To win or Toulouse?

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Apr 13, 2014

Liverpool’s on loan left-back Aly Cissokho could be subject of bids from the two Milan rivals in the summer, making his permanent stay at Liverpool unlikely.

Cissokho’s parent club, Valencia, are almost certainly willing to let him go to free up some wage bills, but are yet to set a asking price. Aly’s contract at the Mestalla runs until 2016 and it seems Valencia are keen to offload their player. According to the Plaza Deportivo, the left back is being watched closely by Inter Milan and rival Ac Milan, with the two clubs ready to lock horns to secure the player’s signature.

Cissokho has made 14 appearances this season for Liverpool, but has not been a regular after young Jon Flanagan’s excellent progress. A move is on the cards for the 26 year-old but it is unclear yet to see who is the frontrunners for his signature.

By Ollie Brown

Liverpool to wear a 96 patch on shirts for their next three games.

By

Ben Reardon

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Apr 13, 2014

Liverpool will wear a special 96 patch on their shirts for their next three Premier League games.

The patch will be sewn into the Reds kit which will be a poignant reminder of the 96 Liverpool supporters who died in the Hillsborough disaster crush.

Liverpool have planned several events over the next few weeks, with Tuesday being the official date.

The Reds are currently in contention for their first ever Premier League title, and are currently top of the League, with four games left.

And they face Manchester City today in what could be a title decider.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

#JFT96

United target Koke will not be tempted by Old Trafford move

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Apr 13, 2014

The young Spaniard has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents this season, and has become an integral part of Diego Simeone’s title-chasing side.

The wide-man, who is also comfortable in the centre of the pitch, has helped Atletico to the top of La Liga, as well as scoring the goal against Barcelona which sent his side through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The 22-year-old only signed a new contract in January, and has made it clear he has no plans to join the Old Trafford revolution any time soon.

“I am very happy and I do not think about leaving the club right now,” he said.

“I am happy at home, I want to continue here and that is why I have a long contract.

“The rumours in the paper will have no impact on my game. I am young, but I am calm.

“Now is the best moment to enjoy being at Atletico. My future here will be long.”

Written by Steve Milne

Jose Mourinho agrees €60m fee for transfer of Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid

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Apr 13, 2014

The London club have sealed an agreement to sign Diego Costa for a reported €60million this summer.

Reports had circulated that Real Madrid were also ready to step in, though the Santiago Bernabeu outfit have since reportedly thrown in the towel after coming to terms with the alleged existing agreement between the Rojiblancos and Chelsea.

The Spanish press claim that Roman Abramovic gave Mourinho the green light after watching Costa terrorise La Liga defences, and Chelsea have since accepted to pay a €60million clause which was recently put into place by the Atletico directors.

Written by Steve Milne

‘Goal-shy’ Chelsea cannot win the league, says Pellegrini

By

Alex Batt

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Apr 13, 2014

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes it would be bad for football if Chelsea won this season’s Premier League title.

Ahead of his side’s crunch clash with Liverpool at Anfield, Pellegrini has been talking about the title-race and he has been open about his feelings if Jose Mourinho’s side did actually end up winning the trophy come May.

Pellegrini has stated how bad it would be for the Premier League if a ‘goal-shy’ Chelsea won the Premier League, after his side has scored 84 goals and Liverpool have scored 90.

‘It would be very disappointing – for football, for the fans, for everyone.

‘I think the most attractive football, the more goals you can score, should be rewarded. I’m not saying it’s not important to defend very well. Football is attacking and defending. But I think big teams must play as big teams.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

‘I’m looking to leave Chelsea’, admits Ba

By

Alex Batt

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Apr 13, 2014

Chelsea striker Demba Ba has confirmed that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge in the Summer due to the criticism received by manager Jose Mourinho.

The former-Newcastle United forward hasn’t been able to find his form at Chelsea and has only been used as a bit-part player this season which has resulted in him growing frustrated at the club.

Despite all the negative reaction Ba has received from the season, he did score the winner against Paris Saint Germain which saw the club progress through to the Champions League Semi-Finals, however, he has confirmed that he will be leaving this Summer.

The 28-year-old said: “I’m looking to leave Chelsea. I want to play the full 90 minutes, get the maximum number of games and enjoy myself. I’ve not done that very much this season, and I doubt things will change for me here.

“I could well imagine myself at PSG. That is even though they have taken on a new dimension, and seem to be looking for international stars in the £50million bracket rather than steady performers costing £10m.

“But if PSG are looking for someone to play alongside Zlatan, then I’m their man.

“They will win the Champions League sooner or later, and not just the one time.

“Jose Mourinho has never explained his decisions to me. I am honestly surprised that I have been this patient. Earlier in my career I would have cracked up or blown a fuse.

“My friends Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o have been important. They told me not to give up.”

Ba added: “But Chelsea are at the top of the pyramid. If I leave them I mustn’t make a mistake.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Suarez for Aguero? Not a chance

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Apr 13, 2014

Manuel Pellegrini has added fuel to the fire to this weeks potential league decider against Liverpool.

This statement from Pellegrini ultimately rules out speculation that City were to bid for the Liverpool forward, labelled the potential £100 million man by Liverpool boss, Brendan Rogers. Pellegrini did claim earlier in this season that he thought Aguero was the third best player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. But this season it is Suarez who leads the line the Premier League”s top scorers list with 29 goals, with Aguero behind with 15 after an injury-hit season.

But this seems it has not swayed Pellegrini’s judgement, as he said: “ I continue to think that. “They are both top players. Suarez has had the whole season playing, he has scored a lot of goals and Sergio has had a difficult season with injuries, but I wouldn’t swap. I think a lot of Suarez. He is a great player, not only a striker. He scores goals, but also plays a lot for the team. “If you tell me I could change him for Sergio, no. I continue with Sergio.”

Pellegrini must now decide whether to start Aguero against Liverpool after news that he would be fit to face Liverpool this Sunday. Pellegrini added: “Sergio is important player for us, but every decision you take for a big game is difficult, not just the ones involving injuries.”

By Ollie Brown

Thibaut Courtois now free to face Chelsea club in Champions League final

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Apr 12, 2014

Chelsea’s own goalkeeper is poised to stand between them and a place in the Champions League final after the 2012 winners were drawn to play Thibaut Courtois’ Atletico Madrid.

The 21-year-old Belgium goalkeeper is on loan at Atletico for a third successive season and Chelsea insist he will be free to play against them, in line with Uefa rules, as the clubs compete for a place in the May 24 final in Lisbon against Real Madrid or defending champions Bayern Munich.

It was reported that Chelsea would allow the Spanish side to play the Belgian in both legs of the semi, provided they paid a fee for each game.

However, Uefa moved to clarify that it expects Courtois to be free to face the Blues in both legs.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: “The loan was arranged at the start of the season and it is quite simple, Courtois can play against Chelsea, that was never in doubt.

“Regarding the Uefa statement, we will evaluate that over the course of the next 24 or 48 hours and we will comply with the rules, and he can play against Chelsea in both games.”

Uefa’s statement, made in advance of the draw, read: “The integrity of sporting competition is a fundamental principle for Uefa.

“Both the Uefa Champions League and the Uefa disciplinary regulations contain clear provisions which strictly forbid any club to exert, or attempt to exert, any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.

“It follows that any provision in a private contract between clubs which might function in such a way as to influence who a club fields in a match is null, void and unenforceable so far as Uefa is concerned.

Courtois played against his parent club in the 2012 Super Cup, when Atletico were 4-1 winners. The match also pits Chelsea striker Fernando Torres against his former club.

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, who beat Paris St Germain on Tuesday night to advance, play in Madrid on April 22, with the return at Stamford Bridge on April 30.

Should Chelsea prevail, Mourinho’s men will meet either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, the side the Blues beat in the 2012 final.

Written by Steve Milne

Make way for the singing section

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Apr 12, 2014

Manchester United announced on monday that a new singing section of around 1,600 season ticket holders would be placed in Old Traffords north east quadrant as of next season, to boost the atmosphere inside the stadium.

Fear has risen from some season ticket holders that have owned their ticket for more than 50 years, as they believe that they will be force moved into other parts of Old Trafford. An online petition has already been made, as the holders feel the club has not consulted them properly. Not only this, fans in blocks N2401 and N2402 (J stand) are considering a walk-out during the 65th minute against Norwich to symbolise 65 years that the football club resumed after the Second World War.

United supporter Richard Huckvale, 29, from East Didsbury, moved to the north east quadrant stand two years ago to be next to his friends. He said: “The general reaction from hardcore United fans is that we are disappointed that we were not given the chance to stay and feel the club has let us down. “There was no proper consultation with season ticket holders and were were told we are moving if we like it or not. We can’t renew until after the deadline which means we will miss out on the best seats, the only available seats at the moment are in the gods.”

Manchester United officials say that the quadrant was chosen for purely safety and acoustic reasons. Two trials had taken place against Fulham and Real sociedad earlier in the seaon, and those who have been forced to move will have priority for seats elsewhere.

By Ollie Brown

Lukaku to stay for good?

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Apr 12, 2014

Roberto Martinez believes that Lukaku has a possibility of staying at Goodison beyond his loan spell, as he believes that the one main reason for his stay could be Lukaku’s happiness during this campaign.

Lukaku’s popularity has risen over the last two seasons, after he has proven himself to be a natural goalscorer, with the ability to assist teamates aswell. He has become one of europes most sought after forwards and by leading the line for a strong Belgium side in the World Cup this summer, he will attract interest from big-money clubs. But his has not stopped Martinez from believing that he can secure the signature of the Belgian, and with the possiblity of Everton playing Champions League football next season, why shouldnt he?

Martinez said: “He’s a grounded and intelligent young man, who is not going to be swayed by the materialistic aspect of the game.
“What can we offer him? Just enjoying his football.
“As a player, happiness is something that is very important. When you can offer football happiness it’s an incredible opportunity.”

With speculation mounting that Jose Mourinho will sell Lukaku in the summer, Everton may just be in the running, along with other clubs.

By Ollie Brown

Manchester United meet with Louis van Gaal, Is Moyes job in danger?

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Apr 12, 2014

Manchester United have met with Louis van Gaal amid increasing uncertainty over David Moyes’ future.

United representatives – believed to include one of the Glazers – met with Holland coach van Gaal at a secret location in Europe within the last 48 hours.

Reports from Holland last night claimed the meeting between van Gaal and United had taken place, with the Dutchman sounded out about the prospect of succeeding Moyes at Old Trafford.

Moyes is under huge pressure after a disastrous first season at United and former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss van Gaal is among the leading candidates to succeed him should he be axed.

Van Gaal will be a free agent after taking charge of Holland at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil and has already been approached by Tottenham about taking over from current boss Tim Sherwood.

Spurs are said to be frustrated with van Gaal’s failure to agree a deal with them, but United’s interest would explain why the 62-year-old has been reluctant to commit to the White Hart Lane job.

Van Gaal is said to be interested in the United job and keen to work at club level with Robin van Persie, with whom he enjoys an excellent relationship in the Holland set-up.

Written by Steve Milne

David May says Manchester United should do everything to get their man

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Apr 12, 2014

The United manager is set to spend as much as £100m to rebuild the fallen Premier League champions.

Southampton left-back Shaw is one of a host of stars on his wanted list – and former United defender David May insists the 18-year-old would be ideal.

“There is a different player linked to United every day and that is always going to be the case,” he said. “But I think Luke Shaw is a fantastic left-back – the type of player you need. You could have him for the next 10 years easily.

“I think the manager has got to make sure that whoever he brings in is the right type of player.

“You can bring in good players, but you have to play a certain way when you come to United.”

Moyes is planning a summer of unprecedented spending after a miserable first season.

Defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday effectively ended United’s campaign and almost certainly means they will miss out on Champions League qualification.

United are seven points adrift of fourth place and face a battle just to secure Europa League football next season.

Moyes insists he is confident they can still attract the game’s top players – but he will face intense competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and City if £20m-rated Shaw becomes available in the summer.

Written by Steve Milne

Could Chelsea hero Petrescu prevent them signing £30m Luke Shaw?

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Apr 12, 2014

As rumours swirl over Mauro Pochettino’s future at Southampton, logic only dictates that managers are also linked with taking over at the Saints.

The Telegraph reported this week that Tottenham are high on bringing in Pochettino if unsuccessful in attracting Louis van Gaal.

So the new name linked with coming in at Southampton is former Romanian international Dan Petrescu.

Now 46, the former full-back who once haunted England at international level was sacked this week from his position as manager at Dinamo Moscow at Russia.

They were the seventh team of his managerial career to date, which began in 2003 with spells in Romania and Poland as well as Russia.

Russian newspaper Izvestia report that Petrescu is the ‘leading contender’ for the Southampton job if a vacancy arises.

An interesting sub-plot this could raise is the potential of the Romanian being in a position to deny his former club Chelsea one of their top transfer targets.

The big challenge facing Southampton this campaign, should they hold onto their manager or not, would be convincing star player Luke Shaw to stay at the club.

The in-demand left-back is tipped as a top priority for Chelsea, a long-term replacement for Ashley Cole for club and country.

Wouldn’t it be interesting to see former Chelsea FA Cup winner and European Cup Winners Cup winner Dan Petrescu being the man to deny them the signature of the impressive young talent.

Juan Mata’s departure has made me more ruthless in front of goal

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Apr 11, 2014