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Chelsea loan out Van Aanholt, Kakuta & Thorgan Hazard
Chelsea have sent Patrick van Aanholt and Gael Kakuta back on loan to Vitesse, while Thorgan Hazard returns to Zulte Waregem for the upcoming season.
Kakuta and Van Aanholt have spent pre-season training with Vitesse, and both featured as the club finished second to Ajax in the Eredivisie last term.
Chelsea and Vitesse enjoy a close relationship which helped the Blues tie up a deal for star midfielder Marco van Ginkel earlier this summer.
Hazard, the younger brother of Eden, shone for Zulte Waregem as they mounted a surprise challenge for the Belgian title last season, narrowly losing out to Anderlecht on the final day.
The 20-year-old earned his first senior call-up for Belgium in May, replacing Romelu Lukaku in the second half of a 4-2 victory over the USA.
Chelsea have sent Patrick van Aanholt and Gael Kakuta back on loan to Vitesse, while Thorgan Hazard returns to Zulte Waregem for the upcoming season.
Kakuta and Van Aanholt have spent pre-season training with Vitesse, and both featured as the club finished second to Ajax in the Eredivisie last term.
Chelsea and Vitesse enjoy a close relationship which helped the Blues tie up a deal for star midfielder Marco van Ginkel earlier this summer.
Hazard, the younger brother of Eden, shone for Zulte Waregem as they mounted a surprise challenge for the Belgian title last season, narrowly losing out to Anderlecht on the final day.
The 20-year-old earned his first senior call-up for Belgium in May, replacing Romelu Lukaku in the second half of a 4-2 victory over the USA.
Bernat: I wish Soldado the best if he joins Tottenham
Valencia midfielder Bernat says he wishes Roberto Soldado "the best" if he decided to leave the club to join Tottenham.
Goal understands Spurs are confident of sealing a deal for the striker with Soldado keen to push for a move to White Hart Lane.
Bernat, meanwhile, says Soldado will be missed at Valencia if he opts to move to the Premier League, but says he will go with his blessing.
"They are negotiating now. I wish him the best, he must decide. We know he has had very good seasons in Valencia, he has given us so much," he told reporters.
"If he stays we know he will help a lot because he scores many goals and that's good for the team; if he leaves I wish him the best."
Soldado scored 24 goals in La Liga last season as Valencia finished the season in fifth place.
Valencia midfielder Bernat says he wishes Roberto Soldado "the best" if he decided to leave the club to join Tottenham.
Goal understands Spurs are confident of sealing a deal for the striker with Soldado keen to push for a move to White Hart Lane.
Bernat, meanwhile, says Soldado will be missed at Valencia if he opts to move to the Premier League, but says he will go with his blessing.
"They are negotiating now. I wish him the best, he must decide. We know he has had very good seasons in Valencia, he has given us so much," he told reporters.
"If he stays we know he will help a lot because he scores many goals and that's good for the team; if he leaves I wish him the best."
Soldado scored 24 goals in La Liga last season as Valencia finished the season in fifth place.
Hummels eyes Bayern revenge
Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has set his sights on revenge in Saturday's DFL-Supercup clash against Bayern Munich.
Jurgen Klopp's side lost in the annual curtain-raiser to the German champions last term, but the 24-year-old feels that beating the Bavarians at Signal Iduna Park will be key for Jurgen Klopp's side.
"A win against Bayern could be a sign of how successfully we can compete in the new season," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"We want to win a game against one of the best teams in the world - perhaps even the best. That's our goal and that's our motivation."
Dortmund will be without the likes of Lukasz Piszczek and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Saturday's clash with Pep Guardiola's men but sporting director Michael Zorc has pledged not to field a weak XI.
"We want to win the first trophy of the season and we're looking forward to a great game," he added. "We will not play a B-Team."
Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has set his sights on revenge in Saturday's DFL-Supercup clash against Bayern Munich.
Jurgen Klopp's side lost in the annual curtain-raiser to the German champions last term, but the 24-year-old feels that beating the Bavarians at Signal Iduna Park will be key for Jurgen Klopp's side.
"A win against Bayern could be a sign of how successfully we can compete in the new season," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"We want to win a game against one of the best teams in the world - perhaps even the best. That's our goal and that's our motivation."
Dortmund will be without the likes of Lukasz Piszczek and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Saturday's clash with Pep Guardiola's men but sporting director Michael Zorc has pledged not to field a weak XI.
"We want to win the first trophy of the season and we're looking forward to a great game," he added. "We will not play a B-Team."
Ancelotti 'sorry' for Leonardo
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he is "sorry" over Leonardo's decision to quit Paris Saint-Germain after he was given a 13-month ban for shoving a referee.
The Italian coach, who left PSG for Real Madrid earlier this summer, enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Leonardo at the Parc des Princes, as they secured several high profile signings during their time together.
But following Ancelotti's switch to the Bernabeu, the Brazilian also opted to quit his position of sporting director with the Ligue 1 champions after failing to overturn his punishment.
"I'm sorry for Leonardo. You have to respect his decision. I never had any problems with him," he told reporters after Madrid's 2-2 friendly draw with Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday.
The former AC Milan boss then reflected on his first weeks in charge of los Blancos and on a battling display at Stade de Gerland, as goals from Alvaro Morata and Casemiro spared his side's blushes at the Stade de Gerland.
He added: "It was a beautiful night. A good match. At this point in the season, with 15 days of training less, it's different. We had a good reaction in the second period. It was a good warm-up match.
"This is a club with great history. Being coach of Real is a beautiful thing. I will do my best for this club."
Ancelotti was joined in the dugout by the club's new sporting director Zinedine Zidane, who revealed he had enjoyed being on the other side of the white line and paid tribute to the club's head coach as he himself looks to become a boss in his own right in the future.
"My first sensations are good," said Zidane.
"This is what I wanted to do. I'm happy to be on the bench and learn. The most important thing is to watch and pay attention to everything. With the coach and staff it goes well. There are worse than Ancelotti as a teacher, it's sure. Coach Real one day? We'll see. It is still far."
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he is "sorry" over Leonardo's decision to quit Paris Saint-Germain after he was given a 13-month ban for shoving a referee.
The Italian coach, who left PSG for Real Madrid earlier this summer, enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Leonardo at the Parc des Princes, as they secured several high profile signings during their time together.
But following Ancelotti's switch to the Bernabeu, the Brazilian also opted to quit his position of sporting director with the Ligue 1 champions after failing to overturn his punishment.
"I'm sorry for Leonardo. You have to respect his decision. I never had any problems with him," he told reporters after Madrid's 2-2 friendly draw with Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday.
The former AC Milan boss then reflected on his first weeks in charge of los Blancos and on a battling display at Stade de Gerland, as goals from Alvaro Morata and Casemiro spared his side's blushes at the Stade de Gerland.
He added: "It was a beautiful night. A good match. At this point in the season, with 15 days of training less, it's different. We had a good reaction in the second period. It was a good warm-up match.
"This is a club with great history. Being coach of Real is a beautiful thing. I will do my best for this club."
Ancelotti was joined in the dugout by the club's new sporting director Zinedine Zidane, who revealed he had enjoyed being on the other side of the white line and paid tribute to the club's head coach as he himself looks to become a boss in his own right in the future.
"My first sensations are good," said Zidane.
"This is what I wanted to do. I'm happy to be on the bench and learn. The most important thing is to watch and pay attention to everything. With the coach and staff it goes well. There are worse than Ancelotti as a teacher, it's sure. Coach Real one day? We'll see. It is still far."
Messi: I didn't appoint Martino
Lionel Messi has rubbished suggestions he was behind Barcelona's decision to hire Gerardo Martino as the club's new coach.
The 44-year-old was confirmed as Tito Vilanova's replacement - who stepped down to continue his recovery from a cancer relapse - on Tuesday, after a successful stint in charge of Messi's childhood side Newell's Old Boys.
That has led to rumours the four-time Ballon d'Or winner had a strong influence in the club's latest appointment, something he was quick to dismiss after Barca were beaten 2-0 by Bayern in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
He said: "I don't have anything to do with the signing of Martino and I have nothing to explain. It's [Barca president Sandro] Rosell and the club's thing. At that time, I said that he looked like a good coach, but I have nothing to explain.
"I don't know him personally and have never seen him or Luis Enrique, who was also linked. He seems to be a good signing as he has demonstrated with Newell's and Paraguay that he is capable. Hopefully he'll do well here.
"After Tito's departure, we must begin again. It will be a hard season for us."
Martino also enjoyed success with Paraguay, guiding the nation to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup - where they were beaten by Spain - and the final of the 2011 Copa America, only to be beaten 3-0 by Uruguay at the final hurdle.
Lionel Messi has rubbished suggestions he was behind Barcelona's decision to hire Gerardo Martino as the club's new coach.
The 44-year-old was confirmed as Tito Vilanova's replacement - who stepped down to continue his recovery from a cancer relapse - on Tuesday, after a successful stint in charge of Messi's childhood side Newell's Old Boys.
That has led to rumours the four-time Ballon d'Or winner had a strong influence in the club's latest appointment, something he was quick to dismiss after Barca were beaten 2-0 by Bayern in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
He said: "I don't have anything to do with the signing of Martino and I have nothing to explain. It's [Barca president Sandro] Rosell and the club's thing. At that time, I said that he looked like a good coach, but I have nothing to explain.
"I don't know him personally and have never seen him or Luis Enrique, who was also linked. He seems to be a good signing as he has demonstrated with Newell's and Paraguay that he is capable. Hopefully he'll do well here.
"After Tito's departure, we must begin again. It will be a hard season for us."
Martino also enjoyed success with Paraguay, guiding the nation to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup - where they were beaten by Spain - and the final of the 2011 Copa America, only to be beaten 3-0 by Uruguay at the final hurdle.
Schalke 2-0 Southampton: Huntelaar & Matip down Saints
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Joel Matip came off the bench to score second-half goals as Schalke beat Southampton 2-0 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
The Bundesliga side's strength in depth proved the difference in Villach on Wednesday as former Real Madrid, Ajax and AC Milan striker Huntelaar showcased his predatory nous just before the hour.
Matip then added a second as Schalke followed up Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Besiktas with a morale-boosting victory.
Southampton had started the brighter of the two teams, Rickie Lambert testing goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand with an 11th-minute header before Lloyd Isgrove shot wide from 30 yards seven minutes later.
Jason Puncheon and Michel Bastos then spurned opportunities for the Premier League outfit before the half-time interval offered both managers the chance to make wholesale changes.
Huntelaar was the most notable Schalke player introduced, Adam Lallana the pick of the Southampton substitutes sent on.
And Netherlands international Huntelaar wasted little time in making his presence felt as he opened the scoring after 58 minutes. An initial effort from Christian Clemens was parried by Kelvin Davis and the 29-year-old pounced to fire home the rebound.
Lallana blazed over as Southampton pressed for an immediate response, but the result was put beyond any doubt when Matip doubled Schalke’s lead.
Clemens was again involved as it was from his corner that Matip capitalised on slack defending to net from close range.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Joel Matip came off the bench to score second-half goals as Schalke beat Southampton 2-0 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
The Bundesliga side's strength in depth proved the difference in Villach on Wednesday as former Real Madrid, Ajax and AC Milan striker Huntelaar showcased his predatory nous just before the hour.
Matip then added a second as Schalke followed up Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Besiktas with a morale-boosting victory.
Southampton had started the brighter of the two teams, Rickie Lambert testing goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand with an 11th-minute header before Lloyd Isgrove shot wide from 30 yards seven minutes later.
Jason Puncheon and Michel Bastos then spurned opportunities for the Premier League outfit before the half-time interval offered both managers the chance to make wholesale changes.
Huntelaar was the most notable Schalke player introduced, Adam Lallana the pick of the Southampton substitutes sent on.
And Netherlands international Huntelaar wasted little time in making his presence felt as he opened the scoring after 58 minutes. An initial effort from Christian Clemens was parried by Kelvin Davis and the 29-year-old pounced to fire home the rebound.
Lallana blazed over as Southampton pressed for an immediate response, but the result was put beyond any doubt when Matip doubled Schalke’s lead.
Clemens was again involved as it was from his corner that Matip capitalised on slack defending to net from close range.
Guardiola concerned with Thiago fitness
Pep Guardiola says he is still not satisfied with the fitness of new signing Thiago Alcantara after watching his Bayern Munich side beat Barcelona 2-0 in a friendly on Wednesday evening.
The Spain midfielder has impressed in his pre-season outings since joining the Bavarians in a €25 million deal from Barcelona earlier this month, but his coach believes he is still physically some way behind his team-mates.
Guardiola told reporters: "We have to know that he arrived in Munich a week ago. His physical condition and movements are slower than the rest."
Goals from Philipp Lahm and Mario Mandzukic sealed victory for the treble-winners over an under strength Barca side, led for the first time by new boss Gerardo Martino, and Guardiola admitted it was a special night to face his former club.
"It was a very special day," he continued. "In all my life as a player and coach this was the first time I have faced the club.
"It was a friendly but it was a good test for the Supercopa. Barça are always a very good team. Playing against many of these players I know very well. The club is always a very difficult team."
The 44-year-old also thanked the man he has succeeded at the Allianz Arena, Jupp Heynckes, for giving him the opportunity to fight for three more trophies, with the German Supercup, Uefa Supercup and Club World Cup still up for grabs for Bayern in the early stages of the new season.
He said: "He gave me the opportunity to fight for the three remaining titles. We can only be grateful and try not to fail. The recovery will be a little tight for Saturday's game against Dortmund, but we will try to do very well."
Pep Guardiola says he is still not satisfied with the fitness of new signing Thiago Alcantara after watching his Bayern Munich side beat Barcelona 2-0 in a friendly on Wednesday evening.
The Spain midfielder has impressed in his pre-season outings since joining the Bavarians in a €25 million deal from Barcelona earlier this month, but his coach believes he is still physically some way behind his team-mates.
Guardiola told reporters: "We have to know that he arrived in Munich a week ago. His physical condition and movements are slower than the rest."
Goals from Philipp Lahm and Mario Mandzukic sealed victory for the treble-winners over an under strength Barca side, led for the first time by new boss Gerardo Martino, and Guardiola admitted it was a special night to face his former club.
"It was a very special day," he continued. "In all my life as a player and coach this was the first time I have faced the club.
"It was a friendly but it was a good test for the Supercopa. Barça are always a very good team. Playing against many of these players I know very well. The club is always a very difficult team."
The 44-year-old also thanked the man he has succeeded at the Allianz Arena, Jupp Heynckes, for giving him the opportunity to fight for three more trophies, with the German Supercup, Uefa Supercup and Club World Cup still up for grabs for Bayern in the early stages of the new season.
He said: "He gave me the opportunity to fight for the three remaining titles. We can only be grateful and try not to fail. The recovery will be a little tight for Saturday's game against Dortmund, but we will try to do very well."
Tottenham confident of sealing Soldado deal as striker considers transfer request
Tottenham remain confident of signing Roberto Soldado from Valencia in a €28 million deal as the striker pushes for a move to White Hart Lane, Goal can reveal.
Valencia rejected Spurs' take-it-or-leave it bid of €26m plus add-ons for Soldado on Tuesday but the offer remains on the table.
Club president Amadeo Salvo has publicly insisted the Spanish side will hold out for the €30m clause in Soldado's contract - but the rest of his board want to accept Tottenham's offer.
Franco Baldini, the Tottenham technical director, flew back to London from Valencia on Tuesday without an agreement for the 28-year-old Spain international and Spurs have no plans to increase their bid.
But contrary to reports in Spain, the deal is far from dead, not least because Soldado has expressed his desire to move to the Premier League club.
The former Getafe man may hand in a transfer request as he looks for force through the move to White Hart Lane.
Reports in Spain have suggested that Soldado has already agreed a salary package worth €3.4m-a-year to play for Andre Villas-Boas' side.
Villas-Boas is desperate to strengthen his strikeforce this summer and has already missed out on David Villa and Christian Benteke.
Soldado has been a long-term target for Tottenham but chairman Daniel Levy has until now been reluctant to smash the club's transfer record on a player with little sell-on value due to his age.
Spurs, however, are keen to back Villas-Boas as they target a top-four finish next season, and to convince star man Gareth Bale of their ambition.
They have already signed midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for a club record €20m and winger Nacer Chadli from FC Twente for €7m.
Soldado has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in La Liga in recent years and netted 24 times in 35 league appearances last term. He has also scored six goals in 11 international appearances for Spain.
Tottenham remain confident of signing Roberto Soldado from Valencia in a €28 million deal as the striker pushes for a move to White Hart Lane, Goal can reveal.
Valencia rejected Spurs' take-it-or-leave it bid of €26m plus add-ons for Soldado on Tuesday but the offer remains on the table.
Club president Amadeo Salvo has publicly insisted the Spanish side will hold out for the €30m clause in Soldado's contract - but the rest of his board want to accept Tottenham's offer.
Franco Baldini, the Tottenham technical director, flew back to London from Valencia on Tuesday without an agreement for the 28-year-old Spain international and Spurs have no plans to increase their bid.
But contrary to reports in Spain, the deal is far from dead, not least because Soldado has expressed his desire to move to the Premier League club.
The former Getafe man may hand in a transfer request as he looks for force through the move to White Hart Lane.
Reports in Spain have suggested that Soldado has already agreed a salary package worth €3.4m-a-year to play for Andre Villas-Boas' side.
Villas-Boas is desperate to strengthen his strikeforce this summer and has already missed out on David Villa and Christian Benteke.
Soldado has been a long-term target for Tottenham but chairman Daniel Levy has until now been reluctant to smash the club's transfer record on a player with little sell-on value due to his age.
Spurs, however, are keen to back Villas-Boas as they target a top-four finish next season, and to convince star man Gareth Bale of their ambition.
They have already signed midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for a club record €20m and winger Nacer Chadli from FC Twente for €7m.
Soldado has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in La Liga in recent years and netted 24 times in 35 league appearances last term. He has also scored six goals in 11 international appearances for Spain.
Suarez preparing to submit transfer request to force Arsenal move
Luis Suarez is preparing to submit a formal transfer request as he eyes a summer move away from Liverpool.The striker has told Anfield officials he wants to leave the club and join Arsenal, who made a bid worth €49 million for him on Monday.
However, Liverpool insist that Suarez is not for sale and have let it be known to the player’s camp that he will have to lodge an official transfer request in writing in order to leave Merseyside.Sources have told Goal that the Uruguayan is now ready do so as he steps up his plans to remove one of the obstacles to his exit.
This raises the prospect that Suarez will concede bonuses and other financial triggers but, with the player so keen to leave, Liverpool will face a decision over whether to begin negotiating a fee for his sale with Arsenal.The Gunners lodged a second bid for the forward on Monday, made up of €41m up front and supplemented by €8m of add-ons.
This has been rejected by Liverpool but it is understood that Arsene Wenger will ‘pull out all the stops' in an attempt to land Suarez, who has become the main focus of his attention as he attempts to make a marquee striker signing.Arsenal are believed to be confident that the Uruguayan is keen on a move to Emirates Stadium, and have now gone into completely unchartered territory to capture him.
The offer, which is comfortably a club record, is nearly double the €27.1m offer the Gunners made earlier this month for Gonzalo Higuain, who is putting the finishing touches to a €35m move to Napoli.Arsenal are also preparing what is believed to be a lucrative package for a player who signed a €116,000-a-week four-year deal last summer.
Liverpool are fighting to hold on to the striker, who has spoken frequently this summer of his interest in a move, most specifically to Real Madrid. However, the Spanish giants have yet to make a bid for him and Arsenal are currently the only club in the running for his signature.Earlier, Suarez made an 18-minute cameo appearance as a substitute on as he returned to the Liverpool team for the first time since April 21. In front of 95,000 fans at the MCG, he set up the second goal in the Merseysiders’ 2-0 win.
Brendan Rodgers has compared Suarez's value to that of Edinson Cavani, who joined Paris Saint-Germain last week for €64m, but the Anfield manager has stopped short of completely ruling out the Uruguayan's departure, merely saying every player has his value and he will only leave "if something drastic happens".
A bid rising to €49m for a 26-year-old who is banned for the first six games of the new season might be regarded as tempting by Liverpool's America-based owners Fenway Sports Group but John W Henry seemingly Tweeted to ridicule Arsenal’s latest bid for Suarez, writing: "What do you think they are smoking over there at Emirates?"
Suarez has a €46m clause in his contract which his advisers believe entitles him to ask for permission to speak to any club that matches the price. But Liverpool claim they only have to inform Suarez and the clause does not oblige them to sell. Arsenal believe they have been given enough encouragement by the Uruguayan's representatives that he is keen to move to Emirates Stadium in search of Champions League football.
The Gunners' second offer has been timed to coincide with Suarez returning to pre-season training following his extended summer break. The striker linked up with Liverpool in Melbourne on Sunday for the second leg of their pre-season tour.
Suarez has emerged as Wenger's first choice ahead of Higuain and Wayne Rooney, who is the subject of strong interest from Chelsea.
Luis Suarez is preparing to submit a formal transfer request as he eyes a summer move away from Liverpool.The striker has told Anfield officials he wants to leave the club and join Arsenal, who made a bid worth €49 million for him on Monday.
However, Liverpool insist that Suarez is not for sale and have let it be known to the player’s camp that he will have to lodge an official transfer request in writing in order to leave Merseyside.Sources have told Goal that the Uruguayan is now ready do so as he steps up his plans to remove one of the obstacles to his exit.
This raises the prospect that Suarez will concede bonuses and other financial triggers but, with the player so keen to leave, Liverpool will face a decision over whether to begin negotiating a fee for his sale with Arsenal.The Gunners lodged a second bid for the forward on Monday, made up of €41m up front and supplemented by €8m of add-ons.
This has been rejected by Liverpool but it is understood that Arsene Wenger will ‘pull out all the stops' in an attempt to land Suarez, who has become the main focus of his attention as he attempts to make a marquee striker signing.Arsenal are believed to be confident that the Uruguayan is keen on a move to Emirates Stadium, and have now gone into completely unchartered territory to capture him.
The offer, which is comfortably a club record, is nearly double the €27.1m offer the Gunners made earlier this month for Gonzalo Higuain, who is putting the finishing touches to a €35m move to Napoli.Arsenal are also preparing what is believed to be a lucrative package for a player who signed a €116,000-a-week four-year deal last summer.
Liverpool are fighting to hold on to the striker, who has spoken frequently this summer of his interest in a move, most specifically to Real Madrid. However, the Spanish giants have yet to make a bid for him and Arsenal are currently the only club in the running for his signature.Earlier, Suarez made an 18-minute cameo appearance as a substitute on as he returned to the Liverpool team for the first time since April 21. In front of 95,000 fans at the MCG, he set up the second goal in the Merseysiders’ 2-0 win.
Brendan Rodgers has compared Suarez's value to that of Edinson Cavani, who joined Paris Saint-Germain last week for €64m, but the Anfield manager has stopped short of completely ruling out the Uruguayan's departure, merely saying every player has his value and he will only leave "if something drastic happens".
A bid rising to €49m for a 26-year-old who is banned for the first six games of the new season might be regarded as tempting by Liverpool's America-based owners Fenway Sports Group but John W Henry seemingly Tweeted to ridicule Arsenal’s latest bid for Suarez, writing: "What do you think they are smoking over there at Emirates?"
Suarez has a €46m clause in his contract which his advisers believe entitles him to ask for permission to speak to any club that matches the price. But Liverpool claim they only have to inform Suarez and the clause does not oblige them to sell. Arsenal believe they have been given enough encouragement by the Uruguayan's representatives that he is keen to move to Emirates Stadium in search of Champions League football.
The Gunners' second offer has been timed to coincide with Suarez returning to pre-season training following his extended summer break. The striker linked up with Liverpool in Melbourne on Sunday for the second leg of their pre-season tour.
Suarez has emerged as Wenger's first choice ahead of Higuain and Wayne Rooney, who is the subject of strong interest from Chelsea.
Mazinho: Thiago was very close to joining Man Utd
Thiago's agent and father has revealed that the Bayern Munich midfielder was close to signing for Manchester United before opting to join Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena.
The Red Devils offered the Spain Under-20 international a €140,000-a-week deal to move to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old having agreed terms in principle.
Thiago's head was soon turned, however, with the prospect of reuniting with Guardiola in Germany prompting a rethink that saw him move to the Champions League holders, although Mazinho has revealed that his son did almost decide to join David Moyes' side.
"Thiago was very close to signing with Manchester United," he told La Xarxa. "They had talks. But they couldn't find an agreement."
Thiago scored his first goal for Bayern in the 5-1 Telekom Cup victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday and started against Barca in a friendly on Wednesday.
Vagner Love ditches CSKA for China in €12m move
CSKA Moscow have confirmed that striker Vagner Love has joined Chinese outfit Shandong Luneng for an undisclosed fee reported to be €12 million.
The 29-year-old helped propel the Russian club to the league title last season and was set to feature in the Champions League group stage this year, but he has signed a deal which will see him leave Europe imminently.
"It was definitely not an easy decision for me," the China-bound forward, 29, said in statement. "I had dreamed about playing with my team-mates again in the Champions League and fighting for another league title.
"The club did everything to keep me, but I have to accept that my career will not last forever and I need to think about my family and the future.
"I am making a sacrifice to some extent, but I will never receive an offer like this again. I have agreed to move, but my heart and soul will be with CSKA forever."
The Chinese side claimed that negotiations were drawn out for three months before completion and CSKA admitted that selling the forward, who has been on the club's books since 2004 and signed a new deal earlier this year, was difficult.
"This decision wasn't made easily by the club or Vagner Love," the Russian capital-based club said in a statement. "The forward has been offered unprecedented personal contract terms, while CSKA received a very lucrative offer from the Chinese side."Vagner has made a huge contribution to all of CSKA's recent successes but we understood this was a once-in-a-lifetime offer."
Shandong Luneng, coached by former Barcelona and Real Madrid boss Radimir Antic, currently sit second in the Chinese Super League.
CSKA Moscow have confirmed that striker Vagner Love has joined Chinese outfit Shandong Luneng for an undisclosed fee reported to be €12 million.
The 29-year-old helped propel the Russian club to the league title last season and was set to feature in the Champions League group stage this year, but he has signed a deal which will see him leave Europe imminently.
"It was definitely not an easy decision for me," the China-bound forward, 29, said in statement. "I had dreamed about playing with my team-mates again in the Champions League and fighting for another league title.
"The club did everything to keep me, but I have to accept that my career will not last forever and I need to think about my family and the future.
"I am making a sacrifice to some extent, but I will never receive an offer like this again. I have agreed to move, but my heart and soul will be with CSKA forever."
The Chinese side claimed that negotiations were drawn out for three months before completion and CSKA admitted that selling the forward, who has been on the club's books since 2004 and signed a new deal earlier this year, was difficult.
"This decision wasn't made easily by the club or Vagner Love," the Russian capital-based club said in a statement. "The forward has been offered unprecedented personal contract terms, while CSKA received a very lucrative offer from the Chinese side."Vagner has made a huge contribution to all of CSKA's recent successes but we understood this was a once-in-a-lifetime offer."
Shandong Luneng, coached by former Barcelona and Real Madrid boss Radimir Antic, currently sit second in the Chinese Super League.
'Liverpool have stood by Suarez' - Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers insists Luis Suarez will not be able to forget the support he has received from Liverpool fans, even if he succeeds in forcing through a summer move away.
Arsenal have lodged a €49 million bid for the Uruguay international, while Real Madrid are heavily linked with a move for the striker who has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football.
Suarez's attitude has alienated many Liverpool fans who stuck by him during the Patrice Evra racism row and Branislav Ivanovic biting incident, for which he is still serving a 10-match ban.
But the unsettled striker was still given a rapturous reception by Reds supporters during Wednesday's friendly win over Melbourne Victory and Rodgers believes this will play on the striker's mind.
"The support he has received from the supporters and the people of the city of Liverpool has been unrivalled," the former Swansea boss told reporters.
"The people have stood by him, like a son, and really looked after him. Whatever happens in the coming weeks that will be in his mind because it's something you can never forget."
Brendan Rodgers insists Luis Suarez will not be able to forget the support he has received from Liverpool fans, even if he succeeds in forcing through a summer move away.
Arsenal have lodged a €49 million bid for the Uruguay international, while Real Madrid are heavily linked with a move for the striker who has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football.
Suarez's attitude has alienated many Liverpool fans who stuck by him during the Patrice Evra racism row and Branislav Ivanovic biting incident, for which he is still serving a 10-match ban.
But the unsettled striker was still given a rapturous reception by Reds supporters during Wednesday's friendly win over Melbourne Victory and Rodgers believes this will play on the striker's mind.
"The support he has received from the supporters and the people of the city of Liverpool has been unrivalled," the former Swansea boss told reporters.
"The people have stood by him, like a son, and really looked after him. Whatever happens in the coming weeks that will be in his mind because it's something you can never forget."
Gerrard confident of Liverpool success
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard expects the club to challenge for trophies this season having bolstered their squad in the summer.
The Anfield outfit have struggled to establish themselves among the top four in the Premier League in recent seasons and their Capital One Cup success in 2012 remains their only major trophy in the past seven years.
But the England international, who signed a new two-year deal in July, feels that the Reds are not far away from collecting honours.
"Is success around the corner? I hope so," the 33-year-old told The Australian. "We have bought well in the off-season and if we can get another two players in key areas then we have a good chance."
Gerrard also reserved praise for manager Brendan Rodgers, who led the club to a seventh-place finish last term.
"We have a great relationship," he enthused. "Brendan has shown a lot of faith in me both on and off the field. It is early days but I am sure our relationship will continue to grow.
"We are moving in the right direction. We are playing nice football and hopefully the owners continue to back him and he is able to add to the squad to make it stronger so we can compete for trophies."
Rodgers has been busy in the transfer market ahead of the new campaign, bringing in Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard expects the club to challenge for trophies this season having bolstered their squad in the summer.
The Anfield outfit have struggled to establish themselves among the top four in the Premier League in recent seasons and their Capital One Cup success in 2012 remains their only major trophy in the past seven years.
But the England international, who signed a new two-year deal in July, feels that the Reds are not far away from collecting honours.
"Is success around the corner? I hope so," the 33-year-old told The Australian. "We have bought well in the off-season and if we can get another two players in key areas then we have a good chance."
Gerrard also reserved praise for manager Brendan Rodgers, who led the club to a seventh-place finish last term.
"We have a great relationship," he enthused. "Brendan has shown a lot of faith in me both on and off the field. It is early days but I am sure our relationship will continue to grow.
"We are moving in the right direction. We are playing nice football and hopefully the owners continue to back him and he is able to add to the squad to make it stronger so we can compete for trophies."
Rodgers has been busy in the transfer market ahead of the new campaign, bringing in Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet.
Gervinho close to €8m Roma move
Roma are closing in on the €8 million signing of Gervinho following a breakthrough in talks with Arsenal.
A delegation from the Serie A club met with senior Gunners officials in London on Tuesday and will hold a further meeting on Wednesday to resolve the Cote d'Ivoire international's proposed move to the Italian capital.
Negotiations are understood to be progressing smoothly and both clubs are confident of reaching an agreement imminently.
Roma had already offered €8m for Gervinho and discussions with Arsenal are now centred on the structure of the deal.
The Italian club are willing to match the player's £50,000-a-week (€58,000) Gunners salary.
The north Londoners are willing to let Gervinho go this summer as they clear the decks for a number of marquee signings, with Luis Suarez and Marouane Fellaini on top of their hit list, while the club have also expressed serious interest in Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney.
Olympique de Marseille have also declared their interest in taking the wide forward on a season-long loan but Arsenal would prefer a sale.
Gervinho did not fly out with Arsene Wenger's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, which the club claim was due to sickness, although this conveniently allowed the player to stay behind to hold talks with his principal suitors.
New Roma boss Rudi Garcia coached Gervinho for two seasons at Lille before the attacker joined Arsenal in 2011, and he remains an admirer of the 26-year-old.
Marseille offer the prospect of a return to the French league for the attacker, should Roma not close the deal with Arsenal.
Roma are closing in on the €8 million signing of Gervinho following a breakthrough in talks with Arsenal.
A delegation from the Serie A club met with senior Gunners officials in London on Tuesday and will hold a further meeting on Wednesday to resolve the Cote d'Ivoire international's proposed move to the Italian capital.
Negotiations are understood to be progressing smoothly and both clubs are confident of reaching an agreement imminently.
Roma had already offered €8m for Gervinho and discussions with Arsenal are now centred on the structure of the deal.
The Italian club are willing to match the player's £50,000-a-week (€58,000) Gunners salary.
The north Londoners are willing to let Gervinho go this summer as they clear the decks for a number of marquee signings, with Luis Suarez and Marouane Fellaini on top of their hit list, while the club have also expressed serious interest in Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney.
Olympique de Marseille have also declared their interest in taking the wide forward on a season-long loan but Arsenal would prefer a sale.
Gervinho did not fly out with Arsene Wenger's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, which the club claim was due to sickness, although this conveniently allowed the player to stay behind to hold talks with his principal suitors.
New Roma boss Rudi Garcia coached Gervinho for two seasons at Lille before the attacker joined Arsenal in 2011, and he remains an admirer of the 26-year-old.
Marseille offer the prospect of a return to the French league for the attacker, should Roma not close the deal with Arsenal.
Manchester City new-boy Navas turned down Arsenal in 2010
New Manchester City signing Jesus Navas has revealed that he once turned down the chance to sign for Arsenal.
The Spain international moved to the Etihad Stadium in June, ending a 10-year association with La Liga side Sevilla, but things could have turned out differently if the 27-year-old had made another call back in 2010.
"When Arsenal came in it was the year when Sevilla won the Spanish Cup," he told The Sun.
"I was still winning things and achieving things at Sevilla and therefore it wasn't the right time to move but we haven't won anything for two or three years and I feel now is the right time to move on.
"I always demand 100 per cent from myself so for that reason it was the right time to go.
"It's an exciting time to be joining City and I'm confident we will enjoy the season and do great things together."
Navas is joined at City by fellow former Sevilla player Alvaro Negredo and he is delighted that the forward has joined Manuel Pellegrini's side.
"Obviously I know him well. He scores lots of goals," the winger enthused of his compatriot. "I'm very pleased to see him following me to City.
"It's going to make the transition easier - not only do we have a good relationship on the pitch, we have a good one off it. We have played together so we know each other's game very well.
"We want to try to recreate the partnership in the Premier League but, really, it's a team effort - it will be down to all of us if we are going to be successful."
New Manchester City signing Jesus Navas has revealed that he once turned down the chance to sign for Arsenal.
The Spain international moved to the Etihad Stadium in June, ending a 10-year association with La Liga side Sevilla, but things could have turned out differently if the 27-year-old had made another call back in 2010.
"When Arsenal came in it was the year when Sevilla won the Spanish Cup," he told The Sun.
"I was still winning things and achieving things at Sevilla and therefore it wasn't the right time to move but we haven't won anything for two or three years and I feel now is the right time to move on.
"I always demand 100 per cent from myself so for that reason it was the right time to go.
"It's an exciting time to be joining City and I'm confident we will enjoy the season and do great things together."
Navas is joined at City by fellow former Sevilla player Alvaro Negredo and he is delighted that the forward has joined Manuel Pellegrini's side.
"Obviously I know him well. He scores lots of goals," the winger enthused of his compatriot. "I'm very pleased to see him following me to City.
"It's going to make the transition easier - not only do we have a good relationship on the pitch, we have a good one off it. We have played together so we know each other's game very well.
"We want to try to recreate the partnership in the Premier League but, really, it's a team effort - it will be down to all of us if we are going to be successful."
Podolski welcomes Arsenal pursuit of 'big player' Suarez
Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has welcomed the club's pursuit of Liverpool star Luis Suarez.
The Gunners made a renewed £42 million offer for the Uruguayan on Tuesday as Arsene Wenger switches his attention firmly to the forward over Napoli-bound Gonzalo Higuain.
Podolski is excited by the push to secure one of the Premier League's best players, relishing the chance to play alongside him rather than worry about competition for places.
"[Suarez] is a big player," the German told reporters. "He's scored a lot of goals so he's a big striker but it's not my decision to speak about this, it's a decision for the coach. I don't know what will happen in the next weeks.
"I'm happy when players come in. I want to play with the best players in the world but I'm not scared about big names because it helps the team and it helps me to help the team when we play together.
"The coach has his system and we will see what will happen in the next few weeks.
"At every big club you have competition, particularly at a club of the size of Arsenal. When all of the players are fit and we don't have injuries there is big competition. Every player wants to play football and nobody wants to sit on the bench."
Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has welcomed the club's pursuit of Liverpool star Luis Suarez.
The Gunners made a renewed £42 million offer for the Uruguayan on Tuesday as Arsene Wenger switches his attention firmly to the forward over Napoli-bound Gonzalo Higuain.
Podolski is excited by the push to secure one of the Premier League's best players, relishing the chance to play alongside him rather than worry about competition for places.
"[Suarez] is a big player," the German told reporters. "He's scored a lot of goals so he's a big striker but it's not my decision to speak about this, it's a decision for the coach. I don't know what will happen in the next weeks.
"I'm happy when players come in. I want to play with the best players in the world but I'm not scared about big names because it helps the team and it helps me to help the team when we play together.
"The coach has his system and we will see what will happen in the next few weeks.
"At every big club you have competition, particularly at a club of the size of Arsenal. When all of the players are fit and we don't have injuries there is big competition. Every player wants to play football and nobody wants to sit on the bench."
South China 0-1 Manchester City: Dzeko nets winner as Negredo makes debut
Manchester City reached the Asia Trophy final with a routine 1-0 win over South China on Wednesday.
Edin Dzeko scored the only goal, taking advantage of one of just a number of industrious runs down the right flank from man-of-the-match James Milner, with Alvaro Negredo coming close twice after making his debut in the second half.
Manuel Pellegrini chose a strong line-up for the Asia Trophy semi-final, with the likes of Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure all starting but, despite their experience, the Premier League giants struggled to assert themselves on a well-worn pitch.
Samir Nasri and Milner were afforded much space down the flank, with City lining up in a 4-5-1 formation, but they initially struggled to carve open any opportunities duo to the condition of the playing surface.
An industrious yet frustrating performance from Pellegrini’s charges did not start to bear fruit until the 13th minute when Dzeko skipped past Jack Sealy to arrowed a right-footed shot from 30 yards into the hands of Zhang Chunhui.
Milner came into his own soon after and started to dictate play down to right flank, first finding Toure inside the penalty area to force the goalkeeper into a smart save, before similar fine work saw Dzeko picked out 10 yards from goal to break the deadlock.
City continued to plunder either flank and could, and perhaps should, have extended their lead when Nasri spotted Toure’s darting run through the centre but South China’s high line, and the Ivorian’s eagerness, saw the referee call the play back for offside.
Toure, though, nearly made amends inside two minutes of the restart with a signature charge through the defence, but his angled shot towards the far corner fizzed past the post.
Negredo was introduced for his debut with 25 minutes remaining and was almost immediately handed the opportunity to open his City account thanks to more smart movement from Milner, only for fellow substitute Dhiego Martins to hack the danger away.
The former Sevilla man was lively, and soon linked up with Nasri to attempt an acrobatic scissor kick inside the penalty area, but he could not keep his shot down and it sailed over the bar.
Minutes later, Negredo nearly turned provider as a fine outside-of-the-boot pass into the path of Dzeko left the striker with just Zhang to beat, but the goalkeeper stood stall and produced another impressive save.
The final 10 minutes saw very little urgency from the Premier League team, bar the impressive Milner, with City knowing they did done enough to reach the final against Sunderland on Saturday despite the narrow scoreline.
Manchester City reached the Asia Trophy final with a routine 1-0 win over South China on Wednesday.
Edin Dzeko scored the only goal, taking advantage of one of just a number of industrious runs down the right flank from man-of-the-match James Milner, with Alvaro Negredo coming close twice after making his debut in the second half.
Manuel Pellegrini chose a strong line-up for the Asia Trophy semi-final, with the likes of Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure all starting but, despite their experience, the Premier League giants struggled to assert themselves on a well-worn pitch.
Samir Nasri and Milner were afforded much space down the flank, with City lining up in a 4-5-1 formation, but they initially struggled to carve open any opportunities duo to the condition of the playing surface.
An industrious yet frustrating performance from Pellegrini’s charges did not start to bear fruit until the 13th minute when Dzeko skipped past Jack Sealy to arrowed a right-footed shot from 30 yards into the hands of Zhang Chunhui.
Milner came into his own soon after and started to dictate play down to right flank, first finding Toure inside the penalty area to force the goalkeeper into a smart save, before similar fine work saw Dzeko picked out 10 yards from goal to break the deadlock.
City continued to plunder either flank and could, and perhaps should, have extended their lead when Nasri spotted Toure’s darting run through the centre but South China’s high line, and the Ivorian’s eagerness, saw the referee call the play back for offside.
Toure, though, nearly made amends inside two minutes of the restart with a signature charge through the defence, but his angled shot towards the far corner fizzed past the post.
Negredo was introduced for his debut with 25 minutes remaining and was almost immediately handed the opportunity to open his City account thanks to more smart movement from Milner, only for fellow substitute Dhiego Martins to hack the danger away.
The former Sevilla man was lively, and soon linked up with Nasri to attempt an acrobatic scissor kick inside the penalty area, but he could not keep his shot down and it sailed over the bar.
Minutes later, Negredo nearly turned provider as a fine outside-of-the-boot pass into the path of Dzeko left the striker with just Zhang to beat, but the goalkeeper stood stall and produced another impressive save.
The final 10 minutes saw very little urgency from the Premier League team, bar the impressive Milner, with City knowing they did done enough to reach the final against Sunderland on Saturday despite the narrow scoreline.
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