..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus reject €80m Pogba offer from Barcelona

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club have rejected an €80 million bid from Barcelona for Paul Pogba.

On Wednesday, Barcelona directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew to Italy for a meeting with Marotta and Bianconeri sporting director Fabio Paratici before making their opening offer.

"Barcelona offered us €80m for Pogba but we don't want to sell him," Marotta told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pogba has emerged as Barcelona’s primary transfer target this summer, despite the club being banned from signing new players until January 2016.

With the Camp Nou presidential elections taking place in just over two weeks, all the candidates – including current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu and former chief Joan Laporta – want to buy Pogba now and register him for the start of the 2016-17 season.

Having already sold Carlos Tevez to Boca Juniors and with Andrea Pirlo set to depart to New York City FC, Juventus are unwilling to lose another key player - although they could be more open to selling next summer should Barcelona increase their offer to €100m.

Pogba joined Juventus in 2012 on a Bosman transfer from Manchester United and has developed into one of the world's most sought-after players.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Miranda completes Inter switch

Inter have completed the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Miranda.The Brazil international, who has recently returned from the Copa America in Chile, jetted into Milan for his medical on Tuesday.

He becomes Inter's latest big name addition following the signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco last week.

Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini is busy reshaping his squad after his side finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season.

In Miranda, Inter are signing a centre-back with a proven pedigree, with the defender having won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League during his time in the Spanish capital.

Reports in Italy suggest the move will technically be a loan for the first two seasons, with Inter obliged to make the transfer pemanent in 2017. The total cost of the deal is said to be around €12.5 million, with the bulk of that payable two years from now.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Holtby seals permanent move to Hamburg

Tottenham have confirmed midfielder Lewis Holtby has agreed a permanent move to Hamburg, where he spent last season on loan.

The former Germany Under-21 captain struggled to establish himself at White Hart Lane following his €2.1 million move from Schalke in January 2013.

He made 25 Premier League appearances, all but one coming under Andre Villas-Boas, and scored just one goal away to Fulham, who he later joined on loan in January 2014.

Holtby was unable to help the Cottagers avoid the drop and swapped one relegation battle for another in the 2014-15 campaign, with HSV spending most of last season fighting for survival.

Hamburg finished the season in 16th place and required a 3-2 aggregate play-off victory over second division Karlsruher to retain their top-flight status.

Holtby failed to score in 22 Bundesliga appearances last season but registered two assists, with only Nicolai Muller (4) and Artjoms Rudnevs (3) creating more in a disappointing campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gundogan signs new Dortmund contract

Ilkay Gundogan has signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund that will keep at Signal Iduna Park until 2017, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.

The German midfielder was expected to move clubs this summer, chased by the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but has extended his stay by an additional year.

"I am glad that we finally have clarity [on my future] and I can continue playing for Borussia Dortmund. I am now fully focused on preparations for the new season," Gundogan told the club's official website.

Sporting director Michael Zorc added: "We are pleased that Ilkay will continue to play for Borussia Dortmund. I am convinced that he will help BVB achieve our sporting objectives."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gundogan signs new Dortmund contract

Mama hithuwe Gundogan transfer wei kiyala​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton terminate Osvaldo contract

Southampton have terminated the contract of striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

Osvaldo joined the Premier League club from Roma in a club-record move in August 2013, but proved to be a controversial character during his time on the south coast.

The Italy international was suspended for three games for a touchline fracas with Newcastle United's goalkeeping coach in December 2013 before being banned by the club following a training-ground incident.

Osvaldo was then loaned to Juventus for the rest of that campaign and spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Inter and Argentinian side Boca Juniors.

And he is now free to move on permanently, ending an underwhelming stint with Southampton in which he scored three goals in just 13 appearances.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cech hits back at Chelsea death-threat ‘fans’ and thanks Abramovich

Petr Cech says Chelsea supporters who sent him hate mail and death threats after his switch to Arsenal are not “true fans”.

The Czech international, who completed his move to the Emirates Stadium on Monday, was branded a ‘snake’ and ‘traitor’ on social media, with some fans even threatening his life.

But Cech has dismissed those supporters who have slammed his move across London and believes his Chelsea legacy speaks for itself.

“The true fans have sent me messages that are pleasing and positive. True fans will appreciate what I've done and the legacy I've left,” the goalkeeper told reporters.

“There are some people who have left me negative messages, but they aren't true Chelsea fans.”

He continued: “It's tough for me and some fans but it's the right decision. The last few days have been overwhelming, the reaction from new team-mates and ex-team-mates is unbelievable.

“Last season was difficult. It was a new situation. Match days were difficult, but it's part of the job of being a second-choice keeper.

“I want to win the title, I wouldn't be sincere if I didn't admit that.

“Only time will tell if I miss something, and I can't forget those 11 years. I look forward to opening a new chapter. It's a new start, a new motivation.”

Cech was demoted to No.2 goalkeeper by Jose Mourinho last season but insists he still has a good relationship with the Chelsea boss, while he also thanked Roman Abramovich for overruling the manager and allowing him to join Arsenal.

“Jose is one of the best managers in the world, our relationship hasn't changed although he went with Thibaut Courtois last season,” the Czech continued.

“But we respect each other. He made his decision and I made mine. We had a good chat - I know he wanted me to stay but that's the way it goes.

“I realised last season how much I love being a big part of a team week in week out. This is not the time for me to be sitting on the bench. It's a purely footballing reason.

“Roman had the very last word in the end. And I thank him for that. This was the hardest decision I had to make. Last season was a big factor, the manager made his decision - but this time it was my time to make a decision."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho respects Cech's decision to quit Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has admitted he is disappointed to see Petr Cech join Arsenal, but understands the goalkeeper's reluctance to be second-choice at Chelsea.

Cech completed his move across London on Monday for a fee believed to be around £10 million, with the 33-year-old signing a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Mourinho openly stated he did not want the Czech Republic international to leave Stamford Bridge – especially to a major Premier League rival.

However, he has now acknowledged he could not stand in Cech's way, with the goalkeeper having fallen behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order.

"Petr has been a great servant for Chelsea for 11 years and helped this club to win almost everything there is to win," he told the club's official website.

"I always said I wanted him to stay but I understand Petr needed to move on to play first-team football every week.

"Sometimes you have to respect the wishes of someone who has earned so much respect with his service and actions for your club. I support [Roman Abramovich's] decision to honour the player in this way.

"Petr's success at this club will always to be remembered and we thank him for everything he did."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Sevilla complete Rami capture

Sevilla have announced they have reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign defender Adil Rami.

The France international centre-back joined the Rossoneri from Valencia last year but struggled to nail down a starting spot at San Siro, making a total of 22 appearances last season.

Europa League holders Sevilla have now confirmed that the 29-year-old will join on a four-year contract, with formalities set to be completed when he returns from holiday next week.

"Rami will be reunited with one of the coaches who knows how to squeeze out his best performances," Sevilla said on their official website, as Rami prepares to link up with head coach Unai Emery, his former boss at Valencia.Rami, who began his career with Lille, made 44 appearances for Milan in all competitions, scoring four goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale pulls off incredible no-look basketball shot

Gareth Bale may have his critics in Spain but his detractors cannot deny his basketball skills!

The Real Madrid winger shared a video on Instagram on Wednesday showing him juggling a basketball, before looping it over his head and into the basket, all without looking.

Bale then walks off with a grin on his face, having completed one of the more audacious tricks of his career to date.

The Welshman's future remains up in the air, with Manchester United reported suitors, but the majority of comments on Bale's video suggests that Real fans are keen for him to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, with several users simply commenting "wow".

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale Sinks No Look Basket With His Foot

Patta​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Costa is not replacing Ribery - Sammer

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has slammed the suggestion Douglas Costa is a Franck Ribery replacement as "disrespectful".

Costa completed a €30 million move to Bayern on Wednesday, joining on a five-year deal from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 24-year-old will bolster the attacking options of the German champions but Sammer dismissed the notion Costa had been brought in to cover for former France international Ribery, 32, who has been battling a long-term injury problem.
"Very versatile, maybe not in defence but he can play multiple positions," Sammer said of Costa.

"In reference to Franck Ribery, who is injured now for a long time, I think it is very disrespectful.

"He is injured, cannot train with the team but is still a player of Bayern Munich.
"We will wait for him, he has our full support and we hope that he will come back healthy as soon as possible. "Douglas Costa is not his replacement.

"Of course, Costa can play on the right side, because he can attack the middle with his strong left foot but he can also play on the left side and in the middle. "Altogether I see him as an offensive player, with a lot of flexibility."

Sammer also said Bayern "will wait and see" on the future of Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is yet to confirm he will stay at the Bundesliga powerhouse that he has called home since joining the youth team in 1998.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Abidal talks up Pogba to Barcelona: I've spoken to him for years

Eric Abidal has revealed he has often spoken to Paul Pogba in the past and would love to see him join Barcelona from Juventus.A delegation from the European champions arrived in Italy on Wednesday to formalise the club's interest in signing the France international this summer.

Former Barca defender Abidal, who is poised to become sporting director should Joan Laporta win the presidential elections, admits he hopes to see Pogba plump for a move to the Liga champions despite their ban on registering new players.

"It'd be great to have Pogba," he told reporters, speaking at the presentation of Laporta's proposed plans for the Barca academy. "I've a long-standing relationship with him, I send him messages, we work on projects and ideas.

"If Joan wins, we'd make the move. I don't know if it's a problem that he can't play until 2016, but I hope he comes."The messages are not just about football, but to know how he is. All players want to win and Barca have just won the treble."

Reports in Spain suggest Atletico Madrid winger Arda Turan, who has announced his intention to leave the club, is on the brink of completing a move to Camp Nou.
Abidal, however, is not convinced the Turkey international would be the right fit.
"Arda is a good player, important for his team, but I don't know if he would adapt [at Barca]," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fiorentina 'optimistic' over deal to sign Salah from Chelsea

Fiorentina are "optimistic" they will win the race to sign Mohamed Salah from Chelsea.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an impressive spell on loan from the Blues during the latter half of last season and has since become a target for a number of Serie A sides.

Inter and Roma have been heavily linked with an interest along with Fiorentina, but Viola president Andrea Della Valle is confident of their chances as negotiations reach a crucial phase."We are working on it," he told reporters in Italy.

"It's the crucial day and I'm personally optimistic. Of course, in football anything can happen but we will see what the outcome is tonight."Salah joined Chelsea from Basel but struggled for first-team opportunities under Jose Mourinho, making just 13 appearances in the Premier League.

Former Basel head coach Paulo Sousa has recently been installed at the Artemio Franchi after the sacking of Vincenzo Montella.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos only wants Manchester United move - Calderon

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says Sergio Ramos wants to join Manchester United.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford this summer after reportedly growing tired of delays in contract negotiations at Madrid and the Red Devils are keen to complete a deal.

And Calderon, who also revealed Ramos' unhappiness at the Santiago Bernabeu, says the Spaniard has asked the club's hierarchy to sanction talks with United.

Calderon told the BBC: "I know Sergio has told the general manager to listen to offers they get from Manchester United.

"He only wants to go to United."

The 64-year-old served as the club's president between 2006-09 and says Ramos feels unloved at the club he joined in 2005.

"Things are in a very bad situation," he added.

"As time has gone on, things have not only not improved, they have got worse.

"Now it is not a question of money. It is a lack of affection the player is feeling from Real Madrid."

United and Madrid are also expected to discuss David de Gea's future, with the 24-year-old ready to return to Spain - although any deal isn't expected to involve Ramos or vice-versa.

Calderon, too, feels the star goalkeeper's future is uncertain, adding: "It is like a game of poker, with David de Gea in the middle."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man United trying to sell Van Persie behind his back - Van Hooijdonk

Manchester United are attempting to sell Robin van Persie without the striker's knowledge, according to former Netherlands international Pierre van Hooijdonk.

Van Persie has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, having struggled to nail down a place in Louis van Gaal’s starting XI in 2014-15.

The 31-year-old hinted at a move in June, insisting that he needs regular first-team football, and Van Hooijdonk claims that United started looking for potential buyers in January.

“As early as January of this year, I received information from Turkey about Robin and Fenerbahce. The minute this information came, you knew that United had sent people to test the water for a move,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

“Agents and others were searching for big clubs who are prepared to pay the high fee involved for Van Persie. Robin’s contract expires next year, so this is the moment when United can still get money for him.”

He continued: “Van Persie is in a difficult situation. To the outside world he says he is happy to stay and I can understand this. But Robin has the feeling that United want to get rid of him.

“A big club in England, Spain or Germany is a more attractive option. Until the player realises that behind his back the two clubs have done a big deal.

“That is the moment the pressure is put on. You are almost forced to go to the club where your employer has struck a deal. This is what I mean with games being played right now.”

Former Fenerbahce forward Van Hooijdonk believes that his old club are interested in signing the Dutchman, and feels Van Persie should leave United this year.

“Of course the money is good, life is good in Istanbul, but it is not a big football league in Europe we are talking about,” he added.

“There is a lot at stake right now for Robin. He could be heading for his last Euro tournament in France next summer. So he needs to play a lot in the 10 months before the Euros.

“I would advise Robin to leave United this summer. All the signals are there that the club wants to sell him. So he has to get out on time.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter & AC Milan in race to sign Jovetic

Inter and AC Milan are preparing to go head-to-head in the race to sign Stevan Jovetic from Manchester City, Goal understands.

Jovetic's representatives arrived in Italy for negotiations with the two Serie A clubs on Wednesday, as the 25-year-old Montenegro international looks to seal a switch away from the Premier League.

Goal understands that Inter are Jovetic's preferred choice, with as he is keen to link up with Roberto Mancini.

The former City boss has played an influential role in some of his current club's recent signings, with Geoffrey Kondogbia and Xherdan Shaqiri both revealing personal phone calls from the Italian helped them decide on a move to San Siro.

The Nerazzurri are, however, hoping for a €2.8 million loan deal with the option to buy in 2016, which would not be ideal for City, who want to receive the highest up-front fee possible.

AC Milan, for their part, are willing to offer as much as €21m to land Jovetic, while Serie A champions Juventus could also make a late move as they look to bolster their attacking options.

The Old Lady have already brought in Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic so far this summer, with Carlos Tevez moving back to Boca Juniors and doubts over the future of Fernando Llorente.

Liverpool had previously expressed an interest in taking Jovetic to Anfield back in April, potentially as a makeweight in any deal involving Raheem Sterling moving to the Etihad Stadium.

Goal understands that the idea of a switch to the Merseysiders was flatly declined by the out-of-favour forward, however, as his preference is a return to Serie A.

City signed Jovetic from Fiorentina back in 2013 but he has struggled to break into the first team, with injuries hampering his progress.

Both Milan clubs have embarked on extensive overhauls this summer following disappointing campaigns last time out.

Inter have already secured the signing of Kondogbia from Monaco for around €35m, and on Wednesday announced the capture of Atletico Madrid centre-back Miranda on an initial two-year loan deal which is expected to cost €15m and become a permanent transfer in 2017.

The Rossoneri, having missed out on Kondogbia, brought in Andrea Bertolacci from Roma for a reported €20m. It has been something of a frustrating summer, however, with a move for Porto's Jackson Martinez also failing despite being prepared to pay his buy-out clause, with the striker set to join Atletico Madrid.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lahm: I won't make Germany comeback

Philipp Lahm says he has no intention of making a comeback for Germany, insisting he was right to retire from international football after winning the World Cup in 2014.

The defender called time on his international career after he played a key role in Joachim Low's side being crowned world champions in Brazil, trouncing the hosts 7-1 before beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.

But while the Bayern Munich captain stated that the triumph ranked as one of his greatest, he still defended the decision to walk away as the right one as he focuses on other priorities in life.

"I will not go back," Lahm told France Football. "Those who know me know that when I make a decision, it is final. There is no better time to retire than after a victorious World Cup final against Argentina at the Maracana.

"My private life is always more important than the ones in my profession. The births of my sons are greater moments in my life than winning the World Cup. During my six weeks away there, I missed my family. Now we have more time together."I am the happiest when I am surrounded by my loved ones."

The 31-year-old also sympathised with Brazil after their landslide defeat to Germany in the semi-finals, comparing the heartbreak to Die Mannschaft's own 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to Italy on home soil in 2006.

"I know what they were feeling at that point," he continued. "It was also terrible when Germany were eliminated so close to the final in 2006 as hosts."Mercy has no place in football, but we regretted destroying the host country that way."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Danilo aiming to be Madrid's first choice right-back

Real Madrid's Danilo has said that he is aiming to overtake Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Arbeloa as the team's first choice right-back this season.The €31.5 million signing will be teaming up with los Blancos for the first time in pre-season after his transfer from Porto was made official in March.

And though the 23-year-old admitted he still had to prove himself to new boss Rafael Benitez, he declared his ambition to earn a spot in the starting XI.

"Right now, I'm third choice for the right-back spot," Danilo told Marca. "Carvajal and Arbeloa have made history together with the club, and I must win my place in the side."

The futures of team-mates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos are currently in doubt, as both have been linked to moves away from Santiago Bernabeu, with a move to Manchester United heavily touted for the latter.But Danilo is certain the pair still have much to contribute to Madrid, stating: "They are historic players who can support us in times of difficulty.

"They're extremely important for the club, whatever the situation. I'm not on the inside, so I don't know what's going on or what their situation is, but speaking from the outside and with all due respect, as a new Real Madrid player I'd like them to stay."

The defender's switch to the Spanish capital will see him come head to head with Barcelona forward and former Santos team-mate Neymar in the Clasico next term and, after confirming on Monday he had already spoken with his compatriot ahead of his move, Danilo insisted he was relishing the challenge of stopping him: "I've joked with Neymar about the Clasico and said I would rarely defend."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Montoya lands in Milan ahead of Inter move

Barcelona defender Martin Montoya has arrived in Milan for a medical ahead of sealing a loan move to Inter.

The Nerazzurri have been active on the market this summer, bringing aboard Jeison Murillo, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Miranda so far this summer.

And Montoya appears to be the latest name to join Roberto Mancini's side, after Inter published a photo of club president Erick Thohir welcoming the 24-year-old to Milan's Malpensa airport on Thursday morning.

Inter boss Mancini has swooped for defensive reinforcements with a view to improving on the club's dismal eighth-placed finish in Serie A last term, with Montoya expected to arrive on a two-season loan with an option to buy for a reported €8 million.

The Barcelona youth product has been seeking a way out of the Catalan club in search of more playing opportunities after Blaugrana coach Luis Enrique told him he was not in the treble-winners' plans for next season.