Man United eyeing Kevin Strrotman THIS summer

Tottenham have reportedly held talks over a possible free transfer with Liverpool and Everton target Samuel Eto’o.

The striker has recently been released by former club Chelsea, and is now looking for a new club, and with Spurs boss Maurico Pochettino looking to add firepower to his strikeforce this summer, a deal could be on the cards.

Spurs forward Roberto Soldado endured a frustrating first season in the Premier League last year, Emmanuel Adebayor only managed 25 appearences for the club last summer, and Potchettino’s other alternative is youngster Harry Kane.

Eto’o is looking for a hefty £100k per week, which is thought to have put Liverpool off the player as they look for a replacement for departed Luis Suarez.

Brendan Rodgers has looked at Karim Benzema, Radamel Falcao and Wilfried Bony but he has been spurned by each.

So the Anfield club offered former Barcelona man Eto’o £50,000 a week which he reportedly rejected.

This could leave Spurs and Everton battling it out for the former Barcelona man.

By Ben Kelly

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Agger set for Atletico Madrid

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Aug 17, 2014

Daniel Agger is set to leave Anfield for Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid, according to The Daily Star.

The Newspaper report that the Danish centre back is keen to leave the club, after Brendan Rodgers signed Dejan Lovren from Southampton.

Atletico are keen on the player to replace Filipe Luis, who signed for Chelsea last month, but the Champions face competition from Barcelona.

Agger signed for Liverpool in 2006, and the Reds are keen to demand £12 million for the defender to move on.

The sale of the player will raise more funds to sign new players, following the £75 million sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

‘Costa and Fabregas will win us the title’, claims Mourinho

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Aug 17, 2014

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is confident that his two new signings can help the club with this year’s Premier League title.

The Blues kick off their campaign against newly-promoted, Burnley, at Turf Moor, and Mourinho believes Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas will fire them to the title.

For the majority of last season, Mourinho was left frustrated with the lack of fire-power his side had up front, but since the arrivals of Costa and Fabregas, the Portuguese man is confident that this will be their year.

“We felt last season that we had a team,” said Mourinho. “Not a super team but a team – fighting for the title, in the Champions League semi-final…

“But from mid-season we were feeling that we needed critical, surgical new players. Instead of buying seven or eight, we made a very early decision to go and attack the three points where we felt we needed a real improvement.

“First was the striker. During the whole season, the first away goal one of my strikers scored was at Southampton, on New Years’ Day.

“Fernando (Torres) got three, Ba a couple, Eto’o didn’t score a single goal away from home.

“From January, we felt that we could get Diego. We had to meet the release clause and make him believe a move to us was the right move.”

“Fabregas is a player of control. He’s a player that wants the ball, a player that needs the ball. It means in those away matches we lost last season we will have much more control of the game and much more initiative than we had before.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsene Wenger rejected Liverpool bid for Campbell

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Aug 17, 2014

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he rejected a bid from Liverpool for Joel Campbell, according to The Daily Express.

The Costa Rican World Cup star has attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan and Galatasaray recently, having spent the last three seasons on loan away from Arsenal.

But Wenger has revealed that the 22 year old, who made his debut for the club in the 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace, will stay at the club.

“He has come from a non-competitive world to a world with hyper-competition.

“He has adapted slowly, but has adapted very well, he has a very good spirit and attitude.

“He is a member of my squad at the moment, He had a good preparation and played well against Benfica.

“In training he is very focused and eager to do well. I would like to keep him.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Falcao’s £200k a week wages hindering Liverpool move

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mattderrig

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Aug 17, 2014

AS Monaco striker Radamel Falcao could become Liverpool’s replacement for Luis Suarez, if they’re willing to part with £200,000 a week in order to fund the striker’s wages.

It’s understood that the Colombian striker would be interested in a move to Merseyside should Brendan Rodgers be happy with paying the big wage that would accompany the former Porto man.

Real Madrid are also thought to be interested in signing Falcao, although any move for the forward to the Bernabeu would have to wait until next summer as they’ve already spent their budget on his international compatriot James Rodriguez.

Rodgers is looking to take the goalscoring burden off of lone striker Daniel Sturridge, with Falcao one of a few top level players identified by the Anfield club. He still has money to spend having sold Luis Suarez to Barcelona earlier this summer for a fee in the region of £75 million.

Liverpool have already bought Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren from Southampton, Benfica’s Lazar Markovic, Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno and midfielder Emre Can this summer, but he’s still on the look out for a marquee striker.

With just two weeks left until the end of the transfer window, Liverpool’s eagerness to add to their strikeforce in time could force them into a move for the expensive Falcao, but they know they must sign someone of his calibre to fill the huge shoes left by Suarez.

Written by Matthew Derrig

David Moyes claims United were chasing star trio

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mattderrig

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Aug 17, 2014

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that he wanted to bring Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Francesc Fabregas to Old Trafford last summer.

Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson for the start of the 2013/14 Premier League season following Ferguson’s retirement, and Moyes explained who his initial first targets were upon taking over.

“It’s been well documented that we wanted Fabregas, Bale and Ronaldo.

There was talk of Ronaldo when I first arrived. We were close to getting a couple of major names,” he said.

United ended up with adding just Marouane Fellaini under David Moyes’ unsuccessful tenure in charge at Old Trafford, spending around £28 million on the Belgian, who has failed to impress in his first season.

David Gill was in charge with dealing for Manchester United’s transfer targets, but he was replaced by Ed Woodward. With two big changes within the club, it made dealing with transfers difficult for the new pair.

Moyes said:”I’m not getting in a blame game here but things just didn’t materialise. I had taken over from the most successful manager in history.

”The chief executive had taken over from one of the most renowned administrators in the game [David Gill]. So it was a new job for two people.”

Written by Matthew Derrig

Bayern Munich set to win the race for Khedira and Benatia

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Aug 17, 2014

Bundesliga side Bayern Munich have appeared to have won the battle for midfielder Sami Khedira, and Roma fullback Mehdi Benatia, according to The Daily Express.

German Newspaper Bild have reported that Bayern have sealed a £24 million deal for Roma fullback Benatia, after matching the bid from Manchester United.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea have launched bids for the player, who impressed during Roma’s Serie A season, with Benatia set to chose the Bundesliga over the Premier League.

And the same source also claim that Bayern are close to Arsenal target Sami Khedira, who is currently with La Liga side Real Madrid.

Khedira is being viewed a a replacement for the injured Javi Martinez, and could leave Madrid for around £8 million or so, with his contract expiring next summer.

It is understood Arsenal are in formal talks with Khedira’s agent, but could a return to Germany be too good to turn down for the World Cup winning midfielder.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Lovren: “I dreamt about playing for Bayern Munich”

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Aug 17, 2014

Former Southampton defender Dejan Lovren has spoken publicly about how it’s always been a dream of his to play for Bayern Munich.

“When I was a kid I had a dream about [playing for] Bayern Munich, they were my team,” said Lovren. “I had my photos taken with Giovanni Elber, Basler, Lizarazu. I have all these pictures in my room.

“I would go to the training ground to see them. The guys here at Melwood waiting? That was me.

“So I stop. Every time. I know what it means for the mother and father to see their child smiling after the autograph. Nobody should mind giving up 10 minutes.”

The Croatian makes his Liverpool debut against his former employers Southampton today, and won’t be effected by the booing and whistles coming from the away end.

Lovren has also spoken about how he came to love Bayern Munich as a boy, and how he and his family fled to Germany during the time of a war zone in Bosnia (where Lovren was raised).

“It was horrible in this time,” said Lovren. “The family left because of the war. If we stayed, somebody would be killed. We took the bags, one little car and we were in Germany.

“There was an attack on the market a year after we left, a lot of people were killed.

“It was really difficult for my parents to leave the country at 27, 28 years old, and say, ‘Come on, we need to go to Germany’.

“It was normal in Germany at that time to accept the immigrants. What can you say to them? Say no and send them back and they will be killed?

“But you don’t speak German, you don’t know anything about this, you are going like a blind man, and with a child like me at three years old.”

Following his transfer to Liverpool this summer, he reflects on how far he has developed as a player and as an individual.

“I’m proud about this. I know where I came from. It will always be in me. Maybe it was better to happen like this than have a ‘good’ childhood when you don’t know the real life.”

Lovren admitted that he initially had regrets about his £20,000,000 move to Liverpool from Southampton, but denies threatening to go on strike in order to force Southampton’s hand in the move.

“Maybe there is a little bit of regret.

“I said to them I want to leave because Liverpool is a massive club and maybe I will have this chance just one time in my life.

“It was not so easy at the beginning. After the World Cup, it was a little bit like shaking. It was a difficult relationship but at the end everybody agreed and that’s the most important.

“I shook their hands, said goodbye so now it is finished.”

The Croatian made an immediate impact on his new side following his goal in Liverpool’s triumphant pre season victory against Borussia Dortmund.

Written by Joey Anthony

Benatia set to snub Chelsea for United

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Aug 17, 2014

Mehdi Benatia appears to be on his way to Old Trafford despite Italian reports suggested that Roma had opened talks with Chelsea over a move to West London.

Both clubs, along with Tottenham, have been linked heavily with the centre-back, and according to Sky Sports’ Jim White, it appears that United are in pole position to conclude the speculation by sealing a deal in the next few weeks.

Following a post on Twitter, fans’ favourite Deadline Day reporter Jim White seems to believe that Benatia is on his way to Old Trafford.

“Hearing that highly-rated centre-back Mehdi Benatia on his way from AS Roma to Manchester United”, said the Scotsman on Twitter.

Following United’s disappointing opening day 2-1 defeat to Swansea City, it seems evidently clear that Van Gaal still has a defensive void to fill following the departure of Rio Ferdinand to QPR and Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan this summer.

Written by Joey Anthony

Preview: Burnley v Chelsea

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Aug 17, 2014

Burnley and Chelsea lock hornes in the first Monday night televised fixture this season in the Premier League at Turf Moor, with season expectations completely the opposite in both camps heading into the season.

The hosts are playing their first game back in England’s top flight for four years, following automatic promotion from the Championship last season, with the Clarets finishing runners up to eventual winners’ Leicester City, to complete a fairytale campaign for Sean Dyche’s side.

Chelsea on the other hand head to East Lancashire lookig to kick start their season with a bang, with Jose Mourinho hungry to banish memories of last season’s trophyless campaign, having spent around £70 million on new players this summer.

Team news- Burnley.

Sean Dyche couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge to kick-off Burnley’s Premier League campaign, and will be hoping that his squad, the majority of whome have never played in the Premier League, can deliver the goods against the mega stars of Chelsea.

Dyche is likely to go with the same team that was tried and trusted so well in the promotion winning campaign, with Dyche encouraging those who got Burnley to the promise land, to have a real shot at the big time.

Burnley’s squad togetherness shone through last season, with only 22 players being used throughout their 46 League game season, with the familiar starting XI keeping up appearances each week.

The East Lancashire club, who exceeded expectations last season will be buoyed on by their home support, in their first Premier League game since May 2010.

Dyche could hand debuts to several of his summer signings, with no fewer than seven players passing through the Turf Moor entrance over the last few months.

One possible debutant is likely to be striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, who signed for a £1.5 million fee from Middlesbrough, and has impressed during the pre season period, who has scored five goals in the friendly fixtures. The 25 year old could partner Danny Ings, should Ings return from a recent injury.

Matthew Taylor and Marvin Sordell could also be in contention for League debuts for Burnley.

Stephen Ward is set to miss the game, having signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers this week, with the Irish international fullback missing the deadline to be registered for this round of fixtures, having signed late on Friday evening.

Burnley virtually have a fully fit squad to chose from, with striker Sam Vokes the only absentee, with Vokes sustaining a long term Cruciate Ligament injury in a Championship game against Leicester City in March, Danny Ings should be fit for the game, after a recent knock.

Key man.

Burnley’s top scorer Danny Ings should lead the line heading into the game, with the 21 year old striker scoring 21 League goals during the promotion winning campaign.

Ings has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs this summer, with West Ham and Southampton reportedly keen to prize him away from Lancashire, however the striker looks set to remain at Turf Moor, and will be a vital part in their Premier League battle.

The Southampton born striker emerged from Charlie Austin’s shadow last season when Austin joined Queens Park Rangers, and really delivered when it mattered, to haul the Clarets over the line in the end.

England Under 21 striker Ings in somewhat of an unknown quantity for Jose Mourinho’s side, and a likely partneship with Lukas Jutkiewicz could surprise a few this season, as the Clarets look for one aim, Premier League survival.

Dyche can also rely upon Jutkiewicz, with the £1.5 million signing set to play an important role in Burnley’s campaign, with Jutkiewicz set to make his Premier League bow, in front of the Sky Cameras.

Jutkiewicz enjoyed a fine loan spell at Championship side Bolton Wanderers, and that form convinvced Dyche to splash the cash on the ex Middlesbrough man, who can provide a physical presence up top.

Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho takes his star studded side to Lancashire looking for a better campaign than last, with Mourinho stating thsat his side are more than in the hunt for silverware this season.

The Chelsea manager has spent big over the summer to overhaul his squad, with Diego Costsa, Cesc Fabregas and Felipe Luis all signing for the West London club. Didier Drogba also returned to the club on a free transfer from Galatasaray.

That investment into the club has also seen the sale of both Frank Lampard, who was released, and Demba Ba to Turkish club Besiktas. Dsvid Luiz was also sold to PSG for £50 million.

Chelsea are likely to hand debuts to Costa, Fabregas and Luis, in what will be a new era costing over £70 million.

Costa was signed from Atletico Madrid, having scored 27 goals as Atletico won La Liga last season, and is set to feature at Turf Moor. Meanwhile Jose Mourinho has a selection headache to contend with, as goalkeepers Petr Cech and Thilbault Courtois are to find out their fate after training on Sunday.

Chelsea’s only injury worry is that of Didier Drogba, who could miss the game with an snkle injury he sustained recently.

Key man.

Chelsea can call upon new £32 million signing Diego Costa to prove his worth on his full competative debut, with Costa wanting to skake off his price tag.

Costa signed for Chelsea in a £32 million fee from the Spanish La Liga champions, and is set to lead the line on his own, as Mourinho may opt for a 4-5-1 formation, leaving just the one striker up front.

The Brazilian born Spaniard international certainly joins Chelsea with pedigree, but also comes to the club off the back of a poor World Cup finals.

Eden Hazard is also set to be a key player in Chelsea’s season, with the Belgium international enjoying a fine 2013/14 season, with Hazard scoring 14 goals in 35 Premier League appearances for the Blues.

So much so, the winger has attracted interest from PSG this summer.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

‘Our confidence is smashed’, admits Van Gaal

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Aug 17, 2014

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has admitted that confidence around the club has been smashed after their shock 2-1 loss at home to Swansea City yesterday.

The Red Devis kicked off their campaign under the Dutchman by falling to an Old Trafford defeat to Gary Monk’s side, and after the match, Van Gaal admitted that confidence around the club has been completely smashed.

Van Gaal said: “When you have preparation, win everything, then lose your first match, it cannot be worse.

“We have built up a lot of confidence. It will be smashed because of this.”

Goals from Ki and Sigurdsson gave The Swans the three points, after United captain, Wayne Rooney pulled the hosts level.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

‘Second will do’, says Mourinho

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Aug 17, 2014

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes a second-place finish would not be classed as failure for the club, despite being favourites to lift the trophy come May.

The Blues have been busy in the Summer transfer window, spending £75million on trio; Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas, but speaking a day before their campaign kicks-off, Mourinho believes finishing second wouldn’t be a failure for the club.

Chelsea kick off their season with an away trip to newly-promoted, Burnley, and Mourinho believes this season’s title-race will be the most competitive in recent years.

‘It’s the only league in the world where four, five or six clubs are title contenders. Only one can win. Do the other five fail? I don’t think so.

‘One view is that one succeeded and five failed. Another view is that three, four or five did fantastically but only one won.’

Mourinho then added: ‘If the team finishing first is better than us — if we are very good but somebody is better than us — that’s football. That’s not a failure. The only thing you can do is be good.

‘We have to be good, we have to better than last season as a team, the quality of our game, in everything we have to be better.

‘We have to fight for the title and after that if somebody is really better than us, it’s because they were fantastic.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Sami Khedira’s agent flying to London

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Aug 17, 2014

The agent of Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is currently flying to London, in order to hold talks with Arsenal and Chelsea regarding a possible transfer this Summer.

The German international has been told by Carlo Ancelotti that he has to leave this year, or sign a new contract so that he can’t leave on a free transfer this time next year, but due to difference in wage demands, it’s looking likely that he will leave sooner rather than later.

According to some reports, Arsenal had already agreed a fee with Madrid for Khedira, but his inflated wage-demands dented the potential move and the deal was off.

Now, the midfielder’s agent is working hard in securing a move away from Spain, and despite late interest shown by Bayern Munich, it looks likely that either Arsenal or Chelsea will land the 27-year-old.

However, it’s believed that Khedira’s agent did hold brief talks with officials from Munich, but he is now set to arrive in London to hold advanced talks with the two Premier League clubs.

Chelsea are reportedly favourites due to willingness to pay his wages, and also Khedira is interested in a reunion with Jose Mourinho.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Sam Allardyce not fearing for job

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Aug 17, 2014