Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Madrid rule out 'Coca-Cola Bernabeu' but could strike Microsoft deal
Real Madrid are still in talks with software giant Microsoft over a possible partnership for naming rights, but have ruled out a deal with drinks company Coca-Cola.
Madrid will unveil plans for the €400 million renovation of their Santiago Bernabeu home on Friday, with around half of that outlay to be made up in naming rights.
President Florentino Perez has been in talks with Microsoft for some time, while Coca-Cola were also prepared to pay €80m per year to have their name on the stadium.
Coca-Cola are already official sponsors of Madrid and the two organisations boast a strong relationship, but the club have currently ruled out naming their ground 'The Coca-Cola Santiago Bernabeu'.
Into the future | The four designs for the new Santiago Bernabeu
Perez, who has chosen from four different designs, expects the new Santiago Bernabeu to raise at least €50m extra per year in terms of ticket sales (with capacity set to be increased to around 90,000 spectators) and corporate revenue.
The renovation will be carried out by German architects GMP Architekten, in conjunction with Catalan company Ribas&Ribas. Their design, bottom left on the above image, will also have a retractable roof.
Building work on the site will be suspended for home matches, which will be played as normal at the Bernabeu, with the redevelopment set to be finalised in 2017.
Madrid have called a press conference on Friday to formally announce the renovation and further details of the new Bernabeu project.
Real Madrid are still in talks with software giant Microsoft over a possible partnership for naming rights, but have ruled out a deal with drinks company Coca-Cola.
Madrid will unveil plans for the €400 million renovation of their Santiago Bernabeu home on Friday, with around half of that outlay to be made up in naming rights.
President Florentino Perez has been in talks with Microsoft for some time, while Coca-Cola were also prepared to pay €80m per year to have their name on the stadium.
Coca-Cola are already official sponsors of Madrid and the two organisations boast a strong relationship, but the club have currently ruled out naming their ground 'The Coca-Cola Santiago Bernabeu'.
Into the future | The four designs for the new Santiago Bernabeu
Perez, who has chosen from four different designs, expects the new Santiago Bernabeu to raise at least €50m extra per year in terms of ticket sales (with capacity set to be increased to around 90,000 spectators) and corporate revenue.
The renovation will be carried out by German architects GMP Architekten, in conjunction with Catalan company Ribas&Ribas. Their design, bottom left on the above image, will also have a retractable roof.
Building work on the site will be suspended for home matches, which will be played as normal at the Bernabeu, with the redevelopment set to be finalised in 2017.
Madrid have called a press conference on Friday to formally announce the renovation and further details of the new Bernabeu project.
Santos to take Neymar's father to court over transfer
Neymar's father is being taken to court by Santos over his refusal to show the club details of the deal he made with Barcelona in 2011.
The Brazil international moved to Camp Nou in June 2013 for a reported €57.1 million, although figures released by the Catalunya club's new president Josep Maria Bartomeu last Friday indicated the forward cost €86.2m, excluding wages.
However, Santos received only €17.1m of the transfer fee, while €40m went to Neymar Sr's company N&N - co-owned by the 21-year-old's parents - which has caused the Peixe to become curious about the finer points of his deal with the Catalans.
The Selecao star's former club are furious that Neymar's father will only verbally tell them details of the deal and are taking the issue to the country's courts, while slamming the underhand tactics used by Barcelona to poach the player.
"There is a way we can know [if what Neymar SR is saying is true]," a Santos representative told Globo Esporte.
"Santos made an agreement whereby we sent the documents and everything relating to the negotiation.
"Neymar’s father called me and told me he would come here. He revealed that there was a confidentiality clause, meaning that he could talk, but not show us anything. Santos are going to dispute that [legally] and we are waiting for a response.
"When you have a figure paid such as €40m, what happens is that everybody is suspicious. We feel deeply upset by the statement made by Barcelona, because it wasn’t what we had negotiated."
'What I do?' | The storm around Neymar's move to Barca refuses to subside
Another unhappy party involved in the complex transfer is the DIS group, which claims that Neymar had broken the terms and conditions of their deal by not telling them about Barca's offer in 2011.
The Blaugrana paid Neymar's father €10m up front over two years ago - with the other €30m to paid following an eventual transfer - to ensure that he helped ease through the deal at the expense of other interested clubs, such as Real Madrid.
Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira subsequently denied all knowledge of any 2011 dealings between Neymar Sr and Barcelona, but the player posted a document on Twitter on Wednesday, which seemed to suggest the club chief had signed a contract acknowledging the agreement.
DIS group - third-party investors who have complained that they have not been given their share of the money by Barca for the player's sale - showed Brazilian media details on Thursday that suggested that the agreement breached their pre-existing contract with Neymar.
"The agent promises to communicate to DIS, in writing, within 48 hours from receiving any proposal received that proposes the transfer the athlete Neymar da Silva Santos Jr to another football club," the clause, seen by ESPN Brasil, reads.
"They must inform DIS about the club, the source of payment, the amounts being paid and the payment periods."
Neymar's transfer has also been taken to the courts in Spain, following a complaint from a Barcelona socio about the legality of the financial aspects of the transfer.
Racing Santander pay protest suspends Copa del Rey tie
Racing Santander's Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Real Sociedad was suspended after 40 seconds due to a player strike over unpaid wages.The Segunda Division leaders trailed 3-1 after the first leg, but played less than a minute of the return clash at their El Sardinero home on Thursday.
The boycott was expected, with Racing captain Mario Fernandez announcing on Monday that they would refuse to take the pitch if the club's board remained in place.The frustrated players cited several months of unpaid wages as the reason for the threat and had already called for president Angel Lavin to step down.
The Racing squad had claimed that the game against Sociedad would not go unhead unless their demands were met. In the end, they did take to the pitch, but it was purely for show, with the players linking arms in the centre circle as soon as referee Jesus Gil blew his whistle to signal the start of the match.
The coaches and substitutes also linked arms on the sidelines and, after Sociedad passed the ball among themselves for a short while, the Basques booted the ball into touch.When Santander refused to take the throw in, Gil decided to suspend the match, meaning Sociedad will progress to the competition's last four, where they will play Barcelona.
The Racing players were embraced by their opponents, who shook their hands and hugged them, before they were applauded and cheered by the home fans.
Racing Santander's Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Real Sociedad was suspended after 40 seconds due to a player strike over unpaid wages.The Segunda Division leaders trailed 3-1 after the first leg, but played less than a minute of the return clash at their El Sardinero home on Thursday.
The boycott was expected, with Racing captain Mario Fernandez announcing on Monday that they would refuse to take the pitch if the club's board remained in place.The frustrated players cited several months of unpaid wages as the reason for the threat and had already called for president Angel Lavin to step down.
The Racing squad had claimed that the game against Sociedad would not go unhead unless their demands were met. In the end, they did take to the pitch, but it was purely for show, with the players linking arms in the centre circle as soon as referee Jesus Gil blew his whistle to signal the start of the match.
The coaches and substitutes also linked arms on the sidelines and, after Sociedad passed the ball among themselves for a short while, the Basques booted the ball into touch.When Santander refused to take the throw in, Gil decided to suspend the match, meaning Sociedad will progress to the competition's last four, where they will play Barcelona.
The Racing players were embraced by their opponents, who shook their hands and hugged them, before they were applauded and cheered by the home fans.
Konoplyanka set for Liverpool as Tottenham pull out of talks
Liverpool look set to beat Tottenham in the race to sign £16 million (€19.5m) forward Yevhen Konoplyanka before the transfer window deadline on Friday.
The Reds are understood to have made a more attractive financial offer to both Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and the player, as Brendan Rodgers looks to boost his side's hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre reportedly flew out to Ukraine on Wednesday to push through the deal - and the Merseysiders' are now close to landing their man.
The Anfield outfit are desperate to force the move through after being gazumped by Chelsea in their atempts to sign Mohamed Salah from Basel.
The pacey 24-year-old plays on the left side of attack and is also highly rated by Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini.
However, while Spurs coach Tim Sherwood admires Konoplyanka, he has concerns about how the player would adapt to the Premier League and he would prefer to wait until the summer to land other targets.
Tottenham are notoriously unpredictable in the latter stages of the transfer window, but senior sources at the club do not expect to sign Konoplyanka, with former White Hart Lane favourite Dimitar Berbatov the most likely arrival before Friday's deadline.
Konoplyanka is eager to move to England and has been tracked by a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, since his impressive displays at Euro 2012.
Rodgers wants to improve his squad and will be anxious to push the Konoplyanka deal over the line on Friday.
"I think we will hopefully do something over the next couple of days," the Liverpool boss said earlier this week.
"Hopefully, we can have a major signing before the window shuts and if we can do that we will be set up for the remaining games."
Liverpool look set to beat Tottenham in the race to sign £16 million (€19.5m) forward Yevhen Konoplyanka before the transfer window deadline on Friday.
The Reds are understood to have made a more attractive financial offer to both Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and the player, as Brendan Rodgers looks to boost his side's hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre reportedly flew out to Ukraine on Wednesday to push through the deal - and the Merseysiders' are now close to landing their man.
The Anfield outfit are desperate to force the move through after being gazumped by Chelsea in their atempts to sign Mohamed Salah from Basel.
The pacey 24-year-old plays on the left side of attack and is also highly rated by Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini.
However, while Spurs coach Tim Sherwood admires Konoplyanka, he has concerns about how the player would adapt to the Premier League and he would prefer to wait until the summer to land other targets.
Tottenham are notoriously unpredictable in the latter stages of the transfer window, but senior sources at the club do not expect to sign Konoplyanka, with former White Hart Lane favourite Dimitar Berbatov the most likely arrival before Friday's deadline.
Konoplyanka is eager to move to England and has been tracked by a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, since his impressive displays at Euro 2012.
Rodgers wants to improve his squad and will be anxious to push the Konoplyanka deal over the line on Friday.
"I think we will hopefully do something over the next couple of days," the Liverpool boss said earlier this week.
"Hopefully, we can have a major signing before the window shuts and if we can do that we will be set up for the remaining games."
Jese: I've dreamt of winning the Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid’s Jese Rodriguez has revealed he has dreamt of winning the Ballon d’Or and targeted lifting the trophy within the next four years.
The 20-year-old scored the only goal in the second-leg of Madrid’s Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Espanyol on Tuesday, and hopes to emulate his team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements in the future.
"I've dreamed of winning the Ballon d'Or in four years,” said Jese in an interview with El Larguero.
But despite playing a starring role in helping the club to the semi-finals of the competition, Jese admits he faces a fight on his hands to get in the team with Gareth Bale set to return.
He said: “Bale is going to come back and show what a great player he is and why Real signed him.
“He is first choice and I am going to have to work my guts out to play.”
The attacker has netted four goals so far in his first full season in Madrid's senior side and claimed he wants to reach double figures by the season’s end.
Jese added: "The target for this first year is to reach 10 goals. I feel confident and I believe in myself, but I always respect all my team-mates."
"I'm grateful for the faith placed in me, but I've earned it by taking the chances I've been given."
neymar wagema tama.super speed and control
eka sign ekakwath karaganna ekak nae wageArsenal consider options as Draxler deal drags on
Arsenal have targeted Miroslav Klose or Alvaro Morata as a short-term solution to their striker shortage in the event that they cannot seal a sensational late deal for Julian Draxler.
The Gunners are still locked in negotiations with Schalke as they try to broker an agreement for German starlet Draxler ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.
Arsene Wenger values Draxler at between €30 million and €35m, while Schalke value the 20-year-old at €45m - the release clause figure inserted in the five-year contract signed by Draxler last summer.
Any deal is also complicated by the Bundesliga club's desire to sign a replacement before sanctioning the forward's departure.
With Germany's transfer window due to close at 17.00GMT on Friday, Gunners boss Wenger has a backup plan in place, which involves signing either Klose from Lazio or Morata from Real Madrid until the end of the season. Goal has learned that Klose is the more likely of the pair to arrive at Emirates Stadium.
Klose is 35 but is expected to be in the Germany squad at this summer's World Cup and remains a regular scorer for club and country.
Morata, 21, is at the other end of the age scale but is only on the fringes of the Madrid team and los Blancos might consider a half-season in England a valuable learning experience for the Spain Under-21 international.
As revealed by Goal, a club delegation has been in Germany this week to negotiate deals for Schalke forward Draxler and Frankfurt right-back Sebastian Jung.
While the Gunners are still hopeful of pushing through the Draxler deal before Friday’s deadline, Schalke chief Horst Heldt has publicly claimed that he is "very sure" that the forward will remain with the German outfit for this season - and "probably even longer".
If the Gunners cannot finalise a transfer for Draxler before the window closes, they are expected to make another move in the summer. Similarly, Arsenal are putting in the groundwork now for a Jung deal this summer should contract rebel Bacary Sagna not sign a new agreement.
The north London club are also attempting to sign a midfielder before the window shuts. They have made an enquiry for Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin after learning that Blaise Matuidi is set to sign a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester City push for deadline-day Fernando deal
Manchester City are attempting to conclude the deadline-day signing of Porto midfielder Fernando amid frantic efforts by the Portuguese champions to retain the player's services.
Though the 26-year-old will be a free agent in the summer, he is understood to have been offered a contract extension that would establish him as Portuguese football's best-paid player.
Porto have proposed a revised salary package worth €200,000 a month, including an agreement that the Brazil-born holding midfielder can leave in six months' time for a set fee of €15m (£12.3m).
Three points adrift of leaders Benfica in the title race, the Portuguese champions have been placed in a difficult position by their decision to allow Fernando's midfield partner Lucho Gonzalez to join Qatari club Al Rayyan this week.
Fernando, who obtained Portuguese citizenship last month and plans to represent the national team, is pushing Porto to be allowed to join City immediately.
According to sources at the club, he has asked coach Paulo Fonseca not to select him for Saturday's visit to Maritimo should the transfer fall through.
City also want to sign highly regarded defender Eliaquim Mangala, but have so far failed to negotiate down Porto's lofty asking price for the France international.
While the Premier League club have offered Javi Garcia on a half-season loan as part of the Fernando deal, Porto baulked at the former Benfica midfielder's salary. The Spaniard may now be moved to Atletico Madrid instead.
The picture has been complicated by a late Manchester United move for defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Fernando has won the Europa League, four league titles, and two Tacas de Portugal since joining Porto in 2007. Also the subject of approaches from Manchester United and Everton, he is recognised as a key component of the club's sustained domestic success.
Manchester City are attempting to conclude the deadline-day signing of Porto midfielder Fernando amid frantic efforts by the Portuguese champions to retain the player's services.
Though the 26-year-old will be a free agent in the summer, he is understood to have been offered a contract extension that would establish him as Portuguese football's best-paid player.
Porto have proposed a revised salary package worth €200,000 a month, including an agreement that the Brazil-born holding midfielder can leave in six months' time for a set fee of €15m (£12.3m).
Three points adrift of leaders Benfica in the title race, the Portuguese champions have been placed in a difficult position by their decision to allow Fernando's midfield partner Lucho Gonzalez to join Qatari club Al Rayyan this week.
Fernando, who obtained Portuguese citizenship last month and plans to represent the national team, is pushing Porto to be allowed to join City immediately.
According to sources at the club, he has asked coach Paulo Fonseca not to select him for Saturday's visit to Maritimo should the transfer fall through.
City also want to sign highly regarded defender Eliaquim Mangala, but have so far failed to negotiate down Porto's lofty asking price for the France international.
While the Premier League club have offered Javi Garcia on a half-season loan as part of the Fernando deal, Porto baulked at the former Benfica midfielder's salary. The Spaniard may now be moved to Atletico Madrid instead.
The picture has been complicated by a late Manchester United move for defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Fernando has won the Europa League, four league titles, and two Tacas de Portugal since joining Porto in 2007. Also the subject of approaches from Manchester United and Everton, he is recognised as a key component of the club's sustained domestic success.
Manchester United launch €15m bid for Porto defender Otamendi
Manchester United have lodged a €15 million bid for Porto’s central defender Nicolas Otamendi.
While the Portuguese club consider the Argentina international as a more expendable asset than his defensive partner Eliquiam Mangala, they have yet to take a decision on whether to sell.
An aggressive though not especially quick defender, Otamendi has been at Porto since 2010, playing a part in Andre Villas-Boas' famous treble-winning team in his first season at the club.
The 25-year-old has made 16 full international appearances for his country, but has fallen out of favour since Alejandro Sabella's arrival as Argentina coach.
Otamendi's potential recruitment forms part of David Moyes' plan to add five individuals at their peak of their playing careers to the club-record capture of Juan Mata.
United's new boss has sought to attribute blame for the club's debilitating season to the Premier League-winning squad he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson and has been granted unprecedented financial backing to overhaul it.
However, United's bid for Otamendi has been complicated by Manchester City's attempt to recruit Mangala.
Convinced they can achieve the full €50m buyout in the France international's contract, Porto have so far refused to negotiate a fee for Mangala, who they intend to retain for the season.
If City were to trigger that release clause, however, his sale would seriously damage Paulo Fonseca's attempt to retain the Portuguese title.
Manchester United have lodged a €15 million bid for Porto’s central defender Nicolas Otamendi.
While the Portuguese club consider the Argentina international as a more expendable asset than his defensive partner Eliquiam Mangala, they have yet to take a decision on whether to sell.
An aggressive though not especially quick defender, Otamendi has been at Porto since 2010, playing a part in Andre Villas-Boas' famous treble-winning team in his first season at the club.
The 25-year-old has made 16 full international appearances for his country, but has fallen out of favour since Alejandro Sabella's arrival as Argentina coach.
Otamendi's potential recruitment forms part of David Moyes' plan to add five individuals at their peak of their playing careers to the club-record capture of Juan Mata.
United's new boss has sought to attribute blame for the club's debilitating season to the Premier League-winning squad he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson and has been granted unprecedented financial backing to overhaul it.
However, United's bid for Otamendi has been complicated by Manchester City's attempt to recruit Mangala.
Convinced they can achieve the full €50m buyout in the France international's contract, Porto have so far refused to negotiate a fee for Mangala, who they intend to retain for the season.
If City were to trigger that release clause, however, his sale would seriously damage Paulo Fonseca's attempt to retain the Portuguese title.
AC Milan are getting better - Balotelli
Mario Balotelli has leapt to the defence of AC Milan, insisting that they are turning their season around.
Massimiliano Allegri was ousted as Rossoneri boss earlier in January after being unable to guide the Italian giants out of the bottom half of the table following an awful start to their 2013-14 Serie A campaign.
Balotelli, who only joined Milan from Manchester City a year ago on Friday and yet has been linked with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, thinks that they are gradually improving under new boss Clarence Seedorf and says that he is satisfied with life at San Siro.
"I am happy to play for this great team, especially in difficult moments, because anyone can get through easy times. It’s in the difficult ones that it’s tough to get the best out of yourself," the Italy international told the club's official website.
"Now we find ourselves in a better situation compared to a while ago, as we are slowly pulling ourselves out.
"I am truly happy to be here, I've had a wonderful year with the Rossoneri and hope to continue like this."
Balotelli has set Milan the goal of securing European football for next season with a top-five finish in Serie A and also hopes his debut World Cup with Italy is a success.
"What do I want from this season?" the 23-year-old striker mused. "I hope we can reach a Serie A position that will allow us to play in Europe and above all to beat Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.
"As for the World Cup, we’ll see in the summer. I hope for the best, as it will be my first World Cup and it’s the most important tournament for any player."
Seedorf's side currently sit ninth in Serie A, only five points shy of fifth-placed Inter.
Mario Balotelli has leapt to the defence of AC Milan, insisting that they are turning their season around.
Massimiliano Allegri was ousted as Rossoneri boss earlier in January after being unable to guide the Italian giants out of the bottom half of the table following an awful start to their 2013-14 Serie A campaign.
Balotelli, who only joined Milan from Manchester City a year ago on Friday and yet has been linked with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, thinks that they are gradually improving under new boss Clarence Seedorf and says that he is satisfied with life at San Siro.
"I am happy to play for this great team, especially in difficult moments, because anyone can get through easy times. It’s in the difficult ones that it’s tough to get the best out of yourself," the Italy international told the club's official website.
"Now we find ourselves in a better situation compared to a while ago, as we are slowly pulling ourselves out.
"I am truly happy to be here, I've had a wonderful year with the Rossoneri and hope to continue like this."
Balotelli has set Milan the goal of securing European football for next season with a top-five finish in Serie A and also hopes his debut World Cup with Italy is a success.
"What do I want from this season?" the 23-year-old striker mused. "I hope we can reach a Serie A position that will allow us to play in Europe and above all to beat Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.
"As for the World Cup, we’ll see in the summer. I hope for the best, as it will be my first World Cup and it’s the most important tournament for any player."
Seedorf's side currently sit ninth in Serie A, only five points shy of fifth-placed Inter.
Chelsea closing in on €14.5m Zouma deal
Chelsea are closing in on the €14.5 million signing of Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old revealed earlier this month that he had received a phone call from Jose Mourinho, and it is believed that conversation persuaded the youngster to pick the Blues over rival suitors Manchester City.
Saint-Etienne vice-president Dominique Rocheteau later insisted the club would not part with Zouma in January and it is understood that Chelsea will allow him to remain in France until the summer.
Zouma is regarded as one of the best young centre-halves in Europe, though he is currently serving a 10-match suspension for breaking Sochaux midfielder Thomas Guerbert's leg in November.
Since making his professional debut for Saint-Etienne at the age of 16 Zouma has played over 50 games for the Ligue 1 club, while also representing France at youth level.
The deal represents another important step in Mourinho's attempts to remodel the Chelsea squad, following the January signings of Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah and sales of Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne.
Chelsea are closing in on the €14.5 million signing of Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old revealed earlier this month that he had received a phone call from Jose Mourinho, and it is believed that conversation persuaded the youngster to pick the Blues over rival suitors Manchester City.
Saint-Etienne vice-president Dominique Rocheteau later insisted the club would not part with Zouma in January and it is understood that Chelsea will allow him to remain in France until the summer.
Zouma is regarded as one of the best young centre-halves in Europe, though he is currently serving a 10-match suspension for breaking Sochaux midfielder Thomas Guerbert's leg in November.
Since making his professional debut for Saint-Etienne at the age of 16 Zouma has played over 50 games for the Ligue 1 club, while also representing France at youth level.
The deal represents another important step in Mourinho's attempts to remodel the Chelsea squad, following the January signings of Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah and sales of Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne.
Official: Henrique joins Napoli
Napoli secured the signing of Henrique from Palmeiras on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee on Thursday.The Brazilian centre-back has previously played in Europe for Bayer Leverkusen and Racing Santander - for whom he featured on loan from Barcelona.
Henrique spent four years under contract at Camp Nou, although he was farmed out to other clubs for the duration of that time before rejoining Palmeiras permanently in 2012.
However, now the 27-year-old has now returned to Europe with the Partenopei.
"Napoli can announce the official signing of Henrique from Palmeiras, who has signed a contract until June 30, 2017," the Italian club stated on their official Twitter account.Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis also praised the defensive recruit, tweeting: "Welcome Henrique! Your experience and your quality will integrate perfectly with our great team."
Napoli are also reportedly hoping to sign Saint-Etienne left-back Faouzi Ghoulam before the close of the January transfer window.
Napoli secured the signing of Henrique from Palmeiras on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee on Thursday.The Brazilian centre-back has previously played in Europe for Bayer Leverkusen and Racing Santander - for whom he featured on loan from Barcelona.
Henrique spent four years under contract at Camp Nou, although he was farmed out to other clubs for the duration of that time before rejoining Palmeiras permanently in 2012.
However, now the 27-year-old has now returned to Europe with the Partenopei.
"Napoli can announce the official signing of Henrique from Palmeiras, who has signed a contract until June 30, 2017," the Italian club stated on their official Twitter account.Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis also praised the defensive recruit, tweeting: "Welcome Henrique! Your experience and your quality will integrate perfectly with our great team."
Napoli are also reportedly hoping to sign Saint-Etienne left-back Faouzi Ghoulam before the close of the January transfer window.
Klopp: Dortmund will fight for three points
Jurgen Klopp has insisted that his Borussia Dortmund players will "fight" to get their season back on track in Friday's clash at Eintracht Braunschweig.
The Schwarzgelben have picked up two points out of a possible 12 in their last four Bundesliga fixtures, including a 2-2 draw at home to Augsburg last weekend in what was their first outing after the winter break.
BVB now sit 17 points behind leaders Bayern Munich, with securing Champions League football next season now their primary aim, and Klopp has promised fans that his team have no intention of letting their recent dropped points derail their campaign.
"If one game does not go as planned, you should not dwell too much on the reasons but continue on the path you have chosen," he told the club's official website.
"Our winter break training was for the entire second half of the season, and not just one game.
"Counter-pressing is one of the keys to success on Friday, as Braunschweig are neither too attack-minded nor too defensive-minded. They're good in tight spaces with robust, physical players.
"When we are in possession, they will defend with everything they’ve got. We will fight for these three points."
The Bundesliga clash kicks off on Friday at 20:30CET, with Dortmund able to go one point behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen with an away victory.
Jurgen Klopp has insisted that his Borussia Dortmund players will "fight" to get their season back on track in Friday's clash at Eintracht Braunschweig.
The Schwarzgelben have picked up two points out of a possible 12 in their last four Bundesliga fixtures, including a 2-2 draw at home to Augsburg last weekend in what was their first outing after the winter break.
BVB now sit 17 points behind leaders Bayern Munich, with securing Champions League football next season now their primary aim, and Klopp has promised fans that his team have no intention of letting their recent dropped points derail their campaign.
"If one game does not go as planned, you should not dwell too much on the reasons but continue on the path you have chosen," he told the club's official website.
"Our winter break training was for the entire second half of the season, and not just one game.
"Counter-pressing is one of the keys to success on Friday, as Braunschweig are neither too attack-minded nor too defensive-minded. They're good in tight spaces with robust, physical players.
"When we are in possession, they will defend with everything they’ve got. We will fight for these three points."
The Bundesliga clash kicks off on Friday at 20:30CET, with Dortmund able to go one point behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen with an away victory.
Grenier turns down Newcastle to stay at Lyon, says agent
Clement Grenier's agent has confirmed the Lyon midfielder will not be moving to Newcastle this month.
The 23-year-old has been targeted by the Magpies following Yohan Cabaye’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain, while Toon boss Alan Pardew revealed on Thursday that negotiations were “ongoing”.
But Grenier’s agent, Frederic Guerra, claims the midfielder could potentially harm his chances of making France’s World Cup squad by moving to the Premier League during the January transfer window.
“It is not easy to say no to a big club like Newcastle, but Clement has decided to stay at Lyon,” Frederic Guerra told Le 10 Sport.
“With the new tactical system that Remi Garde is deploying, Clement is trying to make his game even richer and he is showing that in his matches.
“With six months until the World Cup would a departure from his current club be a good idea? I do not think so at all.
“Also, Lyon are on their way back up and Clement does not want to leave when things are getting better. He does not want to abandon them mid-season."
Guerra also insists Newcastle’s valuation of Grenier - around half of what the club received for Cabaye - is not an accurate representation of the Lyon midfielder’s true worth.
“Finally, the conditions of his departure would not have allowed Clement to flourish. He would have arrived at Newcastle - not as Clement Grenier - but as Yohan Cabaye’s replacement,” Guerra continued.
“I have the utmost respect for the quality of Cabaye, who deserves everything that has happened to him. However, as the agent of Clement Grenier, I also have to ask: Is Clement really worth half of Yohan Cabaye?
“All these reasons led us to decline the offer of Newcastle, the conditions of the deal did not seem fair to me vis-a-vis Clement.”
Clement Grenier's agent has confirmed the Lyon midfielder will not be moving to Newcastle this month.
The 23-year-old has been targeted by the Magpies following Yohan Cabaye’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain, while Toon boss Alan Pardew revealed on Thursday that negotiations were “ongoing”.
But Grenier’s agent, Frederic Guerra, claims the midfielder could potentially harm his chances of making France’s World Cup squad by moving to the Premier League during the January transfer window.
“It is not easy to say no to a big club like Newcastle, but Clement has decided to stay at Lyon,” Frederic Guerra told Le 10 Sport.
“With the new tactical system that Remi Garde is deploying, Clement is trying to make his game even richer and he is showing that in his matches.
“With six months until the World Cup would a departure from his current club be a good idea? I do not think so at all.
“Also, Lyon are on their way back up and Clement does not want to leave when things are getting better. He does not want to abandon them mid-season."
Guerra also insists Newcastle’s valuation of Grenier - around half of what the club received for Cabaye - is not an accurate representation of the Lyon midfielder’s true worth.
“Finally, the conditions of his departure would not have allowed Clement to flourish. He would have arrived at Newcastle - not as Clement Grenier - but as Yohan Cabaye’s replacement,” Guerra continued.
“I have the utmost respect for the quality of Cabaye, who deserves everything that has happened to him. However, as the agent of Clement Grenier, I also have to ask: Is Clement really worth half of Yohan Cabaye?
“All these reasons led us to decline the offer of Newcastle, the conditions of the deal did not seem fair to me vis-a-vis Clement.”
Taarabt meets Galliani to finalise AC Milan move
Adel Taarabt has met with AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani to finalise his loan move to San Siro before the transfer window shuts on Friday.
The Rossoneri announced on Thursday that the attacker had arrived in Milan to take part in a medical after being given permission by current club QPR to cut short his temporary stay at Fulham in order to link up with Clarence Seedorf's squad for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old met with Galliani and other senior club figures for dinner at the 'Giannino' restaurant, with the struggling Serie A side's chief giving a glowing verdict of the Moroccan ahead of his imminent confirmation as a Milan player.
"Taarabt is a very talented player," the Rossoneri CEO told reporters in outside the restaurant. "He manages to dribble past players, and that's exactly the kind of a player that I like.
"I have followed Taarabt for a long time - since he played in the Championship. Taarabt is, of course, very happy and I will see him tonight [Thursday]. We're very satisfied."
The loan move is not expected to be made official early on transfer deadline day despite being all-but-complete, in the same way that Mario Balotelli's permanent switch from Manchester City was confirmed on January 31 last year.
Reports suggest Taarabt - who had been linked with Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago - can be bought outrigh by Milan in the summer for €7 million.
Adel Taarabt has met with AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani to finalise his loan move to San Siro before the transfer window shuts on Friday.
The Rossoneri announced on Thursday that the attacker had arrived in Milan to take part in a medical after being given permission by current club QPR to cut short his temporary stay at Fulham in order to link up with Clarence Seedorf's squad for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old met with Galliani and other senior club figures for dinner at the 'Giannino' restaurant, with the struggling Serie A side's chief giving a glowing verdict of the Moroccan ahead of his imminent confirmation as a Milan player.
"Taarabt is a very talented player," the Rossoneri CEO told reporters in outside the restaurant. "He manages to dribble past players, and that's exactly the kind of a player that I like.
"I have followed Taarabt for a long time - since he played in the Championship. Taarabt is, of course, very happy and I will see him tonight [Thursday]. We're very satisfied."
The loan move is not expected to be made official early on transfer deadline day despite being all-but-complete, in the same way that Mario Balotelli's permanent switch from Manchester City was confirmed on January 31 last year.
Reports suggest Taarabt - who had been linked with Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago - can be bought outrigh by Milan in the summer for €7 million.
Holtby set to complete Fulham loan move
Lewis Holtby is set to join Fulham on loan from Tottenham for the remainder of the 2013-14 season.
The Germany international completed a medical on Thursday before having a decisive talk with Cottagers boss Rene Meulensteen that sealed the deal on his departure from White Hart Lane.
Fulham, who will give the central midfielder the No.10 shirt, have been locked in talks with both the player and Tottenham since the start of the week, with all three parties having agreed in principle to a short-term contract that will be signed on the eve of deadline day.
Despite Spurs' willingness to allow Holtby to leave on loan, the Champions League-chasing club will not allow Fulham any option to buy the 23-year-old outright in the summer.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino let slip that the Craven Cottage side - whom his Saints face on Saturday - have bagged Holtby in his press conference on Thursday.
"It's going to be a tough game against Fulham," the coach told reporters. "They've made a lot of changes, a lot of signings. They've just signed Lewis Holtby from Tottenham."
Holtby has endured a frustrating 12-month spell at White Hart Lane since joining Tottenham from Schalke last January, having failed to make his mark on the first team, with the likes of Paulinho, Sandro and Mousa Dembele all ahead of him in the pecking order.
The German had been linked with a return to the Bundesliga, but Fulham's loan move ensures he will remain in England until at least the summer.
Lewis Holtby is set to join Fulham on loan from Tottenham for the remainder of the 2013-14 season.
The Germany international completed a medical on Thursday before having a decisive talk with Cottagers boss Rene Meulensteen that sealed the deal on his departure from White Hart Lane.
Fulham, who will give the central midfielder the No.10 shirt, have been locked in talks with both the player and Tottenham since the start of the week, with all three parties having agreed in principle to a short-term contract that will be signed on the eve of deadline day.
Despite Spurs' willingness to allow Holtby to leave on loan, the Champions League-chasing club will not allow Fulham any option to buy the 23-year-old outright in the summer.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino let slip that the Craven Cottage side - whom his Saints face on Saturday - have bagged Holtby in his press conference on Thursday.
"It's going to be a tough game against Fulham," the coach told reporters. "They've made a lot of changes, a lot of signings. They've just signed Lewis Holtby from Tottenham."
Holtby has endured a frustrating 12-month spell at White Hart Lane since joining Tottenham from Schalke last January, having failed to make his mark on the first team, with the likes of Paulinho, Sandro and Mousa Dembele all ahead of him in the pecking order.
The German had been linked with a return to the Bundesliga, but Fulham's loan move ensures he will remain in England until at least the summer.
eka sign ekakwath karaganna ekak nae wage
Draxler wa summer 1ka wenakam sell karanne naha kiyala thamai Schalke la kiyanne
Klose,Vucinic & Morata wa try karai
Ath Moratawa wa nam sure karanna baha
monawa unath ada wena deyak thamai.
Thawa 13 hours wage thiyenne Transfer Window 1ka close wenna
Draxler,Kroos,E.Mangala,Fernando,Klose,Nani,Vucinic,Guarin
Draxler,Kroos,E.Mangala,Fernando,Klose,Nani,Vucinic,Guarin
- Status
