..::Football III::..

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Draxler going nowhere – Heldt

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has denied suggestions Julian Draxler is on the verge of a €45 million move to Wolfsburg.

German media reported that the 21-year-old bid an emotional farewell to Schalke coach Andre Breitenreiter when he was substituted off in his side’s 3-0 defeat at Wolfsburg on Saturday, before asking his team-mates how he would look in a Wolfsburg shirt.

But Heldt has refuted those claims, insisting the Germany international will remain in Gelsenkirchen this season.

“Both Julian and Andre were more surprised than anyone to hear these reports,” Heldt told the club website.

“Julian has vehemently denied having uttered anything even remotely like that.

“As for Andre and the handshake, it was a very normal gesture after a substitution. Also, he had no "tears in his eyes", as was reported."

Wolfsburg are said to have identified Draxler as the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who is on the verge of a Bundesliga record €75m switch to Manchester City.

Italian champions Juventus have already seen multiple bids for Draxler turned down this summer but are said to still be hoping to bring him in before the transfer window closes next week.

 

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Official: Bayern sign Coman from Juventus

Bayern Munich have confirmed that they have signed Kingsley Coman on loan from Juventus.

The 19-year-old joined the Serie A champions from Paris Saint-Germain in 2014 but failed to become a regular in the first team.

He has now opted to join the Bundesliga champions, initially on a two year lona deal but Bayern reserve the option to buy him at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

The France Under-21 international had his medical on Sunday to complete the move and spoke of his delight to join Pep Guardiola's side.

"I am very pleased to come to Munich and Bayern," he said. "I want to take the next step in my career here and want to help ensure that Bayern are successful over the next two years."

Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer believes Coman can add a lot to the team and hailed him as a future star.

"Kingsley Coman is one of the great talents of European football," he said. "So we are very happy that we were able to sign him for Bayern.

"Kingsley is fast, technically savvy and an attacking player and we hope to have a lot of joy with him."

 

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Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Hertha Berlin: Hummels, Aubameyang and Ramos maintain hosts' perfect start

Thomas Tuchel remains unbeaten as Borussia Dortmund head coach after Sunday's 3-1 victory over Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga.Since replacing Jurgen Klopp, Tuchel had overseen seven victories in all competitions and goals from Mats Hummels, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adrian Ramos increased that winning run to eight matches on Sunday.

Dortmund withstood some early Hertha pressure at Signal Iduna Park before Hummels broke the deadlock with his first goal at home since March 2014.

A sensational pass from Shinji Kagawa led to Dortmund's second goal just after the restart, with Matthias Ginter rolling the ball into Aubameyang to apply the finish.Any hopes they had of keeping a clean sheet disappeared after 78 minutes as Roman Burki was beaten for the first time this season by Salomon Kalou.

Neverthless, Dortmund were not to be denied three points and an injury-time strike from Adrian Ramos ensured they top the table on goal difference from Bayern Munich.

Dortmund - who scored seven against Odd in midweek - were uncharacteristically sluggish in the searing heat and were lucky not to fall behind prior to a first-half drinks break.

A lofted pass over the top of the hosts' defence released Genki Haraguchi in the 15th minute, but Hummels made a superb interception as the Japanese forward was about to pull the trigger.

Although Dortmund were controlling possession, Hertha continued to threaten and Burki - back in for Roman Weidenfeller - was needed to deny Vladimir Darida after 20 minutes.

After motivational words from Tuchel during the drinks' break in the first half, Dortmund promptly opened the scoring as Hummels rose at the back post to head home Shinji Kagawa's deep cross.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan came close to doubling Dortmund's lead before the break as he cut in from the left. His powerful drive was on target but Thomas Kraft was able to parry it wide.

Three minutes after the break Mkhitaryan went even closer as he attempted to reach a low cross from Marco Reus, but proved unable to convert from close range under pressure from Peter Pekarik.

Tuchel did not have to wait long to see his team's second goal, though, as a superb lofted pass from Kagawa found Ginter in space on the right. He played a first-time pass to Aubameyang, who prodded the ball home.Dortmund's second goal gave them complete control of proceedings and they continued to create chances.

Kagawa blasted wide after a mistake from Kraft, while Reus was also off target before Hertha cut the deficit with 12 minutes to play.Substitute Kalou finished calmly after a low shot from Alexander Baumjohann had been parried by Burki.

However, Dortmund restored their two-goal advantage in stoppage time as Jonas Hofmann, Kagawa and Mkhitaryan combined to set up Ramos to score against his former club.

 

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Swansea City 2-1 Manchester United: Van Gaal's men stunned again by ruthless Swans

Bafetimbi Gomis scored the winner once again as Swansea City triumphed 2-1 to spoil Louis van Gaal's 50th match in charge of Manchester United.

The France international scored a somewhat fortuitous second when Swansea beat United by the same scoreline at the Liberty Stadium in February to complete a 2014-15 Premier League double over the Old Trafford outfit.

And it was the in-form Gomis, who now has nine goals from 10 top-flight matches, who settled matters in south Wales on Sunday, rounding off a Swansea turnaround in the 65th minute.

Juan Mata had put United in front early in the second half with his 50th goal in English football, before Andre Ayew headed Swansea level – the first time Van Gaal's men have conceded in the top flight this term.

Swansea's comeback was inspired by a tactical change from manager Garry Monk, who switched to a 4-3-1-2 formation moments before his side's leveller.

The result means Swansea have now won four of their last five fixtures against United, each by a 2-1 margin as the visitors were beaten for the first time this season..

Having picked up a thigh injury in training, the in-form Jefferson Montero was replaced by Wayne Routledge in the Swansea starting XI. United midfielder Ander Herrera was rewarded for his goal in a midweek Champions League victory over Club Brugge with a starting berth.

A nervy start from the home side saw United win a free-kick on the edge of the Swansea box in the opening couple of minutes, but goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski got down well to keep out Memphis Depay's curling strike.

Mata then dragged a shot wide from close range when he found himself unmarked two minutes later, before Gomis snatched at Swansea's first chance to test Sergio Romero.

Swansea should have opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Jonjo Shelvey threaded a free-kick into the path of Gylfi Sigurdsson, who pulled his shot wide of the left-hand post.

Those chances sparked the beginning of a period of Swansea pressure as Shelvey tried his luck from long range when he spotted Romero off his line, before Gomis hit the left-hand post with a shot off the outside of his boot.

It was United who were in front three minutes into the second half when a Luke Shaw cross from the left found its way to Mata at the far post and the Spain international powered his finish into the roof of the net.

Fabianski then had to be alert when a Depay cross deflected off Ashley Williams and looked to be looping over his head – the Pole slapping the ball clear before denying Mata from close range.

Monk opted to bring Ki Sung-yueng on for Routledge after seeing his side fall behind and Sigurdsson soon found himself in acres of space on the right, crossing for Ayew to head down and beyond Romero for the equaliser.

The hosts were firmly in the ascendancy and Gomis put them in front five minutes later, tucking his shot under Romero after being played in by Ayew.

United made a trio of substitutions in a bid to salvage at least a point and Williams had to make a superb tackle to halt Wayne Rooney when he was clean through on goal late on.

There were no further chances for the visitors and Van Gaal's wait for a point against Swansea goes on.

 

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Pirlo: I expected Italy call up

Andrea Pirlo says he was had expected his call up to the Italy team for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers and hopes that it is not his last.

Pirlo had been expected to end his international career after Euro 2016, he remains part of Antonio Conte's side and has been included for the upcoming matches against Malta and Bulgaria.

Despite a poor start to life in America, the 36-year-old midfielder says he had anticipated the call up from his former Juventus coach.

"Earlier this week he had phoned me to warn me that I would be called up," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Against Malta and Bulgaria we have two important matches.

"I had hoped I would be included and I hope to have other opportunities. These are big games because we still have to play to qualify."

The ex-Juve star reflected on his old team's start to the season, admitting he did not expect them to lose their opener against Udinese but feels they will beat Roma on Sunday.

"I didn't think that Juve could lose to Udinese. But the Italian league is difficult, there are pitfalls in every game. But I believe that they are still the best team.

"I think they will win against Roma because they are the champion, although Roma has strengthened a lot and are trying to reach the level of Juventus.

"It will certainly be a balanced game and nice to see."

Pirlo admitted that things are not going smoothly for his new side who have won only one of their last six games.

"It is not going very well, but we are working hard and unfortunately we have a hard time getting points. The important thing now is to go to Italy and do well with the national team."

 

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Roma 2-1 Juventus: Evra sees red as Bianconeri stutter to defeat

Patrice Evra was sent off as Juventus stuttered to a 2-1 defeat against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Massimiliano Allegri's team went down by the same scoreline at home to Udinese last week and a lacklustre showing in the capital ensured the Turin giants suffered losses in the opening two league games of the season for the first time in their history.The margin of victory could have been greater, as Miralem Pjanic rattled the post during the first half before opening the scoring with a sumptuous 61st-minute free-kick.

Pjanic's Bosnia and Herzegovina international team-mate Edin Dzeko then climbed above Giorgio Chiellini to head home Iago Falque's hooked cross 11 minutes from time to open his Roma account and spark jubilant celebrations inside the Stadio Olimpico.

Dzeko's goal came a minute after Patrice Evra collected two bookings in the space of three minutes to leave Juventus with 10 men, although they did manage to reduce the deficit through Paulo Dybala.

Roma had penalty appeals rejected inside the first minute when Mario Mandzukic clumsily bundled into Alessandro Florenzi and that early moment of encouragement set the tone for a dominant opening from the hosts.

Seydou Keita sliced wide on the end of Florenzi's fifth-minute cross before Paul Pogba was hustled out of possession 30 yards from his own goal and Falque thrashed an attempt off target.

Juventus briefly threatened to impose themselves as Pogba’s floated ball from the left found Mandzukic at the back post but the Croatia striker's touch deserted him when a first-time shot looked to be the better option.

Dzeko just failed to make contact with Falque's dangerous low cross from the left and, as Juventus failed to fully clear the danger, Pjanic crashed an attempt against the inside of Gianluigi Buffon’s right-hand post from 18 yards.

Roma did not come any closer before half-time, although Juventus' frustrations with their display were in evidence when a number of players became involved in a melee after Chiellini was booked for a robust 37th-minute tackle on Pjanic.

In the 57th minute, Pjanic turned to shoot from 12 yards but not with sufficient power to trouble Buffon. There was a far more taxing save for the veteran goalkeeper three minutes later when he used his legs to deny Dzeko.

Moments later the pressure told as Pjanic lifted a delightful free-kick over the wall and beyond a helpless Buffon after Dzeko drew a foul from Martin Caceres.

Juventus searched for an immediate response and thought they should have had a penalty when the referee adjudged Daniele De Rossi to have handballed right on the edge of the area. Dybala wasted the subsequent free-kick.

Buffon was back in the action a minute later with a superb fingertip save from Radja Nainggolan’s rasping drive, while Chiellini made a vital block to thwart Dzeko at close quarters.

Evra tripped Roma substitute Juan Iturbe and was given his marching orders a minute before Dzeko doubled the home side's advantage with a towering header.
The host were exposed on the break when Keita coughed up possession, leaving Dybala to convert, and previously under-employed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved brilliantly to preserve Roma’s win in stoppage time as Chiellini met a corner from the goalscorer.

 

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Dominant Dortmund delight Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel was delighted with Borussia Dortmund's "dominant" display in their 3-1 win over Hertha Berlin on Sunday.

Mats Hummels, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adrian Ramos made a late Salomon Kalou strike irrelevant to ensure Dortmund made it three wins from three in the league.

And Tuchel was pleased with the manner of the victory after a shaky start from his team.

"We struggled to get into the game," he told reporters. "Hertha sat very deep and we had to defend carefully twice.

"After the drinks break in the first half, we became very dominant and after half time we increased the pressure further.

"I was also happy that we kept on pushing after going 2-0 up."

Tuchel admitted that Dortmund could bring in some new players ahead of the close of the transfer window.

"Transfers are not necessary, but possible. It depends on whether it makes sense."

 

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Koeman rules out Mane & Wanyama exits

Ronald Koeman has once again issued a hands-off warning to clubs interested in Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama following Southampton's 3-0 Premier League win over Norwich City.

Wanyama was absent from Sunday's game at St Mary's Stadium, with Koeman confirming beforehand that the midfielder was not "mentally and physically good enough to play" amid links with a move to Tottenham.

Mane, who is a target for Manchester United, played a starring role in the victory by setting up both goals as Southampton recorded a first league success of the season, three days after their Europa League exit.

Koeman has previously stressed neither player will leave before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, and the Dutchman was quick to reiterate that point after his side's dominant performance.

"The goal before half-time [by Pelle] broke the game open, and I'm very happy about how we played in the second half - there was lots of pressing and we created some great chances," Koeman said.

"Mane is the type of player who makes a difference, he's an important player for us and one we won't sell.

"Victor Wanyama is a key player and for him the answer is the same as for Sadio. They will stay at Southampton, I'm 100 per cent sure about that."

Southampton have been linked with a move for Celtic centre-back Virgil van Dijk and Koeman is keen to bolster his defence in the final days of the window.

He added: "We need another centre-back and we're working hard to bring in a new player in that position."

 

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Hummels, Ramos & how Van Gaal's block on defensive signings could come back to haunt Manchester United

As the supposedly watertight defence developed holes, the man who should be the second-choice goalkeeper looked decidedly second rate. Manchester United may not be the Premier League’s misers after all. They had made it through their first five games of the season without conceding to an opposing player. Then Swansea scored twice in five minutes to prompt uncomfortable questions.

Such as, why is Sergio Romero playing when United still own David de Gea, the outstanding goalkeeper in the Premier League last season? And why, the best part of a year after United realised they needed to sign another centre-back, have they not bought one?

They are unlikely to bolster their back line in the final 48 hours of the transfer window. Mats Hummels was one target. Sergio Ramos was of still more interest, United firming up their interest with a €40 million offer. But the Spaniard stayed at Real Madrid, as many suspected he always would and with his stay lubricated by a lengthier, lucrative contract. If the outcome of their attempts to sign Ramos was inevitable, United can be excused for pursuing a proven world-class player. It was ambitious.

The bigger issue, however, is why there was no Plan B. United only wanted the A-listers. There are comparatively few around; brilliant centre-backs, like high-calibre centre-forwards, are so rare that they seem an endangered species and most are owned by the elite clubs. The rest are expensive, as the valuations attached to John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi confirm.

Despite repeated suggestions to the contrary, the Manchester City new signing was never close to being a Manchester United player. Time, and his City career, will tell if that was a mistake or a sound decision but, without Ramos, Louis van Gaal has been content to carry on with the players who were already at his disposal.

Especially as the Dutchman has an obsessive interest in “balance”. John Terry and Nemanja Vidic were outstanding right-footed, but left-sided, central defenders but Van Gaal prefers an actual left footer. He has bought Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo, converting his compatriot from midfielder or left-back to central defender this season.

For five games, the gamble worked. The unconvincing Romero was rarely tested. Not at the Liberty Stadium. Perhaps Chris Smalling and Blind are not the next great United centre-back partnership, the new Rio Ferdinand and Vidic, after all. Not yet, anyway. The Englishman brings the height and speed the Dutchman lacks but whereas attacking alliances of opposites can be a perfect blend, defensive duos give opponents a chance to expose individual weaknesses. Swansea did so, ruthlessly and wonderfully.

Bafetimbi Gomis isolated himself against Daley Blind, pitting himself against a player who lacks his power and pace. He surged behind the Dutchman, charged past him or simply ran at him. Such contests with forces of nature seem unfair on men of a normal build. But, as Blind will discover, there are several of them in Premier League attacks, too, forwards such as Christian Benteke or Romelu Lukaku whose physical prowess can make them appear unplayable.
Blind made Gomis look unstoppable. A versatile performer whose intelligence and ability to read the game had allowed him to adapt to his new role was flustered. He was caught out of position as Andre Ayew sent Gomis in to score the winner. His sidekick Smalling may have been culpable when Ayew had headed Swansea’s equaliser.

Smalling has appeared the most improved player at Old Trafford over the last six months, but he is yet to prove he can be a commanding figure for an extended period of time. Moreover, he shoulders a huge burden when paired with one who, although he has played at the back in the Eredivisie, is not an obvious Premier League centre-back. Van Gaal likes the idea of a player with a midfielder’s passing skills at the back. So did Sir Alex Ferguson, but Ferdinand had a centre-back’s physique as well.

The temptation is to suggest that Van Gaal has 48 hours to act, especially as United are two defenders down after selling Jonny Evans to West Bromwich Albion and loaning Tyler Blackett to Celtic. The fact is he said that one game will not change his thinking. The probability is that he decided long ago that his four centre-backs this season would be Smalling, Blind, Rojo and Phil Jones, with Paddy McNair as the back-up. The preference for a right-footer and a left-footer means Rojo is the only alternative to Blind.

The Argentinian had a reasonable, but unremarkable, first season at Old Trafford. And if Blind does not recover from his harrowing trip to Wales that seems the best option at the back for United. Reasonable but unremarkable.

 

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Blind CB hari yanne nahaProfessional CB kenek nathi aduwa hodatama danenawa

Koheda ganna hitapu playerwath gatthe nahanemona karannath geta witharai thiyenne​

 

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Van Gaal: Man Utd were too dominant in Swansea loss

Louis van Gaal feels his Manchester United side were "too dominant" to adapt to Swansea City's change in game plan as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

The visitors started both halves strongly, with Juan Mata making amends for a first-half miss by putting his side into the lead just after half-time, only for Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis to seal the three points for the home side.

Van Gaal believes the game was lost "in five minutes" as his players failed to cope with Garry Monk's tactical changes and close out the victory when in front - but maintains United played well throughout.

"[Swansea] started in 4-2-3-1 and at 1-0 they changed their shape and we couldn't cope," he told Sky Sports.

"That's not good because in only minutes, in the dominant role, we have lost [the game] and that was a pity because I think we controlled the game and played very good.

"In the last 20-25 minutes Swansea were compact and it's always difficult to beat a compact team so we were probably too dominant to have the sense to do that.

"We could have scored much more goals so I don't think that's the problem. When you create chances that's the biggest issue and you need also a little bit of luck.

"When the opponent scores goals, always you can find errors but I have to analyse that with my players, not with you."

 

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Van Gaal: Man Utd were too dominant in Swansea loss

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Specially Defence & Forward.​

 

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Shelvey and Vardy earn England call-ups

Swansea City midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy have been rewarded for good early season form with call-ups to the England squad to face San Marino and Switzerland.

Former Liverpool star Shelvey won his only Three Lions cap against San Marino in 2012 but has been recalled by manager Roy Hodgson following a string of impressive performances for the Welsh side, who defeated Manchester United on Sunday.

Vardy has scored two goals in four games thus far this season, and was previously selected in the squad for the friendly clash with the Republic of Ireland.

The Three Lions, who will be led by captain Wayne Rooney, can qualify for Euro 2016 with victories in both clashes.

Harry Kane also keeps his place in the squad despite failing to find the net for Tottenham thus far this season, while Jack Butland and Tom Heaton will provide back-up to Joe Hart in goal.

John Stones is also selected amid links with Chelsea, while Manchester City duo Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph make the squad.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson and Arsenal duo Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck are among those ruled out through injury.

England squad in full

GOALKEEPERS: Joe Hart, Jack Butland, Tom Heaton.

DEFENDERS: Nathaniel Clyne, Luke Shaw, Kieran Gibbs, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Phil Jagielka.

MIDFIELDERS: Michael Carrick, James Milner, Ross Barkley, Jonjo Shelvey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph, Ryan Mason

FORWARDS: Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Theo Walcott

 

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Juventus paying for bad summer business - De Rossi

Daniele De Rossi believes Juventus may struggle to cope this season as he does not think they have adequately replaced Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo or Arturo Vidal.

Goals from midfielder Miralem Pjanic and summer signing Edin Dzeko handed Roma a vital 2-1 win over the champions on Sunday, despite Paulo Dybala's late consolation.

The defeat underlines a disastrous start to the season for last term's double-winners, with Udinese having won 1-0 in Turin on the opening day, and De Rossi feels the loss of some key figures in the dressing room is taking its toll.

"Juve created a cycle based on certain players," he said after the match. "Some can replace them, some can't. You have to spend a lot to replace players like Vidal or Tevez. And nobody can replace someone like Pirlo.

"We had an incredible first half. We fell asleep a bit for the final 10 minutes but we controlled the game. But it must also be said that a great team that wins the Scudetto can't even afford to fall asleep for 10 minutes.

"It's wonderful that we had the courage to play our football with heads held high. Don't forget Juve were in the Champions League final a few months ago."

 

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Official: Manchester City sign De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is looking forward to returning to "the best league in the world" after completing a £55 million move to Manchester City.

The Belgium international was announced as City's latest signing on Sunday, signing a six-year deal as the Premier League table-toppers broke their transfer record for the second time this summer.

De Bruyne's previous stint in England came at Chelsea, where he found his first-team opportunities limited, but he is looking forward to embracing the "new challenge" at the Etihad Stadium.

"I think the Premier League is probably the best league in the world," he told the club's official website. "After it, I think it would probably be Germany. I had a great time in Germany, I had a successful one and a half years at Wolfsburg, where we won a few titles.

"It's a new challenge to be better as a player and hopefully I can do well."

He added: "I think playing with the likes of Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Sergio Aguero is the best thing you can have as a player.

"I want to reach the highest level possible and the most important thing is that we can be happy and maybe have some titles. That's the most important thing for the club, the players and the fans of course."

De Bruyne also admitted that the drawn out saga of his transfer had an effect on him, but said that he remained professional as he waited for the move to materialise.

"I think in the last few weeks there has been a lot of press, also in Germany, but I still kept on playing and training," added the midfielder.

"I stayed professional at Wolfsburg and we were just waiting for everything to fall into place.

"Now I can just play football again. All that stuff stays in your head and it's not that easy to be at 100 per cent and to play at a good level."

De Bruyne will link up with his international compatriot Vincent Kompany at City and is hopeful that the club captain can help him adapt to his new surroundings.

"It's always nice when you have some familiar faces," he said. "Vinnie I know really well and he can help me. He's a guy who speaks the same language as me so he can maybe help me settle in a little bit better and help my family if possible.

"He called me a couple of times and we spoke on the phone. He just said that the club can take good care of me and they will help me.

"He said if there are any problems I can call him and that I am just to follow my heart and my mind, that if I come to City I will be happy and if not, that he would understand my decision."

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck De Bruyne!​

 

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CITY thamai Summer window 1ke danata hodama signs set 1ka karagatthe

Sterling,Otamendi & De Bruyne​

 

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Van Gaal: Manchester United won't panic buy now

Louis van Gaal insists that Manchester United will not panic buy in the final two days of the transfer window despite their 2-1 defeat to Swansea City on Sunday.

United opened the scoring at the Liberty Stadium, with Juan Mata firing home following a Luke Shaw cross, though Garry Monk's side hit back in a five-minute period, with Andre Ayew levelling the scores before Bafetimbi Gomis won the game for the home side.

United have been heavily linked with a number of marquee players, including Thomas Muller and Neymar, in recent weeks, with the transfer deadline looming large.

Van Gaal, though, says that United will not change their transfer strategy after the defeat, and insists that his side dominated the game at the Liberty Stadium.

"No, it doesn't have any effect," he told Sky Sports. "When you are scouting players you know already, in advance, more than a month or two months, which players you can buy or not so it's not in the last moment that we are in panic.

"When you see the game I think we were the dominant team but you have to score more and you don't have to concede the goals."

Javier Hernandez was left on the bench amid links with a move away from the club, while David De Gea was again omitted from the match day squad, but Van Gaal refused to comment on either player's future.

"No, because you are always asking me the same question and you know what my answer is," he replied when asked to issue an update on the pair.

 

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Van Gaal: Manchester United won't panic buy now

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Aduma tharame striker kenekwath gatthothRooney ganama bala bala idala karumeta wage Rooney injury wela out unoth thamai therenne karagattha modakama​

 

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De Bruyne: Premier League is best in the world

Kevin De Bruyne is looking forward to returning to "the best league in the world" after completing a £55 million move to Manchester City.

The Belgium international was announced as City's latest signing on Sunday, signing a six-year deal as the Premier League table-toppers broke their transfer record for the second time this summer.

De Bruyne's previous stint in England came at Chelsea, where he found his first-team opportunities limited, but he is looking forward to embracing the "new challenge" at the Etihad Stadium.

"I think the Premier League is probably the best league in the world," he told the club's official website. "After it, I think it would probably be Germany. I had a great time in Germany, I had a successful one and a half years at Wolfsburg, where we won a few titles.

"It's a new challenge to be better as a player and hopefully I can do well."

He added: "I think playing with the likes of Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Sergio Aguero is the best thing you can have as a player.

"I want to reach the highest level possible and the most important thing is that we can be happy and maybe have some titles. That's the most important thing for the club, the players and the fans of course."

De Bruyne also admitted that the drawn out saga of his transfer had an effect on him, but said that he remained professional as he waited for the move to materialise.

"I think in the last few weeks there has been a lot of press, also in Germany, but I still kept on playing and training," added the midfielder.

"I stayed professional at Wolfsburg and we were just waiting for everything to fall into place.

"Now I can just play football again. All that stuff stays in your head and it's not that easy to be at 100 per cent and to play at a good level."

De Bruyne will link up with his international compatriot Vincent Kompany at City and is hopeful that the club captain can help him adapt to his new surroundings.

"It's always nice when you have some familiar faces," he said. "Vinnie I know really well and he can help me. He's a guy who speaks the same language as me so he can maybe help me settle in a little bit better and help my family if possible.

"He called me a couple of times and we spoke on the phone. He just said that the club can take good care of me and they will help me.

"He said if there are any problems I can call him and that I am just to follow my heart and my mind, that if I come to City I will be happy and if not, that he would understand my decision."