..::Football III::..

[Persius]

Man Utd consider €25.5m Fellaini move as Fabregas hopes fade

Manchester United are set to turn their attentions to Marouane Fellaini as their hopes of luring Cesc Fabregas away from Barcelona continue to fade.

The Premier League champions are considering a move to trigger the Everton star's €25.5 million release clause, with Fabregas continuing to look likely to remain a Camp Nou player ahead of talks with coach Gerardo Martino.

Fellaini, who was seen dining at Rio Ferdinand's Rosso restaurant in Manchester over the weekend, will see his release clause increase on August 1 and, as such, United are quickly readying an offer.

Sources close to the club have also indicated that new boss David Moyes is considering a move for Fellaini's team-mate Leighton Baines in what would be a double raid on his former employers. The left-back, who was targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson last summer, is understood to be available for between €17.5m and €23.3m.

The Belgian currently earns €87,000-a-week at Goodison Park and Old Trafford officials are willing to sanction a salary package upwards of that if they submit a bid for his signature.

Moyes, who brought the former Standard Liege star to the Premier League in 2008, is keen to bolster his central-midfield options, with Paul Scholes having retired and Darren Fletcher's ongoing recovery from illness.

United are understood to be losing heart in their pursuit of Fabregas, who emerged as the the club's top summer target after they missed out on Thiago Alcantara, who joined Bayern Munich earlier in July.

Barcelona officials have long insisted that the former Arsenal captain is not for sale this summer, despite repeated and public enquiries from United.

Fellaini is seen as a cheaper alternative in central midfield, and hinted that he would be open to following his former boss to the Premier League champions in May.

"I only want to go to a club where the manager ­really wants me," said the 25-year-old. "In 2008, Everton did everything to convince me, especially David Moyes. He made me the player I am now."

The Toffees star has impressed United in recent years, scoring twice in his last three games against the Old Trafford side.

 

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Wolfsburg confirm Luiz Gustavo pursuit

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Alloffs says Bayern Munich's Luiz Gustavo would fit in excellently at the club.

Die Roten signed Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona for €20 million, adding even more competition to the already packed midfield at Sabener Strasse.

Aware that Luiz Gustavo's first-team appearances could suffer, Alloffs is keen to lure the Brazilian to the ambitious Niedersachsen outfit.

"When the speculations about Bayern having too many midfielders came up, we said that Luiz Gustavo would be a player who'd fit us very well in terms of his quality," Alloffs told SID.

"However, initially there are a lot of obstacles standing in a way in order to complete a deal. We already talked to his agent and informed Bayern about our interest, but so far, that's all."

Meanwhile, coach Dieter Hecking confirmed that die Wolfe have begun chasing for the 26-year-old's signature but admits they are still far away from reaching an agreement.

"We have told Bayern about our interest in Gustavo," Hecking said. "However, I'm a coach and a realist. First and foremost, Bayern would have to talk to the player and they can always say that he's going to stay."

Gustavo arrived at the Allianz Arena in 2011, but has since struggled to establish himself as a regular, first-team player.

 

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Wenger admits role in Arsenal departures

Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal’s focus on promising youngsters has contributed to the departure of key players in the past.

The north London side's failure to win silverware since 2005 has attributed to the sale of key players - such as Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

And Wenger has admitted he feels players have questioned his methods at periods during their ongoing eight-year trophy drought, both in the squad and potential new recruits.

"The egos are big, but you must know that a person, no matter how big a star he is, is ready to listen to you if it meets his needs," he explained.

"Unfortunately in management, you cannot cheat for a long time. When you are in a squad of 30 people, the players detect at a huge speed the weakness in your personality. If they think you are the man who can help them, they will respect you.

"The next step for them is deciding whether they are in a squad who can help them to be successful. We had that problem when we were under financially-restricted conditions.

"At Arsenal we have fought against the policy of only buying stars. For some players, we didn't have enough stars to be successful as quickly as they wanted to be."

The arrival of Patrick Vieira in 1996 began a succession of youthful stars who went on to great success - including the likes of Thierry Henry, Fabregas and Van Persie - and Wenger says a player's success is just as much down to mental strength than potential talent.

"One of our strengths is young people know we will give them a chance. We try to look all over the world to find players who have the talent and desire," he explained.

"But what we look for is their motivation to be successful. You also need consistency in your motivation and that is what we try to test in players as well.

"For me that is a very underrated quality. It means they are determined and they are ready to hurt themselves to be successful, and that's the type we are looking for - the people that are very demanding with themselves, and each other for a long time."

 

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Valdes craves Champions League crown before Barcelona exit

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is craving Champions League success in his final season at Camp Nou.

The Spain international had announced last season that he does not intent to extend his current deal with the Catalans, which will expire in June 2014.

Valdes insists that he has not changed his mind about departing next summer but wants to make the most of his final 12 months by being crowned as a champion of Europe.

"My decision is irreversible. What I said at the time, I stand by and there is nothing more to add," the 31-year-old told AS.

"I'd like to leave after lifting another European Cup, that would be a very nice end to this cycle."

The goalkeeper regrets Tito Vilanova's departure from the club due to health issues, but feels new coach Gerardo Martino can bring success to the Catalan outfit.

"It is news that you never want to hear," he said. "He has been through a tough time and has had great misfortune. Now he has to focus on winning this game and I am sure that he will.

"Martino is someone that can be very close to the players. I have had the opportunity to chat with him and his staff.

"He is an ambitious person and he has a very large project in mind - he will want to put his mark on it. He has asked us not to get tired of winning."

Barca's rivals Real Madrid have strengthened their squad with the Spain starlets Asier Illarramendi, Isco and Daniel Carvajal but Valdes is confident that Neymar's arrival can cancel out their arch-rivals' summer progress

"[Carlo] Ancelotti is a great coach, Real Madrid have been reinforced with great players," the Barca shot-stopper added.

"Like every year, they are a force to be reckoned with. Madrid move up a notch every season and our obligation is to try and be a step ahead of that.

"We have to thank to the club for the great signing [of Neymar] and my experience tells me that big players are always tailored to play alongside each other.

"He is a player who has impressed me a lot, I was impressed at the Confederations Cup, he has improved a lot since I faced him at the Club World Cup [in December 2011]."

 

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Schuster bemoans Barca & Madrid domination

Malaga boss Bernd Schuster has ripped into La Liga, branding it a "two-and-a-half-team league".

The former Real Madrid coach, who recently took over the reigns at La Rosaleda following Manuel Pellegrini's move to Manchester City, hinted that Barcelona and the Blancos dominate, while Atletico Madrid provide some competition to the duopoly.

"We have a two-and-a-half-team league," Schuster was quoted as saying by SportYou.

"The championship is for [Barca and Real Madrid] both and then there's a fight between the fourth and 10th place, which was very nice last year. I think this year will be very similar."

Schuster, who lifted La Liga with Real Madrid five years ago, also revealed his disdain towards Monday matches as he gears up for his first season in Spain since stepping down from his Santiago Bernabeu position in December 2008.

"I hope this year we will not play too many Monday matches," the German added. "I do not even want to see them."

Malaga, who finished sixth in La Liga last season, will kick-off the new campaign with a trip to Valencia

 

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Wilshere: Arsenal will be flying by start of the season

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has backed the Gunners to start the new Premier League campaign strongly following their pre-season tour of the Far East.

Arsene Wenger’s men beat Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1 in their final game of their Asia tour and Wilshere felt their recent friendlies have been great preparation, especially personally after spending long spells on the sidelines through injury.

"I felt better and better every game," he told Arsenal Player. "It's difficult with the conditions. You struggle to catch your breath. The performances have got better every game and the opposition have got harder every game so it's good preparation.

"We've got the Emirates Cup coming up now and then Manchester City [in Helsinki] and then the season starts so we're going to be flying. I'm probably 80 per cent fit. We've got a couple more tests and then we'll be ready."

Wenger has given many of his youngsters plenty of game time in the recent friendlies with Chuba Akpom, Gedion Zelalem, Serge Gnabry and Chuks Aneke all featuring and Wilshere has been impressed with their performances.

"I remember when I was their age," he added. "It's good to come away and get used to being around the first team and learning from the manager, who is good at bringing young players in and breaking them in slowly.

"They've done well and hopefully they can get in the Emirates Cup squad and really show the home crowd what they can do."

Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny feels the club are full of confidence in good shape ahead of their opening fixture against Aston Villa.

"We won all our games so that's good confidence," he told the club's official website. "We had a lot of training and all the players trained very well and gave themselves for the team.

"Pre-season is very important for the Premier League. It's a long season so we need to be fit - I think we did well. The win gives us some confidence, and it's good for the next games - the Emirates Cup, [the friendly] against Manchester City and the start of the season."

 

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Galliani confirms Silvestre interest

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed the club have made a move to sign Inter centre-back Matias Silvestre.

The Rossoneri are looking to bolster their defence ahead of the upcoming campaign and the club's chief has now revealed that they have enquired about signing the Argentine from their San Siro rivals.

"We're in talks with Inter for Silvestre," the 68-year-old told reporters. "Now I will meet with the Inter directors to find an agreement.

"We still haven't agreed upon what kind of deal it will be for Silvestre."

Meanwhile, the Milan vice-president is hopeful of a quick recovery of Robinho, who suffered a thigh injury in late July, while insisting that youngster M'Baye Niang will not be loaned out until the end of August at the very earliest.

"We're counting on having Robinho ready for the Champions League play-offs," Galliani added. "If Niang leaves Milan then it won't be before the play-offs."

The 28-year-old centre-back has made 20 appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon: Italian football is improving

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is wary of the competition that awaits in Serie A this season having watched the Scudetto challengers bolster their ranks in the summer.

The Bianconeri have triumphed in the last two campaigns in Italy, though the veteran shot-stopper believes that there are plenty of contenders who have strengthened their squads in the past couple of months.

Buffon highlighted Napoli and Fiorentina in particular, though also refused to rule out the threat of AC Milan and Inter, who endured differing fates in Serie A in the previous campaign.

"Our league is improving," Buffon told the club's official website. "Napoli and Fiorentina have been playing good football for a year, made spectacular progress and I think the players who have chosen to play in Italy have also come to this conclusion.

"Napoli have bolstered their squad and recruited a winner as their coach. He’s someone I have a great deal of respect for, a great professional who knows what’s required in order to win.

"Fiorentina also have the signing of Giuseppe Rossi, who if he clicks with Mario Gomez will form part of an international level strikeforce.

"Milan are competitive even without making big statements in the transfer market, because they’ve already got players that allow them to be amongst the front runners.

"Inter’s best signing has been their coach and they already have a foundation of six or seven young and important players. They’ll soon be able to get back to winning ways."

 

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Goretzka gunning for strong Schalke season

Leon Goretzka is hopeful that Schalke can challenge for top honours this season as he feels they have done a great job to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window.

The Gelsenkirchen side lured Goretzka away from Bochum, while they also secured the services of Felipe Santana and Adam Szalai from Borussia Dortmund and Mainz respectively ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

"I think Schalke have made some great signings this year. The team has really been strengthened and I hope that we will do well this season," Goretzka told Goal.

The 18-year-old is seen as one of the brightest prospects in Germany's top flight, but he realises that he faces a tough task to secure regular first-team action at Schalke.

"People often ask me whether I think I can break into the first team. We have quite a few players with a lot of experience and I can learn plenty of things from them," he continued.

"We also have a number of internationals. However, I still hope to get playing time every now and then."

Goretzka briefly featured alongside Real Madrid icon Raul during the latter's return to Schalke for a friendly against his current club Al Sadd and he has nothing but praise for the attacker.

"It was very special to play alongside him," he added. "Raul was already one of the best in the world before I was even born. He is a real legend. It was an honour to play with him."

 

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Weidenfeller: Beating Bayern was crucial

Roman Weidenfeller has stressed the importance of Borusssia Dortmund proving Bayern Munich are beatable following their 4-2 DFL-Supercup victory on Saturday.

A double by Marco Reus, an Ilkay Gundogan strike and an own-goal from defender Daniel Van Buyten ensured the Bavarians were defeated at Signal Iduna Park in Pep Guardiola's first competitive match for the club.

BVB goalkeeper Weidenfeller is convinced it was important to demonstrate that the treble winners can be stopped ahead of the start of the 2013-14 Bundesliga campaign.

"It was important that we demonstrated that Bayern are beatable," he told Bild. "If we lay down a solid plan, we have a chance against any team.

"Against Bayern, we pressed very aggressively from the beginning. They attacked us early as well, but we did well to free ourselves and make the switch into attack with our fast players."

Jurgen Klopp's men kick off their Bundesliga season with a trip to Augsburg on August 10.

 

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Barry uncertain over Man City future

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry admits he is uncertain about his future at the club.

The England international is entering the final year of his contract, having been brought to the club from Aston Villa by Mark Hughes four years ago.

But with a year to go on his current deal and a potential move to City's new MLS partners New York City FC mooted earlier this summer, Barry says his future has not been discussed.

"It's just a case of wait and see, as far as a new contract is concerned," Barry told the Sunday Mirror.

"I haven't heard anything about a new deal from the club, so it looks as though my contract will run out next summer and I'll have to take it from there."

Having seen Hughes and his successor Roberto Mancini come and go at the Etihad Stadium, Barry is about to embark on a season with a third City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, who insists the 32-year-old midfielder is in his plans.

"The manager has spoken to me," the England international revealed. "He told me that he sees a place for me in his squad as he wants two quality players in every position.

"I've got to admit that, with Yaya Toure, Javi Garcia and now Fernandinho in the squad, it's going to be tough for anyone to nail down a position in central midfield.

"I'm a bit disappointed that there's been no offer, but I haven't got myself too down about it."

 

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Ogbonna will become a star, says Barzagli

Andrea Barzagli believes Angelo Ogbonna has what it takes to become a key player at Juventus and feels the Serie A champions made the right decision to sign the centre-back.

Ogbonna joined Juve from Torino in a deal worth up to €15 million and Barzagli has little doubt the 25-year-old is destined to become a star.

"Ogbonna will help us move forward. If you want to improve the quality of the team, you have to buy players of the highest level. Angelo can become a great champion," Barzagli told reporters.

"His presence will not only help us during matches, but also on the training pitch. Having a team-mate around who can play in your position only motivates you and pushes you to work even harder and give your all.

"That's why I think Juventus made the right decision to bring in Angelo. He is still young and gives continuity to the team."

Ogbonna can make his official Juventus debut in the Supercoppa Italiana game against Lazio on August 18.

 

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Pellegrini: Nastasic injury won't force Manchester City to spend

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists the club will not be forced back into the transfer market by injury to centre-back Matija Nastasic.

The Serbian was stretchered off the pitch during Saturday's Asia Trophy final in Hong Kong which saw the Chilean pick up his first piece of silverware as the new City manager.

MRI scans are expected to show that the 20-year-old will be out for three weeks, leaving Pellegrini short of defensive cover for the start of the season following Kolo Toure's move to Liverpool.

But when asked if injury meant Pellegrini needed to act in the transfer market again, the Chilean told reporters: "It doesn't depend on just one thing.

"I said [before] that we could do something else before the Premier League starts but maybe we stay with the same squad. At the moment we aren't that concerned about that but I'm very happy with the squad we have."

City have been swift to spend almost £100 million so far this window, bringing Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic to the club.

Real Madrid defender Pepe has been continually linked with a move to City this summer, although Madrid are believed to be determined to rebuff all bids for the Portugal international.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barry uncertain over Man City future

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry admits he is uncertain about his future at the club.

The England international is entering the final year of his contract, having been brought to the club from Aston Villa by Mark Hughes four years ago.

But with a year to go on his current deal and a potential move to City's new MLS partners New York City FC mooted earlier this summer, Barry says his future has not been discussed.

"It's just a case of wait and see, as far as a new contract is concerned," Barry told the Sunday Mirror.

"I haven't heard anything about a new deal from the club, so it looks as though my contract will run out next summer and I'll have to take it from there."

Having seen Hughes and his successor Roberto Mancini come and go at the Etihad Stadium, Barry is about to embark on a season with a third City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, who insists the 32-year-old midfielder is in his plans.

"The manager has spoken to me," the England international revealed. "He told me that he sees a place for me in his squad as he wants two quality players in every position.

"I've got to admit that, with Yaya Toure, Javi Garcia and now Fernandinho in the squad, it's going to be tough for anyone to nail down a position in central midfield.

"I'm a bit disappointed that there's been no offer, but I haven't got myself too down about it."

 

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Robben: Bayern have no reason to panic

Arjen Robben feels Bayern Munich have no reason to panic after their somewhat surprising 4-2 German Supercup loss against Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.

The reigning Bundesliga champions failed to win their first trophy under new coach Pep Guardiola as Jurgen Klopp's side put in a clinical display against Bayern's fragile-looking defence, but Robben has stressed that the defeat was a mere blot on their record and not a warning sign of things to come.

"We should have a good look at our performance, but there's no reason to panic and absolutely zero reason to worry," Robben told TZ.

"All credit to Dortmund. They deserved their win. But it was more a matter of us losing the game than them winning it.

"I don't think that we conceded four goals because of our attacking style of play. We shouldn't read too much into it. We should learn from our mistakes.

"We will keep on going and there are still a few more trophies to win this season. It was a good test for us against a strong opponent."

Bayern open their Bundesliga campaign at home against Greuther Furth on August 10.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Martino one of the best, says Maxi Rodriguez

Maxi Rodriguez feels new Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino is one of the best around in the profession and has little doubt that the 50-year-old will succeed at the Spanish champions.

The former Liverpool winger worked with Martino at Newell's Old Boys and he has nothing but fond memories of his compatriot during his spell in Argentina.

"Barcelona have signed one of the best Argentine coaches from the past few years. There's no doubt about that," Maxi told AS.

"Martino has always liked a passing game. His preferred style of play is pretty well known at Camp Nou. He prefers a 4-3-3, but uses some interesting variations.

"The players are the ones who actually get out on the pitch, but they always do so with a clear idea of what's expected. Use the ball well and use your head. His players have a lot of freedom to switch positions. I think Martino is the ideal coach for Barca."

The Argentine coached Barcelona for the first time in this weekend's friendly against Valerenga and steered them to a 7-0 victory.

 

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Hummels: Dortmund showed Bayern are beatable

Mats Hummels feels Borussia Dortmund's 4-2 German Supercup win over Bayern Munich at the weekend showed that the reigning Bundesliga champions are not unbeatable.

Bayern are the sky-high favourites to retain their league title this term after strengthening their squad with the likes of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara after winning an historic treble last season.

Nevertheless, Hummels has insisted that BVB are determined to put up a fight and make life difficult for the Allianz Arena side - as shown by their thrilling win at Signal Iduna Park.

"Everybody knows that Bayern are favourites for almost everything this season as they have the kind of squad you don´t see that often," Hummels told the official BVB website.

"But in 90 minutes against them, you can still try to beat them. And on Saturday, we did just that.

"We had to give 100 per cent, because that's what it takes to beat Bayern. Especially Bayern's constant shifting of position, which requires a lot of running."

The centre-back then went on to stress that Dortmund can go a long way this term in the race for the Bundesliga title as long as they stay true to their own philosophy.

"If we play our kind of football as persistently as in the last four years, we are an outstanding team that can achieve a lot of things."

BVB start the 2013-14 Bundesliga with an away game against Augsburg on August 10.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon: Signing Tevez was a statement of intent

Gianluigi Buffon feels Juventus have issued a statement of intent to the rest of Europe by signing Carlos Tevez this summer.

Tevez joined the Serie A champions from Manchester City earlier this summer, and the experienced goalkeeper feels the 29-year-old's decision to move to Turin proves that the Bianconeri have truly returned to the continental elite.

"The acquisition of Tevez was a real statement of intent from the club. Carlos is one of those who can tip the balance and the fact that a champion like him has considered Juve is also a point of pride for us players," Buffon was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"Evidently, his decision to come here means that we’ve also done something important on a European level."

Tevez was joined by fellow forward Fernando Llorente and defender Angelo Ogbonna in moving to Juventus Stadium this summer, and Buffon is delighted with the strength in the depth at coach Antonio Conte's disposal.

"The new arrivals have already blended in well with the group and don’t hold back when there’s work to be done. They’ve got an excellent attitude," he continued.

"I’ve come back to a stronger Juventus side. Now we’ve got additional elements of excellent quality. We’ve taken a genuine step forward."

Juventus are currently preparing for the the Supercoppa Italiana clash against Lazio on August 11.

 

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Kitchee 2-5 Manchester United: Youngsters star in Red Devils romp

Manchester United ended their pre-season tour of Asia on a positive note with a 5-2 victory against Kitchee.

Danny Welbeck continued his fine scoring form with the first goal of the game, before Chris Smalling headed home and Fabio finished after an excellent pass from Wilfried Zaha.


Adnan Januzaj added a fourth after the break before Kitchee responded through Lam Ka Wai and Alex Akande.

But Jesse Lingard’s delightful individual effort with 10 minutes to play put the result beyond doubt.

The visitors took control of the game early on despite the state of a weather-affected pitch at the Hong Kong Stadium.

Anderson flashed a shot wide after a probing run from Patrice Evra, but David Moyes’ side led shortly after, when Ashley Young’s deflected volley crashed off the post and into the path of Welbeck, who finished well with the goal at his mercy.

United continued to press and it was the lively Zaha who went close but, after controlling the ball well, the winger blasted over from close range.

But Moyes did not have to wait long to see his side extend their lead, as Smalling's powerful header from an inviting Tom Cleverley cross found the back of the net.

And a third goal followed shortly after when Zaha fed Fabio with a clever through ball, which the Brazilian struck into the bottom corner with the outside of his right foot.

Welbeck and Smalling both had chances to score again before half time but the striker saw his shot from a narrow angle saved and the centre-back headed on to the roof of the net.

Moyes made three substitutions as Jesse Lingard replaced Young, Januzaj came on for Welbeck and Evra made way for Alex Buttner.

And it was Januzaj and Buttner who combined for the fourth goal, when the Belgian youngster headed in the full-back’s clipped cross.

But Lam Ka Wai produced the moment of the game with a stunning effort from long range which had Ben Amos grasping at thin air.

United were quickly back on top, with Januzaj twice having efforts saved by Wang Zhengpeng before playing in Anderson, only for the midfielder to miss the target.

Kitchee struck again however through Akande, who got the better of Buttner before side-footing beyond Amos.

Any hopes of a late surge from the hosts were put to bed when second half substitute Lingard produced an exquisite curling shot to beat Wang, while the Hong Kong crowd applauded the introduction of Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman was involved as United nearly added a sixth, but Smalling volleyed wide with the last chance of the game.

 

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Bernard nears Porto transfer

Porto coach Paulo Fonseca has refused to comment on growing speculation that Atletico Mineiro attacker Bernard is set to complete a transfer to the Portugese champions.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have all been linked with the 20-year-old in recent weeks, but a move to the Premier League has become unlikely after the player's agent, Adriano Spodato, admitted he would like his client to move to Portugal.

But after rumours that Porto would announce a deal before their friendly against Celta on Sunday proved unfounded, Fonseca was keen not to give too much away.

"I don't have any information about Bernard," he told reporters. "I only speak about the players who are here. I don't know if he is coming and I will not speak about somebody not in the squad."

Spodato had claimed over the weekend that a move to a big European club such as Arsenal would be too risky, and expects things to become clearer in the coming days.

"I can confirm that the possibility [of joining Porto] is strong, but there is Shakhtar Donetsk, too," he told Mais Futebol. "It should be between those [clubs]. On Monday or Tuesday there should be something more concrete.

"If it was up to me, Bernard would be a Porto player. I told him that this is the best way.

"It is preferable to enter a medium, but good, European club, rather than risk a top club and have no space to play. Indeed, Bernard is very interested in going to Porto."

And Bernard's father, Delio Duarte, also admitted that his son has his heart set on Porto after speaking to compatriot and former Dragao Hulk.

"He wants to continue his career at a club like Porto," Duarte told O Jogo. "He dreams of that. Bernard is Hulk's friend, they became very close in the national squad and they talked about this.

"Hulk spoke highly of the club and [Bernard] was convinced it would be a safe bet for this stage of his career."