..::Football III::..

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Xhaka won't be Bayern's Schweinsteiger replacement - Gladbach

Bayern Munich have no chance of signing Granit Xhaka this summer, Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has warned.

Pep Guardiola’s side are thought to be on the lookout for a replacement for Bastian Schweinsteiger, after the Germany captain joined Manchester United on Monday.

However, while the 22-year-old Xhaka was linked with a move to the Bavarian giants earlier in the summer, Eberl has insisted that the Switzerland international is going nowhere.

“Bayern will not get Xhaka!” Eberl told Bild. “There is no scenario in which Granit will go to Bayern this summer.“The only players who will leave us are Peniel Mlapa and Amin Younes. Granit will be here with us – no matter what.”

Xhaka has netted four goals in 85 appearances for Gladbach since arriving from Basel in 2012. He has also struck six times in 34 caps for Switzerland, and his former national coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has in the past referred to Xhaka as a “young Schweinsteiger”.

 

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Milner: I'm ready to run through a brick wall for Rodgers

James Milner wanted to "run through a brick wall" for Brendan Rodgers after meeting the manager ahead of his move to Liverpool.

The 29-year-old moved to Anfield on a free transfer after opting against extending his contract at Manchester City, ending a five-year stay at the Etihad Stadium, and was convinced by Rodgers's influence.

"Brendan had a massive role," he told reporters. "Obviously the club does not need selling, but I spoke to the manager about his plans for the team and for myself. He knew a lot about me.

"After the conversation, I felt like I wanted to go and run through a brick wall for the manager and the club. He's that sort of manager.

"It's a huge club and Man City, maybe over the course of history, isn't as quite as big as Liverpool."

Milner won two Premier League titles and a FA Cup with City before deciding it was time to move on and admitted he could easily have stayed but he wanted a more prominent role elsewhere.

"[City] saw me as a big part of the club," Milner said. "However, getting to finals and things like that, the default was for me not to play. I want to play as much as I can and look back on my career.

"I could have easily stayed at City and been there another four or five years helping them win things.

"But over the next few years I wouldn't have played as much and my game time would have reduced. When I'm older I want to look back and say that I became the best player I could."

 

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Schweinsteiger: My Manchester United move is not about Van Gaal

Bastian Schweinsteiger says Louis van Gaal was not a big factor in his decision to join Manchester United.

The German World Cup winner has moved to Old Trafford in a £12m (€16.9m) deal, signing a three-year contract with the Red Devils.

Schweinsteiger has worked with the United boss previously during his time at Bayern Munich but says the allure of the club enticed him to Old Trafford.

He told MUTV: "Of course, I know him [Van Gaal] so it was a little bit easier. It’s not about him, though; it’s more about the club, about Manchester United.

"It’s such a big club with tradition and quality in the team, and I think we’re capable of winning titles this season.

"Of course, Louis is a great coach and everything is good, we’ll see how we do in the league."

Schweinsteiger will become the first German to feature for Manchester United and he says he is looking forward to playing in the Premier League.

"It’s a big honour. I had a joke with Wayne [Rooney] about it before, but it’s a big honour to be the first German player here for the first team. It’s a great feeling," he added.

"I’ve watched a lot of Premier League games; there are some German players playing for Arsenal – Lukas Podolski is a friend of mine, so we talk about the league.

"Every game is interesting and tough, so I’m looking forward to playing in those games at a high level. I think we have a great team that can do a great job."

 

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Wolfsburg could consider Shaqiri-Perisic swap with Inter

Xherdan Shaqiri might have to be used as a makeweight if Inter want to sign Ivan Perisic, Wolfsburg have warned.

The Croatian’s agent, Tonci Martic, announced on Monday that his player had received a “fantastic offer” but added: “We will have to discuss this with Wolfsburg, though. We respect the club and don't know whether they are willing to sell Ivan.”

And Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has insisted that money alone will not encourage the club to allow Perisic to leave for Inter.“Basically, we want to keep hold of our team,” Allofs told Bild. “There have also been no offers that have arrived with us which could be deemed appropriate.”

When pushed on a potential swap for Shaqiri, who has struggled with the Nerazzurri since leaving Bayern Munich in January, Allofs admitted the club might assess such an offer.“We always say it, we have mature players. If something serious would be presented, we’d have a look at it and weigh up the pros and cons.

“But for us, unlike perhaps at some other clubs, the sporting interests outweigh economic considerations.”Inter coach Roberto Mancini conceded recently that Shaqiri could be sacrificed as he looks to build his squad for 2015-16.

"Shaqiri didn't play because he is tired," Mancini told Mediaset after Inter's 4-3 friendly win over Stuttgart Kickers on Saturday.

"Unfortunately, as we need to limit the squad to 25 players, for those we sign someone else has to leave. I understand it is very difficult to leave Inter, but we have to sacrifice a few of them."

 

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Inter ready for Scudetto challenge - Icardi

Inter hot-shot Mauro Icardi says that he is hopeful of firing the club to Scudetto glory in 2015-16.

The Argentine striker netted 22 goals last term to end as joint-top scorer in Serie A alongside Luca Toni, but the Nerazzurri could only manage to finish in eighth place.

However, Icardi says that nothing less than a title triumph will do next season, with Inter having already strengthened significantly since the opening of the summer transfer window.

“We must and can do well. The objective is to return Inter to the top, and that is what we really want to do,” the forward told the Corriere dello Sport .
“There is a desire in the dressing room to celebrate a great bictory, and we all hope the Scudetto can be achieved this year.

“The directors are building a strong team and we could go straight back into the Champions League. They have made major investments and we have changed a lot compared to last year.”

Additions this summer so far have included Barcelona full-back Martin Montoya and Monaco’s Geoffrey Kondogbia, and the 22-year-old is extremely happy with the quality of the new arrivals.

“I know Montoya from my days at Barcelona, and he is very good. Kondogbia is not huge, but he is very tall and having someone like him in midfield will give us a huge helping hand. Inter must return to the top places now.”

To claim the Scudetto, Inter will have to usurp four-time defending champions Juventus, against whom Icardi has an excellent scoring record, having netted six times in five appearances with the Nerazzurri and previous club Sampdoria.

“Against Juve, every time I touch the ball it goes in!” he added. “It is something I enjoy, and I hope this feeling continues. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing our fans happy at me scoring a goal against Juventus.“I don’t like to confess this, but in the next ‘Derby d’Italia’ I hope to score to give great satisfaction to the Inter fans.

“Juventus have been excellent in recording four league title wins, and while Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez are two important departures, they have been replaced by valuable players.

"I don’t know if the gap has been narrowing but we must avoid making the same mistakes of the past. We cannot throw away stupid points at home.”

 

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Revealed: When Real Madrid and Barcelona clash in Liga Clasicos

Real Madrid will host Barcelona in La Liga on the weekend of November 8 and will travel to Catalunya for the return clash on April 3.

The fixtures for the 2015-16 Primera Division season were released on Tuesday, with the Clasico dates scheduled for rounds 12 and 31 of the new campaign.Both sides won their respective home fixture last term, with Madrid celebrating a 3-1 win at the Bernabeu before a pivotal 2-1 reverse at Camp Nou that played a key role in Barca going on to beat their great rivals to top spot.

The Blaugrana will begin the defence of their title with a trip to Athletic Bilbao on the weekend of August 23, with Madrid travelling to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, host another new Liga outfit in Las Palmas.

Since Barca have not been allowed to register new signings Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan due to their Fifa-imposed, two-window transfer ban, the former Sevilla midfielder and ex-Atletico attacker will not have to wait until January's visit to Espanyol for their first competitive fixture in a Blaugrana shirt.

The Catalans finish their campaign on May 15 with a home game against Eibar, will Madrid face a visit to Deportivo La Coruna.

 

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Rafael wants Serie A move - agent

Rafael is keen to move to Serie A after Louis van Gaal omitted him from Manchester United's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.

The right-back has been told by Van Gaal that he does not figure in the club's plans and is consequently keen on a move to Serie A.

The 25-year-old's agent says a move to Italy would interest the Brazilian, who would not be classified as a non-EU signing due to him holding a Portuguese passport.

Cassiano Pereira told Tuttomercato.web: "His contract expires in June 2016 and the coach, Van Gaal, said he isn't counting on him, so the player wants to leave and we are talking with more than one club about this.

"Roma would be a more than welcome destination

"We would be more than happy to talk to the capital club. Italy would be a great opportunity, particularly as he has a Portuguese passport.

"We are in contact with several clubs, but I can't reveal them.

"If Fiorentina call us, we'll be very happy to talk. The player is very interested in playing in Italy."

 

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Schweinsteiger takes part in first Manchester United training session

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have both taken part in a Manchester United training session for the first time since joining the club.

The midfield pair became Louis van Gaal's third and fourth summer signings on Monday, arriving from Bayern Munich for £12 million (€16.9m) and Southampton for £25m (€35.1m), respectively.

Fellow new arrival Memphis Depay was also present, along with Danny Blind and Patrick McNair, as United's squad were put through their paces in Seattle ahead of their pre-season tour in the United States.

 

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I want Pedro to stay at Barcelona - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique hopes Pedro ignores Chelsea interest to stay at Barcelona but concedes the forward will have the final say on his future.

The Spain international was restricted to only 15 league starts in 2014-15 due to the arrival of Luis Suarez from Liverpool, and that lack of game time has seen the 27-year-old linked with a summer move to Stamford Bridge.But his Barca coach insists there is a place for Pedro at the club, just as long as he wishes to stay.

"Pedro's situation is clear. I do not want any player to leave, I have always stressed his qualities as a professional but I respect the decision of the player,” Luis Enrique told reporters.

"I would prefer him to stay but it is the player who must assess and decide."
Barca have added Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal to their squad this summer, while Juventus’ Paul Pogba has been linked with the club and could still arrive should Joan Laporta win Saturday’s presidential election.

And while no new signing can represent the Catalans until January due to their ongoing transfer ban, Luis Enrique says his club have dealt well in the current window."I will not talk about players who are not on our roster, but Arda is a player who it is difficult to get the ball from and on a defensive level does a great job. For us he is a great signing.

"In principle, the group is still a small one, as we are waiting to be able to incorporate the other guys. Arda has little to say, and it is a process of adaptation.We have not had the chance yet to speak about things, and relay information on how to act in the team.

"My responsibility is to plan the season and we talked about possible additions. I'm happy and I want to give thanks to the board for the transfer of Arda Turan."

 

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Manchester United warned: Lewandowski would cost more than €50m

Manchester United have been warned that Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski would set them back at least €50 million.

Louis van Gaal’s side are short of strikers, with Robin van Persie set to sign for Fenerbahce, Radamel Falcao having moved to Chelsea and Javier Hernandez expected to depart.

The Red Devils have already spent heavily this summer, bringing in Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian, and on Tuesday it had been reported that Lewandowski is top of the list to fill a striking berth.

However, when asked about reported interest from Manchester United, the player’s agent, Cezary Kucharski, told Polish television: “I think it would have to be a very high offer, definitely higher than €50m.

“Robert is one of the most valued strikers on the market who guarantees goals, guarantees assists, excitement. He has shown that over many years during his career.

“Every year he is an even better player and plays at a higher level and that is very important for other clubs because he has credibility and guarantees at least 30 goals a season.”Bayern Munich have already warned United they will not sell any of their other players to Van Gaal's side after Schweinsteiger left for Old Trafford, and Kucharski says any move is unlikely.

"There must be a signal from the club, from Munich," he added. "There is no such signal so we are not thinking about it, because even thinking about a change of club would be unfair in my opinion to the current employers."Bayern would have to think about why they would get rid of Robert Lewandowski. It seems to me that there is no reason to even think about it.

"With a player of Robert's class, the truth is that not a lot of work is required because really there are only two directions in which he could go in the future, England or Spain, and only with Bayern Munich's acceptance."

 

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Manchester United warned: Lewandowski would cost more than €50m

Striker hunt 1ka lesi wena 1kak naha

Available strikersla gen inne Higuain,Bezema,Cavani,Muller,Lacazette & Lew.Meh set 1ken aniwa 1kkanek onemai RVP ge replacemnet 1kata.Hari nam 2nnek one Falcao ge place 1katath 1kka.Anyway ahalawath nathi player kenek aran wadak naha

Problem 1ka thamai kawada ganna puluwan kiyana 1ka​

 

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Thailand All-Stars 0-4 Liverpool: Origi stars on Reds debut

Liverpool eased to a comfortable 4-0 friendly win over Thailand All-Stars in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Raheem Sterling was notable in his absence, as he is reportedly undergoing a medical at Manchester City ahead of a £49 million move, but the Reds faced little trouble without him.

Brendan Rodgers fielded two separate sides in the clash, with the first-half XI replaced at the interval, and goals from Lazar Markovic, Mamadou Sakho, Adam Lallana and summer signing Divock Origi sealed a resounding victory.

Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Danny Ings all made their Liverpool bows as part of the visitors' starting XI, while Joao Teixeira was selected just three months after breaking his leg on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Liverpool were quick out of the blocks and, having flicked an earlier effort into the arms of Walut Makemusik, Markovic latched onto Teixeira's neat through ball to round the goalkeeper and tuck home from a tight angle.

Ings looked hungry for a debut goal, but was denied well by Makemusik after receiving a Rossiter cutback, before Teixeira blazed over from the rebound.

The former Burnley man had an effort disallowed after 24 minutes thanks to a Sakho foul in the build-up, although the decision looked to be a harsh one.

The hosts could be thankful to Makemusik for keeping them in the tie - Rossiter next to be expertly denied by the keeper - but he was helpless to stop Sakho heading home unmarked three minutes from the interval.

It was all change at half-time as Rodgers opted to select a completely different XI - Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Divock Origi given their first opportunities to shine - but it was one of last year's signings, Lallana, who made it 3-0 after getting on the end of a delightful flick from new captain Jordan Henderson.

The heavens had opened at half-time, having an adverse impact on the pace of the match, although Origi - who spent last season on loan at Lille - came close with two efforts that struck the woodwork.

Thai Premier League All Stars themselves found the crossbar when a free-kick that deflected off Martin Skrtel but Origi wrapped up the win by heading his first goal for the club in the 86th minute.

 

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Dybala: Juventus the perfect club for me

Juventus summer signing Paulo Dybala believes he has joined the "perfect club" to start racking up silverware.The 21-year-old Argentine excelled at Palermo in 2014-15, triggering a race between top European clubs to secure his long-term future.

Massimiliano Allegri's Serie A champions came out on top in the pursuit, tying him down to a five-year deal, and the €32 million forward expressed his delight at his official unveiling on Tuesday.

"Playing for a great club like Juventus represents an important step for me," he told reporters. "The first-team competition here means you can never ease off, which is a motivation and keeps you on your toes.

"It's the perfect club to start winning things in my career. I’ve been here a couple of days and it’s a big change for me. I hope I’m able to develop into a top player here."

The Bianconeri are currently on a four-season Scudetto streak and won the Coppa Italia for the first time in 20 years in May, though Dybala has his sights set on going one better than the European runners-up medal Juve picked up last month.

"Last year Juventus enjoyed a great season," he added. "It’s a pity that they could not win the Champions League, but I think the club can go one step further this campaign.

"We all must be ready to play, we have three trophies to fight for and a Super Cup on the horizon. Serie A will be difficult this year, but we've got a strong squad and can repeat last season's exploits."

 

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Valdes upbeat despite Manchester United tour snub

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes says he is "working hard" ahead of the new season after being left out of the club's pre-season tour by manager Louis van Gaal.

The Spaniard was omitted from United’s squad for their trip to the United States, heightening speculation that the 33-year-old could leave Old Trafford just six months after joining the club on an 18-month contract.

Turkish club Antalyaspor have confirmed that they are in talks with Valdes over a move, but he posted a picture on the social network on Tuesday, insisting that he is “working hard” ahead of the 2015-16 campaign, while posing with a thumbs-up sign.

 

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Manchester City make move for McCarthy after Delph snub

Manchester City are set to make a move for Everton midfielder James McCarthy following Fabian Delph’s decision to stay at Aston Villa.

City will rival Arsenal and Tottenham for the 24-year-old’s signature after he informed Everton that he is looking to leave the club this summer.

McCarthy is upset over broken promises concerning a new contract offer but Everton are desperate to keep him on Merseyside and have set a £25 million asking price.

City are admirers of McCarthy and are set to make a bid for the Republic of Ireland international as they look to boost their quota of homegrown players.

Manuel Pellegrini thought a deal was in place to sign Villa captain Delph for £8m only for the player to pull out of a move at the last minute and commit to staying at Villa Park.

McCarthy has emerged as City’s alternative signing in central midfield but they are unlikely to sign the former Wigan man for less than £20m.

Arsenal are closely monitoring McCarthy’s situation after long-term target Morgan Schneiderlin joined Manchester United from Southampton, while Tottenham are understood to be 'pushing hard’ for an agreement with Everton.

Tottenham remain slight favourites to sign McCarthy should he leave Everton, with the player wary of limited starting opportunities if he signs for City instead.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino believes McCarthy would be well-suited to the club’s tactics due to his high-energy playing style.

The north Londoners also hope to use Everton’s interest in Aaron Lennon, who spent six month on loan at Goodison Park last season, to broker a deal.

McCarthy followed Everton manager Roberto Martinez to the club from Wigan in 2013 for a £13m transfer fee.

He has been one of the Toffees' key players over the last two seasons but has been upset that the club reneged on repeated promises to discuss a new contract in the last year.

McCarthy has been particularly annoyed to see a number of team-mates, and even manager Roberto Martinez, handed new deals in that time, while new signing Tom Cleverley is on a significantly more lucrative contract.

McCarthy made 28 Premier League appearances for Everton last season and is currently with the squad for their pre-season preparations in Singapore ahead of the Asia trophy.

 

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Pogba for €80m is absurd - Cruyff

Barcelona legend Johann Cruyff has branded the €80 million fee reportedly rejected by Juventus for Paul Pogba "absurd".

The midfielder, 21, has been one of the most highly-sought players in the world this summer, with Barca among a crowd of cash-rich clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain also pursuing him.

However, Juve rejected Barca's first bid for Pogba and all signs are that coach Massimiliano Allegri will have the France international for at least one more season in Turin.

Dutch legend Cruyff, who played and coached at Camp Nou, expressed his bemusement at Pogba's pricetag and lamented the way that producing players within Barca's youth set-up appears to have been cast aside."The Pogba figures being bandied about are absurd. €80 million for Pogba is absurd," he told Cadena Cope.

"In the past, Barca produced top players such as Xavi, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta who did not cost the club anything, and that has been lost."Barca's transfer activity this summer rests on the result of this Saturday's presidential election results, with Josep Maria Bartomeu and Joan Laporta the two favourites.

 

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Pogba th overpriced​

 

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Official: Manchester City sign Sterling for £49m

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Raheem Sterling from Liverpool for a deal worth up to £49 million.

The news brings to an end a long-running and highly public transfer saga, with the England international even threatening to go on strike before twice calling in sick to training in a bid to force a move away from the club, having told Brendan Rodgers of his desire to leave.

Sterling was included in the club's pre-season tour squad, despite informing his manager that he did not wish to travel, but his move to City edged closer on Sunday after he was withdrawn from selection.

City twice attempted to buy Sterling earlier this summer, but saw both of their overtures snubbed before a third and final offer, totalling £44m up front plus a further £5m in add-ons, was accepted at the weekend.

Liverpool subsequently issued a statement, wishing Sterling well, while Manuel Pellegrini has hailed the acquisition of the forward.

“Raheem Sterling is one of the best attacking players in world football, and I am very much looking forward to him joining our squad out in Australia later this week," he told the club's website.

“He is a young player with outstanding ability, and I am sure the Manchester City fans will be very excited about seeing him in action for the team."

Sterling's agent, Aidy Ward, claimed earlier this week that there had been a "breakdown in trust" between Sterling and Rodgers, suggesting that his client no longer wanted to play under the Reds manager.

However, the 20-year-old now has his move and becomes City's record signing, eclipsing the £38.1m deal that saw Sergio Aguero join the club in 2011, and the most expensive English footballer of all time.

QPR are also due a windfall, with Sterling's former club retaining 20 per cent sell-on fee thanks to a clause in the forward's contract when he moved to Anfield for an initial £400,000 in 2010 now totalling around £9m.

Sterling will wear the No.7 shirt at City.

 

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Congratzzzz Sterling!​

 

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Official: Jenkinson rejoins West Ham on loan

Carl Jenkinson has signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal and rejoined West Ham on a season-long loan.

The right-back, who spent the 2014-15 season at Upton Park and made 36 appearances in all competitions, is understood to have penned a five-year deal with the Gunners, prior to returning to east London.

Goal revealed in June that the Hammers were negotiating with the Gunners in a bid to secure Jenkinson's signature, along with Sunderland, and they have now confirmed his arrival, with Jenkinson expressing his delight at his move.

"I'm really happy to be back after last year," he told West Ham's official website. "It was a good season for the club and a good season for myself.

"To be honest I just wanted to come back here and I'm happy everything's been sorted out. I've got another season here and I can't wait.

"I'm a young player and I haven't had too many experiences of different clubs, but I loved every minute of it here. Everything about it is fantastic - it's a real family club, the lads are great and the fans are great, so it ticks all the boxes you want when you join a football club.

"I've got to come in, show what I can do and prove myself to a new manager. That keeps you on your toes and I've got to go and do that in pre-season. I'm looking forward to it.”