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Real Madrid 3-1 Chelsea: Mourinho's Madrid reunion falls flat as Ronaldo clinches cup for los Blancos
Real Madrid have won the International Champions Cup thanks to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the final at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami on Wednesday night.
Marcelo opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour following a strong start from the Spansh side, only for Ramires to restore parity within moments with a cool finish.
But Ronaldo soon took matters into his own hand, blasting an exquisite free-kick home after half an hour, before heading home the clincher early in the second half.
And there was simply no way back for Chelsea after that, as Madrid took the sting out of the game in the time that remained to condemn Jose Mourinho to defeat against his former team.
Madrid were quick off the blocks, with their first sight on goal coming after only three minutes, when Luka Modric released Karim Benzema down the left for a shot that tester Petr Cech at his near post.
And after a series of warnings from Madrid, Marcelo would strike the killer blow in the 14th minute, running goalside of Ramires into the box and slotting a low finish into the right side.
But against the run of play, Chelsea were level barely two minutes after the restart, with Ramires redeeming himself by bursting through the Madrid centre backs and lobbing Iker Casillas with a composed finish.
Madrid were not daunted by the setback, however, and continued to pile forward in the Chelsea half, with the English side struggling to gather any attacking momentum of their own.
And just past the half hour mark, los Blancos would make their superiority count once again. Ronaldo, after he was fouled 25 yards from goal, took responsibility for the free-kick, and smashed a wonderful effort in off the underside of the bar.
Chelsea though, began to shake off their shackles as the half drew to a close. Frank Lampard turned superbly into a 20-yard drive, which was parried with equal skill by Casillas, who was quick to the rebound ahead of Romelu Lukaku.
And the Blues carried that momentum into the second half, with Eden Hazard nearly drawing them level after a stunning run past two players and a stinging shot that forced the very best out of Casillas.
Kevin De Bruyne was next to try his luck, getting his head to a corner at the near post, but Casillas was once again well positioned to tip the ball over the bar.
However, Chelsea could not make the most of their positivity, and with 56 minutes on the clock, were made to pay at the other end when a defensive mix-up allowed Ronaldo to steal in unmarked to head home an Isco cross from six yards out.
The goal took a lot of the sting out of proceedings, and Madrid, in the driving seat began to slow play down in a bid to stifle hopes of a Chelsea comeback.
Mourinho's men failed to seriously test Casillas in the time that remained, and in fact, it was Carlo Ancelotti's men who could have added further gloss to the scoreline, with Angel Di Maria coming close with a pair of volleys, before Alvaro Morata had a late goal disallowed.
Real Madrid have won the International Champions Cup thanks to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the final at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami on Wednesday night.
Marcelo opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour following a strong start from the Spansh side, only for Ramires to restore parity within moments with a cool finish.
But Ronaldo soon took matters into his own hand, blasting an exquisite free-kick home after half an hour, before heading home the clincher early in the second half.
And there was simply no way back for Chelsea after that, as Madrid took the sting out of the game in the time that remained to condemn Jose Mourinho to defeat against his former team.
Madrid were quick off the blocks, with their first sight on goal coming after only three minutes, when Luka Modric released Karim Benzema down the left for a shot that tester Petr Cech at his near post.
And after a series of warnings from Madrid, Marcelo would strike the killer blow in the 14th minute, running goalside of Ramires into the box and slotting a low finish into the right side.
But against the run of play, Chelsea were level barely two minutes after the restart, with Ramires redeeming himself by bursting through the Madrid centre backs and lobbing Iker Casillas with a composed finish.
Madrid were not daunted by the setback, however, and continued to pile forward in the Chelsea half, with the English side struggling to gather any attacking momentum of their own.
And just past the half hour mark, los Blancos would make their superiority count once again. Ronaldo, after he was fouled 25 yards from goal, took responsibility for the free-kick, and smashed a wonderful effort in off the underside of the bar.
Chelsea though, began to shake off their shackles as the half drew to a close. Frank Lampard turned superbly into a 20-yard drive, which was parried with equal skill by Casillas, who was quick to the rebound ahead of Romelu Lukaku.
And the Blues carried that momentum into the second half, with Eden Hazard nearly drawing them level after a stunning run past two players and a stinging shot that forced the very best out of Casillas.
Kevin De Bruyne was next to try his luck, getting his head to a corner at the near post, but Casillas was once again well positioned to tip the ball over the bar.
However, Chelsea could not make the most of their positivity, and with 56 minutes on the clock, were made to pay at the other end when a defensive mix-up allowed Ronaldo to steal in unmarked to head home an Isco cross from six yards out.
The goal took a lot of the sting out of proceedings, and Madrid, in the driving seat began to slow play down in a bid to stifle hopes of a Chelsea comeback.
Mourinho's men failed to seriously test Casillas in the time that remained, and in fact, it was Carlo Ancelotti's men who could have added further gloss to the scoreline, with Angel Di Maria coming close with a pair of volleys, before Alvaro Morata had a late goal disallowed.
LA Galaxy 0-2 AC Milan: Balotelli helps clinch third in Guinness Cup
Milan clinched third place in the Guiness International Champions Cup as they produced a fine display to defeat LA Galaxy 2-0 in Miami.
First-half goals from Mario Balotelli and M'Baye Niang gave Massimiliano Allegri's outfit a commanding advantage in a match which they dominated from start to finish.
Milan took the lead on 17 minutes when Robbie Keane was caught sloppily in possession, allowing Andrea Poli to poke the ball beyond the LA Galaxy defence for Balotelli to emphatically smash past the advancing Carlo Cudicini.
Stephan El Shaarawy then spurned a good opportunity to double the Rossoneri's lead when he controlled Niang's pass but he could not produce the finish to match as he fired a fierce shot against the legs of Cudicini and over the crossbar.
Bruce Arena's side looked short of the invention which helped them to defeat Juventus only three days earlier although Juninho nearly levelled the scores just past the half hour mark.
The Brazilian midfielder unleashed a swerving effort from distance which Christian Abbiati parried and the Milan goalkeeper had Cristian Zapata to thank as he produced a crucial challenge to prevent Landon Donovan from sweeping in the rebound.
Milan then doubled their lead four minutes before the interval when Niang capped his impressive performance with a goal. The 18-year-old Frenchman produced a neat feint to deceive Todd Dunivant on the right of the box before firing a low left-footed strike past Cudicini and into the bottom left-hand corner.
The Rossoneri continued to dominate proceedings in the second half and Niang, El Shaarawy and substitute Bakaye Traore were all culpable of wasting presentable goalscoring chances to give Milan a three-goal advantage.
With an important league fixture against Dallas on the weekend, Arena decided to make wholesale changes for the second half and his side struggled to fashion chances against a resilient Milan rearguard.
Sulley Muntari saw a late strike rattle against the crossbar before Milan's victory was slightly marred by a late injury to Balotelli.
Milan clinched third place in the Guiness International Champions Cup as they produced a fine display to defeat LA Galaxy 2-0 in Miami.
First-half goals from Mario Balotelli and M'Baye Niang gave Massimiliano Allegri's outfit a commanding advantage in a match which they dominated from start to finish.
Milan took the lead on 17 minutes when Robbie Keane was caught sloppily in possession, allowing Andrea Poli to poke the ball beyond the LA Galaxy defence for Balotelli to emphatically smash past the advancing Carlo Cudicini.
Stephan El Shaarawy then spurned a good opportunity to double the Rossoneri's lead when he controlled Niang's pass but he could not produce the finish to match as he fired a fierce shot against the legs of Cudicini and over the crossbar.
Bruce Arena's side looked short of the invention which helped them to defeat Juventus only three days earlier although Juninho nearly levelled the scores just past the half hour mark.
The Brazilian midfielder unleashed a swerving effort from distance which Christian Abbiati parried and the Milan goalkeeper had Cristian Zapata to thank as he produced a crucial challenge to prevent Landon Donovan from sweeping in the rebound.
Milan then doubled their lead four minutes before the interval when Niang capped his impressive performance with a goal. The 18-year-old Frenchman produced a neat feint to deceive Todd Dunivant on the right of the box before firing a low left-footed strike past Cudicini and into the bottom left-hand corner.
The Rossoneri continued to dominate proceedings in the second half and Niang, El Shaarawy and substitute Bakaye Traore were all culpable of wasting presentable goalscoring chances to give Milan a three-goal advantage.
With an important league fixture against Dallas on the weekend, Arena decided to make wholesale changes for the second half and his side struggled to fashion chances against a resilient Milan rearguard.
Sulley Muntari saw a late strike rattle against the crossbar before Milan's victory was slightly marred by a late injury to Balotelli.
Julio Cesar could join Fiorentina - agent
Julio Cesar's agent has confirmed that Fiorentina are a viable option for the QPR goalkeeper to join this summer.
The Brazil international, 33, has previously been linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal and Napoli with Rangers having been relegated from the Premier League in May, though both clubs' interests are believed to have dimmed.
Josias Cardoso, who represents the shot-stopper, says that the west London club are still willing to sell with less than a month under the transfer window closes and suggested that Cesar would like to join the Florence-based side.
"I never made direct contact with Fiorentina, but I did send a close friend to speak to the Viola. For now there is no news," the agent told Radio Blu.
"QPR would have no problem letting him go to Fiorentina or to any other club, but if the €3.2 million don’t arrive then it’s difficult to close the deal. The move can be made only if we are offered a four-year contract.
"He has a contract with QPR until 2016, so it has to match that date. The length of the contract could compensate for a difference in wages, but if it expired earlier than 2016 then it would be pointless.
"Julio Cesar likes Fiorentina, so they could be the right team for him to target a World Cup spot."
Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade has rejected reports that he has held talks with the Championship club.
"I have never contacted QPR for Julio Cesar," he told Sky Sport 24. "I want to deny the rumours that you may have read in the newspapers."
Julio Cesar's agent has confirmed that Fiorentina are a viable option for the QPR goalkeeper to join this summer.
The Brazil international, 33, has previously been linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal and Napoli with Rangers having been relegated from the Premier League in May, though both clubs' interests are believed to have dimmed.
Josias Cardoso, who represents the shot-stopper, says that the west London club are still willing to sell with less than a month under the transfer window closes and suggested that Cesar would like to join the Florence-based side.
"I never made direct contact with Fiorentina, but I did send a close friend to speak to the Viola. For now there is no news," the agent told Radio Blu.
"QPR would have no problem letting him go to Fiorentina or to any other club, but if the €3.2 million don’t arrive then it’s difficult to close the deal. The move can be made only if we are offered a four-year contract.
"He has a contract with QPR until 2016, so it has to match that date. The length of the contract could compensate for a difference in wages, but if it expired earlier than 2016 then it would be pointless.
"Julio Cesar likes Fiorentina, so they could be the right team for him to target a World Cup spot."
Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade has rejected reports that he has held talks with the Championship club.
"I have never contacted QPR for Julio Cesar," he told Sky Sport 24. "I want to deny the rumours that you may have read in the newspapers."
Blanc: PSG have no right to make mistakes this season
Laurent Blanc has laid down the gauntlet for his Paris Saint-Germain players by saying his team have "no right" to make mistakes this season.
Les Parisiens are reigning Ligue 1 champions having lifted the title for the first time in 19 years under Carlo Ancelotti in May and kick off 2013-14 with a clash against Montpellier on Friday.
With the Italian having left for Real Madrid, Blanc has stepped into the ex-Chelsea coach's shoes and says he expects a year of increased pressure due to last year's heroics.
"This is a new season beginning with some new players and a new coach," he said, when asked if it is difficult to start the season as the defending champions.
"Everybody says that the minimum expectation is for us to be champions of France, so yes it adds extra pressure, but it makes sense. We have no right to make mistakes."
The former France boss, 47, has accepted that newly promoted Monaco are destined to challenge for the title but he was keen to reiterate that the likes of Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais are a threat.
"The press are unanimous in saying that Monaco are probably the most serious candidate, with their quality recruitment, but we must not forget Marseille and Lyon.
"Plus, there's always an [underdog] who have a great campagin and who can meddle at the top, as we saw two years ago with Montpellier."
With Edinson Cavani, Marquinhos and Lucas Digne on board for over €110 million, Blanc believes that PSG have enormous potential and revealed that Cavani could make his debut on Friday.
"Our potential, with recruits, is inherently superior to last year," he added. "Cavani obviously brings added value.
"Marquinhos has great potential to be grown and advanced - he can add to his value in the future, like Digne. This is a team with a big, big potential and I must get the most of them.
"Cavani's preparation is under way. We will give another 24 hours before making a decision."
Laurent Blanc has laid down the gauntlet for his Paris Saint-Germain players by saying his team have "no right" to make mistakes this season.
Les Parisiens are reigning Ligue 1 champions having lifted the title for the first time in 19 years under Carlo Ancelotti in May and kick off 2013-14 with a clash against Montpellier on Friday.
With the Italian having left for Real Madrid, Blanc has stepped into the ex-Chelsea coach's shoes and says he expects a year of increased pressure due to last year's heroics.
"This is a new season beginning with some new players and a new coach," he said, when asked if it is difficult to start the season as the defending champions.
"Everybody says that the minimum expectation is for us to be champions of France, so yes it adds extra pressure, but it makes sense. We have no right to make mistakes."
The former France boss, 47, has accepted that newly promoted Monaco are destined to challenge for the title but he was keen to reiterate that the likes of Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais are a threat.
"The press are unanimous in saying that Monaco are probably the most serious candidate, with their quality recruitment, but we must not forget Marseille and Lyon.
"Plus, there's always an [underdog] who have a great campagin and who can meddle at the top, as we saw two years ago with Montpellier."
With Edinson Cavani, Marquinhos and Lucas Digne on board for over €110 million, Blanc believes that PSG have enormous potential and revealed that Cavani could make his debut on Friday.
"Our potential, with recruits, is inherently superior to last year," he added. "Cavani obviously brings added value.
"Marquinhos has great potential to be grown and advanced - he can add to his value in the future, like Digne. This is a team with a big, big potential and I must get the most of them.
"Cavani's preparation is under way. We will give another 24 hours before making a decision."
Liverpool do not have to sell Suarez, says PFA chief
Liverpool do not have a contractual obligation to sell Luis Suarez, according to Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor.
Suarez believes he has an agreement with the club which would allow him to join a club participating in the Champions League, if they receive a bid in excess of €46 million.
The Anfield club have rejected two offers from Arsenal and Taylor says the Reds have only agreed to negotiate with clubs after any such offer is made.
Taylor told the Press Association: "If you are going to have a supposed buy-out clause it should be that, but it is different as it says if there is no qualification for the Champions League [by Liverpool] and if there is a minimum offer of £40m then the parties will get around the table to discuss things but it does not say the club has to sell.
"It quite clearly states £40m is a minimum offer for discussions, but it becomes really difficult with such clauses. There is a 'good faith' clause in relation to serious discussions but I can't say it is cast-iron buy-out clause.
"Luis is one of our members and we want to be supportive, however, he may well have thought such an offer would trigger a move."
Taylor has also indicated the PFA will work with Suarez and Liverpool in an attempt to resolve the issue.
He added: "At the moment it is certainly festering and I don't think it is a good situation for the player or the clubs involved.
"It is not edifying and that is why I feel we had to do our best to get round the table and see if there are grounds for consideration for the move but it [the clause] is not specific and 100 per cent certain.
"We are in touch with both parties to try to see if some resolution can be achieved that is satisfactory to both sides."
Liverpool do not have a contractual obligation to sell Luis Suarez, according to Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor.
Suarez believes he has an agreement with the club which would allow him to join a club participating in the Champions League, if they receive a bid in excess of €46 million.
The Anfield club have rejected two offers from Arsenal and Taylor says the Reds have only agreed to negotiate with clubs after any such offer is made.
Taylor told the Press Association: "If you are going to have a supposed buy-out clause it should be that, but it is different as it says if there is no qualification for the Champions League [by Liverpool] and if there is a minimum offer of £40m then the parties will get around the table to discuss things but it does not say the club has to sell.
"It quite clearly states £40m is a minimum offer for discussions, but it becomes really difficult with such clauses. There is a 'good faith' clause in relation to serious discussions but I can't say it is cast-iron buy-out clause.
"Luis is one of our members and we want to be supportive, however, he may well have thought such an offer would trigger a move."
Taylor has also indicated the PFA will work with Suarez and Liverpool in an attempt to resolve the issue.
He added: "At the moment it is certainly festering and I don't think it is a good situation for the player or the clubs involved.
"It is not edifying and that is why I feel we had to do our best to get round the table and see if there are grounds for consideration for the move but it [the clause] is not specific and 100 per cent certain.
"We are in touch with both parties to try to see if some resolution can be achieved that is satisfactory to both sides."
Suarez ta transfer wenna dena 1ka thamai karanna thiyana hodama de
mokada akamatthen thiyagatthoth matches wala play karanneth echchara kamatthakin newei ne
mokada akamatthen thiyagatthoth matches wala play karanneth echchara kamatthakin newei ne
Barcelona bid €25 million for David Luiz
Barcelona have stepped up their search for a new centre-back by making a €25 million bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
Barca set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva earlier this summer as a long-term replacement for captain Carles Puyol, but have been frustrated in their attempts to sign the Brazil captain and also missed out on his international team-mate Marquinhos, who joined PSG from Roma in July for €35m.
Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta then turned his attentions to another Brazilian as Barca looked set to bid for Luiz late last month, but all transfer plans were placed on hold as coach Tito Vilanova departed to continue his cancer treatment and new man Gerardo Martino was installed at Camp Nou.
Martino has said he is happy with Barca's current squad, but Puyol is still several weeks away from full fitness and has been plagued by knee problems over the last two years.
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has claimed that Luiz - who is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem - is not for sale, but Barca have opened the bidding for the Brazilian at €25m and sent club representative Raul Sanllehi to London in order to negotiate a deal.
Barca have also dispatched a delegate to Liverpool for talks over the possible signing of defender Daniel Agger and, according to the Danish press, the Blaugrana are ready to offer €20m for the 28-year-old centre-back.
Barcelona have stepped up their search for a new centre-back by making a €25 million bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
Barca set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva earlier this summer as a long-term replacement for captain Carles Puyol, but have been frustrated in their attempts to sign the Brazil captain and also missed out on his international team-mate Marquinhos, who joined PSG from Roma in July for €35m.
Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta then turned his attentions to another Brazilian as Barca looked set to bid for Luiz late last month, but all transfer plans were placed on hold as coach Tito Vilanova departed to continue his cancer treatment and new man Gerardo Martino was installed at Camp Nou.
Martino has said he is happy with Barca's current squad, but Puyol is still several weeks away from full fitness and has been plagued by knee problems over the last two years.
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has claimed that Luiz - who is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem - is not for sale, but Barca have opened the bidding for the Brazilian at €25m and sent club representative Raul Sanllehi to London in order to negotiate a deal.
Barca have also dispatched a delegate to Liverpool for talks over the possible signing of defender Daniel Agger and, according to the Danish press, the Blaugrana are ready to offer €20m for the 28-year-old centre-back.
Milan explain Honda transfer delay
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has revealed that Keisuke Honda's potential transfer is being delayed by CSKA Moscow's president being on holiday.
Massimiliano Allegri's men have long been linked with the Japan international, though the chase for his signature has been a lengthy one due to the clubs' differing valuations of the midfielder, whose contract ends in January.
Galliani explained why Honda is yet to join the Rossoneri squad on Wednesday but cast doubt on suggestions that Adem Ljajic is set to arrive at San Siro by claiming he has no plans to meet Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle soon.
"There is no chance for Honda to join immediately as the president of CSKA is on vacation," he told Milan's official website. "I have no plans to meet the Della Valle family this weekend either."
Galliani also denied that he and key Real Madrid figures have spoken about transfers between the European giants, insisting their recent meeting was free of business talk.
"I had dinner with [Madrid president] Florentino Perez because we are friends, but we did not talk about football," the Milan vice-president added. "[Madrid coach] Carlo Ancelotti was also there last night, but it was simply a meeting between friends."
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has revealed that Keisuke Honda's potential transfer is being delayed by CSKA Moscow's president being on holiday.
Massimiliano Allegri's men have long been linked with the Japan international, though the chase for his signature has been a lengthy one due to the clubs' differing valuations of the midfielder, whose contract ends in January.
Galliani explained why Honda is yet to join the Rossoneri squad on Wednesday but cast doubt on suggestions that Adem Ljajic is set to arrive at San Siro by claiming he has no plans to meet Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle soon.
"There is no chance for Honda to join immediately as the president of CSKA is on vacation," he told Milan's official website. "I have no plans to meet the Della Valle family this weekend either."
Galliani also denied that he and key Real Madrid figures have spoken about transfers between the European giants, insisting their recent meeting was free of business talk.
"I had dinner with [Madrid president] Florentino Perez because we are friends, but we did not talk about football," the Milan vice-president added. "[Madrid coach] Carlo Ancelotti was also there last night, but it was simply a meeting between friends."
Maxi & Cerro added to Argentina squad
Maxi Rodriguez and Francisco Cerro have been called up to Argentina's squad to face Italy in a friendly on August 14.
Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Fabricio Coloccini were named in the 22-man squad Alejandro Sabella originally assembled, though that number has now increased to 24 with players who ply their trade in the Primera Division.
Velez Sarsfield midfielder Cerro, 25, currently has just one senior cap to his name for the Albiceleste, though this was playing in a squad comprised entirely of footballers who ply their trade in South America against Brazil.
Newell's Old Boys attacker Maxi has a much more impressive international resume, having featured for Argentina at the last two World Cups and made his debut over a decade ago.
The 32-year-old is long past his heyday, when he impressed for the likes of Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, but he has impressed for his club side this season, including scoring the winning penalty in his side's Copa Libertadores quarter-final.
The clash will be played on Wednesday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, having been arranged following an Argentine - Jorge Mario Bergoglio - being named the new head of the Catholic Church earlier in 2013.
Maxi Rodriguez and Francisco Cerro have been called up to Argentina's squad to face Italy in a friendly on August 14.
Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Fabricio Coloccini were named in the 22-man squad Alejandro Sabella originally assembled, though that number has now increased to 24 with players who ply their trade in the Primera Division.
Velez Sarsfield midfielder Cerro, 25, currently has just one senior cap to his name for the Albiceleste, though this was playing in a squad comprised entirely of footballers who ply their trade in South America against Brazil.
Newell's Old Boys attacker Maxi has a much more impressive international resume, having featured for Argentina at the last two World Cups and made his debut over a decade ago.
The 32-year-old is long past his heyday, when he impressed for the likes of Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, but he has impressed for his club side this season, including scoring the winning penalty in his side's Copa Libertadores quarter-final.
The clash will be played on Wednesday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, having been arranged following an Argentine - Jorge Mario Bergoglio - being named the new head of the Catholic Church earlier in 2013.
Manchester United eye Udinese’s Luis Muriel as Wayne Rooney replacement
Manchester United are lining up Udinese forward Luis Muriel as a possible replacement for Wayne Rooney.
United manager David Moyes is a long-term admirer of Muriel, and he is ready to try and push through a transfer for the player if he fails to hang on the wantaway England international.Moyes has already turned down two offers from Chelsea for Rooney, but the player has made it clear he no longer wants to remain at Old Trafford.
It’s a situation that is testing Moyes’ managerial abilities, but he is determined not to be caught short if Rooney eventually does depart.Colombian international Muriel tops the Red Devils’ list of possible incomings; with new chief scout Robbie Cooke pushing for the transfer to happen.
Muriel, 22, is a fast and creative forward who can play as an out-and-out striker or on the wings, and would be available for around £18million.He scored 11 goals last season for Udinese and was watched by United, Liverpool and Barcelona scouts during the Europa League qualifying match against Siroki Brijeg last week, in which he bagged two goals.Muriel would fit in nicely with the likes of Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, making him an ideal option.
Rooney is not likely to be the only striker that departs Old Trafford this month though, with Angelo Henriquez, Kiki Macheda and Bebe also expected to leave in the coming days.
Julio Cesar could join Fiorentina - agent
Suarez ta transfer wenna dena 1ka thamai karanna thiyana hodama de
Manchester United are lining up Udinese forward Luis Muriel as a possible replacement for Wayne Rooney.
United manager David Moyes is a long-term admirer of Muriel, and he is ready to try and push through a transfer for the player if he fails to hang on the wantaway England international.Moyes has already turned down two offers from Chelsea for Rooney, but the player has made it clear he no longer wants to remain at Old Trafford.
It’s a situation that is testing Moyes’ managerial abilities, but he is determined not to be caught short if Rooney eventually does depart.Colombian international Muriel tops the Red Devils’ list of possible incomings; with new chief scout Robbie Cooke pushing for the transfer to happen.
Muriel, 22, is a fast and creative forward who can play as an out-and-out striker or on the wings, and would be available for around £18million.He scored 11 goals last season for Udinese and was watched by United, Liverpool and Barcelona scouts during the Europa League qualifying match against Siroki Brijeg last week, in which he bagged two goals.Muriel would fit in nicely with the likes of Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, making him an ideal option.
Rooney is not likely to be the only striker that departs Old Trafford this month though, with Angelo Henriquez, Kiki Macheda and Bebe also expected to leave in the coming days.
Moyesta pissu ban hondatama
Fabregas confirms Barca stay
Cesc Fabregas says he has never considered leaving Barcelona this summer, and his only thought is to stay and be a success at the Camp Nou.Fabregas was targeted by Manchester United, with the Premier League champions reportedly lodging three separate bids with Barca, and new Red Devils boss David Moyes regularly talking about the possibility of the move taking place.
Fabregas, 26, had dismissed the possibility of a transfer while on Confederations Cup duty with Spain in June, but then went silent on his return to pre-season training with the Catalan club. This prompted speculation that he was actively considering returning to England, or was perhaps using the uncertainty to lever a new and improved Barca contract.Finally speaking from Kuala Lumpur as the Catalan club continued their pre-season Asian tour, Fabregas appeared to put all of that talk to bed."My dream is to play here, I have never considered leaving," he told Mundo Deportivo. "I am at the best club."
Fabregas said stories which suggested he had already spoken with United, and even agreed personal terms, had been pure fabrications, and that he had been reassured by the regular public statements of support from Barca figures including Tito Vilanova, Andoni Zubizarreta, Tata Martino and Josep Maria Bartomeu."Things were invented," he said. "I do not understand how after Tito, Zubi, Tata and Bartomeu all said they counted on me. I have not spoken with any other club for two summers now."
It was also untrue that he or his representatives had tried to use the interest from England to try to get a pay-rise out of Barcelona, he said."I have messages from Bartomeu and from the president [Sandro Rosell]," Fabregas. "I have spoken face-to-face with them and have not had any problem. And neither is it true that I have asked for a new contract."
Asked about his silence on his future in recent weeks, the Spain international said he had not felt the need to talk as in his own mind there had been no uncertainty at all."I have always been relaxed," he said. "I did not have to clear up anything because in my head I was only going to stay at Barca."
Fabregas did, however, admit that he had not always been happy with his own performances at Barcelona since rejoining the club in the summer of 2011.
"What I need to do is play better, because I am at the most demanding and the biggest club in the world," he said.
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