Liverpool eye shock move for goalkeeper

Chelsea youngster Lucas Piazon is at the centre of a transfer battle between three top European clubs.

The midfielder is currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt from the Blues, where he has impressed.

Frankfurt have been so happy with his contribution so far this season that they have already expressed an interest in trying to bring the player in again next season.

But his solid start this year has also alerted Arsenal and Zenit, who join Everton in pursuing Piazon’s signature come the summer.

Zenit boss Andres Villas-Boas knows Piazon, onced dubbed “the new Kaka”, from their time at Chelsea together and is keen on a reunion.

The player himself has announced himself happy at Frankfurt, while also revealing he hopes to play for Chelsea’s first team one day.

“I feel good at Frankfurt. The Bundesliga is a great championship for a guy like me. I’m only 20 years old and ready for a new challenge.”

“I don’t disguise the fact that one day I would like to return to Chelsea and start playing there but I understand this won’t be easy.”

“However in football there are always surprises.”

By Andrew Bell (@AndrewBizzle009)

Alonso reveals reason behind Bayern move

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Oct 16, 2014

Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with a return to the Premier League over the summer, with Chelsea, Manchester United and former employers Liverpool all keen to see him back in England.

But Alonso has revealed that the reason he joined Bayern Munich in the end was the opportunity to experience a new league.

The 32 year-old joined the Bundesliga champions for an undisclosed fee in August and spoke about the move, saying: “I had the chance to go to another top club in another league.

“It was maybe the last time to have experience something new. That’s why I took a few days to make up my mind and I talked about it with Madrid, who were very understanding.

“I’ll always be very thankful to the club. Maybe the decision came late, but that’s how it was.”

Alonso added: “People talk a lot. I wanted a fresh start, in a new city. I felt it was the best thing for my career.

“It didn’t have anything to do with new players arriving because I knew Ancelotti had faith in me and I was going to play an important role.

“There was absolutely nothing I didn’t like at Madrid. It was just that I wanted and needed something new.”

By Phil Wellbrook

Real Madrid move in on De Gea

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Oct 16, 2014

Real Madrid are looking for a replacement for the out-of-form Iker Casillas and Carlo Ancelotti has identified David De Gea as his primary target.

The United shot-stopper made a move to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid back in 2011, in a deal worth £18m.

Louis van Gaal is reportedly ready to offer the Spaniard a new contract but reports in Spain from Mundo Deportivo claim Real are willing to soend £24m to lure him to the Bernabeu.

Meanwhile they are also interested in veteran Blues keeper Petr Cech, who has been sidelined from the start of the season to Thibaut Courtois.

The European champions are willing to strike up a six month loan deal if they are unable to land the signing of De Gea in January, followed by a pricey offer in the summer.

By Phil Wellbrook

PSG ace not for sale

By

bizzlemufc

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Oct 16, 2014

Paris Saint Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has dismissed talk Edinson Cavani could move to the Premier League, amid reported interest in the player.

Liverpool and Arsenal were both rumoured to be eyeing a January swoop for the Uruguayan ace, who has won the hearts of PSG fans since joining from Napoli with his endless work rate.

But Al-Khelaifi has rubbished talk Cavani could be on the move, before reiterating his desire for the striker to stay.

“Edinson is an excellent player and a great professional. He is very generous in the effort he gives and he’s still working a lot for the team, without thinking about himself and his personal statistics.”

“He gives 100 percent – you can see that just by his attitude on the field – he plays attack but he also defends a lot. Cavani is a real fighter who is willing to die for PSG.”

“Paris is a city he loves; he has every reason to stay here.”

By Andrew Bell (@AndrewBizzle009)

Juventus demand United pay more for Vidal

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Oct 16, 2014

The Red Devils tried everything to sign Vidal over the summer transfer window, but could not convince the midfield to come to Old Trafford.

However, Real Madrid are also keen to sign the 27-year-old as Carlo Ancelotti attempts to beef up his squad, and Juventus are ready to take advantage of the two-horse race by upping their asking price to a staggering £48million.

The Serie A champions are prepared to let Vidal go after a number of unprofessional incidents, but unfortunately for United, Massimo Allegri is looking to do business with Ancelotti before Van Gaal.

Juventus are keen to sign Real’s wantaway midfielder Sami Khedira, and want to negotiate a swap deal with the Champions League holders, which could see United end with nothing,.

Eden Hazard says Mourinhos criticism is helping him improve

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Oct 16, 2014

Eden Hazard has been one of the key driving forces behind Chelsea’s’ impressive unbeaten start, with Mourinho’s men currently sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But the 23-year-old admitted that does not mean he is exempt from the Special One’s fury.

“There is a lot of respect – he is the best coach in the world – and he gives me a lot of confidence,” Hazard told Sport Foot Magazine.

“Even after a bad match, he picks me again. He will have a little dig saying: ‘Today we played with 10 [men]’ but he stops there. He leaves me alone and does not go on at me.”

He added: “It is the first time I have known this with a coach. The others tended to protect me. He really wants my potential to explode and he does everything to make it happen.”

Rafael: United can win the Premier League

By

Ben Reardon

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Oct 16, 2014

Manchester United full-back Fabio has stated that he believes his side can win the Premier League title.

The Red Devils are eight points behind the likes of league leaders Chelsea, following a summer of change at Old Trafford, with Louis Van Gaal now in charge st the club.

24 year-old Rafael, who joined the club in 2008, believes that United can get back to the summit of the league table.

Rafael believes that under Louis Van Gaal, they can get back to their best, due to the work-ethic installed to the players by the Dutch manager.

Speaking in a recent interview, the defender said: “In my opinion, something changed. We have new players in the squad. Manchester United signed a lot of players and we have a new manager as well.

“Season after season, things change and for us especially this year. All the coaching staff is new, and we have new team colleagues.

“Van Gaal always relies on his philosophy and now we are starting to understand this.

“I worked with Sir Alex Ferguson and other managers. Van Gaal is a strong coach who admires the right things. He asks for everyone to be on time for the activities; we can’t be late.

“He likes to see us training hard. He has some differences, especially the philosophy, so we have to adapt to this.

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

William Gallas retires from football

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Oct 16, 2014

Frenchman, William Gallas, has decided to call time on his career and retire from professional football.

The 37-year-old, who had Premier League spells with three London clubs, has made the decision to quit now as he feels like his body is telling him to stop.

After enjoying a long career with Chelsea, Gallas moved on to Arsenal, before ending his England stay with Tottenham Hotspur, and since then, he has played for Australian side, Perth Glory.

Gallas had this to say after ending his 19-year career in football: “You tell yourself you can always continue but I think that today I can’t.”

The Frenchman made 84 appearances for his country, whilst reaching 100 appearances for both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Everyone at sillyseason would like to congratulate William Gallas on his illustrious career.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsene Wenger admits to transfer mistake

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Oct 16, 2014

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has admitted that the club failed in the Summer transfer market as they missed out on signing another defender.

The Gunners started the window well, making some impressive signings, including Alexis Sanchez from FC Barcelona, but with every fan screaming for more defensive cover, Wenger and his team failed to land a commanding centre-back, leaving the club severely short of defenders.

After selling Thomas Vermaelen and bringing in Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, Arsenal were left with six recognisable first-team defenders, two right-backs, two centre-backs and two left-backs, but at the club’s Annual General Meeting, the Frenchman admitted that they failed to sign an extra defender.

However, Wenger has promised to put that right in January once the Winter window opens.

‘I agree we could have bought one more player – we didn’t find him,’ Wenger said, speaking at the club’s AGM.

‘We will try to rectify that in December and January because we are a bit short.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal receive a boost as Transfer target admits he would like to play Premier League Football

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Oct 16, 2014

Arsenal have a moved a closer to signing Edinson Cavani after he reportedly told PSG that he wants to move to the Premier League.

Cavani’s future has been subject of intense speculation in the last few weeks, with the Uruguay international said to have grown unhappy at PSG.

Arsenal are preparing a bid to sign him, and Cavani has handed them a welcome boost with reports suggesting that he’s told PSG he wants a switch to England.

Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen on Cavani but Arsenal have been working on a deal and believe they are the clear front runners.

PSG would be looking for at least £55million for the 27-year-old.

Pep Guardiola wants the top job at Manchester United

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Oct 16, 2014

Pep is currently contracted with Bundesliga club Bayern Munich until 2016, and says he can see himself taking over Van Gaal’s position at United one day.

In his newly released book ‘Pep Confidential’, author Marti Perarnau wrote: “A year before, in late July 2011, not long after a resounding 3-1 victory in the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley, Barcelona competed in the Audi Cup in Munich.

“Pep liked the set-up at Säbener Strasse [Bayern’s training complex], despite the fact that it was smaller than Barça’s training ground and had fewer technical facilities.

“The Catalan was impressed and told Manel Estiarte his personal assistant privately: “I like this place. I could see myself coaching here one day. Pep had said something very similar a few months before, at Manchester United.

“The day after beating Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, Guardiola and Estiarte travelled to Manchester to watch their next opponent in action.

“It was May 4, 2011, and the pair sat together in the stands of Old Trafford watching Sir Alex Ferguson’s team beat Schalke 4-1. Once again Pep had turned to his friend and said: ‘I like this atmosphere. I could see myself coaching here one day.’

“Guardiola has always felt a deep admiration, almost veneration, for the legendary teams and players of Europe.”

When asked about his aspirations to manage United, Guardiola added: “I am here. I am at Bayern and I want to stay two more years here.”

Arsenal ramp up striker hunt after Podolski threat

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Oct 16, 2014

Arsenal are set to ramp up their interest in Benfica striker, Talisca, after Lukas Podolski has told the club he’s ready to quit in January due to limited first-team opportunities.

The World Cup winner has failed to cement a regular first-team spot since arriving in North London from Germany, and after being pushed further down the pecking order since the arrivals of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, the German is now considering a Winter exit.

Podolski said: “I have assessed my position in the team, and it has to change now,” he said.

“Let’s see what happens in the winter. The fact is that I’m not happy with it, that’s clear.”

With the 29-year-old wanting out, Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, is now keen on signing a replacement, and his eyes have turned to Portugal and the league’s top goalscorer, Talisca.

The Brazilian striker has caught the eye of the Premier League outfit after a stunning start to the new campaign, and a £17million bid may be tabled in the New Year.

However, The Gunners will face serious competition from rivals, Chelsea, as Jose Mourinho has also expressed his interest in the 20-year-old.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Chelsea working on Sami Khedira deal

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Oct 16, 2014

Chelsea are working on a deal to potentially sign Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira on a free transfer next Summer, beating rivals; Arsenal and Manchester United, to the signing.

The English trio have all shown interest in Khedira since the Summer transfer market, and although the midfielder’s wage demands blocked any potential move, it’s believed that all three are still interested in him with his contract nearing it’s end at the Bernabeu.

With just several months left on his current deal, Madrid are keen to sell the German in January, with Arsenal the initial favourites to sign him after reportedly agreeing a contract with the midfielder, but since then, reports have emerged that Chelsea are working on a lucrative deal which could see the 27-year-old complete a Summer move to The Bridge.

Due to the Bosman Ruling, Khedira can talk to any overseas club as soon as January, and according to reports, Chelsea are already putting together a contract to present to the German international, hoping he will agree to it and sign for them in principle before completing the move in June, once his contract expires in Spain.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Barcelona staff begged club not to sign Thomas Vermaelen

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Oct 16, 2014