..::Football III::..

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Clyne issues Manchester United 'come-and-get-me' plea

Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne has told Manchester United that he wants to join them in the summer.

The England full-back is currently in talks over a new long-term deal with the Saints, although the club have acknowledged the strong interest from elsewhere.

Goal exclusively revealed back in February that United had stepped up their pursuit of the former Crystal Palace star, with Louis van Gaal's side willing to offer out-of-favour striker Javier Hernandez in exchange.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman has conceded that it would be "difficult" to keep Clyne at the club amid interest from the Premier League's big hitters, with the south-coast side now realistically out of the running for a place in the top four.

Despite other rival clubs keeping tabs on Clyne's situation, including Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham, the 24-year-old defender now has his heart set on Old Trafford.

A source close to the situation told Goal: "The player has made it known that United are his first choice, the deal is not done yet but it is a clear indication of his thinking."

Any move for Clyne could signal the end of Rafael's Manchester United career, with the Brazilian having struggled to convince Van Gaal that he can be the club's long-term solution at right-back.

 

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Vidal: Juventus closer to title after 'perfect' performance against Lazio

Arturo Vidal admitted that Juventus are now on the verge of clinching their fourth successive Scudetto thanks to a "perfect" performance in Saturday's 2-0 win over title rivals Lazio.

The Biancocelesti had arrived in Turin on an eight-game winning streak that had propelled them into second place in Serie A, 12 points behind their hosts.

However, Juve effectively put the game to bed by the half-hour mark thanks to early goals from Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci.Massimiliano Allegri's men still have seven matches to play but Vidal confessed that the Scudetto is now within touching distance.

“It was a perfect display by us tonight," Vidal is quoted as saying by his club's official website. "We played an incredible game against an extremely strong side.
"It’s an important victory and our fourth successive title is edging ever closer.

"We must win our next three games before we can definitely say it’s ours."Roma can reduce Juve's lead to 13 points if they defeat Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

 

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Guardiola: Schweinsteiger could face Porto but Ribery doubtful

Pep Guardiola has revealed that while Bastian Schweinsteiger could be fit for Bayern Munich's must-win meeting with Porto on Tuesday, Franck Ribery is unlikely to be available for the game at the Allianz Arena.

The injury-ravaged Bavarians trail 3-1 on aggregate going into the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final and will definitely be without Arjen Robben, David Alaba, Mehdi Benatia and Javi Martinez, while Philipp Lahm is a major doubt after being struck down by gastroenteritis.Schweinsteiger, though, is under consideration after shaking off an ankle injury and then recovering from a bout of the flu.

"Basti could play," Guardiola is quoted as saying by Bayern's official website. "He's in good health again."As for ankle injury victim Ribery, Guardiola was far more cautious, adding: "Let's wait and see. But I don't think Franck can play."

There was better news regarding Juan Bernat, who was forced off at half-time in Saturday's Bundesliga win at Hoffenheim, with Guardiola explaining that the full-back's withdrawal was purely precautionary."We didn’t want to take any risks," the Catalan said. "I think he can play on Tuesday."

 

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Man Utd and PSG want Depay - PSV chief

PSV technical manager Marcel Brands has confirmed Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have made attempts to sign Memphis Depay.

Goal reported in March that United are closing in on a deal for the 21-year-old but both Liverpool and Tottenham are also keen on a summer move.

Tottenham and PSG have both had concrete offers for Depay rejected by PSV in the past year, although the Dutch club's hierarchy maintain the Netherlands international is likely to be sold this summer.

“Spurs offered about €20 million last summer. Paris Saint-Germain then tested our resolve in January. But neither PSV nor Memphis were interested in a winter move. We were talking about a lot of money, but decided against a transfer," Brands told Fox Sports.

"There are three big clubs that have approached us over Memphis Depay now, clubs that are concrete. There’s PSG who are still interested, we have received a phone call from Manchester United, although no formal talks have taken place for now.

"It’s up to Memphis to make his decision in the end, though. I have little doubt that we will then be able to agree terms.”

Depay struck a sublime free kick in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Heerenveen, which secured PSV’s first Eredivisie title since 2008.

 

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Man Utd and PSG want Depay - PSV chief

Come to Manchester United​

 

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Crouch set for surgery, reveals Hughes

Mark Hughes has revealed that Stoke City striker Peter Crouch is set to undergo a groin operation at the end of the season.

The former England international has not started a game for almost a month, but came off the bench as Stoke defeated Southampton 2-1 on Saturday.

Hughes was impressed with the impact the forward made in his cameo appearance, but is taking a cautious approach with the 34-year-old, who will have surgery once the 2014-15 campaign ends.

"Peter's been struggling with groin injury, the likelihood is that he will have an operation at the end of the season," he said.

"We're just trying to manage him through games, so 20-25 minutes is probably the max that he can be effective, he came on and certainly was."

Charlie Adam completed Stoke's fightback with a winner six minutes from time at the Britannia Stadium as Southampton missed a chance to go fifth.

 

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'Neymar and Luis Enrique are at peace'

Neymar's father has claimed his son and Luis Enrique have kissed and made up behind the scenes at Barcelona.

The Camp Nou coach branded Neymar's reaction - gesturing angrily about being brought off - to being substituted in their 2-2 draw with Sevilla last Saturday as “nonsense”.

Any tensions between the two have clearly been kept under wraps as the Brazilian was chosen to start versus Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday and again in their 2-0 win over Valencia on Saturday, scoring in the former and playing the entire match in the latter.

Neymar's father, who infamously pocketed €40 million from his son's €86.2m move from Santos, says he has spoken to the 23-year-old and insists there is no lingering animosity between the pair.

“I have spoken to Neymar and understood the frustrations,” he told Cuatro.
“The two are at peace now. He is young and he is learning, he will take these moments and use them as lessons.”

Neymar is expected to be back in action on Tuesday when PSG visit Camp Nou looking to turn around Barca's 3-1 advantage in their Champions League quarter-final.

 

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Messi, Suarez and Neymar the best attack in the world - Adriano

Barcelona's front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is better than any other attack-force in football, according to Camp Nou utility man Adriano.

The trio have a whopping 93 goals between them in 2014-15 and have been especially excellent since the turn of the year as the Catalans have given themselves an opportunity to win the treble.

Real Madrid's trident of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale – who have scored 89 times this campaign – have their supporters in the argument, but Adriano is convinced no other side in the game boasts a forward line as impeccably talented as Luis Enrique's men.

“I think we have the best attack in the world,” the Brazilian told Telefoot.“Messi, Suarez and Neymar have learned to play with each other very quickly.

There is an amazing understanding between them on the field of play. "We are all very relieved to have the three of them on our team and not be playing against them!”

Messi scored his 400th goal for Barca in Saturday's 2-0 win over Valencia, which maintained their two-point lead in La Liga, and Adriano - who joined the club from Sevilla back in 2010 - hailed his team-mate's ambition.“I think this year he is determined to win everything,” he added.

“We are trying our best to win as much as possible to help him win back to Ballon d'Or from Ronaldo.”

Messi has won four Ballons d'Or, although his Real Madrid nemesis Ronaldo has won the last two to take his overall tally to three awards.

 

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David Silva stretchered off following Kouyate elbow

Manchester City's David Silva was stretchered off the field with a facial injury after receiving an elbow from West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate on Sunday.

The Spaniard appeared to be caught by the West Ham midfielder as he broke away and Silva subsequently received eight minutes of medical attention, with oxygen administered by City's medical staff.

Silva was then stretchered off, with Samir Nasri introduced as his replacement, and the injury is likely to cause significant concern for under-pressure boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The Chilean has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with City losing to Manchester United and Crystal Palace.

Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he is to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season has only served to ratchet up the pressure on Pellegrini, but a Sergio Aguero strike, along with a James Collins own goal, set City on their way to a routine 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.

 

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Get well soon for David Silva & Modric!​

 

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Eight Corinthians fans dead in fanbase massacre

Eight Corinthians fans were murdered as part of an armed attack against a fan headquarters on Saturday.

It is the fourth murder incident recorded in Sao Paulo in the past few weeks but the first with a strong link to football, as all eight people were shot at the headquarters of Corinthians fan group Pavilhao Nove.

Police confirmed to Brazilian outlet Folha de Sao Paulo that witnesses reported two armed men bursting into the vicinity shortly before midnight and forcing people to lie face-down on the ground.

They then shot seven of the unarmed football fans in the head, killing them immediately, while the eighth victim escaped to the street after being shot but later died at the university's hospital.

The deaths are being investigated as murders by police, who ruled out any suggestions that Sunday's derby game between Corinthians and Palmeiras had anything to do with the attack and instead suggested a drug trafficking row is responsible.

Corinthians football club released an image on Twitter of the word 'Luto' which translates from Portuguese as 'mourning'.

 

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Illarramendi desperate for Real Madrid stay

Asier Illarramendi has spoken of his desire to stay at Real Madrid after playing his part in Saturday's 3-1 La Liga win over Malaga.

The midfielder has started only 11 games for the European champions this season, but replaced Luka Modric on the hour-mark at the Santiago Bernabeu after the Croatia international's participation was cut short due to a knee injury, which will keep him out for six weeks.

Illarramendi has endured a frustrating time since making his move from Real Sociedad, but the 25-year-old is not looking to move on at the end of the season.
He said: "I have a contract here and I am very happy. I had a bit of difficulty adapting last year.“However, now I am very happy here in the city and with my team-mates. Of course, I would like to stay here."

Gareth Bale also sustained an injury during a victory which ensured Madrid remain two points behind leaders Barcelona in the battle for the title.

Carlo Ancelotti's side face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday and Illarramendi is ready to take his chance if called upon.

He added: "Bale and Modric are two crucial players for us but they didn't look good."I am available and if they need me I will be there. I train as hard as I can every day for that chance."

 

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Zouma: I dream of winning the Ballon d'Or

Kurt Zouma says it is his dreams to win the Fifa Ballon d’Or in his career.

The Frenchman has made 11 appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea this season and impressed as a defensive midfielder in the Blues’ 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

The 20-year-old admitted that he has big ambitions and wants to follow in the footsteps of Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro by winning the Ballon d'Or as a defender.

"Yes, it's a dream for me,” he told Canal + when asked about his desire to win the prestigious award.

Zouma has been likened to former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly due to his athleticism, tenacity and tacical versatility, but he has played down such comparisons.

"People often compare me to Marcel Desailly, but he has made his career,” he added. “This is a football legend. He played in a lot of big games. I have only just arrived and I still have a lot to prove. "

Zouma was signed from Saint-Etienne in January 2014 and immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the remainder of the campaign, but despite taking his time to fully earn Mourinho's trust, he says he is happy that he chose to move to Stamford Bridge.

"I do not regret joining Chelsea at all, because it's the club I've always loved,” he insisted. “I did not play much at first, but now it's starting to get better and I am very happy."

 

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'Ancelotti to blame for Modric injury'

Carlo Ancelotti is the man to blame for the injury that has ruled Luka Modric out for six weeks, according to the Croatia national team head doctor Boris Nemec.
The midfielder picked up a knee issue in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Malaga on Saturday and will miss the remainder of the Liga campaign.

It is the second notable injury the Croatia international has suffered this term, having missed over four months of action with a knee complaint - and the national team medic puts the blame directly at Ancelotti's feet.

"Ancelotti didn't spare Luka at all after he returned from his long term injury," he told Nova TV. "He played 90 minutes in every match. Ancelotti had put Modric under a lot of pressure, instead of giving him time little by little.

"Modric didn't get injured because of knock he received but because he wasn't 100 per cent ready."If he hadn't been overworked, his lower leg wouldn't go to the side in that tackle and crack."

Modric's injury comes at a delicate moment, with Madrid sitting second in La Liga behind Barcelona and preparing for a Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

 

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Kane: Matching Lineker makes me so proud

Harry Kane expressed his pride at becoming the first Tottenham player since club legend Gary Lineker to score 30 goals in all competitions in a single season.

The England international hit the 30-goal mark by scoring the third and final goal as Spurs defeated Newcastle United 3-1 at St James' Park on Saturday.

Asked by Sky Sports about the milestone, Kane said: "I'm very proud but there are five games left and, hopefully, I'll get a few more goals.

"We deserved it today. We played well. We've had some disappointing performances in the last couple of weeks and we wanted to put that right. I had a couple of chances and the goalkeeper made some good saves but I'm delighted to get back on the scoresheet."

Kane, who has been nominated for both the PFA Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards, registered his 20th league goal of the season adding to Nacer Chadli and Christian Eriksen's earlier strikes.

Kane joins Gareth Bale, Jurgen Klinsmann and Teddy Sheringham as the only Tottenham players to score 20 or more goals in a Premier League season.

The win moves Spurs into sixth, ahead of Southampton by one point and level with Liverpool, whom they trail on goal difference.

 

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La Liga 2015.04.20 Fixture

La Liga 2015.04.20 Fixture

Elche Vs Real Sociedad​

 

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Serie A 2015.04.20 Fixture

Serie A 2015.04.20 Fixture

Fiorentina Vs Hellas Verona​

 

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Zidane: PSG can eliminate Barcelona

Zinedine Zidane believes Paris Saint-Germain have what it takes to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League, despite trailing 3-1 on aggregate heading into their quarter-final second leg.

A Luis Suarez double and a goal from Neymar at the Parc des Princes saw the Catalan side take a massive advantage in the first leg, with a Gregory van der Wiel strike deflected in off of Jeremy Mathieu giving PSG a mere consolation.

With Laurent Blanc's men welcoming Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti back from suspension, Zidane believes they have the quality to score the three goals necessary to see them turn the tie around and reach the semi-finals.

"It will be very difficult for the PSG to score three goals in Camp Nou. They must do it but this PSG team is able to," the Real Madrid Castilla coach told reporters at the Match Against Poverty in Saint-Etienne. "They have quality players in their team, they are effective and everything is possible in a game."It will be the most difficult challenge but hopefully they can do it."

 

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Torres: Real Madrid game most special of my career

Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres has billed Wednesday's Champions League match with Real Madrid as the most special of his career.The reigning Liga champions held their city rivals to a goalless draw last week to set up a crucial match in the quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It will be the eighth time the two sides have met this term, with Carlo Ancelotti's men failing to win any of the previous encounters.

With Atletico's last defeat to the Blancos coming in the Champions League final last season, Torres believes the opportunity to knock their adversaries out of the competition this time around is a "special" one.

“I've been fortunate to play the final of the Champions League and the Europa League, but with Atleti it is different," he said.

"I've always said that my dream is to win titles with Atletico and we must keep fighting. I've played in games that are more important than this one, but not as special.”

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker has endured a mixed start to life since his return to the Vicente Calderon in January. He scored twice as they knocked Madrid out of the Copa del Rey and tucked away the winning penalty against Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16 of the Champions League.

However, he has often been overlooked for a starting place, with coach Diego Simone preferring Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann to star up front.
The Spain international is happy with his role in the team thus far, though.

“Competition is good for the squad. One must always be prepared for when the time comes. I'm enjoying every day of my return to Atletico.

“People who understand sport will understand what I mean. I'm happy with how things are going, how I played in big games. But I will not settle. I want to play.”

 

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Van Persie steps up return from ankle injury after featuring for Manchester United Under-21s

Robin van Persie stepped up his return from an ankle injury after featuring for an hour in Manchester United Under-21s' 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Monday evening.

The 31-year-old, who has scored 13 goals in 26 appearances this season, has been sidelined since February 21 after injuring his ankle in the 2-1 defeat to Swansea City.

Van Persie was one of six first-team players who started the match and the Dutchman provided the layoff for Sean Goss’ equaliser after Harry Panayiotou had given Leicester the lead.

Jonny Evans also returned from his six-game ban to play the full match and went close to putting United ahead in the second half but his header was well saved by Adam Smith.

In worse news for Louis van Gaal, Rafael was forced to make way just before half-time after injuring his rib in an aerial challenge with Anthony Knockaert, while Adnan Januzaj was substituted in the 54th minute after picking up an ankle problem.