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Jaaskelainen set to leave West Ham United

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Jussi Jaaskelainen looks all set to leave West Ham United in the coming weeks, as talks over a new deal have somewhat stalled.

The veteran keeper, aged 39, a favourited member by Sam Allardyce over the years, but lost his place in the first team line up in the December of 2013.

Jaaskelainen kept eight clean sheets before being dropped and replaced by Spanish keeper Adrian, who is 12 years his junior, after the former Bolton Wanderers stalwart struggled for form beforehand.

Adrian would go onto keep Jaaskelainen out the team for the rest of the season, impressing on a regular basis at Upton Park, having signed for Spanish side Real Betis last summer.

Jaaskelainen’s current contract expires at the end of this season ( June ) and it is expected that Allardyce will release his former number-one stopper. That leaves Adrian as the likely ‘keeper for next season

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

David Luiz set for Bayern Munich talks over £25m deal

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Chelsea defender David Luiz is on the brink of leaving the club with formal talks expected to be held with German champions Bayern Munich this Summer after the World Cup.

The Brazilian centre-back hasn’t been a favourite of Jose Mourinho since he returned from Real Madrid and was nearly sold last year to Spanish giants FC Barcelona, but after remaining at The Bridge, he soon became unhappy due to lack of first-team appearances.

Mourinho has favoured a pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill at the back, meaning Luiz is subjected too brief cameos, or playing in centre-midfield instead.

The 27-year-old is keen on a move away, but would prefer to go to Barcelona it’s believed that Munich.

However, a £25m offer from Munich could be in the pipeline, and with Mourinho keen to sell and raise funds, he is likely to accept that offer.

It was reported a few days ago that Luiz was also interested in a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain, but so far, nothing formal has come from those comments.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool preparing for Luis Suarez exit?

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Premier League side Liverpool, are preparing to make a staggering £60million bid for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, in case their attempts of holding onto Luis Suarez fail.

The Uruguayan striker has been phenomenal for Brendan Rodgers’ side this year, scoring over 30-goals, despite missing the first eight games of the season.

After his impressive season in England, Suarez has caught the eye of both Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are both willing to spend around £82m on the 27-year-old forward.

However, officials at Anfield are confident that they can keep hold of Suarez now that they have Champions League football to offer him, but they are making back-up plans as well just to be safe, and heading that back-up plan is Suarez’s countryman, Cavani.

The former-Napoli man has fallen out with his current club PSG and is keen to make a Summer move away in order to play regular first-team football, and play up front rather than down the wing.

With Financial Fair Play rules set to kick in soon, sides like PSG are now considering selling a lot of their players to raise funds, and this year could see them lose the man they signed for £52m last year.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Xavi ” Barcelona deserve title”

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Barcelona captain Xavi believes that his side deserve to win the La Liga title on Sunday.

The Catalan club host fellow title rivals Atletico Madrid, with both teams going for the title on the final day of the season in a winner takes all clash.

Barcelona need the three points in order to pip Atletico to yet another Spanish Liga crown, as Tata Martino’s side will wein the League via a head to head record against their rivals from the capital.

“We have got a historic opportunity and now we cannot mess it up,” said Xavi.

“The league is over nine months and we have worked hard to get here. It has been a difficult year off the field but we deserve to win the league title.”

“Everything is in our favour now. We’re at home and the fans have to get behind us from the first whistle to the last,” added 34-year-old midfielder Xavi.

“We have got all the players, we have got the experience of what we have done over the years, we are hungry to win titles.”

It has been an odd season for the club, with defeat in the Kings Cup Final to Real Madrid, where Gareth Bale scored a sublime 87th winner in Valencia.

They also suffered defeat in the Champions League, losing to eventual finalists Atletico over two legs, with Barcelona also suffering off the field following the death of former manager Tito Vilanova, through throat Cancer in April.

We need to score first then Atletico might leave more space behind. We have to create more chances than we have previously, but it is difficult against them because they are the best defensive side in Europe,” said the veteran Spain international.

“We will try every way we can to score – shots outside of the box, get out wide – every type of way you can score in football.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Draxler denies Arsenal move

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Germany international Julian Draxler has slammed the door shut on a potential move to Arsenal. The 20-year old has declared that he wants to stay at Schalke. He said:

“I do not want to be sold. I can gurantee you I will be there. There’s still speculation, but I will, very, very definitely, play here next season.”

The midfielder has been a target for Arsene Wenger since last summer, but with this announcement, it brings to an end any ideas the Gunners may have had about trying to sign him again in the transfer window.

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

 

Liverpool to steal United target

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William Carvalho has been linked with a move to Manchester United for several months but it now seems as though Liverpool have moved into pole position for the Sporting Lisbon man’s signature.

It was believed that the Portugal international’s representative met with United officials in January but the departure of David Moyes has put the deal in jeopardy.

The 22 year-old has been included in Portugal’s 2014 World Cup squad and if he plays well in the tournament then his price will go through the roof, so if Liverpool want to get the player for as cheap as possible then they would need to attempt to sign the player soon.

Liverpool offer a more lucrative option for Carvalho because of the attraction of Champions League football next season and with Brendan Rodgers admitting that he wants to conclude his transfer business as soon as possible, the deal looks like a good possiblilty.

 

 

Written By Eoghan Smith

Javi Martinez is happy in Munich

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Spain international Javi Martinez has dismissed suggestions that he could be on his way to Arsenal or Manchester City by insisting he is perfectly happy with life at Bayern Munich. Both Prem sides have been linked with a move for the midfielder in recent weeks, as reports claimed he was unhappy in Germany and wanted a move away.

However, the 25-year old says he has no plans to leave the Bundesliga any time soon. He told Sport Bild:

“If Bayern should still count on me I would be happy. I would be very happy to stay here. I’m fine in the city and in the club with my team-mates. I hope to continue here for many years.

“I hope we have better luck next year”

The former Athletic Bilbao man cost Bayern a Bundesliga record fee of £31.6m back in 2012.

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

 

Suarez insists Real Madrid move is just speculation

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Luis Suarez has told Liverpool fans that there is no need to panic, as he denied that Real Madrid and Barcelona have priority over bidding for him this summer. When he was quizzed about the Spanish giants interest in him he said:

“As far as I am aware there is no clause that suggests a priority for any team. My head now is focused on the World Cup. Everyone knows there will be media speculation this summer as there always is but I have a contract with Liverpool.”

The Uruguayan is used to seeing his name linked with an exit from Anfield but he has claimed he has a foolproof way to avoid becoming embroiled in a transfer saga. He said:

“I just turn the page. You know what the speculation is like and you try not to take any notice. I know what I want and it is more speculation than reality.”

By Charlie Gregory

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@CharlieGLFC

Vidic reveals all

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 Former Manchester United captain, Nemanja Vidic, has lifted the lid on why David Moyes failed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. 

Moyes was sacked last month after continuing questions over his tactics at United and the way football was being played by the team.

Vidic, who will leave United for Inter Milan this summer, has spoken about why Manchester United were unable to carry on their title winning surge this season.  

“The players were being questioned, the manager was being questioned, the club was being questioned,” he said.

“People end up saying the players are not good enough and we need to buy better ones.

“I am not saying we have had a good season. It was a bad time and the players could have done better. But everyone lost belief in the team.” 

“I am not saying that the David Moyes way was bad, but these players feel more comfortable playing a certain way of football,” he added.

“You have to respect where you are and what you represent, though, and there is no point speaking about someone who was here, who everyone knows lost his job because he did not succeed in doing what he wanted to achieve.

“The best I can say is that he tried really hard, he was professional. He was really committed to the job and desperately wanted to do well. But unfortunately, it didn’t happen and we are all sad.” 

By Ollie Brown

 

 

Rodgers ready for serious business

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Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers, is already close to sealing a deal for Southampton’s Adam Lallana, but is also eyeing up another move for another ‘world class’ player. 

Rodgers has guided Liverpool to a second place finish in the Premier League this season, meaning that The Red’s will be in the Champions League next season.

The boss has spoken of his desire to bring in some top players in order to help Liverpool succeed next year, with Luis Suarez’s future in doubt after it looks likely that the player will be heading to Real Madrid during the next window.

“For me, it’s about planning. We have the core of the squad now,” Rodgers said.

“Two years ago, when I came in, I was looking to introduce new ideas but a lot of the players weren’t there because of the European Championship.” 

“That affected the start of the season. At least this summer we have the principles bedded in place and the players that come in will be the profile we want. It should be better for us this summer.

“I don’t want to put a figure on how many but I would rather have one or two absolute top players than seven that might not help us.

“It’s about the quality. We can’t be going into the Champions League this year with doubts about players. We have to be going in knowing what the players’ capacity to play is and their capabilities.”

Rodgers was honoured for his excellent season by being named League Managers Association’s Manager of the Year earlier this week.

By Ollie Brown

 

 

Free Transfer Xl 2014

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With a number of contracts up this summer, most clubs may be looking for a player to buy on the cheap.

With a number of players out of contract this summer, we will look at some of the best possible buys for clubs looking for a bargain:

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel

The USA international turns 43 this Sunday but is still capable of performing at the top level and will be a bargain for any team looking for a ‘Keeper with Premier League experience.

Right Back: Bacary Sagna

The Frechman is now 31 but still has plenty of years left in him. He has already been linked with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool and will certainly have an endless list of potential suitors.

Centre Backs: Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott

These two former England internationals are two of the most expensive defenders to play in the Premier League and there will no doubt be multiple teams looking to take either player on board. With the experience that both players have they would be a great addition to any team.

Left Back: Ashley Cole

With speculation surrounding the player that he won’t be offered a new contract, he will undoubtedly be looking for a new club after the disappointment of missing out on the 2014 World Cup. He has already been linked with a number of clubs including Real Madrid and Liverpool, and although he is now 33 he seems as though he can continue to play for many years to come and would be a great signing for any club.

Left Midfield: Patrice Evra

With Frenchman’s contract up this summer, it is surprising that he has not been offered a new one after making 33 Premier League appearances this season. The Manchester United man will attract the interest of a number of top clubs given that he has a number of years left in him.

Centre Midfield: Frank Lampard

Although he is now 35, Lampard still has a lot to offer for any team and can use this summer’s World Cup to showcase his talents to any potential suitors. And with plenty of experience he will be a great addition to any team.

Right Midfield: Joe Cole

Since leaving Chelsea, Joe Cole has not been able to perform to the standards he once was able to. Although a successful stint at Lille has seen the French club linked with the West Ham man again.

Striker: Shola Ameobi

The Nigerian striker has been with Newcastle for his entire career and could prove a good asset for a promoted team. He has the chance to impress at the World Cup this year with Nigeria and showcase his talents to potential suitors.

Striker: Nicklas Bendtner

Yes that’s right, Bendtner! The man who once thought he could be compared to Messi and C. Ronaldo is now going to be a free transfer and although he has not set the Premier League alight, he could be a good acquisition for a mid table team.

Striker: Samuel Eto’o

He has been one of the best strikers in Europe for almost 10 years and will undoubtedly have a huge list of potential suitors. He has scored 9 goals from 16 league starts this season and will definitely add goals to any team he decides to join

 

 

Written By Eoghan Smith

Arsenal to re-sign Vela

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Arsenal are set to re-sign former striker Carlos Vela for a £3 million fee.

Vela has impressed at current La Liga side Real Sociedad, after signing for the Basque club on as permanent basis in 2012 following a successful year long loan from the Gunners.

However, it now appears that Arsene Wenger inserted a buy back clause in his deal, that Arsenal could sign him for £3 million in any transfer window.

The Mexican has impressed in Spain, and has scored 20 goals in La Liga this season, with Vela also telling journalist’s that he is hopeful of a North London return.

Vela joined Arsenal in 2005, however he never really got a look in, though it appears that Wenger is keen on bringing him back.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Chelsea ready to battle two Serie A clubs to sign Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira

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Chelsea have been linked with the Germany international since Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge last year as the midfielder was a key player for the Portuguese manager during his time in charge of the Bernabeu giants.

Real Madrid splashed out big to sign two young central midfielders, Isco and Asier Illarramendi, last year, while Xabi Alonso has signed a new contract and Luka Modric has become an integral first-team player under Carlo Ancelotti.

As such, Khedira could be made available for sale, with Bild claiming Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers of around £20.5m for the 27-year-old.

Chelsea are not the only club expected to pursue the former Stuttgart man, with Roma and Fiorentina also on his trail. It is believed both Italian clubs have made tentative enquiries to Real Madrid.

Khedira missed six months of action this season with a cruciate knee ligament injury and made his return to Real Madrid’s starting line-up in their 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo last weekend.

Written by Steve Milne

Atletico Madrid put spanner in Costa deal?

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Spanish side Atletico Madrid have claimed that all reports saying Diego Costa to Chelsea is a done deal are false.

The La Liga leaders have spoken briefly about the reports in England claiming that a £32million deal was already in place for the Summer, and they believe that all reports are rubbish and no deal is in place as it stands.

Fighting for both the Champions League and the leauge title, Madrid are keen to keep most of the focus on the remaining games of the season, but after reports broke about the potential transfer, they have had to speak out about it and they have revealed that the news is rubbish.

A representative of the club confirmed that the stories are false and they have denied all reports suggesting the move is in place.

A further blow to Chelsea is the fact that Costa himself has said the stories are false, despite him putting on his instagram that he is moving to Chelsea.

When told about the reports linking him with the move, Costa replied with: ‘Yes? People say a lot of rubbish…’.

It is not understood whether this is an attempt from Madrid to put the transfer news in the background ahead of two massive matches or whether they genuinely believe they are keeping the Spaniard at the club.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles 

Lallana may have to force through transfer request

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Adam Lallana may have to submit a transfer request at Southampton, if he is to leave St Mary’s for Liverpool, before the World Cup finals.

The 26 year old is high upon the list of transfer targets for Brendan Rodgers, and may fear that a transfer request may be his only route out of the club, with Southampton stubborn over a fee.

The Saints are asking for around £25 million for Lallana’s services, with Liverpool keen to do a deal before he jets off to Brazil for the World Cup finals.

Lallana himself has already stated that he wishes to play Champions future in the football.

England manager Roy Hodgson has stated that he hopes that both Lallana and Shaw get their long term future’s sorted out within the near future, before the England side head out to Miami for a pre World Cup training camp on 1st June.

And it appears that if deals are to be done, both Liverpool and Manchester United will need to act quickly to sign the Southampton starlets.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1