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Di Maria took Ronaldo’s advice over United move

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Manchester United superstar Angel Di Maria has revealed how he seeked advice from Cristiano Ronaldo before completing his move to Old Trafford in the summer. 

The 26 year old has hit the ground running in England and has already become a fans favourtie amongst all the Manchester United fans. 

“Before we knew I was coming to Manchester, he told me it’s a massive club, I would be very happy here and it would be good for me,” he said. 

“At that time we didn’t know for sure that I was coming or not, so we didn’t go into great detail, but what he did say helped me greatly to make my decision.” 

Di Maria already has 3 goals and 3 assists in his opening 5 games of his United career and hopes he can take on the added pressure of wearing the number 7 shirt. 

“When you wear a shirt that’s been worn by the likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s something you’re always going to be pleased about.”

“The fact that the club have chosen to give me that shirt number also gives me a huge confidence boost, so that’s why I’m very happy to have this number.” 

By Ollie Brown

Houllier speaks of Mourinho and Wenger clash

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Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has added his opinion on the Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho showdown. 

Houllier, who himself has had previous memorable battles with Arsenal during his managerial spell at Anfield, has empathised with Arsenal boss Arsene  Wenger. 

“Firstly, I understand Arsene, because he was annoyed because there was a tackle by Cahill on Sanchez,” Houllier told RMC

“He simply wanted to see if his player was OK, and he pushed Mourinho, but it’s a little bit of the media game over there, the folklore. Moreover, nothing happened after that.

“It’s true that they’re not the best of friends, but that’s just the way it is. 

“I know Mourinho well. He’s intelligent, nice. I can tell you that all the players who are with him adore him, they like his training sessions. I don’t share the opinions he has voiced with regard to Arsene, but Arsene can look after himself.” 

By Ollie Brown

Ronaldo will NEVER re-join Manchester United

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Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, will never be making a return to Old Trafford, accoring to his agent, Jorge Mendes.

There has been a lot of speculation recently linking the Portuguese winger with a surprise return to Manchester United, but his agent has rubbished the speculation claiming the transfer is impossible.

It’s well documented that Ronaldo was left angry at the sales of Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria, but leaving Madrid is simply not on the cards, and that has now been confirmed by his agent, who had this to say on the transfer rumours:

“Cristiano is very happy at Real Madrid and has always been happy. He is going to break all the records there and will retire there.

“He has an affection for United because his heart was there for six years. But now all he thinks of is Real Madrid and he will always be here.

“Cristiano’s dream is to win another Champions League. He is never satisfied, he always wants more. He never ceases to amaze. It’s impossible to find anyone like him in sporting history.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Jose Mourinho hails new signing

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Jose Mourinho has hailed new signing Cesc Fabregas as ‘fantastic’, and insists that he cannot remember the last time the Spaniard had a bad game.

Since arriving from FC Barcelona in the Summer, the ex-Arsenal captain has seven assists to his name in just seven Premier League games, with the midfielder once again ever present in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over the Spaniard’s former-club on Sunday leaving Mourinho singing his praises.

The Portuguese manager said: “He was fantastic. It wasn’t because the opponent was Arsenal he produced this performance. He has been doing this since day one.

“I don’t remember a game this season where he was not fantastic.

The former Madrid boss then added: “Cesc today was again very special and it shows the professional he is.

“To play against the team where he was made to play football shows his commitment to us.”

Will Fabregas continue to perform to such a high standard? Lets wait and see.

Written by Ben Waterhouse – @BenWaterhouse_

Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal target set to sign contract extension

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Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal have all expressed an interest in Ivory Coast and Swansea forward Wilfried Bony, but have been dealt a major blow with the news that he’s considering signing a new deal in Wales.

The three clubs are all looking for a striker who is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, and they have turned their attention to Bony.

The Swansea forward bagged 25 goals in all competitions last season and this stat has alerted the three big Premier League sides to the availability of the forward.

However, the trio are set to be disappointed with the news that Bony is considering penning his future to Swansea by signing a contract extension.

The striker has shrugged off rumuors of a departure saying: ‘If I wanted to go, I would have done, but there has never been anything other than speculation about the departure in Monaco, Liverpool or Tottenham. I’m fine in Swansea. It is even possible that I extend my contract.’

Written by Ben Waterhouse – @BenWaterhouse_

Liverpool failed in late Higuain bid

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According to reports in Brazil, Liverpool failed in a last-ditch attempt to sign Napoli striker, Gonzalo Higuain, during the Summer.

It’s believed that Brendan Rodgers offered £22million up-front for the Argentine international, as well as throwing in Brazilian midfielder, Lucas Leiva, as part of the deal.

Rodgers was desperate to sign more attacking power ahead of the new season, especially after Luis Suarez left to join FC Barcelona, and despite signing Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli, The Reds boss still wanted more options and Higuain was his number-one target.

However, a last ditch offer was turned away by Rafael Benitez, despite the Spaniard keen on signing Leiva earlier in the Summer.

Higuain was strongly linked with a move away from Naples after their poor start to the Serie A season, but it looks like after three back-to-back wins, Benitez’s side are back on track.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal turned to Alexis after Pedro collapse

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According to reports in Spain, Arsenal only signed Alexis Sanchez because their proposed deal with Pedro fell through.

The Gunners initially wanted to sign the Spanish winger from FC Barcelona, but after that deal collapsed, Arsene Wenger turned his attentions to the Chilean and offerd £32million for his services, which was accepted and the deal got completed.

Since then, Alexis has been in superb form for Wenger’s side, scoring five goals in all competitions, including two wonder-goals against Manchester City and Southampton.

Spanish reports are claiming that a deal was all set-up to bring Pedro to the Emirates Stadium, but the player pulled himself out of the deal, making the transfer collapse and leaving Wenger pushing for the Alexis deal instead.

It’s then believed that Barca were initially against selling Alexis, but had to sell someone due to Pedro opting to stay.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Harry Redknapp: ‘I nearly signed Patrick Vieira and Luis Suarez’

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Harry Redknapp has revealed that he was close to signing Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira, and ex-Liverpool star, Luis Suarez, during his managerial days at White Hart Lane.

Now manager at Queens Park Rangers, Redknapp enjoyed a brilliant spell in North London with Spurs, guiding them to the Champions League, but after falling out with officials behind the scenes over the vacant England job, Redknapp left his post and then later missed out on the England job to Roy Hodgson.

However, in a recent interview, the R’s boss has revealed that he was close to making a sensational signing, by bringing Vieira to White Hart Lane.

“Patrick Vieira was a different type of midfield player and one every club would like to take now,” Redknapp wrote in his new book A Man Walks On To a Pitch.

“He almost came to me at Tottenham from Inter Milan. I thought it was an incredible decision by him, after he’d been such a hero at Arsenal.

“I met him at his house in Hampstead and he had no fear about what people would think or what reception he would get. He had enough confidence in his ability to just brush it away.

“I remember talking to Daniel Levy, our chairman, about him. He said the crowd would be hostile. I knew that – but if he had enough bottle to want to put on our white shirt after all that had gone before, I thought it said something about the man.”

Redknapp then revealed he was also close to signing Suarez from Ajax.

He added: “Despite all that has happened in his career since, one of the biggest regrets of my life in management is not taking Luis Suarez to Tottenham when we had the chance.

“You’ve got to take him, Harry,’ Ruud Gullit told me. ‘He’s fantastic.’

“Yet all of our scouts’ reports said that at Ajax he played wide off a striker, whereas we were looking for a proper front man.”

“Just when I was on the verge of taking the plunge, the price went up.

“In the end he was sold for £22.8 million to Liverpool. We wouldn’t have paid that.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Klaas Jan Huntelaar valued at £3million

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According to reports, Bundesliga outfit, Schalke, are prepared to part ways with star-striker, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, for as little as £3million.

The Dutchman is out of contract in the Summer, and with no contract talks planned between the player and the club, Schalke are considering selling in January in order to raise some funds from the sale, rather than lose him on a free just months later.

With the price-tag of £3m, it’s reported that Premier League trio; Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, will all make a move for the 31-year-old, who is proven as one of the most clinical finishers in European football.

The Dutch international has enjoyed spells with Real Madrid, AC Milan and Schalke, but is now ready to test himself in England.

The trio from the Premier League will all be keen to add firepower to their attacking options, despite Arsenal and Liverpool making striker signings over the Summer, but Turkish side, Galatasaray, are also showing interest in the veteran.

However, it’s believed that if Huntelaar is to leave Schalke, it will only be for the Premier League.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

FIFA head labels Jose Mourinho as ‘out of place’

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FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb was at Stamford Bridge yesterday attending the Leaders Sport Business summit and was appaled after finding out that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho dismissed the idea of instituting the Ronney Rule, similar to the one currently being implemented in the NFL in America.

The Rule states that at least one candidate from an ethnic minority must be interviewed for every job vacany.

Webb said: “That was unwise. It is out of touch. I don’t know how it could be ‘hidden’ in England.

“You have 92 clubs and two coaches of colour. It is not hidden. It is hidden from a discussion point of view. No one wants to deal with it.”

By Ollie Carroll

Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_

Manchester United to battle it out with Chelsea for German youngster Antonio Rudiger

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The 21-year-old defender has previously hinted at a move to United, but reports coming in today suggest that Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Monaco and West Ham are also keen on the Stuttgart player. 

According to reports elsewhere, Juventus have been keeping a close eye on the German youngster and have scouted the player for some time with the intention of a bid to be placed in January. 

Monaco failed with a £12 million offer in the summer transfer window.

Rudiger spoke out about the possibility of a move to United last month after revealing his desire to play in the Premier League.

“Of course I am aware of the interest from Manchester United,” he said. 

“They are definitely one of the top clubs in Europe and they are in a league I have been dreaming of. The Premier League is very physical, intense, breathtaking and with a lot of goals.

“My focus, though, remains on playing for Stuttgart. For now, I just have to try and progress as a player.”

The 21-year-old made his debut for the Bundesliga club in 2012 and gradually became first-team player in Stuttgart’s squad making 30 appearances for the club last season and eventually earning himself his first international cap in May. 

Rudiger currently has three years remaining on his contract with Die Roten. 

By Ollie Carroll

Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_


Liverpool working on deal to sign Alex Song

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Liverpool are keen to sign FC Barcelona midfielder, Alex Song, who is currently on loan in England with West Ham United.

Brendan Rodgers was showing interest over the Summer for the Cameroon international, but with no formal approach materialising, the ex-Arsenal man eventually ended up on a season-long loan at Upton Park, where he has settled in nicely.

Since his return to the Premier League, Song has put in some steller performances for The Hammers and has once again caught Rodgers’ eye, who is keen on signing a powerhouse midfielder to help tighten up his defence.

According to reports, Rodgers is trying to get Barca to recall Song in January, so that they can sign him permanently then, but if that fails, they are okay with waiting until the Summer, as they know the Spanish club will 100% sell when possible.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Strootman deal stalling

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Roma have issued a hands off warning to Manchester United for Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman, the Daily Mail have reported. 

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the midfielder, with Strootman having worked with United manager Louis Van Gaal whilst on international duty with the Dutch. 

The 24 year old is only set to return for the Serie A side next month having sustained a cruciate ligament injury earlier this year, with Strootman currently only doing light traning sessions. 

Despite the injury, that has not deterred Van Gaal off a possible bid, with United previously linked with a £25 million bid for the player. 

However Roma owner James Pallotta has thrown a spanner in the works of any deal, with the owner stating that Strootman is NOT for sale, at any price.

It is just not happening,’ said Pallotta, who was talking at London’s Leaders in Sport conference.

‘I have told the papers they should stop wasting paper. We don’t have any interest in selling Kevin.

‘As businesspeople, when people call and say ”we want your player”, you are going to listen them. You have to do that.

‘That doesn’t mean you are going to make a decision that, £75million, bang, you hit the bid. That is not the way it is going to work with us.

‘For others maybe. Our view is we want to put a great team out there; our goal is stability.’

 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Real Madrid chase De Gea as replacement for Casillas

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Spanish side looking to replace keeper wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool

Real Madrid are looking at Manchester United’s young goalkeeper David De Gea as a replacement for Iker Casillas, who is the subject of possible bids by Arsenal and Liverpool.

De Gea, after a rocky start to his Old Trafford career, has firmly established himself as one of the best stoppers in the Premier League. A man-of-the-match display in United’s 2-1 win over Everton solidified his growing reputation.

Now the Bernabeu club want to bring De Gea back to Spain, with long-term keeper Casillas recently admitting he would be tempted by offers from abroad, including England.

De Gea was signed for the Old Trafford side by fomer manager Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2011 as a replacement for Edwin Van der Sar.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wants De Gea to challenge Keylor Navas for the Real number one jersey.

Casillas has faced a barrage of abuse from Madrid fans after a poor start to the season, and may opt to ply his trade elsewhere.

Steve Osborne          @SteveOsborne23

Chelsea trio key to possible Dani Alves switch

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Chelsea are aiming to utilise their Brazilian connections to entice Barcelona defender Dani Alves to the club.

Willian, Oscar and Ramires are seen to be key in any move for their compatriot.

Chelsea will have to fend off Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool if they are to land the 31-year-old right back.

Alves’ contract with the Catalan giants is up at the end of the season, and manager Luis Enrique is rumoured to be looking to cash in.

Alves has seen challenges to the right-back slot from Douglas and Martin Montoya this season, and is said to be keen to make a fresh start.

Prem duo Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the defender, as are Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich.

But it is suggested that due to having the trio of fellow Brazilians, and fellow Portuguese speaking manager Jose Mourinho already there, Chelsea are in pole position to land Alves.

 

Steve Osborne               @SteveOsborne23