Antoine Griezmann will not rule out future Arsenal transfer

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Mar 22, 2014

The France star has been repeatedly linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks, with Arsene Wenger known to be a huge fan.

And speaking just days after turning 23, Griezmann says he may well have a new club by the time he turns 24 – and is refusing to rule out it being Arsenal.

‘Arsenal? I do not know where I will be celebrating my 24th birthday,’ he told the Spanish media.

‘I do not think too much about that. I think about playing at the moment and nothing more. This is not the time to talk this stuff.’

Griezmann has also been linked with PSG, Juventus and Real Madrid, while Manchester United scouts admitted last month that David Moyes is also keen on the player.

Written by Steve Milne

Moyes hints at new De Gea contract

By

Ben Kelly

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Mar 22, 2014

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David Moyes has hinted that goalkeeper David De Gea could be offered a new contract at Manchester United.

The Spaniard has overcome a shaky start to his Premier League career this season and has emerged as one of the best keepers in the Premier League. Moyes spoke after De Gea helped United overcome a 2-0 deficit to make it through to thr quarter finals of the Champions League, pulling off an excellent double save at Old Trafford.

Moyes spoke kindly of De Gea, and believes that the young goalkeeper can still develop further,

“De Gea has been fantastic. He has been great. He came in as a good young goalkeeper and he is developing into a great one with even more to come.”

De Gea still has two years left remaining on his current United contract, but has been linked to moves to Barcelona, which is why Moyes will be keen to get him to sign a new deal. Meanwhile, De Gea is relishing the challenge of playing Bayern Munich in the quarter finals of the Champions League,

“You’ve got to be honest and say we haven’t been too fortunate in the draw,” De Gea told United Uncovered, “Ypu’re going to get a tough team at this stage, but the main thing is we go out there with confidence. We must fight really, really hard and really go for it, one team has to win.”

By Ben Kelly

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Wenger defends lack of silverware

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 22, 2014

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The Gunners’ last triumph came in the 2005 FA Cup, but they are in the semi-finals of the event this season, while they are also in contention for league honours as they trail leaders Chelsea by four points ahead of their upcoming showdown at Stamford Bridge.

“When you make a decision [to build the Emirates Stadium] you don’t say, ‘OK, we invest in the stadium but we don’t want trophies’,” Wenger, who today will oversee his 1000th game for the north Londoners, told Arsenal’s official website.

“In 2006 we were in the Champions League final. Nobody speaks about it now but it’s still an achievement.

“It’s not a trophy but we did it without conceding a goal in the whole campaign and only lost in the last 13 minutes of the Champions League. Can you say you failed that season? I don’t think so. On top of that we managed to stay in the top four that season.

“We [also] beat Real Madrid with Zidane and Beckham and all these people but nobody speaks about it. It’s like we have done nothing at all. Why? Because at the end of the season you don’t parade the trophy.”

The Frenchman added: “You have to take a little bit of distance with [the criticism for a lack of trophies] and assess what is difficult and what is a good season. I know that trophies are important. But it’s not like if you haven’t won a trophy nothing happened in the whole season and it was disastrous.

“You still played good games and bad games and in the season when you won trophies you still played bad games.”

Written by Steve Milne

Poyet wants to keep Liverpool loanee Borini

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 21, 2014

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The Italian striker is likely to lead the Sunderland frontline at Norwich City on Saturday afternoon with Steven Fletcher out with an ankle injury, plus new signing Ignacio Scocco and goal-shy American Jozy Altidore struggling for form.

Borini is already a firm favourite with Sunderland supporters after two goals in the derby victories, and the opener in the Capital One Cup Final when he was surprisingly selected.

Poyet has not ruled out attempting to prise Borini from Anfield at the end of the season but accepts he may be fighting a losing battle.

The Sunderland boss said: ‘Fabio has become a hero, a legend, which is great. He has really got into the club and the fans. He lives football, he’s a top professional, he’s always on time, he’s always trying to be better in training. He’s that type of person, he’s always looking after what he’s eating or what he’s not eating.

‘And when you score goals in special games, at special times like he did it gets you closer to people and gets you to play better. He’s showing what a good player he is.

‘In the beginning it was my fault he was not playing. Now, if he’s not the first one you pick, he’ll be the next one. He’s at that level.

‘I don’t know if it will be possible to sign him, it’s out of our hands but I can tell you that we like him a lot and we will try. People will say the price is going up. I’m not going to lie, he’s an
important player, he’s been great. I hope he finishes the season at the same level scoring important goals.

‘If he makes us safe in the next five games then I won’t play him in the next five. Then maybe everyone will forget about him. “Fabio Borini, oh yeah rubbish,” so then we can buy him.’

Written by Steve Milne

Robin Van Persie out for SIX weeks

By

Alex Batt

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Mar 21, 2014

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Manchester United star Robin Van Persie is set to miss around four to six weeks of action due to a serious knee injury.

The 30-year-old was taken off during United’s 3-0 win against Olympiakos on Wednesday night, after he had netted the hat-trick which secured United’s place in the Champions League Quarter-Finals.

After the game, David Moyes eased fans nerves by claiming that the injury wasn’t as bad as first feared, but after scans and intensive tests, the medical team has confirmed that the Dutchman will be out for at least a month.

The blow will come as a huge loss to Moyes as they fight to save their season and will miss their crunch games with Bayern Munich in the last-eight of Europe’s top competition.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Moyes happy to be in last 8

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Mar 21, 2014

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Moyes was speaking just two days after his side triumphed 3-0 over Olympiakos to take them into the quarter finals of the Champions League.

Moyes admitted: “I am thrilled that we were in that draw and the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

“After being 2-0 down after the away leg at Olympiakos, I don’t think there were too many people putting us through to the next round.

“So, in a lot of ways, it didn’t really matter who we drew but I’ve got to say we’ve probably got the favourites and they are the defending champions – so it’s a really tough draw.”

With regards to playing the first leg at Old Trafford he went on to say: “I always think you want to be at home in the second leg and that would be the preference.

“But the way the games are going now, counter-attack football, and teams taking a different approach to playing away, it matters less.”

United beat the Greek side 3-0 courtesy of a Robin van Persie hat-trick however the Dutch striker had to leave the field in a stretcher following a knee injury he picked up. Regarding van Persie’s injury, Moyes said: “He needs another scan. It’s not totally conclusive so we need to check him out.

“All I can say he won’t be available for West Ham.”

Moyes is aware that his little Champions League experience may hinder United but is also fairly confident going into the Bayern tie: “I’ve had help from a lot of people around us.

“And on Wednesday it meant I could look our supporters in the face after feeling ashamed after other games.”

By Phil Wellbrook

Chelsea and United scout defender ahead of possible move

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Mar 21, 2014

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Ahead of Benfica’s Thursday night clash with Tottenham, both Chelsea and Manchester United sent scouts to the Estadio da Luz to watch centre back Ezequiel Garay.

The Argentine got the opening goal of the second leg as benfica went on to knock Spurs out 5-3 on aggregate. His defensive partnership with Brazilian Luisao has been a crucial area of Benfica’s team which has seen the Lisbon side to the top of the Portuguese league and pushing for the title.

United are known to be long term admirers of Garay but the 27 year old blamed last summer’s instability for his deal with the Old Trafford side never being reached. Now with Chelsea in the race to sign the defender, there is new competition for a player who is open to a Premier League move.

Tottenham hit back though on Thursday night with two goals for Nacer Chadli to lead 2-1 on the night but a late Lima penalty settled the tie and Benfica are through to the last 8 of the tournament, maintaining Benfica’s impressive run of staying unbeaten at home since October 2012.

Following the match Garay said: “We knew what awaited us was a hard game but we showed that we were prepared for any eventuality.”

By Phil Wellbrook

I feel sorry for Moyes!

By

Ben Kelly

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Mar 21, 2014

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Paul Scholes says that he feels sorry for David Moyes and that it is too early to make snap judgements on the Manchester United boss.

Scholes, who retired for the second time last summer after a glittering career, admitted he feels for Moyes because he has had so many injuries to contend with in his first season.

United currently languish seventh in the Barclays Premier League, with a place in the top four and qualification for next season’s Champions League looking unlikely.

Although the mood at Old Trafford was lifted on Wednesday by a stirring comeback victory over Olympiacos in Europe, the optimism was tempered by Friday’s tricky quarter-final draw against Bayern Munich.

Scholes, 39, told Goal.com: ‘It’s far too early [to sack him]. with all the injuries he’s had, I feel quite sorry for him really.

‘He’s never been able to put out the same back four. You see all the top teams, they have the same back four every week, especially with the centre-backs, they

need to get an understanding and rhythm together.

‘Moyes’ signings haven’t quite settled in, Fellaini has had a lot of injuries as well, and probably hasn’t produced quite what he’s hoped. Juan Mata has been a little slow to get going as well but these players need time.’

By Ben Kelly

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https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Rodgers says Liverpool’s win at Man United was statement of intent

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 21, 2014

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The Reds’ victory at Old Trafford was their fifth in a row in the league, a run which has taken them firmly into title contention.

And the Reds boss admits that their win over the reigning champions was so dominant that they will have sent out a message to everyone.

“It was a big statement. Old Trafford has been a notoriously difficult place over many years but we played with such dominance,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“It was United’s ground, mostly their supporters but it was our ball. We controlled the game.

“We had a beautiful arrogance in our game. The intensity at which we pressed and some of the imagination in our football was great. Defensively, we were very strong.

“We showed the level we’re at in terms of work-rate both with and without the ball. We came off Old Trafford thinking we won 3-0 but could have had five or six. When we played at home against Arsenal we scored five but could have had seven or eight.

“We got five away to Tottenham when it could have been six or seven, and four at home to Everton when it could have been six or seven. It’s remarkable when you put it into context.

“As manager, it’s great to lead these players into these arenas and see them perform like that. The neutrals are looking at us and enjoying what they’re seeing.”

Written by Steve Milne

Thierry Henry hails Arsene Wenger ahead of his 1,000th game

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 21, 2014

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“I want to wish Arsene many congratulations on this incredible achievement. I have had the privilege and honour to play under him for many years at both Monaco and Arsenal.

“To reach 1000 games for one club is a historic achievement, but not a surprising one. He is one of the very best managers in the modern game.

“I have been fortunate to play for some extremely gifted coaches. I had Pep at Barcelona and he has proved he is the best at the moment but Arsene is more than just a great manager to me because he was a father figure and a mentor.

“I will never forget his advice and guidance over the years and without him I wouldn’t have achieved half the milestones in my career.

“He deserves all the accolades as he has had a huge impact on Arsenal Football Club and the lives of many players. Long may it continue.”

Written by Steve Milne

Chelsea are playing the best football this season, claims Rooney

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 21, 2014

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Rooney said: ‘You look at the three Spanish teams left in the Champions League they’re all good teams.

‘But Chelsea are probably playing the best football this season.

‘I know they lost at Villa but they’re playing some good football and obviously you’ve got Bayern Munich and PSG who are playing well.

‘It’s a talented group of teams so whoever we get I’m sure it will be a tough game.’

Rooney believes United rediscovered some of their real selves during Wednesday night’s victory and has called on his team-mates to take that in to the remainder of the season.

‘It was a good performance and I think the performance and the result were much needed,’ he said.

‘It was a massive game for us. We came out with a great attitude and fully deserved the victory.

‘After the first game in Athens and especially after what happened on Sunday against Liverpool, we knew that we had to come and give a big performance for our own personal pride and for the manager and we’ve done that.

‘It’s something we have to kick on from now. We’ve still got a few games left in the season and we want to build on tonight. Hopefully we can do that.

‘With a bit of luck hopefully we can go far in the Champions League. We’re in the quarter final so you never know what can happen from there. It’s a massive win and we are looking forward to the draw.’

Written by Steve Milne

David Moyes says he has felt ‘ashamed’ about some of United’s performances this season.

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 21, 2014

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Moyes, who took over for legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson last summer, has endured a miserable domestic campaign, as United sit seventh in the Barclays Premier League.

Under Moyes United have lost to Manchester City, Everton, Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea, Stoke and Liverpool twice in this season’s Premier League and are all but certain to miss out on the top-four spot.

But after Robin van Persie ensured United progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a stunning hat-trick against Olympiacos on Wednesday night, Moyes revealed his relief.

‘I think the big thing was I could look at the supporters in the face after the game on Wednesday night because I thought we had given them something to shout about, we had nothing to be ashamed of with our performance,’ the Scot said.

‘In some other games I have felt ashamed because the team haven’t played well enough and I’ve not got a team out which has got a good result.

‘Our form hasn’t been consistent enough, our performances haven’t been consistent enough.

‘We’ve obviously got to get better at that. It’s going to take time, we’re not going to be able to do everything immediately.’

United travel to West Ham on Saturday before taking on City in a mouthwatering Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

Van Persie was carried off late in the game after being ploughed into the back off by Giannis Maniatis.

‘We are getting him re-scanned again on Friday because there was nothing conclusive.” the United boss said.

‘He won’t be available for Saturday’s game. We will give you an update as soon as we can.’

Written by Steve Milne

Chelsea open talks with Terry over contract.

By

Ben Reardon

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Mar 21, 2014

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Chelsea are set to open swift talks with John Terry over a new contract at the Stamford Bridge.

The central defender see’s his current deal come to an end in a few months, and Mourinho is keen to keep the Old Guard together for one more season.

Terry, now aged 33 has been a rock in the heart of the Chelsea squad for well over a decade, and the Daily Telegraph reports that the defender is all set to sign a new deal at the Bridge.

He has been playing some of the best football of his career, as the Blues have a six point lead at the top of the Premiership, with just 9 League games left.

The former England captain has been linked with moves abroad, with clubs in continental Europe, and the American MLS all interested in Terry over recent months.

However, Mourinho has clearly been impressed with Terry’s attitde towards the cause.

He has won three Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League in 2012, during a superb 16 years at the club.

Terry, may have to take a substancial pay cut for the deal, with Chelsea issuing a strict policy of only offering 1 year deals to those over the age of 30.

Chelsea could also offer both Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard new deals, with Real Madrid interested in Cole, meanwhile, American clubs have been looking at the 35 year old.

The Blues look set to offer a deal for Cole, as Gary Cahill also looks set to sign a new £100,000 a-week deal, while fellow defender Cesar Azpilicueta is understood to earn less than Josh McEachran, Patrick Bamford, and Nathanial Chalobah, who are all out on loan at Wigan Athletic, Derby County and Middlesbrough respectively.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Sergio Aguero ruled out of Manchester derby but could return for Arsenal game

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 21, 2014

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Manchester City’s top scorer injured a hamstring during last week’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona and was already a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford.

The target now for Aguero is next Saturday’s visit to title rivals Arsenal, by which time he will have missed three games.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s home game against Fulham, Pellegrini said: “We don’t know yet, but maybe next week he will start working with the squad.

“I don’t think the whole week, maybe at the end of the week he can be with the squad starting training. For United? No, no chance.”

The City boss, who has Stevan Jovetic fit again, gave a dismissive response when asked about a report linking Aguero with a summer move to Barcelona.

He said: “It is exactly the same as I respond to all the other links during the whole year. We cannot talk every week about the players that are coming here to Manchester City and the players that are going out.

“He is a player of Manchester City, he is very happy here and the club is very happy with him also.”

Of more concern to Pellegrini is the mystery knee injury which continues to keep out centre-half Matija Nastasic.

Nastasic has already missed eight matches, and the manager said: “He has at least a couple more weeks to recover.

“Of course we are concerned because the doctor doesn’t know what happened with him. He made all the exams that he needs but we don’t know what happened with him.

“We are taking other opinions. The doctor is in charge of that. The player feels a pain inside the knee but nobody knows what the pain is.”

Written by Steve Milne

Liverpool transfer target Mathieu Valbuena looks to be sold by Marseille this summer’

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 21, 2014

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The French international was linked with a move to Anfield in the January transfer window, but although a move failed to materialise, the 29-year-old could be available at the end of the season.

The playmaker, who has spent the past eight years at the Stade Velodrome, has already spoken of his desire to face a new challenge abroad, with Liverpool thought to be leading the chase for his signature.

‘A departure? To discover something else next season could be interesting,’ Valbuena said earlier this year.

‘It’s been eight years since I am here at l’OM. I’ve never hidden that an experience abroad tempts me. We’ll see.’

And the latest report by French newspaper L’Equipe could spark the Reds’ interest further, as the summer transfer window approaches.

Written by Steve Milne

SillySeason.com

Antoine Griezmann will not rule out future Arsenal transfer

Moyes hints at new De Gea contract

Wenger defends lack of silverware

Poyet wants to keep Liverpool loanee Borini

Robin Van Persie out for SIX weeks

Moyes happy to be in last 8

Chelsea and United scout defender ahead of possible move

I feel sorry for Moyes!

Rodgers says Liverpool’s win at Man United was statement of intent

Thierry Henry hails Arsene Wenger ahead of his 1,000th game

Chelsea are playing the best football this season, claims Rooney

David Moyes says he has felt ‘ashamed’ about some of United’s performances this season.

Chelsea open talks with Terry over contract.

Sergio Aguero ruled out of Manchester derby but could return for Arsenal game

Liverpool transfer target Mathieu Valbuena looks to be sold by Marseille this summer’

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