..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham my best transfer option, says Paulinho

The Brazil international confirmed he will be heading to White Hart Lane from Corinthians this summer in a €20 million deal despite attracting interest from Italy and Ukraine Tottenham new-boy Paulinho says he chose to join the north London club because they are the "best option" for him.

The Brazil international, who starred for his country in their succesful Confederations Cup campaign, was confirmed to be moving to White Hart Lane by Corinthians director Roberto de Andrade on Monday in a deal that will cost Spurs €20 million.

Competition for his signature was fierce with Serie A duo Inter and Roma also keen, along with Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk, but the 24-year-old insists he is happy with his decision to move to the Premier League.

"They made a proposal to my agent and Corinthians. I sat, I looked and I opted for Tottenham. We think it is the best way, the best option," he said on ESPN's programme Bola da Vez. "I'm going from a big club to another big club and Tottenham are in a great league."I'm sure I will do my job the best way possible. I'm not sorry and I will not regret it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal struggle to agree Higuain fee with Real Madrid

The Gunners remain locked in negotiations with los Blancos but are reluctant to pay more than €25 million for the Argentine striker and are now considering a fall-back option Arsenal's bid to sign Gonzalo Higuain has stalled as they struggle to agree a fee with Real Madrid, Goal understands.

The Londoners are reluctant to pay above €25 million for the striker, while the Spanish giants hold out for €30m.

The two clubs remain locked in negotiations but Arsene Wenger is now understood to be eyeing up an alternative proven striker at a cheaper price.
Goal reported in June that an Arsenal delegation flew out to Madrid to finalise the Higuain deal with their Madrid counterparts.

However, the talks did not result in an agreement and, despite Arsenal's confidence that a deal can be secured, Wenger is now considering a fall-back option.Arsenal have agreed the terms of 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.

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 €75,000-a-week at the Santiago Bernabeu.Juventus have also made the prolific forward an offer but are unwilling to pay a €20m-plus fee after signing Carlos Tevez and unveiling fellow forward Fernando Llorente on Tuesday.

Arsenal remain in pole position to capture Higuain, who has his heart set on a move to Emirates Stadium but has to remain patient while negotiations continue.
Wenger has prioritised the signing of a top forward this summer and retains a concrete interest in Wayne Rooney, who is keen to sever his ties with Manchester United.The Higuain deal is regarded as easier to secure even though it would break the €23m transfer barrier and comfortably smash the club's transfer record.

Arsenal began their summer recruitment drive on Monday after completing the signing of Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer from Auxerre.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hummels happy Dortmund did not win Champions League

The Germany international has surprisingly admitted that the 2-1 loss to die Roten at Wembley did not hit him as hard as he expected it to Mats Hummels claims he is over Borussia Dortmund's Champions League final defeat, and says it's "a nice thing" that Jurgen Klopp's men have been made to wait a little longer to realise their childhood dreams.

The Germany international explained that he feels the 2-1 loss to their Bavarian rivals will ensure that die Schwarzgelben will retain the same kind of hunger and desire that drove them all the way to Wembley in May.

"I have found that, for me, it did not really hit me as hard as I initially thought it would," Hummels said of the defeat in an interview with GQ.

"After a season in which we played in the final of the Champions League, I do not even have the feeling of having lost something.

"It would have been almost too crass if we had the got to the Champions League final and won it.

"All of the things I'd dreamt about as a child would have come to pass just a little bit too soon. So, I think it's a nice thing to have to chase it a little longer."

The 24-year-old joined Dortmund - initially on loan - from Bayern five years ago and was at the centre of controversy last week for claiming Mario Gotze's move from BVB to the Bavarians was financially motivated.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard still 'integral' to Liverpool - Rodgers

The Reds manager insists that the 33-year-old remains crucial to his plans and expects him to be fit for the start of the season despite needing surgery at the end of 2012-13 Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists that Steven Gerrard will remain "integral" to his plans for years to come.

The Reds captain missed the final two games of the 2012-13 season through injury but was back in training with his team-mates on the first day of pre-season and is set to continue a key role in the campaign to come.

"He's 33 now but Steven is still an integral part of what I'm trying to do here and will be for the next few years," Rodgers told reporters.

"He had his operation towards the end of the season and the plan was for him to continue his rehab over the off-season."

The injury that prevented Gerrard from appearing in the final games of the season resulted in surgery, prompting fears that the midfielder might miss the start of this season, but Rodgers is confident that his talisman will be ready.

"It's a big credit to him - he's worked tirelessly over the summer," the 40-year-old enthused. "He won't be too far away. He looks great and is in great condition."

Gerrard, a product of the Liverpool youth academy, has made over 400 appearances for the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund edge ahead of Liverpool in race for Mkhitaryan

The Reds had been hoping make the 24-year-old Armenia international their star summer signing but the midfielder favours a move to Signal Iduna Park Borussia Dortmund are confident of winning the race with Liverpool to sign Henrik Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Champions League runners-up have made a concerted push for the Shakhtar midfielder and have joined the Merseysiders in activating his €22 million release clause.

Both clubs have made contract offers to Mkhitaryan, whose move is being brokered by super agent Mino Raiola.

It is believed that the 24-year-old Armenia international is now edging towards choosing Dortmund over Liverpool, with his final destination expected to be confirmed in the next few days.

Tottenham have also registered their interest in the versatile midfielder but are regarded as outsiders in the three-way fight for the player's signature.

Liverpool had lined up Mkhitaryan as a priority signing even before Luis Suarez began pushing for a summer move, with the three-time Armenia player of the year regarded as the most eye-catching target in a summer rebuilding programme that has already included the signings of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, defender Kolo Toure, attacking midfielder Luis Alberto and forward Iago Aspas.

However, the deal has been a complicated one to complete for the Merseysiders because of legal issues concerning Mkhitaryan’s ownership and the timing of his transfer fee payments, with Shakhtar keen for a single lump sum up front.

Mkhitaryan has failed to attend training in recent days, with Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin admitting he does not know his star man's whereabouts.

Dortmund have money to spend after selling Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich for €37m and Palkin has admitted the German club have bid for his team’s prize asset.

Mkhitaryan scored a Ukranian Premier League record 25 goals last season despite operating from an attacking midfielder berth.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham priced out of Bernard deal, says agent

The Brazil international's agent says that Porto is now the most likely destination for his 20-year-old client Tottenham have been priced out of a move for Atletico Mineiro midfielder Bernard, according to his agent, with Porto now the most likely destination this summer.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas confirmed in June that his side were monitoring the 20-year-old but suggested that "nothing will happen", while negotiations with Borussia Dortmund have also broken down and reported interest from Shakhtar Donetsk has not materialised.

"The negotiations with Dortmund and Tottenham have cooled due to Bernard's high asking price and he won't go to any of these clubs," Adriano Spadoto, the youngster's agent, told O Tempo.

"There is nothing from Shakhtar; they have made no offer."

Porto are now in pole position to land the Brazilian's signature, thanks in part to connections between BMG bank and both the Portuguese giants and Atletico Mineiro.

"The agreement [with BMG] is a factor, so Porto are the most likely destination for Bernard," Spadoto remarked.

"I believe that Bernard will leave Atletico Mineiro after the Copa Libertadores and the official announcement will be made by [Mineiro president] Alexandre Kalil."

The diminutive Bernard, who has been capped five times by Brazil, was a part of his country's Confederations Cup-winning squad this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund closing in on Aubameyang, confirms Zorc

The BVB official says the club are on the verge of completing a deal for the Gabon international, who will reportedly sign a five-year deal with the German giants this week Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed that the club are in advanced negotiations with Saint-Etienne over signing striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 23-year-old attacker is believed to have courted interest from Europe's finest after netting 19 goals for les Verts in Ligue 1 last season, with only Zlatan Ibrahimovic boasting a superior goalscoring record in France.

Reports emanating from Germany on Monday suggested a number of the club's hierarchy had flown to France in a bid to thrash out a deal for the Gabon international, and Zorc has confirmed the move is close to materialising.

He told Kicker: "We are very far in negotiations for Aubameyang. He is a very fast, prolific player. He is also versatile so he can adapt to our game."

The former Milan youth product will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Signal Iduna Park, with the fee believed to be in the region of €13 million.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Milan rule out El Shaarawy exit

The Italy international played a starring role for the club last season but has been linked with a move away after a drop in form following the January arrival of Mario Balotelli AC Milan have released a statement confirming they will not sell striker Stephan El Shaarawy this summer following a meeting between the player and the club's CEO Adriano Galliani.

The 20-year-old striker was a sensation in the first half of last season and the Rossoneri's single redeeming feature in a dismal start to the campaign.

But his form tailed off after January, following the arrival of Mario Balotelli, and given the former Manchester City man's ability to play as a lone striker and suggestions the pair were not compatible, speculation mounted regarding El Shaarawy's future.

But the San Siro club have now moved to dismiss any possibility of allowing one of their prized assets to leave the club.

A club statement read: "It was a meeting between Adriano Galliani, Stephan El Shaarawy and the entourage of our young champion. And everything went well.

"Stephan has always been a fan of AC Milan and has reiterated his determination to continue playing in the Rossoneri shirt. This feeling has been reciprocated by Milan, with conviction and confidence.

"Milan and El Shaarawy move forward together, as from June 2011. Milan, the Rossoneri colours and the Pharaoh Rossoneri remain absolutely together."

Premier League side Chelsea had been linked with a move for the former Genoa man, who scored 18 times times in all competitions last season, but will now have to look elsewhere with his current deal with Milan running until 2018.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney returns to Manchester United training ahead of Moyes talks

The England international has begun preparations for the new season even as his future remains uncertain, and he is set to meet with his new manager on Wednesday Wayne Rooney has returned to Carrington for pre-season training ahead of talks with David Moyes to decide his Manchester United future.

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed Rooney had asked to leave the club in the closing stages of last season, and David Moyes' arrival as his successor has done nothing to allay the 27-year-old's disillusionment.

Moyes has made meeting with Rooney and fellow unsettled star Nani one of his top priorities in his first week in the job, and is expected to speak with his former Everton charge at Carrington on Wednesday.

In recent days many within the game have voiced their opinions on Rooney's future.

Former United full-back Gary Neville urged him to remain at Old Trafford, while Ferguson's former assistant Mike Phelan admitted a second transfer request might have made his position with the fans untenable.

Chelsea and Arsenal are both believed to be monitoring Rooney's situation closely and, at his unveiling in June, returning Blues boss Jose Mourinho urged him to go "where he feels happy".

In June Goal revealed Rooney would be open to a summer switch to the Emirates Stadium, and that he had held secret transfer talks with one English and one continental European side.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney gana ikmanata theeranayak ai wage!

Common Rooney stay Manchester United​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: I really miss Manchester United

The 28-year-old winger admits he still holds the Old Trafford club in his heart following a six-year stay but insists he is enjoying life in Spain and playing for Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo admits he misses Manchester United and English football but insists he is happy with life at Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old Portugal captain has been strenuously linked with a return to Old Trafford this summer where he spent six-years before moving to the Berbabeu for a world record £80 million in 2009.

Ronaldo won eight trophies and scored over 100 goals in his time with United and while conceding he is still emotionally attached to the club, and has no plans to leave Madrid in the near future.

"I miss English football," said Ronaldo, speaking at a promotional event in Singapore.

"For me, it was one of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss.

"But now my life is in Spain. I am enjoying playing there too.

"Part of my life is there, but in the future we never know. I am really, really happy in the Spanish league."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ron gana balagena inna 1ka terumak wena wadak newei​

 

[rcccc]

Congratulations Llorente!Juventus la meh para sqaud 1ka hadai elatama​

Tevez wath gattha now Llorente​

ow patta sqaud ekakJovetić wath ganyi hugak welwata

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ow patta sqaud ekakJovetić wath ganyi hugak welwata

Aniwa habai machan Arsenal lath try karana nisa patta gemak yai

anemanda machan mona weida kiyala........thamath hari Transfer 1kak une naha Arsenal & Manchester United teams 2kema

 

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Messi & Neymar shine in charity game

 

[rcccc]

Arsenal struggle to agree Higuain fee with Real Madrid

 

[rcccc]

Aniwa habai machan Arsenal lath try karana nisa patta gemak yai

anemanda machan mona weida kiyala........thamath hari Transfer 1kak une naha Arsenal & Manchester United teams 2kema

ow try nam karanwa sign karaganne nathi ekane awula
ow eka thma

 

[rcccc]

Rooney gana ikmanata theeranayak ai wage!

Common Rooney stay Manchester United​

Ron gana balagena inna 1ka terumak wena wadak newei​

roony, CR7 dennama transfer wena ekak nae

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid 'can't compete' with Manchester City in Negredo chase

Sevilla's chairman has said that the Copa del Rey winners have a "zero per cent" chance of signing the striker in this summer's transfer window Atletico Madrid have all but given up on signing Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo as they "can't compete" with the financial clout of Manchester City.

Manuel Pellegrini is believed to have set his sights on signing the 27-year-old, with reports in Spain suggesting a €25m deal had been agreed between the two clubs.

And now Atleti have added fuel to the speculation linking Negredo with a move to the Etihad Stadium after admitting they could not compete with the Premier League club's financial might in the battle to sign the Spain international.

"We can't compete with the petrodollars," an Atletico spokesman told Orgull de Nervion. "We're speaking but we won't be able to reach the amount Manchester City can offer".

Negredo himself, however, has admitted that he has not yet heard anything about a transfer to the Premier League ahead of pre-season.

"I'm taking advantage of the last few days of holiday I have left," he said. "The truth is that they haven't told me anything concrete. All I know is that I have to be at Sevilla on Saturday."

Atletico had hoped to sign Negredo as a replacement for Radamel Falcao, who joined Monaco at the end of May, and manager Diego Simeone is afraid the club will lose ground if they cannot adequately replace the Colombian.

"Real Madrid have already got Isco for €30 million [£25m] and Barcelona have bought Neymar, while we have nobody. Nobody has arrived and that is difficult for me. We are looking at alternatives to become more competitive," he told Fox Sports.

"If we do not improve the squad all that we have achieved until now will be difficult to surpass. We still have not replaced Falcao and I hope that is resolved in the coming hours."

City's apparent pursuit of the Spain striker may have cast doubt on Atleti's chances but Sevilla chairman Jose Maria del Nido might have ended their chances entirely by claiming that there is no chance that he will join the Copa del Rey winners.

"I see Atletico’s chances of getting Negredo as very difficult," he told reporters. "In fact, as of today [Wednesday], they have a zero per cent chance. We have had no contact with them for the last 10 days."There have already been major offers from various other teams that I have rejected."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Jovetic must fix Fiorentina relationship'

Football agent Eugenio Ascari believes that the bitter climate between the Viola and Juventus made the move unlikely and hopes that he makes peace with his current club Stevan Jovetic must mend his relationship with current club Fiorentina as a move to Juventus looks increasingly impossible this summer, according to prominent football agent Eugenio Ascari.

Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente have swelled the attacking Bianconeri ranks ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, adding to a strikeforce that already has the likes of Mirko Vucinic, Alessandro Matri, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella.

Following confirmation from Juve chief Giuseppe Marotta on Tuesday that the deal is dead, Jovetic is now expected to remain a Viola player heading into the new Serie A season and Ascari hopes that his manouevres to try to force a summer move can be put into the past.

"The climate between Fiorentina and Juventus is already not one of the most serene after they tried signing [Dimitar] Berbatov from each other," he told Lady Radio on Wednesday, referencing last summer's failed attempts to lure the striker from Manchester United by both Italian clubs.

"The Bianconeri also have treated only through the player's agent [Fali] Ramadani [and not with the club].

"I believe that what said Marotta yesterday afternoon was untimely. But because of this I see too many obstacles at this time to see Jovetic join Juve, so now I were him I would try to fix his relationship with Fiorentina."

The Montenegro striker, 23, currently has a contract with the Florence club until 2016.