..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola: I want Thiago at Bayern

The Champions League winners are eager to hijack Manchester United's move for the midfielder as their new coach is a keen admirer of the 22-year-old Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has admitted he has asked sporting director Matthias Sammer and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to sign Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

The Spain international initially seemed destined to move to Manchester United, but a number of recent reports suggest Bayern are now leading the race to sign the 22-year-old.

Guardiola has now confirmed die Roten are keen to lure the playmaker to the Allianz Arena, although he was unable to give any clarity on the status of the Bavarians' interest.

"I have asked [Matthias] Sammer and [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge to sign Thiago," Guardiola said at a press conference."I don't know what will happen in the future, but I would like to work with him at Bayern.

"I would like to sign Thiago because he is from Barcelona and I know him really well. I worked with him at Barcelona B as well and he is a really good player.

"[He] is the only player I want, that's what I told them. It'll be him or no one.

"We have many players but we the need the special [quality] that Thiago brings.

"The club will decide. I told them my opinion.

"I don't think [adding another midfielder] will be a problem. I spoke to club about my concept and told them why I want Thiago.

“Nobody will leave Barcelona, unless they feel they won't play much. He wants to play. That's why I proposed him to the club.”

The midfielder has a contract with the Catalan giants until the summer of 2015, but the failure to participate for a stipulated amount of minutes in 2012-13 has seen his exit clause plummet from €90 million to an attractive €18m.

However, his minimum fee release clause returns to €90m on August 1.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Anemanda mona wenna yanawa kiyalameh yana widiyata giyoth nam apita Thiyago wath ganna wenne nathi seen 1kak thiyenne

Karana deyak ikmanata kale nathnam Thiyago th miss wei

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thiago loss would leave Utd short

"It's always better to do your business at the start of the window," David Moyes said at his press unveiling last Friday. Unfortunately, the changeover in management at Manchester United has slowed down their transfer dealings. As a result, it seems as though top target Thiago Alcantara will be playing his football elsewhere next season.

There were strong hints coming out of Germany on Thursday that Barcelona midfielder Thiago is set to rejoin old manager Pep Guardiola at European Champions Bayern Munich. Guardiola enjoyed a strong relationship with Thiago at the Camp Nou and handed the youngster his full debut against Real Mallorca in 2009.

"Thiago is the only player I want, that's what I told [the Bayern board]," Guardiola said. "It is either Thiago or no one. I know him very, very well. He is a super, super player."

That is an incredible endorsement of the youngster's talents, especially considering that the Bayern boss already has midfielders such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and new arrival Mario Goetze at his disposal.

Although Bayern must be considered favourites to sign Thiago, it would still represent a gamble for the player if he were to pitch up in Bavaria. The Spain international's stated aim is to get enough appearances to justify a seat on the plane to next year's World Cup. Breaking up Bayern's all-conquering midfield is an almighty task for the 22-year-old, no matter how talented, and there is no guarantee he won't be stuck on the bench once again.

It seems likely that Moyes has promised a starting berth to Thiago should he move to United. Indeed, the Manchester United manager seemed confident earlier in the week that a transfer could be completed.

Unfortunately, it seems the reigning European Champions will now start the new campaign with at least three midfielders better than United's best. No offence to Anderson, but he doesn't quite compare. It forces United back into the market.

It now seems inevitable that United will bid for Everton's Marouane Fellaini. This might not represent the bid some fans wish to see; it is, nonetheless, one that could bolster the side. Fellaini may lack the ball-playing finesse that United desire, but his muscular presence would improve an axis that can be lightweight at times.

The other option would be to stick Wayne Rooney back in midfield, if he stays at Old Trafford, and get him to cover that part of the pitch. This would not be the most diplomatic thing to do though. Rooney has been sacrificed too often over the past two seasons, and his stated desire is to play as the main striker.

Alternatively, Moyes might be advised to make a few late-night calls from his preseason preparations in Bangkok to inquire about the availability of Bayern's current midfielders. Guardiola has been in Munich for a few weeks now, and his move for Thiago suggests that someone is not in his future plans. United could do worse than taking on a European Cup winner with something to prove. Schweinsteiger, for example, would be most welcome in a Manchester United shirt.

Bayern put seven goals past Barcelona last year en route to winning the treble. No matter how unlucky United were in Europe, they weren't the match of a result of that magnitude. The only way Moyes' side can consider themselves contenders in Europe is by having a squad decent enough to match the best.

Losing Thiago would be a blow, and Moyes must react quickly.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mamath kiyanne mekama thamai,karana deyak ikmanatanathnam aparade hoda Future 1kak thiyana player kenek

Hurry up Moyes!
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Manchester City close in on Jovetic

The Premier League runners-ups are set to bolster their attacking department with the completion of a double transfer coup Manchester City are set to take their summer spending to over €104 million after moving closer to securing both Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic and Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo, Goal understands.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain has not travelled with the squad on their pre-season tour of South Africa as he looks to tie up deals for the pair, who emerged as top targets in recent weeks after missing out on Isco to Real Madrid and Edinson Cavani, who is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain.

City officials met with Jovetic's agent, Fali Ramadani, at Mottram Hall in Cheshire on Wednesday, with both parties keen to discuss a deal to bring the 23-year-old to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The Premier League runners-up no longer have first option on the Montenegro international following the sacking of Roberto Mancini in May, but have maintained their long-standing interest in the attacker, who they see as a viable alternative to Isco.

Goal understands that Jovetic would receive an €92,000-a-week salary package at City, and club officials are confident of tying up a move in the coming days with Fiorentina happy to maintain their close links to City, harboured following Stefan Savic's move to Serie A last summer.

Meanwhile, City have also received the green light to complete a €23m move for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo after the Spanish side confirmed the signing of Carlos Bacca from Club Brugge.

Colombian Bacca has been brought in by Sevilla chief Monchi as a replacement to Negredo, who will see his salary doubled to €87,000-a-week in Manchester.

Sevilla and City have maintained a strong relationship following Jesus Navas' €21m move to the Etihad earlier this summer, and the Premier League outfit have agreed to meet the Spanish outfit's asking price.

Negredo emerged as City's key striker target after the club refused to meet Cavani's €63 million buyout clause at Napoli and baulked at his €290,000-a-week salary demands. The Uruguayan is close to completing a move to the French capital following discussions over his personal terms.

Jovetic and Negredo would be City's third and fourth major signings of the summer re,spectively, with Navas and Fernandinho having already been secured in June prior to Pellegrini's appointment.

 

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Grenier snubs Arsenal to sign new Lyon deal

The midfielder has decided to continue his career at the Ligue 1 giants, while Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed Bafetimbi Gomis, Jimmy Briand and Yoann Gourcuff could all leave Clement Grenier has ended all speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Olympique Lyonnais until the summer of 2016 amid strong interest from Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger recently admitted he was attracted by the prospect of bringing the 22-year-old to the Premier League, but Grenier has decided to extend his stay with his current club.

"My progress at Lyon is not over yet," Grenier said at a press conference.

"I have had a good last six months but I still have a lot to learn here."

Meanwhile, head coach Remi Garde was delighted to tie the France international to a new deal.

"I am very happy to continue working with Clement Grenier. Hopefully we can help him progress further."

Club chairman Jean-Michel Aulas then went on to reveal a number of high-profile players are likely to leave the club ahead of the new season.

France international trio Bafetimbi Gomis, Jimmy Briand and Yoann Gourcuff have all been linked with departures in the close season and Aulas is welcoming offers for all three.

He added: "Bafe and Jimmy Briand are awaiting departure. For Yoann Gourcuff, we are looking for opportunities."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Girard confirms PSG & Monaco bids for Digne

The Lille coach is hopeful that the teenage left-back will stay at the club but says he has received offers from both Ligue 1 giants Lille coach Rene Girard has confirmed that Lucas Digne has received offers from both Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar season at LOSC and has been heavily linked with a move to both big-spending Ligue 1 outifts and Girard says he is ready for life without the young left-back should he decide his future lies elsewhere.

"Digne knows what to expect," he told RMC Sport.

"The club are very clear. He has offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco but he is still with us. There are no worries, we are prepared for any eventuality.

"If he says, it will be a bonus."

Digne is currently representing France at the Under-20 World Cup.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Grosskreutz ready to play anywhere for Dortmund

The 24-year-old says he is prepared to fill in as an emergency right-back in the absence of Lukasz Piszczek and has vowed to help Henrikh Mkhitaryan settle
Borussia Dortmund utility man Kevin Grosskreutz says he is happy to fill any role in Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Germany international has been used in a variety of positions over the years, including full-back, on the wing, central midfied and was even once called upon to play in goal.

And, with Lukasz Piszczek set to spend the next four months sidelines, the 24-year-old says he is ready to deputise at right-back.

"I want to play, no matter where," he told Der Westen.

"I've already been used there for a couple of times in the Bundesliga and I've always done well. That is certainly an option."

Grosskreutz went on to pledge to help Dortmund new-boy Henrikh Mkhitaryan learn German and about the club's fierce rivalry with Schalke.

"I'm teaching him a bit of German and a few Dortmund songs. Then I will tell him something about the derby so he knows everything he needs to know."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Supermarket giant to sue over Neymar deal

Former third-party owner of the Brazilian superstar believes it deserves a larger chunk of the money Barcelona are paying to sign him from Santos The supermarket giant that owned 40 per cent of Neymar's registration is threatening legal action over its share of the player's transfer to Barcelona.

DIS, a sports marketing company controlled by retailers Idi Sonda, claim it is entitled to more cash due to potential payments agreed in addition to the €57 million deal between Santos and the Spanish champions.

Executive Director Roberto Moreno has asked for full disclosure of the documents detailing Neymar's transfer to Barcelona as the company seeks clarification on future payments to Santos.

These are reported by Globo to include €2m if Neymar makes the top-three shortlist for the Ballon d’Or and revenues from two friendly matches that are set to be organised between the clubs, with Barca having to pay €4.5 million if the games do not take place.

“I’ve not been shown a single document, so I will go to Santos’ headquarters tomorrow,” Moreno told Bloomberg. “After that we will decide if we need to go to the courts.

“I’ve read lots of things in the media but seen no documentary evidence.”

ESPN Brasil reported on Thursday that the company is ready to issue lawsuits against Barcelona and Neymar over the transfer.

Moreno threatened legal action last month, warning the clubs that he would “wait one more week and then I will open a case in court to get access to the information".

DIS acquired the share of Neymar’s regisgtration in 2009 for €2.6m. Under the existing deal, it is due €6.8m for their 40 per cent of the €17.1m received by Santos for Neymar.

An additional €40m was paid in commission by Barcelona to other parties, including Neymar's father.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Schwarzer raring to go for Chelsea pre-season

The 40-year-old is a familiar face in Asia following Australia's decision to move to the Asian Football Confederation in 2006 and he cannot wait to get started with his new club New Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is raring to link up with his new colleagues after being given time to settle in.

The 40-year-old will meet up with the rest of the squad for the first time since his move from Fulham in Bangkok as the Blues compete in Asia as part of their pre-season preparations.

"Asia is such a big continent and they are absolutely mad about the Premier League," he told the club's official website. "For many of those players, coming up against Chelsea will be a dream come true and they'll be doing everything they possibly can to try and make a mark.

"It will be a test for us but also a great opportunity for a lot of the local guys to get a chance against Chelsea.

"I'm looking forward to playing football again and getting stuck into pre-season at such a fantastic club. It's extremely exciting for me.

"Hard work is what you do as a footballer. You hit the ground running, it's all about hard work and you don't get something for nothing. That's why I'm still playing at this tender young age of mine. I enjoy pushing myself."

The Australia international will be a familiar face to the locals as the country switched football confederations from the Oceania to Asia in 2006, a move which Schwarzer feels has benefited all parties.

"The standard has improved and it's only natural when you've got some teams raising the bar, they have to follow or they will fall way behind the running," he observed. "In the past four years there has been a huge improvement."

"On the same token I like to think it has improved Australia. You have to improve as a national team, it's exactly the same as in a club, you have to move forward or you will be caught up or overtaken.

"We're continuously trying to improve and we're there or thereabouts. We made it to our third consecutive World Cup which we're very happy with and looking forward to next year."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jovetic too expensive for Juve - Conte

The Bianconeri boss has conceded defeat in the race to bring the Fiorentina striker to Turin and is happy with his attacking options Juventus coach Antonio Conte has admitted that Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic is too expensive for his club.

The Montenegrin attacker has been widely linked with a move to Turin for over a year, with Arsenal and Manchester City said to also be interested his services.

However, Conte has admitted defeat in his bid to sign the Viola forward, adding that Serie A clubs cannot afford the player.

"He has a high price which is justified because we are talking about a great player," the Juve coach told reporters.

"But at these prices, it is obvious that he will not be going to an Italian team, but elsewhere."

The Old Lady have brought Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente to the club this summer in a bid to bolster their attack, but Conte has promised not to turn his back on the strikers already at the club.

"Now we have six attackers, so we will see what happens," he continued.

"Everybody knows that the coach has no favourites. None of them will receive any favours, a starting place is earned through training and matches.

"I have great respect and admiration for all of the boys who have accompanied me in the last two years."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere: It's a big season for Arsenal

The 21-year-old believes that keeping hold of Arsene Wenger will can help the Gunners lift their first trophy in eight years Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere expects "a big season" from his side as they look to exploit the transition periods under way at many of their Premier League rivals.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all changed their managers this summer and the 21-year-old believes that keeping faith with Arsene Wenger by contrast will be a boost to the Gunners.

He told Sports Illustrated: "It's a big season ahead for us. A few of the other big teams have changed managers this season and we've got a manager who has been there a long time. He knows the league, so it's a big season for us, hopefully we can push on.

"We haven't won a trophy in seven or eight years. The fans are starting to realise that and we're feeling the pressure and we have to step up."

Wilshere is well aware, however, of the need for a deep squad if they are to win trohpies, with the Gunners yet to reinforce this summer beyond young striker Yaya Sanogo, but feels that they are close.

Asked if Arsenal are ready to challenge for the title, he replied: "I think we [are]. It's all about in England, the season's so long, you need a good squad, a strong squad. We could maybe add a few more players that when we're getting tired we can change things up.

"You look at the good teams, the big teams like Manchester United, who have won the league. They can do that regularly. I think that's a big thing in England. You have to have a big squad."

With World Cup qualifiers coming up in September, as well as Arsenal's long season, Wilshere sees it as imperative to get a good pre-season under his belt.

"For the last few seasons I've missed pre-season and that's important in English football," he observed. "It's important you get a good pre-season and you build your fitness up because, if you don't, you're just playing catch-up.

"So hopefully this year I can get a good pre-season in and then stay fit in the season and get some games under my belt and then take that into the international stage."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villa targets titles with Atletico

The 31-year-old says he is looking forward to helping his new club continue to grow following his summer move from Barcelona Atletico Madrid new-boy David Villa says he is eager to help the capital club continue winning titles.

The Rojiblancos have enjoyed a wave of success under coach Diego Simeone, securing the 2012 Europa League crown and the 2013 Copa del Rey.

Villa, who is set to seal a move to the Vicente Calderon from Barcelona, says ge wants the club to grow.

"It's a major challenge," he said. "Being here, coming to a great club and a group of winners."

"I'll try to do my bit and give everything to make the club bigger, so this group can keep delivering titles."

The 31-year-old went on to cite Simeone as one of the major reasons behind his move to the Spanish capital.

"As a coach, I think he's just like he was as a player, with a lot of character, heart and football ideas that speak for themselves."

Finally, the former Valencia man said he is looking forward to playing at his new home.

"The Calderon is a pitch where every player wants to come to play. It's one of the stadia you mark on the calendar with joy as a visitor," he added.

"I cannot wait. I'm looking forward to checking it out, to enjoy this area and these fantastic fans."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

David Villa Barcelona walin giya 1kanam aparadeLast season 1ke form 1ka madi unata Patta player​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea and Galatasaray table Bruma bids

The young attacker's agent confirms that Jose Mourinho's side are competing with the Turkish giants to prise him from Sporting Lisbon, with offers starting at €8 million Bruma's agent has confirmed that both Chelsea and Galatasaray have tabled bids worth an initial €8 million for the Sporting Lisbon attacker.

Newspaper speculation has repeatedly linked the 18-year-old, who previously declared that he would hold discussions over his future after the Under-20s World Cup, with a move away from the Portuguese Liga side this summer.

Bruma was part of the Portugal team that topped their group before exiting at the hands of Ghana in the last 16 and scored five goals in his four appearances at the tournament.

The youngster's agent, Catio Balde, told Antena 1: "I was in charge or presenting offers to Sporting.

"There are offers from foreign clubs, from Chelsea and from Galatasaray, worth €8m, that could reach €12m.

"From this moment on, considering that he is a highly coveted player, it is possible that more offers will arrive, because I know that several clubs were waiting for the best moment to make a move.

"Right now, Bruma's mind is not on Sporting."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus confirm Ogbonna arrival

The defender has become the club's third high profile signing of the summer on the same afternoon Antonio Conte revealed Emanuele Giaccherini will join Sunderland
Juventus have confirmed they have completed the signing of Angelo Ogbonna from Torino, for a fee believed to be in the region of €14 million.

The 25-year-old is one of the most highly-rated defenders in Italy and was linked with Premier League champions Manchester United before the Bianconeri firmed up their interest.

Ogbonna grew up in Turin and made his Torino against Calcio back in February 2007, before spending the following campaign on loan at Crotone.

Since then he has blossomed into one of the Granata's star men and has built a reputation as an athletically-blessed performer, who can cover both the centre-back and left-back slots.

That versatility is sure to have swayed Juve boss Antonio Conte into securing his signature given his preference for a 5-3-2 formation.

Ogbonna made 10 appearances for Italy's Under-21 side before progressing to the senior ranks and he was included in the Azzurri's Euro 2012 squad, though he did not feature in the tournament.

His arrival comes on the same afternoon it was revealed Emanuele Giaccherini will leave Juventus Stadium for Sunderland, as the Serie A champions look to claw back some of their transfer outlay.

Strikers Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez have already joined the club in what has been a busy summer transfer window for the Bianconeri so far.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola: I wanted Neymar

The Bayern Munich boss has revealed he was interested in the Brazil star as far back as 2010 during his time in charge at Camp Nou Pep Guardiola has revealed he wanted to sign Neymar for Barcelona three years ago, while rubbishing reports claiming he doubted Tito Vilanova's ability to partner him alongside Lionel Messi.

The Bayern Munich coach first became aware of the 21-year-old during his four-year tenure in charge of the Liga champions and says he did all he could to convince him to move to Camp Nou.

He said: "(Rosell) asked me to call him (Neymar) to discuss the possibility of convincing him to come to Barcelona and what I did was trying to convince him. At the last Fifa gala, I talked to him. We talked about football, the match against Santos and the idea I had of football."

Neymar eventually joined Barca from Santos for €57 million earlier this summer, but the move provoked much debate as to whether the Selecao star would complement Messi because of the similarity between their respective games.

Some sections of the media even claimed Guardiola himself had dismissed Tito Vilanova's ability to successfully mould the pair together, but the 42-year-old hit back at what he says are false accusations on the same afternoon he slammed Barca president Sandro Rosell for allegedly using underhand tactics against him.

"Winning the league with the record points in Barcelona's history is enough of an argument for me to tell if he [Vilanova] is qualified or not," the Bavarians boss added.

"Good players are always able to play together, and these too. Intermediaries are very wrong. The information they gave is very wrong. I would never dare make a comment like the one suggested I've done."

The Bavarians boss also revealed his interest in signing Barcelona star Thiago Alcantara, after mounting speculation the midfielder was set to join Manchester United.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Swansea complete €14m Bony deal

Last season's Eredivisie top scorer has completed a move to the Liberty Stadium for a club record fee, becoming Michael Laudrup's sixth major signing of a busy summer Swansea have announced the signing of Cote d'Ivoire striker Wilfried Bony for €14 million.

The 24-year-old scored 31 goals in 30 league games for Dutch side Vitesse last season, and has now moved to the Liberty Stadium in a club record deal which eclipses the £5.55 million paid for Pablo Hernandez last season.

“This move has been talked about for quite some time, so I am delighted it is all completed," Bony told the club's official website.

“Now it is important that I focus my mind on the challenge ahead because I hope to make the Swansea fans very happy.’’

Goal reported on Wednesday that the player was set to complete a move within the next 24 hours, having already completed a medical at the Swans' pre-season training camp in Holland, where he watched in full club kit as the Capital One Cup winners registered a 10-0 friendly win over Haaglandia.

The Cote d'Ivoire international's goal-scoring exploits helped Vitesse to a fourth-place finish in last season's Eredivisie, meaning they could face Swansea in the Europa League's third qualifying round.

Bony admitted the prospect of European football played a big part in his decision to join Michael Laudrup's side, having previously finished as the Europa League's top goalscorer with nine goals for Sparta Prague back in 2010-11.

“The Europa League is my first focus," he added. “I enjoy playing in Europe; I am used to it."

“I am looking forward to joining the training camp out here in Holland as a Swansea player and building up good communications with the team and coaching staff as quickly as possible.’’

The Ivorian is Swansea's sixth major signing of an already busy summer, joining Jonjo Shelvey, Jordi Amat, Jose Canas and Alejandro Pozuelo in linking up with the Capital One Cup winners, while Jonathan de Guzman loan deal has also been made permanent.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Niyama deal 1kak,last season Eredivisie top scorer neh​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Napoli snap up Callejon

The former Spain Under-21 international has joined Rafa Benitez's Naples revolution after opting to leave the Santiago Bernabeu Napoli have confirmed the signing of Jose Callejon from Real Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of €10 million.

The Spanish attacker has signed a four-year deal with the Serie A club, and brings his second stint with his boyhood club Real Madrid to a close by agreeing to the move.

The 26-year-old made 40 appearances under Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu last term, but will now hope to help his new club build on their second-place finish in the Italian top flight.Callejon began his career with los Blancos' C and B teams, after graduating from the club's youth academy, but after growing frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities in the Spanish capital, he moved on to Espanyol in 2008.

His time at the Catalan club was the most successful of his career up until that point, as he made 106 appearances over three seasons, scoring 12 goals.That form convinced Madrid to bring him back to the club for a fee of €5.5m, and the forward would go on to play a prominent role in their 2011-12 title-winning campaign.

He has now opted to take on a new challenge, however, and will link up with Napoli as they begin life under new boss Rafael Benitez.