiatrist as he hopes to shine in France
Raheem Sterling has turned to psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters to help bolster his Euro 2016 chances for the three Lions. England international Sterling admits he was struggling for form and confidence at the end of the season after losing his place at Manchester City under their then-boss Manuel Pellegrini. The most expensive English player in history – costing Manchester City £49 million when he signed from Liverpool last summer – said he welcomed the presence of Peters in the England camp after also working with him when he was at Anfield. That has helped Sterling build up his confidence before the Euros and he has also spoken with Peters - a member of Roy Hodgson’s backroom staff - since joining up with the Three Lions squad at the end of the … [Read more...]
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pledges to play under Antonio Conte next season
The Belgian Euro 2016 goalkeeper has been a target for both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after a troubled season and an apparent falling out with Stamford Bridge goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon. But the goalie insisted he was going nowhere this summer, saying: “I am at Chelsea. We are going to have a new coach and I have three years left on my contract. If nothing major happens I will stay at Chelsea. “I know that in football things happen fast, but in theory my next season is with Chelsea. I hope we can have a better year and win the Premier League again. It’s going to be very tough. All the teams will be adding new talent, but we are going to come back strong. “After winning the league the previous year by eight points and playing well, this … [Read more...]
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