..::Football III::..

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    Menez: I joined Milan for silverware

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    Jeremy Menez has voiced his delight with AC Milan's 3-1 win over Lazio and believes Sunday's victory is a good start on the way to silverware.

    Filippo Inzaghi's men began the 2014-15 campaign in fine fashion as goals from Keisuke Honda, Sulley Muntari and Menez helped them to the full three points in Serie A's opening weekend and the Frenchman is full of ambition for this season.

    "I am happy with this victory, we needed it to start well. I have joined Milan to win something," Menez, who joined San Siro from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, told the official Milan website.

    "This side suffered last year and deserved this win. It is nice to see the coach happy, we all work together at Milanello. If we stay on this path we can achieve good things.

    "We’re working really hard and like I said we are a good group and can do well. However, it is the first of a long season and there is a lot of work to do."

    Milan resume Serie A action after the international break away against Parma.
     

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    Official: Bayern confirm Green exit

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    Bayern Munich have confirmed that promising youngster Julian Green has left the club for Hamburg on a one-year loan deal.

    HSV were keen to add some fresh blood to their squad before the end of the transfer window following their disappointing start to the 2014-15 season and they have now brought in the 19-year-old Green on deadline day.

    Green came through the ranks of the Bayern and made his official first-team debut in last season's Champions League win over CSKA Moscow in November 2013.

    The USA international, who scored once at the 2014 World Cup, was unlikely to get much playing time this season due to the stiff competition for places, however, and has therefore been shipped out on loan in order to gain valuable first team experience.

    The versatile attacker has a contract with Bayern Munich that will keep him at the club until June 2017.
     

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    Rodgers backs Liverpool trio to shine for England

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    Brendan Rodgers expects Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson to be influential figures for England in the coming years.

    The trio impressed on Sunday as Liverpool bounced back from a 3-1 defeat to champions Manchester City by easing to a 3-0 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

    Sterling opened the scoring inside eight minutes following good work from Sturridge and Henderson, and all three players earned praise from their manager after the game, with Rodgers believing England boss Roy Hodgson will benefit from their continued development.

    "These are boys that are playing in a top league, with a top club and are showing great awareness, work rate and energy," he told reporters.

    "They are showing they can play in different systems as well, so they'll be key over the coming years for Roy."

    Henderson has blossomed into one of Liverpool's most valuable players since Rodgers' arrival at Anfield in 2012, forming a strong partnership with former England captain Steven Gerrard in central midfield.

    "He's certainly taken on those leadership qualities - you can see his complete stature on the field," Rodgers added. "Other than Steven, he's played the most games since I've come into the club, so I obviously rate his talent very highly."
     

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    Rabiot could join Roma, confirm PSG

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    Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has confirmed that Adrien Rabiot could leave the club for Roma on transfer deadline day.

    The young midfielder, 19, has long been linked with a move away from PSG following his refusal to sign a contract extension, with clubs such as Arsenal, Juventus and AC Milan all closely monitoring his situation.

    However, Roma appear to be sitting in pole position to lure Rabiot away from the Parc des Princes.

    "We want to think about it for a few more hours, but it's possible that Adrien leaves PSG for Roma," Al-Khelaifi told L'Equipe.

    "If the offer they presented us with is still on the table then who knows?"

    Rabiot came through the ranks of the PSG youth academy and made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in August 2012.

    He has since been unable to develop into an undisputed starter due to the stiff competition for places in midfield, though, and has therefore set his sights on a move elsewhere.

    The youngster's existing deal with PSG is due to expire in the summer of 2015.
     

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    Pique: Barcelona deserved bigger win

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    Gerard Pique believes Barcelona could have beaten Villarreal by a bigger margin in Sunday's La Liga encounter at the Madrigal after they had to settle for a 1-0 victory.

    The Catalans created a number of chances to prematurely decide the match, yet only Sandro found the net after 82 minutes of play to help them to a vital away-win.

    "We played intense football and deserved to score more goals," the defender was quoted as saying on the official Barcelona website.

    "To start the league with six points from two games without conceding a goal is unbeatable. We’re all very optimistic about this Barca team."

    Pique then went on to thank Luis Enrique for the faith shown in him and stressed that he's feeling comfortable in the new coach's formation.

    "I have to thank the coach for seeing that I’m offering one hundred per cent in training, because that’s our job.

    "We defenders feel comfortable when we play deep because when the opposition come at you, you’re better positioned."

    Barcelona sit top of the table after two matchdays with six points.
     

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    :shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked:Manchester United agree loan for Monaco star Radamel Falcao

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    Manchester United have agreed a season-long loan deal with Monaco for striker Radamel Falcao. according to Sky sources.A plane is expected to come into Manchester airport at 4.50pm this afternoon from Nice and our sources expect Falcao to be on board as he heads for talks and a medical at Old Trafford.

    The last 24 hours have seen the Colombia international linked with a host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Manchester City as well as European champions Real Madrid.Real appeared to be favourites to sign Falcao after he tweeted "Hello Madrid" on Saturday – only to delete it not long afterwards, but United now look to have won the race to sign the 28-year-old.

    The arrival of Falcao may see Javier Hernandez or Danny Welbeck leave Old Trafford as United manager Louis van Gaal makes space in his squad.Hernandez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and Welbeck is reported to be wanted by a number of Premier League clubs with Sunderland, Arsenal, Tottenham and Hull City all interested.
     

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    Xabi Alonso: I want the Champions League with Bayern

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    Xabi Alonso has set his sights on winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich, after previously lifting the trophy with Liverpool and Real Madrid.

    The former Spain international signed a two-year deal with Bayern last week, joining from Real Madrid, and made his debut for the club in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Schalke.

    The 32-year-old says he is desperate to go all the way in European club football's elite competition again before he hands up his boots.

    "It would be a dream come true to win the Champions League with a third team," the experienced midfielder said at a press conference.

    Alonso added he is happy to join the Bavarian giants this summer and was delighted to make his debut against Schalke.

    "I was very excited to make my Bayern debut and really enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that I started right away, but it was a decent debut.

    "It is an honour and a privilege to be here in Munich. I immediately got on a plane when the clubs reached an agreement.

    "Over in Spain, football fans are getting interested in the Bundesliga more and more. The league is getting stronger and its great to play here. I want to prove something to myself here. It will be a great experience."
     

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    Sunderland hopeful of Coates loan deal

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    Sunderland are close to agreeing a deal to bring Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates to the club, Goal understands.

    The Uruguay international is well down the pecking order at Anfield despite the sale of Daniel Agger to Brondby, with Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure all ahead of him in terms of first-team selection.

    Gus Poyet is hopeful of sealing a season-long loan move for the 23-year-old as he looks to add defensive cover to his squad.

    Coates spent the second half of the 2013-14 season on loan at Nacional as he looked to recover from a knee injury and represented his country at the World Cup in Brazil.

    He has figured just 12 times in the Premier League for Liverpool since joining the club in 2011, scoring his only goal against QPR in March 2012.
     

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    Vermeer leaves Ajax for Feyenoord

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    Feyenoord have announced the signing of Netherlands international Kenneth Vermeer from Ajax for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of €750,000.

    The Eredivisie side previously already secured the services of Warner Hahn for the position between the sticks, while last year's No.1 Erwin Mulder is still under contract at Feyenoord, too.

    They were keen to add another shot stopper to their squad, though, and have now found their man in the 28-year-old Vermeer, who has signed a four-year deal with Feyenoord.

    "A number of clubs showed an interest in signing me, but Feyenoord were the most interesting option for me," the goalkeeper commented on his transfer.

    "Feyenoord are a big club with a loyal fanbase. And Feyenoord are very ambitious. I cannot wait to get started."

    Vermeer came through the ranks of the Ajax youth academy and has made over 100 Eredivisie appearances for the reigning Dutch champions.

    He had lost his starting berth at Ajax to Jasper Cillessen last season.
     

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    Kroos one of the best German players in recent history, says Menotti

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    Former Argentina boss Cesar Menotti believes Toni Kroos is one of the best German players in recent years and has questioned Bayern Munich's decision to sell the playmaker to Real Madrid.

    The Germany international was sold for a fee believed to be in the region of €25 million after Bayern failed to reach an agreement with Kroos over a new contract.

    Menotti, however, feels that the Bundesliga champions should have done everything within their powers to hold on to the 24-year-old.

    "For me, Toni Kroos is one of the best German players in years," Menotti was quoted as saying by Kicker. "The way he touches the ball and makes everything look easy plus his workrate make him very impressive.

    "If I were in charge of Bayern, I would never have let him join Real Madrid."

    Menotti then went on to voice his admiration for Mario Gotze, yet he's less impressed by fellow Germany star Thomas Muller.

    "Gotze is simply unstoppable at times. He is technically brilliant and very intelligent. I don't understand why he didn't start in the World Cup final.

    "Muller? Of course, he is very dangerous and an unorthodox player, but he's not the most technically gifted player. He goes by his instincts."
     

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    Official: Hofmann leaves Dortmund for Mainz

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    Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that attacker Jonas Hofmann has joined Mainz on loan until the end of the season.

    The 22-year-old joined BVB in 2011 from Hoffenheim and had steadily made inroads into Jurgen Klopp's first team over the last couple of seasons.

    However, the return of Shinji Kagawa from Manchester United has left him surplus to requirements and he has moved to Coface Arena until June 2015.

    "It is really important for me to get some match practice at an ambitious club," the Germany Under-21 international said.

    "I'd like to thank Borussia Dortmund, the fans and all my team-mates. My love affair with Borussia Dortmund is far from over."

    Sporting director Michael Zorc added: "Jonas Hofmann has huge potential for future development. We are convinced in Jonas' talent and we have both decided that it makes sense of him to get match practice at the highest level."
     

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    Cleverley negotiates Manchester United exit

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    Tom Cleverley is negotiating a pay-off from Manchester United ahead of a potential transfer deadline day move to Aston Villa.

    Goal understands Cleverley met with Villa assistant and former United midfielder Roy Keane over the weekend, with the Midlands club emerging as the player's preferred destination if he is to leave Old Trafford on Monday.

    Cleverley wants to be compensated for the final 12 months of his €63,000-a-week contract and could receive €1.25 million from the Red Devils, with Villa willing to pay a similar amount to facilitate the move.

    Everton have also registered an interest in the midfielder, but Villa are in pole position to complete a €9.75m deal for the England international.

    Cleverley has made one appearance for United this season, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

    Louis van Gaal continues to overhaul his United midfield with the transfer deadline approaching. Goal understands the club have made a late push for AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong.

    The signing of Netherlands international Daley Blind has also been completed, subject to a medical and personal terms.
     

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    Van Ginkel: I want to emulate Milan's Dutch stars

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    Marco van Ginkel aims to follow in the footsteps of AC Milan legends such as Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Clarence Seedorf as he is set to complete his loan move from Chelsea.

    The Netherlands international underwent a medical with the Serie A outfit on Monday morning ahead of his proposed transfer and he is keen to make a name for himself at the Serie A outfit this season.

    "I am very happy to be here at Milan. They are a big club where many Dutch players have played in the past, some really big names. I am delighted to be here at last," Van Ginkel told Milan Channel.

    "I know Nigel de Jong from the national team. I spoke to him about Milan and he told me some great things about the club. I haven't seen him yet since I got here, but we will meet again soon.

    "I want to become important for Milan. I want to play a lot of games here and get regular playing time. I feel that Milan will give me this possibility in a big league with a strong team.

    "I also spoke with Fernando Torres about Milan. He is a great guy and we will meet again soon."

    Van Ginkel joined Chelsea from Vitesse in the summer of 2013, but a serious knee injury prevented him from making an impact in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
     

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    Mata hails Di Maria & Blind arrivals


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    Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has expressed his excitement at the arrival of new signings Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind at Old Trafford.

    Di Maria completed a Premier League-record €75 million transfer to the Red Devils from Real Madrid last week, while Blind is expected to finalise his switch from Dutch champions Ajax on Monday.

    And Mata is confident the incoming duo, who both starred at the World Cup, will boost a United side still without a win in a competitive game under new boss Louis van Gaal.

    "As you read this, many things are happening before the transfer window expires today," Mata wrote on his personal blog. "Here I would like to welcome Di Maria and Blind to the club.

    "I am sure these two players will give a lot to us and will strengthen the team. We already know what Angel is capable of, his ability and dribbling skills, and Daley has a great touch and is very intelligent, as he showed during the World Cup."

    The Spain international also took the opportunity to praise departing midfielder Shinji Kagawa, who has returned to Borussia Dortmund after a disappointing two-year spell in English football.

    "I would also like to wish all the best to Shinji Kagawa, a fantastic player but especially a great person," Mata added.

    "It's been a pleasure to be his team-mate and I'm sure both Borussia Dortmund and fans everywhere will enjoy his football again."
     

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    Wenger flies to Rome on deadline day to referee charity match

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    Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will spend the final few hours of the transfer window in Rome - refereeing a charity match.

    The Frenchman is flying to the Italian capital to take part in a 'Match For Peace' being held at Stadio Olympico and featuring current stars Andrea Pirlo, Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Gianluigi Buffon as well as legends Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini and Andriy Shevchenko.

    Club sources at the Emirates Stadium insist Wenger's absence will not affect their ability to close any deadline day deals, though they do not anticipate a busy day in terms of arrivals.

    Goal understands, however, that Arsenal have made enquiries for Matija Nastasic, Winston Reid and Ron Vlaar as Wenger looks to secure a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen in the wake of Kostas Manolas' decision to join Roma.

    The Gunners are also on the lookout for a striker and were monitoring Falcao's situation having lost out on Loic Remy to Chelsea, but the Colombian is now set to join Manchester United on a lucrative one-year loan.

    Wenger, however, will be monitoring developments from afar for part of the day at least - and if his mind is elsewhere and he misses a foul, he can always whip out his usual "I did not see the incident" excuse...
     
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