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    Van Persie scores two for Manchester United Under-21s


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    Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is set to continue his recovery from injury by playing for the club's Under-21s side in their trip to Fulham.

    The Netherlands international suffered an ankle injury against Swansea City on February 21 which ruled him out for around two months.

    He made his return to action for the Under 21s in last week's 1-1 draw with Leicester City as he played 62 minutes and claimed an assist for Sean Goss' equaliser.

    He then replaced Wayne Rooney for the final two minutes of the Red Devils' defeat to Everton on Sunday after the England captain received a kick to his knee.

    The 31-year-old will be afforded another chance to prove his fitness at Craven Cottage where he is joined in the squad by the likes of Adnan Januzaj and Tyler Blackett.
     

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    Galliani defends AC Milan's €91.3m losses

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    AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has defended the club’s financial management after announcing that the club lost €91.3 million in 2014.

    The Rossoneri missed out on the Champions League in 2014-15 after finishing in eighth place in the previous Serie A campaign. The poor return on the field led to the sackings of Massimiliano Allegri last January and his successor Clarence Seedorf at the end of the season.Galliani has told the board of directors that the loss in normal for a club which has had to adapt to reduced income.

    “The balance sheet for 2014 conforms to the norms correctly,” he explained. “The loss is of €91.3m but with the usual criteria normally present the loss would have been only €46.6m.

    “Two events contributed to the higher loss, the lack of Champions League football and the different fiscal accounts of Fininvest with Milan.

    “As of 2013, Milan have been alone and cannot count on the tax breaks derived from the controlling company. Even the salary of the former coach until 2016 has been entirely absorbed in the 2014 budget.”As the club’s owners, Fininvest has agreed to stump up for the loss, and Galliani has praised president Silvio Berlusconi for his contribution to Milan despite the recent downturn on the field and in the finances.

    “Fininvest covers all the losses, and it covers them for the small shareholders as well,” he added.

    “No one has ever done more for Milan than Fininvest and I know that when you are winning you think you can always win, but in football you will eventually stop winning and when you lose you will eventually stop losing.

    “Fininvest has the right to manage the club and not co-manage the club with the stakeholders. If ever the club were sold, which is not at all certain, the Silvio Berlusconi era will remain the most successful era ever of this club.”

    The club is currently the subject of fervent takeover speculation, with Thai entrepreneur Bee Taechaubol having visited the city between Sunday and Tuesday in the hope of closing a deal to buy a majority share in the Rossoneri.
    Such a takeover would end 29 years of Berlusconi rule at Milan.
     

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    Terry: I'm not the best defender, Cahill is

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    John Terry does not believe that he is the best English defender, insisting that Chelsea team-mate Gary Cahill is better than he is.

    The duo were both named in the PFA Team of the Year on Sunday and many argue that Terry remains the strongest centre-back in England.

    But the former England captain says that Cahill is the best defender available to national team coach Roy Hodgson, despite Jose Mourinho leaving him out of the Chelsea side at times this season.

    "Gary is a big character. He was obviously disappointed to be left out of the Chelsea side a few months ago but he has come back and taken his chance again," Terry he told reporters.

    "He has been different class and is England's best centre-back. For me, he has been brilliant all season long.

    "The manager has taken him out and stuff but, for me, he has been playing at a very high level. In the big games, he has a lot of experience and he steps up to the plate."
     

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    Southampton optimistic over new Clyne deal

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    Southampton executive director Les Reed is hopeful England full-back Nathaniel Clyne will sign a new contract at the club.


    The former Crystal Palace defender has been linked with a move to Manchester United after another outstanding season which has included international recognition for the first time.

    Goal understands Clyne, whose current deal expires in 2016, would be receptive to a move to Old Trafford but Reed remains confident he will remain with the Saints.

    He told talkSPORT: "We're in constant communication. These contract negotiations are never just one meeting, where everything is done and sorted out.

    "You have to bear in mind, especially with Nathaniel, that we want him to focus on the last few games of the season. That's why you'll get players saying 'let's wait until the end of the season'.

    "That's quite normal and he's very happy. He's managed to force himself into the England squad and is showcasing his talents.

    "I'd be very surprised if there wasn't speculation about him but, at the moment, the signs are good."
     

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    Simeone: Atletico don't deserve criticism

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    Diego Simeone has shrugged off criticism of Atletico Madrid’s recent displays and claimed he is satisfied with their performance in La Liga this season.Despite winning the Spanish top flight last season, Atleti are currently third, nine points adrift of leaders Barcelona with five games to go.

    They were also knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by city rivals Real Madrid with Javier Hernandez grabbing the decisive strike in a 1-0 aggregate win. Simeone’s approach over the two legs was criticised for being too defensive, but the Argentine believes there were mitigating circumstances.

    He said at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the trip to Villarreal: “Criticism doesn’t bother me, in fact I see it as something totally normal. After three successful years it’s understood that you want to be the best. When you get pressure to improve it’s because it’s felt that there is room to improve.

    “We were three minutes away from not losing against Madrid. There are many things to focus on. We conceded with one player less and I understand the criticism. Football is great but we all feel we are right and everything is up for debate, we are all coaches. But it’s the ones who are on the pitch who have to make decisions. This is all a reaction from one negative result.”

    Atletico lost Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, Thibaut Courtois and David Villa from their title-winning side of last season and Simeone believes their departures and the number of players brought in to replace them has stalled their progress.

    He added: “The main difference from last season is that we have 10 new players that have had to adapt but they have helped us be competitive. We won the Supercopa de Espana. In the Champions League we made it through to the last eight and were eliminated in the Copa del Rey by Barca.

    “We’ve competed well. If I was told beforehand that we would go into the last five games with a mathematical possibility of winning the title for the second year in a row, then I’d have taken it. If we were to secure all remaining 15 points, then we’re only three behind last season’s total. It’s our intention to get as close as possible to last year’s total.

    “We’ve taken things bit by bit. We took our time in being able to beat Madrid, after 14 years of being incapable of doing so. We’ve started to forge a competitive team. I always dream of improving, never settling for less than we have. I feel that it was a good decision coming to the club at a time when things weren’t good and I’m indebted to the players, as they are the ones who have helped us achieve what we have."

    The Villarreal game is Simeone’s 200th in charge of Atletico and he highlights the 1-1 draw at Barcelona on the final day of last season – a result which secured the title – as the highlight.

    He said: “To play in front of 90,000 fans as the visiting team, lose Diego Costa and Arda Turan through injury and have the team win the league title was special.”
     

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    Inzaghi demands more from AC Milan players

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    Filippo Inzaghi has accused his AC Milan team of a lack of commitment and has urged them to "play with heart" when they take on Genoa on Wednesday.
    The San Siro side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Udinese on Saturday to stretch their winless streak in Serie A to three games.

    Inzaghi's team still have slight hopes of qualifying for the Europa League next season with six games left to the campaign and Inzaghi maintains his side must be fully committed in their remaining matches.“We have to make up for a bad game against Udinese," he told Milan Channel. "We have the opportunity to do so on Wednesday at San Siro.

    “Every player must give more, I’m angry because the team didn’t give everything against Udinese. As long as there’s hope, we’ll fight until the end.“We have to play with heart and with respect for the fans. We have to give a good response.

    “Genoa are having a great season, they’re a team which can compete with anyone.
    “A lot depends on ourselves, we’ve shown that we can play against anyone. The defeat to Udinese was just a random result, and there will be a reaction.“The nice thing after Saturday is that we can play straight away. We’re all together, and we have a good chance.”
     

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    Garcia: Roma's Champions League hopes hinge on Sassuolo game

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    Rudi Garcia feels Roma must get beat Sassuolo on Wednesday if they are to have a chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

    The team were serious title challengers for much of the campaign but have seen their form stutter in the second half of the campaign and are in danger of losing their place in the top three to Napoli, who sit two points behind them.

    With his side winless in each of their last three games and with only six remaining to the campaign, Garcia insists his team must be more decisive in attack to hold onto a top three spot.

    "At this stage of the season we need character and pride. We'll see where we are come the end of the season," he told reporters. "I don't want any distractions, let's just focus on Sassuolo.

    "We have to avoid gifting the opposition goals like we did in the reverse fixture. We need to be clinical up top."We have to secure three points to achieve our aim of qualifying for the Champions League."

    Garcia attracted criticism for his preparations in the build-up to Saturday's 2-1 loss at Inter while an apparently half-hearted warm-up from Seydou Doumbia filmed by a fan also caught the attention.

    The coach was not amused by the video but said all failings in their preparation are down to him."The footage of Doumbia's warm-up in Milan by a so-called 'fan' doesn't factor in the warm-up during the interval.

    "This is rummaging in the garbage. As for not gathering the team all together in the build-up to a big game, all decisions on that are mine."
     

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    Chicharito's Real Madrid future will be decided at the end of the season - Ancelotti

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    Carlo Ancelotti will not fast-track a decision on the future of Javier Hernandez at Real Madrid despite his impressive recent form.

    Chicharito has grasped his recent opportunity, created by an injury to Karim Benzema, with both hands – netting a late winner as Madrid edged out Atletico 1-0 in the Champions League quarter-finals before scoring twice in Sunday's 4-2 success at Celta Vigo.

    The Mexican, on a season-long loan from Manchester United, has spoken of his delight at playing for the European champions but Ancelotti is willing to wait until the summer before deciding whether to try to keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
    He said at Tuesday’s press conference: "The future of Chicharito will be evaluated at the end of the season.

    "I have liked all year his professionalism and, when he got the chance, he has exploited it. For a coach to have players that are always ready is a positive.
    “Everyone is very happy with Chicharito. I hope it stays that way.”

    Madrid go into the round 34 fixture at home to Almeria on Wednesday two points behind table-toppers Barcelona and Ancelotti concedes his men will have to win all their remaining games to stand any realistic chance of winning La Liga.

    "It's a point in the season where every game is life and death," he added. "We are preparing with this thought. It will, therefore, be a very exciting period."A draw against Almeria will not mean goodbye but it will complicate life. In the Liga we have to win all the games that are left.

    "We have a tough schedule, the games are difficult but we are confident that we can do well. Apart from the injured players, the team is fresh. We can compete in every game, we're not thinking about what Barcelona do.

    "Almeria have changed their style a bit, they play with more possession, faster. All the teams fighting against relegation will play with enthusiasm and desire and we have to take that into account."In addition to Chicharito, Ancelotti also took time to praise James Rodriguez , another summer arrival who has impressed.

    "James has been able to surprise people, he has had a very good season," he said. "I am delighted, because he has helped the team a lot, with great humility.

    "Much depends on the character of the person. They need to adapt very quickly but some need more time, especially young people. They need to get used to the pressure that comes with playing for this team."

    Ancelotti has included teenage prodigy Martin Odegaard in the squad for Wednesday's game and hinted there will also be a place in the starting XI for winger Jese.He confirmed Keylor Navas will start in goal but Gareth Bale and Benzema continue to be sidelined through injury.

    "We believe Bale could be able to play against Sevilla [on Saturday]. On Tuesday and Wednesday he will continue to do individual work. If that goes well he will play in Seville. Karim will start training with the team on Sunday."
     

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    Verratti: Pirlo comparisons an honour

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    Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti feels honoured to be compared to Juventus star Andrea Pirlo and hopes to be his long-term successor in Italy's national side.The 22-year-old is widely regarded as the heir to the experienced playmaker and he admits he has huge admiration for both Pirlo and Barcelona's Andres Iniesta.

    "It would be a huge honour to replace Pirlo," Verratti told the official Uefa website.
    "Andrea has had a great career and he still is a fantastic player who can make a difference in any match.

    "To be considered close to a champion like him is a great honour. I admire players like Iniesta, Pirlo – they are players I've always learned from."I play the way I like to play. I like playing in midfield, and I like it when we come off the pitch and we've won and I've had fun."

    Verratti believes PSG have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in recent years and says the experience of big-game defeats has made them better.
    "This is a team that was put together not long ago, so achieving the results we've had in the past three years means we have been doing well," he said.

    "Even before that we weren't eliminated because we lost; we were eliminated with draws, losing on away goals.

    "But the experience, even losing, has improved us. We are now more ready than ever for big matches."
     

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    Odegaard named in Real Madrid squad for Almeria clash

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    Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Martin Odegaard has been included in the squad for Wednesday's La Liga encounter with Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    The 16-year-old midfielder joined Madrid from Stromsgodset in the January transfer window, but has so far been playing for Madrid Castilla as he adapts to life in the Spanish capital.

    Odegaard could now make his debut for the senior side, though, as he is one of three Castilla players to have been named in the roster for the league match versus Almeria.

    "Odegaard, Mayoral and [Diego] Llorente are in the squad for the match against Almeria and could play," Ancelotti said at a press conference. "Two of those three players will make the bench.

    "We have a tough schedule and we have some difficult games coming up. We are confident we can cope with it, though, because apart from those who are injured, everybody is fresh and feeling well.

    "We need the entire team."

    Odegaard has made eight appearances for Madrid Castilla so far this season, scoring once in the process.
     

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    Mourinho considers Diego Costa gamble

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    Jose Mourinho admits he may gamble on Diego Costa's fitness when Chelsea take on Leicester City on Wednesday.

    The Spain international has not featured for the Blues since the club's 2-1 win over Stoke City on April 4, as he was withdrawn just 11 minutes into his substitute appearance after suffering a recurrence of a troublesome hamstring injury.

    But Mourinho intends to take a full squad to St George's Park, Chelsea's temporary home as they prepare for their clash with Nigel Pearson's side, and says he may risk Costa.

    "I don't know about Diego Costa. I have to think about if it deserves a gamble or if we wait a few more days to be completely sure," he told reporters.

    "If it was a player without an injury history I would play him tomorrow, but because he is a player with a history I have to think about that."

    However, Mourinho does not intend to make too many changes to his starting XI after their 0-0 draw with Arsenal at the weekend.

    "I don't plan to make many changes. I know Leicester played on Saturday and we played on Sunday, but we will try to recover the players as best we can," he said. "We go today to St George's to prepare as best we can.

    "We will leave the young players here to play their cup final against Man City so we don't take them with us. Our squad is very short with the injuries we have and so there is no space for a lot of rotation."
     

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    Lahm 'extremely bitter' after defeat to Dortmund

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    Philipp Lahm admitted he was "extremely bitter" after Bayern Munich lost to Borussia Dortmund on penalties in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

    The game finished 1-1 in normal time and neither side could find a winner in extra-time at the Allianz Arena, meaning spot-kicks were required to decide the winner.

    Bayern missed all four of their penalties, with Lahm slipping as he took his effort, leaving Ilkay Gundogan and Sebastian Kehl to convert and send Dortmund through 2-0.

    "It may happen that you slip one time when taking a penalty but something like this in a semi-final is extremely bitter," he told ARD.

    "We could have decided the game before but didn’t convert our chances. Congratulations to Borussia Dortmund."

    Thomas Muller was also angry that his side did not take advantage of the chances they created and says they should have had a penalty when Marcel Schmelzer handled the ball in the box.

    "We lost our structure for 10 or 15 minutes. Dortmund had some dangerous attacks in that time and scored. We had a good game, but didn’t score.

    "It was a clear penalty for me. We played better than we feel now. The match against Barcelona in the Champions League next week is a different competition, it has nothing to do with the match tonight."
     

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    Mourinho hails Lampard legacy as Chelsea close in on title

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    Jose Mourinho has hailed Frank Lampard's legacy at Chelsea as the club close in on their first Premier League title without their all-time top goalscorer.

    Wins against Leicester on Wednesday and Crystal Palace on Sunday will see the Blues secure their first league crown since 2010 and the manager said his squad has to get accustomed to the 36-year-old's exit.

    "Chelsea lost, at the end of last year, what I consider, for sure, to be one of the five most important players in the history of Chelsea FC: Frank Lampard," Mourinho told reporters. "We lost that player but life goes on. You have to think about the future and to build, and you have to go with that.

    "In Frank Lampard, Chelsea lost a match-winner with a number of goals he scored, a big character, a player without injuries who played every game, a player who beat every record in the Premier League – playing time, number of goals, goals from midfield – an absolutely amazing player. We lost him but life goes on."

    The likes of Petr Cech and Didier Drogba, in his second spell, remain from the last time Chelsea triumphed in the Premier League, but Mourinho is now looking forward to making a new "generation" of title-winners.

    He added: "For those older guys it's nice to belong to two different generations. If we are champions this season then Petr, Didier, John [Terry] and [John-Obi] Mikel will have belonged to two generations of title winners. The same as me. It's nice to belong to the history of a club in different moments, so it's good for these older guys.

    "They're all very experienced, and these guys are special players but we have others coming through. [Branislav]Ivanovic is experienced. [Cesar] Azpilicueta is gaining experience. [Eden] Hazard is here now for three years. [Nemanja] Matic is getting experience. This is a natural process, and the years count for everyone. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is 19 now and has just arrived. But, in five years' time, he will be 24 and experienced."
     

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    Rodgers rues shot-shy Liverpool as Champions League hopes fade

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    Brendan Rodgers lamented a lack of cutting edge from Liverpool after Tuesday's 1-0 loss at Hull City all but ended their Champions League qualification hopes.

    After a goalless draw at West Brom, the Reds again drew a blank as Michael Dawson's 37th-minute header proved decisive to leave Liverpool seven points adrift of fourth place with just four games to play.

    "We didn't look like scoring really," Rodgers told reporters. "We had some good moments and had enough of the ball but never really threatened the goal as much as we'd have liked.

    "We had enough of the game, between the boxes we were okay, but where it counts in that final third we just couldn't make the breakthrough."

    Meanwhile, Steve Bruce believes Hull still have work to do avoid relegation despite the crucial victory.

    "Of course when you play Liverpool you've got to defend well, which we did, and we gave ourselves a chance to put back-to-back victories at this particular stage is crucial," he said.

    "We give ourselves a good chance, but we still need a couple of results. I don't think 34 [points] is enough. We're all delighted, but back to work in the morning."

    Hull host Arsenal, Burnley and Manchester United in the run-in and have a trip to Tottenham in a tricky finish to the season but Bruce insists he never lost faith in this squad.

    "I've never really doubted the character," he added. "We've had a lot to put up with, with injuries and conceding in the last minute - we've lost 10 points, especially before Christmas in that situation.

    "The one thing I've come to know is the vast majority of them are desperate to be in the Premier League and I think that's showed in the last couple of performances."
     

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    Mancini: Podolski will return to Arsenal

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    Roberto Mancini has confirmed Inter will not sign Lukas Podolski on a permanent deal, with the player set to return to Arsenal in the summer.

    The striker joined the club on a six-month loan deal from the Gunners in January and scored his first goal for the Nerazzurri in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Udinese.

    But Mancini, who called for fans to be patient with the Germany international on Monday, has admitted the 29-year-old will not stay beyond the current campaign after an underwhelming spell at San Siro.

    "I’m pleased that Podolski broke his duck, he’s scored a very important goal," he said. "He’ll go back to London at the end of his loan deal, but he’s a true professional."

    Mauro Icardi was also on target for Inter as they edged past the hosts, who went down to nine men after Maurizio Domizzi and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu were both dismissed for receiving two bookable offences.

    "I don’t understand why some of our players started to play around after Udinese went down to nine men," Mancini added. "We’ll need to speak about that, because at times we don’t think. I have good players but we need to stay concentrated at all times. Using your brain is fundamental.

    "We can’t not kill a game like that off, because it only takes a moment to risk losing points. We did better when both teams had 11 players.

    "Udinese are a good side, but I didn’t like the attitude of some players in the second half."
     

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    Guardiola: I've never been so proud of my players

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    Pep Guardiola says Bayern Munich should not feel any shame after they lost to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 75th minute goal cancelled out Robert Lewandowski's opener to take the game into extra-time.

    Both sides failed to find a winner and so a penalty shoot-out ensued, with Dortmund emerging victorious after Bayern missed all four of their spot-kicks, while Ilkay Gundogan and Sebastian Kehl converted for BVB.

    "I am proud of my team. In fact, I have never been this proud of my players," Guardiola told Sky.

    "We played very well. It was the best game we have played against Dortmund since I arrived at Bayern.


    "This is nothing to be ashamed of. We lost a football match. To be ashamed would need something worse.


    "This does not mean anything for the Barcelona game. That is a new match and a new competition."

    Arjen Robben made his return from injury after a month on the sidelines when he came on in the 71st minute, but had to be replaced less than 15 minutes later with a thigh injury, while Robert Lewandowski was also substituted with a head injury.

    "Arjen is injured, Thiago picked up a knock and Lewy needs to go to hospital with a concussion. I don't know if Lewandowski will play against Barcelona," Guardiola concluded.
     

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    PSG want €60m De Bruyne, claims agent

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    The agent of Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has claimed Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing his client - but says he would cost €50-€60 million.

    The 23-year-old has developed into a key player at the Bundesliga side since joining them from Chelsea in January 2014 and has been directly involved in 27 Bundesliga goals this term.

    De Bruyne has recently been linked with Manchester City and Bayern Munich among other clubs, but his representative Patrick De Koster has suggested PSG are sitting in pole position to sign the creative midfielder."PSG are an attractive club. They have prestige and resources," De Koster told TF1.

    "PSG are a club with a lot of ambition and they are one of the teams Kevin would certainly like."It would be a huge boost for PSG's attack if players like Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic get the kind of passes Kevin can play.

    "A player like Kevin is worth €50m to €60m in today's market. Clubs that say they are willing to pay €30m for Kevin are not in touch with reality."De Bruyne has a contract with Wolfsburg until June 2019.
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    Suarez: Barcelona in fine form for Bayern Munich clash

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    Luis Suarez has urged Barcelona to maintain their run of strong performances heading into their Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich.

    Barca beat Getafe 6-0 on Tuesday, with Suarez and Lionel Messi scoring two goals each, while Neymar and Xavi also found the net, to stretch their unbeaten run to 15 games - 14 of which have been victories.

    And the Uruguayan was delighted with his side's display and feels they must match this level when heading into next week's game at Camp Nou against Pep Guardiola's men.

    "We hope we've kept something for the Champions League games. But the important thing is that the team continues this good run," he told reporters.

    “It was a good game in the first 45 minutes, we got the three points and that is the most vital thing.

    "There is a lot of commitment from the team, the fans, and all of us are required to win the important things and face up to the biggest challenges.

    "We’re aware that all of our opponents are going to come looking for the three points. We could have suffered the pressure that Getafe put on us in the reverse match but we showed great desire.”
     

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    :cool:Man United, Chelsea, Barcelona & PSG to compete in USA tour

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    Manchester United and Chelsea will travel to the United States this summer to compete in the pre-season International Champions Cup, where they will meet Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the English clubs have announced.

    The Red Devils won the tournament last summer in the early weeks of Louis van Gaal's tenure at the club, but them and Chelsea will face daunting opposition in Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain this year.

    In a league format featuring 10 teams playing four games each, United will begin the cup on July 17 when they face Mexican side Club America in Seattle.

    A match against Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes, for whom United legend George Best once turned out, follows on July 21 before Van Gaal's men take on the most glamourous games of the tour.

    Barcelona will be their opponents at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on July 25 before PSG meet them at Soldier Field in Chicago four days later.

    Chelsea will open their campaign against New York Red Bulls on July 22, taking on PSG on July 25 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Barca three days later at Washington DC's FedEx Field.

    Jose Mourinho's men will then come home to Stamford Bridge to host Fiorentina in their final game of the cup on August 5.

    "Manchester United has a great history of visiting these US cities, creating memorable experiences for players and fans that date back as far as the 1950s," Richard Arnold, United managing director, said in a statement.

    "Tour 2015, presented by Aon, will allow the team to train at some of the best facilities in the world and play in front of thousands of passionate US supporters at first-class stadiums.

    "After this month's Manchester derby broke records to become the most-watched Premier League match in US cable television history, the club is excited to be returning to the United States at a time when the appetite for football is greater than ever."
     
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