..::Football III::..

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Muller seeks talks over Bayern future

Thomas Muller says he wants to hold talks with Bayern Munich chiefs to clarify his role with the German champions.

The versatile attacker made a total of 51 appearances under coach Pep Guardiola in all competitions last season, but was often overlooked for a starting role, with Mario Manduzkic and Mario Gotze frequently placed ahead in the pecking order.

With Robert Lewandowski set to arrive this summer on a free transfer, talk has grown over a possible sumemr transfer for the Germany international, with Manchester United rumoured to be considering a move.

The 24-year-old has now stated he wants clarification over his role under Guardiola before he considers his options.

"I've reached a point where I want to know, before next season, if I'm a key component of the Bayern XI," he is quoted as saying by Bild.

"And if the club really has a plan for me for the next few years. That's why I am looking to have this conversation.

"I'm not standing before the jump now, but I cannot give any guarantees forever."

Muller is currently preparing for the World Cup with the Germany squad, with Joachim Low's side to face Armenia in their latest pre-tournament friendly on Friday.

 

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Mourinho: Chelsea in the race to sign Fabregas

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Chelsea are in the race to sign Cesc Fabregas, though any move will not materialise until after the World Cup.

The Spain midfielder has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs including former side Arsenal and Manchester United, though it has been reported thatManchester City have tabelled an opening bid of €37 million for the 27-year-old.

And Mourinho says he does not know which English club Fabregas hopes to play his football for in 2014-15, though he is monitoring the situation closely.

"I think he is eager to leave Barcelona and very motivated by the idea of returning to England. I think that is pretty clear," he said at a Yahoo event in Belgium.

"After that, whether he signs for us or someone else is not a question for today, tomorrow or before the World Cup.

"We are interested to see how the situation evolves."

Fabregas' Spain and Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique has admitted that the midfielder has told him he is set to depart Camp Nou for €33 million this summer while Fernando Torres has encouraged him to move to Stamford Bridge.

 

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Liverpool told they must pay €22m for Moreno

Liverpool have been told to stump up €22 million for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno, Goal has learned.

Reports in Spain on Thursday evening suggest that the Reds have already agreed a five-year deal with the Spain Under-21 international.

But they are still to finalise an agreement with the Andalusian club, having already seen a bid of €20m plus attacking midfielder Suso rejected, although the deal is expected to be pushed through imminently.

Sevilla, who won the Europa League and finished fifth in La Liga last season, had been monitoring Suso during his loan at Almeria but were put off by the off-the-field issues which plagued his return to Spain and have no interest in bringing him to the Roman Sanchez Pizjuan.

The Merseysiders had hoped to capitalise on the Spanish club's previous interest in their 20-year-old, who moved to Anfield from Cadiz's youth set-up in 2010 but is yet to establish himself in England.

Goal understands Sevilla also have little interest in Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado, who had been linked as part of a swap deal for Moreno.

The Primera Division outfit are happy with current forwards Carlos Bacca and Kevin Gameiro, and are instead looking for a young striker to play a reserve role rather than an established international like Soldado.

Liverpool have acted quickly in this summer's transfer window, having already wrapped up a deal to bring in England striker Rickie Lambert from Southampton for around €5.5m, which could rise to €11m depending on performances.

Earlier on Thursday they announced an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen's Emre Can, and on the final day of the Premier League season they lodged a €25m bid for Lambert's Saints team-mate Adam Lallana, and have since returned with a final €30m offer.

 

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Barcelona to sign Rakitic for €20m

Barcelona have tied up a €20 million deal to sign Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla.

The 26-year-old was one of the standout performers in La Liga last season as Sevilla finished in fifth place and he helped the Andalusians claim the Europa League crown with victory over Benfica in May.

The former Schalke star's performances caught they eye of many of Europe's elite clubs and his father admitted earlier this week that he had offers from Barca, Real Madrid and Atletico, adding: "We'll decide after the World Cup."

However, Barca have now stolen a march on their two domestic rivals by agreeing a deal ahead of the summer showpiece in Brazil, which starts next week.

New coach Luis Enrique met with sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta for more than two hours on Thursday to discuss transfer plans for the summer and with former Arsenal pair Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song both looking likely to return to the Premier League, Barca have acted fast to push through a deal for Rakitic.

Sevilla coach Unai Emery was resigned to losing the Swiss-born midfielder on Thursday. "I could understand if Rakitic leaves," he told Canal Plus. "In an ideal world, he would stay but I know he has several offers. If he leaves, we'll try and sign another Rakitic."

Rakitic, who is preparing for Croatia's World Cup debut against Brazil, will sign a five-year deal with the Catalan club and his release clause is to be set at €70m.

He is the second Croatian to sign for Barca this summer after the Blaugrana also brought in 17-year-old attacking midfielder Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb.

 

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Spain to receive more than double Brazil and Germany bonuses for World Cup glory

Spain players will get more than double their Brazilian and German counterparts would receive if they retain their crown at this summer's World Cup.

Captain Iker Casillas and vice-captain Xavi have agreed a deal with Jorge Perez, the secretary general of the Spanish football federation, regarding the bonuses the players will receive.

The winning country will receive €27 million, a 37% increase on Fifa's prize money in 2010, and the players will be given 20% more in bonuses than they received four years ago.

Each player and member of the technical staff will be €720,000 richer if they become the first ever country to win the World Cup twice in a row, while Brazil players will each get €330,000 if they win it and the Germans would receive €300,000.

The amount of money has become a controversial subject in Spain, with one politician tweeting: "Spain will pay more than double the Bonus that Germany will for the Football World cup. Are we twice as rich as Germany?"

However, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has defended the sum, telling a press conference:

"We want it all to be entirely transparent. Hopefully we'll win and we can bill the treasury for what we've earned".

While Juan Mata insisted the money is no extra incentive for him.

"Sometimes this subject is used against us, but I play with the same dream that I've had since I was a boy of winning the World Cup. I don't think about anything else. It's not within my control to decide whether it's made public or not."

And Spanish football's governing body insist it is a fair amount, as a spokesman told El Pais:

"We see it as an investment. We share what Fifa pays us with the players."

 

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Wenger & Van Gaal's summer plans to spark record Premier League spend

Transfer spending is expected to reach a record high this summer as the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United aim to topple their Premier League title rivals, according to Deloitte.

Louis van Gaal will oversee a number of arrivals and departures after finally taking the Old Trafford reins, while Arsene Wenger called for a new era at Arsenal after penning a contract extension.

Alan Switzer, Director of the Sports Business Group, also highlighted the possible exodus of Southampton players to title-chasing sides as key to the Premier League's continued financial dominance in football.

"We certainly think there will be a record transfer spend in terms of gross. In terms of money leaving the league, it depends on the nature of the transactions," Switzer, who is also project manager of the Deloitte Annual Review of Football Finance, told Goal.

"With Southampton players potentially going to Liverpool for big sums, there is certainly a good chance we will find the gross level will be a record, with money staying within the league and not going abroad.

"The spending will be right down the league as clubs look to compete for the title and European glory, and not forgetting those who will look to consolidate their positions and avoid relegation. Significant sums of money are most likely going to be spent.

"In terms of the year just passed, it is also likely that the gap between the Premier League and their nearest rival, the Bundesliga, will increase. It's currently €1.8bn (£1.4bn) and approaching €2bn (£1.6bn) so the Premier League clubs have such a financial advantage over their rivals when it comes to buying players from Europe."

Wages continue to rise despite Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations
Van Gaal has outlined his shortlist of desired transfer targets, which includes Southampton and England left-back Luke Shaw - with the club offering him a record-breaking contract for a teenager.

With such high spending anticipated this summer, Switzer believes the increased revenue provided to clubs by broadcast deals are making Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations easier to comply with.

The league's combined revenues exceeded £3 billion last season, just four years since passing £2bn, and Switzler feels the £4bn barrier could be met in just three years' time - further aiding teams against FFP.

Switzer continued: "The next wave of broadcasting rights have started so revenues will exceed to £3.2bn for the season just past. That, combined with the bigger clubs growing their commercial revenues, clearly helps with the break-even calculation.

"Although, it still stands that clubs must control costs. It's not a case of reducing costs, but controlling them better so, absolutely, Uefa's rules are becoming easier to comply with."

"We are in the first year of the current new broadcasting deal, with two to go, so the next big change in value will be in 2016-17. Will revenue reach [the £4bn] landmark by then? I wouldn't be surprised. It certainly wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility.

"Football clubs do not necessarily exist to make money - it's also about success on the pitch - but the [2 per cent profit] margins are too narrow at the moment. We expect the profit margins to jump up significantly when the new TV deals are taken into account."

 

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Hyypia appointed Brighton boss

Sami Hyypia has been appointed Brighton & Hove Albion manager, the Championship club have announced.

The former Liverpool defender cut his managerial teeth at Bayer Leverkusen and replaces Oscar Garcia, who resigned following the club's play-off semi-final defeat to Derby County.

"I am absolutely thrilled by this appointment; Brighton & Hove Albion are an ambitious club and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity,” he told the club's website.

"I've held extensive talks with the chairman Tony Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber. I have looked at the club from top to bottom and I am very impressed by what I've seen at all levels.”

Hyypia retired from playing in 2011 having played more than 700 senior games and says he is relishing the chance to try and get the Seagulls into the Premier League.

He continued: “The chairman is ambitious and for me that is absolutely key. I am now looking forward to the challenge ahead and our aim is to take the club forward to the next level.”

Chairman Tony Bloom added: "We are very excited to have appointed Sami as our new manager. He has already had a distinguished career in the game, having played and managed at the very top.

"As we have said previously we had a wealth of very high calibre applicants. Paul and I undertook an extensive and diligent evaluation of the contenders and Sami was the one who emerged as our number one choice.

"I would like to thank the fans for their patience during this time. I know the fans were keen to see a new manager in place quickly, but it was vital to take our time. I am extremely confident that Sami will be a big success at Brighton, and I am sure the fans will share our delight at his appointment."

 

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Benzema: Real Madrid's potential Suarez signing doesn't worry me

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema says he is not worried by the prospect of his side signing Luis Suarez this summer.

The Santiago Bernabeu side, fresh from winning the Decima, have been strongly linked with a move for the Liverpool forward.

Benzema's position in the Madrid starting line-up would undeniably jeopardised by the Uruguayan's arrival but the France international says he is not in the least bit perturbed.

"I'm not under any special pressure about it [a potential move for Suarez]," Benzema told Marca. "Suarez is a great player and has had a great season. If he comes, he'll be a help."

Indeed, Benzema said he has no intention of leaving Los Blancos any time soon, revealing that he is hoping to secure a contract extension.

"I hope to reach an agreement with Madrid," the 26-year-old stated. "There is no other club like this one.

"Every year I feel better and only think about Real. I'm happy here with my family. My parents go where I go; they come to see me a lot."

Benzema admitted that Madrid were delighted to have finally realised the club's dream of claiming a tenth European Cup but revealed that they are already thinking about winning everything next season.

"I went to Real Madrid to win La Decima," said the forward. "I dreamed all my life about that trophy and I'm very proud.

"I'll never forget it. But football moves on quickly. Luckily, we now have the World Cup, but what we have done will always be in a player's career.

"We want the six titles [next season]. Real Madrid have no choice.

"We have the Club World Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, the European [Super Cup], the league, the Champions League again and the cup [Copa del Rey].

"We have to win it all. And we can, because we are a great team."

However, Benzema argued that coach Carlo Ancelotti, who only arrived in the Spanish capital last summer, has allowed Madrid's stellar squad to realise their full potential.

"[Ancelotti's secret is] staying calm, above all not driving us crazy," the former Olympique Lyonnais ace explained.

"We've always been clear about everything. We've always been tight as a team and then all the talent in the group makes the difference."

 

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Ince rejects Inter switch in favour of Premier League return

Tom Ince has rejected the chance to join Inter as he looks to continue his career in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old former Liverpool trainee recently played in the English top flight with Crystal Palace, making eight appearances and scoring one goal for the Eagles while on loan from Blackpool last season.

The midfielder was heavily tipped to follow in his father Paul's footsteps by moving to Inter but while Ince still harbours ambitions to play in Europe at some point, at present he is looking to continue his development in England.

"After lengthy discussions with my family I have decided that my immediate future in the game lies in the Premier League," the winger told reporters.

"I am flattered to have received such strong interest from several big European clubs. But I believe at this early stage of my career I need to continue my football education in England.

"I would like to thank the clubs overseas for their interest and kindness. I still have ambitions to one day play in Europe.

"I am now looking forward to what lies ahead next season."

The England Under-21 international could join any European outfit for free, however any English club looking to secure his services may have to pay up to €6 million in compensation to Blackpool.

 

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Russia 2-0 Morocco: Capello's men cruise to victory in final World Cup warm-up

Russia rounded off their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco in Moscow on Friday evening.

Fabio Capello criticised his forwards after their profligacy in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Norway and they failed to find the net once again.

However, defender Vasili Berezutski opened the scoring for the hosts just before the half hour and winger Yuri Zhirkov put the game beyond Morocco in the 58th minute.Russia were again without injured captain Roman Shirokov, whose World Cup appears to be in serious doubt and Capello may be left sweating on the fitness of Denis Glushakov, who was withdrawn from the squad and replaced in midfield by Igor Denisov after suffering an injury in the warm-up.

The hosts will now travel to Brazil for the World Cup, where they are likely to face much tougher tests in Group H clashes with South Korea, Belgium and Algeria.

It took 23 minutes for the game's opening chance to arrive, but that almost brought the first goal as Omar El Kaddouri struck the post with a low effort following neat build-up play from the visitors.

That scare seemed to spark Russia into life and they would have taken the lead had Aleksandr Kokorin been able to connect with Zhirkov's deflected delivery across the face of goal.

But the deadlock was then broken in the 29th minute, the hosts going ahead when Berezutski smashed home at the second attempt from a corner following some pinball in the area.

Russia’s advantage would have been doubled a minute before half-time if not for the fine reflexes of Morocco goalkeeper Karim Fegrouche, who produced a fine stop to deny Kokorin on the half-volley.

However, Fegrouche could do nothing to prevent Russia from all but ensuring victory 13 minutes into the second half as Zhirkov found the net in spectacular fashion.

The Dinamo Moscow midfielder met a clearance from a corner with a fierce volley from just outside the area to put Capello's men in complete command.

From there, Russia were able to take their foot off the gas, although the hosts were given a scare when Morocco midfielder Mounir Obbadi drew a fine save from replacement keeper Yuri Lodigin.

But that proved to Morocco's last clear-cut opportunity as Russia easily held on for a win that should give them confidence ahead of their World Cup opener against South Korea on June 17.

 

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Moreno denies that Liverpool deal is in place

Sevilla full-back Alberto Moreno denies that a deal is in place for him to join Liverpool from Sevilla and says that he is still "dedicated" to the club.

The Reds have already had one bid rejected for the Spain international and Goal understands that Brendan Rodgers's side have been told to pay €22 million [£17.8m] for the 21-year-old by the Europa League winners.

Moreno told a press conference that his future is far from clear and that he is happy to stay with Unai Emery's side.

"All I know is that I've been a Sevillista since I was a kid. My future? I do not know about that," he told reporters.

"That's a matter for my father and my agent to deal with. I have four years [left on my contract], I am dedicated to playing [here] and I'm happy."

The Spaniards' Europa League final win over Benfica in Turin means that they will take part in the European Super Cup against Champions League victors Real Madrid in August.

Moreno is looking forward to the match in Cardiff and is hopeful that Ivan Rakitic, who is on the verge of a €20m [£16m] move to Barcelona, could yet be alongside him in the line-up.

"Hopefully I can play in that match and win such a big title, particularly against Real Madrid, and hopefully Rakitic will be there with us, who's a great person and team-mate," he enthused.

"As soon as we return to training on July 7 we will start preparing for the match."

 

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Athletic Bilbao confirm new Laporte contract

Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that Aymeric Laporte has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The France Under-21 international's buyout clause has been increased to €42 million from €36m in the new deal - with the centre-back recently linked with European giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

His previous buyout clause was the greatest obstacle to any move from either club for the defender, but the 20-year-old has always said he wants to continue at Los Leones.

Laporte has spent his entire senior career at Bilbao or its reserve or feeder clubs, breaking into the first-team in 2012.

He has since made 50 league appearances for the Basque side - who will be playing in the Champions League next season, pending qualification - scoring two goals.

 

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Martinez will turn to loan market once again to bolster his Everton squad

Roberto Martinez has underlined his intention to make further use of the loan market next season as Everton look to break into the top four.

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry all impressed on temporary deals at Goodison Park during the 2013-14 campaign as Everton finished fifth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of a Champions League place.

As they aim to go one better next term - but with a relatively modest budget compared to the teams around them - Martinez knows borrowing players will be crucial for Everton's success.

"The loan market will be important again," he told Everton's official website.

"I have always felt loans are a real need in our squad, and we welcome that.

"You look back at the last experience we had with loans - [it] was very, very significant in what they [the players] brought into the squad.

"Every time we bring a loan player in we treat him like our own, like one of us, and allow him to enjoy his football and create unique memories.

"It is fair to say we have done that with all of our players in bigger and lesser amounts.

"I am sure the time they had with Everton will be there for the rest of their careers and the rest of their lives.

"The loan market will always be important as a big part of our recruitment."

 

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Liverpool will wait until after the World Cup to seal €30m Lallana deal

Liverpool are ready to wait until after the World Cup to seal a €30 million [£25m] deal for Adam Lallana and want the Southampton star to force through a move to Anfield, Goal understands.

While Liverpool will not improve their take-it-or-leave-it bid, they have assured Lallana privately that he remains their top target for the summer and they are prepared to wait until after the World Cup to land their man.

Lallana, 26, is desperate to join Liverpool and is expected to submit a formal transfer request when he returns from Brazil, having already told Southampton of his desire to move to Merseyside and play in the Champions League.

He may even refuse to take part in the Saints' pre-season matches if the south coast club refuse to strike a deal with Liverpool, who have made two formal bids, having had their initial £20m offer rejected last month.

But his future will almost certainly now be decided after the World Cup, with Lallana focused on the tournament as England continue their preparations at a training camp in Miami.

Mauricio Pochettino was keen on reuniting with Lallana at Tottenham but the Londoners had no interest in an expensive bidding war, despite the excellent relationship between the pair from their time together at St Mary’s.

Southampton, who have already sold Rickie Lambert to Liverpool, released a statement on Monday confirming they have received ‘multiple offers’ for some of their players but want to wait until they have appointed a new manager before conducting any further transfer business.

The Saints are in a strong negotiating position, with four years remaining on Lallana’s contract, although a 25 per cent sell-on fee is due to Bournemouth, the playmaker’s former club, which has complicated the transfer.

Lallana scored nine goals and provided eight assists for Southampton in the Premier League this season and was rewarded with a place in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

 

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Jardim confirmed as new Monaco coach

Monaco have confirmed that Leonardo Jardim has become their new coach, with the Portuguese signing a three-year deal with the side.

Jardim will begin taking training with his new players, who came second in Ligue 1 in 2013-14, on June 30.

"I am very happy to work at Monaco because it is a great club," the 39-year-old told Monaco TV. I thought very hard about this project and I think we'll do a good job with the whole group.

"AS Monaco is a team with quality players. There are a lot of talented young players. I'll do everything [I can] to bring it forward.

"The first thing [I have to do] is to learn to speak French. I have been taking lessons for a few days. It is a question of respect for the fans, the people of the club and Ligue 1," he added.

Jardim joins Monaco after a successful season with Sporting Lisbon, during which he led them to second place in the Primeira Liga.

 

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Ronaldo: Brazilians will support Portugal at World Cup

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo says Brazilians will support his team as well as ther own at the World Cup.

The Seleccao will aim to win the tournament for the first time this summer in the South American country, and Ronaldo says he is looking forward to playing there.

“To compete in the World Cup in a brother country like Brazil is appealing,” the 29-year-old wrote in a blog for Sportlobster.

“Portugal and Brazil have historical connections and both countries speak the same language. Therefore, I think it will be a fantastic experience and I believe Brazilians will also support us.

The Ballon d'Or winner also went on to discuss his side's chances at the tournament, bearing in mind their tough group game opponents - Germany, Ghana and the United States.

“In my opinion, we have the strongest group of the World Cup, but we should take it one step at a time,” said the forward. “Our goal is obviously to pass the group stage and then we’ll see.

“We arrived in Brazil with hope, but we will also make sure our feet stay firmly on the ground.”

Ronaldo also talked about his pride at captaining his national side.

“It is with enormous pride I represent and captain the Portuguese national team,” he added. “It fills me with pride, satisfaction, pleasure and honour, but it is also a big responsibility.

“It is the country which is at stake and we understand an entire nation – composed of 10 million Portuguese and those living abroad – have their eyes fixed on us.

“I confess there are feelings which don’t change much as the years roll. I continue to shiver as soon as I hear the Portuguese anthem.”

 

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Alex completes move to AC Milan from Paris Saint-Germain

Brazilian defender Alex has completed a summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain to AC Milan, which sees the 31-year-old tied to the Italian side until 2016.

The former Chelsea and PSV defender has joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer following the expiry of his deal with the Ligue 1 champions.

Milan have been looking to add to their ranks following an eighth-place finish in 2013-14 which means they will not appear in European competition next term, and Alex becomes the second new addition following the signing of goalkeeper Michael Agazzi from Chievo.

Alex racked up 92 appearances in his two years with PSG, scoring nine goals. He was a Ligue 1 champion in both seasons, appeared in two Champions League quarter-final ties and won a Coupe de la Ligue and a Trophee des Champions.

The ex-Santos man also won 17 caps for Brazil between 2003 and 2008.

 

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Lambert deal a bargain for Liverpool - McManaman

Steve McManaman believes Liverpool have got a bargain in signing Rickie Lambert from Southampton.The 32-year-old completed a dream move back to Merseyside on Monday, having been released from Anfield as a youngster.

After five prolific years at the Saints, where Lambert's goals helped the south-coast club climb from League One to the top half of the Premier League, the England international joined his boyhood club for a reported €5.5 million [£4.5m] fee.

And former Liverpool winger McManaman thinks Brendan Rodgers has sealed a fine piece of business in capturing the striker."If he can replicate those kind of [goalscoring] figures for Liverpool I think they have got themselves a really shrewd bargain," he told The Mirror."As we know, football isn't about four-year signings or five-year signings, it's about next year.

"It's year to year unfortunately. It's a wonderful opportunity for Rickie."
The transfer represents a significant profit on the €1.2m [£1m] the Saints paid Bristol Rovers to sign Lambert in 2009, a fee he quickly repaid by guiding Southampton back to the top flight.

Lambert netted 106 goals in 207 league games during his time at St Mary's, and easily made the step up to the Premier League, scoring 15 times in his maiden campaign - a tally which made him the joint top-scoring Englishman that year.
Former Anfield captain Jamie Carragher has also praised the move, stating: "I think it's a very good signing. He's a local boy, a Liverpool fan, and it's probably been a dream for him."

 

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Newcastle sign Ayoze Perez from Tenerife

The 20-year-old striker, who scored 16 goals in 34 games in Spain’s Segunda Division last season, has committed to a long-term contract with Alan Pardew’s side.

"I'm very happy to be here to start this new adventure,” Perez told the club’s official website.

"I'm very eager for it to begin and I'm very pleased to play for this magnificent club.

"Any football player would be interested in playing for such a club and I will earn my position to get in the first team."

Perez is Newcastle's first signing of the summer, while reports suggest the side are close to securing a deal for midfielder Jack Colback, who is available on a free transfer after his contract with Sunderland expired.