..::Football II::..

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Osvaldo rejects €20 million move to Southampton

Roma were willing to accept Saints' offer, which included add-ons, for the Italy international, but the player turned down the chance of a transfer to St Mary's Stadium

Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo has rejected a €20 million move to Southampton, Goal understands.The Premier League club indicated to the Giallorossi they were willing to pay a club-record fee to entice the Italy international to St Mary’s Stadium.

But Osvaldo has snubbed the interest from the Saints as he holds out for a move to a higher profile club.It is understood that Southampton were willing to pay up to €20m including add-ons for the Argentine-born forward, who joined Roma from Espanyol in 2011 in a deal worth up to €17m.

The Serie A club are willing to offload the 27-year-old this summer in an attempt to provide funds for new coach Rudy Garcia to re-shape his squad.Tottenham met with Osvaldo’s representatives earlier this year and the player himself was keen to move to White Hart Lane but the Londoners have now dropped their interest as they close in on the signing of David Villa from Barcelona.

It is understood that former Roma general manager Franco Baldini, who took up a new role as Spurs’ technical director this month, has doubts about the controversial Osvaldo’s attitude.Atletico Madrid have also enquired about signing Osvaldo but they have now opened talks with Sevilla about Alvaro Negredo, who is set to be sold by the cash-strapped Spanish club.

Osvaldo’s salary expectations are not an insurmountable problem for Premier League clubs flush with money from the new broadcasting deal. The striker currently earns €71,000-a-week at Roma, a sum that will rise to €84,500-a-week in the final year of his contract, which runs until 2016.

 

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Torres: Spain lucky to have Casillas

The forward has praised the goalkeeper following his heroics in the Confederations Cup semi-final against Italy and is excited to face Brazil on Sunday Fernando Torres has expressed his relief that Spain have goalkeeper Iker Casillas following his impressive performance versus Italy in their Confederations Cup semi-final.

The Real Madrid skipper pulled off a number of stops to keep la Roja in the game against the Azzurri, despite being sidelined on the Santiago Bernabeu bench in recent months.

Torres is delighted for the veteran Spaniard and looked ahead to the final against hosts Brazil, against whom he believes the world and European champions will need to perform with trademark confidence.

"He put in one of those performances which just make you think that we’re so lucky to have a keeper like him. He was decisive for us and saved us when Italy were making us suffer. He brought us luck and I am thrilled for him," the Chelsea striker told AS.

"It’s our dream [to win] and the reason why we have come to Brazil. It’s the only trophy which we have never won and this generation badly wants to win it.

"Everyone is talking about what an amazing final is in store between Brazil and Spain. It’s going to be a match to enjoy. We know all about what qualities they have, what a great team they are and both of us are the only teams who are unbeaten in the tournament.

"They will have their fans egging them on but we will go out there to show our style - with the same confidence which has brought us success in recent years."

Torres has scored five times in the tournament - four goals of which came in Spain's 10-0 victory over Tahiti - and is the favourite to grab the golden boot ahead of Sunday's final, with kick-off at 23:00BST.

 

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Tottenham Hotspur, Home, Away and Third kit for the 2013-14 season.

 

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Torres: Spain lucky to have Casillas

 

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Cavani angered by transfer rumours

The Uruguay star insists he is not worried about where he will play his football next season and is only focused on playing for his country Edinson Cavani says he is angered by persistent rumours surrounding his future as he looks to fire Uruguay to victory in their Confederations Cup third-place play-off against Italy on Sunday.

The Napoli striker has been linked with a whole host of clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both reported to hold a strong interest in acquiring his services.

But the 26-year-old has grown tired of the persistent rumours and has refused to discuss his future anymore in a bid to focus on his next international test.

"Your talking at the beginning didn't disturb me but now I have to confess these rumours are bothering me," he told reporters.

"You're talking too much about things you shouldn't be talking about now. I'm still engaged in this competition and just thinking about the next game [versus Italy].

"I play in Italy, I know all of them. I was expecting them to play a great tournament, so I must congratulate them. But tomorrow, we want to win. I want to raise my country in the world standings as much as possible."

Oscar Tabarez echoed his striker's words: "We are facing a strong side but at this stage anything can happen. We want to try to the end and finish this competition in the best possible way."

Luis Suarez and Diego Godin then revealed they would be using the clash with the Azzurri as an opportunity to exorcise their demons from losing the World Cup 2010 third place play-off to Germany.

"Every time we pull on the Celeste shirt we want to win and claiming third place would really mean a lot to us," Suarez revealed to Fifa.com.

"What’s more, it still rankles that we didn’t finish on the podium at South Africa 2010, when we lost to Germany."

"It was really painful for us all, because we came so close to reaching the final," Godin reiterated. "All we’re thinking about now is beating Italy. Finishing fourth is not the same as finishing third."

 

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Luiz backs Paulinho to be a hit in England

The defender believes his compatriot to be well suited to the hustle and bustle of Premier League football, while the midfielder revealed an English club had been in touch Chelsea defender David Luiz is keen to see fellow Brazil international Paulinho join him in England this summer, as the midfielder admitted Tottenham had contacted him.

The Corinthians star has lit up the Confederations Cup with his all-action displays, causing his stock to rise as links with the Premier League outfit intensify.

And Luiz is adamant the Selecao hero has what it takes to star at White Hart Lane, while hailing him as an asset to the Brazil squad.

"If he gets to play in England, he will definitely go far," the stopper noted to Fifa.com. "His game fits perfectly with the pace of English football.

"It’s incredibly valuable to have someone like that in your side. Especially when the team [Brazil] is getting along together as well as ours is."

Paulinho underlined the only contact he has received came from Spurs, and denied any attempts made by Real Madrid, though admitting he was aware of the rumours.

"Tottenham is the only club to have made an official offer. We'll wait for the Confederations Cup to finish and then we'll decide," he told Marca.

"I'm up to date with what has been written about Real Madrid, but the fact is that Madrid has not phoned me. There is no record of any offer."

The 24-year-old headed in Brazil's late winner during the 2-1 semi-final victory against Uruguay on Wednesday and also revealed what he believes to be the strongest parts of his game.

"It really is one of my qualities, moving into different areas of the field, picking up opponents as well as helping to attack," the midfielder resumed to Fifa.com.

"I try to help in every possible way and I’ll try to keep on doing that, both for my club and the national side, because that's how I've always had success."

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men now prepare to face Spain in the penultimate match on Sunday, after la Roja beat Italy 7-6 on penalties in their corresponding semi-final.

 

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Arsenal need Fellaini not Rooney to win the Premier League, says Stewart Robson

The former Gunner feels the Everton midfielder could bring balance to the north Londoners and believes the Manchester United man is "on the wane" Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson feels the Gunners should buy Marouane Fellaini and not Wayne Rooney if they are to end their trophy drought this season.

The north Londoners have not tasted glory since claiming the FA Cup in 2005 but, as exclusively revealed by Goal, have joined the scramble for the England international’s signature.

Goal understands Rooney is determined to leave the Red Devils this summer, but Robson feels he is not quite the right fit for Arsenal.

“To take Wayne Rooney, who everybody says that the problem he had with Sir Alex Ferguson was concerned with his fitness levels and how he was looking after himself, now I’m not sure that Arsene Wenger is the sort of confrontational manager who is going to pull Wayne Rooney to one side and say, I’m not happy with this I’m going to leave you out of the side because of this," he told talkSPORT.

“So I think it might be be a problem and Wayne Rooney I think, is slightly on the wane, he’s lost a yard of pace. Would he be a good player for Arsenal? Would he take them to the next level? I think he would improve them, I’m just not sure he’s the player Arsenal need to go on to become champions of Europe or champions of the Premier League."

Arsenal have already made Fellaini a contract offer after activating his release clause and Robson feels he would be a great signing and would bring balance to the Gunners.

“Arsenal need a real strong backbone in that midfield. I would go and get Fellaini if he’s available," he added.

"I’ve seen him play many different roles for Everton. I’ve seen him come to the Emirates before and play a defensive role and he’s been the outstanding player on the field. I’ve seen him go and play as an attacking midfielder and go and show good strength and win balls in the air.

"He does things simply on the ball. He’s not going to be an expansive passer but Arsenal have got those expansive players, they need to now get a balance between the creative side and the more destructive side, the more dynamic side of the game, you can't have one without the other."

 

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Prandelli: El Shaarawy needs more character

The 55-year-old believes the AC Milan star is mentally exhausted and cast doubt over whether he will start for the Azzurri in Sunday's contest Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says Stephan El Shaarawy "needs to show more character" and may not start in the Confederations Cup third-place play-off against Uruguay.

The AC Milan forward has featured just once in the tournament - in the 4-2 defeat to Brazil - and watched on from the bench as the Azzurri were beaten 7-6 on penalties in the semi-final clash with Spain.

And Prandelli has voiced his concerns over the 20-year-old's mentality and cast doubt over his involvement on Sunday, despite Mario Balotelli's absence and concerns over Alberto Gilardino's fitness.

"I'm convinced this experience has been a good one for him," Prandelli said to reporters. "He needs more character. I talked to him in Coverciano and he was mentally exhausted.

"We will evaluate him tomorrow and decide whether he can start at the final moment."

Uruguay were beaten 2-1 by Brazil in their last four tie, but the 53-year-old coach retains the utmost respect for his side's next opponents and highlighted their attacking talents as their greatest strength.

He added: "Uruguay have great quality and an extraordinary attack. We hope to add consistency to our game plan by gaining experience against a team that is second to none tempermentally.

"We respect and admire their spirit."

The Azzurri's semi-final defeat to Spain came at a high cost, with Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio joining Andrea Barzagli and Balotelli on the sidelines, leading Prandelli to note the need for his side to improve physically ahead of World Cup 2014.

He said: "This Confederations Cup has taught us we need to be on top of our game physically for next year's World Cup."

"We are struggling with recovering players from injury. It would help to gather them once or twice in a season and work with them. People have been running near the brink all year.

"It's good that if we are physically fit for the World Cup, that we can put pressure on any opponent if we use the right tactics. We must bring home the knowledge that it all depends on us and our approach.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Xavi denies undermining Del Bosque

The Barcelona man stepped out to clear his name, after accusations that he had made a point of insisting who he wanted in la Roja's line-up Xavi has dismissed claims he has undermined coach Vicente del Bosque and ordered him to name certain players in Spain's starting XI.

The 62-year-old has rotated his pack during the Confederations Cup, with Xavi criticised after reports he voiced his displeasure at the line-ups and undermined his trainer's authority.

But after Del Bosque and assistant Jose Grande insisted their playmaker had always been mindful of his place, the Barcelona star himself underlined that he has never once attempted to question decisions regarding personnel.

"I wouldn't dream of telling the manager who I have to play with," Xavi emphasised to Spanish television channel Cuatro.

"I've never done it, and never will as long as I live. Everyone has a voice here, and no one is above anyone else.

"We always speak with the gaffer about what's best for the team, but not about who should play. Never about that."

La Roja are currently preparing to face Brazil in the Confederations Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.

Del Bosque's men go into the game after beating Italy 7-6 on penalties, while the tournament hosts dispatched neighbours Uruguay 2-1.

 

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Manchester United to offer De Gea bumper new contract

The Premier League champions have been spooked by Barcelona's interest in their star goalkeeper and are preparing a pay rise and contract extension to tie him to Old Trafford.

Manchester United are preparing to offer David De Gea a pay rise and contract extension to ward off interest from Barcelona.

The 22-year-old was in fine form as the Red Devils stormed to their 20th league title last season, and the club are keen to tie him down for the long term.

De Gea currently earns €64,000 per week on a contract that expires in 2016, but United want to extend that for a further two years and bump his pay to €88,000 per week.

United will sit down with the Spaniard's representatives when he returns to pre-season training with the first team on Wednesday.

Following Victor Valdes' announcement that he will leave Camp Nou at the end of his contract in 2014, rumours surfaced in Spain that the Blaugrana would turn their attentions to the United shot-stopper.

Edurne Garcia, De Gea's girlfriend, stated in January that it is a "dream" for the goalkeeper to play for Barcelona, and United are concerned that they could lose their star goalkeeper.

The former Atletico Madrid man won the European Under-21 Championship with Spain this summer, and has been undertaking a personal training regime to stay in shape.

 

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Bayern win 15-1 on Guardiola's debut

The treble winners ran out comfortable winners during the Spaniard coach's first game in charge, with several youngster's handed their chances to impress Bayern Munich earned a comprehensive 15-1 victory in a friendly match against a team of local fans on Saturday, during what was Pep Guardiola's first game in the dugout.

The Bavarian's hosted their Wildenau-based supporters and were already 3-0 up in the first period, thanks to goals from Thomas Muller as well as youth prospects Oliver Markoutz and Vladimir Rankovic.

Die Roten opened the floodgates in the second-half as Patrick Weihrauch, Julian Green, Franck Ribery, Mitchell Weiser and Toni Kroos struck.

Germany Under-19 international Weihrauch will have done his first-team prospects no harm after his four-goal haul, while fellow starlet Green, who was born in Florida, impressed with his display and subsequent hat-trick.

Guardiola will also be pleased to welcome back Kroos, after the playmaker missed the tail-end of last season through injury.

The 23-year-old turned out beside Ribery and Jerome Boateng in the second-half.

 

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Arsenal target Julio Cesar set to leave QPR, confirms Redknapp

The Hoops boss says the goalkeeper will definitely move on this summer, with the Gunners and Roma heavily linked with a move for the Brazil international QPR manager Harry Redknapp says goalkeeper Julio Cesar "will move on" following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Goal understands Arsenal have opened formal talks with the goalkeeper and are willing to pay €1 million for the Brazilian who they have identified as their No.1 shot-stopper target.

However, the Gunners will face competition from Roma after the Giallorossi's loan swoop for Chelsea newcomer Wallace stalled.

Meanwhile, Redknapp has confirmed he is fully expecting the 33-year-old to leave Loftus Road, and anticipates him moving to a top club.

"Julio Cesar will move on," Redknapp told talkSPORT.

“He’s a top class goalkeeper, Brazil’s No.1. He’s been in great for Brazil and I presume there’s a big club out there for him.

"He won’t want to play in the Championship, he’s a goalkeeper for a big club.”

 

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Cesar Arsenal awoth patta

 

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Iniesta: No bigger challenge than Brazil

The midfielder believes is expecting a titanic tussle on Sunday but remains confident his nation can emerge victorious Andres Iniesta says there is no bigger challenge at international level than beating Brazil as Spain prepare to face the Confederations Cup hosts in Sunday's final.

Vicente del Bosque's men were criticised following their semi-final victory against Italy, and only prevailed after winning the penalty shoot-out 7-6.

But Iniesta remains confident in the quality at la Roja's disposal and is relishing the prospect of attempting to defeat Brazil in their own back yard.

"Brazil is a great team with fantastic players and has had a superb tournament. Challenges don't come any bigger than beating them on their turf," the Barcelona midfielder acknowledged to Cadena Cope.

"But we also have a really good side that is capable of performing to an extremely high level, whoever plays, and we have no qualms about saying that we're going for the title.

"This is the last game and the team will try to give a hundred percent. It's an enormous challenge. We will draw on every last ounce of energy."

The Selecao triumphed 2-1 against Uruguay in Wednesday's semi-final and will be eager to defend their Confederations Cup title against the reigning European and world champions.

 

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FIFA Confederations Cup 3rd Place Fixture 2013.06.30

FIFA Confederations Cup 3rd Place Fixture 2013.06.30

Uruguay Vs Italy

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FIFA Confederations Cup Final 2013.06.30 Fixture

FIFA Confederations Cup Final 2013.06.30 Fixture

Brazil Vs Spain

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Tottenham Hotspur, Home, Away and Third kit for the 2013-14 season.

Tottenham Kit sponsors la wenas wela nehhabai matnam godak lassana last season Tottenham Home kit 1ka

 

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Arsenal need Fellaini not Rooney to win the Premier League, says Stewart Robson

 

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Arsenal target Julio Cesar set to leave QPR, confirms Redknapp

Cesar Arsenal awoth patta

awoth nam hodhyi

 

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FIFA Confederations Cup 3rd Place Fixture 2013.06.30

Uruguay Vs Italy

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FIFA Confederations Cup Final 2013.06.30 Fixture

Brazil Vs Spain

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