Dan Gosling fined £30,000 for breaching betting rules

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Mar 20, 2014

According to reports, Inter Milan have held talks with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra regarding a potential Summer move, which would see him join team-mate Nemanja Vidic.

The Italian side’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio has reportedly been in touch with the United left-back and has put a contract on the table for the Frenchman, which he is allowed to do so due to Evra’s contract expiring this Summer.

If Evra does choose to accept the offer, he will join defensive partner Nemanja Vidic in swapping Old Trafford for the San Siro and it would be a real loss for David Moyes, who is set to make wholesale changes once the season ends.

Inter are desperate to land several new signings this Summer after being taken over as they are keen to bring back the glory days at the club, and a lot of their transfer targets are currently playing in the Premier League.

Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o, John Obi Mikel and Javier Hernandez have all been linked with a move to Inter this Summer.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Mathieu Flamini hails Arsene Wenger and eyes the double

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Mar 20, 2014

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has paid tribute to long-serving manager Arsene Wenger and has praised him for his loyalty towards the club even through the tough times of late.

The Frenchman is set to take charge of his 1,000th game at the club this Saturday when they go to Stamford Bridge to face rivals Chelsea, and Flamini believes that is an incredible achievement, especially considering what he’s gone through the last nine or so years.

Wenger has been approached by some of Europe’s best clubs and has also been offered a job coaching his country, but on all occasions, he has turned the offers down in order to remain at Arsenal, and for that, Flamini has nothing but praise for him.

He told the Daily Mirror: “It’s an unbelievable achievement. He means so much to the club for the achievements he has done until now. Congratulations to him, first of all.

“I think it’s someone who knows exactly what he wants. He has a vision since the beginning, he’s moved to Arsenal and he still has the same one. He know exactly how he wants to play. That’s remarkable.

“He’s not really changed, he’s still the same person. He had a philosophy before and he still has the same ones, that’s why it’s so easy for me to come back and to find my place in this team.

“They were playing a certain football before and they still play the same. The focus is on small passes and high pressing and to attack. At Arsenal the football is focused on attacking and playing nice football.

“His philosophy was exactly the same – his style, his management and desire to win.”

This season could finally be the end of the trophy drought as The Gunners fight for the Premier League and the FA Cup, and hard-man Flamini believes the double is still on the cards.

Flamini added: “We have a few more games to come which are not easy, because Chelsea and Manchester City are also fighting for the title.

“In the title race, it’s very important not to drop any more points because it’s not a marathon now it’s a sprint. We have a few more games and we want to win every single one.

“The Premier League is one of the objectives but we still have the FA Cup and we really want to make something of this competition too.

“It’s a great opportunity, everyone is waiting for Arsenal to win a title and everyone is talking around the club that Arsenal haven’t won a title for a while. It’s a great opportunity for us and it’s in our hands and I can assure everyone we will do everything to go through and win it this year.

“Both competitions are very important for us. Winning titles is very important for every single player, the management team and the fans. We will fight and give everything to win a title this season.

“I’m focused on our team. The Premier League is very competitive, it’s a very open championship and that means every single point is important.

“I would love to win a title, it means so much to the players, to the manager and the fans. We believe we can do it, we will give everything to do it.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Martinez rejects Coleman United link

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Mar 20, 2014

Reports on Thursday morning claimed that United were making progress with a 15 million pounds deal for the Republic of Ireland full-back.

But Martinez insisted that there have been no such talks, and that he intends to hang on to Coleman, whose Goodison Park contract runs until 2017.

Asked about the reports that United were in negotiations to buy the 25-year-old, Martinez said: “It must be a different Seamus Coleman, because we’ve never had any conversations with anyone.

“The truth is that Seamus has been having a very good season and we want that to continue.

“He’s becoming a very important player at Everton. He’s going to be a very important player for his national team.

“And obviously we want Seamus to stay here for a long time, so it’s nothing to comment on.”

Coleman is one of four young Everton players — the others being James McCarthy, John Stones and Ross Barkley — set for contract extension talks at the end of the season.

And Martinez insisted that there was no need to bring forward those negotiations, despite United’s reported interest in Coleman, who moved to Goodison Park from Sligo Rovers for 60,000 pounds in 2008.

The manager said: “We’ve got a clear strategy as to how we want to keep this group of players together.

“We’ve got a new generation coming through, and we’re going to keep those players for as long as we can.”

Written by Steve Milne

Hazard: ‘I want Barcelona or Real Madrid’

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Mar 20, 2014

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard claims he wants to face either FC Barcelona or Real Madrid in the Champions League Quarter Finals so that he can go up against Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Belgium star has been superb for The Blues this season and is one of the main reasons why they are top of the Premier League, and throughout the campaign, he has been comparing himself to both Messi and Ronaldo, and now he has the chance to face one of them, he wants to take that opportunity so that he can see just how close he is to their level.

The draw for the Champions League Quarter Finals takes place tomorrow and with most people wanting to avoid to big La Liga duo, Hazard is actually hoping that his side can be drawn alongside them.

“For me, for a young player, it’s very important to test myself against Ronaldo or Messi,” Hazard said. “Just to be on the pitch with them would be good and I would try to do well.

“It’s an aspiration for me to be as good as Ronaldo and Messi. I watch a lot of games they play in and I try to be on the same level.”

Chelsea beat Galatasaray in the last-16 and will be joined by only Manchester United from the Premier League after they produced a stunning comeback to see off Olympiakos.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal on the hunt for Bacary Sagna replacement

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Mar 20, 2014

Arsenal are on the hunt for a new right-back after growing fears that Bacary Sagna will not sign a new deal at the club, and the latest option on their list is Toulouse youngster Serge Aurier.

Arsene Wenger is desperately trying to secure the future of Sagna by offering him an extension, but with the two parties still way off a mutual agreement, it looks more and more likely that the Frenchman will be leaving the Emirates this Summer.

Now that leaves The Gunners with just Carl Jenkinson as a recognised right-back and rumours within the camp are that Wenger doesn’t feel the youngster is ready to be the first-choice right-back just yet.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund right-back Łukasz Piszczek and also Everton star Seamus Coleman, but according to reports, they are now interested in Serge Aurier from Ligue 1.

Aurier has made seven international caps for Ivoary Coast and has scored five times for this club this year, and is believed to be worth around £6million.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool ready to bid £17million for Serie A striker

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Mar 20, 2014

Liverpool are preparing to make a £17million bid for Udinese striker Luis Muriel after the player hinted that he’d like to move to the Premier League at some point.

Despite having the likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up front, Brendan Rodgers is keen to add more attacking options to his line-up, ready for next season’s Champions League, as they look set to return to Europe’s elite competition.

The Reds have been linked with Benfica’s Rodrigo and are now reportedly interested in Muriel from Italy and could be prepared to go as high as £17million in order to sign him.

According to reports in Italy, the 22-year-old foward has told his club that he wants to leave in the Summer, and ideally wants a deal to be done with an English club so that he can play in the Premier League.

The Colombian international has been watched a couple of times by Liverpool’s scouting team, and he is also attracting interest from Mancheste City, FC Barcelona and Chelsea.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Mourinho Charged!

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Mar 20, 2014

The Football Association charge Portuguese with improper conduct after Chelsea manager enters field of play at Villa Park

Jose Mourinho has received his second improper-conduct charge of the season following Chelsea’s fractious defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday but the Portuguese is not facing the threat of a touchline ban.

The Football Association charge relates solely to how Mourinho came on to the pitch during the closing minutes of the match and approached referee Chris Foy, rather than any allegation of abusive language.

Mourinho has also avoided punishment for post-match comments in which he questioned whether Foy should officiate Chelsea games and partially used referee’s performance as part of the explanation for Ramires’ dangerous tackle on Karim El Ahmadi.

FA rule E3 says that managers must not leave the confines of their technical area during the match and, if the do, states that they could be liable to an FA charge, with a fine ranging from £8,000 to £12,000.

Mourinho was fined £8,000 in October for protesting to referee Anthony Taylor about time-wasting during his team’s 4-1 win against Cardiff City.

He has until Monday to dispute the said Charges

Written by Steve Milne

Sherwood tells fans “I’m going nowhere”

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Mar 20, 2014

Sherwood was forced to answer questions about his future when he faced the press ahead of tonight’s Europa League tie at Benfica.

Spurs head out to Portugal on the back of three straight losses and another defeat would heap further pressure on the former Spurs midfielder.

The Londoners trail the Portugese Liga leaders 3-1 from the first leg and are without 11 first-teamers for the last-16 tie.

Louis van Gaal is the bookmakers’ favourite to replace the former Spurs midfielder and he recently fuelled speculation by reaffirming his desire to manage in the Premier League.

But Sherwood, who was given in an 18-month deal in December, was unmoved by the Netherlands manager’s latest comments.

“People ask me this all the time, he is obviously destined to want to manage in England,” Sherwood said.

“He has got a good track record, he is a good manager and I’m sure he’ll get his opportunity: he’s been shouting loud enough for it.”

Despite such comments and those questioning his future, Sherwood expects to be in charge at the start of next season and is planning accordingly.

The Spurs boss spoke about the need to alter the club’s transfer policy going forwards and downplayed reports that a deal is close for Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.

“Konoplyanka is certainly one who’s being talked about, but nothing definitive,” Sherwood said.

“I think we have to make sure we see a lot more of these guys before they come in, not just the highlights, because we’ve got to make sure we do our recruitment job on them.

“I will sign the players, absolutely. Nobody else will come in here unless I sanction it. You can’t work any other way.

“The manager has got to work with the players, so unless he gets the players he wants it’s always going to be an uphill task. He will always have the excuse of, ‘well, they’re not my players’.

“Someone else has made those decisions in the past and I’ve not been privy to it. I know the type of players I want to improve the group and take it forward next season.

“It’s out of my hands but I believe I’ll be here next year. I’m planning for next season. The players are playing for their futures.”

Written by Steve Milne

David Moyes believes the Robin van Persie injury isn’t as serious as first thought

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Mar 20, 2014

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes the Robin van Persie injury isn’t as serious as first thought, despite the Dutchman being carried off on a stretcher late on in the 3-0 win over Olympiakos on Wednesday.

The striker went down under a heavy challenge nursing his left leg, and there had been fears that the 30-year-old was set for a spell on the sidelines.

But Moyes, speaking after the game, said that Van Perise may have got off lucky,

Moyes told the BBC: “[The injury] doesn’t look that bad, he’s had a knock on the back of his knee.”

Van Persie’s hat-trick saw United overcome a two goal first leg deficit against Olympiakos to progress to the quarter finals of the Champions league, and Moyes was quick to praise his star man,

“To score a hat-trick in the Champions League is a big thing,” said Moyes,

“There are only certain players in the world who are capable of it and Robin van Persie is one of them.”

Written by Steve Milne

Hazard set for new contract

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Ben Kelly

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Mar 20, 2014

Eden Hazard will be offered a new £200,000 per week deal by Chelsea in order to warn off some of Europe’s big spenders. The young Belgian has had a fantastic season at Chelsea, establishing himself as one of the best players in the Premier League, and has attracted interest from French giants Paris Saint Germain.

PSG tried to lure Chelsea into selling him at £50million, but they are expected to return this summer with a bigger offer, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also monitering the whole situation. He is already Chelsea’s second highest earner on £180k per week, but Chelsea want to tie him down in order to solve the situation once and for all.

Hazard signed for Chelsea from french club Lille for £32million in July 2012. He had a decent first season in English football, scoring 13 goals, but has developed strongly under new boss Jose Mourinho this season, already scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists. Mourinho has already stated that he is the best young player in the world, and given some time could reach the same level as players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for links to more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Raheem Sterling gives thanks to captain and manager

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CharlGLFC

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Mar 19, 2014

Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling thinks captain Steven Gerrard and manager Brendan Rodgers are helping him to realise his huge potential. He didn’t play much earlier on in the season but he has now strated 18 times for the club in 20 games since December 1.

The winger’s fine run of form has also seen him thrown into the reckoning for an England place and he has already featured in England’s friendly against Denmark earlier this month. Sterling claimed that Gerrard was a great source of encouragement and advice. He said:

“I couldn’t ask for a better captain. Before every game he is helping me in terms of what player I am up against. To have someone like that to encourage you is great.”

Sterling is also grateful to Rodgers and added: “He was trying to get me settled off the pitch and, on it, he was telling me to be more at home, to be more relaxed on the ball and express myself. That has really helped me.

“He has made me realise I am here on merit and I’m not just here because of what I’ve done in the youth teams. When you are training with Gerrard and Luis Suarez it is a bit nerve-wracking but, after a while, you get used to it and you start being yourself and start expressing yourself. I think I am getting into that zone where I feel I can express myself to the fullest, not be shy, and come out of my shell. I am really settled and really happy to be in the team.”

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

Manchester City to prepare impressive bid for Luke Shaw

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Phil Wellbrook

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Mar 19, 2014

City first became interested in 18 year old Luke Shaw in January and during Southampton’s U21 match with Man City, Saints boss Maruicio Pochettino attended, with representatives of both clubs having talks over the youngster’s future. City have been encouraged by these talks and are reportedly confident they can capture the signature of the highly rated defender.

Pellegrini has highlighted the left-back position as an area of concern as Gael Clichy and Aleksander Kolorov have failed to greatly impress the Chilean.

Shaw is highly regarded as one of the country’s most promising talents and is battling with veteran Ashley Cole for a spot in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad, having made his international debut against Denmark earlier this month.

Chelsea are known to be keen on signing Shaw as the defender was a boyhood Chelsea fan, but their bid may become complicated as he is represented by a Stellar group, the same management firm who represent Ashley Cole. Plus the new inclusion of Azpilicueta at the left-back position may see Shaw look elsewhere.

David Moyes was also impressed by Shaw’s performances and put a £20m bid in for the defender in January but a deal never arose, however Moyes is reportedly set to increase the bid come the summer window.

Sources expect Shaw to be advised by Stellar on which club to go to, which almost certainly means the 18 year old is set for an exit from St Mary’s in the summer.

By Phil Wellbrook

Hazard: “It is vital to beat Arsenal”

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Phil Wellbrook

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Mar 19, 2014

Chelsea managed to come back from their disappointing 1-0 loss against Aston Villa with a 2-0 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League, securing their place in the last 8 of the competition.

But attention now turns back to the Premier League as nthe Blues face a crucial London derby at home to Arsenal, where Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will celebrate his 1000th game in charge of the club.

“The Champions League and the Premier League are both magnificent competitions,” Hazard said.

“The Champions League is rare because you play less often but the Premier League is so important to us and we know how important it is for the fans too.

“The game against Arsenal comes at an important moment because it follows a league defeat.

“We are going to do our best in front of our own supporters in what is a big derby game. There is no better one to win.”

A win for Chelsea sees them extend their lead at the top of the table to 7 points, but with Liverpool having 2 games in hand and Manchester City would have 4. With a visit from Arsenal and a trip to Anfield the only ‘crunch ties’ left for the Blues to face, Jose Mourinho’s side are in a good position to really push for their first league title in 4 years.

By Phil Wellbrook

Mourinho “We are back where we belong”.

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Ben Reardon

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Mar 19, 2014