..::Football III::..

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Yaya Toure open to future Paris Saint-Germain move

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has revealed he would be open to a future move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 30-year-old, who insists he is happy in the Premier League, has scored 14 goals in 29 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini's side his season.

“Everything can be possible. Why not?” Toure told RMC Sport when asked about a potential switch to the Ligue 1 champions.

“In life, you never know. Everything is going well right now at City, but one never knows. When you have great teams like this, where there are already great players, it attracts.

“To be part of an adventure like this, a group like this, it is exceptional. Me, working with great players, it is always my goal. It allows you to improve and learn many things.

“In football, you never stop learning. For me, the PSG is a great club.”

Toure also believes Laurent Blanc’s side have the capability of mounting a significant challenge in the Champions League this term.

“For me, PSG are scary. I have great respect for them too,” Toure said.

“It's a big team. They are a bit like the Man City of France. They have the financial power which enables them to buy great players.

“And they prove that they are in the league above. To be honest, PSG scares me anyway.”

But despite praising Paris Saint-Germain’s progression in Europe, Toure has put Real Madrid as favourites to win the Champions League this season.

“Bayern are a good team. PSG, with what they did at Camp Nou last year, showed that they could be challengers,” Toure continued.

“I see Real Madrid too. It will be tight. But I would say Real.

“And the World Cup, Brazil. They are at home, where they are intractable. Brazil is the favourite.”

 

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Sherwood plots advanced role for Dembele

Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood is eager to make the most of Mousa Dembele's attacking qualities and physical dominance in the final third.

Dembele has featured in 32 of Tottenham's 34 matches this season and the Belgian midfielder has impressed Sherwood, who succeeded Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane last month.

The 26-year-old has scored just four goals in 74 appearances for Spurs, but Sherwood has backed him to improve on that figure and is encouraging him to have a greater influence in attacking areas.

"Mousa's a nightmare to play against because he can drop his shoulder and leave you on your backside," the Spurs boss told the club's official website.

"Opponents can't get the better of him physically either. He's such a strong man; he gets away from players; he's a real top talent.

"We're trying to get him further forward to play in and around the penalty area because he has the capability of creating and perhaps scoring more goals. We're getting him into the areas to achieve that.

"He's very well respected within the group. The lads know the quality he possesses and treat him with the respect he deserves."

Dembele joined Tottenham from Fulham in August 2012, having previously impressed for Willem II and AZ in the Eredivisie.

 

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Robben reiterates desire to remain at Bayern Munich

Arjen Robben says that while he has yet to hold talks with Bayern Munich over a contract extension, he is desperate to stay at the Allianz Arena.

The 29-year-old winger, who scored the winning goal in last season's Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund, will be a free agent in 2015 and has been angling for a new deal.

Robben recently stated that the onus was on Bayern to kick off negotiations but even though he is still waiting to hear from the club, the Netherlands international is confident that an agreement will soon be reached.

"There have been no talks," he told Sport1. "But the intention by both parties is to extend the relationship.

"I am ready at any time. I have always said that I want to stay here for a long time because I'm happy at this club."

Robben, who is hoping to make his return from injury before the end of the month, joined Bayern from Real Madrid for a reported €25 million in 2009.

 

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Simeone urges Atletico Madrid to buy Courtois from Chelsea at 'any price'

Diego Simeone has urged Atletico Madrid to sign Thibaut Courtois on a permanent deal from Chelsea.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper arrived at Stamford Bridge from Genk in July 2011 but has spent the last three seasons on loan with the Liga club.

When asked by Deportes Cuatro TV if Courtois would be worth a €26 million bid, Simeone replied: “Definitely. For me, any price for Courtois would be cheap.

“He is a young guy who has a huge future ahead of him and is on course to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“To secure a goalkeeper of his quality would be a big coup. It will not be easy. It depends what Courtois wants.

"I always talk about football with the club, and the club know what we want, but it isn’t up to us as he is not our player.”

 

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Dante happy at Bayern despite Manchester United links

Bayern Munich defender Dante has backtracked on his suggestion that he could join Manchester United, saying he is "lucky" to be at the Allianz Arena.

The centre-half had told Fox Sport Brasil on Tuesday that he was “happy with Man Utd's interest” and that “a lot can happen in the future.”

Dante's agent, Marcus Marin, promptly played down an imminent move to Old Trafford, telling Goal that neither he or his client had spoken to the reigning Premier League holders – though he did concede that United were interested.

And now the Brazil international has further rejected links with a move away from the German and European champions, saying he would only leave Bayern if forced out by the club.

“Only if Bayern says 'go away now' will I take my bag and leave,” Dante told Sport1. "I have everything a player dreams of at Bayern. I am very lucky.”

Dante's agent, though, suggested that he would be open to a move to the Premier League and, with his contract with Bayern yet to be renewed, is keen to showcase his talent to an English audience.

“We have not found a solution [with Bayern], so we are still in the race, but England is very interesting, Manchester United are a big club so you never know,” Marin told Goal on Tuesday.

“Next month [Bayern] play in the next round of the Champions League against Arsenal and it is a good way to present himself in England. In the last game [in England] he played very well so yeah, we will see.”

 

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Anelka defends 'quenelle' and asks for FA charges to be dropped

West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka has once again defended his controversial 'quenelle' gesture and asked for the FA charges against him to be dropped.

The Frenchman was charged on Tuesday and has until January 23 to respond to the FA's allegation that his gesture “included a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief”.

Anelka, though, remains adamant that there were no anti-Semitic connotations to his goalscoring celebration against West Ham at the end of December, and has cited prominent Jewish leader Roger Cukierman in his defence.

Cukierman, president of the Representative Council of the Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) and vice-president of the World Jewish Congress, had earlier described the action as a “gesture of rebellion” and labelled the FA charge as “severe”.

Anelka believes Cukierman's appraisal should be taken into consideration and "asks the English FA to kindly remove the charges alleged" against him, reiterating that he is "not anti-Semitic or racist".

The full Facebook statement reads: “The English Football Association has hired an expert to decide the meaning of my quenelle.

“It has concluded that my gesture was an anti-Semitic connotation, which led to my indictment by the FA.

“It would have been legitimate if this expert had been French, living in France, and have an accurate knowledge of my actions.

“What better expert than Mr. Cukierman, president of CRIF, which explains very clearly that my quenelle could not be regarded as anti-Semitic!

“He also explained precisely when and where the gesture could have such a connotation.

“I therefore ask the English FA to kindly remove the charges alleged against me. And I repeat, I am not anti-Semitic or racist.”

 

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Man Utd reject fresh Chelsea approach for Rooney

Manchester United have rejected a fresh approach from Chelsea to sign Wayne Rooney.

The Londoners made a new move to capture England’s talisman earlier this month but the Premier League champions dismissed it out of hand.

Chelsea’s latest attempt to land Rooney comes as United step up their attempt to prise €49 million-rated Juan Mata from Stamford Bridge.
Goal understands that the Europa League champions have told United officials they are willing to pay €36.5m for Rooney in the January window.

Jose Mourinho’s team submitted two offers for Rooney last summer after being told that the 28-year-old wanted to move to Stamford Bridge, with the second believed to be around the €30.5m mark.

Chelsea’s renewed attempt to capture England’s talisman is the latest twist in their lengthy pursuit of the player. It is understood the approach was made before they beat United 3-1 last Sunday, when Samuel Eto’o scored a hat-trick.

Privately, United are adamant that they will not sell Rooney this month to Chelsea, who they regard as rivals for a Champions League place, or any other club.

But David Moyes’ side are struggling to hold on to a player who has rejected all attempts from the Premier League champions to sit down for talks about extending his €305,000-a-week contract, which expires in 18 months.

Rooney has been one of United’s few shining lights in what has been a disastrous season but he is believed to be keen to seek a fresh challenge at an established Champions League club, where his status as the team’s principal centre-forward would be unquestioned.

Rooney’s disillusionment at occasionally being played out of position by Sir Alex Ferguson last season has also only partly been rectified by being consistently handed the No.10 role under David Moyes.

He has not spoken publicly about his future since last October, when he offered only a flicker of encouragement to United that he would sign a new deal.

Asked directly if he would like to stay at United, Rooney said: "You can see I'm playing and I'm happy in my football. I'll have more discussions with the club and we'll see what happens from there."

Privately, Rooney has provided no assurances to his employers and there is a sense among senior United officials that the forward’s agent Paul Stretford is using the uncertainty as leverage to engineer a transfer.

In addition to the strong interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all believed to be closely monitoring the striker’s situation.

United would prefer to sell Rooney abroad than to another English club, but it is believed that the player’s preference is to remain in the Premier League, with Chelsea his current favoured destination.

Mata’s increasingly likely sale to United this month will free up the cash for Chelsea to afford Rooney within the parameters of financial fair play.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Snub Arsenal, Schalke CEO urges Draxler

Schalke CEO Clemens Tonnies has urged Julian Draxler to snub Arsenal in favour of a prolonged stay at the Bundesliga outfit.

The Premier League giants are keen to lure the 20-year-old away from his current club either this winter or at the end of the season, but Schalke remain hopeful that Draxler will commit his future to the Gelsenkirchen side.

"I am of the opinion that Julian should play for Schalke next season. That's my personal advise to him," Tonnies told Sport Bild.

"He should not let the interest from abroad play with his head. It's best for his development when he can play without much pressure and with a clear mind.

"Looking back, at the start of the season he was under a lot of pressure then and the exact same thing will happen again if he moves.

"There are a number of big clubs after him, but we have no intention of selling him this winter. Even if we do not qualify for next year's Champions League, that doesn't mean we will have to sell Julian."

Draxler has a contract with Schalke until June 2018, but his current deal contains a €45.5 million release clause.

 

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I built current Man City team, claims Mancini

Roberto Mancini says he is happy to see his former side Manchester City doing well and claims he built their current team.

The Italian, now coach of Galatasaray, spent four years at the Etihad Stadium guiding the side to a Premier League title in 2012 and the FA Cup in 2011.

Mancini was sacked as City boss in May 2013, to be replaced by Manuel Pellegrini, but says his impact at the club can still be seen.

"I'm happy that Manchester City are one of the best teams in England because I built this team," he told BBC Sport.

"The players that score the goals are players that I bought - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri."

Manchester City’s top scorer this season is currently Alvaro Negredo, with 23 goals, a player signed in the summer by Pellegrini along with Jesus Navas, Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic.

Mancini says he feels Pellegrini is doing well at Manchester City and feels the only reason he did not win the title last season was because Manchester United signed Robin van Persie.

"I think Pellegrini is doing a good job but what is happening now at Manchester City, we did three years ago. It's the same," he added.

"I'm very happy about what I did in Manchester, I love the Manchester City supporters and I had a fantastic experience.

"After four or five years, maybe the manager needs to change team. I did my job, I built a fantastic team, we played fantastic football and we didn't win last year only because Manchester United bought Robin van Persie.

"He was the difference, if not I think that would have changed the history in Manchester over the last three years. We played really good football and now they are continuing to do this."

 

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Casillas: Ronaldo a born winner

Iker Casillas branded Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo a "born winner" in the wake of the Santiago Bernabeu side's 1-0 Copa del Rey win over Espanyol on Tuesday.

The Portugal international failed to find the net in the first leg of the quarter-final tie, yet Casillas was quick to stress that the 2013 Fifa Ballon d'Or winner is Madrid's undisputed star player.

"He's a born winner and always wants more and to score more goals," Casillas was quoted as saying by the official Madrid website.

"Even though he didn’t score Tuesday, the whole team knows that he is important for us and will work hard to help the team in the second leg. I’m sure that he’ll score.

"He is a cornerstone of this Real Madrid team."

Casillas then went on to discuss his future at los Blancos and insisted that he is not thinking about a transfer for now, despite being behind Diego Lopez in the pecking order for La Liga games.

"I see myself at Real Madrid next season," the club captain added. "I am not planning my departure. I am only thinking about enjoying myself at Madrid."

The 32-year-old has a contract with the Liga giants until June 2017.

 

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Vidal: I am best centre-midfielder in the world

Juventus star Arturo Vidal believes that he is the best player in the world in his position as no other centre-midfielder impacts so effectively in attack and defence.

The 26-year-old missed out on a spot in the 2013 FifPro World XI at this month's Fifa gala in Zurich, yet he feels there's no other centre midfielder playing at his level at the moment.

"I am the best player in the world in my position. That's simply the way it is for me," the Chile international was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"There are a lot of players out there in my position who try and play just like me and want to copy my style of play.

"But it's quite clear for me that I'm the best in my role. Nobody puts in as much defensive work as I do and then scores a lot of goals on top of it as well."

Vidal joined Juventus from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2011 and has since developed into one of the Bianconeri's undisputed star players.

He has scored 15 goals in 28 appearances so far this season.

 

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Copa Del Rey 2014.01.23 Fixture

Copa Del Rey 2014.01.23 Fixture

Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Bilbao​

 

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Coppa Italia 2014.01.23 Fixture

Coppa Italia 2014.01.23 Fixture

Fiorentina Vs Siena​

 

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Wenger attends Barcelona clash with Levante

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was in attendance at Barcelona's Copa Del Rey clash with Levante on Wednesday night.

The Gunners look set to miss out on their top transfer targets, prompting Wenger to look elsewhere with little over week remaining of the January window.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal la Draxler wa miss karaganna 1kanam aparade broTikak try kalanam ganna bari wenne naha

 

[Wolverine GTR]

defender kenek aran polgannada....

Rio end of the season retire wenawa kiyala thiyanawa machanSo 1kata replacement 1kakata wenna puluwan Dante wa try karanne

Habai tikak Old(30Y).

 

[unicornx]

Rio end of the season retire wenawa kiyala thiyanawa machanSo 1kata replacement 1kakata wenna puluwan Dante wa try karanne

Habai tikak Old(30Y).

Ferdinand and possiblly evra might leave. Don't expect dante to come to Man utd Coentraowa hoyanneth oka nisa wennati. habai dan eyaata wada one hoda AMF and Striker kenek. Mata + hoda right footed strker kenek gattanan patta

 

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Bastos: Garcia key to Roma move

Michel Bastos says playing for Rudi Garcia was a key factor in his decision to join Roma.The Brazilian winger joined the capital club on loan from Al-Ain for the rest of the season this week and will link up with coach Garcia once again after playing under the Frenchman at Lille.

Roma have the option of signing the 30-year-old on a permanent basis when his temporary deal ends and Bastos hopes to extend his stay at the Stadio Olimpico.
"I've stayed in touch with Garcia ever since I left Lille." Bastos said at a press conference on Thursday.

"He was an important person for me who helped me a lot."Garcia being here did influence my choice - that and the fact that Roma is a great club. I want to stay here for several years."

Bastos is willing to be versatile as he attempts to help Roma build on a promising season so far.He added: "My position? I can play full-back, in midfield or attack. I want to play football and win with this team.

"I'm here to help my new team. I don't know where I'll play - that's up to the coach to decide"I'm working hard to get fully fit again as soon as possible. I think it will take another 10 days or so."

 

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Ballon d'Or a bad moment for Ribery - Muller

Thomas Muller says Bayern Munich team-mate Franck Ribery will not allow his Ballon d'Or snub to destory his form.

Ribery was one of the front-runners to win the award alongside Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo after a successful year with Bayern.

However, the Frenchman ended up losing out on the individual accolade to the Portuguese, but Muller insists it will not affect the former Marseille man's performances in 2014.

"I don't see any positive or negative effects," he told AZ. "It was a bad moment for him - he had hopes that were dashed.

"But he will build on his good performances and show everyone what we can do. He's on the ball as always."

Bayern return to domestic action against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday following the winter break.

The Bavarians have a sizeable lead at the top of the Bundesliga, leading second-placed Bayer Leverkusen by seven points but suffered a surprise 3-0 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg in a friendly encounter last weekend.

Muller says Pep Guardiola's men have to hit the ground running against Gladbach.

"We have to get out of a holiday mood," he said. "We want to show that we are there from the beginning.

"Our goal must be that we get the Bundesliga trophy quickly. Now we need to develop the competitive spirit that has made us strong.

"Gladbach are good going forward. They have strong, simple players who work well together. They have a good coach, a good stadium, good fans. It was never easy for us. It won't be a walk in the park."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United agree to Cardiff loan move for Zaha

Wilfried Zaha is set to join Cardiff on loan with Manchester United ready to grant the winger his wish to leave Old Trafford.

Zaha stormed out of training last week after he was told that the champions would not sanction a temporary move, but Ashley Young's return to fitness and the imminent arrival of Juan Mata has seen Old Trafford officials reconsider.

The 21-year-old, who joined the club from Crystal Palace for £17 million in the summer, is desperate for playing time after seeing his career stall in Manchester this season.

Sources at United have indicated that there are concerns over the youngster's attitude and development since his arrival at the club, with relations having been left strained after the altercation over a loan move being vetoed last week.

However, with Young having recovered from a shoulder injury and Mata expected to complete his £37 million deal with United on Thursday, United officials are satisfied that the squad has enough strength in midfield to allow Zaha a move until the end of the season.

The England U-21 international has not yet undergone a medical ahead of the move to South Wales, but went for a scan on a toe injury at Manchester's private Bridgewater Hospital on Wednesday.

Newcastle had previously been in pole position to land Zaha but new Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has looked to use his United connections to secure one of the brightest young talents in English football.

Moyes has gone on record to suggest that a loan deal would suit Zaha’s development and benefit United in the long run.

Zaha has made just four senior appearances for the Premier League champions, and his only two league appearances have been as a substitute.