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..::Football III::..
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Moyes: Fabregas bid is ongoing
Manchester United manager David Moyes has confirmed that the club have not given up in their attempt to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, saying: "It is ongoing."
United are set to submit a third bid for the Spain international after seeing two offers rejected, with reports in Spain suggesting that Barca president Sandro Rosell had written to them to insist he would not be selling Fabregas this summer.And Barcelona's Gerard Pique told the Sun: "United are wasting their time. It took a long time for Cesc to get his dream move back home, and he won't give it up.
"This is home, it is where his family is, and he is playing with his closest friends. He has told us he is happy, and that he intends to stay with Barcelona."His comments were echoed by Alex Song, who said he was confident that Fabregas would not be leaving the Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Moyes confirmed that Robin van Persie would feature in Friday's friendly against Cerezo Osaka, having been taken off during the 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F Marinos on Tuesday after feeling tightness in his thigh.
He said: "It was just a precaution. I expect he will play tomorrow" - but the injury prompted former Wales assistant manager Raymond Verheijen, who has helped coach Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City, to describe the United manager's methods as "Jurassic Park".Verheijen wrote on Twitter: "In Sydney, Moyes said: 'We've overtrained Robin this week to build up his fitness.' [In Japan] he picked up muscle injury. It really makes you wonder how these prehistoric training methods can still take place at the highest level.
"But as long as most dinosaurs are still in denial and ignore how things develop in other countries, nothing will ever change in Jurassic Park."Moyes said he was unlikely to risk Michael Carrick, who has a groin problem, in that match, but had good news about the fitness of four players who have stayed in England to recover from injuries.
"There was a practice match at the training ground the other day in which Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia and Nani all got some playing time," he explained."Wayne Rooney is running, and is probably at the level we would have thought he would be. He has picked up his work again this week."
Manchester United manager David Moyes has confirmed that the club have not given up in their attempt to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, saying: "It is ongoing."
United are set to submit a third bid for the Spain international after seeing two offers rejected, with reports in Spain suggesting that Barca president Sandro Rosell had written to them to insist he would not be selling Fabregas this summer.And Barcelona's Gerard Pique told the Sun: "United are wasting their time. It took a long time for Cesc to get his dream move back home, and he won't give it up.
"This is home, it is where his family is, and he is playing with his closest friends. He has told us he is happy, and that he intends to stay with Barcelona."His comments were echoed by Alex Song, who said he was confident that Fabregas would not be leaving the Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Moyes confirmed that Robin van Persie would feature in Friday's friendly against Cerezo Osaka, having been taken off during the 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F Marinos on Tuesday after feeling tightness in his thigh.
He said: "It was just a precaution. I expect he will play tomorrow" - but the injury prompted former Wales assistant manager Raymond Verheijen, who has helped coach Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City, to describe the United manager's methods as "Jurassic Park".Verheijen wrote on Twitter: "In Sydney, Moyes said: 'We've overtrained Robin this week to build up his fitness.' [In Japan] he picked up muscle injury. It really makes you wonder how these prehistoric training methods can still take place at the highest level.
"But as long as most dinosaurs are still in denial and ignore how things develop in other countries, nothing will ever change in Jurassic Park."Moyes said he was unlikely to risk Michael Carrick, who has a groin problem, in that match, but had good news about the fitness of four players who have stayed in England to recover from injuries.
"There was a practice match at the training ground the other day in which Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia and Nani all got some playing time," he explained."Wayne Rooney is running, and is probably at the level we would have thought he would be. He has picked up his work again this week."
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Ausi උන්ට වඩා English උන් හිටිය මැච් එක බලන්න ඇවිල්ලා....
Gerrardට පට්ට ආසවක් තියෙන්නෙ උන්.... Suarezට පොඩ්ඩක් වත් කැමති නෑ.....
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'Napoli taking a massive leap forwards with Higuain' - Crespo
Hernan Crespo believes that Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain will prove to be an excellent signing for Napoli.
The Partenopei fended off interest from Arsenal and, though the deal is yet to be rubber-stamped as official, the club are expected to confirm the estimated €37 million signing imminently.
Crespo, 38, thinks that his fellow Argentine will be a resounding success at the Stadio San Paolo but called for fans to allow the striker time to settle in Serie A.
"Napoli are taking a massive leap forwards with Higuain," he told Radio Kiss Kiss. "He's 25 years old but already has great experience, including on the international stage. He's a great striker and I think Napoli have made an impressive signing.
"I understand the euphoria of the fans, [but] Higuain is arriving in a new place, a new league and a new team, with qualities completely different to the ones to which he is used to.
"They should give him time to adapt and not expect everything at once."
Juventus have also bought an Argentine striker in Carlos Tevez, but the former Inter, AC Milan and Lazio star is refusing to pick a favourite between the two forwards.
"I think Italian football is winning," he said, when asked which of the clubs made a better purchase. "I'm happy that two great Argentines have come to play in the league.
"We've got used to big players leaving and now they are reversing the trend. Italian football should be aware of its economic restrictions, but these arrivals are certainly a step forward."
Hernan Crespo believes that Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain will prove to be an excellent signing for Napoli.
The Partenopei fended off interest from Arsenal and, though the deal is yet to be rubber-stamped as official, the club are expected to confirm the estimated €37 million signing imminently.
Crespo, 38, thinks that his fellow Argentine will be a resounding success at the Stadio San Paolo but called for fans to allow the striker time to settle in Serie A.
"Napoli are taking a massive leap forwards with Higuain," he told Radio Kiss Kiss. "He's 25 years old but already has great experience, including on the international stage. He's a great striker and I think Napoli have made an impressive signing.
"I understand the euphoria of the fans, [but] Higuain is arriving in a new place, a new league and a new team, with qualities completely different to the ones to which he is used to.
"They should give him time to adapt and not expect everything at once."
Juventus have also bought an Argentine striker in Carlos Tevez, but the former Inter, AC Milan and Lazio star is refusing to pick a favourite between the two forwards.
"I think Italian football is winning," he said, when asked which of the clubs made a better purchase. "I'm happy that two great Argentines have come to play in the league.
"We've got used to big players leaving and now they are reversing the trend. Italian football should be aware of its economic restrictions, but these arrivals are certainly a step forward."
Galliani hopes Honda will be final summer signing
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has revealed he plans on making midfielder Keisuke Honda the club's final summer signing.
The Japan international has fewer than six months left on his contract at CSKA Moscow and has been heavily linked with a move to San Siro in the current transfer window.
Galliani insists that the Rossoneri have not given up on signing Honda but says that either his current Russian club must lower their valuation or that the Serie A side will wait until January to sign the player on a Bosman deal.
"The gift to the fans is Honda - we will only [sign] Honda at this moment in time," he told reporters at a press conference on Thursday. "The player wants to join Milan but we can’t overspend as he will be a free agent in four months.
"We’ll keep trying to sign him until we have to name our Champions League squad, then we’ll abandon the chase. We have made an offer and if they decrease their expectations then Honda will arrive at Milan. Let’s hope so…"
Milan are currently in the midst of pre-season ahead of the start of the new Serie A season on August 24.
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has revealed he plans on making midfielder Keisuke Honda the club's final summer signing.
The Japan international has fewer than six months left on his contract at CSKA Moscow and has been heavily linked with a move to San Siro in the current transfer window.
Galliani insists that the Rossoneri have not given up on signing Honda but says that either his current Russian club must lower their valuation or that the Serie A side will wait until January to sign the player on a Bosman deal.
"The gift to the fans is Honda - we will only [sign] Honda at this moment in time," he told reporters at a press conference on Thursday. "The player wants to join Milan but we can’t overspend as he will be a free agent in four months.
"We’ll keep trying to sign him until we have to name our Champions League squad, then we’ll abandon the chase. We have made an offer and if they decrease their expectations then Honda will arrive at Milan. Let’s hope so…"
Milan are currently in the midst of pre-season ahead of the start of the new Serie A season on August 24.
Ozil reveals new Madrid tactics
Mesut Ozil has revealed the tactics Real Madrid will be focused on under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Jose Mourinho crafted a team that was destructive on the counterattack and clinical with possession, but the German midfielder - who wants to play in the centre of the pitch this season for the Blancos - has explained that the incoming boss is keen to see his side more comfortable with ball retention.
"The right wing is not my favourite position, I prefer to play in the hole," Ozil, 24, told reporters at a press conference to unveil the new Madrid away kit. "However, my relationship with the coach is very good.
"We’re training well and are very happy. Ancelotti knows how he wants to play, and his ideas are clear. He also has the right players for this system.
"He wants to play differently to Mourinho and our game will be more about speed and keeping the ball."
With Gonzalo Higuain on the verge of joining Napoli, Karim Benzema believes that the likes of Alvaro Morata and Jese Rodriguez will have their chance to shine up front this season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Morata and Jese are ready to have a great season," the French forward, 25, said. "Ancelotti is very experienced and is good for Madrid.
"[First-team coach Zinedine] Zidane gets on with everyone and gives advice, which is important here because he won everything. He’s a great example."
Morata wants to emulate his heroes by carving out a memorable career at Madrid and claims that the new boss has demanded extra effort from the club's up-and-coming players in pre-season training.
"My dream right now is to stay in the team, help out and win trophies," the 20-year-old said. "[Emilio] Butragueno, [Miguel] Pardeza and Raul all came up through the ranks and I want to follow in their footsteps.
"Ancelotti asks us young players to work harder than the rest. I don’t want to take anyone’s place away from them, I just want to learn and take on board the advice I receive.
"I’m ready to play, I’m not 17 and they can rely on me. The other lads know how hard I train and after the summer I’m even more confident."
Mesut Ozil has revealed the tactics Real Madrid will be focused on under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Jose Mourinho crafted a team that was destructive on the counterattack and clinical with possession, but the German midfielder - who wants to play in the centre of the pitch this season for the Blancos - has explained that the incoming boss is keen to see his side more comfortable with ball retention.
"The right wing is not my favourite position, I prefer to play in the hole," Ozil, 24, told reporters at a press conference to unveil the new Madrid away kit. "However, my relationship with the coach is very good.
"We’re training well and are very happy. Ancelotti knows how he wants to play, and his ideas are clear. He also has the right players for this system.
"He wants to play differently to Mourinho and our game will be more about speed and keeping the ball."
With Gonzalo Higuain on the verge of joining Napoli, Karim Benzema believes that the likes of Alvaro Morata and Jese Rodriguez will have their chance to shine up front this season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Morata and Jese are ready to have a great season," the French forward, 25, said. "Ancelotti is very experienced and is good for Madrid.
"[First-team coach Zinedine] Zidane gets on with everyone and gives advice, which is important here because he won everything. He’s a great example."
Morata wants to emulate his heroes by carving out a memorable career at Madrid and claims that the new boss has demanded extra effort from the club's up-and-coming players in pre-season training.
"My dream right now is to stay in the team, help out and win trophies," the 20-year-old said. "[Emilio] Butragueno, [Miguel] Pardeza and Raul all came up through the ranks and I want to follow in their footsteps.
"Ancelotti asks us young players to work harder than the rest. I don’t want to take anyone’s place away from them, I just want to learn and take on board the advice I receive.
"I’m ready to play, I’m not 17 and they can rely on me. The other lads know how hard I train and after the summer I’m even more confident."
Guardado unsure Soldado will stay at Valencia
Valencia winger Andres Guardado is unsure where Roberto Soldado will be plying his trade next season amidst interest from Tottenham.
The north London club have become increasingly confident they can seal a deal for Soldado, with the player considering submitting a transfer request to speed up his exit from los Che.
And Mexican winger Guardado has added fuel to the fire by admitted his doubt regarding whether the prolific striker will still be at the Mestalla next season.
Guardado told Marca: "I haven't been able to speak to [Soldado] since the Confederations Cup but I don't know whether he'll go or stay.
"That's not something I can manage myself, but I wish him the best anywhere. Iif he is here, then all the better since Soldado is a great player, our goalscorer and an important part of this team."
Reports in Spain suggest Soldado has already agreed a salary package worth just over €3 million-a-year to play at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is desperate to strengthen his strikeforce this summer, and has already missed out on David Villa and Christian Benteke, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe his only recognised first-team frontmen.
Valencia winger Andres Guardado is unsure where Roberto Soldado will be plying his trade next season amidst interest from Tottenham.
The north London club have become increasingly confident they can seal a deal for Soldado, with the player considering submitting a transfer request to speed up his exit from los Che.
And Mexican winger Guardado has added fuel to the fire by admitted his doubt regarding whether the prolific striker will still be at the Mestalla next season.
Guardado told Marca: "I haven't been able to speak to [Soldado] since the Confederations Cup but I don't know whether he'll go or stay.
"That's not something I can manage myself, but I wish him the best anywhere. Iif he is here, then all the better since Soldado is a great player, our goalscorer and an important part of this team."
Reports in Spain suggest Soldado has already agreed a salary package worth just over €3 million-a-year to play at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is desperate to strengthen his strikeforce this summer, and has already missed out on David Villa and Christian Benteke, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe his only recognised first-team frontmen.
Mourinho calm over Rooney coup
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted he is calm regarding the club's attempt to lure Wayne Rooney to the club, despite a lack of progress with the proposed transfer.
The Blues had an opening offer for the wantaway striker immediately rejected last Tuesday and are expected to return with an improved bid.
Mourinho recently suggested an over-long transfer saga could affect the "balance" of a team very close to the start of the season, but hinted the club are in no hurry to force a move.
"At this moment we have made what you know; that bid which was public and official and after that nothing else," he told reporters.
"But we are calm as we told you that we are calm because we are happy with what we have."
Mourinho was speaking after Chelsea's emphatic 8-1 victory over Indonesia All Stars, with Ramires and Romelu Lukaku both grabbing doubles.
Fernando Torres failed to register on the scoresheet, but Mourinho believes the Spaniard will improve the added competition for places after Lukaku's return from a loan spell with West Brom.
"I think Fernando should be happy because we have competition in the team and I think that is good for everybody in every position," he told reporters.
"Fernando I think will be pleased because during his time at Chelsea he was basically the only striker and then after that there was the arrival of Ba in January. Now the team has three strikers and I think that is good."
Mourinho also confirmed the injured trio of Frank Lampard, Andre Schurrle and Kevin De Bruyne are all expected to train with the squad next week.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted he is calm regarding the club's attempt to lure Wayne Rooney to the club, despite a lack of progress with the proposed transfer.
The Blues had an opening offer for the wantaway striker immediately rejected last Tuesday and are expected to return with an improved bid.
Mourinho recently suggested an over-long transfer saga could affect the "balance" of a team very close to the start of the season, but hinted the club are in no hurry to force a move.
"At this moment we have made what you know; that bid which was public and official and after that nothing else," he told reporters.
"But we are calm as we told you that we are calm because we are happy with what we have."
Mourinho was speaking after Chelsea's emphatic 8-1 victory over Indonesia All Stars, with Ramires and Romelu Lukaku both grabbing doubles.
Fernando Torres failed to register on the scoresheet, but Mourinho believes the Spaniard will improve the added competition for places after Lukaku's return from a loan spell with West Brom.
"I think Fernando should be happy because we have competition in the team and I think that is good for everybody in every position," he told reporters.
"Fernando I think will be pleased because during his time at Chelsea he was basically the only striker and then after that there was the arrival of Ba in January. Now the team has three strikers and I think that is good."
Mourinho also confirmed the injured trio of Frank Lampard, Andre Schurrle and Kevin De Bruyne are all expected to train with the squad next week.
PSG punished for Leonardo shove
Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a suspended three-point deduction after former sporting director Leonardo was seen pushing a referee.
The Brazilian, who left his role following the 63 million signing of striker Edinson Cavani earlier in July, angrily approached the officials following the French champions' 1-1 draw with Valenciennes in May.
He subsequently received a nine-month ban for his actions, which was extended until June 2014 when the club appealed the decision.
And it has now been decided that Laurent Blanc's side will be docked three points next term if there is any repeat of the incident.
Referee Alexandre Castro had sent off defender Thiago Silva shortly before the break in the Parc des Princes encounter, which saw the hosts rescue a point late on through an Alex goal.
Leonardo was due to leave his role at the end of August but moved forward his resignation, with Nasser Al-Khelaifi citing his lengthy ban as the reason.
Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a suspended three-point deduction after former sporting director Leonardo was seen pushing a referee.
The Brazilian, who left his role following the 63 million signing of striker Edinson Cavani earlier in July, angrily approached the officials following the French champions' 1-1 draw with Valenciennes in May.
He subsequently received a nine-month ban for his actions, which was extended until June 2014 when the club appealed the decision.
And it has now been decided that Laurent Blanc's side will be docked three points next term if there is any repeat of the incident.
Referee Alexandre Castro had sent off defender Thiago Silva shortly before the break in the Parc des Princes encounter, which saw the hosts rescue a point late on through an Alex goal.
Leonardo was due to leave his role at the end of August but moved forward his resignation, with Nasser Al-Khelaifi citing his lengthy ban as the reason.
Roma sign De Sanctis
Roma have signed goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis from Napoli for a fee of €500,000.
The Italy international, 36, has joined the Giallorossi on a two-year deal having seen his chances of retaining a first-team position at the Stadio San Paolo plummet this summer.
Rafael Benitez's arrival as head coach in place of Walter Mazzarri, who joined Inter in May, saw Santos shot-stopper Rafael sign for the Partenopei for €5.5 million, while Pepe Reina is set to arrive on loan from Liverpool having passed a medical on Wednesday.
A statement on De Sanctis' new club's website read: "AS Roma can announce we have agreed with Napoli for the definitive acquisition of the rights to the player Morgan De Sanctis for €0.5 million.
"The footballer signed a contract of employment lasting two years, with effect from the date hereof [July 25] and expiring on 30 June 2015."
De Sanctis joined the Naples-based club in 2009 from Sevilla and has made over 100 appearances in a Partenopei shirt.
The ex-Juventus and Udinese man follows the likes of Kevin Strootman, Mehdi Benatia and Maicon to transfer to the Stadio Olimpico side this summer.
Roma have signed goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis from Napoli for a fee of €500,000.
The Italy international, 36, has joined the Giallorossi on a two-year deal having seen his chances of retaining a first-team position at the Stadio San Paolo plummet this summer.
Rafael Benitez's arrival as head coach in place of Walter Mazzarri, who joined Inter in May, saw Santos shot-stopper Rafael sign for the Partenopei for €5.5 million, while Pepe Reina is set to arrive on loan from Liverpool having passed a medical on Wednesday.
A statement on De Sanctis' new club's website read: "AS Roma can announce we have agreed with Napoli for the definitive acquisition of the rights to the player Morgan De Sanctis for €0.5 million.
"The footballer signed a contract of employment lasting two years, with effect from the date hereof [July 25] and expiring on 30 June 2015."
De Sanctis joined the Naples-based club in 2009 from Sevilla and has made over 100 appearances in a Partenopei shirt.
The ex-Juventus and Udinese man follows the likes of Kevin Strootman, Mehdi Benatia and Maicon to transfer to the Stadio Olimpico side this summer.
'Suarez lacks Liverpool loyalty'
Luis Suarez has disrespected Liverpool by pushing to leave the club, according to former Anfield favourite John Aldridge.
Arsenal have made multiple bids while the striker has handed in a transfer request to secure an exit as Real Madrid continue to lurk - with the Reds standing firm over keeping the Uruguayan.
And although Suarez has been a regular scorer of goals - he notched 30 in 44 appearances last term - Aldridge, who scored 64 goals in 106 appearances for Liverpool, feels Suarez owes the club after their loyalty through a number of high-profile controversies.
"There's a massive lack of loyalty there and especially the way Liverpool have stuck by Luis," Aldridge told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked about Suarez's desire to leave.
"Not everything's all about money. It's different with Luis Suarez because of the positions he's put Liverpool in over the last couple of years and they've stuck by him.
"The fans have been loyal, the manager's been loyal, his comrades have been loyal and the hierarchy have been loyal to him.
"They've done everything in the powers possible to back him up and he's basically put a custard pie in everyone's face."
Luis Suarez has disrespected Liverpool by pushing to leave the club, according to former Anfield favourite John Aldridge.
Arsenal have made multiple bids while the striker has handed in a transfer request to secure an exit as Real Madrid continue to lurk - with the Reds standing firm over keeping the Uruguayan.
And although Suarez has been a regular scorer of goals - he notched 30 in 44 appearances last term - Aldridge, who scored 64 goals in 106 appearances for Liverpool, feels Suarez owes the club after their loyalty through a number of high-profile controversies.
"There's a massive lack of loyalty there and especially the way Liverpool have stuck by Luis," Aldridge told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked about Suarez's desire to leave.
"Not everything's all about money. It's different with Luis Suarez because of the positions he's put Liverpool in over the last couple of years and they've stuck by him.
"The fans have been loyal, the manager's been loyal, his comrades have been loyal and the hierarchy have been loyal to him.
"They've done everything in the powers possible to back him up and he's basically put a custard pie in everyone's face."
- Status
