Home Blog Page 1963

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United target ready to leave club

0

Premier League trio; Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, have all been put on red-alert after Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic confirmed he will be leaving the German champions this Summer in seek for a new challenge.

The Croatian international, who is ready to upset the hosts on Thursday in the World Cup opener, has revealed in an interview that his style of football doesn’t suit Pep Guardiola’s, which is similar to Arsenal’s, which could rule them out of the running.

However, all three English sides are on the lookout for new forwards, despite Chelsea already signing Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid, and it’s believed that Jose Mourinho’s next main-target, is Mandzukic.

The 28-year-old scored 23 goals for club and country last season, and confirmed late last night that a move away this Summer is the likely option.

‘I met with [Bayern chairman] Karl Heinz Rummenigge before the cup final and told him I wanted to leave the club,’ he told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.

‘I’ve had a fantastic time at Bayern. It’s a great club and I never thought I’d want to leave, and especially not at this point in time.

‘But, let’s be honest, I cannot play to my strengths under Guardiola’s style – no matter how hard I try.

‘I realised that after the 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg and, that being the case, it’s best for all parties that we go our separate ways.

‘Guardiola is an outstanding coach and I wish him and everyone else at the club all the best in the future.

‘Bayern and the club’s fans will remain the best and most emotional chapter in my career.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool to join Newcastle in the chase for Andre Ayew

0

The Ghana international has attracted interest from clubs across Europe too, with Napoli thought to have already tabled a £5m offer.

Ayew has 18 months left to run on his present deal, but Marseille are thought to be ready to cash in on the wantaway star.

Marseille had previously insisted Ayew was not for sale, but reports in France indicate the club are willing to sell Ayew in order to fund transfer activity, and they are looking to offload him before June 30.

Liverpool will have been given encouragement to make a move for Ayew following his comments last month in which he said: “The Premier League is a league every player dreams about.

“The English league is the one most followed in Ghana. It’s true that I have a real preference for England.

“I like everything about it; the atmosphere, the game, the fans. There is a lot of intensity. It is a beautiful championship.”

Ayew hit eight goals for Marseille last term.

Written by Steve Milne

Liverpool to join Newcastle in the chase for Andre Ayew

0

The Ghana international has attracted interest from clubs across Europe too, with Napoli thought to have already tabled a £5m offer.

Ayew has 18 months left to run on his present deal, but Marseille are thought to be ready to cash in on the wantaway star.

Marseille had previously insisted Ayew was not for sale, but reports in France indicate the club are willing to sell Ayew in order to fund transfer activity, and they are looking to offload him before June 30.

Liverpool will have been given encouragement to make a move for Ayew following his comments last month in which he said: “The Premier League is a league every player dreams about.

“The English league is the one most followed in Ghana. It’s true that I have a real preference for England.

“I like everything about it; the atmosphere, the game, the fans. There is a lot of intensity. It is a beautiful championship.”

Ayew hit eight goals for Marseille last term.

Written by Steve Milne

New United Boss looking for a triple transfer swoop

0

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal wants Ed Woodward to sign Mats Hummels, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller during the World Cup.

United have also trained their sights on Barcelona defender Jordi Alba as they fear the Luke Shaw deal could collapse.

United, Arsenal and Chelsea could see their hopes of landing Atletico Madrid’s Arda Turan dashed by Barcelona.

Written by Steve Milne

Wenger ‘Set To Meet £25m Asking Price’ For Want-Away Hitman

0

Arsene Wenger has made a striker one of his main priorities this summer and while a number of names have been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent months, CaughtOffside claim Lukaku has now emerged as a key target.

The Belgian international recently confirmed he wants to leave Chelsea this summer after failing to establish himself at Stamford Bridge and it seems we are ready to offer him an escape route

He told reporters yesterday:

“You know Chelsea: every year they buy a new top striker,”

“I remember me coming into the dressing room last year and seeing Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba and going: ‘Whoah! What’s happening here?’ But no problem. Many clubs are interested in me.” added Lukaku

“At this stage I have to look to myself. I have to play a good World Cup. That’s very interesting for all the players looking for a transfer, and I must be one of them. Chelsea know my point of view.”

The report claims that Arsene will make his move following Lukaku’s admission, and is ready to meet Chelsea’s £25m asking price for the 21-year-old in the coming days with the club understood to be ‘confident’ of luring the striker to North London.

Written by Steve Milne

Louis Van Gaal has phoned Bayern Munich star

0

New Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal, has been in direct communication with Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos, and has discussed a potential transfer this Summer.

The Dutchman, who is preparing Holland for the Brazil World Cup, knows Kroos due to his time at Munich several years ago, and according to reports in Spain, the two have been in touch over the phone regarding a potential deal which could see him leave the Allianz for Old Trafford.

Despite reports yesterday linking the German international with a move to Real Madrid, Van Gaal is still confident that he can sign the midfielder, who has fallen out with Munich officials due to contract talks, and it’s reported that the Dutchman will make a formal bid after the World Cup.

United are expected to be busy this Summer with several signings and departures, but Kroos is believed to be Van Gaal’s number-one target.

The 24-year-old has reiterated his desire to stay in Germany, but if he continues to stall on signing a new deal, the club may take his future into their own hands, and allow him to leave this year, rather than risk losing him on a free next year.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool ready to beat Manchester United to Bayern Munich man

0

Liverpool are set to beat fierce-rivals Manchester United to the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, according to numerous reports.

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from Germany this Summer due to lack of first-team opportunities under Pep Guardiola, and the Premier League giants are the two clubs tracking him.

Despite his lack of game-time this season, Guardiola is still hopeful of bagging at least £15million for the Swiss international, and it’s believed that both United and Liverpool are prepared to match that price-tag as they look set for busy Summers in the transfer market.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been linked with Shaqiri since January now, and The Reds boss is keen to wrap up the deal before the World Cup, just in case his price-tag increases if he performs in Brazil.

As for United, new manager Louis Van Gaal is desperate to sign several players in his first Summer so that he can improve from their dismal season this year, and Shaqiri may be an option for the Dutchman, if they can beat Liverpool to his signature.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Napoli refuse Liverpool’s demands

0

Spanish keeper Pepe Reina is unlikely to return to Napoli this summer, as it Italian side are refusing to meet Liverpool’s valuation of the player. 

The goalkeeper spent the whole of last season in Italy, helping Napoli win the Copa Italia, but the player’s agent has confirmed it will be ‘difficult’ for Reina to remian in Italy.

It is understood Rodger’s wants to sell Reina, as he hopes he can strike a deal for Swansea’s Michel Vorm very soon. 

Napoli are willing to make Reina’s stay permanent, but it appears Liverpool are unwilling to let the player go on the cheap, and therefore have been unable to agree a fee with the Italian club.

‘It’s very difficult for Pepe to remain at Napoli,’ Reina’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon told ESPN.

‘From June 30, he will return to Liverpool because they want to maximise his sale, and Napoli are not willing to spend what is required.’ 

By Ollie Brown

Van Gaal sparks Vidal rumours

0

Louis Van Gaal has ignited rumours that he could be set to swoop for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal. 

The manager has hailed the Chilean player and has spoke highly about the style of play that the player has adopted throughout his career. 

With Netherlands to face Chile in the World Cup group stages, Netherlands boss Van Gaal said: “Chile have very dangerous players.”

“I always wanted to buy Vidal when he was at Bayer Leverkusen but he went to Juventus.”

“I like a lot of Chile players and they always play an attacking style.

“It will be difficult for the Netherlands but we have confidence in the three games we have to play.”

United have also been linked with Vidal’s Chilean teammate Alexis Sanchez and now various reports suggest that Van Gaal will try and bring both players to Old Trafford next season. 

However, United would seemingly not be alone in their interests in Vidal, as Chelsea and Real Madrid are both said to be admirers of the player also. 

By Ollie Brown

 

Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to sign Chelsea legend

0

Former-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is considering offering a contract to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

The Swede is currently coaching a team in China called, Guangzhou R & F, and he has recommended the English veteran to the club’s officials and he is keen to offer him a lucrative deal to join the Chinese side.

Lampard would become the third Chelsea player to exchange England for China, after Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka did it a couple of years ago.

In a recent interview, Eriksson admitted that he’s recommended the 35-year-old, and he believes he could be a real hit in China in he chooses to move abroad.

‘I have suggested to the club they take Frank Lampard,’  confirmed Eriksson. ‘He would be great in China, he is a football man, very proud and clever so if he thinks he can go on for another year or two, he will not go just for a holiday.

‘How many midfielders in the world have scored more goals than Lampard. He is still running, still scoring. 

‘He is incredible and I am sure he’d be great around the camp. I have spoken to agents about it but the money is through the roof so I am not sure it can happen.’

It’s believed the veteran is also considering offers from Manchester City and also MLS sides.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Schneiderlin and Grenier under Arsenal radar

0

According to reports in France, Arsene Wenger is keen to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and Lyon’s Clement Grenier.

Grenier was part of Didier Deschamps’ France squad which will travel to Brazil but a thigh injury will see him miss the tournament and has since been replaced by Premier league’s Morgan Schneiderlin.

Last season, Arsenal were struck with many injuries to key midfielders such as Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil but the two Frenchmen Wenger hopes to bring in have talent and can provide suitable back-up should similar events occur next term.

The news of Wenger’s interest will come as a blow to Newcastle boss Alan Pardew who had hopes of signing Grenier to replace the departed Yohan Cabaye.

23 year-old Grenier has enjoyed a good season with Lyon and has made quick progress in adapting to life in Ligue 1 since making his debut back in 2009.

Schneiderlin has remained loyal to the Saints since his move in 2008 and has racked up over 200 appearances for the club. Although there is uncertainty in the club since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham so Arsenal could welcome the midfielder is the right price is paid.

 

By Phil Wellbrook

Drogba set for Chelsea return

0

Didier Drogba’s contract with Turkish side Galatasaray has ended and there are talks of the Ivorian’s return to Stamford Bridge as Mourinho is known to be keen on bringing the striker ‘home’.

The reunion could happen but it will be after the World Cup, as Mourinho said he will announce signings once the tournament in Brazil has finished.

Drogba joined the Blues back in 2004 for £24million from Marseille and during his seven year spell at the club, managed 157 goals from 341 appearances.

His last kick of a ball in a Chelsea shirt was the deciding penalty to bring the Champions League for the first time, to London. And since then, he has gone on to join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua and more recently, Galatasaray.

Mourinho would like to see the striker return initially as a player but there could be a possibility of a coaching role in the future.

The Chelsea boss is also reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid centre-back, Miranda, for whom the asking price is thought to be around £10million.

Drogba joins the list of players who are linked with a move to the West London side as Jose Mourinho looks to bolster his squad for another title push next season.

 

By Phil Wellbrook

WORLD CUP 2014: Joe Hart “We want to make people proud”

0

Joe Hart has stated that the full England squad travelling to the World Cup finals want to make the country proud. 

Hart is set to make his debut in the World Cup finals as number one this summer, having been part of the party in 2010, however he failed to make an appearance with Fabio Capello opting for Robert Green and David James. 

England have arrived in Brazil following a short trip to Miami, where England drew both games against Ecuador and the Honduras. 

Hart played 75 minutes of the rain affected game against Honduras, before being replaced by Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster. 

“I think we’re all incredibly excited,” he told Sky sports News after the game. We’ve all worked really, really hard as a unit – I include John Stones and Jon Flanagan in that, they’ve been absolutely fantastic and a great example of people who want to be involved in this World Cup.

“We want to make them proud, we want to make the people at home proud as well.” 

England start their campaign against Italy in Manaus next Saturday, before games against Uruguay and Costa Rica. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Bould tipped to succeed Wenger

0

Arsenal legend, Steve Bould is in line to become the next Arsenal manager in 2017. 

Wenger appointed Bould as the Gunners’ youth team coach in 2001 after the former defender gained his UEFA coaching badges and has progressed through the Arsenal ranks ever since. 

Bould was promoted to assistant coach as Wenger was impressed with the hard work and determination that Steve showed throughout his early coaching days. 

Now there is a growing belief inside Arsenal that Bould is being prepared for a tilt at management.

With three more years’ experience in the No.2 role, it is hoped he will be ready to take over, should Wenger decide to retire in 2017.

“Steve and Arsene have a great working relationship,” said a club source. “He communicates well and there is a lot respect for him.” 

Just like Wenger, Steve last week signed a three-year contract extension at the Emirates. 

By Ollie Brown

 

Chelsea made a mistake letting Sturridge leave, says Lampard

0

Frank Lampard has admitted that Chelsea made a mistake by selling striker Saniel Sturridge. 

Sturridge moved to Liverpool in the January of 2013 after growing frustrated of limited opportunities at Chelsea. 

Since his move up North, he has netted 31 foals in 43 Premier League games for the Reds. 

And Frank Lampard, who left Chelsea last week belives that the Blues made a mistake letting the in-form striker leave the club. 

Lampard stated in an interview with a national newspaper. 

“I’m really pleased for Sturridge because at Chelsea I think he was a bit frustrated,” said Lampard. “He felt he could have played more.

“He felt the position he was playing in was one he wasn’t quite happy with and it was good for him to move in the end.

“It was may not be good business for Chelsea. It looks bad, but you look back and you never know.

“Individually for him it was a good move. He has gone from strength to strength. 

The 24 year old spent four years at Chelsea from 2009-13, scoring 13 goals in 69 games at Stamford Bridge since signing from Manchester City. 

Sturridge also enjoyed a superb short loan spell at Bolton Wanderes, scoring eight goals in 12 games during the second half of the 2010/11 season, in which he scored four goals in four games, and also two stunners against West Ham at the Reebok. 

Lampard continued to praise to Birmingham born striker, by stating. 

“I think he does get the credit he deserves now, but with what Luis Suarez does alongside him at Liverpool, maybe takes the edge of the praise.

“But for an English striker scoring as regularly as he has in the Premier League it has been amazing, and he is the sort of striker, the sort of attacking player, we have been crying out for with England.

“He is someone who can make something out of nothing as he did against Peru last week, so he has emerged and deserves to be on this stage.” 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1