..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

West Brom sign Barry to fill Fletcher void


West Brom have completed the signing of Gareth Barry from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

The former Aston Villa and Manchester City midfielder arrives at The Hawthorns on an initial one-year contract, having turned down the offer of a new contract on Merseyside.


"I want to come and help the team," he told the Baggies' official website. "That’s always been the same for me wherever I have played. "I want to help the team improve, work hard and hopefully add quality."

Manager Tony Pulis hopes Barry, who has been capped on 53 occasions by England, will help cover for the loss of Darren Fletcher to Stoke City earlier in the close season. "There was a big void when we lost 'Fletch' and Gareth will fill that void,” said Pulis.

"He's a fantastic player and I think his attitude towards playing is really gauged by the fact that Everton had offered him a two-year contract to stay there."He really wants to play and I'm really looking forward to working with him."

The 36-year-old Barry is five matches short of breaking Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearance record.

 

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Carlos Bacca joins Villarreal from AC Milan


Carlos Bacca has joined Villarreal from AC Milan on a season-long loan deal which includes an option to buy.The 30-year-old completed his move back to La Liga, where he previously starred with Sevilla, on Wednesday.


As part of the loan deal Villarreal will reportedly pay Milan €2.5 million, with the purchase option a further €15.5m.The forward will be presented to fans and the media by Villarreal on Thursday and has been given the number nine shirt at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Bacca was linked with a return to Sevilla, as well as Marseille and Monaco during a transfer window that saw Milan spend big on a host of additions, including Porto striker Andre Silva.

Milan are also expected to sign Nikola Kalinic from Fiorentina and have seen youngster Patrick Cutrone emerge, leaving the Colombia international seeking a move to ensure regular football in a season that will conclude with the World Cup in Russia.

Bacca spent two years at Milan after joining for a reported €30m from Sevilla. He scored 31 Serie A goals over his two seasons at the club and turned down a lucrative move to China in February, insisting he had chosen his happiness over money.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke City sign PSG forward Jese Rodriguez

Stoke City have announced the signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Jese Rodriguez on a season-long loan.

The 24-year-old becomes the club's sixth transfer of the summer following the arrivals of Darren Fletcher, Kurt Zouma, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Bruno Martins Indi and Josh Tymon.


The Premier League side's chief executive, Tony Scholes, told the club's official website: “Jese was a man in demand when PSG made it clear they would allow him to leave on loan and we’re delighted he has chosen to join us.

“He hasn’t had the happiest of periods in his career in Paris but he’s still only a young man and is hungry to make a big impression in the Premier League. "His pedigree speaks for itself and he will most certainly add to the firepower at our disposal.”

Scholes was speaking in reference to the attacker's paltry amount of playing time at Parc des Princes, with Jese having featured in just nine matches for the Ligue 1 side, scoring one goal.

PSG boss Unai Emery allowed the former Real Madrid youth product to leave on loan in 2017 to hometown team Las Palmas in order to rediscover the form that saw him win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and two Champions League titles whilst at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

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Everton sign Swansea star Sigurdsson for club-record £45m fee

Everton have completed the signing of Swansea City star Gylfi Sigurdsson for a reported club-record fee of £45 million.

The Iceland international, 27, has inked a five-year deal at the Toffees, putting to bed a drawn-out process between the two clubs.Sigurdsson had been on Everton's radar for over a year and the Merseysiders reportedly had two bids previously knocked back by Swansea.

However, Everton have now finally secured their man — increasing their summer spending to well over £100m after also signing the likes of Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane and Wayne Rooney this summer.

Sigurdsson — who scored nine goals and registered 13 assists in the Premier League last season — missed a large chunk of Swansea's pre-season due to the ongoing speculation surrounding him.

Leicester City were also keen on landing Sigurdsson, with the Foxes having reportedly had an offer rejected by Swansea in July."Hopefully I will continue to create goals and score goals for the team and contribute to the kind of success we’re seeking at the club," Sigurdsson told EvertonTV.

"This is an ambitious club and it is clear we are moving in a really good direction. The most important thing is that this team keeps winning games and climbing the table — and does that throughout the season.

"For myself, I would like to score as many goals as possible and create as many goals for my team-mates as I can. These are my targets."But it is always the same thing: as long as the team is winning I will be more than happy."

And manager Ronald Koeman was thrilled to land his man. "I'm really happy because the board and especially our chairman, Bill Kenwright, did everything to get him. It took some time but finally we have signed the player," Koeman said.

"In my opinion, in his position he is one of the best in the Premier League. We have the player here and that's really good for the team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton lath hoda signs set 1kak karagattha meh window 1kedi​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool target Van Dijk is not for sale this summer, reiterates Southampton chairman


Virgil van Dijk is not for sale and will be welcomed back into the Southampton squad when he accepts this state of affairs, according to the Premier League club's chairman Ralph Krueger.Netherlands centre-back Van Dijk is pushing for a move away from St Mary's Stadium, having handed in a transfer request last week.


He had been a top target for Liverpool but the Anfield club made a public statement declaring they had ended their interest in the 26-year-old in June amid allegations of an illegal approach.

Liverpool have already been the beneficiaries of signing prime Southampton talent during previous transfer windows, with Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Sadio Mane all key members of Jurgen Klopp's squad.But Krueger told the Southern Daily Echo that Southampton are now in a position to retain their prized assets and, as such, Van Dijk - who has also been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City - is not going anywhere.

"Our stance remains based on our strategy from May when we spoke last," Krueger said."I already told you the numbers that we have transferred in and transferred out and it is time to stop that.

"We really thought this was a good summer for that. The strength of the contracts, age of the group and the experiences of last year, like going to a cup final [the EFL Cup], gave us the feeling this is a group that tasted winning and keeping them together would give us the chance to reach another level."Virgil is not the only player that is involved in this; he is part of the whole strategy of not selling. Nobody is for sale that we don't want to sell, so he is not for sale in this window. We have said it more than once."

Southampton played out a goalless draw with Swansea City in their opening Premier League game of the season last weekend – a first at the helm for boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

Krueger praised the manner in which the Argentinean has dealt with the Van Dijk saga during his initial weeks in charge."Mauricio has done an amazing job of dealing with this situation," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid have Ronaldo ban appeal rejected


Real Madrid have failed in an attempt to have Cristiano Ronaldo's five-match suspension overturned.

The Portugal international star was handed the ban in light of his actions in Sunday's 3-1 Spanish Super Cup win over Real Madrid, when he was sent off for receiving a second booking then pushed referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.


Although he could have been suspended for up to 12 matches due to the reaction, the Spanish FA (RFEF) chose to give him a more lenient five-game suspension. Nevertheless, this ban was appealed by the Santiago Bernabeu club, who discovered on Wednesday that it had been rejected.That means that Ronaldo cannot play in the second leg of the competition, scheduled for later the same day.

He will also miss the opening four La Liga fixtures of the season, meaning that he will be forced to watch from the stands as Zinedine Zidane's men begin their title defence against Deportivo La Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad.

Sergio Ramos was vocal in his disappointment with the original decision to give the player a red card, claiming that he had not dived.Meanwhile, left-back Marcelo was more realistic, stating in simple terms that Ronaldo was "f*cked" as soon has he lifted his hands to the referee.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Matuidi lands in Turin ahead of €20m move to Juventus from PSG


Juventus have reached an agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi, Goal understands.

The Serie A champions have been chasing the France international midfielder for several weeks now and have agreed a €20 million fee with PSG, which could rise by a further €5m, dependent on bonuses.The player landed in Turin on Wednesday, and he will have his medical on the same day, with Juve hopeful that he will be presented on Thursday.

If all goes well, the 30-year-old could feature for Max Allegri’s side on the opening day of the Serie A season, when they face Cagliari on Saturday.

Matuidi was the first QSI signing when they took over PSG in 2011, with the player costing them €7.5m from Saint-Etienne. He has since been an integral member of the squad, playing just short of 300 competitive matches for the Parc des Princes side.

He will be Juventus’ sixth major signing of the summer, joining the Champions League runners-up after Rodrigo Bentancur, Douglas Costa, Wojciech Szczesny, Mattia De Sciglio and Federico Bernardeschi.

Juve suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to Lazio in the Italian Super Cup last weekend, which has reportedly prompted this deal to be hurried through.

 

[Tharuroxforjustice]

Matuidi lands in Turin ahead of €20m move to Juventus from PSG


Juventus have reached an agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi, Goal understands.

The Serie A champions have been chasing the France international midfielder for several weeks now and have agreed a €20 million fee with PSG, which could rise by a further €5m, dependent on bonuses.The player landed in Turin on Wednesday, and he will have his medical on the same day, with Juve hopeful that he will be presented on Thursday.

If all goes well, the 30-year-old could feature for Max Allegri’s side on the opening day of the Serie A season, when they face Cagliari on Saturday.

Matuidi was the first QSI signing when they took over PSG in 2011, with the player costing them €7.5m from Saint-Etienne. He has since been an integral member of the squad, playing just short of 300 competitive matches for the Parc des Princes side.

He will be Juventus’ sixth major signing of the summer, joining the Champions League runners-up after Rodrigo Bentancur, Douglas Costa, Wojciech Szczesny, Mattia De Sciglio and Federico Bernardeschi.

Juve suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to Lazio in the Italian Super Cup last weekend, which has reportedly prompted this deal to be hurried through.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City open Evans talks as Alexis & Mbappe interest continues


Manchester City are working on a deal to sign Jonny Evans from West Brom, Goal understands.Sources have told Goal that City agreed personal terms with Evans last week, and the Blues are now trying to broker a deal with West Brom.


It has been reported that the Baggies have already rejected two bids from City, one worth £18 million, though the Blues remain confident they will reach a breakthrough before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Pep Guardiola has been in the market for an experienced, strong defender all summer, but has seen attempts to sign Virgil van Dijk and Leonardo Bonucci hit the buffers.

Van Dijk has handed in a transfer request at Southampton but City insist they will not go back in for the Dutchman, such is the Saints' lofty asking price of around £60m.

That has opened the door to a move for Evans, who joined West Brom from Manchester United for £8m in 2015 and could fetch around £20m.A move for Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson had also been considered, though Evans is regarded as a better option than the 24-year-old at this moment in time.

Evans would be considered a replacement for Aleksandar Kolarov, who joined Roma earlier this summer, and therefore fourth-choice centre-back at the Etihad Stadium.

Northern Ireland international Evans, should he complete the move, would also boost City's homegrown quota for Uefa competitions.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis has previously insisted Evans would remain at the Hawthorns for next season, but cast doubt on that at the weekend by intimating he was not entirely convinced about the defender's injury, which kept him out of Saturday's 1-0 win against Bournemouth.

“Jonny felt his hamstring in training on Friday and we didn't want to take a chance," Pulis told reporters. "He went in to see the doctor at the training ground and came to the ground and told me on Saturday it was sore. So we take his word for it.”
Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave City if Evans is signed.

The Frenchman has been training with the Blues in recent weeks and is currently with the first-team squad in Girona, but is only considered a temporary option while other options are pursued.Similarly, 19-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to complete a loan move once a new recruit arrives.

City remain in the hunt for another forward, with long-term targets Alexis Sanchez and Kylian Mbappe still in the mix.The Blues believe they would need Alexis to hand in a formal transfer request to force Arsenal's hand, though sources close to Guardiola insist he is not encouraging the Chilean to kick up a fuss.

The Chilean informed Arsenal of his desire to leave the club and join City at the start of July, but has so far not taken similar action to Philippe Coutinho, who is attempting to force through a move to Barcelona from Liverpool.

City have been concerned about interest from Paris Saint-Germain in both Alexis and Mbappe, though sources at the French club have told Goal France that they will not pursue a move for the latter this summer.

Mbappe was the subject of a €40m bid from City last summer and the Premier League club will fight to secure his signature this summer until he formally commits to another club, or signs a new deal at Monaco.

Mbappe has told City he would join them this summer if they can reach a deal with Monaco, though the two clubs are well apart on their valuation of the 18-year-old, with the French champions holding out for €180m.

The teenager is also open to joining both PSG and Madrid.With PSG needing to sell players before stumping up the cash for Mbappe, and Real Madrid keen to sell one of their high-profile forwards, most likely Gareth Bale, before they will make a move, City have been presented a window of opportunity.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 0 (5-1 agg): First-half Barca failings settle Supercopa

A listless first-half performance ended any hope of a Barcelona comeback in the Supercopa de Espana, the Catalans falling to a 2-0 second-leg defeat to lose 5-1 on aggregate against Real Madrid.

Marco Asensio wasted no time as he spectacularly fired the home side in front after four minutes on Wednesday, with Madrid dominating a team still adapting to life after Neymar.

Barca found goal-scoring opportunities hard to come by and Karim Benzema outwitted Samuel Umtiti to double Madrid's lead on the night shortly before half-time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The headlines after the first leg were dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic cameo, which culminated in a five-match ban following his petulant shove on the referee, but this was a thoroughly professional job from the European champions.

Barcelona improved after the interval – Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit the woodwork – but their Neymar-less future remains a concerning work in progress for new boss Ernesto Valverde, as the club continue their pursuit of a suitable and - on this evidence - much-needed replacement. Those efforts may take on greater urgency after Suarez appeared to hobble through the closing stages.With Ronaldo suspended and Gareth Bale and Isco on the bench, Lucas Vazquez and Asensio were selected to flank Benzema in attack, and the latter picked up where he left off at the end of Sunday's first leg.

Having hammered home Madrid's third from the edge of the box at Camp Nou, it took Asensio just four minutes to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen from even further out in Madrid, firing in a wonderful 25-yard strike that left the German goalkeeper flat-footed.


While Madrid's tweaked attacking trident made a flying start, the missing 'N' in Barcelona's 'MSN' forward line was glaringly obvious after 10 minutes.Valverde opted for a new-look 3-5-2 formation and Suarez perhaps forgot he was shorn of an attacking comrade when he squared for nobody in the box.

Keen to match the efforts of his colleague on the opposite flank, Vazquez curled a shot against the inside of the left-hand post shortly after the half-hour mark, as Barca struggled to create chances for Suarez and Messi.

Madrid netted their deserved second seven minutes from the break.Benzema's quick-thinking exposed Umtiti's laboured defending and the striker latched on to a Marcelo ball into the box to smash home from close range.

Keylor Navas – making his 100th Madrid appearance – did not have a save to make in the first half, but he showed good reactions to get down and intercept a Suarez cutback early in the second.

Barca were showing signs of life and Messi saw an effort crash off the underside of the crossbar before Suarez went close with two headers – the second bouncing off the foot of the post after Navas had parried a fierce Messi drive.



But Madrid were comfortable with their four-goal aggregate advantage, and Barca's mini-recovery proved fruitless on a night when they were outplayed by their fiercest rivals for the most part.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Real Madrid!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zidane lauds 'spectacular' Real Madrid after Super Cup triumph


Zinedine Zidane heaped praise on Real Madrid after they claimed yet another trophy, highlighting his team's "spectacular" first-half performance against Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana.

Madrid were a class above as the La Liga and Champions League titleholders cruised to a 2-0 victory over their bitter rivals on Wednesday, sealing a 5-1 aggregate triumph.

Barca were helpless to stop Madrid, who stormed out of the blocks and took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema.Madrid showed their superiority in the opening 45 minutes, toying with Barca, and head coach Zidane revelled in the display.

"We had to be prepared for the start of the season and in the end, we got two important trophies against two important teams," Zidane said, having also topped Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup.

"We have done very well to start the season. We have a lot. It is going to be very difficult but we are happy."In the first half, we were spectacular. The intensity and pressure, and possession of the ball. The second half suffered a little because Barca attacked us."

Despite the comprehensive scoreline over the two legs, Zidane – who has won seven trophies since his appointment in 2016 – insisted: "There will not be much difference with Barca."This starts again in La Liga. It's going to be a difficult season."

Asensio was at it again at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring another stunner to send Madrid on their way in the Spanish capital.The 21-year-old sensation – playing instead of Gareth Bale – also netted a long-rage strike in the opening leg last week.

 

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Barca boss Valverde: 'There are no invincible teams'


Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde emphasised there are no unbeatable teams following Barcelona's comprehensive loss to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana.

Madrid showed their superiority in Wednesday's 2-0 second-leg victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, which completed a 5-1 aggregate win for the La Liga and Champions League titleholders.

It did not get much better after a 3-1 first-leg loss for Barca, who were outplayed in first half as Madrid put the result beyond doubt via Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema.


The midweek defeat completed a tumultuous pre-season for Barca following the world-record departure of star forward Neymar, and Valverde — a replacement for Luis Enrique — said the Catalan giants must recover and find their balance in the absence of the Brazilian star, now playing for Paris Saint-Germain."There are no invincible teams — if there is a certainty in this sport, it's that we are going to lose eventually," Valverde said.

"What we need is to win, to be sure, to be accurate. We have no qualms in recognising the merits of the rival. Madrid played better than us, especially in the second game, not the first."

Valverde, whose team open their La Liga season at home to Real Betis on Sunday, added: "We have lost this title, it is true. At times, they have started better, especially our first-half start and our second have not been very good.

"We had chances to get in the game but we did not capitalise. We have been penalised in the losses. We have to recover soon in the psychological point of view because La Liga starts. The Super Cup is the end of pre-season, although it is a title that we wanted to win. We have to pull forward. We have no other choice.""In this world everything is evidence, each one is tested to a certain extent and difficulties always come in," he continued.

"There have been things in the pre-season that can affect the balance that there was in the team and we have to work on it to find another balance to be able to play well and get results.

"That is the team's work. It is a difficult moment because in big teams this happens when you do not win."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barca star Suarez to undergo tests on knee injury


Luis Suarez could be in doubt for Barcelona's La Liga opener against Real Betis after sustaining a knee injury against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Barca confirmed Suarez will undergo further tests on Thursday after the side's 5-1 aggregate loss to bitter rivals Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup following their 2-0 defeat midweek.The comprehensive result was compounded with an injury to Suarez, who pulled up late in the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu and clearly struggled to see out the match.


Having already lost the services of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, Ernesto Valverde and Barca will be sweating on Suarez's fitness ahead of Sunday's visit of Betis.

Asked about Suarez's injury after Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema condemned Barca to defeat, Valverde said: "It is a knock on his knee but we will have to wait to assess the situation."

 

[unicornx]

Madrid Midfield is just Brilliant Back in 2013/14 i was dreaming when Madrid can be "THE TEAM TO BEAT"... here they are lalalalalalaaaa

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Injured Suarez ruled out for up to five weeks as Barca woes mount


Luis Suarez will be sidelined for up to five weeks after suffering a right knee injury in Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Barcelona and the Uruguayan Football Association announced the news on Thursday, confirming the striker will be sidelined for the start of the Liga campaign as well as upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Paraguay.


Suarez appeared to suffer the injury in the 85th minute of Barca's 2-0 loss to Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, with Los Blancos triumphing 5-1 on aggregate. The 30-year-old managed to continue playing and finish the match despite the injury.

The news comes at a particularly unwelcome time for Barca, who open their Liga campaign against Real Betis on Sunday. The Catalans already are shorthanded in the attack following the world-record sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, and midfielder Andres Iniesta sat out Wednesday's Super Cup second leg with a thigh problem.

The Blaugrana are looking to bolster their squad in the wake of Neymar's sale, but they are struggling to complete deals for Borussia Dortmund forward Ousmane Dembele and Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, with Nelson Semedo and Paulinho their two main summer signings thus far.
Barca also announced on Thursday that defender Gerard Pique is a doubt for the Betis clash because of a groin strain picked up against Madrid.Suarez will be poised to miss matches against Betis, Alaves and Espanyol, and possibly the trip to face Getafe in mid-September.

Uruguay, meanwhile, sit third in World Cup qualifying in CONMEBOL with four matches remaining, just one point clear of fifth-placed Argentina and three points ahead of sixth-placed Ecuador. The top four nations in CONMEBOL earn automatic passage to the 2018 World Cup, with the fifth-placed team facing a play-off against a team from Oceania.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'AC Milan deserve to be at the top' - Kaka relishing new-look Rossoneri


AC Milan icon Kaka believes his former club are ready to fight for the Serie A title this season.

After years of mediocrity and a sixth-place finish in the previous campaign, Milan have emerged as a serious contender to Juventus' throne in 2017-18 thanks to the backing of their new Chinese owners.


Milan have overhauled their squad, prising Serie A winner and Italy international Leonardo Bonucci away from Juve, while also signing Andre Silva, Lucas Biglia, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mateo Musacchio, Andrea Conti, Franck Kessie and Fabio Borini.

There is a belief that it is too soon for Vincenzo Montella's side to bridge the gap in Italy having not won the Scudetto since 2010-11, but 2007 Ballon d'Or winner Kaka – who tasted Serie A and Champions League success during his time in Milan – is daring to dream again.Asked if big-spending Milan are ready to win the Scudetto, the Orlando City captain told Omnisport: "I think Milan is doing really well in the transfer market."They have bought very good players with good spirit.

"I hope and I wish that Milan will fight for the Scudetto this season and return to the Champions League."This is what I want for Milan. I love the club, I support the club. I want to see them winning and being in the place they deserve to be – at the top."

Before Milan open their Serie A campaign, they face Macedonian side Shkendija in the first leg of the final Europa League play-off round on Thursday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Diego Costa: I won't go back to Chelsea, I must return to Atletico Madrid


Diego Costa has reiterated his desire to join Atletico Madrid this summer and insists he will not return to Chelsea.

The Spain international has spent the close season training alone in his hometown of Lagarto, Brazil, after Antonio Conte's confirmation that Costa was not in his plans ahead of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign.


Costa was expected to complete a transfer away from Stamford Bridge in the following months, though the transfer ban imposed on Atletico has complicated matters.

In an attempt to force through a return to the Spanish capital, Costa has taken legal action against Chelsea and insists he will remain absent from first-team affairs in west London until a deal is completed.Now, following a meeting with the FA in his Brazilian hometown, Costa has released a statement in regards to a switch to La Liga.

"I must return to Atletico Madrid," the striker's statement begins. "We are at an impasse because Chelsea do not want to release me."But I believe that this situation will be resolved soon for my return to Spain."

Costa's relationship with Blues boss Conte came to a head following the break down of the striker's £76 million move to the Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian in January. The 28-year-old was then told he would be free to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the 2016-17 season, despite scoring 20 goals in the club's Premier League title-winning campaign.

Costa has made it clear to Chelsea that he will not return to the club, despite already being fined £300,000 for breach of contract, and is holding out for a return to Atletico where he spent three seasons prior to his arrival in London.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle must spend more to keep Rafa Benitez, warns Jenas


Jermaine Jenas has called for Newcastle United to spend more money or risk losing their manager Rafael Benitez, who has admitted to being frustrated at a lack of transfer business in recent weeks.

Newcastle's 2-0 defeat at St James' Park to Tottenham marked the start of their return to the Premier League after they won the Championship last season.


Jenas played 110 times in the Premier League for Newcastle during his three-year spell at the club and he admits to being worried that the Magpies will lose their manager at some point this season.

"I am 100 per cent with Rafa [on needing new players]," BT Sport pundit Jenas told Goal. "It is difficult for me because when I was playing for Newcastle United, they were third in the league and playing Champions League football and consistently were finishing the in top four.

"Yeah they won the Championship and finished last season on a high but it almost makes me sick that the players and manager put their heart and soul into the league and then they are not backed to improve.

"The market is crazy and they can’t afford to go too big on signings but as far as I am concerned with the team that they have got now will be in a relegation battle at the end of the season. Is that good enough for a club at the size of Newcastle? No, as far as I am concerned.

"So I am 100% behind Rafa Benitez. He has done his job, got them back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. You have banked god knows how many millions for being in the Premier League, or you will bank it over the next few years, now invest it and back me as a manager.

"I am with him all the way. It makes no sense to not go for it and protect your status. Not only that, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to look at what they have got and say it is not enough. I suppose Newcastle fans and even Rafa are probably only asking for signings to give them a better chance.

"Right now, they are amongst the bottom three teams. He wants a chance to survive and that’s all he’s asking for. If they don’t get it, they could lose their most important person and that’s Rafa Benitez."

Newcastle have signed the likes of Jacob Murphy from Norwich, Florian Lejeune from Eibar and Javier Manquillo from Atletico Madrid. They have also brought in Mikel Merino on loan from Borussia Dortmund and have made their loan for Chelsea's Christian Atsu permanent.

Their most recent signing is a £5 million move for Stoke City's Joselu but Jenas remains unconvinced the Newcastle have the firepower that is required to comfortably steer clear of relegation.

"I don’t think they have got enough goals, [Aleksandar] Mitrovic has had his season in the league below," He continued. "I didn’t see enough from him. Maybe they didn’t play to his strengths or maybe it was just his ability, I don’t see him getting double figures.

"They have Dwight Gayle, a proven goalscorer for them but the problem with Gayle is that he has to play in a two [forward system], then you are restricted with how you play. He is better with someone next to him in the Premier League but they won’t have a lot of possession in games.

"They have Ayoze Perez as well but there’s not enough there for me. Every year when I am talking about football in the last couple of seasons, looking at Sunderland, Villa and others. The relegated team’s biggest problem is always a lack of ability to score goals.

"You can grind out results but if you can’t score goals, you won’t stay up. They even failed to loan Tammy Abraham. As a Newcastle United fan or manager or player, you expect a player to jump to play at Newcastle. He has gone to Swansea and you hope that’s a situation that doesn’t come back to bite you in the rear end."