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Showing posts from January, 2014

Newcastle and PSG Reportedly Agree on Deal for Yohan Cabaye

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Yohan Cabaye's highly speculated return to Ligue 1 could come to fruition as early as this month after it was revealed that Paris Saint -Germain have taken a major step in signing Newcastle United's talisman. Sky Sports News reports that a deal has been agreed "in principle" for the 28-year-old to move back to his native land:

Arsenal could use Puma sponsorship deal to sign Radamel Falcao

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The Gunners have just signed a £150m British record kit sponsorship with Puma. They will replace Nike next season and £100m of that cash will be made available to Arsene Wenger to spend on players. Falcao made a £51m move to Monaco in the summer. But there's hope that the Gunners could make a move to lure him to London with their huge war-chest in the summer. Colombia star Falcao is sponsored by Puma and the sponsorship deal could aid a possible bid. Falcao was on the wrong end of a heavy challenge during Monaco's French Cup clash with Chasselay and his World Cup dreams are hanging by a knife-edge.

Wayne Rooney's Contract Extension Negotiations with Manchester United

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Wayne Rooney's new Manchester United contract will make him the highest-paid player in the country, according to Tuesday's report from Ian Ladyman in the Daily Mail . The extension could even be done by the end of the transfer window, claims Ladyman: Wayne Rooney is increasingly confident of signing a new record-breaking contract at  Manchester United and could even put pen to paper by the end of the week, it emerged on Monday night. There are some details of an agreement still to be ironed out but sources at  United told Sportsmail that things could move quickly once Rooney and his agent Paul Stretford get round the table again with the club's chief executive Ed Woodward.   A new deal would take Rooney's incentive-based pay up towards the £300,000-a-week mark and that w

Juan Mata signing just the start for David Moyes at Manchester United

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David Moyes has promised Manchester United fans that the £37.1m signing of Juan Mata will be the "first of many" arrivals at Old Trafford this year. The Premier League champions confirmed Mata's capture on Saturday evening and Moyes, who has also been linked with a move for Southampton left-back Luke Shaw, expects the Spanish playmaker to give his side a huge lift in their bid to finish in the top four. "This is the first, and there will be many more to come in time. I want the quality of Juan to be the start of it," Moyes told MUTV. "I don't think we will have any more (new signings) in January - I'm still working on it and looking to do so. But hopefully it

Transfer news: Wilfried Zaha and Kenwyne Jones set to move to Cardiff City

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Sky sources understand Wilfried Zaha and Kenwyne Jones are at St George's Park for medicals ahead of their proposed moves to Cardiff City. It is understood that England Under-21 winger Zaha will join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on loan for the remainder of the season for a fee in the region of £1.5million. The 21-year-old has been restricted to just four appearances for United this season, one of which came in the Community Shield win over Wigan. A move to south Wales would allow the former Crystal Palace man some much needed regular first-team action. With Theo Walcott ruled out of the World Cup later this year, Zaha will no doubt hope to catch the eye of England manager Roy Hodgson during his loan spell at Cardiff.

Roberto Martinez backs Romelu Lukaku over Nicolas Anelka 'quenelle' comments

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Anelka has until 6pm today to respond to an FA misconduct charge over his use of the 'quenelle' - a gesture originating in France which some associate with anti-Semitism. The West Brom striker insists the gesture was meant only as an anti-establishment protest and Lukaku this week called on the authorities not to issue a suspension. Now Martinez wants to make it clear his on-loan forward was speaking in support of his former Chelsea team-mate rather than the 'quenelle' itself. Player Profile 17. Romelu Lukaku Appearances 22 (4) Goals 11 Assists 7 Yellows 1 Reds 0 Current Season He said: "Romelu wan

Transfer news: Juan Mata expected to agree move from Chelsea to Manchester United

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Juan Mata is expected to agree his move from Chelsea to Manchester United on Thursday. The Spain international did not train with Chelsea on Wednesday but is understood to have told team-mates that his departure from the club was imminent. A £40m offer for Mata is thought to have been made through a third party on Wednesday, although it is understood Chelsea have yet to formally accept a bid from United. Player Profile 10. Juan Mata Appearances 17 (5) Goals 3 Assists 2 Yellows 0

Barcelona President Sandro Rosell could resign from the club's board on Thursday.

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Vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Javier Faus visited the president at his home on Thursday morning, ahead of the important reunion at club headquarters later on today Barcelona have called an extraordinary general meeting amid speculation that Sandro Rosell could resign from the club's board on Thursday. The move comes only a day after the Spanish High Court agreed to open proceedings against Rosell over an alleged misappropriation of funds from the Neymar transfer from Santos in the summer. Rosell, who took over from old foe Joan Laporta in 2010 after winning a landslide vote, has denied any wrongdoing in the Neymar case, but could face imprisonment for anywhere between one and eight years if found guilty. Barca vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Javier Faus met with Rosell at his home this morning and will join the Barca president at the extraordinary meeting later on Thursday, along with deputy president Joanj

Miralem Pjanic has hinted he could be open to a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

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The midfielder says Laurent Blanc's side would be the only team in France he would consider joining but has stressed he is happy with life at Roma Roma attacking midfielder Miralem Pjanic has hinted he could be open to a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old has been earmarked as one of Laurent Blanc's primary transfer targets this month following a strong first half of the season with the Giallorossi , while Manchester United have also been credited with an interest. Pjanic - who joined Roma from Olympique Lyonnais in 2011 - has stressed he is enjoying life in the Italian capital but suggests he could be tempted to return to France should PSG come calling. "It's the only club I would go to in France," he told  Telefoot when asked about PSG. "I'm at Roma, it's a big club and I feel really good here. I love the fans and I am a fan of Roma. If there must be a transfer, all parties must agree. For the mo

Eden Hazard has ruled out a Chelsea exit during January or in the summer

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Eden Hazard has ruled out a Chelsea exit during January or in the summer, insisting the club is the best place for him to continue progressing. Jose Mourinho recently hailed the Belgian's form after the midfielder equalled last season's goal tally with his ninth of the season against Hull City last time out. Hazard says he is aware of speculation surrounding his future, namely links with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but is only interested in playing under the "paternal" Mourinho. "I really understand what I have to do; be consistent and score," he told Telefoot . "This is what I get to do now and I'm happy. "Mourinho has a paternal side. He says intelligent things and gives us the desire to move forward. "Every transfer window, people tell me that I will leave Chelsea. It is often to Paris Saint-Germain. PSG are a great club but I like Chelsea and there is no chance I will leave during January or in the summer. "C

Nemanja Vidic still believes Manchester United can retain title

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Nemanja Vidic believes Manchester United are still capable of retaining the Premier League title this season. Most pundits have already written off the Red Devils, who are 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal after 21 matches, but United skipper Vidic is refusing to throw in the towel with so many big games coming up. "I am not giving up. Not yet," said Vidic ahead of Sunday's crucial trip to Chelsea. "The next six or seven matches will determine how we are going to do. The results we get will tell us what our aim will be this season. "Chelsea away is a tough match. If we win it, we are six points behind them. That would still give us a chance to think about winning the title. "I know it doesn't sound right at the moment. But with a few wins in a row we still can challenge for the title. &quo

Transfer news: Man United midfielder Anderson completes Fiorentina loan move

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Fiorentina have signed midfielder Anderson on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season. The 25-year-old has been an infrequent presence since David Moyes took over at Old Trafford, starting only three games and making five further appearances off the bench. He had not been involved since the 2-0 win over Stoke a month ago and now hopes to help his new side reach the Champions League, joining Alessandro Matri and Antonio Rosati in boosting their squad. Fiorentina sit fourth in Serie A, five points behind third-placed Napoli and 15 off leaders Juventus.

Transfer news: David Moyes in Search of top players to join Manchester United

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  0 David Moyes claims 'big players' still want to join Manchester United as they remain the biggest club on the planet. The Red Devils have endured their fair share of struggles in the 2013/14 campaign, with the  reigning Premier League champions facing a battle to secure a top-four finish. A trip to title-chasing Chelsea on Sunday could go a long way towards shaping their season, with it imperative that United take something away from Stamford Bridge. Moyes is, however, convinced that he made the right choice in agreeing to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, with United still enjoying a global standing above their domestic rivals. The Scot said: "Manchester United are not only the biggest club i

Real Madrid's superb start to 2014 has Five wins, Five games,13 goals and none conceded.

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Five games, five wins, 13 goals and none conceded. Real Madrid's superb start to 2014 has dispelled doubts from earlier this season: gone is the defensive disorganisation, so too the midfield imbalance and the lack of cohesion in attack, making way for a solid, structured and free-scoring side. The new year has brought with it a new Madrid - a team that looks increasingly ready to challenge for the biggest prizes. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has survived the early-season wobbles and criticism from press and fans to sculpt a strong side which has improved gradually but continually. On Saturday, Madrid beat Betis 5-0 in some style to build on their excellent recent results and move level - albeit provisionally - with Barcelona and Atletico at the top of La Liga. It started, as it does so often, with Cristiano Ronaldo: the Ballon d'Or winner opened the scoring with his latest golazo , a 30-yard missile fired into the top corner at incredible speed - 115 kilo

De Bruyne: I lost my joy under Mourinho at Chelsea

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  Kevin De Bruyne felt he had to leave Chelsea after becoming unhappy at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho. The Belgian started both of the club's first two Premier League games of the season, against Hull City and Manchester United, but after coming off the bench against Fulham found his appearances restricted to cup competition.

Sunday War : Chelsea face Manchester United; Arsenal and Man City at home

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Chelsea's Super Sunday showdown with Manchester United takes centre stage in the Premier League this weekend, while Arsenal and Manchester City have home dates on Saturday. The Gunners returned to the top of the table courtesy of their hard-fought 2-1 win away to Aston Villa on Monday night and will remain at the summit with victory over struggling Fulham. Manuel Pellegrini's City look set to complete a century of goals for the season in all competitions when they welcome relegation-threatened Cardiff to the Etihad, having moved onto 99 with Wednesday's FA Cup romp against Blackburn. Liverpool, who remain contenders for the title, can be seen live on Sky Sports 1HD when they fac

Manchester United midfielder Anderson set for Fiorentina medical ahead of loan move

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Anderson is due to have a medical in Florence today ahead of his proposed loan move to Fiorentina. The Manchester United midfielder travelled to Italy on Thursday for talks with the Serie A club's sporting director Daniele Prade. Fiorentina posted a photograph of the talks on their website and said a medical would take place today. And United boss David Moyes later confirmed a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer was the plan. He said: "We've not been able to get him as many games as we hoped. We feel it's a good opportunity for him - he's going to a good club in a good league so hopefully that gets him some benefit." Anderson has struggled for first-team football under Moyes in in seventh season at Old Trafford. The Brazil international, who cost a reported £27m when he joined Un

Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney miss Manchester United's trip to Chelsea

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Manchester United will again be without Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie when they go to Chelsea on Sunday. Rooney is back in England following warm-weather training, but his groin injury has not healed in time for the weekend. And van Persie, who has played just twice since November 10, will not return to training until next week - by which time United could be 14 points off top spot in the Premier League. Speaking at his press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to London, Moyes said: "Wayne's come back fresh but not ready for Chelsea "He's doing some running and looking good. He's had a break, done some strengthening work on his groin. Hopefully he'll benefit, but not for this game." Asked whether Rooney would be back for the second leg of United's Capital One Cup semi-final against Sunderland on Wednesday, Moyes was non-committal. He said: "Possibly. I don't want to say he'll be fit for whatever game and t

David Moyes: Time will tell whether Jose Mourinho is right about Wayne Rooney sale

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David Moyes has made light of Jose Mourinho's claim that Manchester United could sell Wayne Rooney this summer. Rooney is inside the final 18 months of his contract and was the subject of a failed Chelsea bid back in pre-season. Mourinho now holds out little hope of landing last summer's number one target, but on the eve of United's trip to Stamford Bridge he suggested United could sell to a "non-domestic rival" in the coming months. "Man United made it clear in the summer they don't swap or sell players to their direct rivals," said Mourinho. "They were clear in the way they approached the Rooney situation. For them, it's pretty clear. They don't swap. They don't sell. "I think maybe this summer they will try to sell to a non-direct rival. But they were very clear."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho mocks Manchester United link

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Old Trafford is thought to have been Mourinho's desired choice for his second spell in England, only for Sir Alex Ferguson to recommend David Moyes as his successor. In Diego Torres' book 'Prepare to Lose: The Mourinho Era', it is claimed that Mourinho sobbed when he was told that Moyes would be taking over at United and viewed the decision as a betrayal by Ferguson. "I think the person who wrote that book shouldn't write books. He should write books for kids using his imagination," Mourinho said. "I am where I want to be. I want to go nowhere else. I have the job I want to have, I don't have another job. "When I left Porto I wanted to come to England because at that time there was no Chelsea, I

Manchester United owners remain calm despite recent drop in share price

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The Glazer family insist they remain confident over the outlook at Manchester United despite a recent fall in the champions' share price. United's shares opened at 15.16 US dollars (£9.26) on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, over $4 down on their high of $19.34 last May. However, they remain higher than the 12-month low of $14.39 and the Glazers, who own the Old Trafford club, are adamant they continue to take a 'long-term view' on the shares, which were launched at $14 in August 2012. A source close to the club said: "The Glazer family take very much a long-term view about share prices and the value of the club - there have been a number of fluctuations in the last 18 months but they remain comfortable about the current position." Over the past year, a number of factors at the club have had a

David Moyes accepts FA charge following comments after Sunderland defeat

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Manchester United boss David Moyes has accepted an FA charge of misconduct following his comments about match officials in the Capital One Cup defeat at Sunderland. Moyes will now face a fine or a warning following a disciplinary hearing, which will take place in due course and he has chosen not to attend. Moyes was charged after speaking out in the aftermath of his side's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg loss last week. The Scot said United "were playing referees as well as the opposition" after a number of decisions went against his side in the 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light. Moyes suggested his side had endured a run of bad decisions, a situation he des

Transfer news: Sporting Lisbon keen on taking Nani from Manchester United

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Sporting Lisbon have welcomed reports suggesting that they may be able to return Nani to the club from Manchester United. With the Portugal international out of favour at Old Trafford and struggling for game time, a loan switch has been mooted. Nani has long been linked with a switch to Serie A, with top Italian clubs having been trailing him for some time. It could, however, be that he is soon heading back to his roots. A product of Sporting's academy system, Nani is still held in high regard in the Portuguese capital. A spell back at the club that helped to launch his career before selling to United in 2007 could offer Nani the regular opportunities he needs ahead of the World Cup, and president Bruno de

Gianluigi Buffon says Manchester United were 'blind' over Paul Pogba

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   Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says Manchester United must have been  'blind' not to see the talent they had in Paul Pogba. Pogba has emerged as one of the best young players in world football after deciding to quit Old Trafford in 2012. Pogba came through the youth ranks at United, but was only on the fringes of the first team when he opted to leave when his contract expired and join Juve. The 21-year-old has gone on to become a key figure in Juve's side and helped them to the Serie A title last season. He is also now a full France international and is set to play a leading role for Didier Deschamps' side at the World Cup finals. United have even been lin

Transfer news: Chelsea complete deal for Nemanja Matic from Benfica

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Chelsea have completed the signing of former midfielder Nemanja Matic from Benfica for a fee believed to be in excess of £20m. The 25-year-old left Chelsea in 2011 to move to  Benfica as part of the deal that saw David Luiz arrive at Stamford Bridge. He has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2019. Matic, who arrived in London on Tuesday night ahead of putting pen-to-paper on his  contract with Chelsea on Wednesday afternoon, said he is delighted to return to Chelsea. "I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club," he told chelseafc.com Player Profile 21. Nemanja Matic Appearances 10 Goals 1 Assists 0 Yellows 2 Reds 1 Current  Season "I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy." The Serbian midfielder was initially signed by then-manager Carlo Ancelotti for Chelsea in 2009 from MSK Kosice at th

Ronaldo joins Messi, Platini and elite list of multiple Ballon d'Or winners

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  The Portugal star was crowned the world's best player for the second time in his career on Monday to become only the 10th player to win the prestigious prize more than once Cristiano Ronaldo became only the 10th player to win multiple Ballon d'Or awards when he lifted the 2013 prize on Monday. RONALDO JOINS ELITE PLAYER WINNING YEARS Lionel Messi '09, '10, '11, '12 Johan Cruyff '71, '73, '74 Michel Platini '83, '84, '85 Marco van