Pardew not confident of keeping Cabaye.

Central midfielder Michael Essien 31, has ended his 8.5year service to Chelsea football club by agreeing to joining Italian giants AC Milan in a move making Essien the third big name player leave the Bridge in what is obvious signs of a shake up with Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne aready leaving and Bertrand Traore, Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah all recently agreeing terms with the London club.

Jose Mourinho who has worked with Ghanaian for quite some time now with both Chelsea in his first term and even took Essein on loan to Real Madrid with him. Jose Mourinho commented “To show Micheal respect is to let him go, We would have been happy to have him stay he is a fantastic player for the team, but hes given everything for the club and a great chance for his future has arrived”.

AC Milan hope to unveil their latest recruit on tuesday following a medical, Mourinho went on to say ” I know Essien can continue to play at a high level and i wish him success and happiness in Italy and at the World Cup in Brazil”.

Written by W.Cutmore

Blues eye up Courtois replacement

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Jan 27, 2014

Following the agreement that Chelsea may get striker Diego Costa in exchange for Thibaut Courtois staying, The Blues will be eyeing up a potential replacement keeper. According to Sports Direct News, the man who Chelsea will chase is Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Chelsea bought Courtois back in 2011 for around £5m and was loaned out to Spanish side, Atletico Madrid to gain experience. However, since then the Belgian has impressed coach Diego Simeone and after 3 consecutive seasons in La Liga and a Copa del Rey title, there is a chance Courtois will stay put.

This season, Courtois has only conceeded 14 goals from 21 league games and has helped his side to second spot, ahead of city rivals Real Madrid.

Begovic has impressed in the last 2 seasons, helping Stoke to avoid relegation and remains one of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League. And, with 6 clean sheets and even a goal to his name, it is no wonder Mourinho will be keen to sign the Bosnian, who will make appearances at this year’s World Cup in Brazil.

By Phil Wellbrook

Mark Lawrenson predictions for midweek

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Jan 27, 2014

BBC Pundit picks Manchester City to beat Tottenham

After the Premier League took a backseat for the weekend’s FA Cup Fourth Round, it is now back to centre stage as there is a full set of fixtures taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Here are Mark Lawrenson’s predictions for the next set of fixture.

Tuesday

Manchester United 2-0 Cardiff City

“But Cardiff have been poor on the road all season and, no matter how many of their new faces feature against United, it is a big ask for them to improve that on Tuesday.”

Norwich City 1-1 Newcastle United

“I am backing him to pick up a point here, though, so the next so-called crisis will have to wait.”

Southampton 1-1 Arsenal

“Southampton have been on a difficult run of results too, but I would not be surprised to see them kick on a bit now and finish the season strongly.”

Swansea City 2-0 Fulham

“Fulham were quite good defensively in their last Premier League game, at Arsenal, but I just do not see them scoring goals on the road.”

Crystal Palace 2-0 Hull City

“This one will be tight, but I think Palace will pick up another three points.”

Liverpool 2-1 Everton

“It will not be easy to keep Everton quiet, though. Scoring is not Liverpool’s problem, but they have looked vulnerable defensively recently.”

Wednesday

Aston Villa 2-0 West Bromwich Albion

“This is another tough test for Mel, and I think Villa will get things right at home this time.”

Chelsea 2-0 West Ham United

“I look at this game and only see a routine Chelsea victory.”

Sunderland 1-1 Stoke City

“I am not sure they will get it on Wednesday, though. Stoke would take a draw now but it is not really much good for Sunderland.”

Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Manchester City

“Spurs will cause them some problems but I’d have to go for a City win at White Hart Lane.”

What are your thoughts on these predictions?

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Juan Mata looking forward to Wayne Rooney link-up

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Jan 27, 2014

Manchester United’s new January signing Juan Mata has revealed that he cannot wait to link-up with striker Wayne Rooney, who was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the Summer.

This weekend was a crucial one for David Moyes and United as they wrapped up the signing of Mata for £37.1million and they also began contract talks with Rooney which could see him retire at Old Trafford, which will fend off interest from Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

Speaking in his first interview as a United player, Mata admitted that the thought of playing alongside Rooney excites him.

“For me he’s one of the best players in the history of this country. He’s an unbelievable player.”

“He’s a striker who can score, assist and come into midfield to take the ball,” added Mata of Rooney.

“I will try to connect with him as much as possible and find the gaps in rival defences. I think that’s my best style of play, to get into positions where I can assist the strikers.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool lead the chase to sign highly-rated Brazilian midfielder

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Jan 27, 2014

Brendan Rodgers is keen to add another midfielder to his squad, especially after a recent injury to Lucas Leiva.

AC Milan were believe to be in pole position to sign Fernando, but this was under the prior management of Massimiliano Allegri.

Clarence Seedorf has since taken over and brought in Michael Essien.

Liverpool have now been given a clear run to try and convince him to move on.

Merseyside rivals Everton were also credited with an interest, though they are now believed to be looking at other possibilities after missing out on him over the summer.

Written by Steve Milne

I want to be like Messi and Ronaldo, claims Hazard

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Jan 27, 2014

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard has revealed that he intends to become one of the world’s best footballers, much like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Belgium international has scored nine goals so far this season for Jose Mourinho’s men and has developed a sensational partnership with Brazilian, Oscar, so much so, it lead the club to selling Player of the Year Juan Mata to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old has revealed in an interview that he believes he has the same attributes as the world’s best, and he wants to awards to go with it.

“Of course I want to be the best in the world,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws. “Previously I was more worried about the game itself: football was just a game for me, I wanted to amuse myself and didn’t bother what the people thought about me.

“But since I’m here at Chelsea, I’ve become more aware of my qualities, I guess. Before I knew I was a good player, but not one of the better players in the world.

“Now I realise that I can compete with Messi and Ronaldo in the near future, if I put in some more effort. I don’t know if I will ever reach their level. It’ll be hard, they have incredible stats, but I accept the challenge.”

“I agree, I’ve matured,” Hazard added. “On the pitch, I haven’t changed much. I’m still the same, but I realised that, if I want to be among the best in the world, I’ll have to perform consistently, game in, game out.

“I’m now important for the team, I give good passes, I score more goals and Chelsea is performing well.

“Everyone expects more from me. I hear it every day. Maybe I need these little comments, too. When a manager always says ‘Eden, you’re doing great’, there is a threat that you can snooze.

“As a professional, you have to challenge yourself every day. Put yourself in front of a mirror. The manager is close to his players, but when he has something to say, he does to your face, in a friendly way. And he knows how to challenge his players.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Wenger to sign new deal

By

wayney

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Jan 27, 2014

Speaking at the press conference today to unveil Puma as their new kit supplier, Arsenals Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis made full use of the oppurtunity to try and update all on if and when Arsene Wenger will infact sign an extension to his contract with the club. Gazidis went on to say ” Arsene will be extending his contract with us, and at the right time, we will make that annoucement.”. This being the only official statement todate regarding the talks between club and manager, with Arsene yet to annouce anything official himself about it. Today was the official meeting to annouce the £150million kit deal with sportswear giants Puma to which the Arsenal chief confirmed the funds will be made available to Arsene in the summer as they hope to look to strengthen the squad, but be sure if Mr Wenger really wanted to, Gazidis could juggling things round for a last minute shopping spree in the final few days left of this winter transfer window.

Written by W.Cutmore

Chelsea agree swap deal for Diego Costa

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Jan 27, 2014

According to reports, Chelsea have agreed a sensational swap deal with Spanish side Atletico Madrid which will see Diego Costa come to Stamford Bridge and Thibaut Courtois remain in Spain on a permanent basis.

Jose Mourinho is desperate to land a world-class striker and could sweeten the deal with Madrid by allowing them to keep the star-goalkeeper on a permanent basis.

Courtois, who has spent the last three seasons on loan at Madrid, is keen to remain in Spain and with Madrid due to worries that he will not be first-choice goalkeeper at The Bridge as Mourinho still prefers to pick Petr Cech.

This news will come as a massive blow to both David Moyes and Arsene Wenger as they have both been scouting the Brazilian-born striker, who has chosen to play for Spain.

The move is likely to take place in the Summer as Mourinho eyes reinforcements up-front and Courtois wants the promise of first-team football, something he won’t get at Stamford Bridge despite his rising expectations.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool keen to make Victor Moses’ Chelsea switch permanent

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Jan 27, 2014

The Nigeria international joined the Reds on a season-long loan from Chelsea over the summer but has found game time hard to come by at Anfield.

However, Moses was boosted with a goal in Liverpool’s 2-0 FA Cup victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday and Rodgers has hinted he would be keen to keep the 23-year-old if he can up his efforts on the training ground.

‘For Victor it is very simple,’ said the Reds boss. ‘He wants to remain in a position that he will remain at a big club, whether it is Chelsea or Liverpool. There is no bigger motivation than that.

‘In order to do that he needs to be performing day in, day out in training.

‘If he does really well for us there is a possibility we will want to have him permanently but ultimately it is Chelsea’s decision because he is their player. And if he has done really well, then they will want to keep him.

When you sample the life of the big institutions like Liverpool, then there’s not many that want to leave.’

And Rodgers says despite a slow start on Merseyside, Moses has impressed him in recent weeks.

‘I have seen improvements in his training’ he added.

‘If the top players are training nine or 10 out of 10 every day and you have players who are five or maybe six out of 10 every day, then they are not ready to train with them, never mind play games with them.

‘So you have to get them up to the level.’

Written by Steve Milne

Man City to swoop for Sagna

By

wayney

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Jan 27, 2014

Right back Barcary Sagna 30, is out of contract in the summer when his current deal expires, which has alerted a few clubs who are more than willing to dwarf the reportedly £60,000 2 year deal on offer from Arsenal in order to secure one of Arsenals most loyal and consistantly solid performers since signing for the club in the summer of 2008. With like so many players before to be offered just a basic extension of his existing contract, a wage thats been given no pay rise, no reward for his loyality hes showed by standing by his Manager and club, a deal which shows no sign of gratitude for his service and commitment through some tough times in a tropheyless period, like so many others that have moved on, Sagna come summer may also walk away for a more lucrative deal.

Manchester City have never been shy in showing their interest in Barcary, having tried once before to tempt him away from the north London side, and will be sure to be keeping a close eye on things as they unfold this summer. Monaco on the other hand have come to the forefront of the running for the right backs signature offering a stagging £120,000 a week after tax along with a signing on fee of £10million spred over three years. Other clubs are also monitoring things and considering making offers to tempt the highly rated frenchman, a player who is much respect worldwide by managers and players alike, other clubs like Real Madrid, PSG and Fenerbahce and Galatasary all waiting to try and tempt the french international, surely Mr Wenger must look to offer Barcary Sagna an improved offer, to try and hold to his man or risk yet again losing a player to what could be one of Arsenals biggest rivals for free.

Written by W.Cutmore

Bale to miss Espanyol Cup clash.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 27, 2014

Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s Copa Del Rey fixture at the Bernabeu against Espanyol, after suffering an injury in Saturday’s La Liga clash.

The Welsh winger suffered a groin injury in Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Granada, with Bale enduring a tough afternoon against the Andalucian side.

Bale has been a target in the Spanish Daily press since joining the La Liga giants from Tottenham Hotspur for a lofty fee of £90 million, after a series of unfortunate injuries, which have scuppered his progression at the Bernabeu.

Daily Newspaper AS recently judged Bale to be the worst player in a recent fixture, and have also noted that the Cardiff native had only completed nine competative games out of 30 during his spell in the Spanish capital.

Ancelotti played down the injury, and stated….

“[Bale] was replaced because he had a problem,” Ancelotti said. “He was not comfortable after getting kicked, he had a problem with his left leg. It’s not an injury, more of a nuisance and he will have no problems playing the next match.”

There is also concern that the latest fitness issue could lead to another prolonged absence, as happened when a supposedly trivial knock suffered in training led to three weeks on the sidelines on December.

There were groans and even whistles from fans inside the Bernabeu as promising moves regularly broke down when Bale became involved.

Many supporters, and Journalists in Spain have called upon Ancelotti to start home grown, highly rated winger Jese Rodriguez, however, it appears that Ancelotti will stick with Bale.

Despite his difficult start, Bale has scored ten goals for Madrid, and contributed to eight assists.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Juan Mata can’t believe Chelsea sold him to Manchester United

By

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Jan 27, 2014

The Spanish midfielder sealed his £37.1million move to Old Trafford over the weekend, and could make his United debut against Cardiff on Tuesday.

Mata has already signalled his intention to help United re-launch their title bid, and admits he was taken aback by Jose Mourinho’s decision to allow him to leave for Manchester.

‘To be honest I think it’s a bit surprising, but I have to say I am really grateful to Chelsea – to the owner, to the people working in the club and to the fans,’ he said.

‘The last six months were difficult for me, I didn’t play as much as I wanted to.

‘I understand that football is a team sport and I respected that situation. But the chance to come to Manchester United was a great chance for me to carry on with my career, they are a massive club.’

‘I would like to win the Premier League,’ he added in an interview with MUTV.

‘It’s a very, very special trophy and I think at this club you can achieve anything. I am young and I have been lucky enough to win some trophies, but I want to win a lot more.’

Written by Steve Milne

Juan Mata says United welcome proves I was right to ditch Chelsea

By

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Jan 27, 2014

On the same blogging website on which he explained his Stamford Bridge exit to Blues fans, Mata has published another lengthy update on his big move.

He wrote: ‘So now I’m starting this new road, full of excitement and looking forward to keep enjoying football, and I have to say that the reception from the club, team-mates, manager and fans has been superb.

‘I feel even more motivated to face this wonderful challenge!Mata: United welcome proves I was right to ditch Chelsea

‘I’m very happy I have the opportunity to be in a team with amazing players who have won so many trophies. One of them, [David] De Gea, has been a good friend of mine for years and he’s helping me a lot these days.’

Mata continued: ‘On Sunday I met my new team mates and I had my first training session with them. By the way, the facilities at the Carrington training ground are top level. Spectacular!’

The 25-year-old looks likely to make his debut when United host Cardiff on Tuesday, and Mata added: ‘We have a game tomorrow and it could be my debut with the local team at Old Trafford, something I will never forget.

‘I’m very looking forward to try my best in order to help the team and to enjoy every single day in this new chapter of my life!’

Written by Steve Milne

Mata to start against Cardiff.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 27, 2014