David Luiz talks failed Barca move

Former Blueman Frank Lampard joined Manchester City on loan in the summer and he has hit a purple patch, hitting four goals in the past week for the Citizens.

The 36-year-old was a talismanic figure at the Blues during his 13-year association with the club, becoming their all-time leading scorer with 211 goals.

Although Lampard moved onto pastures new, Matic doesn’t think Chelsea miss him.

“Yes. Sometimes you have a player (like Frank) who plays very good and can score every game,” Matic told The Evening Standard.

“But in this moment Chelsea have different players scoring every match.

“Of course Diego has been doing very well and scored eight in six League games – that is not easy to do. But I think as a team we are perfect.

“It’s important to have a player in form like Diego that can score in every game if possible. But we have already had 11 players scoring goals and that’s good for team spirit and for the club.

“It shows we have a lot of quality in the team and every player can be decisive, in every moment.

“As a group we are really strong. Chelsea plays like one. Everything is going well for us.”

Written by Steve Milne

Arsenal and Chelsea sniff Khedira is for sale

By

Joseph Richardson

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Sep 30, 2014

Sami Khedira looks set to be on his way out of Real Madrid, after being told either sign a new contract or leave at the end of the season.

The German World Cup winner has as yet refused to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Bernabeu, and was heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in the summer, but no deal materialised.

He is currently out of favour under Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti having only made two brief substitute appearances this season, and he hasn’t been involved in the 18 for the last three games.

Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in acquiring his services however a move to the Emirates seems more likely, with the German contingent of: Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski already there.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has told SkySports that Khedira has one chance to come to an agreement as to where his future lies.

“Real Madrid have told Khedira you sign a new contract or go,” Balague said. “There are different reasons why he didn’t leave [in the summer]. Xabi Alonso left [for Bayern Munich] and his wage demands were too high for Arsenal and Chelsea”.

The holding midfielder could be let go on a free transfer when his contract runs out next summer. This will no doubt rumble on into January but the question now is will Khedira have the desire to play for Real, when called upon.

By Joseph Richardson

@Jj147Joseph

Man City consider £60m Juventus star

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Sep 30, 2014

Manchester City are considering a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, after recent reports suggest they are not interested in meeting Everton’s evaluation of £50million for Ross Barkley.

The Premier League champions have been watching £60million-rated Pogba, and are possibly lining him up as their new midfield target. This comes in conjunction with the growing doubts over Yaya Toure’s future at the Etihad.

Manchester United and Chelsea are also keen on Pogba, who left Old Trafford on a free transfer two years ago, and Chelsea are retaining their interest in Barkley despite his inflated asking price.

City could face frustration though as the French international midfielder looks likely to sign a new contract with Juventus.

He recently stated: ‘We are in negotiations for a contract renewal with Juventus.

‘I will soon have a meeting with the board of directors.

‘I have the arrogance of a born winner.’

Pogba was once described by his former club, Manchester United as a ‘powerful, skilful, and creative’ player who has ‘an eye for goal and a penchant for the spectacular’. And in January 2014, he was named by The Guardian as one of the ten most promising young players in Europe.

It would be intriguing to see Pogba back in Manchester, whether wearing red or blue, as when he left United in 2012, Sir Alex Ferguson accused the young Frenchman of disrespecting the club. It could get interesting up in the North-West if both sides of Manchester pursue their interest.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Sturridge and Sakho will not play in Switzerland

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Sep 30, 2014

The two Anfield players have been left out of the 18-man travelling squad for very different reasons.

Liverpool’s entourage fly to Switzerland today, ahead of their crucial clash with F.C Basel on Wednesday night.

It seems the thigh strain which has kept Sturridge out for the past three weeks is still not fully healed, and Brendan Rodgers doesn’t want to take any risks with his recovery.

The England hitman is hoping to be passed fit to play some part in the weekend’s Premier League tie with West Bromwich Albion.

Mamadou Sakho has also been told he won’t be flying today by the Anfield boss.

The French international was seen storming out of Anfield at the weekend, after learning he hadn’t made the squad for the Merseyside derby.

Sakho did release a Twitter apology for his conduct after the game, but Rodgers has decided to leave him out again. So far, there has been no news for the Northern Irishman’s decision, and also, it is still unclear as to whether the 24-year-old central defender has been fined by the club.

Sakho began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, winning a host of major French honours, before his £15million move to Anfield in 2013. With the hard-hitiing Frenchman on a wage of £75,000 a week, and a contract running until 2017, Liverpool fans will be hoping that differences are patched up quickly, formal apologies are issued, and the club can move on with the least controversy possible.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Ryan Bertrand seeks permanent exit

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Sep 30, 2014

Southampton defender, Ryan Bertrand, is ready to quit his parent club, Chelsea, on a permanent basis next Summer.

The English left-back spent last season out on loan at Aston Villa, and despite The Blues losing Ashley Cole to AS Roma, Jose Mourinho once again decided to send Bertrand out on a season-long loan, but this time, to Southampton.

Rather than promote Bertrand to the first-team, Mourinho went out and splashed the cash on Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid, and after Luke Shaw swapped Southampton for Manchester United, The Saints were in the market for a new left-back.

After scoring his first goal for the club at the weekend, Bertrand revealed that his plans are to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis next Summer.

‘Since I left to go on loan to [Aston] Villa, it’s been about me again,’ he said.

‘I’d never rule anything out, but it’s just been about getting out there and playing consistently without the thought process of what Chelsea think or whether I’m going back there.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Manchester United to battle Chelsea for Seamus Coleman

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 30, 2014

Manchester United are keen to sign Everton full-back Seamus Coleman, according to reports in The Guardian.

The Republic of Ireland international has impressed in a starting role at Everton over the last couple of seasons, and United are set to join Chelsea in the hunt for the highly-rated defender.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly been looking at the 25 year old for several weeks now, and is preparing a bid for next summer.

But according to Tuesday’s edition of The Guardian, United will attempt to land Coleman by offering a Goodison Park return for unconvincing midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini left Everton for Manchester United in the summer of 2013, when the Red Devils were managed by David Moyes, however he (Fellaini) has somewhat failed to make the grade at Old Trafford, and could be used in a proposed swap deal.

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal is set to overhaul his squad once again in the coming months, following a poor start for the club this season.

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Arteta in contract extension talks

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Sep 30, 2014

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s Spanish captain, has been offered a new one-year deal to extend his career at the Emirates. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the season when the player will be 33.

Arsenal have a standard policy to offer no more than 120-month contracts to players over 30, but this will suit Arteta nicely, as he contemplates life after Arsenal.

The Basque midfielder inherited the Gunner’s captaincy from Thomas Vermaelen in the summer, and is still seen very much as an integral piece of the Arsenal jigsaw.

Arteta is currently sidelined through a calf injury picked up in the North London derby at the weekend.

Despite not being available for selection until after the next international break, the contract is on the table and negotiations are underway. Aaron Ramsey also pulled a hamstring in the same game and faces at least a month in the treatment room.

There was some good news however for the Arsenal faithful. Jack Wilshere has been given the ‘all-clear’ following an ankle injury at the weekend, and looks a possibility to face Galatasary in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Reports also suggest that French striker, Olivier Giroud has agreed a new four-year deal, earning him £80,000 a week.

So, all in all a mixed bag of news for the Gunners, but mostly positive. With the pressure to bring silverware to the club somewhat alleviated at Wembley in May, there is a growing optimism around North London that this could be a special year for the men in red and white.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Mourinho to risk Diego Costa despite hamstring worries

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Sep 30, 2014

Jose Mourinho believes complete rest is needed for Diego Costa, in order to recover from a niggling hamstring problem. However, he believes Spain will ignore this fact and draft in Costa to play against Slovakia and Luxembourg next month.

Costa has scored eight goals in six Premier League up to now, but was only a substitute in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Shalke in the Champions League opener – a result which suggests the reliance of the Blues on their new star striker.

On the eve of Chelsea’s Group G match with Sporting Lisbon, Mourinho announced: ‘Diego starts. There is a risk, yes, but he plays. We assume the risk and he plays. Hopefully everything goes well and hopefully from Tuesday till Sunday he has enough period of time to be back again on track and to play against Arsenal (in the Premier League).

‘It’s an important game for us tomorrow, a difficult game and if I can play my best players and the teamI think is the best team to try to get the best result, I’m not going to make any change.

‘I don’t rest people. I make decisions. I don’t think about Arsenal – I think about Sporting and I’m going to start with the team that I think is the best team.’

The Portuguese tactician has recently gone public, saying he doesn’t want Costa, a £32million Summer signing to play in upcoming internationals, however he believes Spain will ignore his wishes.

Mourinho went on to say: ‘I have the feeling that next week he goes to the national team. I have the feeling that in the national team they will not consider the fact that he is in trouble so tomorrow he plays and hopefully he plays Sunday again against Arsenal.

‘But in this moment I don’t think about Arsenal – I think about Sporting. And Diego starts tomorrow.’

So despite Costa’s ongoing problem, and an injury to Diego Drogba, Mourinho appears to value the Spanish hitman so highly, Loic Remy may have to sit out these games on the bench.

‘Drogba’s going to be out for a couple of weeks,’ Mourinho added.

‘He had a problem in a training session in the ankle. Not possible to travel (to Lisbon) and I think not possible to recover for Sunday.’

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Filipe Luis lifts lid on Chelsea lifestyle

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Sep 30, 2014

Chelsea Summer signing, Filipe Luis, has opened up about life in England, and the Brazilian has admitted that he much prefers London to Madrid.

The 29-year-old left Atletico Madrid in the Summer in order to join Chelsea, and despite spending most of his time on the bench, Luis has admitted that he is loving life in England and is very happy in London.

When asked about adapting to life in England, Luis revealed that he much prefers it to the life in Spain, but he admitted that the football is a lot more physical.

He said: “So far it’s been really good for me.

“The football is unbelievable here: strong, tactical and also very physical – much more physical than in Spain.

“For me it’s been a really fast adaptation and my team-mates have helped me a lot with that. I’m really happy here.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool closing in on Valdes

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Sep 30, 2014

Liverpool are set to ramp up their interest in free-agent goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, once the Spaniard fully returns from his knee injury.

The former-Barcelona star let his contract expire at the Nou Camp after declaring his desire to leave the club for a new challenge, but his potential moves were cancelled by a serious knee injury which has kept him out for nearly the whole calender year.

However, with Simon Mignolet not performing as well as he would like, Brendan Rodgers is now ready to ramp up his interest in the Spaniard, and is desperate to sign him to provide genuine competition for the Belgium shot-stopper.

The 32-year-old is expected to undergo medical tests at Liverpool in the next few weeks just to see whether he is fit enough.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Cristiano Ronaldo return ‘two years away’

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Sep 30, 2014

Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague, has revealed that Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, will return to Manchester United, but it’s at least two years away from happening.

The Portuguese star is reportedly frustrated in Spain, due to the club selling stars; Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso, to United and Bayern Munich respectively, and the forward wants to return to England in order to end his career.

United fans are desperate to see their star return to Old Trafford and even paid for a aeroplane to fly a banner over the Bernabeu with a message saying ‘Come Home Ronaldo’, and despite the 29-year-old insisting his future is in Spain, Balague believes a move could be on in two years time.

‘People want this to happen in January, if possible. It’s not going to happen,’ Balague told Sky Sports.

‘In the summer? I don’t think it’s going to happen. Real Madrid have got no intention whatsoever of selling Cristiano Ronaldo next summer.

‘In two years’ time I would say yes, that is possibly the time when he will be 31 going on 32, for Real Madrid to say: ‘OK, if we can cash in on him, brilliant. He has done a lot for us, but that’s it, time to move on’.

‘I don’t think it’s going to happen this summer. People will have to be a little bit more patient.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Olivier Giroud to sign new deal at Arsenal

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Sep 30, 2014

Arsenal striker, Olivier Giroud, is set to sign a contract extension seeing him stay at the Emirates until at least 2018.

The French international, who is currently sidelined after suffering a nasty leg injury against Everton in August, is expected to be out for the rest of the year, but is hoping to secure his long-term future at the club be signing a four-year extension.

The 27-year-old still have two years left on his current deal, but after an impressive two seasons in England, Arsenal officials wanted to reward him with a further two years and it’s expected to be announced in the next couple of weeks.

It’s believed the contract will be worth £80k-a-week, and despite some fans not rating Giroud, it’s reported that this is the club’s way of backing the Frenchman as they feel he’s vital to Arsene Wenger’s plans.

Giroud joins; Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky in signing new deals this calender year.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Alan Pardew on the brink following latest defeat

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

Alan Pardew looks likely to lose his job in the coming day or so, following Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat away at Stoke City on Monday evening.

Peter Crouch’s first half header gave the Potters a deserved three points, with Pardew now seemingly walking a tightrope before his presumed sacking by controversial owner Mike Ashley.

Pardew, who has already been under intense pressure at the Magpies of late, cut a lonely figure on the touchline at the Britannia Stadium, as he saw his Newcastle side squander late chances in the defeat.

Should he lose his job, Pardew would leave the Tyneside club without a League win so far this current season, with Newcastle now 19th the Premier League after six games.

Comments by Ashley in the Independent over the weekend suggest that the Stoke fixture seemed to be the final straw for the London born manager, following several amounts of supporter protests after the barrent run of results.

The Newcastle boss is actually guaranteed a huge pay out if he is relieved of his duties, with Pardew into the second year of an eight year contract.

In what has been a testing time since appointment, with off the field behavioural problems a plenty, is Ashley set to wield the axe once again at St James’ Park?

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Sanchez Dropped by Arsenal?

By

bizzlemufc

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Sep 29, 2014