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Arsenal lining up move for Diego

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Arsenal are lining up a summer swoop for Atletico Madrid midfielder Diego The 29-year-old moved to the Vicente Calderon in January on a short-term deal and scored a stunning strike in his side’s Champions League win at Barcelona. However, he is yet to be offered a new contract by Atletico, with Arsene Wenger keeping tabs on the situation, without being tied down to a deal, the Brazilian could move to The Emirates on a free.


By Ben Kelly

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Rio Ferdinand admits he had his doubts about Vidic

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Rio Ferdinand has admitted he had his doubts about centre-back partner Nemanja Vidic when The Serbian first joined the club.

Vidic made his debut for United in a 4-3 win over Blackburn Rovers in 2006 after joining from Spartak Moscow, and now, as his time with the club comes to a close, Ferdinand has claimed he did question Vidic when he first arrived at Old Trafford.

“We formed a defensive partnership that was expected to get the better of any strikers we played against and more often than not we did,” Ferdinand posted on his official Facebook page.

“However it wasn’t always like this. It took time for us to grow into a dominant force after a start where even I questioned if he was the right guy to come in after his first few training sessions.

 

“Nemanja Vidic – what a great player. A top professional footballer at Manchester United. He’s a strong defender who attacks the ball like no-one else I have played with.”


By Ben Kelly

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Adam Lallana could now stay at Southampton

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Southampton’s Adam Lallana has hinted he may stay with the club after all this summer after saying he wants to ‘keep progressing at the club’.

The 25 year old has enjoyed an excellent season at St Mary’s under Mauricio Pochettino, starring in a team that will end up 8th in the league this season. As a result, Lallala has been linked with moves to several of the Premier League’s top clubs this summer, with a move to Liverpool looking the favourite. Lallana reportedly prefers a move to Anfield, however he has suggested he could be staying down south, after sweeping up at the club’s end of year awards ceremony.

He won 3 player of the year trophies, and said “This club means the world to me.”

“I’ve got a great relationship with the fans. We’ve been on a journey, and this is the icing on the cake.”

Lallana is expected to crown his excellent campaign with a spot in England’s World Cup squad when Roy Hodgson names his squad for Brazil next week.

The midfielder only made his international debut earlier this season and admits it would be a dream come true to play some part in Brazil.

 

He said: “It is what all kids dream of when you are young, so it is amazing to think I might be part of it.”


By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

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Spurs ready to offer a deal for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku

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Spurs have made signing the Blue’s striker their number one priority for next season, with chairman Daniel Levy keen to push ahead with the deal – even though they are likely to be without a manager by the time he arrives.

Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for the 20-year-old, who cost them a reported £20million, but does not seemingly feature in Jose Mourinho’s plans despite two impressive loan spells.

Levy wants to begin talks over Lukaku once the season ends next weekend, with a £15million bid set to go in.

The Blues will want more, with loan club Everton along with Atletico Madrid likely to show an interest, and Lukaku’s agent said this week that his client is facing an uncertain few months.

‘It’s all going to depend on Chelsea. We’ll see together what the best options are,’ said Christope Henrotay.

‘Chelsea need lots of great strikers. And if there are too many, they’ll choose to allow Romelu to leave.’Lukaku has bagged 15 goals in 32 matches for Everton this season.

Written by Steve Milne

Steven Gerrard mocks himself over slip

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Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has mocked himself about his costly slip against Chelsea, which could have costed the club their first ever Premier League trophy.

The Englishman slipped over in his own half to allow Blues striker Demba Ba through on goal, who neatly converted past Simon Mignolet, during their 2-0 victory at Anfield a few weeks ago, but despite it being the downfall to their title-challenge, the skipper is still able to mock himself for his costly error.

At the Liverpool’s end of season awards ceremony, Gerrard was asked about the title-race and if they have regrets over it, and he mentioned how they have to move on when something ‘slips away’.

Gerrard said: ‘The biggest message when you sign for this club is you never get too high when you win an award or trophy and you never get too down when one slips away – literally slips away.

‘You continue to fight game by game but for me I stand here really proud of my team-mates and have a huge belief that if this group of players stick together and we can make the right additions in the summer the future is bright for the club.’

The Reds lost the initiative in the title-race after the Chelsea defeat, and then they all-but lost the trophy when they threw away a three-goal lead against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Following Manchester City’s 4-0 win against Aston Villa, The Citizens just need to pick up a point at home to West Ham United on the final day of the season.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool open transfer talks with Cristian Tello and Nicolas Gaitan

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Liverpool have approached Barcelona over a deal to sign winger Cristian Tello at the end of the season.

The Reds were in talks to sign 22-year-old Tello last summer, only for the player to end up signing a new contract at the Nou Camp.

However, he has since slipped down the pecking order and with Barca planning to overhaul their squad, Tello has been told he can find a new club.

Liverpool are back in the race and Brendan Rodgers has given senior officials the green light to open talks over a £8million deal.

As for Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan the Reds believe a bid in the region of £20 million should be enough to persuade the Portuguese giants to sell a player they bought for £7 million four years ago.

It is a surprise to some extent that Liverpool have been linked with Gaitan, their midfield and forward line are not really an issue, it is their defence that is, however a large squad is required with Champions League football next season and that may well be the reasoning behind their interest.

Written by Steve Milne

Arsene Wenger ‘to accept’ Sagna departure

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he has to accept the fact that right-back Bacary Sagna wants to leave the club this Summer.

The French international has been offered three contract extensions from the club’s board, but has rejected all of them after they failed to meet his terms of a three-year deal worth around £110k-a-week.

At first, The Gunners were only going to offer the 31-year-old a one-year deal worth around £60k-a-week, but with their final offer, they eventually offered a two-year deal worth around £75k-a-week, but that was still deemed unacceptable by the right-back.

A source close to Sagna has stated that he feels disrespected by the club and isn’t ready to commit after how they’ve dealt with the saga, and Wenger has now conceded that the Frenchman may be leaving.

Wenger said: “It’s (Koscielny) close to be closed. That (Sagna) is not close to be closed.

“I will have to accept it because only he can decide that now. If he goes we will accept it, we will accept it and respond.”

The good news for Wenger and Arsenal is that Laurent Koscielny is close to signing a new five-year deal, which will see him stay at the club until at least 2019.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

‘Liverpool have been unlucky’, says Wenger

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Liverpool have been unlucky not to win this season’s Premier League title, and believes it would take a miracle for Manchester City not to win the league.

With just one game remaining, City are two points clear of Liverpool and will take on West Ham United at home on the last day of the season, a team they have beaten three times this season already, whilst The Reds host Newcastle United.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will need The Hammers to beat Manuel Pellegrini’s side at the Etihad Stadium for then to stand any chance of winning the title, as a point wouldn’t be enough due to City’s superior goal difference.

Despite going on an 11-game winning streak, their 2-0 loss to Chelsea and their 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace have dented Liverpool’s title-dreams and Wenger cannot believe they haven’t finally won a Premier League trophy.

“It’s been a very interesting title race. You feel Liverpool were very unlucky because they had a fantastic second half of the season.

“It will be a miracle if Man City don’t win the league now and congratulations to them.”

He added: “Every other team in the top four will be frustrated by not winning the league this year.”

“City and Liverpool’s offensive potential has been fantastic. That’s where we need to improve.

“My team has shown a remarkable stamina and I am very proud of that. We have been top 128 days but we failed in some big games in away from home.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Inter Milan interested in Chelsea midfielder

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Serie A side Inter Milan are weighing up a potential Summber bid for Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, after the Nigerian has fallen out of the first-team picture since the return of Jose Mourinho.

Mikel has fallen behind the likes of Frank Lampard, Nemanja Matic and Ramires in The Blues’ first-team set-up, and a Summer transfer is likely to happen for the Nigerian due to Mourinho wanting to clear out a lot of his squad in order to bring in new faces.

The holding-midfielder could be one of 15 players leaving Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, and Inter are currently the firm favourites to land the 27-year-old.

Inter are keen to strengthen their side this year after a poor campaign in Italy, and with Nemanja Vidic already coming from Manchester United, they will be keen to add more experienced players to their line-up.

If they fail in their pursuit for Mikel, their other targets are Javi Garcia of Manchester City and Tottenham’s Sandro.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Petr Cech sidelined for 10-weeks

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Chelsea number-one Petr Cech is set to be sidelined for the next 10-weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery due to the injury he sustained against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Semi-Final first leg.

The Czech international collided with the crossbar when dealing with an aerial ball and due to his impact, he was helped off the pitch and is now set to miss the next two months or so.

Luckily for the ‘keeper, it comes at the end of the season, so he will only miss the one game and then a bit of pre-season training once everyone returns from their Summer breaks, or from competing in the World Cup.

Despite returning to training just days after the incident, Cech did dislocate his shoulder and has now had the required and advised surgery.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles 

Real Madrid handed Ronaldo blow

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Real Madrid were handed a cruel blow to their La Liga title hopes after maverick forward Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off with an injury.

Ronaldo limped off after eight minutes of the 1-1 draw away at Real Valladolid, as Real struggled to a draw, with Humberto Osorio heading in a late equaliser for the hosts.

The Portuguese captain had just returned to the first team fold following a series of niggling injuries, and was captured by Television camara’s holding his hamstring.

And the 29 year old is now a major doubt for the La Liga run in, and of course the European Cup Final in Lisbon, against City neighbour’s Atletico Madrid, with Real somewhat revolving their side around the winger, who has netted 31 Liga goals in 30 games.

Madrid are already without Gareth Bale, and he too is out with a recent injury he sustained, with the Welsh winger a doubt for the title run in, with the Final in Lisbon in 17 days time.

Bale was missing for the draw, and Madrid will certainly be sweating on their £90 million man, who has impressed at the Bernebeu this season, having scored 14 La Liga goals in his debut season.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti stated to Spanish Television following the draw in Northern Spain.

I don’t think Cristiano’s problem is a big thing, but Pepe didn’t end the game in good shape and we will see with Di Maria, although that shouldn’t be too serious either,” said the Italian Ancelotti.

Madrid now trail leaders Atletico by four points, with two La Liga fixtures left.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

 

Pepe Mel set to return to Spain

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Pepe Mel looks set to quit West Bromwich Albion, in favour of a return to Spain.

Mel, aged 51, signed an 18 month deal at the Hawthorns in January, however a clause in his contract could see him move on to patures new.

And the Spaniard who replaced Steve Clarke, has only won three games during his spell, as Albion look to have survived by the skin of their teeth.

La Liga side Malage are set to approach Mel, with the Andalucian club expected to lose Bernd Schuster in the summer.

Schuster is set to head back to the Bundesliga, and with Malaga stuttering in 13th, Frankfurt are interested in his services.

Mel previously managed Malaga’s Andalucian rivals Real Bets, guiding them to a fifth place finish in the 2012/13 campaign.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Luis Suarez reveals he will quit Liverpool for Parent Club Ajax

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But before Liverpool fans break out into a sweat, with transfer talk continuing about their star striker, he’s not eyeing the switch just yet…

Indeed, Suarez says he is desperate to finish his career with the Dutch club – but he’ll be staying put on Merseyside for the time being.

‘I would definitely go back to Ajax,’ he told Helden Magazine.

‘Even if the coach there doesn’t want me, I’m going. Definitely.

‘Ajax is very important for me: ideal club, taught me a lot, using both feet, playing with the ball and being a team player.’

Suarez made his name in Europe with Ajax, having scored 81 goals in 110 matches for the Eredivisie club.

Written Steve Milne

Chelsea keen on Khedira

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Chelsea are weighing up a huge summer move for Sami Khedira, according to Spanish reports. The German is currently battling for a first team place after returning from injury and he may be made available for sale at the end of the season.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claims that Jose Mourinho is keen to link up with the midfielder, who played under him at Madrid. They also say the that the Blues would offer £37m for the player’s services.

The 27-year old was originally signed for the Galactico’s by Mourinho back in 2010 and under the Portuguese manager he won one league title and one Spanish cup. Khedira has lost his place in the side however, after suffering an knee injury which has kept him out of action for five months.

Now, with Mourinho eyeing a move, we could see him join the Stamford Bridge side this summer. But if a move doesn’t work out to bring Khedira to England, then Spurs Paulinho is another option for Chelsea.

By Charlie Gregory

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@CharlieGLFC – https://twitter.com/CharlieGLFC

 

 

 

Januzaj earns more than Messi and Ronaldo did at 18

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Manchester United teenager Adnan Januzaj earns more than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did at his age. The Belgium has burst onto the scene at Old Trafford this season a ooking like a good future talent.

The 19-year old signed a new deal at the Red Devils last November worth £30,000-per-week. Januzaj was 18 at the time. The player’s representative, Dirk De Vriese, claims the deal made the forward the best paid youngster in world football. He said:

“I can say Adnan’s the bet paid youngster in the world. He earns more than Ronaldo and Messi when they were 18.”

The player’s advisor also revealed that PSG offered the teenager a last gasp move worth big money to join the French side, before Januzaj turned down the offer and signed the new United deal. He said: “Five minutes before Adnan signed a new deal at Mancheter United, PSG offered us an astonishing deal. As Adnan was a free agent at the end of the season, the Qatari were ready to offer anything. Anything in terms of wages and signing on fees.

“It could have been interesting from a commercial point of view. But money has never been a deciding factor in his choice.”

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC