..::Football II::..

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£70m van Persie: Massive new bid could end summer's biggest transfer saga

Juventus are set to launch a stunning SEVENTY million pound attempt to lure Robin van Persie to Italy.Giuseppe Marotta, the Serie A champions' general manager, has held further talks with van Persie’s representatives and made it clear they will top any offer made by rivals Manchester United.

Van Persie will also be offered a five-year deal worth £190,000 a week AFTER tax.And Juve have told his agents that they will make a £20m offer to Arsenal for his services.

 

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Hi RC!

Thamai RVP ge Transfer 1ka gana melo deyak sure naha nedaAugust 18 wenawakamma yai Rumor 1ka

 

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Spain 0-0 Morocco: La Roja fail to fire again to finish bottom of Olympics Group D

Spain's poor performances in the London 2012 Olympic football tournament continued with a drab goalless draw with Morocco, a result which sees both sides eliminated from the competition.

Both sides had very few chances in front of goal on a day of changing weather in Manchester. Spain came the closest to winning the game with a crisp passing move in the first half but Adrian Lopez’s low shot struck the post, while Morocco’s only sight of goal came on the hour but Abdelaziz Barrada was denied by the left knee of David De Gea.

After losing both of their opening games the Spaniards had nothing but pride to play for and Luis Milla named a strong starting lineup as they went in search of that elusive victory. Manchester United number one David De Gea continued in goal at his home stadium, and the Chelsea duo of Oriol Romeu and Juan Mata also started.

Morocco came into the game knowing that a win combined with a Japan win over Honduras could see them qualify for the quarter finals of the Olympic competition.

As the game kicked into action the performance from Spain had everything you expect from a Spain side but as it has shown during the whole tournament it lacked that cutting edge in the final third to really hurt teams. The inter-play from the young side was a joy to watch but it was all too easy for the Morocco defense to deal with and they very rarely got behind to test Mohamed Amsif.

Due to the manner in which Spain play Morocco was forced to play on the counterattack for the majority of the first half, but this suited the North African side who has a front two with plenty to offer on the break. Noureddine Amrabat and Zakaria Labyad particularly impressed with their movement, vision and creativitiy but only Labyad came close to testing De Gea when his long range free kick fizzed wide of goal.

It wasn’t until the 31st minute that the game had its first real moment of action and it came at the end of another Spanish passing masterclass. Mata found himself on the ball just outside the Morocco penalty area, he spotted the run of Adrian Lopez and played a great through ball into the striker but his low shot crashed against Amsif’s left hand post and rebounded to safety.

After a monsoon like deluge of rain at halftime the teams came out in the second half and continued with their neat brand of passing football but both sides still struggling to find that killer instinct in front of goal.

Morocco had its first clear sight of goal on the hour when a neat pass from Amrabat released Barrada inside the Spain penalty area. The forward was one-on-one with De Gea but his low shot was deflected wide by the keeper’s left knee.

Nine minutes later Lopez beat the Morocco offside trap and found himself alone with the only Amsif to beat, however the Atletico Madrid man tried to be too clever and chip the keeper but in the wet conditions he only managed to scuff the ball wide of goal.

As the game neared its conclusion the game began to be stretched but neither side was able to produce something of real quality to win the game. Mata and substitute Cristian Tello both saw good chances fly over Amsif’s crossbar, while at the other end Labyad’s audacious attempt at the back post didn’t worry De Gea.

Spain could, and probably should, have won the game in the final minute but Amsif made an excellent save from Lopez. The Moroccan keeper tipping the ball onto the crossbar from a tight angle.

 

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Japan 0-0 Honduras: Sekizuka's side finishes top of Group D as Hondurans sets up Brazil clash in quarters

A dull 0-0 draw was enough for both Japan and Honduras to move into the quarterfinals of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Takashi Sekizuka's men had already sealed their place in the quarterfinals, but went into the match knowing that defeat to the Hondurans would consign the team to second place. Honduras meanwhile, knew that a mere point would see it through thanks to an unlikely victory against Spain on matchday two.

It was Luis Suarez's men that started the brighter of the two sides, immediately setting out in pursuit of an early goal shortly after kickoff and winning a series of corners, none of which came to fruition.

However, while the Central Americans were lively going forward, their Asian opponents were looking dangerous. Gotoku Sakai made an excellent interception on the quarter-hour mark and wasted no time in spraying the ball to Yuki Otsu, who strode forward and unleashed a shot straight at Jose Mendoza.

At the other end, Anthony Lozano superbly brought the ball forward from his own half, dodging a series of challenges, but could only direct a long-range strike high and wide under pressure from a number of defenders.

Manabu Saito went on a mazy run through the Honduras half, only to drag an effort well wide, before Sakai drove narrowly wide of Mendoza's goal, while Kenyu Sugimoto had a header blocked at point-blank range by Johnny Leveron.

Five minutes from the break, though, it was Luis Fernando Suarez's side which had the best chance of the half. Jerry Bengtson, the hero of his side's previous two fixtures, superbly brought down a high ball on his chest, shrugged off his marker and prodded a shot towards goal that Shuichi Gonda did well to block.

Maynor Figueroa forced another save from the FC Tokyo goalkeeper soon afterwards with a driven free kick that took a heavy deflection off a Japanese body, ensuring a stalemate going into the interval.

As at the start of the first half, both teams began the second period at a good pace, but found it desperately difficult to cut out any clear-cut chances.

Sugimoto had an ambitious effort easily saved by Mendoza, but in truth, neither goalkeeper faced any real challenges for much of period after the break.

Honduras was happy to concede free kicks to hamper Japan as it looked to set up camp in midfield, and on one occasion, the team almost paid for it.

Anticipating a cross, Mendoza crept off his line as Takashi Usami lined up a free kick on the left wing. The former Bayern Munich winger over hit his delivery, forcing the 23-year-old keeper to pedal backwards and acrobatically tip the ball over his bar.

Another Usami set piece found Kazuka Yamamura at the far post, but Mendoza managed to dive to his right to stop the 22-year-old's goal-bound header.

 

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Mexico 1-0 Switzerland: El Tri advances to the 2012 Olympic quarterfinals

Mexico moved one step closer to getting a medal at the 2012 Olympic Games after advancing to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland at Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

Oribe Peralta scored the game's only goal off an assist from Giovani dos Santos as Mexico won Group B. El Tri had only needed a tie against the Swiss after picking up a draw and win in their first two games.

Dos Santos started ahead of Miguel Ponce for the first time in three Olympic games this summer and it proved to be the right move. Coach Luis Fernando Tena had previously stated that the winger wasn't fit to play a full 90 after taking a vacation and joining the team late, an accusation that Dos Santos had denied.

Switzerland dominated the first half with several scoring chances going just wide of Jose Corona's post. The Swiss had nine shots in the half compared to four for Mexico.

Switzerland's best chance to get on the board first came in the 15th minute when Admir Mehmedi had a clear path to the goal before defender Javier Aquino chased him down to disrupt the play. Had Mehmedi gone down right away, there could have very likely been a penalty opportunity.

Dos Santos gave the Mexicans a lift right before halftime by firing a rocket straight into Diego Benaglio's chest. Moments later, Javier Aquino raced down the middle of the pitch through two Swiss defenders but was taken down by Francois Affolter outside the box.

Dos Santos stepped up for the ensuing free kick and barely missed the top right corner of the net as the seconds ticked off and players headed to the locker room for halftime.

Both teams appeared to have a tough time on a damp pitch in the first half and the conditions got even worse as there was a brief downpour during the intermission. Shortly after starting back up, Switzerland defender Nexter Vidrio slipped as he tried to pass the ball, giving Mexico a free path in the box.

Unlike the first half, Mexico had become the more aggressive team in the final 45 minute. Playing with a sense of urgency, the Mexicans more than tripled their shot tally from the first half and it appeared to be only a matter of time before a ball got past the goal line.

The night's lone goal was set up by both Javier Aquino and Dos Santos. Aquino found Dos Santos at the top of the box and the Tottenham man walked it in through traffic before Peralta picked it up off his feet and fired past the keeper in the 69th minute.

Mexico remained in attack mode until the very end as Peralta nearly added to his tally in the 88th minute but his header went just wide. Switzerland, meanwhile, couldn't regain any of the momentum it had in the first half and watched its medal hopes fade.

Mexico will travel to London to face the runner up of Group A on Saturday.

 

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Brazil 3-0 New Zealand: Danilo, Damiao and Sandro seal Group C top spot

Brazil secured its position as Group C winner and maintained its 100 percent record in the 2012 Olympics after beating New Zealand 3-0 thanks to goals from Danilo, Leandro Damiao and Sandro.


Mano Menezes’ side took the lead in the 23rd through Danilo after great attacking move culminated in a one-two with Damiao leaving the midfielder with a simple finish past Michael O’Keeffe.

It was two shortly after as after another sublime bit of play the Internacional striker who slotted the ball into the net.

The Tottenham midfielder added a third just after halftime with a powerful strike into the bottom corner while the only negative to come from the game for Brazil was when Alex Sandro was sent off for two bookable offenses.

After securing qualification from Group C with a win over Belarus in the club's last game. Menezes rested several players including keeper Neto, Romulo, Oscar, Hulk and Alexandre Pato. In came Porto duo Danilo and Alex Sandro, Lucas Moura, Damiao and keeper Gabriel.New Zealand coach Neil Emblen made kept an unchanged team from his side that drew 1-1 with Egypt. West Brom striker Chris Wood who scored in that game continued to lead the line alongside strike partner Shane Smeltz.

Brazil started the game well and immediately controlled possession with accurate passing and good movement. Neymar showed his predatory instincts to get behind the All Whites defense and slot past O’Keeffe but was frustratingly ruled offside as he wheeled away in celebration.

The Santos striker was again in the action moments later and should have given his side the lead after great work from Marcelo who beat two men before crossing for Neymar but he couldn’t get good contact on the ball from eight yards and his effort went harmlessly past the post.

After weathering the early storm from Selecao, Emblen’s side began to grow in confidence and started to take the attack to the Brazilians and Rojas produced a decent effort after a lovely run down the left but his shot was comfortably held by Gabriel.

New Zealand committed more men forward but this was to cost them as Brazil hit on the break and took the lead through Danilo. The Porto man played a sublime one-two with Damiao on the edge of the Kiwi box and slotted the ball past O’Keeffe.Menezes’ side doubled the lead minutes later through Damiao after another excellent move.

Marcelo hit a delightful back-heeled pass to Alex Sandro setting him free in the box. He then squared the ball for Internacional striker who was left with a simple tap into an empty net.
Brazil seemed content knocking the ball around and waiting patiently for chances to come rather than force the issue as the half wore on. Neymar and Damiao had half-chances but neither threatened O’Keeffe in the Kiwi goal.The Selecao came out in the second half with the same tempo they had in the first and quickly settled into their passing game as the All Whites sat back to absorb the pressure.

Brazil seemed very comfortable and duly got the third goal through Sandro who coasted in at the back post, latching onto to a free kick from Marcelo and rifling the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

 

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South Korea 0-0 Gabon: Stalemate sends Korea through and sees Gabon eliminated

South Korea qualified along with Mexico in Group B after finishing its group campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against Gabon.

Both sides struggled to create chances in a match that didn't offer much entertainment for its Wembley crowd. Levy Madinda's deflected shot that struck the post was the closest anyone came to opening the scoring.

South Korea started proceedings on the front foot as a long direct ball up field sent Park Chu Young through but the Arsenal man’s shot was weak and straight at D. Ovono.

Influential Gabonese player Merlin Tandjigorahad was then forced to leave the field due to injury which was a blow to the Panthers hopes of earning the victory they desperately needed.
A fast Korean break almost provided the opening goal as Koo Ja Cheol’s effort produced a fine save from Ovono.Into the second half and the Taegu Warriors continued to dictate possession but mustered few shots at goal.

Sung Dong Baek had a great opportunity in the 58th minute as a cross inside the box landed in his path but his attempt was high and wide.

Despite failing to mount any serious attacking pressure Gabon came incredibly close to taking the lead just after the hour. Levy Madinda’s shot deflected away from keeper Sung Ryong Jung but unfortunately struck the post.As the final whistle drew ever closer the game began to open up. Substitute Ji Dong Won’s fine dribble ended with a cross for Park Chu Young who just couldn’t leap high enough to head the ball home.

With Gabon needing a win to have any chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals it needed to find a goal in the closing stages. However its effort couldn’t be questioned it didn’t have the quality to create a clear cut chance throughout the ninety minutes as the game petered out to a dull draw.

 

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Egypt 3-1 Belarus: Salah, Mohsen and Aboutrika help The Pharaohs into quarterfinals

Second-half strikes from Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohsen and Mohamed Aboutrika helped Egypt leapfrog Belarus and claim a place in the quarterfinals of London 2012 with a 3-1 win.



Hany Ramzy made two changes to his side after the Pharaohs' draw with New Zealand, Saad Samir and Shehad Ahmed replacing Mahmoud Alaa Eldin and Saleh Gomaa, while Belarus remained unchanged from the XI that lost to Brazil.

The Egyptians, knowing that they needed a win to send them through to the quarterfinals started the brighter, with new Basel forward Salah finding Emad Meteab, but unfortunately for the striker he was flagged offside.

Goalkeeper Aleksandr Gutor was the busier of the two stoppers, as he went down sharpish to save from Ahmed Fathi, after the former Sheffield United player cut inside from the right wing and unleashed a strike that was heading towards the bottom corner.

Egypt then started to pepper the Belarus goal, with Hossam Hassan trying his luck from long range, before Meteab had a header from just inside the box well saved by Gutor to keep the scores level.

Salah then had the best chance of the half as he got in behind Denis Polyakov, but he somehow managed to put the ball high and wide of Gutor’s goal when it seemed easier for the winger to score.

Just before the halftime whistle Belarus could have taken a shock lead into the dressing room at the break. Igor Kuzmenok got his head onto a corner from the left by Renan Bardini Bressan, but he couldn’t direct the chance on target.

The Belorussians started the second half better than they did the first and nearly claimed an opener as Stanislav Dragun raced in from the halfway line, bearing down on goal, but before the midfielder could get his shot away Saadeldin Saad blocked the attempt away from danger.

Egypt should have gone ahead moments later as halftime substitute Mohsen broke The Red Devils offside trap, but the Petrojet striker wasted the opportunity and had to settle for a corner.

The game then swung to the other end, were Kornilenko managed to get a hold of the ball after Egypt failed to clear a free kick from the left wing, Eslam Ramadan put his body on the line to clear the ball.

Then, with 10 minutes gone in the second half, Egypt opened the scoring. Salah got in behind the Belarus defense and managed to stroke the ball beyond the outstretched arms of Gutor to put The Pharaohs not only into the lead in the game, but also in the group.

That goal meant that Belarus had to push forward and the team nearly equalized 10 minutes later, as Ilya Aleksievich unleashed a strike from the edge of the area, which Ahmed El Shenawi got down well to palm away, with Kornilenko offside for the rebound.

Georgy Kondratyev’s side started to push further forward than it had for the previous hour of the game and started to create real chances, with Dragun going close with a header after a cross from the right from Bressan.

With just over a quarter of an hour left in the game, Egypt doubled the advantage as skipper Aboutrika found Ramadan racing down the left wing and he passed the ball into the box, for Mohsen to stroke the ball into the net.

Minutes later two became three as substitute Omar Gaber crossed from the right hand side of the penalty area for Aboutrika to get his name of the scoresheet and Egypt to secure a place in the last eight of the tournament.

With the game dying out Belarus managed to grab a goal back as substitute Andrei Voronkov got his head to a Dmitry Baga corner to reduce the deficit, but it wasn’t to be enough as the side went out at the group stage.

 

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Galliani to meet with Florentino Perez over Kaka

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed that he will soon meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss the potential transfer of Kaka.

The Serie A giant has publicly admitted that the club is looking to re-sign the Brazilian playmaker, who is a crowd favorite at San Siro following his six-year spell at the club.

Italian sources claimed at the weekend that a Milan delegation will fly to the United States to continue negotiations with Madrid regarding Kaka, and Galliani has now admitted that he is poised to meet with Los Blancos' supremo.

"I will speak with Florentino Perez in New York," Galliani told Sky Sport Italia. "It will be very hard for us to sign Kaka because of his high wages, but he is a player who is part of our history."

Last month, Galliani admitted that his side may fail in its efforts to sign Kaka as the team is unable to match the Brazilian's salary at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It is also believed that Madrid is holding out for a permanent transfer of Kaka, while Milan prefers to sign the 30-year-old on loan.

 

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Fiorentina agrees fee with Villarreal to sign Borja Valero

Fiorentina has agreed a transfer taking midfielder Borja Valero to Italy this summer from relegated La Liga club Villarreal.

Relegation from the top flight is expected to signal an exodus of the Spanish club's stars, with Cristian Zapata and Giuseppe Rossi expected to follow in Valero's footsteps for an exit.

A statement on the Italian team's official website read: "Villarreal and Fiorentina confirm they have reached an agreement for the outright transfer of the player Borja Valero.

"This will be subject to the signing of the player's contract."

Valero's only experience abroad was with English Premier League outfit West Brom in 2008. He subsequently went on to earn a single cap for the Spain national side.

 

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Pique: La Liga will be 50-50 between Real Madrid and Barcelona

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has stated his belief that the upcoming Liga season will be a tight affair between his side and Real Madrid.

The Catalan giants finished second in the league last season after winning the competition in the previous three years, with Madrid setting a new record as the club amassed 100 points.

As Barca prepares to take on Los Blancos in the two-legged Spanish Supercopa, Pique spoke about the importance of winning the first official trophy of the season to boost his side's chances of usurping Jose Mourinho's men.

"Madrid are the current Primera Division champions and we will try to win the league and be champions again," Pique told reporters at a press conference. "It is 50-50 right now, both teams are on equal ground.

"Winning the Supercopa would give us a lot of confidence for the rest of the season. It is a special competition against a special rival and I am sure that it would be important to win it, but it is not like it is crucial. We know how strong Madrid are and that we can win or lose it."

The Blaugrana failed to defend their Liga and Champions League crowns in 2011-12, but Pique dismissed the notion that last season was a disappointment for the club.

"Last season was great, but it does not look like it because we did not win La Liga or the Champions League," the Spanish defender noted. "We did not have that tiny bit of luck which makes you win titles in the matches against Chelsea and Madrid.

"We will have to continue with the same philosophy, and the titles will come."

Pique then commented on Spain's surprise elimination at the Olympic Games after losing the first two group matches in London.

"That just shows how hard football is and that you can always lose even if you are paired with teams who look easy on paper," he noted. "It is not the pressure of winning another tournament, but rather that they had a bad match and then against Honduras they had 15 chances on goal but could not score.

"They had the quality to take the gold medal. It is an example to take about how hard it is to beat any opponent."

 

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'There are talks with Tottenham' - Julio Cesar's agent hints at switch

Julio Cesar's agent claims to have held talks with Tottenham over a possible move for the Inter goalkeeper.

The Brazilian shot-stopper may be on his way out of San Siro after the Nerazzurri completed an 11 million euro deal for Udinese's Samir Handanovic, but Josias Cardoso is keen for any interested parties to contact the Serie A club to begin negotiations.

Spurs are in the market for a keeper this summer and have been in contact with Lyon over Hugo Lloris, but the French club are optimistic of keeping hold of their No.1.

"Now he [Julio Cesar] remains at Inter, he doesn't want to go to Brazil and the market has just closed there," Cardoso told Tuttosport. "Some clubs indeed contacted us, but we asked them to contact Inter, the club that own his rights. There is nothing certain yet.

"There are talks with Tottenham, but the English club has not yet made official steps."

A Facebook account, claiming to be that of the Brazilian, had posted messages suggesting that he had agreed to leave the Nerazzurri, but the 32-year-old denied any involvement, insisting he would announce directly if any move was imminent.

 

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Juventus is still weaker than Manchester United and Real Madrid

Fabio Cannavaro has played down Juventus' prospects of winning the Champions League next season, claiming his former club still lack the means to challenge the continent's greats on an even footing.

The Old Lady were crowned Italian champions last season, and will return to Europe's premier club competition following a two-year hiatus.

Despite the Turin giants enjoying a strong transfer campaign thus far, Cannavaro still believes Antonio Conte's outfit will need more time before European success returns to the club.

"Even with the new acquisitions, Juventus still are a level below Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid," the World Cup winner lamented to Tuttosport.

"Their return next season will coincide with getting a taste of European action again, before they can realistically think about becoming champions there."

The likes of Conte, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe currently face the prospect of bans after becoming implicated in investigations surrounding a domestic betting scandal, but Cannavaro is confident Juventus will be able to cope all the same.

"Conte's absence will be heavy, but the group at Juventus have been tested before. Thanks to the experience of his men, I am sure he will not be missed.

"[Salvatore] Bocchetti will be an excellent replacement for Bonucci. He has enjoyed an excellent spell in Russia, and could make an excellent signing for the club."

Cannavaro, 38, enjoyed two spells playing in the Bianconeri's colours, before retiring from football with UAE side Al Ahli in 2010.

 

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Falcao delighted to be playing for Atletico Madrid in Medellin

Radamel Falcao has spoken of his enthusiasm in approaching Atletico Madrid's date with local outfit Atletico Nacional this coming Thursday.

The 26-year-old has never featured at club level in his country of birth, instead first being a part of River Plate's youth program in Argentina before moving to Europe in 2009 to join Porto.

Now back in Colombia's second largest city of Medellin as part of Los Rojiblancos preseason preparations, Falcao is relishing the prospect of putting on a spectacle in front of his countrymen.

"I am very happy and excited to be back in my homeland," the forward told reporters. "I know it will be something unique to play in Medellin.

"It will also be a great responsibility, a chance to return all the support I was given in joys and triumphs. We will do our best to put on a show for the fans of Nacional."

Falcao's former Porto team-mate, Cristian Rodriguez, is expected to make his Atletico Madrid debut during the upcoming match.

 

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Carroll out of Liverpool's Europa Leauge squad for Gomel match

Andy Carroll has not traveled with the Liverpool squad as it prepares to take on FC Gomel in the Europa League on Thursday.

The striker has picked up a groin injury and did not make the journey with the rest of the Reds team to face the side who finished third in Belarus' top division last season.

Carroll has been the subject of intense transfer talk this summer after new Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers admitted that he would be open to offers for the England international, who netted against Sweden at Euro 2012.

Newcastle, for whom the forward played before moving to Merseyside for 35 million pounds in January 2011, is interested in signing the Tyneside-born player and Goal.com revealed this week that the Magpies are preparing an £18m bid to bring the striker back to the Sports Direct Arena.

If Carroll were to feature in any of the Reds' Europa League qualifiers, he would still be eligible to take part in the Magpies' own campaign in Europe this term.

The 23-year-old has also interested West Ham, who were thought to have agreed a 2m pounds loan deal to secure Carroll, but have abandoned its interest with the striker not keen on a move to east London.

 

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Real Madrid has made Dembele enquiry, claims agent

Real Madrid has shown an interest in signing Fulham attacker Moussa Dembele, agent Jan de Visser has revealed on behalf of Sport International, the agency representing the 25-year-old.

The Belgium international has developed into somewhat of a Premier League star since joining the Cottagers in the summer of 2010, and his good performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

"Real Madrid have contacted us and asked about Moussa Dembele's availability," De Visser stated to De Telegraaf. "They are not the first big club to make inquiries about Moussa this summer, though."

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have all reportedly registered an interest in signing Dembele, while Manchester City and Chelsea are closely monitoring the attacker's situation.

The forward has a contract with Fulham until June 2013, but an offer in the region of 15 million euros could be needed to lure him away from Craven Cottage.

 

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Hernandez: I would swap all of my goals for another title with Manchester United

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has insisted that he would swap all of his goals for another Premier League title.

'Chicharito' has struck 32 times in all competitions in his first two seasons at Old Trafford, but claims that he does not set personal targets and focuses solely on helping the team win matches in whatever way he can. The Mexico international does not want to be seen as a player who had played badly if he has failed to score – instead hoping people recognize his all-round contribution.

"I've never had a goal target," Hernandez told Inside United magazine. "I don't want to be obsessed with scoring goals, I don't want to be only that player who only scores goals, and if I score goals I've played well and if I didn't score goals I played badly.

"It's more about doing my best for the team - if the goals come then great, but if someone else scores instead of me then it's still great for the United fans and for the club.

"You can never play one man against 11, and one player can never score all the goals by himself. If the goals are coming then good, but as I've always said, I would swap every one of my goals for a title with Manchester United."

United lost its grip on the title in dramatic fashion last season, as rival Manchester City scored twice in the dying minutes of the campaign to beat QPR and claim its first Premier League crown.

Hernandez admitted that the tables had been turned on a club that has, over the years, come back from a couple of seemingly impossible positions itself, most notably in the 1999 and 2008 Champions League finals.

"It was difficult to believe, really," Hernandez admitted. "For so many years that type of game was a fable of Manchester United, with goals in the last minute [to win big games], and sometimes it is part of life to experience the bad moments like this one.

"It was a very strange day because in the space of one minute we thought that the title was going to be ours, and then City scored twice, and that's it.

"When you win you learn to keep working hard in order to keep doing the things you did to win the title. And when you lose, you need to learn from the mistakes you made.

"It's not like one, two or three people are guilty of making mistakes - it's a team game and every player wants to do their best to help the team to win trophies. I think we all learned a lot from last season and we're confident we can come back this season."

 

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Arbeloa signs Real Madrid extension until 2016

Alvaro Arbeloa has signed a two-year extension on his Real Madrid contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2016.

The 29-year-old is a product of the Madrid youth academy, but left the club for Deportivo La Coruna in the summer of 2006 after failing to secure regular first team action in the Spanish capital. However, Arbeloa returned to Los Blancos in 2009 after a two-and-a-half-year spell with Liverpool, and has since developed into an important member of Jose Mourinho's team.

"I am very happy with my new contract. For me, it's an honor to be part of Real Madrid," Arbeloa commented on his extension. "Signing a two-year extension to my existing deal is a source of joy for me. I am delighted with the club's faith in me, and I am looking forward to continue playing here."

The right back has made 123 official appearances for Madrid, scoring three goals in the process.

 

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Robin van Persie has signed contract with Juventus, says agent Fabio Parisi

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Parisi, who is based in Milan, claims that not only has the contract been signed but that it has been so for some time, saying it has been 'locked away' in a desk.​

As well as The Old Lady, Manchester United and Manchester City have both been credited with an interest in the Dutchman but, according to Parisi, RVP has been set to join the Turin club for a while now.​

He told Italian TV: 'I think Juventus have had a signed contract with Van Persie for some time locked away in a notary’s desk.'It is just my opinion, but I think there’s an eight out of ten chance the Dutchman will join the Bianconeri.'​

He added that Juventus are very ambitious and determined to do well this season after their Serie A win last season and Van Persie is seen as 'the ideal addition to achieve that'.Parisi also hinted that Juve may have been considering a bid for Manchester City's Edin Dzeko at one time but explained: 'I don’t think Edin Dzeko is the right player for the Bianconeri.'Van Persie, 28, scored 37 goals for the Gunners last season.​

 

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RVP gana Hopes thiyagena inna 1ka therumak naha wage

Common SAF! Wena Striker Kenek Try karamu