..::Football II::..

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M'Vila moving toward switch to England or Russia, say Rennes

Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi has admitted that the club's in-demand midfielder Yann M’Vila wants to leave the Ligue 1 club.

The French international has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham in the past, while QPR boss Harry Redknapp is said to be very keen to bring him to Loftus Road in January in order to bolster his side’s chances of avoiding relegation.

Dreossi explained that the club will not stand in M’Vila’s way should he receive an acceptable offer, with Russian champion Zenit St Petersburg also said to be monitoring the situation.

"It's possible [he'll leave] if we get some interesting offers," Dreossi told radio station RMC. "He wants to leave, but if it doesn't happen, it will be next summer. It's no catastrophe. He missed out on a transfer last summer. If there's an interesting opportunity for everyone, we'll find a solution. It is all moving towards England or Russia."

M'Vila, who was suspended from international play by the French federation until June 2014, also confirmed his desire to seek a new challenge after growing stale at the Breton club.

"The club have received offers. I want to go, but the deal has to be right for everyone. If it isn't, I will stay until the end of the season," M'Vila said.

 

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Barry: Manchester City out to snap woes at Arsenal

Gareth Barry says it's time Manchester City ended its 37-year long winless streak when the club travels to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The last time the Citizens managed a league win away to the Gunners was in 1975, when Tony Book's side won a 3-2 thriller at Highbury. Barry believes that City now has the firepower to end a run that has seen the club unable to score a single goal in its last six visits to Arsene Wenger's team.

“I wasn’t aware it had been so long. Football is like that sometimes, but 37 years is extraordinary and records like that are rare but there to be broken," Barry told City's official website. “We have to go to the Emirates, play as well as we know we are capable of and see if we can put an end to our poor run of league results on their ground.”

Barry recognizes that the game will be no walk over, having been part of a City squad that struggled to a 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal earlier in the campaign.

"They played some great football and they surprised me just how good they were that day and though we drew 1-1, they will be disappointed they’ve not played as well as that more often this season," Barry said.

 

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Moratti: Sneijder decides his own future

Inter president Massimo Moratti has stressed that Wesley Sneijder will decide his own future.

The Netherlands international is keen to leave Inter in the winter transfer window after he was frozen out over a contract dispute, but Moratti does not expect any problems if the former Madrid star was to stay put.

"I have only spoken to Sneijder very quickly because it's not been a big deal. It simply comes down to whether he wants to stay or not," Moratti told reporters. "In any case he's within his rights to either continue with his great contract, or to accept our terms - which we'd be happier about - or to move to another club. We've left it up to him and we'll see what happens.

"Could Sneijder disrupt the dressing room if he stays? These things happen at the beginning, but if you're sensible you can get over them. Having said that, I'm not sure how he sees things."

Sneijder has made only eight official appearances so far this season.

 

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Sniejder Future 1ka ikmanata decide kaloth hodai nathnam thawath boring wenawa

 

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Ronaldo is now the 'complete player', says Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise onto Cristiano Ronado describing the Real Madrid man as "the complete player."

The 27-year-old is due to make his first return to Old Trafford next month, when the two clubs face each other in the UEFA Champions League and Ferguson says the Portugal international has improved since leaving England.

"Maturity brings many things," Ferguson told Inside United. "When I went to see them play against [Manchester] City, some of his decision-making in terms of passing was brilliant. One-touch passing, good crosses.

"In the six years we had him, you just saw his game grow all the time, and he was a fantastic player. Now you see the complete player. His decision-making, his maturity, his experience, plus all the great skills he has got, they all make him the complete player."

Manchester United travels to Spain for the first leg on Feb. 13 before entertaining Madrid at Old Trafford on March 5, and Ferguson is looking forward to the challenge.

"Obviously you hope that when you draw Real Madrid it's in the final," Ferguson said. "It will be a big, big event - we're the two most high-profile clubs in the world, and I think they will be great games."

 

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Wilkins: Lampard would be 'tremendous' for Manchester United

Ray Wilkins believes Frank Lampard would be a "tremendous" signing for Manchester United if he is to leave Chelsea in the summer.

The former Stamford Bridge assistant believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's ability to bring the best out of experienced players at Old Trafford makes it the perfect destination for the 34-year-old, whose contract with the Blues expires in June.

"He'll want to continue to win and play at a high level - and there's no higher level than Old Trafford," Wilkins told BBC Sport. "You have the master of utilizing the older player in Sir Alex Ferguson, so I think it would be a tremendous move for Frank and a good one for Manchester United as well.

"You only have to see the performances [Ryan] Giggs and [Paul] Scholes have put in over the last few years - and they are four years older than Frank."

The former United captain dismissed claims that the midfielder would be poorly received at Old Trafford due to his Chelsea links, insisting the fans would appreciate his ability.

"He'll win them over because of his footballing ability," he said.

 

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Owen will stay at Stoke until the end of the season, says Pulis

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has insisted that Michael Owen will see out his contract at the Britannia Stadium, which expires at the end of the season.

The misfiring England international is yet to score for the Potters and has only appeared four times this season due to a series of injuries.

"Michael Owen's got a contract here until the end of the season, and neither us nor him want to change that," Pulis told reporters. "If we do any business, we'll do it the way we usually do. There's been interest from clubs for our players. It's a silly season."

Pulis is currently preparing for Saturday's game that sees his side welcome Rafael Benitez's Chelsea to the Britannia Stadium.

"I was at Chelsea last night and it's a real cup game. Swansea got two chances, and scored two goals. A great result for them," Pulis said. "I think the job that Rafa Benitez did at Liverpool was absolutely first class. I think he's a top manager.

"I think the players Chelsea have got in their team, they could go anywhere and win. It's got the makings of a great game. "It's very special for this football club to welcome the European champions to the Britannia Stadium."

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Evra-Suarez race row is buried in the past


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that the race row surrounding Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez is now firmly in the past as the Red Devils welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Suarez received a 40,000 pound fine and eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra during a match in October 2011, and the Uruguayan star snubbed a proposed handshake when the two sides met four months later in February 2012.

However, the two players have since played against each other and did exchange pleasantries earlier this season at Anfield, giving Sir Alex Ferguson reason to be optimistic that it will not be an issue again on Sunday.

"There will always be a certain build-up to a Manchester United and Liverpool games," Ferguson told reporters. "That's simply because of the history between the two clubs, the two most successful in the country - it brings its own agenda in terms of profile and pre-match discussion."Last year it was unfortunate with the Suarez behavior. But I think hopefully it's behind both clubs now and we can just look forward to the game."

The 71-year-old also spoke about a rollercoaster 2012, a year fraught with disappointments from a United perspective - particularly the final day of the season when the Red Devils lost the title to neighbor Manchester City on goal difference.
He continued: "There were a lot of ups and downs [in 2012]. It was disappointing. Firstly in European football we were knocked out the previous December and so we had to do without that.

"We were knocked out in the second game of the FA Cup - very unluckily - at Liverpool. We should have won that game. That left us with the league and then we lost that on the last day of the season on goal difference. So it was very, very frustrating.

"Since then we've done what we said we'd do. We qualified from the group stage of the Champions League. I thought we were unlucky to be knocked out of the League Cup by Chelsea, with the last kick of the ball, after we'd played so well.

"The league so far has gone well and we're in a good position. We just now need to make sure we kick on, keep our concentration and keep playing our football the way we are."Despite strolling through its Champions League group and finishing in top spot with ease, United was awarded with arguably the toughest draw possible in the first knockout round against Real Madrid.

However, Ferguson believes it will have a great chance of winning the competition if it can get past Jose Mourinho's Spanish champion.He continued: "No doubt about that at all. You needn't fear anyone if you win that. I look at the competition this year and there are four teams we have to pay attention to.

"Obviously we're drawn against one of them. If we get by that, then the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona will be there - Dortmund have been fantastic."

 

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Ronaldo: We need Real Madrid fans to support us

Cristiano Ronaldo has pleaded for Real Madrid supporters to stick together following the latest expression of dissent shown towards Jose Mourinho from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.

The coach's name was heckled when it was announced prior to the Blancos' 4-0, Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo, with fans particularly unhappy with Iker Casillas' recent exclusion from the side and their poor Liga form.

While Mourinho was absent at the post-match press conference, Ronaldo - who struck a hat trick in a superb individual display - called on fans to aid the team's pursuit of trophies by displaying their support in a positive manner.

"We must stand united and we need the fans to support us, there is still a lot to win," he told reporters.

The Portugal international's man-of-the-match display was saluted by Sergio Ramos after the game, though the evening ended on a more sour note for the defender after he was sent off.

"Ronaldo is very motivated, and I can see he is happy," the Spain defender said. "He deserves his standing ovation and that affection. He's the best in the world."

 

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Chelsea 0-2 Swansea: Michu and Graham shine as Blues fans turn on Torres

Chelsea slumped to defeat in the first leg of its Capital One Cup semifinal as goals by Michu and Danny Graham were enough for Swansea to claim victory at Stamford Bridge.


Rafael Benitez selected a strong side for the tie, although opted to rotate his attacking options with Fernando Torres replacing Demba Ba and Oscar returning to the starting lineup.Swansea, meanwhile, made five changes, most notably Michu coming in with Danny Graham on the bench.

The hosts dominated the early exchanges and took just 10 minutes to carve out a great chace. A flowing move saw David Luiz and Eden Hazard combine beautifully to release Ramires into the area. The Brazilian took his time, but could only poke his shot tamely goalwards with an effort that did not trouble Gerhard Tremmel.

The goalkeeper was called into action again soon after, however. More slick approach work from the Blues saw Hazard again surging forwards before freeing Mata, but the Spain international’s side-footed shot lacked power and flew straight at Tremmel.

Minutes later and Mata was at it again, a clever backheel by Oscar left the Spaniard clean through on goal but he could only drag his shot wide when well placed.Yet Chelsea was made to rue its missed chances when Swansea took the lead seven minutes before the break.

A simple pass by goalkeeper Turnbull was not controlled by Ivanovic on the edge of the area, allowing De Guzman to chase the defender down. However, the loose ball instead broke to Michu, who took a touch before bending it superbly past the goalkeeper to open the scoring with a sublime finish.

The Blues were stunned but Ivanovic almost made amends just minutes before the break. The Serbian cut inside from the left before fizzing a shot goalwards which a diving Tremmel managed to push around the post.The chances continued to come for Chelsea after the break with David Luiz wasting two free kicks before slamming a fierce shot straight at Tremmel, just shy of the hour mark.

With time running out, Benitez sent on Frank Lampard for Ramires, much to the delight of the home fans. However, the midfielder will have been relieved to see the assistant referee's flag deny Michu a second, for offside, shortly after his arrival.
New signing Demba Ba was the next to arrive, for a home debut, with 10 minutes to go in place of Torres and the former Newcastle man had two great chances within minutes of his arrival but could not find the back of the net, heading straight at Tremmel before heading another chance over.

His night then proceeded to get even worse as after being sent clean through on goal, he tangled with Tremmel, and with the crowd howling for a penalty, inside found himself booked for diving.

Again, the misses were to prove costly as Swansea doubled its lead in stoppage time, again through a defensive mistake by Chelsea. For the second time in the match, Ivanovic was to blame. The defender's poor back-pass to Turnbull was pounced on by substitute Graham who rounded the keeper before calmly slotting home.

Yet there was still time for more drama, with just seconds left on the clock, Ba smashed the ball home, after good work by Lampard, only to be denied by the offside flag, to leave the Blues with a huge challenge ahead of them.

 

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Real Madrid 4-0 Celta Vigo (Agg 5-2): Clinical Ronaldo hat trick fires 10-man Blancos through

Cristiano Ronaldo became the seventh highest scorer in Real Madrid's history as the Blancos defeated Celta Vigo 4-0 in the second leg of their Copa Del Rey round of 16 clash at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The Portuguese's hat trick saw him move past Pirri in the club's all-time rankings with 174 goals, as los Blancos overcame a 2-1 first-leg deficit to progress by a 5-2 aggregate scoreline, and set up a quarterfinal date with Valencia.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a long-range effort two minutes into the match, and added his second on 24 minutes with a cool finish from close range to seemingly put the hosts in control.

But Celta would come out of its shell in the second half, creating a number of chances as Madrid, dented by Sergio Ramos' 73rd minute red card, was forced to play the latter stages on the back foot.

However, Ronaldo would put nerves around the Bernabeu to rest with his third goal minutes from the end, before Sami Khedira made it 4-0 on the stroke of injury time to finally seal the home side's passage into the next round.Jose Mourinho restored Iker Casillas to the starting lineup in place of Antonio Adan, with Ramos also returning to the center of defense to displace Raphael Varane as the partner for Ricardo Carvalho.

And Madrid needed only 90 seconds to eradicate its deficit, as Ronaldo punished a napping Celta defense with a stunning piledriver from outside the box that flew into the far corner.

All the football was being played by the hosts, and it came as no surprise when they doubled their tally with 24 minutes on the clock. Ronaldo again made the breakthrough, latching onto a fantastic clipped pass from Luka Modric to bury a cool, one-touch finish into the net.

Karim Benzema could have made it 3-0 on the night just before the half-hour mark when he took aim from an unmarked position inside the box, but he could only place his shot within the grasp of Sergio.And the Celta stopper was called into action again minutes later to stop a goalbound Mesut Ozil shot with his legs, after the German international had initially looked to have rounded the keeper for a tap in.

Sergio was kept busy for the remainder of the half, but came up with a brilliant double save on Karim Benzema from point blank range to keep Celta in the hunt heading into the break.

The visitors were certainly improved in the second half, and Park Chu Young nearly brought them back into the game after coming within inches of turning home a dangerous cross by Enrique De Lucas, who then tested Casillas with a rasping drive from just inside the box.

Celta was looking increasingly dangerous, and Ramos would ensure a tense ending to the game when he departed with his second yellow card, given after kicking out at Augusto Fernandez, an incident which could have warranted a straight red on its own.The visitors looked to sieze the initiative, and twice forced the very best out of Casillas with a pair of testing efforts from Michael Krohn-Dehli and Agusto Fernandez in the last ten minutes.

But Ronaldo would finally end Celta's brave challenge in the 88th minute after clinically finishing off a counterattack, before Khedira rounded off matters at the death with a deft shot after manouvering into space inside the area.

Madrid will now ready itself for a quarterfinal clash against Liga rival Valencia, with the first leg set to take place at the Bernabeu on Jan. 15.

 

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Juventus 2-1 AC Milan (AET): Vucinic the hero as Old Lady edge through to Coppa Italia semifinal

Juventus emerged the victor after 120 minutes of hard-fought football in front of its own fans, as the club squeezed past AC Milan 2-1 in Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarterfinal.

The Bianconeri fell behind early to Stephan El Shaarawy's strike, but leveled through Sebastian Giovinco before Mirko Vucinic decided the game in extra time.

The crowd at Juventus Stadium was treated to a frenetic start to the quarterfinal clash, as both teams pushed forward in search of an early opener. Massimo Ambrosini was the first man to take aim at goal, his early snapshot pushed over the bar by Marco Storari with barely two minutes on the clock. It was a warning for Juventus, and one the home team failed to lead as it fell almost instantly behind.

Kevin Prince Boateng stretched the home defense with a storming run down the left flank, and did enough to turn in a low cross from the byline. Giampaolo Pazzini was intelligent enough to let the ball run, and it was El Shaarawy who took full advantage as the Serie A top scorer curled a well-taken effort past the flailing Storari and into the corner of the net. Milan's attacking prowess could not hide certain deficiencies at the back, however. Alessandro Matri had a golden chance to level proceedings after connecting with a cross from Sebastian Giovinco, but unmarked the goal-starved striker nodded wide.

Fortunately for the hosts, that miss was a minor blip on their way to an equaliser. Francesco Acerbi was the villain for Milan. Having given away possession, he compounded his error by felling Matri on the edge of the area. A marvellous free kick from Giovinco gave Marco Amelia no chance, and with just 12 minutes played Juve was back on level terms at 1-1.

Milan continued to press in search of the lead, but in truth was rather lucky to enter halftime level both on the scoresheet and in terms of personnel. Giovinco was handed another chance to strike from a dead-ball situation, but this time Amelia was attentive and pulled off a spectacular save to tip the effort over. The youngster then failed to capitalize on Acerbi's scuffed header that put him clean through against Amelia, firing wide on his left foot. Phillippe Mexes, meanwhile, pushed his luck by obstructing Storari having already earned a booking for a vicious challenge, but to Juve's chagrin he was pardoned and stayed on the field as the first half finished.

The game continued in the same open, high-octane fashion after the interval, and Giovinco again had the chance to put his side in the ascendancy. The striker took advantage of a fortuitous deflection to let loose from short range, but he failed to make decent contact and Amelia had little problem in saving down low. At the other end Boateng also troubled the keeper, forcing Storari to get down and stop a decent effort from distance.

As extra time loomed both teams appeared to lower their tempo, playing more cautiously in anticipation of either an additional 30 minutes, or a decisive strike coming on the counter. Teenage Milan substitute M'Baye Niang briefly raised pulses with a mazy run that was finally ended on the edge of the area with a flawless interception by Leonardo Bonucci. In the dying minutes Niang again went close as his header squeezed wide of the post, but at the final whistle the game remained deadlocked at one apiece.

The match had barely kicked off for 30 minutes of added time before Juve pushed itself into the lead for the first time. Emanuele Giaccherini did well with a tireless run to spearhead the break, and his deep pass rebounded into the path of Vucinic, who made no mistake in finishing from close range. Milan desperately threw itself into attack in search of a way back into the match, but was frustrated in its onslaught by a determined backline and the heroic Storari as it bid farewell to the Coppa Italia.

The victory books Juve's place as the second team into the semifinals, where it joins Lazio, which entered the last-four thanks to a dominating 3-0 victory over Catania.

 

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Benitez brushes off Torres criticism after Swansea defeat

Rafa Benitez refused to criticize Fernando Torres after another uninspired performance saw him booed off by the Stamford Bridge crowd during Chelsea's shock 2-0 defeat to Swansea in the Capital One Cup.

The 50 million pound man was withdrawn in favor of Demba Ba on 81 minutes to a less than complimentary reception from the stands as his side trailed to a clinical Michu finish on the stroke of halftime.

It was the first sign that Blues fans have run out of patience with Torres, but Benitez insists his countryman should not be singled out for the defeat, and is adamant he is pleased with his side's performance.

When it was put to him that Ba accomplished more in nine minutes than the man he replaced had mustered in 81, the Chelsea boss countered: "I think we had chances at the end, but as a team we were creating chances from the first minute. It’s not just one player or the striker.

"You have Mata, Ramires, David Luiz – 23 attempts, so if you are playing against a team who is deep and you still have a lot of attempts. I’m happy with the way the team was working. I don’t think we can talk about one player.

"We had a lot of chances, and could have scored two or three in the first half, one or two in the second half. We made two mistakes and paid for them. This is the reality.

"The team was attacking, playing possession and controlling against a good team who were defending."

The atmosphere of anger around Stamford Bridge turned positively poisonous as Danny Graham added a second for the visitors late on, but Benitez insists his team were not distracted by events off the pitch.

"You analyze all these things because we lost, but the way we played, the control we had, the chances we created, is what we have to do," he added.

"We have to be more clinical in front of goal, but we were doing a lot of things really well."

The Spaniard also defended Branislav Ivanovic, whose two horrendous errors directly led to both goals, and praised the Serb's courage.

"Any player making mistakes is not a big issue," he continued. "The main thing is they try to do things after, and Ivanovic was trying to do his best, and the team was creating chances.

"It's something that can happen in football, and the main thing is to keep going for the next game."

Swansea's victory - their first at Stamford Bridge since 1925 - leaves Chelsea's Capital One Cup hopes all but shattered, but Benitez remains adamant one goal at the Liberty Stadium could reverse his side's fortunes.

"They have a great advantage, but we have to go there and score a goal, and then we will be in the game," he concluded.

 

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Laudrup hails 'very special' Chelsea triumph but insists tie is not over

Michael Laudrup has hailed Swansea's 2-0 victory in the Capital One Cup semifinal first leg over Chelsea as “very special”, but insists his side still has a lot to do before it can think about the final.


Both sides named strong teams during Wednesday night's Stamford Bridge clash, with the likes of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard starting for the hosts, although new signing Demba Ba had to settle for a place on the bench.

The anonymous Fernando Torres received a notable amount of stick from the home support, while another Spaniard broke the deadlock for Swansea, as Michu grabbed his customary goal before Danny Graham wrapped up a win which left the manager delighted.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Laudrup said: "I think we had some historic results already this season, winning at Anfield and at the Emirates [Stadium], but of course winning an away game here, European champions from last season is obviously something very special.

"I think obviously we knew it would be a difficult game. We had to defend a lot - much more than we're used to - but I think there are two parts of it.

"Obviously the possession, they had much more possession than we had, that's obvious. But to be honest, after the game I watched the chances they had, and really they only had three big chances. They had Ramires first half, Mata, Luiz and then they had the goal disallowed offside."It was offside. It was very tight but it was offside.

"I think it was a marvelous fight. We are a team trying to play, but we know obviously when we go and play the European champions away we know we have to defend much more than we're used to.

"To be honest I'm delighted with the result, I would lie if I said otherwise, but there's still a mountain to climb."Swansea's two goals both came as a result of defensive errors by Branislav Ivanovic, and although Laudrup recognizes that, he highlighted that his players still needed to apply the finishes, which he is grateful they did.

"It is true, they gave us two goals," he said. "But again you have to score them. Yeah two mistakes, but a part of that I think even if you take away our two goals they created three chances."

Laudrup remained full of praise for Benitez's side, and was convinced that his team had to be perfect to prevent them scoring three or four times on the night.
He continued: "This team we saw today [Chelsea], they have so many gifted players and so much quality. It depends on what we're doing on that day.

"We have to play exactly the same, with the same intensity, everything, otherwise they can score three or four goals against us."They can still win the semi-final, but of course it’s a great result and what I'm most happy about is we go into the second leg, playing at home in front of our crowd, full packed stadium with the possibility to go and play the final at Wembley.
"I think that's best for me."

Swansea’s star man this season, Michu, also spoke after the match and he hailed the work rate and energy of his teammates before explaining his goal.

He said: "We worked very, very hard. I’m very happy for the team, the key was the team worked very, very hard.

"I saw De Guzman pressing the ball and I think: 'OK if it comes to my left foot I will shoot'. [But] The second leg will be very difficult."

 

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Napoli swoops for Udinese winger Armero

Udinese winger Pablo Armero will sign for Napoli on Thursday subject to the successful completion of a medical.

The 26-year-old makes the move following two-and-a-half seasons at Stadio Friuli, during which he scored three goals in 69 Serie A appearances.

The transfer of the former America Cali and Palmeiras star, who has 38 caps for Colombia, was announced on Napoli's website.

"The left winger will arrive on loan with the option to buy out half of his contract at the end of the season," the club said."Armero will undergo his medical tomorrow, after which the deal will be made formal."

The news comes as a big boost to coach Walter Mazzarri's offensive options, as he bids to claw back a seven-point gap between his third-placed side and Serie A leader Juventus.

 

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Balo goes blond!

So perhaps Mario Balotelli can now put his troubles behind him and start firing again for Manchester City.
The hothead Italian arrived at training this morning sporting a striking new look.

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Man Utd close on £12m Zaha

Alex Ferguson’s side look to have beaten off Arsenal and Spurs in the race to sign the Crystal Palace whizkid.

United have held talks with the Eagles over a deal which is believed to be worth an initial £8m, plus add-ons, and the promise of loan players to help the Championship side’s promotion bid. Ivory Coast-born Zaha made his international debut as a substitute in England’s 4-2 friendly defeat to Sweden last November.

Both the Gunners and Tottenham had been keen on the 20-year-old winger.
But United boss Fergie has been tracking Zaha for some time and looks to have finally got his man.

It is understood Palace manager Ian Holloway, who has a close relationship with Ferguson, believes United’s deal to be the best on offer. And it could finally be rubber-stamped in the next few days.

 

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Sneijder to decide future on Friday

Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder was set a 24-hour deadline to decide whether he wants to join Turkish side Galatasaray on Thursday, amid suggestions he is holding out for a move to the English Premier League.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have been linked with a move for Sneijder, 28, yet Inter - having - are keen to swiftly conclude a deal with Galatasaray, with the Netherlands midfielder having accepted a bid on Wednesday been frozen out of the first-team picture after refusing to accept a new contract on reduced terms.


After Sneijder’s agent, Soren Lerby, stated last week that his client was eager to move to a “big club in England”, a move to Turkey would appear to be a back-up option for the player whose sparkling performances helped Inter win Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia in 2010.


Inter are ready to accept a fee of as little as €10 million to offload Sneijder, but it remains to be seen whether one of the world’s most high-profile performers is ready to commit his long-term future to the Turkish league.


“Sneijder will notify of us of his decision within 24 hours,” Galatasaray president Bulent Tulun in quotes reported in the Milliyet newspaper on Thursday. “I think the chances are favourable, but I can’t say for definite. You could say that in 99% of these cases, the transfer will go through [but] I can’t say definitively one way or another. It is all about getting the signatures.”


He added: “Dealing with Inter, there was no problem. Overall, I can say that the dealings with the player have been positive, but he has not yet decided - there are family issues to discuss. The transfer is at the final stage.”


Sneijder, who joined Inter in August 2009 for a fee of €15 million, has also been linked with a move to Bundesliga side Schalke.

 

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Bradford City 3-1 Aston Villa: McHugh keeps Bantams' Capital One Cup dream alive

Bradford City’s quest to reach the Capital One Cup final continued with an impressive 3-1 victory over Premier League side Aston Villa in the first leg of their semifinal tie.

Nakhi Wells opened the scoring with an opportunistic goal in the first half, before poor defending allowed Rory McArdle to double the home side’s lead after the break.

Andreas Weimann lifted the ball beyond Bradford goalkeeper Matt Duke to slice the deficit in half, but Carl McHugh headed past Shay Given in the closing stages to give Paul Lambert’s side a two-goal hole to overcome at Villa Park.

Villa was punished in the 19th minute after failing to fully clear a corner, as Hines’ 20-yard effort was deflected into the path of Wells, who stroked the ball past Given, handed the start in place of American Brad Guzan, the Villans' No. 1 keeper.

Villa began the second half on the ascendancy, and Christian Benteke was foiled by the Bradford ‘keeper, who kept out the Belgian’s close range diving header before denying Gabriel Agbonlahor, who connected well with a Barry Bannan cross.

With little more than 30 minutes to play, Darrent Bent was brought on in place of Agbonlahor as Lambert pressed for an equalizer, but the striker fired over the bar from a narrow angle with one of his first few touches of the ball.

The striker missed a golden opportunity to equalize when Duke saved a shot from Charles N’Zogbia and the ball looped up in front of an open goal, but the England international headed over.

The Premier League side was made to pay for the host of missed chances for the second time as woeful defending from another corner allowed Wells to keep an attack alive for Jones, whose cross was met by a glancing header from McArdle at the near post, which beat Given.

The visitors scored eight minutes from time as Weimann raced onto a loose ball and lifted it over Duke to put Villa in a bit less of a disadvantageous position, but McHugh’s header in the final minute of normal time restored Bradford’s two-goal advantage, taking the League Two side within 90 minutes of a Capital One Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

 

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Sniejder Future 1ka ikmanata decide kaloth hodai nathnam thawath boring wenawa