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Manchester City agree €27 million fee with Fiorentina for Jovetic

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Wolverine GTR

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    PSG complete Cavani signing

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    Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a deal believed to be worth around €64 million.

    Cavani, 26, joins the club in a Ligue 1 record deal, just over a week after PSG had said they were confident the switch would soon be completed.Monaco paid a reported €60 million to sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, having earlier established a new top-flight record fee by paying €45 million for James Rodriguez.

    PSG, however, trumped their rivals with the signing of Cavani, who was presented to the media at a press conference on Tuesday.Cavani said PSG's potential to win the Champions League helped convince him to move to the French capital where he hopes to form "a great attacking duo" with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    "It's a rich, motivating, ambitious project here and I think like that too. Sincerely, I'm a player who is a competitor, I always want to win. Many players would like to play here, they're among the best teams in the world, part of that group of clubs that can fight for the Champions League. That's an objective for me too, a very strong ambition, that's why I came here," Cavani explained.

    Though Cavani revealed he had been given no guarantees when signing other than of the club's lofty ambitions, he said he was looking forward to the prospect of playing with Ibrahimovic, 31, despite persistent speculation linking the Swedish international with a move away from the club.

    "Ibra is a world champion, and for another striker it's a pleasure to play with him. He's used to winning titles, he's a winner, that's very positive for the team. I come into this big club hoping to form a great attacking duo with him," Cavani said, before adding that it would not stop him battling with his team-mate and Monaco's Radamel Falcao to finish the season as Ligue 1's top scorer."It's going to be tough, because we're goalscorers, and always try to bring to the team our goals. It's our mission and ambition to score. It's going to be a very tight competition, and hope that we can give the French league a lot of goals."

    Cavani's number nine shirt, previously worn by Guillaume Hoarau, was on sale before the prolific striker had even been seen by the press with his official presentation - originally scheduled for 16:00CET - postponed two hours due to a delay in Napoli giving their final assent to the deal.When he finally emerged alongside his new acquisition, PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi could barely conceal his delight at having beaten a number of suitors, including Chelsea, to the signature of one of Europe's most potent goalscorers.

    "Everyone knows Cavani, everyone wanted him, but today he's signed for us, he's a PSG player and I'm very happy about that. He was the top scorer in Serie A, I hope he'll do better with us this season. I hope too that we'll continue our project to win Ligue 1, and do our maximum in the Champions League. It's not easy, but we'll do our best. The arrival of Cavani is the proof of the continuity of our project, to realise our objectives to make PSG the best team in Europe."Khelaifi also announced sporting director Leonardo would leave the club with immediate effect, rather than on September 2 as had been originally announced.

    Cavani stated the Brazilian's departure had not made him waver in his determination to move to France. "I never hesitated. This project is rich, dense in motivation, full of elements that give you confidence and make you want to come here: the team, the players, and the club, which hopes to win important titles."

    "Today was his last day," Al Khelaifi told the media sitting alongside Cavani at the Parc des Princes. "I would like to thank him for the work he's done in his last two years. We have a very good relationship. He's the sporting director, and a friend. I wish him the best for the future."

    With the deal for Cavani completed, the 1994 World Cup winner, who was recently banned from carrying out official matchday duties until next June after barging into a Ligue 1 referee in May, has brought forward his departure.

    "The punishment was too hard for him," Al Khelaifi stated, before confirming the club were still working on new arrivals to reinforce Laurent Blanc's squad in the hope of improving on last season's Ligue 1 title win and Champions League quarter-final appearance, and insisted the joint-departures of Leonardo and last season's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, had done nothing to alter the club's ambitions."I've heard people talk about the credibility of the club. We're not changing our objective, which is to win the Champions League in the next four years and why not next year? We'll do our best. We have to win the league next season.

    Everyone knows the club's ambitions, they don't change. All the players, all the people who are here and leave, the project does not change."
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    :shocked::(:(:(Rooney 'angry and confused' at Manchester United

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    Wayne Rooney's future at Manchester United has been thrown into fresh doubt with widespread media reports on Tuesday suggesting the player has been left unhappy with comments made by manager David Moyes.Rooney, who was forced to return from United's pre-season tour in Bangkok after suffering a hamstring injury, is said to have been left "angry and confused" by Moyes' remarks at the weekend.

    The new United boss had said: "Overall, my thought on Wayne is that if for any reason we had an injury to Robin van Persie we are going to need him. I want as many options as possible." The England international is not willing to be a mere squad player and the news is likely to alert Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who has made no attempt to hide his admiration for the striker.

    And incoming executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has insisted there are no plans to open talks with Rooney over a new contract. Woodward said: "There are no contract renewals that are being discussed. I am not sitting down with any player on an extension and there is no trigger date in the diary. Would we be afraid to run a contract down? Of course not."

    Rooney reportedly submitted a transfer request towards the end of last season and was dropped from the squad by Sir Alex Ferguson. The player himself has made no public statement about his future, only fueling further speculation.
     

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    Sahin excited by Dortmund signings

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    The midfielder, on loan from Real Madrid, is optimistic that the new arrivals can re-establish the club as Germany's top team this season Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin is enthused by the club's summer signings and hopes they can cut short Bayern Munich's domination in Germany.

    The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Sokratis Papastathopoulous have joined Jurgen Klopp's side in hopes they can put a stop to the Bavarians repeating last season's unprecedented treble win.

    Sahin, who has 12 months left on his loan from Real Madrid, is optimistic the new additions can aid the club's push to end their rival's running riot in the Bundesliga.

    The 24-year-old told a press conference on Tuesday: "The new guys are absolutely good people who want to fit in well.

    "We've already seen what [Mkhitaryan] Micki - who joined for a club record €27.5 million - can do. [Papastathopoulos] is a very cool, relaxed guy and [Aubameyang] brings incredible speed and skill with him.

    "We do not want anything like last year to happen again and we hope to have a really good season."

    Die Borussen were knocked out of both the Champions League and DFB-Pokal by Jupp Heynckes' men last term, in addition to finishing 25 points behind the Bavarians in the Bundesliga.
     

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    Neymar knows Messi is ahead of him, claims Edmilson

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    The veteran Selecao defender believes the former Santos starlet is well aware that he will have to play second fiddle to the Argentine Brazil legend Edmilson claims compatriot Neymar is fully aware of the work that needs to be done before he can reach Lionel Messi's stature within in the game.

    The duo are set to partner one another in attack for Barcelona next season following the the 21-year-old Brazil international's switch to Camp Nou earlier this summer.

    And Edmilson, who helped facilitate the youngster's move to Catalunya, believes Neymar's new team-mates will be pleasantly surprised at the humility of the Selecao star.

    "People in the Barcelona dressing room will be surprised with the way he behaves, at how he listens to those who are better than him. He will not create any issues," Edmilson told reporters.

    "Neymar is a very smart guy, he knows that Messi is ahead of him.

    "Neymar is joyful, he is a tremendous guy. He and Messi are two great players with different characteristics.

    "There is much talk of whether they can work together, with what Cruyff has said, people want to make trouble of a situation that has not even started yet."

    The Blaugrana supporters could be given their first taste of the Neymar-Messi partnership for the club's Spanish Super Cup clash against Atletico Madrid in August.
     

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    PSG: We're chasing Barcelona stars

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    The club's president has thanked Leonardo for his role as sporting director following his resignation and spoke about who the summer transfer targets are
    Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelafi says Thiago Silva will not be sold to Barcelona this summer - but revealed he intends to counter their pursuit by swooping for a number of Blaugrana stars.

    Speculation has intensified in recent days over where the Brazil international will be plying his trade next season, with reports in Spain stating the Catalans had already agreed personal terms with the defender.

    However, Al-Khelafi has denied such an agreement, while hinting at a role-reversal by stating the Spanish champions could struggle to hang on to their big names if les Parisiens declare an interest.

    "Thiago will not leave for Barcelona. He has a four-year contract left," he told RMC Sport.

    "He will line up for us against Bordeaux for the Trophee des Champions on August 3. So he will definitely be with us. But we, on the other hand, are following some Barca players."

    Meanwhile, the Qatari chief revealed the club had no intentions of ending their shopping spree just yet after securing Edinson Cavani and confirmed negotiations were underway to secure Marquinhos and Lucas Digne from Roma and Lille respectively.

    "Transfers are not finished for PSG this summer. We will go for another player," he said.

    "Marquinhos and Digne? Those are two young players. We are discussing with their clubs right now. We're just discussing. There is no agreement in place."

    The club's sporting director Leonardo parted company with the French giants on Tuesday and Al-Khelafi added that deputy CEO Jean-Claude Blanc and assistant coach Olivier Letang would now preside over future negotiations.

    "Who will replace Leonardo? I have a very strong team around me with Letang and Jean-Claude Blanc, who had an important role in Cavani's arrival," he added.

    "I am proud of the work this great professional has done and he will finish off the transfer period."
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    'Napoli must turn the page without Cavani'

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    Aurelio De Laurentiis admitted to being saddened at the loss of his star striker, but believes it is time for the club to draw a line under the saga Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis believes the club must "turn the page" and move on after Edinson Cavani completed his move to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

    The Uruguay international put an end to months of speculation by penning a five-year deal with the French champions on Tuesday for an estimated €63 million.

    And De Laurentiis, who admits to hoping his prized-asset would take a U-turn on the move, took to Twitter to claim it's time for a new star to emerge and write a new chapter in the club's annals.

    He wrote: "I hoped until the very last minute he would reconsider his position but it was not to be.

    "I wish him well, but now it is time for us to turn the page."

    The 26-year-old netted 104 times in 138 appearances throughout his three-year stay with the Partenopei.
     

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    Mourinho rules out key Chelsea departures

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    The Portuguese insists the club are in no need to sell squad members following big-money arrivals of Andre Schurrle and Marco van Ginkel Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted the club do not need to sell players this summer to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

    The Portuguese has overseen the arrivals of both Andre Schurrle and Marco van Ginkel in big-money moves since returning to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge in June.

    And, with no significant departures yet to arise at the club, Mourinho dismissed the need to balance the books to satisfy Uefa's guidelines and hinted at future signings before the end of the transfer window.

    "The club is solid. The club is very well organised, the numbers are correct," Mourinho told Sky Sports News. "We as a club want to follow the Financial Fair Play rules, but we are in a very stable situation.

    "I like the squad, I like the profile. I like the fact we have a very young squad with three or four experienced players that are still in a fantastic moment of their career.

    "The market is open and anything can happen, but it depends on the opportunities and it depends if the market really starts, because at the moment the market is very stopped.

    "We are okay, we are very much okay. If the transfer window closed tomorrow and we do nothing, I am more than happy."

    Branislav Ivanovic is reportedly been attracting interest from elsewhere, but Mourinho claims no concrete offer has been forthcoming before underlining his determination to keep the Serbia international at the club.

    "They didn't contact Chelsea. If there was any interest, it was not official," he added.

    "As a manager, a board, we have the responsibility of running the club, and the owner, and we are very, very clear that there is no chance that Ivanovic will leave Chelsea."
     

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    Swindon Town 1-1 Tottenham: Spurs held despite Bale stunner

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    Tottenham slumped to a draw in their first pre-season game of the 2013-14 campaign against League One outfit Swindon Town despite the best efforts of Gareth Bale.

    The 24-year-old winger scored a terrific first-half opener, although a deflected second-half strike from Andy Williams pegged back Andre Villas-Boas' side.

    Bale was joined by the likes of Hugo Lloris, Jermain Defoe and Kyle Walker in the Spurs starting XI as Portuguese boss Villas-Boas opted for a strong line-up at the County Ground.

    And the visitors started brightly, with Bale forcing Wes Foderingham into a save in just the second minute before Defoe headed against the bar from the resulting corner.

    Spurs were dominating possession in the early exchanges and, after Nabil Bentaleb's tame shot was comfortably held by Foderingham, Villas-Boas' side did take the lead through that man Bale after 15 minutes.

    The Welshman, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, cut inside from his starting position on the right wing and unleashed an unstoppable left-footed drive past Foderingham and into the top corner.

    Foderingham, who had saved well from Defoe moments earlier, was called upon again with 21 minutes gone, this time diverting Huddlestone's whipped free kick from the left round his post as the ball bounced dangerously inside the six-yard box.

    Having been unable to get on the ball for much of the first half, Swindon did manage to force a couple of chances before the break, with Louis Thompson forcing Lloris to save well with his feet before Alex Pritchard arrowed a shot high and wide when well placed in the box.

    Villas-Boas swapped 10 players at the interval, with the likes of Scott Parker, Aaron Lennon and Jan Vertonghen all being introduced for the second half and only Gylfi Sigurdsson remaining from the starting side.

    And the Iceland international came close to putting Spurs two up inside the opening minutes of the second period, curling a shot from distance just wide of Foderingham's left-hand post.

    Swindon followed with a couple of chances in quick succession as Pritchard sent a curling effort from just outside the box inches wide of replacement goalkeeper Brad Friedel's left-hand post before the American was again called into action to tip over Massimo Luongo's dipping shot from range.

    Sigurdsson was again involved as he raced through into the Swindon box but, with Jon Obika unmarked and waiting for a tap-in in the box, the former Reading midfielder only managed to pick out Foderingham with his lofted ball across.

    Spurs would ultimately pay the price as they struggled to assert themselves in the second half, with Williams grabbing the equaliser with 15 minutes remaining as he charged forward and struck a shot that deflected off Steven Caulker and looped over Friedel and in.
     
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