Football Update

Andre Villas-Boas 'building a strong team' for Spurs future

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 07:36:00 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas refused to be drawn on the issue of whether Gareth Bale will still be a Spurs player after the transfer window shuts and said that the club are "building a very, very strong team for the future," as he looked back on Tottenham's 5-0 victory in the first leg of their Europa League play-off over Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgia on Thursday.

Chelsea FC vs Aston Villa Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:25:00 +0000

Chelsea vs Aston Villa 2-1 by FootyLight0

6′ (OG) Luna

C. Benteke 45+3′

73′ Branislav Ivanovic

Fenerbahce vs Arsenal Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:19:00 +0000

Arsenal vs Fenerbahce 3-0 by FootyLight0

Following a 3-1 opening-day loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League, the Gunners travel to Turkey for a crucial play-off first-leg tie in need for a morale boost

Manchester United re-open Rooney talks with Chelsea & moot Mata swap as part of discussions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:09:00 +0000

Old Trafford officials have held informal discussions with their Premier League rivals in the last 48 hours, with talks centring on the forward's value and the Spanish midfielder

EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart

Manchester United have re-opened informal dialogue with Chelsea over the proposed sale of Wayne Rooney- and have also enquired as to the availability of Juan Mata as part of discussions.

Despite continued public insistence from United manager David Moyes that Rooney is not for sale, officials from both clubs have held informal dialogue over a potential deal for the forward in the last 48 hours.

Central to those talks has been the disparity in the two clubs' valuation of the Rooney, with United holding out for £40 million having instantly rejected Chelsea’s second bid for the 27-year-old, worth around £30m.

However, United have also used discussions to reiterate their interest in Mata, who was rumoured along with David Luiz to be offered to the Premier League champions as part of the Blues’ initial offer for Rooney.

Chelsea at the time denied including any of their own players in the deal while confirming that their written bid had been rejected.

But United's willingness to re-enter dialogue about a potential deal only 12 days before the transfer window closes will encourage the Blues in their hope of yet doing a deal for the England international.

"Wayne is acting and training professionally at Carrington but is making no secret of his desire to leave," a source close to United told Goal.

While the club and Moyes are not keen on selling him to a rival on the back of a frustrating summer transfer window, United feel compelled to explore all avenues should he submit a transfer request in an attempt to force a move.

They believe the arrival of Juan Mata - although unlikely - would certainly go a long way to appeasing fans should that happen.

Mata was left on the bench for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Hull having missed much of the club’s pre-season preparations following the Confederations Cup.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that Mata is part of his plans this season but their are doubts over how the attacking midfielder will fit in to the Portuguese’s system.

Mourinho is desperate to land a top class striker this summer having started the season with Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba as his three forwards.

Chelsea failed with attempts to bring Radamel Falcao, Edinson Cavani and Robert Lewandowski to Stamford Bridge before turning their attention to Rooney.

Mourinho claimed in July that Rooney was his only target, but insisted this week that the Londoners have been making alternative plans.

"We have plans B and C. Don't ask me names. It's difficult to speak about players from other clubs," Mourinho said.

"We have the conditions to try to improve our team by bringing in one more player and we are going to try that till the end."

Arsenal buckle over Guaita price

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 10:52:00 +0000

Gunners' chief negotiator Dick Law travelled to Spain on Tuesday for talks over the 26-year-old goalkeeper, but the Londoners have been deterred by Valencia's €20m valuation

Arsenal have ended talks with Valencia over the possible signing of Vicente Guaita after being put off by the Spanish side's €20 million valuation of the goalkeeper.

Gunners' chief negotiator Dick Law flew to Spain on Tuesday to discuss a move for the 26-year-old shot-stopper, but talks broke down over the fee late last night and Law will return to London on Wednesday.

Valencia president Amadeo Salvo had claimed earlier on Tuesday that any side keen on signing Guaita would have to pay the keeper's release clause of €30 million, although the Costa Blanca club were willing to sell for a price of €20m after the 26-year-old's representatives disclosed their player's intention to quit Mestalla.

Arsenal, however, were only prepared to pay around €15m for the goalkeeper, who was left on the bench for Valencia's 1-0 over Malaga on Saturday as coach Miroslav Djukic opted instead for Brazilian Diego Alves.

That decision infuriated Guaita and the goalkeeper set his sights on a move to north London, but he will now be forced to fight for his place at Mestalla unless a cut-price deal can be agreed later on in the window.

Arsenal and Valencia closed the talks in an amicable fashion and agreed to remain in contact over Guaita, whose current contract expires in 2015.

Mertesacker: First 20 minutes crucial for Arsenal

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 10:48:00 +0000

After losing their first Premier League match to Aston Villa, the Gunners centre-back feels that a solid start against Fenerbahce will be vital for their Champions League hopes

Per Mertesacker believes that a solid start will be vital to Arsenal's hopes against Fenerbahce.

The Gunners lost their first Premier League game of the season at home to Aston Villa on Saturday and, with injuries prevalent, are set to include four young rookies in their squad for the Champions League third qualifying round match.

The German defender feels that his side need to quieten the infamously raucous Turkish crowd if they are to secure a good result.

"It is absolutely fantastic over there, so you have to be aware of the opening 20 minutes," he told Arsenal's official website. "You have to keep [the home fans] as quiet as possible, which is very hard.

"You have to play consistently over the whole 90 minutes and it is very important to be very focused on the first 15 to 20 minutes. We need to be ready and defend properly.

"The first big target of the season is to qualify for the Champions League group stage. I know that it will be very, very tough - especially away from home.

"We need to go through with good form and be at our best. We want to show our fans at home that we are ready for the Champions League this season.

"

Luka Modric ‘targeted by Man United’

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:19:00 +0000

Manchester United could turn their attention to Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric after it appeared increasingly likely that Old Trafford target Cesc Fabregas would stay at Barcelona, according to the Times.

GettyImagesModric has been on United's radar before.

- Brewin: What's keeping Ed?

The paper reports that United are preparing to bid £25 million for former Tottenham Hotspur star Modric as manager David Moyes looks to add to his midfield options.

Modric has been unable to command a regular first-team place since moving to the Bernabeu in 2012, and had interested United during his days at White Hart Lane.

Midway through last season, Modric had said he would welcome a return to the Premier League – but the change of management in Madrid, where Carlo Ancelotti has taken over from Jose Mourinho, could offer him the chance of a fresh start.

Speaking at the weekend, Moyes said he was confident United would make more signings before the transfer window closed - but revealed he was unsure whether they would attempt a third bid for Fabregas after seeing two previous offers turned down.

"I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid," he told a press conference in Hong Kong.

"I never at any time said I knew we would get him. I just said we had made offers. They have been rejected. We will take stock from there and decide what we are going to do next.

"But what we have here is a really good squad of players already. You mustn't forget about the quality that is already here at Manchester United.”

United have also failed in attempts to bring in Thiago Alcantara, who joined Bayern Munich, and Everton left-back Leighton Baines, while Moyes has also been linked with Modric, Marouane Fellaini and Yohan Cabaye.

He added: "Undoubtedly we are hoping to add to it [the squad]. I am quite confident we will do, certainly before the window shuts. We have got until September 2."

So far, United's only summer signings are winger Wilfried Zaha - whose £15 million move from Crystal Palace was arranged by Sir Alex Ferguson before his retirement - and Uruguayan youngster Guillermo Varela.

Lewandowski: I will give everything for Dortmund

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:18:00 +0000

The striker has assured supporters he will do his utmost for the team on the pitch this year despite his public desire to leave the club

Robert Lewandowski has vowed to "give everything" for Borussia Dortmund this season despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Poland international has long been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, although BVB's determination to hold on to their star striker means he is likely to see out his contract with the club, which expires next summer.

Lewandowski recently admitted his public desire to leave Signal Iduna Park had caused "trouble" amongst some of his team-mates but, after featuring in Dortmund's 4-2 DFL-Supercup win over Bayern on Saturday, he has assured supporters his sole focus will be on performing well when he wears the Schwarzgelbenshirt.

"I will give everything for Dortmund, no matter what. When I stand on the pitch and play, I think of BVB. I will do my best and be successful," he was quoted as saying by Bild.

"I hope that [Supercup] was not the last trophy."

Napoli parade new manager Rafa Benitez

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 10:07:00 +0000

Napoli parade new manager Rafa Benitez and new signings Gonzalo Higuain and Pepe Reina ahead of a friendly against Galatasary on Monday.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs Kitchee (5-2) All Goals and Full Highlights 29/07/2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 10:05:00 +0000

Tottenham considering bid for Edin Dzeko

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 23:11:00 +0000

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Evening Report | July 29:
Tottenham could launch a bid for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko this summer, according to reports. The Bosnian international is the club's back-up plan, should a move for first-choice target Roberto Soldado fall through.

Arsenal are set to make an improved bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. The Gunners have already had two bids rejected, but reports claim they're ready to submit a third offer worth up to £42.5m as they look to push through a deal for the Uruguayan international.

David Moyes says Manchester United are "taking stock" over a third bid for Cesc Fabregas after Barcelona announced that the midfielder would not be sold. Moyes refused to rule out another offer for the Spain international, and revealed he still intends to add to his squad in the coming weeks.

Martin Montoya feels Barcelona are in good shape after hammering Valerenga 7-0 on Saturday. The Barca full-back is confident his side will adapt quickly to Gerardo Martino's tactics following the appointment of Tito Vilanova's replacement.

Jose Mourinho has admitted Eden Hazard has a lot of talent, but wants the Chelsea star to add more goals to his game. The new Blues boss says he will help Hazard transform his great talent into more goals, assists and big-game performances after an impressive first season in the Premier League.

Rio Ferdinand backs current Manchester United squad to win trophies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 23:05:00 +0000

he Premier League champions have only signed two new players since last season but the 34-year-old is confident that they are capable of winning trophies under David Moyes

Rio Ferdinand believes that Manchester United's squad is good enough to retain the Premier League title without further signings.

The Red Devils have failed with two bids to sign former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona and also missed out on Thiago , who opted to join his former boss, Pep Guardiola, at Bayern Munich.

Goal exclusively revealed on Monday that United are considering a move to trigger Marouane Fellaini's £22 million release clause at Everton, with Fabregas looking increasingly likely to remain at Camp Nou, but Ferdinand is confident ahead of the new campaign regardless of what David Moyes does between now and end of September.

"We're confident. If we had to go into the season with the players that we've got now, I'd be more than confident and have high hopes of doing well and winning trophies," he told Sky Sports News.

"If the manager adds to that and chooses to add to that, then great - but it remains to be seen."

Moyes also seems pleased with the options at his disposal after United ended their pre-season tour of Asia with a 5-2 victory over Kitchee on Monday.

"I'm taking away a great experience of my first trip with Manchester United in general and what the football club means around the world," Moyes enthused, "but I've also had a chance to get to know the players, try and settle into my new environment and the players to get to know me as well.

"They've been working with a great manager for a long time, a lot of them, so it's going to take time but I've enjoyed working with them - they're incredibly professional and I can see why they're champions.

"The way they conduct themselves and go about their business, I've been very impressed by the
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The Red Devils are weighing up a bid to meet the Everton star's release clause, having lost heart in their pursuit of the Barcelona midfielder

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 22:53:00 +0000

EXCLUSIVE
By Paul Clennam

Manchester United are set to turn their attentions to Marouane Fellaini as their hopes of luring Cesc Fabregas away from Barcelona continue to fade.

The Premier League champions are considering a move to trigger the Everton star's €25.5 million release clause, with Fabregas continuing to look likely to remain a Camp Nou player ahead of talks with coach Gerardo Martino.

Fellaini, who was seen dining at Rio Ferdinand's Rosso restaurant in Manchester over the weekend, will see his release clause increase on August 1 and, as such, United are quickly readying an offer.

Sources close to the club have also indicated that new boss David Moyes is considering a move for Fellaini's team-mate Leighton Baines in what would be a double raid on his former employers. The left-back, who was targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson last summer, is understood to be available for between €17.5m and €23.3m.

The Belgian currently earns €87,000-a-week at Goodison Park and Old Trafford officials are willing to sanction a salary package upwards of that if they submit a bid for his signature.

Moyes, who brought the former Standard Liege star to the Premier League in 2008, is keen to bolster his central-midfield options, with Paul Scholes having retired and Darren Fletcher's ongoing recovery from illness.

United are understood to be losing heart in their pursuit of Fabregas, who emerged as the the club's top summer target after they missed out on Thiago Alcantara, who joined Bayern Munich earlier in July.

Barcelona officials have long insisted that the former Arsenal captain is not for sale this summer, despite repeated and public enquiries from United.

Fellaini is seen as a cheaper alternative in central midfield, and hinted that he would be open to following his former boss to the Premier League champions in May.

"I only want to go to a club where the manager really wants me," said the 25-year-old. "In 2008, Everton did everything to convince me, especially David Moyes. He made me the player I am now."

The Toffees star has impressed United in recent years, scoring twice in his last three games against the Old Trafford side.