..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Lukaku agent confirms Inter interest in Man Utd striker


Romelu Lukaku's agent has confirmed that Inter are trying to sign the Manchester United striker this summer.Lukaku has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer as it appears his two-year stay with the Red Devils is nearing its end.

The Belgium international has already hinted that Inter could be his landing spot, having expressed his opinion that newly-hired Antonio Conte is the best manager in the world.

He has also been urged to move by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, who said that it "is clear that he has to leave Manchester United" while adding that a move was in the best interest of both parties.In the wake of those statements, Lukaku's agent Federico Pastorello was spotted meeting Inter executives at the club's offices in Milan on Tuesday afternoon.

Pastorello says that the meeting's primary talking point was to discuss the transfer of one of his other clients, Edoardo Vergani, who is preparing to join Sassuolo. But the agent also admitted that a potential move to Inter is still on the cards for Lukaku while confirming that Nerazzurri are interested.

"We talked about [Edoardo] Vergani because his is a more urgent situation," Pastorello told FC Inter News."In the next few days, we'll talk about the rest."Lukaku is a dream, a difficult one to make happen as such, but I believe nothing is impossible."

He added: "Yes [Inter are trying to sign Lukaku[. He's publicly expressed his plans and desires. We'll see what happens."Lukaku scored 15 goals in 45 appearances for Manchester United in 2018-19, having scored 27 in 51 the previous campaign.

However, the former Chelsea forward has been the target of heavy criticism despite his statistics being up there with the very best in the Premier League.Manchester United finished sixth in the Premier League this season, having also reached the Champions League quarter-finals by topping Paris Saint-Germain in stunning fashion in the last 16.

Meanwhile Inter sealed Champions League football for next season by finishing fourth in Serie A, with a win over Empoli on the final day seeing them edge rivals AC Milan to that spot.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal icon Wenger hints at Premier League U-turn amid Newcastle rumours


Arsene Wenger has distanced himself from links to Newcastle, but the former Arsenal boss has suggested that he could work in the Premier League again.The iconic Frenchman saw a 22-year association with the Gunners come to an end in the summer of 2018.

He had delivered title successes and FA Cup triumphs in north London, while also overseeing the club’s move into Emirates Stadium.

His reputation was tarnished somewhat towards the end of his reign, with a previously faultless record when it comes to top-four finishes seeing Arsenal miss out on Champions League football.

Many considered that to be a mere blip on an otherwise impressive CV, with it expected to be only a matter of time before Wenger returned to the dugout.He hinted at that himself, with the 69-year-old adamant that he was not ready to relax and take in an extended break.

Wenger has, however, changed his tune and now claims to be in no rush to return to coaching, with his comments quashing talk of a potential return to English football as Rafa Benitez’s successor at Newcastle.

Quizzed on whether another job is imminent, Wenger told France24: “Not in the near future, no. I’m still not ready to go back.“I thought yes but I don’t think at the moment I will come back.“I’m more open now than a year ago to talk about that but I cannot tell you that in the next two or three days I will go into management again.

“I took a little bit of distance and I enjoyed it. I worked for 35 years without any interruptions, so I think I deserved a little rest.”

While seemingly ruling out a role at St James’ Park, Wenger has backtracked on previous claims that he could not imagine working at a domestic rival to Arsenal.Having spent so long in the Premier League, the Frenchman is not closing the door completely on another position in England.

He added: “Well I would prefer to try another country, although my preferred time was in England because the Premier League is the place to be at the moment.“But for me it is very difficult because I was for so long at the same club. But why not?“I still need a bit of time to pass and then maybe make the decision.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Neymar wants Barcelona move but there has been no contact' - Vice-president calms talk of Camp Nou return


Neymar “wants to return to Barcelona”, claims the club’s vice-president Jordi Cardoner, but no discussions have been held with the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

A retracing of his transfer steps has been mooted for the Brazil international.
He left Camp Nou for France as part of a record-breaking €222 million (£200m/$262m) deal during the summer of 2017.

Goals and trophies have been delivered at PSG, but Neymar is said to be looking for a way out of Parc des Princes.It has been suggested that Barcelona would be willing to welcome the South American back onto their books, but no transfer talks have been opened by the Catalan club.

Cardoner told reporters when quizzed on the links to Neymar: “It is not the time to talk about arrivals.“We are in a process of departures; it is a period that expires on the 30th of this month.

“The correct thing is to say that Neymar wants to return to Barcelona, ​​but I do not agree that Barcelona worry about signing Neymar, this is not on the table.“There are many things about his departure that I did not like, many things“There are claims that we have signed Neymar. We have not signed anyone. We have not kept in touch with him. He and many more want to play for Barcelona.

“It does not surprise me that Neymar wants to come back, it has already happened before with others and sometimes they have returned – Cesc [Fabregas], [Gerard] Pique.

“Neymar is a great player, but the circumstances of how he left also have to be evaluated to see if this can become a reality.”

Neymar is not the only forward said to be registering on Barcelona’s recruitment radar. A move for Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has been mooted for some time.

He has opened the door for a transfer this summer, a year on from opting to close it, but the France international is another that the Barca board are yet to approach.
Cardoner adder: “I understand that any player has the goal of coming to Barcelona, ​​where the best players in history have been.

“All players can be willing to come and want to play, but we have to have a balanced budget.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea agree £40.3m Kovacic deal with Real Madrid amid Lampard talks


Chelsea have agreed a fee of £40.3 million ($51m/€45m) with Real Madrid to secure Mateo Kovacic's long-term future at the club.The Blues have waited until the last minute to finalise a deal for Kovacic as the deadline to complete a deal was earmarked for June 30, but can now prepare for serious contract talks.

This comes after Derby County granted permission to Chelsea to open discussions with Frank Lampard about the club manager's role, with the former Blues star expected to return to west London to replace Maurizio Sarri.

Kovacic's deal can go through despite FIFA imposing a two-window transfer ban on signing senior players in February because Chelsea already held registration documents from his loan spell at the club last season.The transfer sanctions are likely to remain in place after the club decided against appealing for provisional measures to Court Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to freeze the ban.

Sarri had wanted Kovacic, who played 51 times during his loan spell with the Premier League club last season, but the Croatia international was then left unsure of his future as the Blues manager departed for Juventus.

Kovacic's deal can go through despite FIFA imposing a two-window transfer ban on signing senior players in February because Chelsea already held registration documents from his loan spell at the club last season.The transfer sanctions are likely to remain in place after the club decided against appealing for provisional measures to Court Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to freeze the ban.

Sarri had wanted Kovacic, who played 51 times during his loan spell with the Premier League club last season, but the Croatia international was then left unsure of his future as the Blues manager departed for Juventus.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Former Man Utd captain Valencia signs for LDU Quito


Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has returned to his home nation of Ecuador with Liga de Quito, who announced the winger's arrival on Friday.

Valencia, 33, was released on a free transfer by the Red Devils at the start of the summer transfer window. He subsequently left for Brazil, where he represented Ecuador at the 2019 Copa America.

And just days after the Tricolor were eliminated from the competition at the group stage, the veteran's next destination has been confirmed."One of the most celebrated players in Ecuadorian football history, Luis Antonio Valencia is a new Guerrero Albo," LDU Quito revealed on the club's official website.

"The man who was captain of Manchester United at the start of the 2017-18 season and who said farewell with honours after a successful 10-year spell in the Premier League returns to Ecuadorian football as a living legend.

And just days after the Tricolor were eliminated from the competition at the group stage, the veteran's next destination has been confirmed."One of the most celebrated players in Ecuadorian football history, Luis Antonio Valencia is a new Guerrero Albo," LDU Quito revealed on the club's official website.

"The man who was captain of Manchester United at the start of the 2017-18 season and who said farewell with honours after a successful 10-year spell in the Premier League returns to Ecuadorian football as a living legend.

Following short spells in Spain with Recreativo and Villarreal, the winger landed in the Premier League with Wigan in August 2006, moving to Old Trafford three years later.In over a decade in United colours, Valencia went on to make more than 300 appearances, with his trophy haul including two Premier League titles and success in the FA Cup and Europa League.

In 2018-19, however, he found himself on the margins at the club, playing just nine games in all competitions as the Red Devils disappointed under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good luck Valencia!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No way out! Bale prepares for Madrid pre-season as transfer talk stalls


Real Madrid's hopes of dispensing with the services of Gareth Bale this summer are looking ever dimmer as the forward prepares to start the pre-season with the Blancos.

Having already splashed out on five new signings in the current transfer window, Madrid know that, once Ferland Mendy is presented, Operation Exit must begin in earnest.

With 37 players cluttering up the first-team squad the club must undergo a significant clear-out at the start of pre-season, which begins on July 8. Almost a third of those have been declared up for sale by those in charge at the Bernabeu.

Some of the Madrid squad have begun to pack their bags. Marco Llorente crossed the road for Atletico Madrid, while Mateo Kovacic is set to make permanent his move to Chelsea in the coming days.

But there has been no movement on the man Florentino Perez would most like to see leave, and who, if he stays, is set to become an expensive pariah in 2019-20.The case of Bale is crucial to Madrid. Coach Zinedine Zidane has no interest in fielding the Wales international, a fact he showed no qualms in making clear towards the end of last season.But Bale will nevertheless be getting on the plane to Montreal with the rest of the Blancos squad, Goal can confirm, as what would have been the club's biggest sale of the summer is completely stalled.

For his part the player has similarly made clear that he wants to stay at the Bernabeu, ignoring the unsubtle hints sent his way by Zidane as well as the arrival of several new signings set to push him out of the forward line.

The former Southampton and Tottenham winger would only consider a transfer that assures him the same lavish wage package he will enjoy in the Spanish capital until his contract expires in June 2022.There is no sign that the situation will be resolved with any haste. Right now there are no meetings planned to discuss his sale, no offers on the table and very little interest in Bale.

Unless there is a rapid breakthrough, then, Zidane and Bale will meet face to face next week, prior to the start of the tour, ensuring some rather awkward silences on the long plane trip to Canada and later the United States.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Of course Neymar can return to Barcelona’ – Second spell at Camp Nou has Pedro’s support


Neymar would be welcome back at Barcelona, claims former Camp Nou team-mate Pedro, with the Brazilian having cemented a standing as “one of the best in the world”.

A return to Catalunya for the Brazil international has been mooted during the summer transfer window amid reports the 27-year-old is said to be looking for a way out of Paris Saint-Germain after two years in France.Barcelona have admitted to being aware of Neymar’s desire to retrace his steps to La Liga .

Pedro, who played alongside the South American before heading to Chelsea in 2015, sees no reason why an agreement cannot be reached that suits all parties.He told reporters at a charity event in Tenerife when quizzed on the rumours: “Of course he can come back.

“Neymar, he's a great player, one of the best in the world. He has shown that at Barca and PSG and I think everyone would see his return positively.”While said to be open to the idea of bringing a familiar face back to the club, Barcelona are also being heavily linked with Antoine Griezmann.

Atletico Madrid’s France international striker has seen a switch to Camp Nou discussed for some time and has opened himself up to a move this summer.Were Barca to make an approach, while also snapping up Neymar , then they would have a wealth of attacking options at their disposal, with the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez already on their books.

Pedro does not see that being a problem, saying: “It is true that there would be many options, but they are all very good and they can find a way to play them at the same time.”One star forward who will be lining up against Barcelona in 2019-20 is Eden Hazard as the Belgium international has linked up with their Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

He is another player who Pedro knows well from their time together at Chelsea and the World Cup-winning Spaniard is expecting a former team-mate to thrive in La Liga.

“He is a very good player,” Pedro said of Hazard.“He will surely be a success in Madrid, he is very motivated. “He is a great person and as a player I will not question anything he does.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Maguire to Man City would be like Van Dijk to Liverpool’ – Iborra salutes ‘super footballer’


Harry Maguire’s proposed move to Manchester City “could be like Virgil van Dijk’s to Liverpool”, claims former Leicester team-mate Vicente Iborra.A big-money switch to the Premier League champions continues to be mooted for the England international defender.City are in the market for a new centre-half after seeing Vincent Kompany depart.

With his leadership qualities gone, Pep Guardiola is eager to bring in another commanding presence at the heart of his back four.Maguire, at just 26 years of age, would be a long-term option to fill that void at the Etihad Stadium.

Iborra believes the former Sheffield United and Hull City man could be the perfect choice, with it possible that he could make a similar impact with the Blues as £75 million ($95m) star Van Dijk has with Champions League winners Liverpool.A Spaniard who spent 18 months alongside Maguire at the King Power Stadium told Radio Marca of Maguire: “He is a great player.

“He’s very powerful, with good balance, great at bringing the ball out and he can score goals.“He had a great World Cup and is a super footballer.“His transfer to Manchester City could be like Van Dijk’s to Liverpool.”

Van Dijk made an immediate impact at Anfield following a record-breaking transfer in the winter window of 2018.Liverpool were in need of inspiration at the back, and found it in the form of a Netherlands international.

City do not have such sizeable leaks to plug, with the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi already on their books.Guardiola is, however, keen to ensure that the collective standard in his treble-winning squad does not drop.

Maguire may well be the man that he turns to in a bid to keep things watertight.
He will, however, have to dig deep if a deal is to be done, and potentially fend off interest from arch-rivals Manchester United.

It has been suggested that the world record for a defender currently held by Van Dijk will need to be smashed in order to prise Maguire away from Leicester, with it being reported that the Foxes are demanding around £100m ($127m) for a prized asset tied to a long-term contract.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Mature Zaha ready for another big move’ – Crystal Palace legend not surprised by Arsenal talk


Wilfried Zaha is more “mature” than he was when signing for Manchester United and is ready for another big move, Crystal Palace legend Nigel Martyn has said of a man being heavily linked with Arsenal.

Back in 2013, the Red Devils invested around £10 million ($13m) in an exciting winger.Sir Alex Ferguson made Zaha one of his last pieces of transfer business at Old Trafford before heading into retirement.

He was intended to be a parting gift for his successor, but David Moyes handed an emerging talent just four appearances in 2014-15 and he ended up moving to Cardiff on loan.

A retracing of his steps to Selhurst Park was then made, with a return to familiar surroundings required in order for Zaha to get his spark back.The Ivory Coast international is now 26 years of age and coming off the back of a career-best campaign which saw him record 10 goals and as many assists in the Premier League.

Transfer talk is building around him once more, with Arsenal said to be leading the chase, and Martyn believes another step up the ladder could be taken.The former Palace goalkeeper told VoucherCodes.co.uk: “I hope he will stay.“Palace tend to have a bit of a battle every year to make sure they stay in the division.

“They have the experience now of that division, so you’ve got to hold on to your better players, but the problem is when they have good seasons, other clubs come sniffing around.“Zaha, if he goes, it’ll be to a big club.“He tried that when he was younger, but he’s more mature now so possibly he is ready for that move now.”

Arsenal may lack the funds to put a deal in place for Zaha, with Unai Emery said to have just £45m ($57m) to work with this summer, but the Gunners have been urged to “break the bank” for a proven performer.Kevin Campbell has told football.london: “I would say Arsenal need to break the bank for Zaha. He's got a proven track record in the Premier League. He can hit the ground running.

“He would be an excellent addition to Unai Emery's squad and boost their attacking options. He would also create space for [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette to run into in dangerous areas.“He can carry the ball in transition and is a dangerous player. He would be my preferred option. He's strong, he's fast. He would settle in straight away.

“He can play wide left, wide right, through the centre and he's still young at 26 years of age.“He would be my man for the club to target first and foremost as an attacking option. I think he would be a superb addition to the squad.“Yes, he won't come cheap but the fee would be paid in instalments so it wouldn't necessarily be £60m up front.”

 

[Arthur Curry]

Chile

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan banned from Europa League due to FFP breaches


AC Milan have been excluded from the 2019-20 Europa League as a result of Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has announced.

The Serie A giants will play no part in continental competition during the upcoming campaign, despite having secured a fifth-place finish last season.
They ended 2018-19 one point behind arch-rivals Inter and outside of the Champions League spots.

The Rossoneri were due to participate in Europe’s secondary club tournament, but they have been forced to withdraw after failing to adhere to FFP regulations.

A statement from CAS read: "AC Milan is excluded from participating in the UEFA Club Competitions of the sporting season 2019/2020 as a consequence of the breach of its FFP break-even obligations during the 2015/2016/2017 and the 2016/2017/2018 monitoring periods.

"The Adjudicatory Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body is invited to issue a Procedural Order, acknowledging the outcome of the present arbitration(s) and terminating the AC-01/2019 proceedings relating to the 2016/2017/2018 monitoring period, which have become moot."Milan had faced similar sanctions ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, with UEFA having brought charges against them intending to block their participation in the Europa League.

That decision was overturned on appeal by CAS and the Rossoneri were reinstated but the Italian giants have been unable to repeat that success 12 months on.Having been allowed to compete in 2018-19, Milan ended up being knocked out at the group stage.A side then managed by Gennaro Gattuso finished third behind Real Betis and Olympiakos, falling at the first hurdle.

There has been plenty of change at San Siro since then, with Marco Giampaolo now at the helm but he will not get the chance to take in European action during his debut campaign.With Milan being ruled out of the Europa League for 2019-20, Italian football has one place to fill.

That invitation will drop one place down the final standings in Serie A from 2018-19, with Torino seemingly now replacing Milan.Their campaign will start at the second qualifying round, with Roma joining old adversaries Lazio in securing a passage straight through to the group stage.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd complete £50m Wan-Bissaka signing

Manchester United have completed the signing of Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a deal worth £50 million ($63m).The England Under-21 international underwent a medical at United’s Carrington training complex on Thursday having returned from the Young Lions’ unsuccessful tilt at the European Under-21 Championship in Italy.

And now the club has announced that they have wrapped up the signing of the highly-rated 21-year-old, making him their second addition of the summer following on from the deal which brought Daniel James to Old Trafford from Swansea City.

United and Palace had negotiated long and hard over the exact details of the transfer fee, with a sell-on clause in Wilfried Zaha’s switch from Old Trafford to Selhurst Park in 2015 having become a bone of contention as Palace wanted to remove the 25 per cent demand removed in return for allowing Wan-Bissaka to leave.But the two sides finally settled on an initial £45m outlay, with a target-related £5m due at a later point.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of Wan-Bissaka: “Aaron is one of the best upcoming defenders in the Premier League. He has the right work ethic, talent and mentality to play for Manchester United and he fits exactly the type of player that we are looking to bring into the squad to help us improve and push on further.

“Aaron is a young, hungry player and eager to learn and that’s important at his age. I am delighted he has signed with us and we look forward to continuing his tremendous development so far.”

Wan-Bissaka added: “It’s an unbelievable feeling and an honour to call myself a Manchester United player and something I know that only a small number of players have the privilege to say.“I can’t wait to get going and integrated into the squad. I will have a short break now after the European Championships but I’m looking forward to starting training with the manager and my new team-mates on the pre-season tour.”

It is yet to be decided when the youngster will join up with United for pre-season training since he has only recently ended his 2018-19 campaign. The senior United squad are due to reconvene on Monday and will fly to Australia to begin their summer tour the following week.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Godak hoda signing ekak

Congratulations & Good luck Wan-Bissaka!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'It's what the fans want' - Henry says Liverpool will focus on Premier
League title next season

Liverpool owner John Henry has said the club’s attention will be firmly on winning the Premier League next season, as the league title is what he believes the fans want.

The Reds earned their sixth European triumph last season, downing fellow English club Tottenham by a 2-0 scoreline in the final in Madrid.It completed a memorable season for the Reds, which saw them defeat the champions of Spain, France and Germany during the competition and rack up 97 points domestically.

However that Premier League haul, despite being the third-highest ever, saw them fall one point short of Manchester City in the title hunt.And while Henry admitted the Champions League trophy is what mattered most to him, he claims the club will concentrate on winning England’s top-flight next season, and ending a 30-year drought.He would not be drawn on transfer speculation though, stating his belief that the return of key players from injury would give his team a boost.

“To me winning in Europe is bigger than winning in England but I think it’s true the fans want it,” the American tycoon told PA.“I know we’re going to be focused on winning the Premier League next year.“We need to get healthy. We need AOC [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] back, we need a healthy [Adam] Lallana.

“It’s not up to me, but I would guess we’ll see more of Divock [Origi] next year. I think he brings something special, he comes with power and speed and brings in scoring.“I feel really good about next year.”

Henry is in London to watch the baseball team he also owns, the Boston Red Sox, play the New York Yankees in the first regular season baseball game played in the UK.Despite Premier League disappointment, Henry was fulsome in his praise of Jurgen Klopp’s men for their 2018-19 efforts, believing Champions League success was a reward for their hard work.

“Our guys gave their all from the first day of the season to the last,” he continued.“It’s a long season, they played up to their capabilities and just gave it so much effort.

“It didn’t matter who the opponent was, they out-ran every opponent and I felt they deserved to walk away with a trophy.“We walked away with the biggest one so I’m very happy.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Emery will be expecting top-four finish’ – Arsenal eyeing Champions League return, says Iwobi


Unai Emery will be expecting Arsenal to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification in 2019-20, admits Alex Iwobi.The Gunners fell short of hitting that target again last season.

A fifth-place standing in the Premier League and defeat in the Europa League final to Chelsea means that the north London outfit are preparing for a third successive year without elite continental competition.

Iwobi concedes that the pressure is on to break out of that slump, with Emery having been charged with the task of delivering an upturn in fortune after being appointed as successor to Arsene Wenger."Obviously we want to get back in to Champions League football," Iwobi told Sky Sports."We haven't spoken about where our targets are for next season, but I'm sure he'd [Emery] want to improve.

"The whole team would want to improve on the previous season we had and try to get to that Champions League."And, if not, win as many competitions, including the Europa League as well."Arsenal are unable to throw money at their problems, like many of their domestic rivals.

Emery is going to have to get creative again in the summer transfer window, with it reported that he has just £45 million ($57m) to spend on new recruits.Iwobi is confident that the right additions can be made and is not ruling out a possible push into contention for title glory.

The Nigeria international added, with reigning champions Manchester City once again being installed as firm favourites for the crown: "Everyone thought that last season, but Liverpool give them a tough challenge as well."So, you never know what could happen. I'm sure every club's going to invest and try and get their team right.

"Pre-season's coming up really soon, so everyone's trying to get ready for the season to start."It's hard to say right now whether Man City are going to dominate, but they could be favourites, considering they won it again."

Iwobi’s focus has shifted away from club matters at present, with the 23-year-old forward in Egypt trying to chase down Africa Cup of Nations glory with his country.

 

[ThisaraMalintha]

‘Maguire to Man City would be like Van Dijk to Liverpool’ – Iborra salutes ‘super footballer’


Harry Maguire’s proposed move to Manchester City “could be like Virgil van Dijk’s to Liverpool”, claims former Leicester team-mate Vicente Iborra.A big-money switch to the Premier League champions continues to be mooted for the England international defender.City are in the market for a new centre-half after seeing Vincent Kompany depart.

With his leadership qualities gone, Pep Guardiola is eager to bring in another commanding presence at the heart of his back four.Maguire, at just 26 years of age, would be a long-term option to fill that void at the Etihad Stadium.

Iborra believes the former Sheffield United and Hull City man could be the perfect choice, with it possible that he could make a similar impact with the Blues as £75 million ($95m) star Van Dijk has with Champions League winners Liverpool.A Spaniard who spent 18 months alongside Maguire at the King Power Stadium told Radio Marca of Maguire: “He is a great player.

“He’s very powerful, with good balance, great at bringing the ball out and he can score goals.“He had a great World Cup and is a super footballer.“His transfer to Manchester City could be like Van Dijk’s to Liverpool.”

Van Dijk made an immediate impact at Anfield following a record-breaking transfer in the winter window of 2018.Liverpool were in need of inspiration at the back, and found it in the form of a Netherlands international.

City do not have such sizeable leaks to plug, with the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi already on their books.Guardiola is, however, keen to ensure that the collective standard in his treble-winning squad does not drop.

Maguire may well be the man that he turns to in a bid to keep things watertight.
He will, however, have to dig deep if a deal is to be done, and potentially fend off interest from arch-rivals Manchester United.

It has been suggested that the world record for a defender currently held by Van Dijk will need to be smashed in order to prise Maguire away from Leicester, with it being reported that the Foxes are demanding around £100m ($127m) for a prized asset tied to a long-term contract.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rashford signs new Man Utd contract through to 2023


Marcus Rashford has agreed a new contract at Manchester United through to 2023, with the deal including the option for a further 12 months beyond that point.The 21-year-old was set to see his previous deal at Old Trafford expire at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Fresh terms for the England international have been mooted for some time.

United were understandably reluctant to see a highly-rated academy graduate head for the exits after helping to develop him to this point.Their efforts have now been rewarded, with Rashford committing his long-term future to the Red Devils, though reports suggest he will now earn somewhere between £200,000 and £300,000-per-week.

He told the club’s official website of the agreement and his ambition: “Manchester United has been everything in my life since I arrived here at the age of seven. This club has shaped me, both as a player and as a person, so it is such a privilege every time I get the opportunity to wear the shirt.“I want to thank Ole and his staff for everything they have done for me; they are the perfect group of coaches to learn from as I continue my development and look to push on to the next level.

“I will be giving everything I have to help get this club back to where it belongs and deliver the success that our fans deserve.”

Rashford, who burst onto the scene during Louis van Gaal’s reign at United in 2016, has taken in 170 appearances for the Red Devils to date.He has recorded 45 goals across those outings, while earning 32 caps for his country.

United are delighted to have got him tied down, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking forward to seeing an exciting frontman unlock further potential.The Red Devils boss said: “Marcus is one of the most talented English players of his generation. He is an outstanding player; blessed with natural pace and energy.

“Marcus is a shining example of the talent that our academy produces and his upbringing means that he truly understands what it means to play for Manchester United.

“Despite being only 21 years old, Marcus already has great experience. He has a fantastic future ahead of him with the club and I am delighted that he has signed a new contract.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Rashford!

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[Wolverine GTR]

'It hurts every day to see where we are now' - Rashford using Man Utd pain as motivation


Marcus Rashford has revealed the hurt he is feeling at Manchester United’s current plight, but is confident the club can be successful under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

England international Rashford has pledged his long-term future to United by signing a new contract until 2023 on the back of a season when he reached double figures for Premier League goals for the first time.

However, it was an ultimately disappointing campaign for United as, despite experiencing a memorable uplift following Solskjaer replacing Jose Mourinho as manager in December, the wheels came off in the closing two months of the season.

United finished sixth in the Premier League to miss out on Champions League qualification and ended the season trophy-less, but Rashford is determined to help the club to get back on track.

“It is a huge sense of pride and a huge feeling for me to sign the contract,” Rashford told The Times. “Manchester United are one big family. Some clubs don’t have that — it’s just a football club. That’s why Manchester United are more than a football club to me.

“Me being a fan changes the emotional side of it. Say we lose a game, it affects me more than it should because I’m a fan. It hurts every day to see where we are now, [compared] to where we’ve been in the past. I use that pain as motivation. It makes me more determined to put the club back where they belong.“There’s nothing I want more than to see the club winning the Premier League again, winning the Champions League again. Everybody here deserves much, much more than what we’re giving them right now, not only the fans, the club itself.

"They don’t deserve to be where they are now. As players, we’re the ones who have the opportunity to try and forget about the past five, six years and put the club back on track.”

Solskjaer was a key figure during the glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson, and Rashford is convinced a brighter future for United lies in store under the Norwegian.

Rashford added: “He just gets it. He understands. He’s been a player here. He knows how we may feel in certain moments because he’s been there himself. The fact that he understands us way more than a normal manager is why he’s fitted in straight away.”

On whether the Solskjaer ‘revolution’ will work, the 21-year-old said: “That’s what drives me every day. If I didn’t believe it, I wouldn’t be waking up every morning and giving 100 per cent to try and put the club back where they belong.“I believe in the players, the staff and the manager. The players have the faith in the manager now. If we’re going to do it, now’s the time.

“We’re looking forward to the new season. One season is not going to change it. It can take two or three seasons but I feel we’re ready to take the first step, and really start showing people that we are Manchester United.”