West Ham will be willing sell Ravel Morrison for £10million

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Jan 17, 2014

Fulham yesterday banned boss Rene Meulensteen from talking about any transfers whatsoever in a bid to head off any more controversy.

But Hammers No.2 Neil McDonald said: “I would imagine everybody has a price.

Asked if the Hammers want to keep the England under-21 star, he added: “Why not? He’s a talented player and we need talented players.

“He’s an important member of the squad and we want to keep as many important members of the squad here as possible to try and help us move up the league.

“It’s more hearsay that he is leaving. We have to act that he is here and going to stay here. All I can say is we want him here.”

There have been claims that Morrison may try to force a move by going on strike.

But the player denied that yesterday calling it “lies”.

He added: “I’ve been working really hard over the past few weeks to get back to full fitness after missing a couple of recent games with a groin injury.

“I’m feeling fine now and I’m hoping to be involved in Saturday’s important game with Newcastle and then the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City on Tuesday.

“I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham United.”

McDonald added: “There seems to be a story about Rav every week. Rav has had a bit of groin injury, but we’re managing that.

“He trained on Wednesday with a huge, big smile on his face with the rest of the squad.”

Meulensteen said: “I am not going to make any comments because it is going to get me into trouble.

“It is wiser at this moment in time that we are not going to comment on anything that is happening in regards to any transfer news or speculation.”

Written by Steve Milne

Everton’s Michy Batshuayi transfer could be hijacked by Portuguese giants Benfica

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SteveMilne

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Jan 17, 2014

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Everton boss Roberto Martinez faces a fight with Benfica for top striker target Michy Batshuayi.

Standard Liege’s exciting young star Batshuayi is wanted by the Toffees, who will have to pay £7million up front to land him as Nikica Jelavic’s replacement.

But now Portuguese giants Benfica have stepped into the chase. They are looking at Batshuayi as a potential replacement for Rodrigo Moreno, who is a target for Russia’s Zenit St Petersburg.

Standard have already warned off Martinez – although they may sell to Everton in the summer as a compromise.

Moreno, who had an unimpressive loan spell in England with Bolton in 2010-11, could move before the weekend, so Martinez might have to find the cash sharpish to win the race for Batshuayi.

The 20-year-old Belgian has been training on his own this week after Everton’s interest became public and Standard went to war with his agent for revealing his fixed fee.

Written by Steve Milne

Ex-Sunderland striker to join Borussia Dortmund

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SteveMilne

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Jan 17, 2014

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The South Korea international, 22, left the Premier League strugglers for an undisclosed fee on Thursday to join Augsburg until the end of the season.

And within 24 hours it was announced he will join Bundesliga rivals Dortmund on a free transfer in July.

Ji looks set to replace Bayern Munich-bound Robert Lewandowski.

The Poland striker, 25, agreed a five-year deal with German and European champions Bayern earlier this month.

“Dong-Won Ji is a professional who can play in several positions across the attack,” said Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc.

“We’re delighted to be getting this talented player on a free transfer in time for the new season.”

Ji signed for Sunderland in June 2011, scoring just two goals in 28 appearances. He netted five times in 17 appearances during a six-month loan spell with Augsburg last year.

Sunderland, who during the summer rejected a £5m bid for Ji from an unnamed German side, reported to be Dortmund, allowed him to rejoin eighth-placed Augsburg for an undisclosed fee.

Last season’s Bundesliga runners-up Dortmund, who were beaten by Bayern in the Champions League final at Wembley, are fourth in the current table, 12 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s leaders.

Written by Steve Milne

David Moyes is fined £8,000 by the FA over comments

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SteveMilne

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Jan 17, 2014

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He was charged following comments made after the 2-1 Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg loss at Sunderland.

Moyes, 50, said his side were “beginning to laugh at” referees for their “terrible” decisions.

“We’re having to play them as well as the opposition at the moment,” he added.

The Scot had accepted the FA’s misconduct charge and requested not to attend a subsequent hearing.

Referee Andre Marriner awarded a second-half penalty to Sunderland, which Fabio Borini converted, to confirm United’s third defeat in a week – the first time they had suffered three straight losses since May 2002.

Defeat at Sunderland followed losses at home to Tottenham in the Premier League and Swansea in the third round of the FA Cup.

The former Everton manager was also angered by a decision during the Spurs defeat, saying it was “scandalous” United were not awarded a late penalty after goalkeeper Hugo Lloris challenged Ashley Young in the area.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was recently fined £8,000 over comments he made about referee Lee Mason after his side’s defeat at Manchester City.

Written by Steve Milne

David Moyes says Robin van Persie is happy at Man Utd

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 17, 2014

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Reports had suggested that the £24m signing was unsettled at the club following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season.

“It couldn’t be further from the truth,” Moyes said about the claims.

Ferguson wrote in his autobiography that he apologised to Van Persie as he had told him he was not retiring soon when he signed from Arsenal in 2012.

Speculation had increased that the Netherlands striker was no longer happy at Old Trafford as United slipped off the pace in the title race.

“I keep saying it is untrue but for some reason people don’t want to write it or hear it,” said Moyes.

“But it is the fact. Most people know that I talk pretty straight.

“If there was something wrong I would be the first one to come out and say it.

“I have a really good relationship with Robin, as I do with all the players.

“But when you are not winning, people look for reasons, and probably think I am not getting on with Robin.”

Moyes, in his first season in charge, has guided United to the last 16 of the Champions League as well as the League Cup semi-finals.

But the champions are 11 points off leaders Arsenal heading into this weekend’s fixtures in the Premier League and they are out of the FA Cup following a third-round defeat by Swansea.

They face Chelsea on Sunday and could be 14 points behind the Gunners by the time they kick off as Arsene Wenger’s side play Fulham on Saturday.

Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are set to miss the clash at Stamford Bridge as they continue to recover from thigh and groin problems respectively.

The Dutchman has not featured since coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on 10 December.

Written by Steve Milne – Have you say below 🙂

Lionel Messi scores twice in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win

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SteveMilne

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Jan 17, 2014

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Already leading 4-0 from the first leg, Barcelona went ahead just before half-time when Messi turned in Cristian Tello’s cross at the near post.

The Argentine sealed the win with a superb individual goal after the break.

Messi continued his comeback from a hamstring injury by skipping past three Getafe defenders before slotting in.

The forward had made his return in the first leg last week, scoring twice after coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute.

The four-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered disappointment on Monday when he lost the world player of the year crown to Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 26-year-old was also left out of Uefa’s 2013 team of the year this week.

Despite the comfortable win, it was not the perfect night for Barcelona as Brazil forward Neymar suffered an ankle sprain.

The £50m summer signing, who had to be carried from the pitch midway through the first-half, will undergo further tests on Friday in Barcelona.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below

Man Utd’s Anderson has Fiorentina medical

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SteveMilne

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Jan 17, 2014

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Fiorentina put a photograph on Twitter of the Brazilian, who has made 177 appearances for United since joining from Porto in 2007, being examined.

The 25-year-old has started just three matches since David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson as manager last summer.

“We’ve not been able to get him as many games as he’d hoped, or we hoped we might get him,” said Moyes.

“We feel it’s a good opportunity for him.”

Anderson, who cost United a reported fee of about £20m, has only completed 90 minutes once since the start of last season, in the 5-5 draw at West Brom that ended the Reds’ title-winning campaign in May.

His last appearance was in the 2-0 Capital One Cup win at Stoke City on 18 December.

Moyes is hoping to strengthen his squad in January, but admitted earlier this month he may struggle to do so because there are not many suitable players available to sign in the mid-season transfer window.

Midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who played under Moyes at former club Everton, was the only new senior arrival at United last summer.

Fiorentina, managed by Vincenzo Montella, are fourth in the Serie A table, 15 points behind leaders Juventus.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Zaha storms out of United training ground.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 17, 2014

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Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha is reportedly ‘ furious’ after storming out of the Manchester United training ground, after a proposed loan move had been blocked by the club.

Zaha and his agent were stunned to hear that United manager David Moyes had vetoed a potential loan move for the winger amid interest from a number of Premier League sides, which include Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City and Crystal Palace.

According to reports, the winger was involved in a heated exchange with the clubs hiarachy, and manager David Moyes, before storming out of the complex.

The 21-year-old left the meeting fuming after begging for the opportunity to leave Old Trafford in this January window.

Moyes had recently stated that a loan move would suit Zaha’s development, but it appears he has back tracked on his word.

The England under-21 international has made just four senior appearances for the Premier League champions, and his only two league appearances have been as a substitute, after a lucrative £15 million move from Crystal Palace.

Zaha then stayed at Palace after the transfer, and was part of the Eagles side who gained promotion to the Premiership.

Zaha has found himself behind Young, Nani, Shinji Kagawa, Antonio Valencia and Adnan Januzaj in the pecking order at Old Trafford and has also settled slowly at United.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Aston Villa loan Bertrand.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 17, 2014

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Aston Villa have acquired the services of Chelsea full back Ryan Bertrand, with the defender joining Villa on loan until the end of the current season.

Bertrand has been unable to stamp his mark on Jose Mourinho’s first team set up this season, but has made just three appearances since the return of Mourinho.

He had been a first team regular at the Bridge for the last two seasons, making 50 appearances in the process, including the 2012 Champions League Final, as Chelsea triumphed in Europe.

However, he has found chances limited, hence the loan deal to the Midlands.

“Ryan brings a lot of big-game experience, not only in the Barclays Premier League but even a Champions League final which Chelsea won, so he’ll be really good for us.

“The way he plays the game and as a person, too, he’ll fit in here great and it will be good for him also to be playing games. He has real enthusiasm for the game and he’s looking forward to playing here.

“We’re grateful to Chelsea for allowing him to come here on loan and we know he’ll be really good to work with.”

Bertrand added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to come here. Aston Villa is a fantastic club with a massive fanbase and a great history. To get this chance to come here and play some games will be a really good step for me.

“Whenever I’ve played for Chelsea here at Villa Park the fans have been fantastic and have always created a great atmosphere.

“I’ve had to adjust many times in my career having played under several managers, so I know I can settle in here quickly and I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to the team.

“This is a really traditional English club, a family club as well and you get the feeling that everyone really knows one another, so that side’s not been lost either.

“Knowing some of the lads here, too, such as Fabian Delph, Marc Albrighton and a few others will really help, too, and I couldn’t be more looking forward to playing my part here.”

Bertrand will bring defensive stability and relative experience to a youthful squad who have struggled for consistancy this season.

He could make his debut in Villa’s game at Anfield at the weekend, as the Villa take on Liverpool.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Gary Cahill still wary of Manchester United threat

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 17, 2014

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Chelsea defender Gary Cahill insists that Sunday’s opponents Manchester United are still a real threat despite their poor campaign so far.

If The Blues can pick up a victory at the weekend against David Moyes’ men, they will extend their lead to 12-points over last season’s champions, and after their dull 0-0 draw earlier on in the season, I’m sure this time around will be much different.

United face losing four out of the last five games if they suffer defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but Cahill is adamant that United are still a real force and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“You would have thought it’d be a lot tighter, but Manchester United are obviously having a little blip in terms of results.

“It’s not gone quite to plan, but they’re obviously still a strong outfit and for us it’s going to be a tough game.

“I don’t see it as any sort of crisis – they’ve got a fantastic manager, great players. As a footballer you sometimes have a few weeks or a month when it doesn’t quite go to plan and then you get back on track. I see them being no different.

“They are flush with talent in the squad – that’s why I don’t see there being any dramas. They’ve dropped more points than they would have liked, but the game’s going to be just as tough for us and I see them turning the corner soon.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t want fourth-place….

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 17, 2014

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he would be disappointed if his side finished fourth this season as he firmly believes they could win the Premier League.

The title race is always a close one, but this season, it may be closer than ever with Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all fighting for the number-one spot, with Liverpool and Everton not too far behind.

At the start of the season, Rodgers was aiming to get Liverpool back into Europe’s top competition, but after such an amazing start to the campaign, he is now looking higher than just fourth spot.

‘Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are based around Champions League squads,’ Rodgers said. ‘They have been religiously in there and they have got a lot of depth that they can call upon.

‘But we know that if we have got the fortune to stay clear of injury and what not, I would put our team up against anyone. I would never give up the fight. Of course, the challenge is to get to fourth.

‘Once you can do that, it is all about seeing if you can go beyond that. But I will never give up the fight. With the games we have got to go and the confidence we have, we just need a bit of luck with injuries and to be able to manage the team.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Robin Van Persie backs David Moyes

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 17, 2014

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Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie has jumped to the defence of manager David Moyes and believes it’s only a matter of time before he gets things right at Old Trafford.

Moyes’ reign at United has been very stop-start and at the moment, they are looking like missing out on Champions League football for next season, which would be a huge blow to The Red Devils and their finances.

United did go on a seven game unbeaten streak in all competitions a month or so ago, but that was then followed up by three back-to-back defeats, and so far, that has summer up Moyes’ reign at Old Trafford.

However, injured striker, Robin Van Persie, believes Moyes can turn things around at the club, he just needs time to do so.

“Moyes needs time, he’s new,” said Van Persie. “The manager is our leading man and he will change things around.

“We lost too many points this year, but we are doing everything we can to change that.

“We are used to winning,” added Van Persie. “If you win, it’s a normal day at the office. After the Community Shield win, none of the players really celebrated, or played music, as it was the way things were.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Shane Long set for Hull City switch after West Brom accept bid for striker

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 16, 2014

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The Irish international looks increasingly likely to make a switch to the KC Stadium after the Baggies allowed him to speak to the Tigers

Hull City look set to sign Shane Long after West Brom accepted an offer for the striker.

The Tigers were interested in the forward back in the summer, but missed out after the Baggies blocked a proposed £5m move.

However, with the offer thought to have been upped to around £6m, sporting and technical director Richard Garlick has confirmed that they have agreed to allow the Irish international to talk to the Tigers.

Garlick told the club’s official website: “Shane effectively only has 18 months left on his deal and with him no closer to accepting our terms and then Hull making an acceptable offer, we felt it was in the club’s best interests to accept the bid.”

The West Brom chief also revealed that Long had rejected the opportunity to sign a new deal at The Hawthorns.

“We began talking to Shane about a new contract last Spring and, during the ongoing negotiations, we made him two offers which would have significantly increased his salary.
“However, despite our best endeavours, Shane has declined to sign a new contract.”

Long now looks set to become the second high-profile striker to arrive at the KC Stadium this month, following the capture of Everton’s Nikica Jelavic.

The Tigers confirmed on Wednesday that they had landed the Croatian international on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Mauricio Pochettino to face questions over Southampton future

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 16, 2014

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Cortese’s exit, believed to be over a power struggle with owner Katarina Liebherr, was confirmed on Wednesday evening after mounting speculation.

Southampton now fear the ramifications of his departure, with manager Pochettino having repeatedly stated his loyalty to the Italian-Swiss banker who recruited him.

The Argentinian said last May, when Cortese’s departure was first mooted: “I would not understand staying in this role if Nicola was not here.

“I have great respect as well for Southampton, the club and the supporters, but Nicola has been the one that has placed his trust and faith in me

“We are on the same wavelength about the club and the future of the club so it really would not make any sense if I was at this club and he was not.”

Pochettino is understood to have met Liebherr on Wednesday but is it understood his future – even for the remainder of the season – remains unresolved.

He is expected to address the issue at a news conference – broadcast on Sky Sports – ahead of this weekend’s Premier League trip to Sunderland.

Cortese became executive chairman in 2009, having been instrumental in Liebherr’s acquisition of the club earlier that year following the death of her father, Markus.

He had overseen the club’s rise from League 1 to the Premier League but relations with Liebherr are understood to have broken down irrevocably over differing plans for the future of the club.

Liebherr said in a statement on Wednesday: “It is business as usual and we will ensure that the manager, team and staff at the club have all the help and support they need.”

She also said Cortese’s resignation had been accepted “with great regret”, that he had “done a wonderful job” and that Southampton “very much wanted him to stay.”

Southampton defender Luke Shaw, a reported target for a number of major Premier League clubs, gave his reaction to Cortese’s departure in a message on Twitter, writing: “Gutted with that news, but would just like to thank Nicola Cortese for everything he has done for me and the club! All the best to him!”

Having entered administration just prior to the Liebherr takeover, Southampton began 2009/10 with a 10-point deduction but soon rose from the bottom of the third tier, achieving back-to-back promotions in 2011 and 2012 under Adkins, brought in as a replacement for Alan Pardew.

And after the controversial sacking of Adkins, Pochettino led the Saints to a 14th-placed finish last term, with Southampton ending their comeback top-flight campaign five points clear of the relegation zone.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Xavi linked with MLS move

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 16, 2014

0

Under the proposed deal the 33 year-old Barcelona midfielder would leave the Catalan giant – at which he has won every trophy club football has to offer in a decorated 17-year career – at the conclusion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Red Bulls would be able to fit Xavi into its squad under the MLS’s designated player rule, which allows a club to sign up to three players outside of its salary cap.

The Bulls has two deisgnated players, Cahill and French striker Thierry Henry, enabling it to fit the Spanish star into its squad.

Xavi, who is considered among the world’s best play-makers, had been linked with a move to New York City FC, which will enter the MLS in 2015 – one year before his Barcelona contract ends.

Manchester City, which co-owns the rival New York football franchise, had reportedly been keen to sign the Spaniard, with a view to the new American club playing the Barcelona way.

Written by Steve Milne

SillySeason.com

West Ham will be willing sell Ravel Morrison for £10million

Everton’s Michy Batshuayi transfer could be hijacked by Portuguese giants Benfica

Ex-Sunderland striker to join Borussia Dortmund

David Moyes is fined £8,000 by the FA over comments

David Moyes says Robin van Persie is happy at Man Utd

Lionel Messi scores twice in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win

Man Utd’s Anderson has Fiorentina medical

Zaha storms out of United training ground.

Aston Villa loan Bertrand.

Gary Cahill still wary of Manchester United threat

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t want fourth-place….

Robin Van Persie backs David Moyes

Shane Long set for Hull City switch after West Brom accept bid for striker

The Irish international looks increasingly likely to make a switch to the KC Stadium after the Baggies allowed him to speak to the Tigers

Mauricio Pochettino to face questions over Southampton future

Xavi linked with MLS move

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