Peter Crouch sends wishes to Theo Walcott

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Jan 8, 2014

Stoke City and England striker Peter Crouch has sent his wishes to Arsenal star Theo Walcott after he sustained an injury that will see him miss this Summer’s World Cup.

The Englishman damaged ligaments in his knee on Saturday during The Gunners’ 2-0 North London Derby victory and on Monday, the news was revealed that Walcott would miss the rest of the season and also this Summer’s tournament.

It is believed that the Arsenal forward will miss around six months, and his counterpart, Peter Crouch, has sent him ‘get well soon’ wishes.

“I’m gutted for Theo.

“He was an absolute banker to go to the World Cup and possibly start. Having experienced World Cups they are the pinnacle, really.

“They’re fantastic to be a part of, so obviously I do feel sorry for him and I wish him a speedy recovery.

“Maybe Arsenal have ruled him out completely, but I think he’ll have some hope and if he’s got a chance he’ll be trying, but if he is ruled out obviously it’s a bitter blow.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool Boss accepts FA referee charge

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SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

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Rodgers criticised the “horrendous” performance of the match officials and questioned the appointment of Bolton referee Lee Mason after the 2-1 loss.

He said: “Hopefully we won’t have a Greater Manchester referee with Liverpool-Manchester games in future.”

Rodgers will be fined following a short hearing, which he will not attend.

The Liverpool Boss was charged by the FA of being in breach of FA Rule E3 which in previous cases carries a financial penalty and warning of future conduct rather than a touchline ban.

Rodgers, 40, had subsequently clarified the remarks he made on 26 December and said he had not queried Mason’s ability to referee the match.

“I was talking in terms of geography and I certainly wasn’t questioning the integrity of referees,” Rodgers later said.

“I wouldn’t suspect that Mike Dean, from the Wirral, has refereed many games for Liverpool over the years.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Carlo Ancelotti deals blow to Premier League trio

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 8, 2014

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that no players will be arriving or departing this month, which will come as a blow to Premier League trio; Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

The three English giants have all been linked with moves for Madrid players with Arsenal and Liverpool interested in loaning Alvaro Morata for the rest of the season, whilst United were keen on signing Fabio Coentrao on a permanent basis.

However, whilst giving a press conference for the Spanish media, Ancelotti confirmed that no transfer activity of any kind will be taking place at the Bernabeu this month.

“No-one is leaving and no-one is coming in.

“We have a good squad. We don’t need anything.”

It is now believed the three Premier League sides will look elsewhere as they are all desperate to strengthen their squads for the final few months of the season.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

WATCH: Sunderland vs Manchester United 2 – 1 || Full Highlights All Goal Capital One Cup | 07-01-2014 HD

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 8, 2014

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We’re still in this tie, warns Manchester United midfielder

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 8, 2014

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Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs is confident that the club can still reach the Capital One Cup final despite their 2-1 loss to Sunderland last night in the Semi Final first leg.

The Welshman scored an own-goal in stoppage-time of the first-half, before a Fabio Borini penalty wrapped up the victory for The Black Cats after Nemanja Vidic levelled for the visitors.

Guy Poyet’s men will take their slender advantage to Old Trafford for the return leg in two weeks time, but Giggs is feeling confident that the one-goal defecit will be overturned.

Giggs told MUTV: “We did not have that little bit of luck. I hit the crossbar and Adnan hit a shot against me when I was offside.

“On another day that, would have gone in or been given, but it just did not go for us.

“We will keep plugging away and we will look forward to the second leg. We are still in it and we look forward to it at Old Trafford.”

The midfielder also joined David Moyes by complaining about the official throughout the match.

“I thought both decisions were harsh.

“I thought the first one was a free-kick to us – but saying that, we still have got to defend the free-kick.

“We got punished for that, but we were getting back into the game with a great header from Nemanja, and it looked like there was only going to be one winner.

“We created enough chances, but unfortunately the decisions went against us. We were quite happy with our performance. We felt we did enough to at least get a draw, although I think we can work on the quality of our crosses and shots when we get into the final third.

“The only chances they (Sunderland) really had were set-pieces. It was just one of those nights.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Union complete transfer for midfielder Michael Farfan to Mexican side Cruz Azul

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

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Philadelphia Union announced today that midfielder Michael Farfan has been permanently transferred to Mexico’s Cruz Azul of Liga MX. The deal is subject to finalization of agreement with Cruz Azul. Per MLS and club policy, terms are not disclosed.

“Michael has been an important member for our club both on and off the field over the past three years,” said Union manager John Hackworth. “We thank him for his contributions to the Union and wish him the best of luck as he continues his career in Mexico.”

Farfan was drafted by the Union with the No. 23 overall selection of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. In three years with the club, he made 82 MLS appearances and notched four goals and nine assists.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Barca considering to make an offer for Nemanja Vidic

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

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Nemanja Vidic won’t sign a new Manchester United contract, his agent has said, and Barcelona are among the clubs monitoring the situation.

Vidic’s current deal with the Premier League champions expires at the end of the season and clubs across Europe, AS has reported.

The 32-year-old’s agent, Silvano Martina, has said that as it stands Vidic will leave Old Trafford after eight years’ service.

“Right now I would rule out a contract extension with United,” Martina said.

“Given his situation, Vidic has several teams interested in him. He’s a great player and will have no trouble finding a club, so we’re calm.”

The report adds that Barca have lodged bids for Vidic in the past in an effort to solve their problems in the centre of defence, where they have only three natural options – Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Marc Bartra – and a converted midfielder, Javier Mascherano.

Vidic has lost his regular place in the United side under David Moyes, who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson last summer.

Moyes has often rotated his centre-back pairing, picking between Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.

Should Barca want to bring Vidic to the club, it appears their main competition will come from Napoli.

“There’s yet to be any contact,” Martina said. “But thanks to Aurelio De Laurentiis and Riccardo Bigon Napoli are one of the top clubs in Europe.”

Written by Steve Milne

Mario Balotelli rejects link to Chelsea

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

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Mario Balotelli has rebuffed rumours linking him with a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a volatile relationship with Mourinho during their time at Inter Milan but remain friends.

After tentative speculation linking Balotelli with a switch to Stamford Bridge, the Italian international has been forced into denying any suggestions of a reunion with his former boss.

He said: “I remain at Milan. I must arrive at the World Cup feeling especially calm.”

A man of few words, Balotelli is remaining focused on Brazil after Italy were drawn with Uruguay, Costa Rica and England in Group D.

AC Milan, his current club, have endured a tough Serie A campaign to date and find themselves languishing in eleventh place.

In October 2013 Mino Raiola, the player’s agent, stoked the fire by suggesting that Balotelli would be interested in reconciling with the Portuguese coach.

“Balotelli and Mourinho could be reunited because they know each other and they didn’t leave each other with hate,” said Raiola.

“There was a not very nice incident between them, but they parted company on good terms. They have remained in contact and there is mutual respect.

“I know Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani will not agree, but Mario is a great striker. That is for certain and he could perhaps be that at Chelsea.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Arsenal and Liverpool after Morata.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 8, 2014

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Liverpool and Arsenal are about to go head to head to capture Spanish Under 21 international Alvaro Morata.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that he is trying to recruit Real Madrid’s Spanish centre forward.

The Arsenal boss has made a fresh bit to bring him to the Emirates for the rest of the Premier League campaign, to ease Arsenal’s worrying striker shortage.

Arsenal currently have several key players out of the squad with injuries, with Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott both out with respective injuries.

Wenger has been a long term admirer of Atlético Madrid’s Diego Costa but there is also interest in Jackson Martínez from Porto, Mario Mandzukic at Bayern Munich as well as the situations in Manchester of Edin Dzeko and Wayne Rooney.

However, Wenger feels that those targets are unrealistic, with many mid season big moves unlikely.

So Wenger has turned to Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata to solve his problems, with the Arsenal boss trying to convince Real to send the young Spaniard out on loan in January.

For now, the attitude of Real and their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is that no one will be permitted to leave in January.

The striker has scored two goals for Madrid in this campaign, with Los Blancos sitting eight points behind arch rivals Barcelona.

But it now appears that Liverpool have entered the ract to sign the higly rated Spaniard on a possible loan deal, to add strength to an already superb front two of Luis Suarez, and Daniel Sturridge.

Rodgers may be tempted to attempt to sign Morata, as it looks ythat recent target Mohammad Salah is on his way to Zenit St Petersburg.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Chicago Fire Announce 2014 Preseason Schedule

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

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The Chicago Fire announced its full 2014 MLS preseason training camp ahead of the club’s 17th MLS season. Fire players will arrive at Toyota Park on Saturday, Jan. 25 for entrance physicals before departing for the first leg of the club’s preseason camp on Sunday, Jan. 26 in Ave Maria, Fla.

The eight-day training camp on the campus of Ave Maria University will culminate in a preseason friendly against Florida Gulf Coast University on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 10:00 a.m. CT.

The Fire will then head to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. from Feb. 5-12 for the second leg of preseason.

For the final leg, the Men in Red will close out preseason from Feb. 15 – March 2 in Tucson, Ariz. as part of the Desert Diamond Cup where they will face fellow MLS sides Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution, and USL PDL side FC Tucson.

The Fire will host 2013 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners New York Red Bulls for Opening Day at Toyota Park on Sunday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. CT. The Men in Red will begin their 17th season two weeks prior on the road when they visit Chivas USA at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. CT..

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

PSG and Monaco set to fight it out for Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

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Tottenham Hotspur have been put on alert after rumours surfaced this morning that Paris Saint Germain have joined their Ligue 1 rivals Monaco in pursuit of Kyle Walker.

According to Le Parisien, PSG consider Spurs’ England international to be the ideal replacement for the injured Christophe Jallet and will make their move later this month.

Monaco’s interest has been known for some time but, with no concrete bid made, they could lose out to their title rivals.

It is still unclear, however, whether the 23-year-old right-back, who joined Spurs from Sheffield United in 2009, would entertain a move to the continent as it would represent a considerable risk going into the summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Walker has been a regular starter under Tim Sherwood since the 44-year-old replaced Andre-Villas Boas but could be swayed by the vast financial reserves available to either club.

Sherwood is also thought to be considering club-record signing Erik Lamela’s future at White Hart Lane after a series of timid displays since his £30m switch from Roma.

The 21-year-old Argentinean has asked for a temporary spell away, according to reports in December, and hopes a deal taking him to Inter Milan will materialise soon.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Zenit St Petersurg to battle English clubs to Salah signing.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 8, 2014

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Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg are set to battle Premier League clubs for the transfer of FC Basel playmaker Mohammed Salah.

Reports suggested that Salah was on the brink of a Premier League move to Liverpool, but it appears that the Russian side will double Liverpool’s offer ahead of a transfer battle.

The Egyptian international has impressed for his side this season, having scored both games against Chelsea in the Champions League campaign.

Salah may be tempted to a move to Russia, with Zenit offering a real lucrative deal to bring him to the oil rich club, who are backed by the Gazprom organisation.

Worryingly for Liverpool Basel have a history of selling to the highest bidder, irrespective of the wishes of the player or the profile of the club concerned, with the Swiss club selling most of their prized assets for large amounts.

However, a stumbling block for the move could be the fact that Salah would already be Cup tied, for Zenit’s Champions League knockout games, having already played for Basel.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in Salah, but no formal bid has been tabled.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Five Sporting Kansas City players named to United States Men’s National Team roster

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

0

Five Sporting Kansas City players were named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster on Friday for a training camp that begins Jan. 6, the United States Soccer Federation announced. Defenders Chance Myers and Seth Sinovic will join the U.S. Men’s National Team for the first time alongside fellow Sporting Kansas City teammates Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi.

“This is a great and deserving honor,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “These players earned this opportunity through hard work and dedication. It is not only a testament to their individual success, but the success that Sporting Kansas City has had as a team. It’s great to see our club and players be rewarded with these selections.”

Among the 26 players selected by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the annual January Camp, Sporting Kansas City’s five representatives are the most from any club following the team’s MLS Cup championship season. The squad will open camp in Carson, Calif. from Jan. 6-12 before departing for Sao Paulo, Brazil to continue training from Jan. 13-25 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup host country. Klinsmann is expected to take 23 of the 26 players in camp to Brazil, while the remaining players continue to train in the United States.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Six college stars sign MLS deals in advance of draft

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

0

With the SuperDraft now just two weeks away, the pump is officially primed.

On Thursday, Major League Soccer announced the 2014 crop of Generation adidas players and senior signings who are expected to be among the top picks on January 16 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The 2014 Generation adidas class includes star goalkeeper Andre Blake (Connecticut), Marlon Hairston (Louisville), Eric Miller (Creighton) and Ntokozo “Schillo” Tshuma (pictured above, Maryland). MLS also signed two of the top college seniors in forward Patrick Mullins (Maryland) and Steve Neumann (Georgetown).

Generation adidas players do not count against an MLS team’s salary budget. Players who join MLS as part of the Generation adidas program receive educational grants to further their college education.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Toronto Re-Signs Joe Bendik

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 8, 2014

0

Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has re-signed goalkeeper Joe Bendik to a multi-year deal. As per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Joe had an opportunity to step-in and prove himself this season and he did so in a big way. He’s still a relatively young keeper who showed he has the ability and mentality to handle a full season of MLS play. We are excited to watch him continue to develop his skills and be a leader on our re-shaped roster next season,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We are confident that we have addressed our goalkeeper situation for the upcoming season, while adding increased roster and cap flexibility in the process.”

Bendik, 24, made 33 appearances, all starts, for the Reds this past season, finishing with a 6-16-11 record and four clean sheets. He ranked sixth in the league with 2,970 minutes played in goal and 33 starts. Both marks established new single season team-highs for MLS play.

Prior to being acquired by Toronto FC, he made five appearances and started in three games for Portland during the 2012 season. Bendik signed with the Timbers in February, 2012 after spending two seasons with Norwegian club Sogndal. Bendik played four seasons at Clemson University where he finished among the school’s career leaders in a number of statistical categories.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

SillySeason.com

Peter Crouch sends wishes to Theo Walcott

Liverpool Boss accepts FA referee charge

Carlo Ancelotti deals blow to Premier League trio

WATCH: Sunderland vs Manchester United 2 – 1 || Full Highlights All Goal Capital One Cup | 07-01-2014 HD

We’re still in this tie, warns Manchester United midfielder

Union complete transfer for midfielder Michael Farfan to Mexican side Cruz Azul

Barca considering to make an offer for Nemanja Vidic

Mario Balotelli rejects link to Chelsea

Arsenal and Liverpool after Morata.

Chicago Fire Announce 2014 Preseason Schedule

PSG and Monaco set to fight it out for Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker

Zenit St Petersurg to battle English clubs to Salah signing.

Five Sporting Kansas City players named to United States Men’s National Team roster

Six college stars sign MLS deals in advance of draft

Toronto Re-Signs Joe Bendik

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