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‘Sign Arjen Robben’, Van Gaal tells United board

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According to reports, Louis Van Gaal has told Manchester United to do whatever it takes in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben.

The current Dutch manager is set to take over at Old Trafford this Summer after they sacked David Moyes just 10-months into his six year contract, and Van Gaal is already making transfer plans and orders ahead of his arrival.

Although a formal announcement hasn’t been made as of yet by the club or the manager himself, it’s strongly believed that he will take over in Manchester after the World Cup in Brazil, and with Luke Shaw close to completing his move, and Kevin Strootman from AS Roma also linked, Van Gaal is keen to add Robben to the squad too.

The former-Chelsea winger has been superb for Bayern Munich in recent years and Van Gaal is keen to link up with him at club level as well as international level, and it’s thought he has told the board to do whatever it takes in signing him.

United believe they could snap up the 30-year-old for around £25million, and they are also willing to offer him more than his current £160k-a-week deal in Germany.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

John Terry branded ‘a pig’ and ‘disgrace’ during shopping trip

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Chelsea captain John Terry is said to be fuming after he was branded ‘a pig’ and a ‘disgrace’ during a shopping trip with his wife this week.

Terry has recently signed a new 12 month deal at Chelsea, and celebrated by taking wife Toni out shopping near his home in Kingston. However, during a visit to an AllSaints store, a shop assistant was overheard by Terry calling him ‘a pig’. The assistant has now been suspended.

Elisha Ram, the shop worker, told The Sun, “He came in and we said hello. I told my friend he is quite good looking in real life — but he’s a pig.”

“I didn’t realise he was right there. He was coming towards me and said, “I don’t appreciate you calling me a pig in front of my wife.”

“I said, “Oh my God,” and I turned into a little child. I said I was really, really sorry. Then I just snapped, got defensive and retaliated, saying, “You’re a disgrace.””

Sources have said that Terry has recieved a formal letter of apology from the worker, who could now lose her job. It is said she made the comments based on reading articles suggesting that Terry cheated on his wife back in 2010.

“I wasn’t being horrible, I just said my opinion — I even said he was quite good looking,” she added.

 

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Mikel Arteta keen to discuss new contract

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Arsenal vice-captain Mikel Arteta is keen to hold talks with the club regarding a new contract, as his current deal expires next Summer.

The Spanish midfielder has just one-year left on his current deal, and due to being over the age of 30, he will only be offered 12-month extensions due to the club’s policy, which is similar to that of Chelsea’s.

Arsenal’s board do not believe players over-30 should be offered long-term deals, and they work on a yearly basis with the players that are over the age, and that is a strong reason why Bacary Sagna is keen to leave as he wants a long-term deal.

The 32-year-old has been key to Arsene Wenger ever since arriving from Everton, and after making 42 appearances this season in the central-midfield role, he is keen to discuss his future with the club sooner rather than later.

“I don’t know what is going to happen,” Arteta added. “With players over 30 they have a policy and I don’t know if they plan change it or maintain it.

“Depending on what their mind is I will give them my opinion and how I see it.

“I don’t value players by age, whether it is Tomas Rosicky or Jack Wilshere. I analyse many other things before age.

“For the club, it can be an asset. For me, a much bigger asset is someone who has played over 125 games in three years compared to someone who has played 25 and is 20.

“I understand the club’s point of view – Mikel is not a £25million player because he is not 22 anymore – but I know what I can give.

“So it is to find the right balance between mentalities is something that we need to analyse and talk about.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arteta defends Arsene Wenger over Mourinho jibe

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Arsenal vice-captain Mikel Arteta has hit back at Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho’s comment about Arsene Wenger being a ‘specialist in faliure’.

Arsenal play Hull City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, with Wenger hoping he can win his first trophy in 9 years at the club. A long time without a trophy, prompting Mourinho to make the ‘faliure’ comments in February.

But now Arteta has come to his manager’s defence, claming the comments made were baseless,

“If you analyse everything he has done for this club, if he is a failure — I have a different opinion”

“I don’t like it when someone criticises any of my team-mates, the staff, the manager, the club.”

“When they are right, maybe you can accept that everybody makes mistakes. But when he (Mourinho) comes in a certain way, I don’t like it. We don’t need to answer to anybody.”

However, Arteta has questioned Wenger’s policy of only offering 12 month contracts to players over 30 at the club. The Spaniard is 32 himself and will discuss his future after the final, with a year left on his contract.

Arteta said: ‘I don’t value players by age, whether it is Tomas Rosicky or Jack Wilshere.”

“I analyse many other things before age. For the club, age can be an asset. For me, a much bigger asset is someone who has played over 125 games in three years, compared to someone who has played 25 and is 20.”

“I understand the club’s point of view: “Mikel is not a £25million player because he is not 22 any more”. But I know what I can give.”


By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10



 

 

Lampard’s Chelsea future on the line

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Negotiations between Chelsea star Frank Lampard and the club have stalled, leaving his future at Stamford Bridge in doubt.

The England international has had a dazzling career at Chelsea, scoring 211 goals in 649 games for the Blues. Manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to keep hold of Lampard for another season, but talks have come to a stand off with the players’ wage demands.

Mourinho also wants Lampard, who is on the plane to Rio after being selected for Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad, to work his way into coaching at the club. They are willing to offer him a new contract but are insisting that he takes a substancial cut to his current £150,000 per week wage.

 

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Liverpool interested in Hazard……

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Liverpool are keen on signing Chelsea youngster Thorgan Hazard after he’s spent two successful loan spells away from England.

Thorgan, who is the younger brother of Blues star Eden, signed for the club just after they originally signed his brother back in 2012, but he hasn’t had the same impact at the club just yet and has been enjoying regular football away from London and with Belgium side Zulte Waregem.

Although he has enjoyed successful spells in Belgium, including winning a Player of the Year award, Hazard’s chances at Chelsea may be limited in the future and he may seek a permanent move away from the club.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho isn’t known for blooding youth through his sides, and this could open the door for Brendan Rodgers to sign the 21-year-old from his former-boss.

According to reports, Rodgers has already enquired about the Belgium.

Speaking about potential transfers away, Thorgan’s father admitted that a decision will have to be made soon.

‘We will quietly look at the all offers and see which one Thorgan is most comfortable with,’ he explained to the Belgian media.

It’s believed £6million would be enough to sign the midfielder.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

 

Mario Mandzukic in proposed Chelsea swap deal

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Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic is set to be used as bait by Bayern Munich, in a proposed swap deal involving David Luiz. 

Luiz’ future has become under pressure at Stamford Bridge recently, with the Brazilian failing to nail down a firm starting spot in the squad. 

Barcelona are reportedly keen on the centre midfielder, who has recently spoken out about his frustration at Chelsea’s poor season. 

And now it seems the German champions Bayern will offer Chelsea a swap deal + £30 million for Luiz, with Mario Mandzukic heading the other way. 

The two clubs may see the deal as a perfect agreement, with the lanky striker a target for the West Londoner’s, alongside Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Cech will have to consider options

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Chelsea are ready to make current on loan Atletico Madrid keeper,  Thibaut Courtois first choice at Stamford Bridge, at the expense of long-serving Petr Cech. 

It is understood that Cech will not accept becoming a bench player, and believes that if Courtois will break into the Chelsea first team next season, options will have to be considered.

The keeper’s shoulder injury against Atletico Madrid seems to be the deciding factor whether the player will retain his spot in the team next season, with Chelsea wanting to resolve Cech’s future quickly to avoid unrest in the Chelsea camp. 

Boss Jose Mourinho wants Courtois to begin pre-season at Chelsea as soon as possible in preparation to become number one, as Cech’s injury will rule him out for the start of the season. 

This means Cech will then have to battle his way back into the starting eleven, something that is unlikely the player will want to do, especially after serving the club for many years. 

By Ollie Brown


Liverpool line up £20m Parejo bid

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Liverpool are willing to meet Dani Parejo’s £20.4m release clause fee to bring him to Anfield this summer, according to Spanis newspaper Superdeporte. The Reds have scouted him extensively this year and boss Brendan Rodgers believes he would be an ideal addition to his midfield.

However, the 25-year old won’t be easy to sign. he’s coming off the back of his best season yet and Valencia are unwilling to accept any offers below his release clause amount. Atletico Madrid have started to gain interest in the Spaniard, so they too will be vying for his signature.

But Liverpool are desperate to ensure his future is at Anfield and the club is prepared to pay the £20.4m needed to complete a deal in the next few weeks.

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

Bosnia announce squad for World Cup Finals

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Bosnia & Herzegovina have announced their squad for this summer’s World Cup finals, with both Edin Dzeko and Asmir Begovic making the squad. 

The Bosnian’s will make their debut at a World Cup finals, since becoming an independent nation in the 1990’s. 

Dzeko will be the man who Bosnia will look to this summer, with the striker enjoying a superb season at Manchester City, playing a pivotal part in their League title. 

Begovic also had a solid season at Stoke City, with the keeper attracting interest from several top European clubs. 

Vedad Ibisevic will also board the plane to Rio, having scored 12 goals in 28 games for Bundesliga side Stuttgart. 

Here is the squad in full. 

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen)

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ervin Zukanovic (Gent), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros)

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm), Tino Susic (Hajduk), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk)

Strikers: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB).

New manager expected to be announced next week

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Manchester United have remained silent on reports suggesting that current Netherlands coach, Louis Van Gaal has agreed at £7m-a-year deal at the club for two years. 

Van Gaal is expected to be announced as United’s new manager at Old Trafford next week, after current interim manager, Ryan Giggs met the manager at his seaside house in Noordwijk on Wednesday and was later spotted entering a private jet on the way back to Manchester. Chief Executive, Ed Woodward was also spotted at Van Gaal’s home.

It is understood that Giggs has been offered to be Van Gaal’s No.2 at Old Trafford, which is likely to be accepted by the Welshman who wants to remain at Old Trafford.

Although Van Gaal will bring in his own backroom staff to United, Giggs has been assured that retain a prominent role with key input at the club.

By Ollie Brown

Rakitic set for new Sevilla deal

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Sevilla are confident of keeping Ivan Rakitic at the club and keeping him out of the clutches of Liverpool and Chelsea, after expressing their intention to offer him a new three-year deal in the coming weeks. He is one of the most sought after midfielders in Europe and capped off a great season on Wednesday by captaining the Spanish side to Europa League glory.

The midfielder has just one year left on his current deal and is wanted by a number of clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Napoli. Despite all this interest, Sevilla president Jose Castro Carmona believes the 26-year old will end speculation over his future and sign a new contract for the La Liga club.

He said: “There are no problems with Rakitic, he has another year on his contract, and our goal is to get him to sign a new three-year agreement shortly.”

The player has had a great season as he bagged 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitons and it’s no wonder all these teams are desperate to secure his signature. But it appears that his future may be in Spain with his current club.

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter

@CharlieGLFC

 

Inter eye shock Leiva move

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Inter Milan are considering making a bid for Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. Brendan Rodgers is planning to overhaul the squad in the summer and reports suggest he’s willing to listen to any offers for the Brazil international.

The Serie A side are desperate to sign a defensive midfielder with the club previously being interested in moves for Tottenham’s Sandro, Javi Garcia from Man City and John Obi Mikel from Chelsea. However, the main target is now believed to be Lucas Leiva.

The 27-year old has been at Anfield for seven years and has racked up over 200 appearances for the Reds. But this year, he only started five games. That is due to both an injury before after the turn of the year and also because of Jordan Henderson’s amazing progress this season.

Now, he looks set to end his time at the club with Inter preparing an £8m bid, which they feel may be just enough to secure his services.

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter

@CharlieGLFC

Suarez denies clause in contract

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Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez has denied reports that his contract will allow Spanish giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona,  sign the player easily. 

Rumours have been circulated that Suarez’s contract has an option to move to another club, if the right amount of money was bid. 

But asked at a sponsor’s event in Barcelona the Uruguay striker said: ‘I didn’t sign any contract with clauses prioritising a certain team.

‘My head now is focused on the World Cup. Everyone knows there will be speculation this summer as there always is but I have a contract with Liverpool.’

‘Of losing out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, Suarez admitted he was furious at the end of the Crystal Palace match when Reds threw away a three-goal lead to draw.

‘I had a lot of rage inside me knowing just a week before we had a great chance to win the league,’ he said.

‘I just wanted to hide my face and get down the tunnel. We’d had such a great season but it wasn’t going to be enough.

‘We would have taken being in the top four at the end of the season but coming so close it was heart-breaking to miss out.’

Suarez has been heavily linked with both Spanish clubs, but more so Real Madrid, as it seems the club are ready to table a deal for the player with striker Karim Benzema likely to be sold in the summer window.

By Ollie Brown

 

City lead race for Benatia

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Manchester City are closing in on a £16 million pound deal for Roma defender, Mehdi Benatia accoring to L’Equipe.

It is thought that city will fend off competition from premier league rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, with Bayern Munich also holding interest in the Moroccan. 

Benatia has had a faultless season in the heart of Roma’s defence in Serie A this year, helping his side reach Champions League qualification with a second place finish. 

The player has been in outstanding form throughout the campaign, helping Roma concede only 24 goals in 37 matches in the league. 

It is understood that Benatia has caught the eye of many after moving to Roma from Udinese for a bargain £11 million pounds, but it is City who have emerged as favourites to sign the centre-back in the summer window.

By Ollie Brown