..::Football III::..

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Suarez legal team want ban halved

Luis Suarez’s four-month ban should be halved and the Uruguayan allowed to train with Barcelona during his suspension, his legal team is set to tell the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday.

The striker is currently prohibited from engaging in all football-related activity for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup Group D match in Natal in June.
However, his lawyers are on the way to Lausanne, where CAS will hear an appeal into the ban imposed by Fifa, and they are confident they will be able to argue a strong case for a reduction in Suarez’s punishment.

“It would be more logical to reduce the sanction by a few months than to reduce the ban concerning international games, because legally it’s easier to contend against the terms of the suspension that forbid him from training and from being at the club, because they violate fundamental rights,” said Alejandro Balbi, who is both Suarez’s adviser and a member of the Uruguayan FA’s executive committee.
“The nine-match ban for Uruguay is more a question of the level of the punishment,”Balbi and his team are expected to petition for a 50 per cent reduction of the player’s domestic ban, which would allow Suarez to return to action on August 26.

That would mean the ex-Liverpool star missing only Barcelona’s opener against Elche and being available for the first time for the trip to Villarreal on August 31.
Suarez has yet to be officially unveiled as a Barca player since his €88m move from Liverpool as a result of his far-reaching suspension.

 

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Wenger: Arsenal were never close to signing Khedira

Arsene Wenger has denied that Arsenal came close to signing Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira this summer.

The Germany international has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates, though Goal revealed that Chelsea edged ahead of the Gunners after the north Londoners baulked at the 27-year-old's wage demands.

Wenger, though, insists he is happy with his options, in particular Jack Wilshere, who is looking to complete an injury-free campaign in the Gunners' midfield.

Speaking to reporters, the Arsenal boss said: “I don’t know who has put him on the market. Whether it is his agent, or somebody else I don’t know. But we were never close to signing him.

“Jack Wilshere has come back fit and in midfield we have offensive midfielders, we have box-to-box players. We have quite a few.”

Arsenal have been busy this transfer window, snapping up Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers.

They face Manchester City in the Community Shield at 15.00GMT on Sunday at Wembley.

 

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Official: Milan's Robinho joins Santos on loan

Santos have confirmed a loan deal for AC Milan winger Robinho until June 30, 2015, ending months of speculation over his future.

The former Brazil international made 23 appearances in Serie A last season but was deemed surplus to requirements by new coach Pippo Inzaghi.

Consequently, after protracted negotiations over a return to Vila Belmiro, Robinho has now been cleared to rejoin the club at which he started his career.

"Santos is my home," he told the Brazil club's official website. "It's a place in which I feel really good. I hope to repay all of the fans' affection on the field."

Robinho joined the Rossoneri from Manchester City on a four-year deal in the summer of 2010 for a reported €18 million transfer fee.

Despite an impressive debut season at San Siro, in which he scored 14 Serie A goals, he struggled for both form and fitness in the following campaigns and it came as a surprise when he signed a contract extension last summer binding him to the Rossoneri until 2016.

However, Robinho has been linked with a return to Santos all summer long and the 30-year-old attacker has finally put pen to paper on a one-year loan agreement with the Brazilian outfit.

 

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Osvaldo: It’s an honour to play for Inter

Daniel Osvaldo has described joining Internazionale as an ‘honour’ following his season-long loan move from Southampton.

After returning to Italy as part of a deal that included Saphir Taider going the other way, the former Roma and Fiorentina forward explained his eagerness to play regular football again after failing to settle at St Mary's and an unsuccessful loan spell at Juventus during the second half of last season.

"It's an honour, I'm very happy, I can't wait to start again,” Osvaldo told reporters at his official unveiling as an Inter player on Thursday.

"I’m so hungry, the last year has been particularly hard, I really want to go back to my usual standard."

Inter could make Osvaldo a permanent member of the Nerazzurri squad next season for a reported €7 million fee but the Italian does not see this alleged valuation as a sign of decline following his €19m transfer to Southampton last summer.

The Argentina-born striker added: "I do not see this as a negative depreciation. If I do well I'll have a chance to stay at Inter for many years.

"[Last season] I do not know what happened, I have not adapted to English football. Then I moved mid-season and I have not had continuity rightly so because of Tevez and Llorente.

"I do not look back, I look forward and think to hit the targets with Inter."

The 28-year-old also spoke of his excitement at working under Walter Mazzarri and possibly playing alongside Mauro Icardi.

"Mazzarri and I will talk in the coming days. But it is a pleasure to be trained by those who wanted me in the past," said Osvaldo.

"[Icardi] is a player with extraordinary qualities, I really like him. Having never played together I cannot say whether we can play together, we'll see."

 

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Kjaer rules out leaving Lille for Monaco

Simon Kjaer's agent has dismissed speculation linking the Lille defender with a move to Monaco.

A superb debut campaign with Rene Girard’s side has rejuvenated the 25-year-old’s career and has seen him once more touted as a transfer target for Europe's top clubs, but the former Roma centre-back is happy at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, according to his representative.

“I have read the stories in French press, but I have to kill those rumours. I have not been in contact with Monaco,” Mikkel Beck told TV2.

“There have been so many stories, and obviously it is nice to see Simon linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. That means that he's been doing really well.

"He has been playing some of the best football in his life for Lille. And when you play as well, as Simon has been doing, rumours will appear. But we won't be distracted.

“Simon is part of a very serious project in Lille right now and he has no intention of leaving that. He is playing a big part in an important season for Lille, and he is so happy about that."

The Dane helped Lille to finish third in Ligue 1 last season, largely thanks to their stoical defensive record, which was one of the most impressive in all of Europe.

Now Lille’s next challenge is to join Monaco in the Champions League, having progressed through the third qualifying round with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Grasshopper Zurich.

 

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Schweinsteiger: Lahm a major loss for Germany

Bastian Schweinsteiger believes that Philipp Lahm's retirement from international football means Germany have lost the best right-back in the world.

Lahm is just 30 but has decided to call time on his Die Mannschaft career after leading his country to World Cup glory in Brazil this summer.

Schweinsteiger and Lahm have played alongside one another for Germany for a decade and he is sorry to see his Bayern Munich team-mate go.

"It's a pity, we always had a very, very nice time in the national team, he is a world-class right-back - if not the best in the world," the midfielder told reporters.

‘We are there to find a solution, but it's a shame. I was hoping to play some more games with him.”

Schweinsteiger would appear to be one of the most qualified candidates to succeed Lahm as Germany skipper, but he is playing down his chances of being given the captain's armband by Joachim Low.

“We have many players who can be captain," he mused. "The coach decides.”

Schweinsteiger’s club and international team-mate Manuel Neuer spoke of his own chances of inheriting the captaincy, but the goalkeeper is calm about his prospects.

"If Jogi Low speaks to me, I would first talk to him," the goalkeeper admitted. "If it is concrete, I will prepare myself.

"It is a decision that you do not have to make now because talks will come. Then, at some point, a decision will be made."

 

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Martino set to be named Argentina coach

Former Barcelona coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is on the verge of being confirmed as Argentina’s new coach, according to the general secretary of the country's football association (AFA).

Martino left Camp Nou following a disappointing 2013-14 season that saw Barca miss out on the Primera Division title and fail to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2007.

However, Tata is set to be named as Alejandro Sabella’s successor in the coming days, with AFA general secretary Miguel Silva admitting that there are only small details to be sorted out before an announcement is made.

“Our first candidate is Martino. If we agree with the economic issue and the agreements that everyone seeks, Martino will be the new coach,” said Silva.

“We have one outstanding point, and we'll either agree or we will not agree.”
Sabella quit as coach of the Albiceleste following the national team’s 1-0 defeat to Germany in July’s World Cup final, and Martino was all set to replace him before AFA president Julio Grondona’s death on July 30.Luis Segura was confirmed on Wednesday as Grondona’s replacement, paving the way for talks with Martino to be completed.

 

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David Luiz: I'm over World Cup woe

David Luiz insists that he is over Brazil’s failed bid to win the World Cup on home soil and is now solely preoccupied with proving his worth to Paris Saint-Germain.

The centre-half was slated for his performance in his country’s 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany and although he feels that the criticism he copped was unwarranted, the 27-year-old says it is now time to move on.

"I've had time to digest the end of our World Cup and now I'm ready to do everything to help PSG,” Luiz stated at his official unveiling on Thursday.

"If the World Cup had finished at the quarter-final stage then you wouldn't be asking questions about my ability.

“But I feel privileged. I'm now part of a fantastic team in which everyone has something to teach me. It's wonderful to be part of this project.

"I am very happy to have joined a big club and I'm just eager to start playing."

Luiz's reported €50 milliion move from Chelsea to PSG means he will now be able to play alongside his central-defensive partner for Brazil, Thiago Silva, on a weekly basis.

The 27-year-old freely admitted that he is delighted at having been reunited with his Selecao team-mate but insisted that he is also willing to play in midfield for coach Laurent Blanc.

"Thiago Silva and I are very good friends," Luiz enthused. "We understand what the other is thinking with one look and we respect each other.

“We trust each other and will give our all out on the pitch. But I am ready to help out in any position, it's not up to me to choose, I just play football."

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi added that he hopes that Luiz can inspire the club to a first Champions League triumph.

"I am very happy with his arrival," the Qatari stated. "I hired him for his many qualities, both as a man and as a footballer. David has an excellent team spirit and many other great qualities.

"David Luiz will help us achieve our goal of winning the Champions League."

PSG begin their Ligue 1 title defence against Reims on Friday at the Stade Auguste Delaune.

 

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Bayern will be 'hunted' this season - Boateng

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng says he is ready for his side to be "hunted" as they seek to win a third successive Bundesliga title.

The Bavarians wrestled the domestic crown back from Borussia Dortmund as they completed the treble in the 2012-13 season before they retained the trophy in record-quick time in Pep Guardiola's first campaign in charge last term.

Boateng enjoyed a memorable summer as he won the World Cup with Germany in Brazil and he has now set his sights on the battle for domestic supremacy once again in 2014-15.

"I'm not afraid, I'm looking forward to the games," he told Kicker.

"We have big goals. Now it starts all over again. We're being hunted."

Bayern and Germany captain Philipp Lahm retired from international football following the World Cup this summer and Boateng has called on the younger players at Joachim Low's disposal to fill the void left by his team-mate.

"He's a great player and captain who will be missed. Luckily, there are many good, young players. Together, we must try to replace Philipp's great quality," he added.

 

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Maradona: If Brazil called Dunga, why didn't Argentina call me?

Diego Maradona has suggested he should have been offered the chance to coach Argentina again - especially following Brazil's appointment of Dunga.

The former midfielder, who led Brazil at the 2010 World Cup, replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as Selecao head coach following their disastrous end to the finals this summer.

Napoli icon Maradona, who was Argentina boss during the 2010 finals in South Africa, claims he deserves the same second chance as his Brazil counterpart.

"The team has no coach. I played for Argentina. If Brazil called Dunga, why didn't Argentina call me?" he told Ole.

"Anyway, I'm happy in Dubai and I don't have to kneel before anyone."

Alejandro Sabella stepped down as Argentina coach after their World Cup final defeat to Germany, with former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino expected to be named his successor.

Despite the team reaching their first final since 1990, Maradona does not believe the Albiceleste ever played a consistently strong 90 minutes throughout their campaign in Brazil.

"I don't want to be harsh on Sabella or the players, but I don't think Argentina won a single game well," he added.

"You can look for good passages of play, but anyone who looks for a game in which we played well won't find one."

 

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Tottenham close in on €3.5m Yedlin deal

Tottenham are closing in on the €3.5 million capture of Seattle Sounders right-back DeAndre Yedlin, Goal has learned.

The 21-year-old speedster impressed in his three appearances at the World Cup, where he played under former Spurs frontman and United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann, and is set to earn a move to White Hart Lane.

Yedlin, who played against Tottenham during the club's pre-season tour, is expected to finish the current Major League Soccer season with Seattle before linking up with the north Londoners in January.

Mauricio Pochettino will run the rule over the defender at the turn of the year before deciding whether to loan out the American or include him in his squad.

Roma had been considered favourites for his signature but Spurs are now poised to secure the transfer ahead of the Serie A giants.

The transfer, which could be completed as early as Friday, would set a new MLS record for a transfer by a homegrown player, surpassing the €2m that Anderlecht paid for Andy Najar.

Yedlin would become the latest American to play for Tottenham, joining a list that includes current keeper Brad Friedel and current Sounder Clint Dempsey.

 

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Mustafi: Valencia should fear no one

New Valencia signing Shkodran Mustafi insists the team have nothing to fear in La Liga this season.

The 22-year-old moved to the Mestalla from Serie A side Sampdoria on a five-year deal on Wednesday, fresh from winning the World Cup with Germany.

Valencia could only muster an eighth-place finish in Spain's top flight last season, as Atletico Madrid broke the domestic dominance of Barcelona and local rivals Real to win the Liga title.

Despite the obvious strength in depth in Spain, centre-back Mustafi believes Valencia are capable of competing with the best.

"Despite all the big teams in La Liga, Valencia should not hide," he said at a news conference. "This is a great team, and the team is capable of beating any other side. We must fight and not hide."

Mustafi, who had spells in the youth teams of Hamburg and Everton before moving to Sampdoria in 2012, reportedly rejected offers to return to Germany before moving to the Mestalla.

The defender revealed that, in truth, there was only one option for him after speaking with Valencia head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, and is eager to help Valencia's revival following new owner Peter Lim's takeover.

"Nothing else ever came into the equation," he continued. "This is the next step for me and the reason I'm here is because everything felt right.

"I will try to contribute my strengths and qualities to help the team. Having played in three countries and seen three footballing cultures has added a lot to my game.

"For me it was very important to talk with the manager before signing my contract. He is a young manager and made a great impression on me.

"Seeing the interest of the club, I realised it was the team for which I had to play. Then there is the history of the club as well."

 

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Hull City 2-1 Trencin (2-1 agg): Tigers come from behind in Europa League

Hull City left it late as they came from behind to beat Trencin 2-1 and reach the Europa League play-offs.

Substitute Sone Aluko popped up to score the winner with just 10 minutes remaining at a packed KC Stadium.

In the FA Cup finalists' first home European tie, which followed a goalless opening leg, they were stunned just two minutes in as Tomas Malec swept the Slovakian side ahead.

Shane Long wasted two good openings as Hull regained their stride prior to eventually hitting back through Ahmed Elmohamady's header just before the half-hour.

Visiting goalkeeper Milos Volesak backed up a penalty save in the first leg to routinely frustrate the Premier League side but Hull ultimately prevailed.

Steve Bruce's men displayed dogged determination to break down a well-organised Trencin side and will resume their European campaign after their first domestic game of the season at QPR on August 16.

Bruce had warned the visitors that his side would be sharper than they had been in their initial meeting but Hull failed to put that into practice as Frantisek Kubik was afforded space on the right and giant striker Malec swept home his cross to give Trencin a valuable away goal.

As Hull recovered from their sloppy start, Trencin's first-leg hero, Volesak, again came to their rescue in the 15th minute as Long raced onto a Yannick Sagbo flick-on, only to be denied by the onrushing goalkeeper's shoulder.

Long was again denied by Volesak after Robert Snodgrass's scuff fell kindly but the hosts did not have to wait much longer to get back on level terms through Elmohamady. Robbie Brady played a neat one-two with Snodgrass on the left before curling a measured cross to the back post, where the Egyptian rose highest to plant the ball beyond Volesak's reach.

Volesak denied Long for a third time 10 minutes before the break, somehow clawing the Irishman's four-yard header away after a Snodgrass corner. The former West Brom man directed his frustrations at Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis a minute later and earned a booking.

A fruitless opening 10 minutes to the second half prompted Bruce to replace Brady with Liam Rosenior - Hull switching to 4-4-2 with the change - and the full-back's first touch saw him go close to a sensational goal but his curled effort just drifted wide.

Snodgrass curled a free kick into Volesak's midriff before Bruce replaced his son, defender Alex, with Tom Ince as the hosts became increasingly anxious.

Elmohamady flashed a shot across the face of goal before Huddlestone lifted a well-struck 30-yarder over the crossbar.

Yet the home fans were sent into raptures when Aluko slammed home after Snodgrass had done well to turn Elmohamady's deep cross into a dangerous area.

Brazilian defender Ramon lashed a stoppage-time free kick just wide for Trencin but Hull held on to reach the play-offs, where they will be seeded, as they aim for the group stages on their European bow.

 

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Legia Warsaw face Uefa probe after Champions League clash

Legia Warsaw have announced they are under Uefa investigation for fielding an ineligible player against Celtic in the Champions League.

The Polish side emerged as 6-1 aggregate victors from their two-legged third qualifying round clash but face scrutiny for the involvement of attacker Bartosz Bereszynski.

The 22-year-old came on as an 86th-minute substitute in Wednesday's second leg, at which point Celtic required six goals to reach the play-off round, but was sent off in Legia's final Europa League tie last season against Apollon Limassol and received a three-match ban.

Uefa are now set to determine whether the player should have been suspended for Wednesday's game, with Legia announcing the news in a statement on their website on Thursday.

"The club announces that, in connection with the Champions League third qualifying round second-leg match Celtic FC - Legia Warsaw, Uefa has opened an investigation into the participation of Bartosz Bereszynski," it read.

"The club has prepared relevant information and explanations which will be sent to Uefa today. The result of the investigation will be announced immediately after its completion."

 

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Chelsea hero Drogba is as dangerous as ever, warns Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry is adamant that Didier Drogba will still prove "a nightmare" for Premier League defenders after his return to Stamford Bridge.

Two years after winning the Champions League and departing the Blues, the Ivorian signed a one-year contract in July following his exit from Galatasaray and his captain says that he is as dangerous an opponent as ever.

Though Drogba is now 36, Terry sees him as a huge asset to the club, both on the pitch and in the dressing room as an influence for Jose Mourinho's younger players.

"Didier's still the same. He's been a nightmare to play against in training. He's still physically strong, sharp and hungry as well," Terry told Chelsea's official website.

"It's important Didier is here because he brings that mentality of wanting to win every day and that rubs off on people like Kurt Zouma and the other young players he's playing against."

It has been a transfer window of great change for Chelsea, who - in addition to Drogba and Diego Costa - have recruited Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis.

Meanwhile, long-serving players Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have moved on, with the latter set to play for Manchester City on loan after joining affiliate Major League Soccer franchise New York City, but, while Terry is saddened by the departures of the iconic pair, he feels that fans should be excited by the club's future.

"It just doesn't seem right to see them [Cole and Lampard] in different shirts," the skipper admitted. "The club are evolving. One day we'll all be gone.

"It's time for these players to continue to keep winning trophies for this club and keep the fans and owner happy.

"If I was a Chelsea fan I'd be impressed from what I have seen so far from Diego [Costa], Cesc [Fabregas], Filipe [Luis] and all the boys that have come in like Kurt as well."

 

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Reina passes Bayern Munich medical

Pepe Reina is set to complete his move to Bayern Munich on Friday after passing a medical on Thursday.

The Bundesliga champions agreed a fee with Liverpool for the Spain goalkeeper earlier this week and he has come through the necessary medical checks.

Reina is now poised to move to the Allianz Arena to link up with head coach Pep Guardiola, with whom he played during his time at Barcelona, after Bayern confirmed via Twitter that he will sign his contract tomorrow.

Reina joined Liverpool in July 2005 and won the FA and League Cup during his time at Anfield.

However, he spent last term on loan at Serie A outfit Napoli and, with Simon Mignolet established as first choice at the Merseyside club, his chances of regular football under Brendan Rodgers appeared bleak.

Reina is expected to be the understudy to Bayern's regular No.1 Manuel Neuer at the Allianz Arena.

 

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Barcelona have made Mascherano feel important - Benitez

Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has conceded that Javier Mascherano is unlikely to leave Barcelona as the club have "made him feel important" again.

The Argentina international was heavily linked with a move to the San Paolo earlier this year as Benitez sought a reunion with an important player from his Liverpool days.

However, the 30-year-old signed a contract extension with the Catalans at the beginning of July to pledge his future to the club, and Benitez admits he is unlikely to leave after being made to feel valued under new boss Luis Enrique.

"He has two years left on his contract. They know he is an important player, they talked to him and made him feel more important," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"We must continue to work with these players and see if we can improve what we have."

Napoli have also been monitoring Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who is believed to be surplus to requirements under new manager Louis van Gaal.

Benitez, however, refused to be drawn on whether a bid for the Belgian could be imminent.

"Fellaini? He has a contract with Manchester United, so we're thinking about the players we have," he added.

 

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Landon Donovan announces retirement at end of 2014 MLS season

All-time MLS and USA national team top scorer Landon Donovan has announced he will retire at the end of the 2014 season.

The forward, who has spent part of his career with Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Everton, has played more than 400 club games - most of them with San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy - and won 156 senior caps for his country.

With five MLS Cups and three World Cup finals appearances to his name, the 32-year-old will wrap up what arguably is the greatest career in the history of American soccer after confirming he will quit the game at the end of the campaign.

"After careful deliberation and many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last year as a professional soccer player," Donovan said in a news release.

"It has been more than anything I could have dreamed of to represent the LA Galaxy, the San Jose Earthquakes, Everton, US Soccer and Major League Soccer throughout my career. There are so many people I want to thank who have inspired me, guided me and helped me on this incredible journey.

"I simply could not have accomplished what I did during my playing career without an overwhelming amount of support from my family, my friends and many others. I plan to express my gratitude to everyone in a more detailed manner at a later date; however, for now, I want to single out the fans. You are the lifeblood of this sport and, without you, none of us would be fortunate to call ourselves professional soccer players in MLS."

Donovan, the all-time top goalscorer for USA with 57 strikes, was surprisingly overlooked for this summer's World Cup finals by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

In addition to his domestic titles, the attacker has won four Gold Cups at international level and was part of the USA side which finished runners-up at the Confederations Cup in 2009.

 

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Blind is on his way out, says Ajax coach

Ajax youth coach Richard Witschge expects Daley Blind to leave the Dutch champions this summer after he was instructed to train on his own.

The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United following Louis van Gaal's appointment, with the club keen to add another left-sided player to the squad following Patrice Evra's departure and doubts over the fitness of Luke Shaw.

Barcelona have also been credited with an interest as Luis Enrique aims to bolster his defensive options following the retirement of Carles Puyol and a proposed shift in formation.

And now Witschge has revealed that Blind is not taking part in training with the rest of the Ajax squad and suspects that the 24-year-old is keeping himself protected so as not to obstruct any transfer away from Amsterdam.

"I think Daley Blind will be leaving soon. I have a feeling," the youth coach told Heldenonline. "He has been training by himself. I think he has done that because there's something going on."

According to Ajax, Blind took part in sprint drills on Thursday – having recently joined the squad ahead of schedule after his exploits at the World Cup – with Nick Viergever the only player to train away from the main group.

Blind excelled in Brazil under Van Gaal, notably producing two assists in Oranje's opening-game demolition of Spain, and has previously acknowledged speculation linking him with a move to United.

"All the attention is a very big thing now," he said in June, "but I try not to think about it too much and will keep my feet on the ground.

"The link with Manchester United is easily made because Robin [van Persie] is playing there and Van Gaal takes over next season."

Blind, whose current deal at the Amsterdam Arena expires in June 2016, has attracted interest from several clubs, according to his agent, Rob Jansen.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blind wa ganna puluwan unoth patta​