Real Madrid join race for German international

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Apr 7, 2014

Hellas Verona will demand a fee of around £25million for winger Juan Manuel Iturbe, who is currently a target for Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Argentine is currently on loan at Verona from Porto, and is set to make the move permanent in the summer for £12.5million. However, he isn’t expected to stay in Italy for long as he is well aware he is on the target lists for several clubs. He is also wanted by several of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, PSG and Roma.

Verona are aware that he is being tracked by some of Europe’s wealthiest clubs, and will therefore look to double their money when the times comes for selling him on.

By Ben Kelly

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Chelsea to fight Arsenal for Toulouse full-back Serge Aurier?

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Apr 7, 2014

Arsenal’s hopes of landing Toulouse full-back Serge Aurier could be threatened by London rivals Chelsea this summer after The Blues had the defender watched during his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Lille on Sunday.

The Gunners are reportedly keeping tabs on Aurier, who has been lined up by Arsene Wenger to replace Bacary Sagna if the Frenchman fails to extend his contract and leaves in the summer. However, the Ivorian was watched by scouts from Stamford Bridge on Sunday and were impressed as he grabbed his sixth goal of a prolific campaign for him.

The 21 year old emerged from the ranks at Lens before transferring to Toulouse, where he has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising defenders.

By Ben Kelly

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United join the race for Arsenal target

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Phil Wellbrook

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Apr 7, 2014

Manchester United have begun their scouting of the Colombian despite Arsenal having had a long interest in him.

Cuadrado has been an influential part of Fiorentina’s campaign this season and with 6 goals and 3 assists from his 26 Serie A appearances, he has caught the attention of many major European clubs.

Clubs such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich have reportedly sent scouts to monitor the 25 year-old in the past but recently, Moyes’ side have increased their interest in the winger and have joined the race to capture his signature this summer.

According to talkSport, Cuadrado has an unstable owenership situation and this could potentially boost the interest of the clubs that wish to sign him.

Cuadrado is co-owned by Fiorentina and Udinese, but the two Italian clubs are yet to agree a deal which would see the former buy the latter’s 50% stake.

United, who struggle domestically and are sitting 6th in the table, have been often criticized for their lack of depth in their squad and their wingers leave a lot to be desired. This problem could be solved this summer with the signing of Cuadrado but the transfer is far from close as the Red Devils are yet to make an official bid.

By Phil Wellbrook

It’s great to be back, says Ramsey

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Apr 7, 2014

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is delighted to be back in action for the club and is desperate to help secure Champions League football once again.

The Welshman was the main reason behind The Gunners superb early season form, but since his injury on Boxing Day, the season has turned on it’s head and instead of fighting for the title, they are now scrapping for fourth-place with Everton.

The Toffees picked up a massive three points against Arsene Wenger’s side yesterday, and the only positive for the North London club was to return of Ramsey, and after the game he revealed how it felt to return to first-team football.

“It was very frustrating for me to be out for three months of the season when things were looking so good,” said Ramsey.

“These things happen in football and I am just glad to be back out there now. Hopefully I can show what I can do, help this team achieve Champions League football again and hopefully have a medal at the end of the year.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Real Madrid enter race for Chelsea duo

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Apr 7, 2014

According to reports, Spanish giants Real Madrid are interested in signing Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Oscar.

The two attacking-minded players are attracting interest from French side Paris Saint-Germain, and it’s believed that the mega-rich outfit are prepared to spend up to £100million for both in the Summer.

A Spanish newspaper has released reports suggesting that Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to sign both the Chelsea midfielders and could make a formal bid once the season ends in order to strengthen their attacking line-up which already consists of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Earlier this month it was reported that Jose Mourinho may look into selling one of the midfielders in order to raise money for a world-class striker, most likely Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa.

It isn’t known which player Mourinho would prefer to sell, but if the offer is substantial enough, reports are suggesting that he could sell them in the Summer.

Hazard and Oscar have both bee superb for The Blues this season, but a mega-money offer could see them leave The Bridge for either Paris or Madrid.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Evra: “We can beat Bayern Munich”

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Phil Wellbrook

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Apr 7, 2014

Manchester United travel to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday for their second leg clash with current holders Bayern Munich, where they know they must score to avoid an exit following their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Although the Red Devils sit just 6th in the table and are unable to retain their Premier League crown, left-back Patrice Evra blieves their European form is different.

Evra also admitted that the United dressing room is much more focused on the draw with Bayern Munich than their domestic efforts.

The Frenchman told SkySports following his side’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle: “You have to believe and, to be fair, this season we have played not so bad in the Champions League,”

“We are confident and it looks like we are all up for it more than the league and in the cup.

“I know it is not professional to say that but it is the truth.

“We look more on it, we look more like we have the Man United spirit when we play in the Champions League.”

Evra believes United’s win away at Newcastle can provide some much needed momentum if they are to pull out a result against Bayern, who have just come off a 1-0 loss to Augsburg in the Bundesliga, ending their unbeaten run.

“I think everyone has noticed that we play much better away,” he added.

“It is frustrating because maybe at Old Trafford it is different, it is a different pressure.

“We have good away form so let’s try against Bayern away and make sure we give everything.”

By Phil Wellbrook

Rodgers sets his sights on Manchester City.

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Ben Reardon

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Apr 7, 2014

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that he wants his side to continue their fine form against Manchester City next Sunday.

The Reds went back to the top of the Premier League in dramatic fashion yesterday after beating West Ham United 2-1 at Upton Park.

Two Steven Gerrard penalties, in-between a controversial goal from Guy Demel, saw Liverpool move back into the driving seat.

And Manager Rodgers believes that his side were superb in the win yesterday, and are fully up for the fight ahead.

Rodgers stated in his post match interview.

“I thought we thoroughly deserved the win and we showed great character today. It was a brilliant win for us and keeps our run going.

“We were clearly the better team. West Ham had one shot on target, which was the goal.”

He continued to say.

“It’s nine games on the spin now, which is an incredible effort by the players and the staff. Today was a really tough game for us, now we will recover and reflect on the game.

“It is going to be a magnificent atmosphere at Anfield. The supporters really urged us on today and we want to see if we can get 10 in a row.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Sherwood to leave Tottenham

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Apr 7, 2014

Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood will be replaced at the end of the season.

Sherwood took over from Andre Villas Boas in December and had signed an 18 month deal with the club, but it has now been confirmed that he will step down as they look for other options. Holland coach Louis van Gaal is rumoured to be in the frame to replace Sherwood, though the Tottenham board are also considering a move for Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Sherwood is set to be offered a coaching role under the new manager, but it is unclear whether or not he’ll accept this offer. Van Gaal looks like the most likely candidate as the Dutchman is set to step down from his international role after the World Cup this year. The 62 year old leads Daniel Levy’s list of names and has made his desire to work in England no secret.

The news comes just hours before Tottenham’s home Premier League clash with Gus Poyet’s Sunderland on Monday night.

By Ben Kelly

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Liverpool Lead Chelsea in Race for Lazar Markovic

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SteveMilne

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Apr 7, 2014

Liverpool are leading Chelsea in the race for Benfica winger Lazar Markovic as they look to bolster their squad in anticipation of their passage into the Champions League next season, according to the Sunday People.

The Reds have been in brilliant form this season, currently top of the table and favourites to win the Premier League title.

Brendan Rodgers’ presence has transformed the club as a whole and they have realised their potential to fight alongside the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City for the league title.

However, the Reds concentrated on only the league, something which will not be possible next season owing to the rigours of European football midweek.

Rodgers is therefore looking to splash some cash and bring in some talented individuals, who can make an impact and keep the Reds afloat on all fronts.

The 20-year-old has shown his talent with the Portuguese club this season, scoring two goals in four appearances in the league and Rodgers has earmarked him as the one to marshall his flanks.

The winger is expected to be available for a fee in the range of £20m which may go up with Jose Mourinho expected to make a bid for the player.

The Serbian is seen as one of the best talents in Europe in the current market with more clubs expected to swoop in for the player in the summer.

Rodgers is reportedly looking to make four to five top draw signings in the summer, with young players rumoured to be on top of his agenda at the moment.

Mourinho is also in the market to secure top talent, with a striker on top of his list of priorities. The Portuguese has repeatedly voiced his discontent over his current crop of frontmen and is also likely to splurge the case to supplement his wings to sharpen their attacking prowess.

Written by Steve Milne

Roberto Martinez the ‘perfect man’ to lead Arsenal forward

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Apr 7, 2014

Everton boss Roberto Martinez would be the ‘perfect man’ to replace Arsene Wenger as manager of Arsenal, according to former Gunner Ian Wright.

Wenger’s future at The Emirates is still in question, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to sign an extension, despite an offer being on the table for several weeks.

Just a couple of months ago, Arsenal were in contention for this seasons Premier League title, but have imploded over the last few weeks, suffering heavy defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea, drawing at home to Swansea and going down 3-0 losers to Martinez’s Everton side on Sunday.

And if The Gunner’s boss was to depart at the end of the season, Ian Wright believes that the current Everton boss would be the ideal candidate to take over at The Emirates,

“That’s the kind of manager that you want, a good young manager that has proven himself tactically, he knows what he’s doing,” said Wright.

“It’s got to be that kind of man, Roberto Martinez, he’s the perfect one. If someone was to ask me who I want, I’d say Roberto Martinez.”

“That’s the kind of manager you’ve got to be looking at to take Arsenal forward.”

By Ben Kelly

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‘No confidence, no charisma and no belief’, slams Wenger

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Apr 7, 2014

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has slammed his players after they fell to yet another embarrassing defeat against one of the top-clubs in the Premier League.

The Gunners lost 3-0 away at Everton on Sunday afternoon which has seen their top-four spot come under serious jeopardy with The Toffees just one point behind them with a game in hand.

After being genuine title contenders last month, Wenger and his side are now scrapping for fourth-spot with Roberto Martinez’s men, but after being played off the park in yesterday’s game, it would appear that Everton may be favourites to take the spot away from Wenger and co.

After the game, Wenger let rip at his players and claimed they had ‘no confidence, no charisma and no belief’.

He said: “Our performance wasn’t convincing, defensively or offensively. Everton were better and deserved to win.

“It’s a very disappointing result and performance, the two go together. We have to regroup and get back to basics.

“Psychologically we’ve lost a bit of confidence. We had a lot of the ball but weren’t really dangerous.”

Wenger will now have to pick his players up in time for the massive FA Cup Semi-Final game against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal should make Lukaku their top transfer target!

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Apr 7, 2014

Arsenal must make a summer move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, according to former Gunner Kevin Campbell.

Lukaku scored his 14th goal of the season for loan club Everton againt The Gunners yesterday in The Toffee’s impressive 3-0 win, which puts them in pole position for a Champions League spot.

However, despite his wonderful form and progress this season, it looks like Lukaku will not have a future with his parent club at Stamford Bridge, and speculation has linked him with both a permanent move to Merseyside and a transfer to London club Tottenham.

But former Arsenal frontman Campbell believes that Lukaku would be the perfect buy for Arsene Wenger at The Emirates, and should make him a prime transfer target once the transfer window opens,

“He’s young, he’s quick, he’s strong and he’s direct,” said Campbell, “what more do you need?”

But Lukaku’s decision to move to either club is likely to be influenced by which of the two manage to clinch that top 4 place and Champions League qualification for next season, having previously stated his desire to play amoung Europe’s elite next season.

By Ben Kelly

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Courtois could take no. 1 spot at Chelsea

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Apr 7, 2014

Jose Mourinho is ready to let transfer target Thibaut Courtois take the Chelsea no. 1 spot ahead of Petr Cech next season.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial reports Mourinho is willing to make the call, as Courtois is open to a move if it means playing second-fiddle to Cech following three successful seasons on-loan at Atletico Madrid.

His Chelsea future remains in the air with 2 years remaining on his contract, and he is attracting interest from some top clubs around Europe. But The Blues are keen to keep hold of the highly-rated Belgian, currently regarded as one of the best shot stoppers in world football.

However, Mourinho knows that he will only stay if guarenteed a chance in the Starting XI ahead of Cech, and with a recent dip in Cech’s form this season, rumours of him leaving have also began to circulate.

By Ben Kelly

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Arsenal preparing £17million bid for PSG midfielder

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Apr 7, 2014