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Premier League clubs after Martinez.

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Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea are to send scouts out to watch Jackson Martinez. 

Martinez is set to start Porto’s Europa League game at Seville this evening, and both United and Chelsea are seen as keen admirers. 

The 27 year old has been superb this season, and has won many plaudits from across Europe. 

Both sides are keen, however, Martinez is not a main target for either. 

Porto would be looking for around ÂŁ25 million for the highly rated South American. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Arsene Wenger responds to Santi Cazorla comments

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has responded to Santi Cazorla’s recent comments about his team-mates and their lack of winning mentality.

The Spanish midfielder claimed there is a lack of winning mentality around the dressing room and better players needed to be signed if the club want to bring back the glory days.

Cazorla then continued by saying he would leave the club if they don’t start challenging for trophies in the near-future.

Speaking ahead of the club’s semi-final against Wigan Athletic on Saturday, Wenger was asked about his player’s recent comments, and the Frenchman admitted that the club are working hard on improving the squad.

Wenger said: “You can always improve in our game. When results are not as good, you can always think you can improve.

“There is no perfect team and we will always try to improve our squad and our team.

“This season we lost key players at big important moments of the season, but we have to just to focus on finishing as well as we can.

“We are in a position where we can still do very well until the end of the season, that is what we want. It is not about next season, it is about this season.

“We are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, you cannot say that we have been invited to play there. we have beaten all of the teams we have been confronted with by producing top-level performances.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

PSG deny talks with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United target

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Paris Saint Germain have denied they have come into contact with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United targer Paul Pogba.

The former United player is currently at Juventus where he has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world. Real Madrid are also interested in the French star but it is believed that PSG are most eager to complete a deal over the summer.

However, the clubs owner, Nassar Al Khelaifi has insisted that nothing is happening- for now. 

“Pogba? We have not spoken with him,” he told media, “only at the end of the season will we evaluate everything.”

 

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

 

Chelsea transfer boost as Costa price could be reduced

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Atletico Madrid could lower the asking price of Chelsea transfer target Diego Costa if The Blues allow goalkeeper to play should they be paired together in the Champions League semi-finals. 

The draw takes place on Friday for the semis, and should Chelsea and Atletico draw each other, Chelsea will be demanding €6million euros over the two legs to allow on-loan goalkeeper Courtois to play. Cash strapped Madrid will be unable to pay the sum, therefore the clause in the young goalkeeper’s loan agreement could deprive him the two biggest games of his career.

However, rumours have began to circulate that Atletico could let prime transfer target for Chelsea, Diego Costa, move to Chelsea for slightly cheaper should the two clubs come to an agreement allowing Courtois to play. 

 

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Thibaut Courtois can play against Chelsea for a price

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Courtois is currently in his third season on-loan at the Vicente Calderon from Chelsea.

And whilst there is nothing stopping Courtois featuring against his parent club – as would be the case in the Premier League – there is a clause in the deal that looks set to scupper any chance of that happening.

Chelsea inserted a clause in the deal that means Atletico would have to pay them extra money for every time Courtois appears against them.

Some reports claim it is as much as ÂŁ4million per match, although the exact figure has not been confirmed.

However, Atletico president Cerezo has confirmed that the clause does exist and if the two teams are drawn together, then Courtois is unlikely to feature.

Speaking to Spanish radio Onda Cero, he said: “It is a figure that we cannot pay.”

Should Atletico draw Chelsea, and Courtois does not play, then the Spanish side would have to turn to their number two – 34-year-old Dani Aranzubia, who has played just once for them this season.

Written by Steve Milne

Chelsea and Arsenal target to decide future in May, according to agent

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FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez won’t make a decision about his future until May, according to his agent, as Premier League duo Chelsea and Arsenal consider ÂŁ25million bids.

The Colombian international has been superb for the Portuguese side since joining them back in 2012, and his consistant performances have caught the eye of both Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger, who are desperate to sign a top-class striker in the Summer.

However, the two English clubs will face serious competition from clubs around Europe as the 27-year-old is being closely tracked by several giants, including Italian side AS Roma, who have sent representitives to Portugal waiting to make a move.

Despite all the speculation, Martinez’s agent has confirmed that no formal talks have taken place and a decision regarding his future will not take place until May at the earliest.

“At the moment there is not any kind of negotiation for Jackson Martinez,” he is quoted as saying on TMW.

“Until May we will not talk with any team. He’s focused on the end of the season with Porto – once the championship is finished we will see.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Pepe Reina on the way out

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On-loan Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina wants to leave Anfield for good this summer, according to reports.

The spanish international is currently on loan at Italian club Napoli under former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, and now join Atletico Madrid in wanting to sign the one-time Barcelona target.

“I will go back to Liverpool and talk about a transfer,” he said.

 

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has refused to discuss his future

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The Danish international played his first game of the season last weekend in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United.

With David De Gea now firmly entrenched as number one at Old Trafford, Lindegaard insists he was just happy to play at St James’ Park.

“It was nice to get the opportunity to play for the first time in almost half of a year.” Lindegaard told TV3!.

“It has been a long time between outings, you can do the maths yourself.

“I am like David (de Gea) and I would like to play in every match. I haven’t done that this season.

“But when that is said, I am happy to get the chance to play. You always want to play, but that [my future] is not something I want to discuss with you now.”

Written by Steve Milne

Aaron Ramsey given the all-clear ahead of Wembley tie

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that midfielder Aaron Ramsey is fit enough to start against Wigan Athletic on Saturday in the FA Cup Semi-Final.

It’s a massive game for Wenger and co. with many people suggesting that the Frenchman’s future depends on this one game at Wembley as the club look to end their nine year trophy drought.

The last piece of silverware that Arsenal won was the 2005 FA Cup, when they beat Manchester United on penalties, and they are stern favourites to win this year’s competition too, but if the FA Cup is one thing, it’s unpredictable.

One boost for The Gunners is that Welshman Aaron Ramsey has been given the all-clear to start after making his return from a three-month absence on Sunday during the defeat to Everton, and in his press conference, Wenger confirmed the news about his star-midfielder.

‘Aaron Ramsey is ready to start against Wigan,’ the Gunners boss said.

However, Wenger then continued to discuss injuries and gave the latest on FIVE of his crocked players.

He added: ‘[Mesut] Ozil could be back next Saturday, [Laurent] Koscielny could be back for Tuesday.

‘We have a lot of uncertainties. Gibbs, Rosicky and Oxlade-Chamberlain are all doubts.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Chelsea star in talks over Summer exit

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Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o looks set to leave the club this Summer after it was revealed that he is holding talks with Turkish club Besiktas.

The Cameroon international only arrived at Stamford Bridge this year, but he has failed to make a serious impact with the club and hasn’t impressed manager Jose Mourinho, who has questioned the striker’s real age due to his performances.

The comments made by Mourinho have frustrated Eto’o and it’s believed that is why he wants to leave the club, and according to reports, officials from Besiktas have flown to London in order to hold talks with the striker’s representitives. 

It is believed that the 33-year-old is being offered a two-year deal to join the Turkish club, and the potential thought of a long-term deal could interest the veteran.

Eto’o has also been linked with former clubs Inter Milan and Mallorca.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Romelu Lukaku refuses to discuss future

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On-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has refused to discuss where his future lies and constant talk about whether or not he will be leaving Stamford Bridge this Summer.

According to reports, Jose Mourinho is keen to offload the 20-year-old in order to raise funds so that he can sign Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa, but after the Belgium has had two very successful campaigns in the Premier League whilst out on loan, the Portuguese-man may change his mind after the World Cup.

Lukaku was a hit with West Bromwich Albion last season and has also been deadly in front of goal for Everton this year, scoring 16 goals in 29 appearances, but it seems that not even that is enough for Mourinho to keep the youngster.

In a recent interview, Lukaku was asked about his own future, but he was adamant that he is only focused on the season and then the World Cup with Belgium.

“I’m trying not to look too far ahead for now.

“I’m still two years under contract at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“This is a team that is growing and for me, I just want to help Everton instead of thinking about myself and the next step.

“There are so many things on the horizon – like big games against Man United and City, then the World Cup – so I have to give it a place in my head but not focus on it.

“For now, it’s just helping Everton finish fourth and then we’ll see.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal monitoring Tottenham and Liverpool target Rodriguez

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The 24-year-old ruptured knee ligaments against Manchester City this past weekend and now looks set to be on the sidelines for up to six months.

However, according to reports, Rodriguez’s injury hasn’t put Arsene Wenger off and the Arsenal chief will monitor his progress in the coming months.

Sources close to Highbury say Arsenal had made an enquiry for the forward, who has also been tracked by Premier League duo Liverpool and Tottenham in recent time.

Before his injury, the Saints star had put himself in World Cup contention for England having struck 17 goals in this campaign.

Now though, the forward will be concentrating on his rehabilitation and will be desperate to prove his fitness by the start of next season.

It remains to be seen as to whether the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool put any potential offer for the England man on hold.

Written by Steve Miln

Three Liverpool players up for monthly accolades

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The nominations have been revealed for March’s Player of the Month and Manager of the Month, and the competition is dominated by Liverpool with Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez all up for contention.

Rodgers’ side was unbeaten in the last month and guided his men to five wins, including an impressive 3-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and that run has put themselves in a very strong position for this year’s title, which would be the club’s first.

Along with Rodgers, Roberto Martinez from Everton has been nominated, as has Mark Hughes from Stoke City and Manuel Pellegrini from Manchester City.

It looks set to be a Merseyside battle for the Manager gong after Martinez also guided his side to five wins from five as he looks to push Arsenal out of the top-four for the first time under Arsene Wenger.

Pellegrini and Hughes also guided their teams unbeaten throughout March as well.

As for the Player of the Month award, Liverpool’s Suarez and Gerrard will be the main runners after their superb performances throughout the month, but they will have to beat Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez and Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.

Suarez scored an impressive six goals in March, while Rodriguez hit five, Gerrard hit four and Lukaku struck three times.

Who do you think deserves to win the gongs for March?

Comment below!

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

We’ll be back, declares Moyes

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After suffering a 3-1 defeat in Germany, Manchester United were eliminated from this season’s Champions League, and due to their poor standings in the Premier League, they will not be in next season’s competition either, but according to boss David Moyes, their absence will not be a long-term thing.

The Scot has had a miserable first campaign at Old Trafford with the only positives really coming in this year’s European competition, but reaching the semi-finals was one step too far for Moyes and his men as they fell to last year’s champions Bayern Munich.

Now United must focus on performing well until the end of the season in the league, however, they know that they have nothing left to fight for due to their poor campaign, but Moyes believes things will get better soon and they will be back in the Champions League in the near-future.

“We have not got Champions League football, that’s the way it looks, but I believe that it is not far away, and hopefully it will be one year away.

“We have got to rebuild and our focus is to get a team that can get back into this competition. It is a great competition – we have really enjoyed it – and there is no shame in going out to Bayern Munich.”

Moyes was then questioned whether the lack of Champions League football would damage their chances in the transfer market, but he doesn’t believe that is the case.

“The club have never had any problems, on anything we have talked about” added Moyes. “The club are looking to spend the right money on the right players that are available. It has nothing to do with Champions League football.

“Any players that we have sort of quietly discussed with, I think they are more than happy to join Manchester United.

“The ones who quietly, someone might have had a word in their ear, have all been keen to come as it is a short thing and not a long thing and they are all very keen to join such a great club.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Jose Mourinho fined

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Mourinho walked on to the Villa Park pitch to speak to referee Chris Foy after Chelsea’s Ramires was dismissed.

He denied an improper conduct charge but it was proven at a personal hearing with an independent regulatory commission on Wednesday.

“I don’t know why I was sent off,” Mourinho said after the match.

“I asked, but the referee refused to speak to me.”

Mourinho was critical of Foy after the game at Villa Park as Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League was reduced to four points.

Ramires was shown a straight red card for a two-footed tackle on Villa’s Karim El Ahmadi, an incident that sparked a touchline fracas.

Mourinho claimed he was trying to speak to Foy because Ramires was pushed by Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who had been substituted.

Written by Steve Milne