..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'Man Utd would be a good move for De Ligt' - Muhren tips starlet to make Old Trafford transfer


Former Ajax and star Arnold Muhren believes it would make sense for in-demand defender Matthijs de Ligt to join Manchester United.

De Ligt has attracted interest from around Europe with his displays for Ajax, having taken over the club captaincy at age 19.Still a teenager, De Ligt nonetheless has become a full Netherlands international and has helped Ajax to a remarkable season.

Barcelona have been heavily linked with De Ligt, with the Blaugrana having already secured his team-mate Frenkie de Jong for next season.

"Ajax have a very good connection with Barcelona. A lot of Dutch guys went to Barcelona, one or two came from Barca to Ajax. So the relationship is very, very good," Muhren told Love Sport Radio."De Ligt can play in any team. there are a lot of teams interested in him," said the 67-year-old, who also spent three seasons with Manchester United.

Barcelona were shockingly bounced from the Champions League on Tuesday with a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool, a result that has convinced Muhren that the Liga side need De Ligt even more. "I saw the Barcelona game yesterday and they need something at the back desperately because there are one or two players a little bit over the hill.

"Barcelona need a lot of good defenders and they need De Ligt."Muhren, who won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax as well as the 1972-73 European Cup, has nevertheless tipped De Ligt for a move to Old Trafford.

"I understand Manchester United are willing to spend a lot of money on foreign players and if De Ligt chooses to go to Manchester United, it's of course a very good move for him.

"But I think they need more players than just De Ligt. They have to rebuild the team."United's chances of landing De Ligt have been dealt a blow, however, with the club's failure to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side close out the season on Sunday against Cardiff City, with their place in next year's Europa League already assured.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale move 'possible' if Premier League club pays up, says agent


Gareth Bale could move to the Premier League if the right offer comes in, according to his agent, who also said the Real Madrid winger is equally happy to see out his contract.

The Wales international played a starring role in last season's Champions League final triumph over Liverpool before suggesting in the aftermath he could leave Los Blancos due to a lack of playing time.But the departures of coach Zinedine Zidane and star man Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to open the door for Bale to assume a key role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, he and the club have endured a tough year, with Zidane back at the helm and Bale dropped from the squad for last Sunday's 3-2 win over Villarreal.

Agent Jonathan Barnett has played down talk of the former Tottenham man returning to England in the past, but he conceded a sizeable financial package might now be enough to land him."It certainly is possible if somebody puts their hand in their pocket and pays us what we think he deserves," he told Sky Sports. "You shouldn't ask [how much]; it's going to be a lot of money."

Zidane insisted he was not sending a message by leaving Bale out for the Villarreal game, but Barnett does not believe the coach rates his player.However, Bale remains under contract for another three years and is not pushing for a transfer.

"He wants to stay. I'm not sure that Mr Zidane wants him to stay," Barnett said. "But at the moment, Gareth wants to stay. He's got a contract and he'll quite happily see it out until 2022.

"He has been, in my opinion, one of the top three or four players in the world, but this game is a game of opinions and Mr Zidane doesn't think that."Good luck to him, it's his opinion and he's entitled to it. I won't criticise him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid to pay €16m to continue Morata loan


Alvaro Morata is set to remain with Atletico Madrid through June 2020 with the club opting to pay €16 million (£13.8 million/$18 million) to continue the loan arrangement with Chelsea.Morata originally joined Atleti in January, having fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea with Gonzalo Higuain entering the fold under Maurizio Sarri.

He originally signed for the Spanish club on a one-and-a-half year loan deal, with part of that agreement including a payment from Atletico Madrid that would see the club cover a portion of what Chelsea payed to sign the striker.

Alvaro Morata is set to remain with Atletico Madrid through June 2020 with the club opting to pay €16 million (£13.8 million/$18 million) to continue the loan arrangement with Chelsea.

Morata originally joined Atleti in January, having fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea with Gonzalo Higuain entering the fold under Maurizio Sarri.He originally signed for the Spanish club on a one-and-a-half year loan deal, with part of that agreement including a payment from Atletico Madrid that would see the club cover a portion of what Chelsea payed to sign the striker.

Instead, the Italian manager wants to keep both Higuain and Olivier Giroud with the club heading into the 2019-20 campaign.Before they face that challenge, though, Chelsea will turn focus towards the Europa League final, where they will face Arsenal after concluding the Premier League campaign away to Leicester this weekend.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, face matches against Sevilla and Levante to finish the La Liga season with the club almost certain to finish second behind Barcelona.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Eriksen would find it difficult to reject Real Madrid' - Sherwood fears Tottenham star's exit


Christian Eriksen would find it ‘very difficult’ to reject a move to Real Madrid and could replace Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu, says former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood.Denmark playmaker Eriksen has enjoyed another stellar season at Spurs, scoring seven goals and supplying 12 assists in the Premier League, as well as helping the club to reach the Champions League final.

However, he only has another season remaining on his contract and, amid speculation Madrid are planning a summer approach, Sherwood fears Eriksen could leave Spurs.

Sherwood told Bwin : “I would love to see Eriksen sign a new contract and commit his future to Tottenham, but I’m not sure that he will.“I think we might see Eriksen in a Real Madrid shirt next season.

“Real Madrid are always just a phone call away from signing most players in the world because when that phone rings, it is very difficult to turn down Real Madrid.

“I think Real Madrid will be looking for Eriksen to replace (Luka) Modric in the heart of their midfield.“Eriksen is good enough to play in any team in the world and he can play in a number of positions too, he’s that good."Modric was a great player when he was at Tottenham, but he has gone on to achieve unbelievable things that he probably wasn't capable of in the Premier League.

"You surround Eriksen with world-class players in a non-competitive league where his team has the vast majority of the possession and it is scary to think what he could do with a football."Quality technicians like Eriksen and Modric will always shine and the cream always comes to the top."

If Spurs do lose Eriksen at the end of the season, Sherwood believes that Jack Grealish would be an ideal replacement after the Aston Villa midfielder missed out on a move to Mauricio Pochettino’s side last summer.“I would like to see Tottenham sign Jack Grealish this summer," added Sherwood.“I think Grealish is worth the £30-40 million that [Ryan] Sessegnon was rumoured to be worth last year.

“I’ve worked with Jack and I know how good he is and what he is capable of if he were to take a step up and play alongside great players at Tottenham."I think Grealish will be an England international the moment he pulls on a Tottenham shirt.

"Grealish is good enough to be in the England squad and playing for his country already, but it doesn't seem to work like that playing in the Championship."If Eriksen were to leave this summer, I think Tottenham should consider looking at Grealish as his replacement. Eriksen is obviously ahead of him in his development so far, but Grealish shares that work ethic and desire to improve that I think he will reach Eriksen's level."

Spurs had also been linked with a move for Fulham's teenage winger Ryan Sessegnon last summer, but after he suffered difficult season with the Cottagers, Sherwood thinks Tottenham had a lucky escape, saying: “I think Tottenham should forget about signing Ryan Sessegnon and probably thank their lucky stars they didn’t spend a fortune on him last summer.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valencia set for final Man Utd appearance at Old Trafford - Solskjaer


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is optimistic he will be able to give Antonio Valencia the send-off the club captain deserves as he prepares for his final Manchester United appearance against Cardiff on Sunday.Valencia has enjoyed a distinguished career at United, having joined from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009.

While some felt he was an underwhelming replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after he left for Real Madrid, the Ecuador international enjoyed a bright first season only for a broken ankle in his second campaign to set him back.

Although he never recaptured his best form as a winger after that injury, falling badly out of favour under Louis van Gaal, Valencia reinvented himself as a right-back in Jose Mourinho's first campaign in charge.

But this term he has rarely featured due to various injuries and should he play against the Bluebirds on Sunday it will be just his second appearance under Solskjaer - and last for United."I spoke to Antonio yesterday [Thursday]," Solskjaer told reporters in his pre-match news conference. "He has not been fit in the five or six months I have been here. Unfortunately, he's really struggled.

"But he feels that he could play a part, yes, and I would hope he gets through [training] today and tomorrow [Saturday] and we can give him a nice send-off.
"He has been a fantastic servant to the club. He's been player of the year, he's been captain at the club and I think that it is only fair."

With little left to play for as United cannot qualify for the Champions League, Solskjaer is expected to ring the changes for their final game of the season and some of their talented youngsters – such as Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood – can expect to feature at Old Trafford.

"You never know in football. It might be the last game [at United for some players], but it might be the start of some careers as well," he added."We've had some young players knocking on the door all season, really, and we'll start one or two of the kids as well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Solskjaer hints PSG target Herrera to leave Man Utd: He'll announce later where he's going to continue


Ander Herrera will make an announcement over "where he's going to continue" soon, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.The midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Thomas Tuchel's side are set to lose Adrien Rabiot when his contract expires, with Barcelona having been strongly linked, and they reportedly see Herrera as an ideal replacement.

Speaking on Friday at a press conference ahead of United's final game of the season, Solskjaer said of Herrera: "Ander might play [against Cardiff], I don’t know yet.

"We haven’t picked the team and he’s probably going to announce himself later on where he’s going to continue his football."The 29-year-old admitted he and the club were not on the same page in terms of contract negotiations back in April.

Herrera moved to Old Trafford from Athletic Club in 2014 and has won the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup and the Europa League with the Manchester club.He has become one of the leaders in the Red Devils squad and insisted last week that the club's players needed to take responsibility for their poor season and the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

United are now set for a busy summer of transfer activity as Solskjaer looks to put his own mark on the squad since being appointed as permanent boss.

It was reported on Friday that the Red Devils are close to signing talented Swansea City winger Daniel James for £15 millio ($19.5m), while they have also been linked with defenders including Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. Speaking about potential moves when the window opens, Solskjaer continued: "There are players whose contracts have run out, some players will definitely come in.

"Some young players will come in. We have worked since I came into the club, on recruitment. We have identified some players who we think will fit the squad, our squad, Let’s hope we can get some over the line."Reds fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a revival and see their side competing for major honours next season, but Solskjaer admitted a bid for the Premier League title would be "miraculous".

His side are 29 points behind league leaders Manchester City going into their fixture against Cardiff City at Old Trafford, and have failed to win a trophy in 2018-19.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Willian hoping for Hazard stay amid links to Real Madrid


Willian does not know what the future holds for Real Madrid target Eden Hazard but he hopes the Chelsea star remains at Stamford Bridge.Hazard scored the winning spot-kick as Chelsea edged Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3 on penalties to reach the Europa League final after the tie ended 2-2 on aggregate.

Chelsea attacker Hazard has been linked with La Liga giants Madrid throughout the season and reports in Spain claim the Belgium international is close to agreeing a deal.

Asked if it was Hazard's last game at Stamford Bridge following Thursday's 1-1 draw, Willian told reporters: "I don't know, I don't think so."For me I hope he stays, but in football you never know. I think his head is here, to play for Chelsea.

"Then after he's finished the season maybe he can talk about his situation. I don't know anything about him leaving so for me I hope he can stay."He's very important, a special player, he's very important for us, he helps us a lot. And he's one of the best players in the world."

After Ruben Loftus-Cheek's first-half opener was cancelled out by Luka Jovic, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved two penalties in the shoot-out."I'm happy with them, with my team-mates," Willian said. "We always try to do our best job on the pitch, Kepa was brilliant, Hazard was brilliant.

"It wasn't our best performance but we did what we needed to do to get to the final."Chelsea – who lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup decider – will now face London rivals Arsenal in an all-English Europa League final in Baku on May 29.

"It means a lot, one more final," Brazil international Willian added. "It's always good to reach a final and fight for titles. We have one more opportunity this season. We got to a final against City but we didn't win, so now we've got to fight for it."It is the first time the European Cup/Champions League and UEFA Cup/Europa League finals will be feature four teams from the same nation as Liverpool and Tottenham prepare to meet in Madrid.

"I can believe it," Willian said. "For me I think it's the best league in the world, the Premier League. All of these teams, they have great players doing a great job, and all of them deserve it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luke Shaw named Manchester United's Player of the Year

Luke Shaw has won both the Player's and the Fan's votes to scoop both versions of the Manchester United Player of the Year award.Despite a difficult season for the team Shaw’s performances won him the gong.The 23-year-old fought back from injury to cement his place as the team's starting left-back

Andreas Pereira won the Goal of the Year for his screamer against Southampton.Katie Zelem won Women’s Player of the Year as United were promoted to the Women’s Super League as champions of the Women’s Championship in their first season as a team.Tahith Chong, rumoured to be under consideration for a start in United’s final game of the Premier League season won the Reserve Player of the Year.

The then 19-year-old Shaw was signed from Southampton for £30m ($51m) in June 2014, which was then a world record fee for a teenager.He’d already made his international debut by that point and was selected for England’s World Cup squad that summer.

Shaw’s first season at United was stop-start, marred by niggling injuries and suspensions, but he was a regular starter at the beginning of the 2015-16 season before a horrendous injury derailed his season and almost his career.The full-back suffered a double-leg fracture in a Champions League game against PSV on 15 September 2015, and didn’t even return to training until April of the next year.

He came back in the Community Shield in the 2016-17 season, but saw his career flounder as Jose Mourinho seemed to lack faith in the young player.In the 2017-18 season Mourinho questioned Shaw’s fitness and commitment to the team.“I cannot compare [Shaw] with Ashley Young, with Matteo Darmian, with Daley Blind,” the former United manager said.

“I cannot compare the way he trains, the way he commits, the focus, the ambition.
“I cannot compare, he’s a long way behind.”Shaw’s United dreams appeared to be in tatters, and his lack of game-time saw him miss out on England’s World Cup squad to Russia.

Shaw used his fallow summer to rededicate himself to fitness, and earn his spot in the side.The youngster won all the club’s preseason fitness tests and grabbed his chance to start when Ashley Young returned fatigued from his World Cup exertions.

Shaw started and scored in the first game of the Premier League season and has not looked back, with his campaign culminating in a sweep of the senior Player of the Year awards at Old Trafford.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Luke Shaw

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valencia 2 Arsenal 4 (3-7 agg): Aubameyang treble books Baku berth

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a superb hat-trick as Arsenal stormed into the Europa League final by winning 4-2 away to Valencia, progressing 7-3 on aggregate.

Kevin Gameiro's early opener cut the deficit for Valencia, beaten 3-1 last week, but Aubameyang swiftly hit back for the Gunners at Mestalla on Thursday.

And when Alexandre Lacazette, who scored twice in the first leg, put Arsenal ahead, their place in the Baku final later this month was seemingly secure, despite this week's European drama.


Gameiro struck again but Aubameyang killed the tie off with a second goal of his own and Arsenal head coach Unai Emery, a three-time winner of the competition with Sevilla, will now have a chance to add a fourth title after downing former club Valencia.
Valencia took the lead in the first leg and Marcelino's men did so again in the return, with Gameiro on target in the 11th minute.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles had a shot saved by Neto at the other end but Valencia broke rapidly, with Gameiro turning home Rodrigo Moreno's low left-wing cross.
Arsenal swiftly levelled the second leg, though, as Valencia failed to deal with a Petr Cech long ball and Lacazette flicked on for Aubameyang to brilliantly smash past Neto.

Dani Parejo bent a free-kick wide of Cech's left-hand post then Lacazette should have struck in the 39th minute, clipping the outside of the post after brilliant Aubameyang play.Lacazette made amends, though, collecting Lucas Torreira's pass, turning neatly into space and rifling across Neto to make it 5-2 on aggregate to the Gunners.

Gameiro's second of the game, which saw the striker bundle past Cech after inadvertently blocking an effort from Daniel Wass, reduced the arrears but Aubameyang had the final say.

Maitland-Niles brilliantly skipped clear on the right wing and Aubameyang got ahead of his man to turn home a near-post finish, before his 29th goal of the season in all competitions secured the match ball, with Valencia tempers spilling over at the full-time whistle.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea 1 Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (2-2 agg, 4-3 on penalties): Kepa the shoot-out hero in tense semi-final

Kepa Arrizabalaga saved two spot-kicks as Chelsea squeezed into the Europa League final with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt after second leg of their semi-final tie finished 1-1.

The villain of the dramatic EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City turned hero on Thursday, denying Martin Hinteregger and Goncalo Paciencia after Cesar Azpilicueta's saved attempt left the hosts with work to do.

David Luiz and Jorginho also made amends for their misses at Wembley and it was left to Eden Hazard, featuring in perhaps his final Stamford Bridge appearance, to stroke in the winner and send Maurizio Sarri's men into a date with Arsenal in Baku on May 29.


Luka Jovic earlier cancelled out Ruben Loftus-Cheek's first-half opener to force a 2-2 aggregate draw and additional 30 minutes, but the Bundesliga club fell short as Chelsea ensured a second all-English final in Europe's top competitions.
Sarri felt Chelsea should have had a penalty as early as the 11th minute following Danny da Costa's nudge on Loftus-Cheek.The appeals went unheard and Da Costa almost rubbed salt into the wound with a rasping volley that Kepa tipped over the crossbar.Loftus-Cheek had the last laugh, the midfielder gliding unnoticed onto Hazard's intelligent pass and finishing coolly across Kevin Trapp in the 28th minute.

Frankfurt had shouts for handball against Mateo Kovacic waved away after the restart but Jovic soon gave them reason to celebrate.The striker chested the ball down to Mijat Gacinovic, raced in behind David Luiz to receive the return pass and clinically finished past Kepa.

Adi Hutter's men got on top after the equaliser and received another boost when Andreas Christensen limped to the bench, with Sarri preferring Davide Zappacosta to Gary Cahill as his replacement.Extra time beckoned but first substitute Sebastien Haller saw two chances cleared off the line, first by David Luiz and then Zappacosta.

Azpilicueta wheeled away in celebration five minutes from the end but referee Ovidiu Hategan deemed the defender to have illegally knocked the ball out of goalkeeper Trapp's hands.

The captain's mood nosedived when the German then denied him with the fourth effort of the subsequent shoot-out, but Kepa came to his Spanish compatriot's rescue and Hazard fittingly booked the Blues' place in their second Europa League final in seven seasons.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

& Its all English Europa League Final as well

​

 

[Frosty]

manchester city, chealsea


ada man city match eka draw karagena naganida danne naha. podi team ekak unata sure naha me dawas walanam.

 

[Heisenberg]

Luke Shaw named Manchester United's Player of the Year

Luke Shaw has won both the Player's and the Fan's votes to scoop both versions of the Manchester United Player of the Year award.Despite a difficult season for the team Shaw’s performances won him the gong.The 23-year-old fought back from injury to cement his place as the team's starting left-back

Andreas Pereira won the Goal of the Year for his screamer against Southampton.Katie Zelem won Women’s Player of the Year as United were promoted to the Women’s Super League as champions of the Women’s Championship in their first season as a team.Tahith Chong, rumoured to be under consideration for a start in United’s final game of the Premier League season won the Reserve Player of the Year.

The then 19-year-old Shaw was signed from Southampton for £30m ($51m) in June 2014, which was then a world record fee for a teenager.He’d already made his international debut by that point and was selected for England’s World Cup squad that summer.

Shaw’s first season at United was stop-start, marred by niggling injuries and suspensions, but he was a regular starter at the beginning of the 2015-16 season before a horrendous injury derailed his season and almost his career.The full-back suffered a double-leg fracture in a Champions League game against PSV on 15 September 2015, and didn’t even return to training until April of the next year.

He came back in the Community Shield in the 2016-17 season, but saw his career flounder as Jose Mourinho seemed to lack faith in the young player.In the 2017-18 season Mourinho questioned Shaw’s fitness and commitment to the team.“I cannot compare [Shaw] with Ashley Young, with Matteo Darmian, with Daley Blind,” the former United manager said.

“I cannot compare the way he trains, the way he commits, the focus, the ambition.
“I cannot compare, he’s a long way behind.”Shaw’s United dreams appeared to be in tatters, and his lack of game-time saw him miss out on England’s World Cup squad to Russia.

Shaw used his fallow summer to rededicate himself to fitness, and earn his spot in the side.The youngster won all the club’s preseason fitness tests and grabbed his chance to start when Ashley Young returned fatigued from his World Cup exertions.

Shaw started and scored in the first game of the Premier League season and has not looked back, with his campaign culminating in a sweep of the senior Player of the Year awards at Old Trafford.

mona jokeda bn mee.mekata thwa awrdsuth denawane

 

[ThisaraMalintha]

mona jokeda bn mee.mekata thwa awrdsuth denawane

Utd team eke unta awards neme denna ona Honda military training ekak. Kammali, pada show karayao tikak Mun tika

Mata nm Dan pogba wa pennanna Ba. Overrated cunt
Mourinho was right all the time

 

[Heisenberg]

Utd team eke unta awards neme denna ona Honda military training ekak. Kammali, pada show karayao tikak Mun tika

Mata nm Dan pogba wa pennanna Ba. Overrated cunt
Mourinho was right all the time

ow bn sirawata.mourinho kiwwa ewa hari thama balagena giyama.pogbawa mulinma kapala danna one.ooka innakan team eke anith ewunuth hadenne na

 

[ThisaraMalintha]

ow bn sirawata.mourinho kiwwa ewa hari thama balagena giyama.pogbawa mulinma kapala danna one.ooka innakan team eke anith ewunuth hadenne na

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Arsenal need at least three additions' - Emery told where to spend limited budget by Winterburn


Arsenal “haven’t got a vast amount of money to spend”, concedes Nigel Winterburn, but they are in need of three additions in key areas across the park.The general consensus is that Unai Emery needs to bolster his defensive ranks this summer.Former left-back Winterburn acknowledges that a tightening up at the back is required by the Gunners.

He is, however, also of the opinion that more creativity is required in both the middle of the pitch and on the flanks, with Aaron Ramsey heading for the exits and questions being asked of the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Winterburn told Love Sport Radio on an important transfer window for Arsenal: “I'd still like to see a pacy attacking wide player coming into the club, potentially another midfield player and there is a lot being said about the need to re-strengthen in defence, but I think Unai Emery may be looking at the likes of Rob Holding, who had a fantastic six months and then picked up a serious knee injury."He was coming through and looking very, very consistent. It's just a case of where Unai Emery feels he needs to strengthen.

“Everyone will say that defensively Arsenal haven't been great again this season but it's not just about the defence. It's about when Arsenal do concede how quickly they get played through the lines.

“I'm quite excited about what's going to happen to Arsenal next season and I'm very intrigued to see where Emery thinks Arsenal need strengthening.“But my own thoughts are a wide player and another midfielder. Potentially another centre-half but I can't see much more than that coming into the club because we're hearing that Arsenal haven't got a vast amount of money to spend.”

Winterburn believes the need for reinforcements will be heightened by the actions of others, with leading Premier League rivals likely to spend big.

Arsenal are set to miss out on a top-four finish again this season, so there is a gap still to be closed despite booking a place in the Europa League final against London rivals Chelsea.“You can't have such fantastic home form and then away form that has been dreadful,” added Winterburn.

“Unai Emery has got to look at that.“The other teams around them will re-strengthen - apart from Chelsea who have that transfer embargo. It may go to arbitration but we shouldn't be looking at what is happening with Chelsea.

“We should be looking at what is happening at Arsenal and I think two or three players - on top of the ones that are already going - may leave. Then they will need to replenish the squad to make them stronger next season.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar drops PSG future hint ahead of summer transfer window


Neymar has hinted that his future lies in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, despite speculation regarding a move to Real Madrid continuing to bubble away in the background.Ever since completing a record-breaking €222 million (£200m/$262m) move to France, it has been suggested that La Liga has not seen the last of the Brazil international.

Questions have been asked of his decision to walk away from Barcelona, with the 27-year-old considered to have made a mistake in leaving Lionel Messi and Co behind.

Many at Camp Nou have left the door open for the South American to return, with the likes of Luis Suarez claiming that no bridges have been burned.Such a switch may not be possible, with a number of issues to address, but a transfer across the Clasico divide at Real Madrid has been mooted for some time.

Neymar certainly fits the ‘Galactico’ mould favoured by those in charge of recruitment at the Santiago Bernabeu.His father has, however, sought to quash the exit talk, with a long-term contract having been penned at Parc des Princes.

That agreement is expected to see him stay put for 2019-20, with Neymar saying in an Instagram post after his lasting outing for PSG: “See you next time, Ligue 1.”

Neymar was back among the goals during a meeting with Angers on Saturday.He opened the scoring for the Ligue 1 champions, before then teeing up Angel Di Maria to double PSG’s advantage.Fellow Brazilian Marquinhos was dismissed late on, allowing Angers to pull a goal back, but Thomas Tuchel’s side held on for a 2-1 win.

That fixture promises to be Neymar’s last in domestic competition this season.He has been stung with a three-match ban on the back of an eventful evening for PSG in a Coupe de France final clash with Rennes.

Kylian Mbappe is also serving a suspension after collecting a rash red card in extra-time of a game that ended in penalty shootout heartache for the Parisians.Neymar then clashed with a supporter when going up to collect his runners-up medal, and has been sanctioned accordingly.

PSG have appealed against a ruling from the French Football Federation, but his campaign is over as things stand.That means his next competitive minutes could come in the colours of his country, with Brazil set to take in a Copa America campaign on home soil this summer.

Transfer talk is likely to have built again by the time that tournament gets underway, but Neymar has sought to ease the fears of any PSG fan expecting him to head for pastures new.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool star Van Dijk named Premier League Player of the Season


Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been named the Premier League Player of the Season following a memorable campaign for the Netherlands international.

Signed for £75 million ($95m) from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has helped revolutionise the Reds' backline this season as they battled for a first league title in 29 years.

The 27-year-old beat off the likes of Raheem Sterling, Eden Hazard and team-mates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to take the prize on Sunday after fan votes were combined with those of a panel of experts.

Manchester pair Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero joined club-mate Sterling on the seven-man shortlist for an award which has previously been won by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry.

Van Dijk becomes the second successive Liverpool player to win the prize following Salah's success in 2017-18 and fourth overall, with Luis Suarez and Michael Owen having also taken home the award during their respective times at Anfield.

It is also the second illustrious gong that the former Celtic centre-back has won in recent times after he was named PFA Player of the Year in the closing weeks of the campaign.In total, Van Dijk has played in each of Liverpool's 37 Premier League matches this term, helping them to 20 clean sheets while scoring four goals at the other end of the pitch.

Those performances have helped Liverpool to keep the pressure on defending champions Man City at the top of the table heading into the final day of the season.

Victory for Pep Guardiola's side at Brighton will see them named English champions for the fourth time in the Premier League era, but anything less could allow Van Dijk and the Reds to sneak and claim top spot for themselves.

Jurgen Klopp's side host Wolves on the final day of the campaign after a memorable season that has seen them defeated just once in the league and accrue a record-breaking 94 points from their first 37 matches.

And though they may not prove to be enough come close of play on Sunday, the five-time European champions could still end the campaign with silverware having booked their place in the Champions League final.

Klopp will take his squad to Madrid for the showpiece event on June 1 following their remarkable comeback against Barcelona in the semi-finals, with Liverpool winning 4-0 in the second leg following a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou six days earlier.

They will face first-time finalists and fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham at the Wanda Metripolitano after Mauricio Pochettino's side pulled off their own come-from-behind win to knock out Ajax in the last four.