..::Football II::..

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Manchester City target Isco ready to make decision on future

Malaga forward Isco says his future could be decided by Sunday, with Manchester City and Real Madrid waiting in the wings.The Spanish starlet, who helped his country to European U21 Championship glory on Tuesday, has found himself at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war since the 2012/13 campaign came to a close.

With Malaga's financial struggles well-documented, and with coach Manuel Pellegrini having decided to leave his post for one at the Etihad Stadium, it did not take long for Isco to become one of European football's hottest properties.
City and Real have led the chase from the start, and are known to have put offers to the talented 21-year-old.They are now waiting to hear back, with conflicting reports suggesting that both clubs consider themselves favourites to secure Isco's signature.

Both are already well-stocked for creativity - with City having added Fernandinho and Jesus Navas to a group which already includes Samir Nasri and David Silva, while Real's midfield options include the likes of Luka Modric, Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Kaka.Isco would face fierce competition for a starting berth at either club and is determined to make the right call for his career.He has thought long and hard about his decision, keeping everyone waiting, but has now hinted that a lengthy transfer saga is nearing a conclusion.

He said: "I prefer not to comment about my future, but the matter could be closed this Sunday."Reports emanating from Spain suggest City and Real could face competition from big-spending Paris Saint Germain and Borussia Dortmund for Isco's signature with both clubs thought to have tabled offers for the playmaker.

 

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Figo predicts fruitful Messi and Neymar partnership

The Portuguese great has weighed in on the future Barcelona pairing and suggests that Brazil and Spain are favorites to win the Confederations Cup.Ex-Barcelona star Luis Figo predicted that Lionel Messi and Neymar will have a "great" working relationship following the Brazilian's transfer to Camp Nou.

The Brazilian forward joined the Blaugrana for 57 million euros this summer and will partner the likes of the Argentine, joining a star-studded squad that includes Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas.

Figo, speaking in Venezuela ahead of partaking in a charity match on Saturday, has no doubt that Messi and Neymar should thrive together and hinted that, should they not, it will be down to off-the-field issues.

"The great players always understand each other. If they don't get on, it won't be because of football," Figo said.

The iconic former Portugal international also weighed in on who he thinks will reign supreme at the Confederations Cup this summer, with Spain and Brazil his tips to win.

"In theory, Spain and Brazil are favorites," he added. "Obviously in practice it can be different, so let's see who wins it."

Brazil will face Italy on Saturday to see who will be crowned Group A winner, with both sides having already secured qualification into the semifinals.

 

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Abidal nearing Monaco move


The outgoing Barcelona defender is being chased by three French clubs, according to his agent, but Claudio Ranieri's side are the most appealing Outgoing Barcelona defender Eric Abidal could seal a return to Monaco within a week, according to his agent David Ventidelli.

The defender, who will be a free agent at the end of June due to Barca having decided not to renew the Frenchman's deal, is being pursued by three Ligue 1 clubs - Olympique Lyonnais, Montpellier and Claudio Ranieri's side. His representative revealed that the 33-year-old is likely to be given a short-term offer to due to his age but that a return to the club he left in 2002 could be wrapped up withing seven days.

"[Monaco, Lyon and Montpellier] are interested in Abidal. There's interest from other leagues too, but Eric's preference is to return to France for family reasons. Monaco is his number one choice," Ventidelli told Fichajes.

"[The Monaco offer] is a relatively short contract because Eric is 33 years old. Despite the health problems he's had, he is in good shape. The contract duration will be short but there could be options afforded to the player once we've completed negotiations.

"Negotiations with Monaco will be settled one way or another by next week as Eric has other proposals. We must be respectful to other clubs."

Abidal made his name at Lyon before moving to Camp Nou in 2007 and his agent accepted that a return to the Stade de Gerland is possible.

"Of course, because Eric Abidal is Lyon," he added. "His international career started through playing at Lyon.

"He has a great relationship with the club. There are talks with Lyon and his relationship with the club means there's a chance, but we're concentrating on Monaco at the moment as it's his first choice."

Ventidelli also dropped a major hint that incoming Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola was eying a move for Abidal but that the France international would prefer to return to his homeland.

"There are some clubs in Germany [that want to sign him]," he teased. "There's a close friend and coach who knows Eric well, but, again, his preference is to return to France."

 

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Guardiola's built for Bayern, says Menotti

The former Barcelona boss believes that the incoming Roten coach has the right work ethic to succeed at the Allianz Arena and a track record to prove it.
Pep Guardiola is built to succeed at Bayern Munich, according to former Barcelona coach Cesar Luis Menotti.

Many people have questioned whether forcing Jupp Heynckes to step aside for the Catalunya trainer was wise considering the record-breaking treble season that die Roten enjoyed in 2012-13.

The 1978 World Cup-winning Argentina coach, however, is adamant that Guardiola is the man for the job and points at his work ethic, impeccable knowledge of his own charges and track record of silverware as proof.

"[Pep's] a very German Catalan: orderly and serious," Menotti told Suddeutsche Zeitung. "He works and trains a lot. His personality fits Munich's. The place is made for him.

"To succeed, Guardiola must emotionally connect with the fans of Bayern. So that even after a loss people say, 'we lost, but look how well we played'.

"He's an obsessive technician, but this does not irritate players. Guardiola knows exactly what makes up Bayern's player - each player's shoe size, who has poor sleep, etc.

"Many ignorant coaches and idiots have won the Champions League, but winning 15 titles out of 19 in five years is something else."

Guardiola is set to take charge of the Bavarians towards the end of June with preseason kicking into gear at the Allianz Arena shortly afterwards.

 

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Messi: World Cup absence makes me sad

The Argentine craves international success with his country more than another Ballon d'Or award and revealed that he is not quite the soccer superstar back at home.Barcelona star Lionel Messi has expressed his anguish at being without a World Cup winners' medal in his trophy cabinet.

The Argentina forward, who turns 26 on Monday, has won four Ballons d'Or in a row but he stressed that what he really craves is the greatest prize in international soccer to add to his silverware collection.

"Between a fifth Ballon d'Or and a World Cup with Argentina, I'd want the latter, without a doubt," he told Corriere della Sera. "I'm missing a World Cup; it makes me sad."

Despite widely being considered as the best soccer player on the planet right now, Messi's record-breaking antics fall on deaf ears at home with his wife Antonella, and the Blaugrana star admitted that he does not watch much of the sport he excels at.

"I never watch soccer on television. Antonella gets bored with it. I come home and tell her I scored two or three goals, and she doesn't even hear me," he said.

Messi is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him only appear intermittently in the final two months of Barcelona's Liga-winning 2012-13 campaign.

 

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Lewandowski would ‘fit perfectly’ at Arsenal, says Podolski


The German international says the Borussia Dortmund striker's goalscoring record proves he could be a success anywhere and feels it is up to the player to decide his future Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski says Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski would “fit perfectly" at the Gunners.The Poland international’s future remains the subject of intense debate despite CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke having insisted Lewandowski will play for Dortmund next season.

BVB has ruled out selling the star striker to Bayern Munich although the player remains keen on a move to the European champion.

Arsenal's Premier League rival Manchester United has also been linked with the Pole but Podolski feels Lewandowski would be a huge success with the Gunners.

"He scored 24 times last season,” he told Polish newspaper Polska The Times. “He can make it anywhere and he would fit perfectly at Arsenal.

"At the end he has to decide, not the media or manager."
Lewandowski scored an impressive 24 goals in just 31 Bundesliga appearances last season for Dortmund and 36 goals in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp's men.

 

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Bayer Leverkusen signs Italy Under-21 defender Donati


The 23-year-old Inter starlet impressed at the recent U-21 European Championship and has been snapped up by the Bundesliga giant on a four-year deal.Bayer Leverkusen has signed Italy Under-21 international Giulio Donati from Inter, having failed to become a regular at the Nerazzurri.

The 23-year-old has had one-year loan spells with Lecce, Padova and Grosseto over the past three seasons, and he spoke of his delight at the move, which will see him at the club until June 2017.

"I am happy that the deal has been completed," Donati told the club's official website. "Bayer are a big team in Germany and also have a big reputation in Italy. I am really looking forward to the Bundesliga and it will be a huge challenge to play in the Champions League with Leverkusen.

"I will give my all to help B04 achieve their goals."

Leverkusen general manager Wolfgang Holzhauser also spoke about the move for the youngster, saying he is exactly the kind of player the club are trying to sign.

"With Giulio Donati we have a young, aspiring player who fits perfectly into the profile of Bayer Leverkusen," Holzhauser said. "He was a mainstay of the Italy team at the Under-21 European Championship in Israel, and we are confident he will fit in at right back very well."

Sporting director Rudi Voller also had his say on the purchase of Donati, lauding his potential.

"He is a player with great potential, and is a regular at Under-21 level," Voller said. "He has played lots in Serie B and impressed us a lot in the Under-21 tournament. He will bring us lots of joy in the future."

 

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Agent: Milan's asking price for Robinho too high


The 29-year-old's agent wants the Rossoneri to lower their demands in order for the attacker to return to Brazil, amid interest from Santos and Cruzeiro.AC Milan is blocking Robinho's exit from the club, because its asking price is too high, according to the player's agent.

Marisa Alija Ramos says the Rossoneri need to lower their demands for the 29-year-old, amid interest from Santos and Cruzeiro.

"His situation is a bit complicated. His wages are reasonably high and Milan are asking for too much money," Ramos told Superesportes.

The skillful Brazilian began his career with Santos and his displays led to him securing a big-money move to Real Madrid in 2005 before moving to Manchester City and then the San Siro outfit. Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has said there have been discussions with Santos, but that the forward's wages are the main stumbling block.

"We are speaking with Santos over a move for Robinho, but there has been no agreement about money yet," Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 68-year-old also discussed the future of star player Stephan El Shaarawy, saying that no contact has been made with another club about a potential move for the Italian youngster.

"There has been no offer made yet for El Shaarawy," Galliani said.

 

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Arsenal fly to Madrid to finalise Higuain deal


The Argentina striker has agreed personal terms with the Gunners, who will hold talks with los Blancos this weekend as they look to secure a fee in the region of €23 million Arsenal officials have flown out to Madrid to finalise the deal to bring Gonzalo Higuain to the Emirates Stadium, Goal can confirm.

The Gunners delegation will hold top-level talks with their Real Madrid counterparts this weekend as the two clubs negotiate a fee for the Argentina international.

As reported on Thursday, Higuain has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal ahead of a move that is increasingly likely to be completed within the next 10 days.

Preliminary discussions have already taken place between Arsenal and Madrid on a fee for the 25-year-old, and the exact figure is expected to be settled in the Spanish capital over the weekend.

The Gunners are hopeful that an offer around the €23 million mark can close the deal, while los Blancos are holding out for around €30m.

It is understood that Arsene Wenger could make an appearance during the discussions at some point over the weekend.

Arsenal have agreed a contract with Higuain that will start with a salary of €116,000-a-week, which will bring him in line with the club’s top earners Theo Walcott and skipper Thomas Vermaelen but, contrary to reports, will not shatter the club’s wage bill.

Nevertheless, Higuain will pocket a bumper pay rise if he completes a move to the Gunners as he is believed to be earning a relatively modest €74,500-a-week at Santiago Bernabeu.

Higuain alerted buyers by publicly insisting that he will leave Madrid this summer following six years in the Spanish capital.

Juventus have also made the prolific forward an offer but there are doubts about their willingness to pay a €23m-plus fee.

Wenger has made a concerted move for Higuain as he bids to break the €23m transfer barrier - comfortably breaking the club’s record - on two new players this summer. As revealed by Goal, Arsenal have also activated the €26m release clause in Marouane Fellaini’s Everton contract but have not yet been given the all clear to hold official talks with the player, who is currently on holiday.

Wenger has also shown strong interest in Wayne Rooney and Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic, but Higuain has been told he can leave by Madrid and the deal is viewed by Arsenal as easier to secure.

The Argentina star has a prolific scoring record at both club and international level and will be regarded as a statement signing if Arsenal can finalise the transfer.

The north Londoners have also made moves to sign centre-back Ashley Williams from Swansea City and goalkeeper Julio Cesar from QPR.

 

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Mata to demand talks with Mourinho over Chelsea future


Sources close to the midfielder insist he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but he will seek assurances amid reports that Mourinho is ready to listen to offers this summer.RIO DE JANIERO -- Juan Mata will demand talks with Jose Mourinho to clarify his Chelsea future amid reports the new Stamford Bridge boss is prepared to sell the club’s player of the year.

Mata, currently on international duty with Spain at the Confederations Cup, is understood to feel aggrieved that he has, as yet, received no clarification over his future at the club.

The 25-year-old has not spoken to Mourinho since the Portuguese’s second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge was confirmed last month. He does not intend to talk to Mourinho until after Spain’s involvement in the Confederations Cup in Brazil, where he started and scored in the 10-0 victory over Tahiti at the Maracana on Thursday.

Sources close to Mata in the Spain camp insist he is happy at Stamford Bridge and have refuted suggestions of a disagreement with the club over a proposed increase on his salary, understood to be worth around 70,000 pounds-a-week.

“The last thing he expected this summer was to be wondering about his future,” said the source. “He loves playing for Chelsea but nobody likes to hear that the coach might not like them. He is asking himself ‘where have these stories come from?’

“For now, he is focused on the Confederations Cup but it needs to be addressed when the tournament finishes.”

Barcelona has been linked with a 30 million pounds bid for the former Valencia man, who was named Chelsea’s player of the year last season and has three years remaining on his contract.

Mata is indeed hopeful of a pay rise to reflect his importance to the Londoners since his arrival from Valencia in a 23m pounds deal in 2011. While Mata is privately perplexed by doubts over his future, he has publicly insisted that he has no reason to question whether he will be at Chelsea next term.

"Nobody at Chelsea has told me that Mourinho wants me out," Mata told Marca this week. "When I finished the season I was told that they were very happy with my performances and with the two years I've spent with the club. I have three years left on my contract. I'm very happy with Chelsea.

"Mourinho? I'd prefer to wait until I meet him and work with him before I judge him. That's simple logic."

 

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Reading confirms Drenthe deal

The former Real Madrid winger was a free agent after being released from Alania Vladikavkaz and is set to join the Royals on a two-year deal pending international clearance.Reading has confirmed an agreement to sign former Real Madrid and Everton winger Royston Drenthe.

The 26-year-old Dutchman, who spent a spell on loan at Goodison Park during the 2011-12 season, is a free agent following his release from Russian club Alania Vladikavkaz and looks to be manager Nigel Adkins' latest signing of the summer.

Drenthe's agent, Fabian Veldwijk, revealed a move was close on Monday, and Reading has now confirmed the agreement of a two-year deal, with the option of a third.

"Reading can confirm an agreement has been reached to sign former Real Madrid man Royston Drenthe," a club statement read. "The 26-year-old is set to sign an initial two-year contract with the option of a third."The deal is subject to normal ratifications, plus international clearance from the Russia football authorities and the player's former club Alania Vladikavkaz."

Drenthe has been capped once by Netherlands, and most recently played six times for Alania before its relegation at the end of the 2012-13 season.

 

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Messi has paid his taxes, claim lawyers

The Argentine will have to defend his case on Sept. 17, but his legal representatives insist allegations of fraud are baseless and will be cleared "quickly."
The lawyers of Lionel Messi have insisted the Barcelona attacker has complied with Spanish legislation in response to recent allegations of tax evasion.

Financial crime prosecutors summoned the 25-year-old, along with his father Jorge Messi, to a court hearing on Sept. 17 after the pair were adjudged to have committed three offenses against the Spanish tax authorities between 2006 and 2009.

According to the prosecutor's complaint filed at a court in Gava in northeastern Spain, Messi and his father avoided running up tax receipts of more than 4 million euros by forwarding the four-time Ballon d'Or winner's image rights to overseas tax havens.

A statement released by Juarez Veciana Lawyers, the forward's representatives, read: "We firmly believe the innocence of our client. He complies scrupulously with Spanish legislation. He has paid what corresponds to him legally.

"We are confident the judicial investigation will be resolved in the minimum time possible [to end] this situation, which has left our client in a situation of media defenselessness, which we deeply regret."

Jorge Messi, meanwhile, assured that both he and his son were innocent of any wrongdoing, revealing that they pay their fair share of tax to the Spanish state.

"That there is a difference of opinion between our financial advisers and the Inland Revenue is perfectly normal in the case of people that pay a lot in tax," Jorge Messi told COPE. "But I can assure you that what we pay annually is an eight figure number. We are confident an agreement will be reached."

According to reports in Spain, Lionel Messi and his father could face up to six years in prison, along with a hefty fine, if they are found guilty.

 

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Azpilicueta: Spain feels violated after hotel robbery

The Chelsea defender says his Roja teammates felt violated after their possessions were stolen in Recife but are keen to put it behind them.Spain right back Cesar Azpilicueta says Vicente del Bosque's team felt violated after their hotel in Recife was raided.

A selection of players from the Spanish national side, not currently known, had their possessions raided while they were away from the team hotel, with wallets and personal items among the stolen items.

"It is something that happened, unfortunately. We hope whoever has to take security measures deals with it," Azpilicueta told Goal. "We put our trust in the security, so it is bad when this kind of thing happens. But we can put it behind us. Now they need to be aware so it doesn't happen next year [when Brazil host the World Cup].

"Of course the lads were upset, some of them had their wallets taken. They felt as though their privacy had been violated, so they are right to be upset."

Spain triumphed 10-0 against Tahiti on Thursday, with Chelsea striker Fernando Torres scoring four goals, and Azpilicueta could not speak highly enough of the venue or his team's performance.

"The Maracana is an outstanding venue. Every player dreams of playing here, as I was able to do today. It was a dream come true for me," the Chelsea fullback said. "The fans were phenomenal. They came here to watch a good match, and that is what they got. We noticed a lot of them were cheering for Tahiti, but they came to the stadium to see a football match, I believe, and both teams played with the utmost respect to each other, and had a good time today."

The final score was the most lopsided defeat in a FIFA senior competition, but Azpilicueta insists that Spain was not looking to set any marks in the victory.

"We weren't looking to break any record," Azpilicueta said. "We came to the match wanting to perform well, and to do the best we could. The players who were selected today didn't play in the first match, so we were hunger to play.

"Yes, the final score is a record at this moment, and I think it's very good. To achieve something like this at this venue is something memorable."

 

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Agent: Napoli can't afford Skrtel

The center-back representative does not believe the Anfield outfit is intent on selling the Slovakian, and quashed rumors of a reunion with Partenopei boss Rafa Benitez The agent of Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has played down the likelihood of a transfer away from Anfield this summer, and believes suitor Napoli is unable to afford him.

The Slovakia international has been heavily linked with a move away from Merseyside after being dropped from Brendan Rodgers' first team last season, making just three league starts in 2013.

But the 28-year-old center-back looks set to stay at Liverpool with Napoli, now led by former Reds boss Rafa Benitez, priced out of a move according to Skrtel's representative Karol Csonto.

"Martin to move away from Liverpool? I specifically say that Skrtel has never said he wants to go away, then it depends on the Liverpool market because everything could change," he told Tuttomercatoweb. "It's true that the last two seasons were difficult but in football it can happen.

"Napoli? I think they haven't the financial possibilities to take him. Liverpool has not decided a price because they don't intend to sell the player. Anyway, I don't think that Napoli can afford his wage."

Since joining Liverpool in 2008, Skrtel has made 206 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside club, scoring nine times.

 

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Congratulations Spain U20!!!

Spain U-20 4-1 USA U-20: Deulofeu runs rampant past leaky American defense

The United States Under-20 team got a rude awakening to the U-20 World Cup Friday, losing its opening match 4-1 to Spain.

Luis Gil had the only goal for the Americans, but it came after the team was already down four following a pair of braces from Jese and Gerard Deulofeu.

The U.S. joins Ghana without a result through the first match day of Group A. France defeated the African nation earlier in the day.

It couldn't have been as worse start for the U.S., as it was down within five minutes. Deulofeu was afforded far too much time to pick out a cross, and found a streaking Jese for a volleyed finish from close range.

The U.S. put together some decent attacking spells, but it all fell apart just before the break. First, Deulofeu struck in the 42nd minute with an absolutely sublime curling shot into the far post from the top of the box.

It went from bad to worse just two minutes later. Javier Manquillo produced some good work down the right flank, and was able to recover after a heavy touch to tee up Jese, who made no mistake for his second of the night, and Spain's third.

The U.S. back line was again carved open 15 minutes into the second half. Deulofeu was threaded in behind the defense and goalkeeper Cody Cropper made a poor decision to come way off his line, allowing the Barcelona man to round him and slot into an empty net.

The Americans did have a bright spot on the day in Gil, and the Real Salt Lake midfielder came though with a stunning left-footed shot from the top of the arc which found the upper corner to get his side a consolation.

The U.S. continues group play against France on Monday.

 

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Congratulations Spain U20!

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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FIFA Confedarations Cup Group A Fixtures 2013.06.22

FIFA Confedarations Cup Group A Fixtures 2013.06.22

Italy Vs Brazil

Japan Vs Mexico

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Italy Vs Brazil patta gemak yai​

 

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Arsenal fly to Madrid to finalise Higuain deal

 

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FIFA Confedarations Cup Group A Fixtures 2013.06.22

Italy Vs Brazil

Japan Vs Mexico

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Italy Vs Brazil patta gemak yai​