Bale aims to reign in Spain.

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Apr 16, 2014

The highest paid player in FA Youth Cup history will feature for Chelsea in the second leg of the semi-final against Arsenal.

Andreas Christensen (named ‘gazelle’) is currently earning £20,000 a week, eventhough he has never featured for Chelsea’s first team. The defender turned 18 in April and has undoubted talent, with comfortable ability when the ball is at his feet, he is often seen driving into midfield positions, looking like an experienced premiership player already.

With very high standard performances in the youth squad and by earning £1 million a year, it should surely be a matter of time before Christensen becomes part of Chelsea’s team. But this does not seem the case as the standards are very high at Chelsea. Arriving from Danish club Brondby a couple of years ago, Christensen was an unused substitute in Rafa Benitez’s final game against Everton last season.

The defender signed for Chelsea in 2011, after Chelsea saw off competition from the likes of both Manchester clubs and by outbidding Barcelona. If you were to ask someone who closely followed Youth Football, they would probably say that Christensen was one of the biggest talents in the world at this moment.

It is hard to see when the defender will get his chance to prove his worth, as Chelsea have loaned out 28 players this season, and maybe just like Lukaku, Christensen might have to show his ability elsewhere, before he gets recognised by the Chelsea manager and earn his place infront of the likes of David Luiz or John Terry.

By Ollie Brown

Police investigating Hillsborough Facebook comments by Chelsea fan

By

SteveMilne

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Apr 16, 2014

Police are investigating after offensive comments about the Hillsborough disaster were posted online.

Merseyside Police said they had received a number of complaints since yesterday afternoon about comments posted by a Facebook user concerning the 1989 disaster.

The Chelsea fan then posted a picture of his ticket to the club’s game at Anfield later this month.

The comments were posted on Twitter as an image and retweeted by a number of users.

A police spokesman said: “Thanks to all who have reported the image containing offensive Hillsborough comments.

“We are aware of this and are currently investigating.”

The comments were made yesterday as the 25th anniversary of the service was marked.

Written by Steve Milne

Milan begin race for Cole and Mikel

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Apr 16, 2014

AC Milan are weighing up a move for Chelsea pair Ashley Cole and John Obi Mikel as manager Clarence Seedorf looks to bolster his squad for next season, according to Goal.

Cole’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season and his future continues to be uncertain as Cesar Azpilicueta has taken the veteran defender’s left-back position and the Spaniard is clearly favoured by Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager was keen to keep Cole last month but owner Roman Abramovich is yet to prepare a new deal, suggesting the England international may have to assess his options.

Following his side’s less than impressive victory over Catania on Sunday, Seedorf was honest to admit his side needs defensive strengthening.

The Dutchman told reporters: “I’d prefer the likes of Cafu and Serginho on the flanks, but we don’t have them.”

“[Daniele] Bonera has brought great balance to the side, [Kevin] Constant is a midfielder, [Urby] Emanuelson has played as a full-back a few times in his career, but we don’t really have a left-back.”

Nigerian John Obi Mikel has also been targeted by the Serie A side but any move for the midfielder will depend on whether Milan decide to sign loanees Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt on a permanent deal.

Should they decide not to, Seedorf will have approximately £11.5m to spend in the transfer window and their persuit of Mikel, who has been at Stamford Bridge since 2006, can commence. The Nigerian may consider a move after being sidelined following the arrival of Nemanja Matic, who has made an impressive impact since his move from Benfica in January.

Milan and Chelsea are on good terms as they have already completed the transfer of Michael Essien this season, so Mikel may be the lastest move between the two sides.

By Phil Wellbrook

Atlético Mineiro pull out of Anelka deal.

By

Ben Reardon

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Apr 16, 2014

Atlético Mineiro have opted out of a move to sign former West Bromwich Albion striker Nicholas Anelka.

Anelka was due to sign for the Brazilian side, however he failed to turn up to sign his contract at the club.

Eduardo Maluf, director of the football club, stated….

“”He had the obligation to let us know about this in advance,” Maluf said. “Atlético is much bigger than this, the deal is off.”

The Copa Libertadores Champions had planned to unveil the Frenchman today, however, rather than linking up with former team-mate Ronaldinho, the 35 year old Anelka was spotted on a religious trip in the far east.

Anelka had previously been sacked from West Bromwich Albion last month, following a suspension from the Premier League club ever since performing a quenelle salute during a 3-3 draw at West Ham United in December.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Arsenal turn to Mandzukic

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Apr 16, 2014

With Robert Lewandowski’s move to the Allianz Arena immanent, Arsenal are confident that they can prize away Mario Mandzukic away from Bayern Munich.

Arsenal did make Diego Costa enquiries in January, but were rejected, with Atletico Madrid wanting the striker to stay for their title and Champions League push this campaign. With Chelsea seemingly wrapping up a deal for Costa, Arsenal have now eyes upon Mario Mandzukic.

Bayern Munich and manager Pep Guardiola have insisted that Mandzukic is a part of Bayerns future, but a bid of up to £20 million may prove to be enough for the Gunners, as it will allow Pep to rebuild his squad in the summer.

Mario Mandzukic has scored 24 goals this season for the German champions, but it seems that the striker is not wanting to be replaced. Arsenal are also keen on on-loan Newcastle striker Loic Remy.

By Ollie Brown

United aim to secure Shaw deal

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Apr 16, 2014

David Moyes is aiming to do all buisness before the World Cup begins, with William Carvalho deal all but complete, he aims to sign Luke Shaw next.

With current left-back Patrice Evra’s future in doubt, Moyes is ready to pay up to £30 million for Luke Shaw to fill the gap for the next decade. Chelsea were seemingly front-runners for Shaw’s signature, but with the current form of Cesar Azpilicueta and the potential extension of Ashley Cole’s contract, Shaw is worried that his first team opportunities will be limited.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has publically said that he is confident that none of his squad will be sold. But Manchester United believe that they can persudae Shaw to leave, with their chief executive David Woodward attempting to complete the deal before the World Cup.

If United were to beat Chelsea for the left-back, it would be a statement of intent from United, who have struggled this season to regain champion status. Manchester United had also sent club scouts to watch Marco Reus in Dortmund’s 3-0 victory against Bayern Munich, and are also hoping that they can persuade Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos to join, after Dortmund tied down Ilkay Gundogan to a new contract yesterday.

By Ollie Brown

Ireland delighted at Stoke deal.

By

Ben Reardon

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Apr 16, 2014

Stoke City midfielder Stephan Ireland has stated his delight at signing a new deal at the Britannia Stadium.

The 27 year old has signed a new 3 year deal with the Potters, to end an awful spell at Villa.

Ireland then revealed his Villa heartache.

“I could have lost my mind. I felt so distant.

“My time at Villa wasn’t very nice and you are going to lose a bit of passion when you train on your own for six months.”

And Ireland has also stated that he is looking to a positive future with Stoke City.

“I want to repay Stoke with my performances. I’m only 27 and there’s so much more that I want to do in football.

“It’s important for every player to feel wanted and, to be honest, I haven’t had that in a long time.

“Thankfully, I have felt that warmth at Stoke and I couldn’t really be in a better place.”

He added: “For that I have to thank the gaffer and he’s been the reason why I’m delighted to agree this new deal.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Manchester United and Liverpool warned off bids for Real Sociedad star

By

SteveMilne

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Apr 16, 2014

The exciting midfielder is about put pen to paper on a new deal at the La Liga club that includes the whopping buy-out clause to safeguard the Spanish club from losing their latest talent on the cheap.

The Spain under-21 star will sign a deal that will tie him to San Sebastian-based club until the summer 2019.

Sociedad, like many teams outside the Spanish top-two, are fighting against the tide financially and Premier League teams have often benefited from their frailties by sealing cheap deals for burgeoning talents.

However, Pardo – whose 31 La Liga appearances this season in a deep-lying midfield role have inspired comparisons with Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso – will now bring in a windfall for his boyhood club should they need to cash-in.

Written by Steve Milne

Mesut Ozil to return this weekend

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Apr 16, 2014

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that midfielder Mesut Ozil will be fit enough to return to action this weekend when his side take on Hull City in the Premier League.

The club’s record signing has been out injured since the beginning of March after he damaged his hamstring in the Champions League game against Bayern Munich, but Wenger confirmed last night that he will be ready to return for Sunday.

Speaking after seeing his side see off West Ham United, Wenger was asked about Ozil, and the Frenchman declared the midfielder fit for the weekend.

“Ozil should be available for the weekend”, Wenger said.

The Arsenal boss was then asked about Abou Diaby and his return from a long injury.

“Abou is back in full training on Thursday.

“It’s very difficult to say [if he will play this season] because he has not played for over a year now, and it’s very difficult for me [to decide].

“He looks physically fine, but he has to play one or two games before I consider bringing him back.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Roberto Martinez responds to Barkley speculation

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Apr 16, 2014

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has laughed off the speculation that fierce-rivals Liverpool were preparing to make a £38million bid for Ross Barkley.

Reports broke out yesterday that Brendan Rodgers’ side were willing to pay around £40million for the Englishman, but when asked about the story in his press conference, Martinez shrugged the reports off and joked about speculation.

The Tofffees take on Crystal Palace tonight as the race for a top-four spot hots up, and in his conference, Martinez couldn’t help but comment on the Barkley to Liverpool rumours.

“In terms of the speculation, we already turned down a £50million bid from (Manchester) United so we’re not going to take £38million from Liverpool.

“It’s quite enjoyable to speak about speculation, I think it shows how well our players are doing and those are the type of football compliments that we want coming our way.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal target happy at club, reveals agent

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Apr 16, 2014

Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their hunt for a new holding-midfielder as Paris Saint-Germain ace Marco Verratti is not looking for a move away in the Summer.

Arsene Wenger is keen to find a replacement for Mikel Arteta, as the Spaniard is expected to leave the club next Summer once his contract expires, and the Frenchman has been impressed with the performances of Verratti in the French league.

However, any potential move this Summer has been dismissed after the player’s agent confirmed that his client was happy in Paris and hasn’t considered moving away from the club just yet.

Donato Di Campli told calcionews24.com: “I am not aware of any interest. Marco is happy at PSG.”

The Gunners have also been looking into Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin and Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Costa poised to join Chelsea

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Apr 16, 2014

Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho is ready to splash £50 million on Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa.

The striker is set to agree a £185,000 a week contract and will soon move to Stamford Bridge to lead the Chelsea attack next season. Costa has scored an astonishing 31 goals in 26 game in La Liga and has emerged as one of europes most wanted strikers.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has accepted that he himself will not be able to stand in Costa’s way of making a moving in the next window. He said: “It will depend on him and what he thinks is best for his future. I will support any decision he makes”.

“It’s natural that Chelsea are interested in him and that makes me happy, because my aim and that of my coaching staff is to see our players improve.

“We understand that Chelsea have huge financial power and if he wants to live off football for the rest of his life, I will have no problem in him going.

“It was like Radamel Falcao – how could I tell him not to go to Monaco [last summer]? He gave life to this club [during his time at Atletico].”

However, it seems that current Chelsea striker, Fernando Torres, looks to be heading away from Stamford Bridge, and Simeone has admitted that he would love the striker to return to the club.“Fernando is always with us [in spirit], obviously I have sent messages to him,” said the ex-Argentina midfielder. “He is very happy with everything that is happening to this team and he is always present, wishing us luck.

“Of course he would love to come back to the club he grew up in and where he was happy.”

The spanish striker could be added to this Costa deal after starting his career at Atletico before moving on to Liverpool in 2007. Aswell as Torres, it looks likely that Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba will leave the club, along with Samuel Eto’o whos contract runs out in the summer.

By Ollie Brown

‘My celebration was for the Hillsborough victims’, says Giroud

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Apr 16, 2014

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud dedicated his goal last night to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster which took place 25-years ago yesterday.

Before the game at the Emirates Stadium between Arsenal and West Ham United, a minutes silence took place to remember the 96 lives that were lost on the tragic day, and after scoring his superb goal, Giroud kissed his armband and pointed towards the night-sky.

The Gunners eventually won the game 3-1, and after the match, Giroud revealed his celebration was for the 96 people that never returned from the Liverpool match in Sheffield.

“I heard everybody talking about it before and I didn’t exactly know the story until a few days ago but I just wanted pay homage to them,” said Giroud.

“It’s something which made me feel consoling and I wanted to dedicate my goal to the families involved.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

United target Toni Kroos to decide his own future

By

SteveMilne

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Apr 16, 2014