Hitzfeld advises Bayern to sign Benatia

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Aug 26, 2014

Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has urged his former side to wrap up the signing of Roma defender Mehdi Benatia.

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently in the market looking to bolster their defensive options following the news that defensive midfielder Javi Martinez will be out of action until the start of 2015 with a knee injury.

Hitzfeld told Sky90: “Benatia is the captain of Morocco’s national team and he has a lot of quality.

“In the end, it’s all about whether he can help Bayern forward. Bayern need quality and should act now.”

Serie A side Roma have already prepared for the eventuality that the Moroccan will leave the Stadio Olimpico as they have their £10,3m bid for Greek international Kostas Manolas accepted by Olympiakos and final talks are set to take place.

Bayern Munich will face competition to sign Benatia as Chelsea and Manchester United have been heavily linked with his signature all summer, although the threat from United has been lessened after they secured the deal for Marcos Rojo.

By Phil Wellbrook

Manchester United close in on Ajax ace Daley Blind

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OllieCarroll9

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Aug 26, 2014

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Reports today are claiming that Manchester United are closing in on Holland international Daley Blind after securing a £59.7 milion deal for Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria. However, the Dutchman’s agent has insisted that no bids have come in from the Premier League club for the 24-year-old with only days remaining in the transfer window.

“At this moment Manchester United have not been in touch with me or Ajax about Daley and I’m not sitting here waiting for the call,” said Jansen.

It is believed that United scouts were present at the recent fixture between current club Ajax and PSV Eindhoven at the weekend to watch Blind, who revealed his desire to play under the hands of Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Ajax boss Frank de Boer has urged Blind to remain at the Dutch club for one more season, but has admitted the 24-year-old could leave if the right price is met. “We all know that if there is a certain amount on the table we cannot refuse. Then we’ll wish him all the best,” De Boer said.

“But I have not heard anything about it, so I am assuming that he still stays for a year. I think it’s best for him, but on the other hand, the temptation is there if such a big club comes.”

By Ollie Carroll

Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_

Liverpool make midfield sensation next target

By

olliebrowner

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Aug 26, 2014

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Liverpool are considering a move for Israeli prodigy Michael Ohana.

The attacking midfielder is currently undergoing a trial at The Reds with the club having the option making his stay permanent if they choose to do so.

If Ohana endures a successfull trial, he will be placed into the development squad and will have to prove his worth if he wants any chance in making it into the first-team.

Ohana, who plies his trade for FC Ashdod, has been tipped to emulate former Liverpool star Yossi Benayoun due to his prowess behind the striker and out on the flanks.

If signed by Brendan Rodgers, the 18-year-old will become the ninth player to make the move to Anfield this summer following Balotelli’s £16million switch from the Serie A.

By Ollie Brown

Tottenham enter race for Rabiot

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olliebrowner

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Aug 26, 2014

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Tottenham are weighing up a bid for Paris-Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

The youngster is one of the hottest talents that has emerged out of France in recent years, after making his debut for the ligue 1 club at the age of 17.

Rabiot made a total of 34 appearances last season under Laurent Blanc, sparking interest from various clubs.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the player previously, but Roma and AC Milan have been in advance talks with the youngster last season.

And now it is understood that Tottenham have emerged as surprise favourites to sign Rabiot with PSG demanding at least £24m for their man.

Blanc had hoped to offer Rabiot a new contract, but appears resigned to losing him this summer.

He said: “I believe he [Rabiot] will leave, but I can’t tell you where.

“Rabiot has received a good [contract] offer from PSG but apparently it doesn’t interest him. It’s a shame.

“I think his entourage is taking advantage of his contractual situation.”

By Ollie Brown

Jamie Carragher points the finger at culpable Dejan Lovren after City defeat

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OllieCarroll9

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Aug 26, 2014

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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has pointed the finger at £20 million man Dejan Lovren, who was one of the numerous Liverpool players who were culpable for the 3-1 loss at the hands of Manchester City on Monday night. The Sky Sports pundit also blamed fellow acquisition Alberto Moreno for his former club’s defeat. He said: ‘He (Lovren) didn’t play well tonight. The whole back four never really functioned well.

‘He’s had a difficult night, him and Moreno on that side. It’s basic back four work and it’s something Liverpool are going to have to work on.

‘If that happens a lot in this league, you’re going to get punished. That back four of Manchester City was the difference between tonight in this game.’

Before the game, Carragher highlighted Lovren’s price tag, and stated ‘these were the type of games you pay £20m for a centre-back for’.

By Ollie Carroll

Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_

United eye £52m Double capture

By

olliebrowner

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Aug 26, 2014

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Manchester United are seemingly not done yet in this summer’s transfer window, as they close in on the signing of Angel Di Maria.

Boss Louis Van Gaal is ready to patch up the current problems and complete the double signing of Arturo Vidal and Daley Blind.

It is understood that the Dutch boss has ordered United to finally place bids for both players, after a summer of continous speculation about the club signing the players.

Arturo Vidal has been involved in a saga with the Red Devils throughout the window with reports suggesting that a fee was agreed earlier this month.

However, Juventus have revealed that United have shown no interest in the player, as it seems that Van Gaal was prioritising signing Di Maria from Madrid.

Ajax defender Daley Blind has also had links with the club for the duration of the summer, with the player himself admitting that he would love to join Van Gaal at United.

And with recent defensive problems, the likeliness of the player joining United has increased, with a bid expected the be placed in the coming days.

By Ollie Brown

AC Milan to pounce on Liverpool forward Fabio Borini if Torres deal fails

By

OllieCarroll9

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Aug 26, 2014

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AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has set out to look for a new top-name striker to replace Mario Balotelli who earlier left the San Siro for Liverpool, but has shelved deals for Radamel Falcao, Jackson Martinez and Mattia Destro due to financial reasons. Chelsea’s misfit Fernando Torres remains at the top of Gallian’s wishlist, but there are major doubts over a move for the Spaniard after Blues boss Jose Mourihno insisted the striker was to stay at Stamford Bridge.

However, if Mourinho chases down hot-shot Mattia Destro then a loan deal for the Spanish International could be a happening. Despite the large interest in Torres, AC Milan are opening up their options and are weighing up a bid for Fabio Borini in case they conclude that Torres’ wages are too hefty.

Reports in Italy today are suggesting that Borini would be an ideal alternative as they would be able to use the money from the Balotelli transfer and still have cash to spare.

By Ollie Carroll

Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_

Lukas Podolski’s agent rubbishes exit rumours

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 26, 2014

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Lukas Podolski’s agent has rubbished reports that he’s set to join Juventus or Wolfsburg this Summer.

The German international has been linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium after falling down the pecking order at the club, but his agent has been quick to rubbish reports linking him with a move to Germany or Italy.

Podolski was left out of the matchday squad at the weekend for the Everton game, despite Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker featuring, and that lead to speculation linking the 29-year-old with a transfer away from the club.

“I read in the newspapers that Juventus and Napoli were interested in Lukas,” Podolski’s agent Ali Pektas told tuttomercatoweb.

“But there has been no approach from either of those clubs.

“I don’t know if he will go to Italy in this transfer window. I can’t say anything for sure.

“The only certainty is that Lukas has a contract with Arsenal.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal eye Alessio Cerci

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 26, 2014

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Arsenal are keeping tabs on Torino striker, Alessio Cerci, amid fears that Olivier Giroud will be sidelined for up to three months with a broken ankle.

The Frenchman went down late on against Everton after being hit awkwardly by a Slyvain Distin clearance, and according to numerous reports, the 27-year-old could be out for up to three months with the injury worse than first-feared.

With Giroud expected to be out for a long-time, Arsene Wenger is now being forced into the market to land a new striker, with Yaya Sanogo the only recognised centre-forward now at the club, and the Frenchman has turned to Serie A and Torino.

Wenger is monitoring, Alessio Cerci, from Torino, who is expected to leave the club this Summer, with AC Milan and AS Roma also interested, but now with Arsenal in the hunt too, a move to England could be his favoured option.

It’s reported that Arsenal are also watching Loic Remy, Danny Welbeck and Edinson Cavani as potential replacements.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Olivier Giroud faces THREE MONTH lay-off

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 26, 2014

0

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud could be out for up to three months after reports suggesting he has broken his ankle.

The Frenchman, who scored the late equaliser against Everton at the weekend, went down late on holding his ankle after he was hit by the ball, and despite Giroud saying after the game he is hopeful he can play on Wednesday, it now appears that he could be set for a long stay on the sidelines.

According to reports, the 27-year-old has broken his ankle and will miss the next three months, leaving him out of action until late November, meaning Arsene Wenger will have just Yaya Sanogo as a recognised centre-forward.

No official word has come from Arsenal yet, but Wenger will certainly give the latest on Giroud later today in his scheduled press conference ahead of tomorrow’s crucial game with Besiktas.

If reports are true, Giroud’s injury could force Wenger into signing a new striker, which he ruled out doing yesterday.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Roma aren’t interested in Manolas

By

CharlGLFC

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Aug 25, 2014

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Kostas Manolas’ agent has rubbished reports linking his client with a move to Roma, leaving Arsenal free to sign the defender. The centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to a top European team this summer, after impressing at Olympiakos last season.

Reports in Italy were claiming he was on his way to Roma as a replacement for mehdi benatia, who is edging closer to a Bayern Munich move. However, the player’s agent has rubbished these claims and has declared that the Serie A side have shown no interest in the 23-year old whatsoever. He said:

“The rumours of Manolas moving to Italy have been going on for months now. But the truth is that there has been nothing. We haven’t heard anything from Roma.”

This leaves the door open for the Gunners to make a move. Arsene wenger is on the lookout for a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen and Manolas is believed to be top of his wishlist.

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter

@CharlieGLFC

Mourinho wants NFL- tyle timeouts introduced in football

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Aug 25, 2014

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Jose Mourinho would like the introduction of NFL-style timeouts in the premier League so he can more effectively explain his tactics to his players.

The Portuguese believes managers and players would benefit from the breaks, one in the middle of each half, to give specific instructions and talk tactics as the game moves on.

Speaking after his side’s 2-0 triumph over Leicester over the weekend, the Blues boss told The Telegraph: “Football is very slow to change the rules.

“How many years have we had to wait for goalline technology?

“I hope I am still in football when they give the coach the chance to stop the game during the first half once and during the second half because you can make the game much better.”

The Blues were being frustrated by Nigel Pearson’s side, but after the interval they struck twice from Diego Cost and Eden Hazard to send them to the top of the table, if only for a few hours.

But Mourinho admitted that he would have liked to speak to his players just 10 minutes after the break to rectify any faults in the performance of his team.

He went on to say: “It would be interesting. Louis van Gaal in the World Cup, the referee stopped the game for the water break and he changed the system of his team and managed to win the game.”

By Phil Wellbrook

Milan seek swift replacement for Balotelli, go for misfiring Torres

By

Steve Osborne

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Aug 25, 2014

0

AC Milan are making swift moves to replace Mario Balotelli, lining up a loan move for Chelsea striker Fernando Torres.

Torres has endured an up and down three years at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Liverpool for £50M. The joy of winning the Champions League and Uefa Cup, coupled with horrendous form in front of goal.

Now the Spaniard could be set for a fresh start in Italy, with Milan closing in on a loan deal after selling Balotelli to Liverpool for £16M.

Spanish side Atletico Madrid, who Torres still has a major affinity with, are also keen, but Milan are the front runners.

Torres was dropped for Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Leicester at the weekend, and it now seems that manager Jose Mourinho has finally ran out of patience with the misfiring striker.

Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23

Liverpool legends express doubts over Balotelli signing

By

Steve Osborne

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Aug 25, 2014

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Liverpool legends Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher have expressed their doubts about new Reds signing Mario Balotelli.

Striker Owen, who made 216 appearances for the club between 1996 and 2004, tweeted “It’s official, Balotelli signs for Liverpool. General feeling is it’s a risky buy, but could be great value for money if Rodgers controls him”.

Defender Carragher, with more than 500 appearances in a one-club playing career, also has concerns. He said “When I first heard about it I was shocked. He wasn’t someone I thought they were looking to bring in. Liverpool needed a striker and £16M is a great price for Italy’s number one striker. But we want to see more than the Manchester City Mario Balotelli”.

Balotelli has signed a three-year deal worth £80,000 per week.

Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23

Petr Cech slams United fan on Twitter

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Aug 25, 2014

0

Petr Cech has taken more of a backseat role at Chelsea following the call-back of Belgian number one, Thibaut Courtois and is yet to start a Premier League game this season.

The 32 year-old has had his future with the club in doubt as a result and has been linked with moves to Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, who are all reportedly interested.

But Cech clearly isn’t letting Courtois’ new position in the team get to him as he cleverly and humorously silences a United fan on Twitter.

@UtdBen tweeted the Chelsea veteran:“@PetrCech how’s your friend courtois doing in goal for Chelsea?”

“Much better than the team you support,” replied Cech.

he then followed up the reply by stating his confusion with fans who dish out banter to stars but cannot take it back, he wrote: “People send messages for banter… But when you answer the same way, they get offended and are not happy… don’t get it…”

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has refused to show any preference to the long serving shot-stopper and has not announced his preference to Courtois with him.

“If I speak with, tomorrow I have to speak to another one, another one, another,” Mourinho said.

“I’ve never done this in my career. I don’t like to be always justifying my decisions to the players.

“I didn’t with Frank Lampard. I didn’t with Didier Drogba before the last game… I don’t speak with players about that. I never did. I don’t make exceptions.”

By Phil Wellbrook

SillySeason.com

Hitzfeld advises Bayern to sign Benatia

Manchester United close in on Ajax ace Daley Blind

Liverpool make midfield sensation next target

Tottenham enter race for Rabiot

Jamie Carragher points the finger at culpable Dejan Lovren after City defeat

United eye £52m Double capture

AC Milan to pounce on Liverpool forward Fabio Borini if Torres deal fails

Lukas Podolski’s agent rubbishes exit rumours

Arsenal eye Alessio Cerci

Olivier Giroud faces THREE MONTH lay-off

Roma aren’t interested in Manolas

Mourinho wants NFL- tyle timeouts introduced in football

Milan seek swift replacement for Balotelli, go for misfiring Torres

Liverpool legends express doubts over Balotelli signing

Petr Cech slams United fan on Twitter

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