..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Llorente to have MRI on knee

Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente will undergo an MRI on his knee on Monday to assess an injury picked up in training.

Llorente had been due to play for Athletic on Sunday against Atletico Madrid, in a match that would mark his first appearance at San Mames since the announcement he would join Juventus on a free in the summer.

However, the club released a statement on its official website to say that Llorente would be unavailable due to the injury.

“Llorente suffered a sprain to his right knee during the latter part of Saturday's session.

“On Monday, January 28 he will have an MRI scan to evaluate the damage.”
There has been constant speculation about the Spain international's future throughout the current season, with Llorente only starting one league game for the Basque outfit as a result of his public decision to leave at the end of his contract.

Juventus reportedly had to fend off interest from several Premier League clubs to agree a deal with the striker, who will complete his move to Turin in the summer.
After reaching two cup finals and finishing 10th in the league last season, Athletic has struggled in La Liga this time around, and sits 15th in the division ahead of the match against high-flying Atletico on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chicharito: Manchester United wants the treble

Manchester United striker Chicharito hopes to help the Red Devils repeat their historic treble of 1999 after they progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup by thrashing Fulham at Old Trafford.

The Mexico international netted two goals to seal Saturday's 4-1 victory in a competition Sir Alex Ferguson's team have not won since the 2003-04 season. United faces a Champions League last 16 test against Real Madrid and sits in first place in the Premier League, and Chicharito insists the club is eyeing all three trophies.

"We want to win all three," he told the Manchester Evening News. "We want to win the treble. It is in our minds. We need to think game-by-game, get the points in the league and get though in both cup competitions."

Despite bagging another double, Chicharito is still searching for his first hat trick as a United player but claims that team accolades are of more importance to him.

"I am always looking for the famous hat trick," Chicharito said. "But the most important thing for me right now is to win the treble.

"Next we have two games in the league. After that there is the international break, we play another league game and then Real Madrid, so the calendar is busy and we are looking forward to it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus priced out of Lisandro swoop, admits Marotta

Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that Olympique Lyonnais has priced Juventus out of a move for Lisandro Lopez.

The Argentine forward had been linked with a switch to the reigning Serie A champion as the club looks to add to its attacking options, with Nicolas Anelka appearing to be a good bet to join from Shanghai Shenhua in the coming days. Marotta ruled out any chances of Lopez touching down in Turin imminently, though, due to Lyon’s excessive valuation of the 29-year-old.

"I do not think Lisandro Lopez will join," Marotta told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "The position of the club is, as a result, frozen. Lisandro is a good player, but Lyon requested a transfer at a cost that does not appeal to us. We must stay cool and rational in this kind of market."

Juve has been busy this transfer window, managing to secure Spanish striker Fernando Llorente on a free transfer, but he must see out the remainder of the season with Athletic Bilbao before joining Juventus in July.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool move a 'great opportunity' for Coutinho, says Moratti

Inter president Massimo Moratti believes Philippe Coutinho's imminent transfer to Liverpool is the best result for all parties.

The 20-year-old has found his opportunities at the San Siro limited so far this season, but is expected to complete an 13.7 million euro move to Anfield early next week.

And Moratti has insisted that a switch to the Premier League will be good for the Brazilian's development.

"There are certain opportunities that should be taken," he told reporters. "Sometimes players are able to get more playing time, and so I think it could be a great opportunity for Coutinho and a deal that might work out well for us."

The Italian went on to admit that Inter's pursuit of Corinthians midfielder Paulinho is stalling due to the Brazilian club's asking price.

"Does Paulinho cost too much, or is it something that could actually come to fruition? There's no doubt that he costs too much," he continued.

"Whether it could come to fruition is something we’ll see in the next few days."

However, one player who will definitely not be moving to Inter this January is wantaway Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

When asked whether his club might make a late swoop, Moratti simply replied: "No."

 

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Leeds 2-1 Tottenham: Varney and McCormack shock Spurs

Leeds United has progressed to the FA Cup fifth round after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tottenham at Elland Road on Sunday.Neil Warnock’s side took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal from Luke Varney after poor defending from Spurs and the club doubled that lead in the second half.

Ross McCormack got the goal in spectacular fashion in the 51st minutes, and although Spurs pulled one back through Clint Dempsey seven minutes later, the home side held on to a famous win.

Leeds boss Warnock made just the three changes from the side that beat Bristol City last weekend, with cup goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown replacing Paddy Penny, Ross Barkley dropping out for Paul Green and Luke Varney taking the place of Leeds’ most notable absentee; Luciano Becchio, who looks to be nearing the Elland Road exit door.

Tottenham rescued an unlikely point late on against Manchester United last time out and Andre Villas-Boas decided to change a considerable number of starters. Hugo Lloris, Michael Dawson, Kyle Walker, Moussa Dembele and Jermain Defoe were replaced by Jan Vertonghen, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Tom Huddlestone and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Leeds started well as it pressed and hassled Spurs in the midfield, but it was Tottenham which should have opened the scoring in the first few minutes as Gylfi Sigurdsson headed Jan Vertonghen’s cross straight into the arms of Jamie Ashdown.

If Spurs did not already regret that miss, they did a few minutes later as Kyle Naughton and Steven Caulker both failed to clear Michael Brown’s hit-and-hope pass, allowing Luke Varney to march towards goal and place the ball in the bottom far corner of the net.

Spurs were struggling to create chances throughout the first half but Gareth Bale should have done better when he got in behind Aidan White and shot at Ashdown, with the opportunity to chip the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper presenting itself on a plate.

Goal-scorer Varney soon had another chance as he linked up well with El-Hadji Diouf down the left and then cut inside to shoot, but his effort sailed well over as Leeds took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Things started familiarly in the second half as Spurs looked the more likely to score the next goal, but Leeds soon caught them on the counterattack as Diouf and McCormack linked up well, with the Scot latching on to a ball over the defense before cutting inside Caulker and placing a marvelous shot into the top far corner of the goal.Leeds’ two-goal lead lasted no more than seven minutes as the quiet Bale burst to life down the left, keeping the ball from Green and Sam Bryam before crossing. Dempsey glanced the ball into the far side of the goal with an excellent header to cut the lead in hald.

A few minutes later, the home side really should have re-opened the two-goal lead as Diouf and McCormack combined again and a slip from Vertonghen saw the Scot break free again, but when one-on-one with Friedel, the goalkeeper palmed the shot round the far post.

A fantastic long-ball from Benoit Assou-Ekotto played substitute Jordan Obika through in the dying minutes, but the youngster, under pressure from Lees and Peltier, put his shot well over from a great position and Leeds held on for the win.

 

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Barcelona 5-1 Osasuna: Messi nets four in routine win

පට්ට

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galatasaray announces Drogba signing

Galatasaray announced the signing of Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua on a one-and-a-half-year contract on Monday.

The Chelsea legend has long been linked with a return to Europe after leaving Stamford Bridge for China in the summer, and, despite rumors of interest from Italy, the Turkish champions have won the race for his signature.

"Big clubs can reach for higher targets with bigger goals," team president Unal Aysal said.

"Drogba said that he was very happy to play for a big club like Galatasaray in the future. Drogba met our coach and decided to come to Galatasaray."

The Cote d'Ivoire icon will earn 2 million euros for the remainder of the 2012-13 season, and 4 million euros for the duration of the 2013-14 campaign, with an additional bonus of 15,000 euros for each match he plays.

Both AC Milan and Juventus had been closely linked with a January move for Drogba, but Gala announced yesterday that it had opened talks with the player.

He will link up with his new teammates once Cote d'Ivoire's involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations ends.

Galatasaray has been one of the most active teams during the Janaury window so far. Wesley Sneijder completed a move from Inter to Galatasaray last week for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of 10 million euros.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers confirms talks over Inter starlet Coutinho

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the club is in talks to sign Inter Milan starlet Philippe Coutinho.

Despite Inter owner Massimo Moratti saying that the clubs were in talks about a potential transfer as well, Rodgers was keen to stress that the deal is a long way from being completed.

"There's been talks between the clubs but that's about it, so nothing to report," Rodgers told reporters.

Rodgers saw his side dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of League One side Oldham on Sunday, but he dismissed claims that such a defeat meant he would have to bring new players in, instead claiming that it could be used to improve the players he already has.

"It was very disappointing yesterday," Rodgers said. "There's no doubt, and I know it's a part of the growing pains that we have in terms of going forward, but it's something that we're fully aware of and we know in this window it's never going to be fulfilled.

"It was another marker in the fact that we want to develop the group and improve the group and that's something I'm sure we'll deal with in the coming windows."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal shareholder Usmanov claims Henry wants him to buy Kroenke out

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has claimed that Thierry Henry wants him to purchase a controlling stake in the club.

The Ukbeki business man has been a long-term critic of the Gunners' practices in the transfer market and has called for money to be spent on big-name signings in an attempt to break the Gunners' trophy drought, which has lasted seven seasons.

Usmanov does not currently have a seat on the Gunners' board due to his past criticisms, but the 59-year-old has claimed that the club's record goalscorer is desperate to see him take control at the Emirates Stadium.

“I like many footballers and I’m in contact with some of them,” he said, speaking to L’Equipe. “Perhaps my favorite of the last 10, 15 years is Thierry Henry. He’s pushing me to buy all of Arsenal’s shares but I cannot predict the future.

He added, “When I had the chance to buy some shares and become one of the main shareholders, I didn’t hesitate. I was even ready to take total control.

“That wasn’t possible because certain people preferred to make a profit and create, using me, an outside enemy. I remain portrayed as a pirate, an enemy. They have won that game.”

Usmanov backed Arsene Wenger to bring success to the club, despite the financial constraints placed on him by the current regime and insists that he wants to see the club succeed, whether he is in control or not.

“For me, Arsene Wenger is one of the best coaches in the world but it’s not easy for him,” he continued. “I think he deserves that players are brought in when needed. If that happens, we can ask everything of him. But, today, he’s sacrificed because of the policy.

“Everything’s in Mr Kroenke’s hands and I hope he succeeds, even if he doesn’t go along with my ideas.

“The greatest achievement of Arsene Wenger is to have created two teams: the one that now plays for our rivals and the one that is trying to be among the best in the League.

“That’s why I say it’s not enough to merely flatter the coach but to give him the possibility to buy superstars. And not just stars but those chosen by Wenger."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Brom rejects QPR bid for Odemwingie

West Brom has turned down an improved bid, believed to be in the region of 3.25 million pounds, by QPR for striker Peter Odemwingie.

The Baggies' sporting and technical director Richard Garlick told the club's official website: "QPR have made a second, improved offer for Peter, which we have turned down. As we have repeatedly stated, we have no need or desire to sell our core players."

He added, "Since we turned down Peter's transfer request, he has made his position clear in a statement to the media and via his personal Twitter account.

"This matter will be dealt with internally."

The 31-year-old striker's actions on the social media site could see him fined two weeks' wages, approximately 70,000 pounds after he tweeted: "Best compliment I have ever received in my career as a player. Manager like HR [Harry Redknapp] spending to bring me for mission 'impossible'."

QPR boss Redknapp is eager to add the Nigerian international to his squad before Thursday's deadline in the wake of the Rs' humiliating FA Cup exit to MK Dons on Saturday.

Odemwingie has made 80 appearances for the Baggies, scoring 30 goals since his move Lokomotiv Moscow in 2010.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton confirms deal with Twente to sign Leroy Fer

Everton has confirmed that the club has reached an agreement with Twente for the transfer of Netherlands international Leroy Fer.The 23-year-old is now expected to travel to Merseyside to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms ahead of an estimated 8.5 million pound move.

The signing will represent David Moyes' first foray into the market this January and comes on the back of watching Kevin Mirallas again succumb to injury in the 2-1 FA Cup win at Bolton.

Fer has netted 10 goals in 29 games since moving to Twente in 2011. He is a product of the Feyenoord youth academy where he spent four years as a professional, accumulating over 100 appearances for the Eredivisie side.

The central midfielder has also represented the Netherlands twice.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter president Moratti confirms interest in Corinthians midfielder Paulinho

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has confirmed that sporting director Marco Branca is in Brazil trying to broker a deal for Corinthians midfielder Paulinho.

The Brazilian caught the eye of Europe's major clubs with a number of eye-catching displays as Timao won the Copa Libertadores last July and then the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

"Branca is in Brazil now. We are trying to understand if the conditions are right to sign the player," Moratti told reporters. "I'm waiting for news, it is still morning there, so we will see."

It is thought that the South American champions are holding out for 15 million euros, a fee that the Nerazzurri are unwilling to pay. That is despitehaving freed up transfer funds by selling Wesley Sneijder to Galatasaray, while Philippe Coutinho is on the verge of a move to Liverpool.

Moratti hinted that Coutinho's move to Anfield will be completed imminently, as long as the Merseysiders do not pull any late changes during negotiations.

"Now we have to figure out if Liverpool's position has changed," Moratti said. "If the conditions are the same as they were [Sunday], then the deal will go through, otherwise it won't. In any case, we are selling Coutinho so we can strengthen other areas, not because we need the money."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham completes Holtby signing

Tottenham has completed the immediate transfer of Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby for a fee of 1.5 million pounds.

The Germany international had already agreed a deal to move to White Hart Lane at the end of the season, but Spurs have been keen to tie up a permanent deal this month.

Brazilian midfielder Sandro has been ruled out for the rest of the season through a knee injury, leaving Andre Villas-Boas short of numbers in the middle of the park.

Schalke had rejected several bids from Tottenham throughout the month for the playmaker, who is the captain of Germany's Under-21 side, although a deal has now been struck.

Holtby has scored four goals in 25 appearances for the Konigsblauen this term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson: Rooney to have break from taking penalties

Sir Alex Ferguson has stood by his decision to strip Wayne Rooney of penalty taking duties at Manchester United.

Ryan Giggs netted from the spot after three minutes in United's 4-1 FA Cup win over Fulham at the weekend, despite Rooney featuring from the start.

The former Wales international has started just 11 matches this season but was handed responsibility after the England striker missed his 10th penalty for the club in its third round replay with West Ham.

The manager told reporters after the match: "I think Ryan's probably one of our best penalty takers, to be honest.

Ferguson added, "I think it's fair that with Wayne missing the penalties he has, it was time to give him a break. He'll come back to it, though, there's no question about that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Manchester United become first $3bn club

Manchester United have become the first sports team in the world to be valued at more than US$3 billion (£1.9bn).

According to American business magazine Forbes, United are comfortably ahead of the world's second-most-valuable sports team, the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, worth US$2.1bn (£1.4bn).

The magazine states: "Despite a drop in first quarter earnings because of a reduction in television revenue, the appetite for shares of the 19-time English champion has increased due to better earnings, new sponsorship deals with Japan's Kansai, and China Construction Bank, and the potential of much more lucrative English Premier League (Manchester United currently is in first place) and Champions League payouts this year."

Indeed, a surge in the club's shares - standing now at $17 each - has seen the overall value of United rise and a huge increase in the overall wealth of the Glazer family, who have a controlling interest in United, and billionaire investor George Soros - the 22nd richest person in the world - who bought a 7.5% stake in the club.

United sold 10% of shares in the club in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in August when the Glazers - their owners - hoped to achieve a price of $20 each, which could have valued the club at $3.3 billion (£2.06 billion).

But after underwriters initially propped the share price up, it fell as low as $12, which valued the club at just under $2 billion (£1.3bn).

However, United's commercial growth appears to be driving the share price up, with the club announcing several new sponsorship deals since August, qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages, and with the prospect of the new bumper Premier League television deals that are coming on stream from August.

 

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Galatasaray announces Drogba signing

Galatasaray announced the signing of Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua on a one-and-a-half-year contract on Monday.

The Chelsea legend has long been linked with a return to Europe after leaving Stamford Bridge for China in the summer, and, despite rumors of interest from Italy, the Turkish champions have won the race for his signature.

"Big clubs can reach for higher targets with bigger goals," team president Unal Aysal said.

"Drogba said that he was very happy to play for a big club like Galatasaray in the future. Drogba met our coach and decided to come to Galatasaray."

The Cote d'Ivoire icon will earn 2 million euros for the remainder of the 2012-13 season, and 4 million euros for the duration of the 2013-14 campaign, with an additional bonus of 15,000 euros for each match he plays.

Both AC Milan and Juventus had been closely linked with a January move for Drogba, but Gala announced yesterday that it had opened talks with the player.

He will link up with his new teammates once Cote d'Ivoire's involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations ends.

Galatasaray has been one of the most active teams during the Janaury window so far. Wesley Sneijder completed a move from Inter to Galatasaray last week for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of 10 million euros.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aysal: Drogba will be a success at Galatasaray

Unal Aysal is confident that Didier Drogba will become an instant hit at Galatasaray.

The former Chelsea striker inked an 18-month deal with the reigning Turkish champions on Monday, to leave Shanghai Shenhua after last just six months in China, and his new club are delighted to have lured the Cote d'Ivoire international back to Europe.


"Drogba fits in very well at Galatasaray and I am confident that he will be a success at this club," Aysal told GSTV.

"We sat down in the morning to discuss a transfer and had already reached an agreement in the evening. Drogba is very pleased to sign for a club like Galatasaray."

The 34-year-old is the Champions League hopefuls' second high-profile signing of the January transfer window after previously capturing Wesley Sneijder from Inter.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jones eying Manchester United center back berth

Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes he may struggle to earn a start in his favored center half position having impressed during recent midfield outings.

The 20-year-old, who joined the club from Blackburn in 2011, started in the middle as the Red Devils earned a point against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in their last league outing.

And, after Sir Alex Ferguson described Jones' performance in that game as "absolutely brilliant", the England international has conceded that he might not return to the defense for some time.

“Yes, I kind of shot myself in the foot a bit!” he told the Mirror. “I’ve said all along that center half is where I feel most comfortable. I understand and read the game better there. But wherever I am asked to play I will play there.

He added,“I’m at Manchester United and I love playing for this club, so I’m happy to play anywhere.

"I didn’t have a great start to the season, but hopefully I can push my way into the side and get some games under my belt.”

The Preston-born stopper also talked up the potential of his partnership with fellow Red Devils youngster Chris Smalling.

“Prior to the two games Chris and I have played together recently, we have played quite a lot together for England Under-21s," he added.

“We know and understand each others’ game. It’s not a problem playing together at the back.”

Jones went on to express eagerness to make up for last season's disappointing, last-gasp loss of the Premier League title to Manchester City.

“That’s what the gaffer said to us before the game and that’s exactly what we are going out to achieve," he continued. “We have a good team here and a solid foundation.

“All credit to Robin Van Persie. He has come in and has been unbelievable for us this season and has got lots of goals.

“But we’ve got players, who are just as good and Chicha and Wazza have proved that against Fulham. This year we are more concentrated on us and what we are about. It has definitely helped us on the pitch.

“Last season was last season and it’s been and gone. We had to focus on what is in front of us now. We have lots of games coming up.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Low: Hummels comments not problematic

Joachim Low has brushed off remarks made by Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels, after the 24-year-old spoke of his lack of faith in the national side's defense.

Hummels allegedly said that he has more trust in his teammates at BVB than at international level.

"With BVB, I know that one of my fellow defenders is always there to make amends when something goes wrong. I don't have that assurance with the national team," Hummels told German magazine Focus.

Germany boss, Low, was then quizzed on the defender's comments, but insisted he had no problem with his words providing he continues to do as he is told for the national side.

"What Mats Hummels said isn't problematic. The important thing is that the players do what the coach tells them on the pitch, both at their club and with the national teams. And that's the case with Mats Hummels," Low said.

Hummels has been angered by the quotes used from the interview, claiming they have been taken completely out of context and that he would never be so critical of Germany or his national coach.

"I am very disappointed that they (Focus) scrapped a crucial part of what I said. My comments get a completely different meaning this way. I never criticized Jogi Low's or the national team's playing style."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Barcelona reluctant to sell Villa

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims that Barcelona "do not want to sell David Villa".

Goal.com exclusively revealed on Monday that the two clubs have opened talks, with the Gunners' contract negotiator Dick Law in Spain to discuss a deal, but the veteran coach says that his side have been shot down.

"Barca do not want to sell David Villa. They've made that very clear," Wenger told reporters. When asked if there was any room for negotiation, he replied: "No."

"What's important is to buy players who can strengthen the squad. Otherwise, you do nothing. We have enough numbers, quality strikers," the 63-year-old added.

The Arsenal boss also ruled out a short-term deal to sign David Beckham, though the former England international is training with the north Londoners.

"He called me," Wenger explained. "It's purely for fitness, there's no speculation about him signing."

With Liverpool visiting the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, the Frenchman declared: "It's a very important game for us. We cannot afford to drop points."

Reds star Luis Suarez has plundered 21 goals in 31 games so far this season and Wenger observed: "He's a great player. Nobody would deny that. They always have good teams - it's a big game."

"'It's always a big disappointment to go out of the FA Cup - you never know what response you get," he warned after Brendan Rodgers's men lost 3-2 to Oldham on Sunday.

The Arsenal manager added that "the players that were rested at Brighton are all available" with Jack Wilshere among those returning to the squad.