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..::Football III::..
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AGG
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Club Brugge 0 Vs 4 Manchester United
Manchester United Goal(s)
Rooney 20',49,47'
Ander Herrera 63'
AGG
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Manchester United Goal(s)
Rooney 20',49,47'
Ander Herrera 63'
Congratulations Manchester United!
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Hattrick for RooneyCongratulations Rooney
Depay,Mata,Herrera & Roo
Manchester United EPL 1keth meh wage play karanawanam
We are back
Hattrick for Rooney
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Manchester United EPL 1keth meh wage play karanawanam
Navas out to rival Manchester City target De Bruyne for starting place
Manchester City are close to bolstering their attacking-midfield ranks once again as their pursuit of Kevin De Bruyne nears fruition but winger Jesus Navas is ready to meet his challenge for a first-team place.
The Spain international has started all three of City's Premier League games so far this season but might be seen as the most vulnerable in the XI should the club seal a £50 million deal for the Wolfsburg star.
Navas has no doubt about his value, though, and is glad of the intense competition for places.
He told the Daily Mirror: "I feel I'm a really important player within the squad and my duty now is to keep working hard to keep my place in the team, then the manager will decide.
"I'm very focused and working really hard in training every day. This is the way I want to do things this season.
"The competition does not just keep me sharp - it's everyone in the whole squad who has to perform to a high standard. It's good to be competitive when everyone wants to be in the starting line-up."
City have started the 2015-16 campaign in fine form, racing to the top of the Premier League table and beating reigning champions Chelsea 3-0 along the way, though Navas is keen to maintain their focus rather than revelling in their early success.
He continued: "There are a lot of games to be played. We've only played three times and we just need to focus on the following game, prepare well and then take game after game.
"The key is focusing on yourself and preparing well, [looking at] ourselves, not thinking about other teams dropping points."
Manchester City are close to bolstering their attacking-midfield ranks once again as their pursuit of Kevin De Bruyne nears fruition but winger Jesus Navas is ready to meet his challenge for a first-team place.
The Spain international has started all three of City's Premier League games so far this season but might be seen as the most vulnerable in the XI should the club seal a £50 million deal for the Wolfsburg star.
Navas has no doubt about his value, though, and is glad of the intense competition for places.
He told the Daily Mirror: "I feel I'm a really important player within the squad and my duty now is to keep working hard to keep my place in the team, then the manager will decide.
"I'm very focused and working really hard in training every day. This is the way I want to do things this season.
"The competition does not just keep me sharp - it's everyone in the whole squad who has to perform to a high standard. It's good to be competitive when everyone wants to be in the starting line-up."
City have started the 2015-16 campaign in fine form, racing to the top of the Premier League table and beating reigning champions Chelsea 3-0 along the way, though Navas is keen to maintain their focus rather than revelling in their early success.
He continued: "There are a lot of games to be played. We've only played three times and we just need to focus on the following game, prepare well and then take game after game.
"The key is focusing on yourself and preparing well, [looking at] ourselves, not thinking about other teams dropping points."
Mascherano: I want to be a coach
Barcelona ace Javier Mascherano has revealed that he wants to become a coach when he calls time on his playing career.
The 31-year-old is in his fifth year at the Catalan club, moving to Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2010 after also representing West Ham, Corinthians and River Plate.
And the versatile player has stated that he is drawn by the challenge of passing on what he has learned throughout his career to younger players and has no intention of leaving football once he hangs up his boots.
"I would become a coach," the Argentina vice-captain told Radio Metro. "As a player, things are easier, but it gets more complicated when you go on the other side."I want to pass on everything my coaches taught me. In football, things go full circle."
Mascherano, who began his career as a defensive midfielder, has adapted to play at the centre of defence after being first deployed there by former Blaugrana coach Pep Guardiola.It was a necessary move in order to get playing time according to the San Lorenzo native, who admitted knowing he was unlikely to displace Sergio Busquets in the centre of the park.
"At that time, many central defenders were injured and Sergio Busquets had emerged in midfield," he continued. "Guardiola noticed my characteristics and physique and liked what he saw when he put me in defence.
"I came to Barcelona knowing I was signed as a backup and it would be very difficult to hold down a place in midfield. Obviously I would have fought for my place but one of the best in the world was playing in my position.
"Meanwhile with Argentina I was made captain and had to win my place on two fronts. Over time though, I've managed to earn my place."
Barcelona ace Javier Mascherano has revealed that he wants to become a coach when he calls time on his playing career.
The 31-year-old is in his fifth year at the Catalan club, moving to Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2010 after also representing West Ham, Corinthians and River Plate.
And the versatile player has stated that he is drawn by the challenge of passing on what he has learned throughout his career to younger players and has no intention of leaving football once he hangs up his boots.
"I would become a coach," the Argentina vice-captain told Radio Metro. "As a player, things are easier, but it gets more complicated when you go on the other side."I want to pass on everything my coaches taught me. In football, things go full circle."
Mascherano, who began his career as a defensive midfielder, has adapted to play at the centre of defence after being first deployed there by former Blaugrana coach Pep Guardiola.It was a necessary move in order to get playing time according to the San Lorenzo native, who admitted knowing he was unlikely to displace Sergio Busquets in the centre of the park.
"At that time, many central defenders were injured and Sergio Busquets had emerged in midfield," he continued. "Guardiola noticed my characteristics and physique and liked what he saw when he put me in defence.
"I came to Barcelona knowing I was signed as a backup and it would be very difficult to hold down a place in midfield. Obviously I would have fought for my place but one of the best in the world was playing in my position.
"Meanwhile with Argentina I was made captain and had to win my place on two fronts. Over time though, I've managed to earn my place."
Vidal: Big transfer fees put too much pressure on players
Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal says the fees clubs are paying for players are far too big, claiming some would have to score "three or four goals every game" to justify the costs. The Copa America winner himself moved to Allianz Arena from Turin for a large fee in the region of €40 million in July.
And the 28-year-old has admitted that few players are worth the bloated transfer fees paid out in the modern game, claiming it heaps enormous pressure on them.
"These transfer figures today are abnormal," the midfielder told Radio ADN. "A player would have to score three or four goals every game to cost so much.
"In my view, players should cost less."This Saturday, Vidal comes head-to-head with his old side Bayer Leverkusen and he expressed his gratitude to them for bringing him to Europe from Colo Colo.
"It's a special match because Leverkusen were the first to give me the chance to play in Europe," he concluded."But I hope to play well to ensure Bayern are crowned champions at the end of the season."
Vidal has already made two starts for Die Roten this season in a 5-0 rout of Hamburg and a 2-1 win at Hoffenheim, with his side looking for a record-breaking fourth title in a row at the end of the campaign.Pep Guardiola's men are presently second in the table, sitting behind a resurgent Borussia Dortmund on goal difference.
Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal says the fees clubs are paying for players are far too big, claiming some would have to score "three or four goals every game" to justify the costs. The Copa America winner himself moved to Allianz Arena from Turin for a large fee in the region of €40 million in July.
And the 28-year-old has admitted that few players are worth the bloated transfer fees paid out in the modern game, claiming it heaps enormous pressure on them.
"These transfer figures today are abnormal," the midfielder told Radio ADN. "A player would have to score three or four goals every game to cost so much.
"In my view, players should cost less."This Saturday, Vidal comes head-to-head with his old side Bayer Leverkusen and he expressed his gratitude to them for bringing him to Europe from Colo Colo.
"It's a special match because Leverkusen were the first to give me the chance to play in Europe," he concluded."But I hope to play well to ensure Bayern are crowned champions at the end of the season."
Vidal has already made two starts for Die Roten this season in a 5-0 rout of Hamburg and a 2-1 win at Hoffenheim, with his side looking for a record-breaking fourth title in a row at the end of the campaign.Pep Guardiola's men are presently second in the table, sitting behind a resurgent Borussia Dortmund on goal difference.
Zorc: Weidenfeller could stay at Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has said out-of-favour goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller could extend his stay at the club.
The 35-year-old has been with the Ruhr outfit for 13 seasons and was a key figure in their 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp.
However, he has been dropped by new coach Thomas Tuchel in favour of newcomer Roman Burki after his poor form contributed to the side finishing seventh last term.
But when pushed on the topic, Zorc did not deny that Weidenfeller could yet pen an extension to his existing contract which expires next June.
"I've always said that Weidenfeller is Borussia Dortmund through and through," the club official told Bild . "He's an exemplary professional.
"We'll discuss the issue of an extension directly with him at a later date."
While the veteran custodian has not featured in the Bundesliga, he has started in his side's last two Europa League qualifiers.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has said out-of-favour goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller could extend his stay at the club.
The 35-year-old has been with the Ruhr outfit for 13 seasons and was a key figure in their 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp.
However, he has been dropped by new coach Thomas Tuchel in favour of newcomer Roman Burki after his poor form contributed to the side finishing seventh last term.
But when pushed on the topic, Zorc did not deny that Weidenfeller could yet pen an extension to his existing contract which expires next June.
"I've always said that Weidenfeller is Borussia Dortmund through and through," the club official told Bild . "He's an exemplary professional.
"We'll discuss the issue of an extension directly with him at a later date."
While the veteran custodian has not featured in the Bundesliga, he has started in his side's last two Europa League qualifiers.
Monaco don't need to sell following Champions League exit - Vasilyev
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev is adamant the club will not be forced to sell their prized assets as a result of their failure to secure a place in the Champions League group stages this season.
The French principality outfit succumbed to a 4-3 aggregate loss in qualifying to Valencia, being beaten 3-1 at the Mestalla before failing to overturn the deficit in the return leg on Tuesday, only winning 2-1 at Stade Louis II.
However, Vasilyev insisted Leonardo Jardim's men have not been adversely affected finally by their premature exit, addressing reports the club could be raided for assets like Anthony Martial and Joao Moutinho.
"We had budgeted according to our projected participation in the Europa League," the club patron told RMC. "Getting into the Champions League would simply have been a bonus for us.
"The exit does not change anything regarding our budget or player departures. I will confirm our position - we do not want to sell."
Geoffrey Kondogbia and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco have already departed this summer for big money while Aymen Abdennour and Layvin Kurzawa have been linked with sides from Europe's top leagues this summer.
And Vasilyev has admitted that the Ligue 1 side would only sell if big offers come in: "We would reflect if our players really want to go and we have really good offers. That's all."
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev is adamant the club will not be forced to sell their prized assets as a result of their failure to secure a place in the Champions League group stages this season.
The French principality outfit succumbed to a 4-3 aggregate loss in qualifying to Valencia, being beaten 3-1 at the Mestalla before failing to overturn the deficit in the return leg on Tuesday, only winning 2-1 at Stade Louis II.
However, Vasilyev insisted Leonardo Jardim's men have not been adversely affected finally by their premature exit, addressing reports the club could be raided for assets like Anthony Martial and Joao Moutinho.
"We had budgeted according to our projected participation in the Europa League," the club patron told RMC. "Getting into the Champions League would simply have been a bonus for us.
"The exit does not change anything regarding our budget or player departures. I will confirm our position - we do not want to sell."
Geoffrey Kondogbia and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco have already departed this summer for big money while Aymen Abdennour and Layvin Kurzawa have been linked with sides from Europe's top leagues this summer.
And Vasilyev has admitted that the Ligue 1 side would only sell if big offers come in: "We would reflect if our players really want to go and we have really good offers. That's all."
De Bruyne desperate for Manchester City resolution
The long-running transfer saga playing out between Manchester City and Wolfsburg has left Kevin De Bruyne stressed and desperate for a resolution, Goal has learned.
City identified De Bruyne as a key target as far back as May and his proposed move to the Etihad Stadium has been in the works throughout the transfer window. With a deal still yet to be finalised and Tuesday's deadline now in sight, the Belgian playmaker is understood to be growing increasingly anxious.
Although the 24-year-old has been expected to arrive in England 'imminently' for the past week, Friday represented the key day in negotiations so far and both the player and his partner were sat by the phone awaiting permission to board a plane to Manchester.
But the call never came and De Bruyne instead travelled with the Wolfsburg squad for Saturday's game at Koln, which ended 1-1.
Last season's Bundesliga player of the year has struggled in the early stages of the new season with his future still up in the air and was again far from his best at the weekend.
His coach, Dieter Hecking, admitted last week that the forward had been affected by the ongoing negotiations and sources close to the player have confirmed to Goal that he has in fact been having sleepless nights as he awaits developments.
"Kevin is a bit tired at the moment because there is so much happening around him," Hecking revealed. "He finds himself in a situation that is on his mind all the time, just like it has been over the past few weeks."
As well as De Bruyne's unease, there is consternation among his camp regarding Wolfsburg's handling of the talks. The club have twice made contract offers to their star man, both of which have fallen well short of expectations - and what is on offer at the Etihad.
Rumours of renewed interest from Bayern Munich in the past few days have also been seen as an attempt to get City to up their offer, which already stands at around £50 million.
Manchester United, too, are supposed to have entered the fray but City are confident that they are involved in a one-club auction.
Paris Saint-Germain provided a genuine threat to the Blues' hopes of bringing De Bruyne back to England earlier this summer but Angel Di Maria was the French champions' first choice and his arrival at the Parc des Princes left City as the only club still in the running.
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has repeatedly put up a defiant front in the face of contstant speculation and the club's stance has at times been equally stubborn in private.
It has even been suggested behind the scenes that De Bruyne's future has taken on a wider significance in Germany, with Bundesliga clubs increasingly wary and even resistant to English clubs' - and particularly City's - growing financial might.
Wolfsburg and both Hamburg and Bayern Munich have in the past proved to be tricky negotiators during talks over the transfers of Edin Dzeko and Jerome Boateng, and City's attempts to sign the league's star player is regarded as symbolic by senior figures in the German game who are concerned by the money available to their English rivals.
Despite De Bruyne's increasing anxiety over the transfer and his desire to move to England, however, he is not expected to hand in a transfer request or force the issue behind the scenes.
His agent, Patrick De Koster, was left furious last week after De Bruyne had been duped into saying he would remain at the Volkswagen Arena by the host of an event hosted by German newspaper Bild, but De Bruyne is determined to keep his counsel.
The long-running transfer saga playing out between Manchester City and Wolfsburg has left Kevin De Bruyne stressed and desperate for a resolution, Goal has learned.
City identified De Bruyne as a key target as far back as May and his proposed move to the Etihad Stadium has been in the works throughout the transfer window. With a deal still yet to be finalised and Tuesday's deadline now in sight, the Belgian playmaker is understood to be growing increasingly anxious.
Although the 24-year-old has been expected to arrive in England 'imminently' for the past week, Friday represented the key day in negotiations so far and both the player and his partner were sat by the phone awaiting permission to board a plane to Manchester.
But the call never came and De Bruyne instead travelled with the Wolfsburg squad for Saturday's game at Koln, which ended 1-1.
Last season's Bundesliga player of the year has struggled in the early stages of the new season with his future still up in the air and was again far from his best at the weekend.
His coach, Dieter Hecking, admitted last week that the forward had been affected by the ongoing negotiations and sources close to the player have confirmed to Goal that he has in fact been having sleepless nights as he awaits developments.
"Kevin is a bit tired at the moment because there is so much happening around him," Hecking revealed. "He finds himself in a situation that is on his mind all the time, just like it has been over the past few weeks."
As well as De Bruyne's unease, there is consternation among his camp regarding Wolfsburg's handling of the talks. The club have twice made contract offers to their star man, both of which have fallen well short of expectations - and what is on offer at the Etihad.
Rumours of renewed interest from Bayern Munich in the past few days have also been seen as an attempt to get City to up their offer, which already stands at around £50 million.
Manchester United, too, are supposed to have entered the fray but City are confident that they are involved in a one-club auction.
Paris Saint-Germain provided a genuine threat to the Blues' hopes of bringing De Bruyne back to England earlier this summer but Angel Di Maria was the French champions' first choice and his arrival at the Parc des Princes left City as the only club still in the running.
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has repeatedly put up a defiant front in the face of contstant speculation and the club's stance has at times been equally stubborn in private.
It has even been suggested behind the scenes that De Bruyne's future has taken on a wider significance in Germany, with Bundesliga clubs increasingly wary and even resistant to English clubs' - and particularly City's - growing financial might.
Wolfsburg and both Hamburg and Bayern Munich have in the past proved to be tricky negotiators during talks over the transfers of Edin Dzeko and Jerome Boateng, and City's attempts to sign the league's star player is regarded as symbolic by senior figures in the German game who are concerned by the money available to their English rivals.
Despite De Bruyne's increasing anxiety over the transfer and his desire to move to England, however, he is not expected to hand in a transfer request or force the issue behind the scenes.
His agent, Patrick De Koster, was left furious last week after De Bruyne had been duped into saying he would remain at the Volkswagen Arena by the host of an event hosted by German newspaper Bild, but De Bruyne is determined to keep his counsel.
Illarramendi excited at Real Sociedad return
Asier Illarramendi says he is excited ahead of his anticipated return to boyhood club Real Sociedad from Real Madrid, after arriving for his medical on Wednesday morning.
The 25-year-old came up through the youth ranks of the Basque club and established himself as a mainstay there, prompting Madrid to snap him up as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso in the 2013 season.
However, the €32 million signing failed to keep a place in the first team in the Spanish capital as he was relegated to the bench in Carlo Ancelotti's final season in charge, with the midfielder also failing to convince new Blancos boss Rafael Benitez this summer.
Links with a move back to boyhood side Sociedad intensified after Illarramendi was left out of the Madrid squad that kicked-off their La Liga campaign at Sporting Gijon on Sunday, with the player now in San Sebastian to complete his medical.
"I'm happy to come back. La Real was always my first option. I'm excited to come back home," he told journalists at the airport.
An agreement on a season-long loan with obligation to buy set at €16m is expected to be finalised in the coming hours, with Illaramendi being David Moyes' second major signing of the summer after former Elche forward Jonathas arrived at Anoeta.
The Basque side got their league season underway with a 0-0 draw at Deportivo last Saturday.
Asier Illarramendi says he is excited ahead of his anticipated return to boyhood club Real Sociedad from Real Madrid, after arriving for his medical on Wednesday morning.
The 25-year-old came up through the youth ranks of the Basque club and established himself as a mainstay there, prompting Madrid to snap him up as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso in the 2013 season.
However, the €32 million signing failed to keep a place in the first team in the Spanish capital as he was relegated to the bench in Carlo Ancelotti's final season in charge, with the midfielder also failing to convince new Blancos boss Rafael Benitez this summer.
Links with a move back to boyhood side Sociedad intensified after Illarramendi was left out of the Madrid squad that kicked-off their La Liga campaign at Sporting Gijon on Sunday, with the player now in San Sebastian to complete his medical.
"I'm happy to come back. La Real was always my first option. I'm excited to come back home," he told journalists at the airport.
An agreement on a season-long loan with obligation to buy set at €16m is expected to be finalised in the coming hours, with Illaramendi being David Moyes' second major signing of the summer after former Elche forward Jonathas arrived at Anoeta.
The Basque side got their league season underway with a 0-0 draw at Deportivo last Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain closing in on Kurzawa
Paris Saint-Germain are on the brink of signing Monaco left-back Layvin Kurzawa, Goal can confirm.
The left-back, 22, has flown into the French capital to discuss terms with the Ligue 1 champions following his side’s Champions League exit at the hands of Valencia, losing 4-3 on aggregate.
Terms between the clubs have not yet been agreed, but it is understood that PSG are prepared to raise their offer to around €25 million, which will satisfy the principality side.
After interest from Roma, Manchester City and Chelsea, Atletico Madrid were the first to make a move, bidding €16 million. but Monaco rejected it and a subsequent offer of €18m from PSG.
Kurzawa will arrive as a direct replacement for Lucas Digne, who is set to move to Roma.
The France international came through the Monaco youth ranks and debuted for them as an 18-year-old in 2010. He stayed with the club throughout their spell in Ligue 2 and retained his place in the starting XI, despite heavy investment from Dmitry Rybolovlev.
Despite playing in the Champions League playoff for Monaco on Tuesday evening, new Uefa regulations mean that he will be eligible to play in the same competition for the Parisian outfit should the move go through as anticipated.
With the Frejus-born player set to complete a move to the Parc des Princes, it will put an end to any interest PSG had in pursuing Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao.
Paris Saint-Germain are on the brink of signing Monaco left-back Layvin Kurzawa, Goal can confirm.
The left-back, 22, has flown into the French capital to discuss terms with the Ligue 1 champions following his side’s Champions League exit at the hands of Valencia, losing 4-3 on aggregate.
Terms between the clubs have not yet been agreed, but it is understood that PSG are prepared to raise their offer to around €25 million, which will satisfy the principality side.
After interest from Roma, Manchester City and Chelsea, Atletico Madrid were the first to make a move, bidding €16 million. but Monaco rejected it and a subsequent offer of €18m from PSG.
Kurzawa will arrive as a direct replacement for Lucas Digne, who is set to move to Roma.
The France international came through the Monaco youth ranks and debuted for them as an 18-year-old in 2010. He stayed with the club throughout their spell in Ligue 2 and retained his place in the starting XI, despite heavy investment from Dmitry Rybolovlev.
Despite playing in the Champions League playoff for Monaco on Tuesday evening, new Uefa regulations mean that he will be eligible to play in the same competition for the Parisian outfit should the move go through as anticipated.
With the Frejus-born player set to complete a move to the Parc des Princes, it will put an end to any interest PSG had in pursuing Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao.
Materazzi: Mihajlovic can succeed with Balotelli where Rodgers failed
Marco Materazzi believes Mario Balotelli will thrive at AC Milan under the leadership of Sinisa Mihajlovic, insisting he will have a better relationship with the Serbian than he had with Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.
The enigmatic forward has completed his medical ahead of his expected return to the Rossoneri after a single season at Anfield, in which he only managed to net four times in 28 matches in all competitions.
But former team-mate Materazzi has backed Mihajlovic - who previously worked with Balotelli as Inter's assistant coach in the 2007-08 season - to revive the 25-year-old's career as he gears up for his second spell at the Rossoneri.
"I’m happy for him, because he’s like a younger brother to me,” the former treble winner with the Nerazzurri told Corriere Spione.
“I know how he is as a person, and I wouldn’t say this is his last chance, but it’s a golden opportunity which must be exploited.
“I’m sure Sinisa will strike the understanding he couldn’t find with Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers.
“I hope with all my heart that Balotelli will have a great season before going on to represent Italy at the European Championships.”
Milan have spent the summer rebuilding after their 10th place finish in Serie A last term, and targeted Balotelli after failing to secure another ex-player in Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain.
Balotelli first joined Milan in January 2013 and went on to make an immediate impact, netting 12 goals in 13 league appearances in his first campaign there, before following up with another 14 strikes the subsequent term.
Marco Materazzi believes Mario Balotelli will thrive at AC Milan under the leadership of Sinisa Mihajlovic, insisting he will have a better relationship with the Serbian than he had with Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.
The enigmatic forward has completed his medical ahead of his expected return to the Rossoneri after a single season at Anfield, in which he only managed to net four times in 28 matches in all competitions.
But former team-mate Materazzi has backed Mihajlovic - who previously worked with Balotelli as Inter's assistant coach in the 2007-08 season - to revive the 25-year-old's career as he gears up for his second spell at the Rossoneri.
"I’m happy for him, because he’s like a younger brother to me,” the former treble winner with the Nerazzurri told Corriere Spione.
“I know how he is as a person, and I wouldn’t say this is his last chance, but it’s a golden opportunity which must be exploited.
“I’m sure Sinisa will strike the understanding he couldn’t find with Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers.
“I hope with all my heart that Balotelli will have a great season before going on to represent Italy at the European Championships.”
Milan have spent the summer rebuilding after their 10th place finish in Serie A last term, and targeted Balotelli after failing to secure another ex-player in Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain.
Balotelli first joined Milan in January 2013 and went on to make an immediate impact, netting 12 goals in 13 league appearances in his first campaign there, before following up with another 14 strikes the subsequent term.
Barcelona to rebuff Man Utd interest by offering Neymar bumper new deal
Barcelona are to offer Manchester United target Neymar a new contract and pay rise to end summer speculation and secure the forward's long-term future, Goal understands.
United made an enquiry about the Brazilian in their negotiations to try and sign Pedro, but Barca are not considering a sale and will make Neymar the club's best-paid player after Lionel Messi, who takes home around €22 million per year after tax, to tie the player down until 2020.
The 23-year-old's current contract expires in 2018 and former president Sandro Rosell promised the Brazilian he would be offered a new deal in 2016.
Rosell resigned in January last year due to controversy over how the player's move from Santos was paid for, but his successor Josep Maria Bartomeu - who took over and was elected again in July - is set to offer the renewal ahead of schedule after United's recent interest.
The Premier League side were willing to pay a world-record fee for the Brazilian, who is the second player to use interest from United to secure a bumper new deal this summer after Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos flirted with the Old Trafford outfit before committing to a renewal at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.
Neymar, who helped Barca win the treble last season but has been sidelined so far this term with a bout of mumps, is happy in Catalunya and will now become the club's second-highest earner behind Messi, who takes home around €22 million per year after tax.
Talks between Neymar, who has scored 54 goals in 92 appearances since moving to Barca in the summer of 2013, and club are yet to get underway, but a meeting is to be arranged in the coming days.
Barcelona are to offer Manchester United target Neymar a new contract and pay rise to end summer speculation and secure the forward's long-term future, Goal understands.
United made an enquiry about the Brazilian in their negotiations to try and sign Pedro, but Barca are not considering a sale and will make Neymar the club's best-paid player after Lionel Messi, who takes home around €22 million per year after tax, to tie the player down until 2020.
The 23-year-old's current contract expires in 2018 and former president Sandro Rosell promised the Brazilian he would be offered a new deal in 2016.
Rosell resigned in January last year due to controversy over how the player's move from Santos was paid for, but his successor Josep Maria Bartomeu - who took over and was elected again in July - is set to offer the renewal ahead of schedule after United's recent interest.
The Premier League side were willing to pay a world-record fee for the Brazilian, who is the second player to use interest from United to secure a bumper new deal this summer after Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos flirted with the Old Trafford outfit before committing to a renewal at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.
Neymar, who helped Barca win the treble last season but has been sidelined so far this term with a bout of mumps, is happy in Catalunya and will now become the club's second-highest earner behind Messi, who takes home around €22 million per year after tax.
Talks between Neymar, who has scored 54 goals in 92 appearances since moving to Barca in the summer of 2013, and club are yet to get underway, but a meeting is to be arranged in the coming days.
Bellerin ready to fight Debuchy for Arsenal place
Hector Bellerin is relishing the battle with fellow right-back Mathieu Debuchy for a regular first-team spot at Arsenal.
The Spaniard broke into Arsene Wenger's side last season after Debuchy suffered an ankle ligament injury and went on to make 28 appearances in all competitions - including the full 90 minutes of Arsenal's FA Cup final triumph over Aston Villa.
And despite France international Debuchy returning to fitness this term, Bellerin has started two of the Gunners' three Premier League matches so far.
"I think the competition in every single position in the team is really strong," the youngster told the club's official website. "That's going to make the team train harder, perform better and grow as players.
"We have to give our best. We know we can't relax. We know we can't take out starting position for granted when we have it.
"Even when you think you're going to play, you need to train hard because otherwise it's on to the next one and you're going to be on the bench.
"I think it's very good and all the successful teams have that kind of battle in every single spot because that keeps you on your feet and makes you perform better.
"I know it's going to be difficult with Mathieu back now but I'm just going to keep training hard."
Hector Bellerin is relishing the battle with fellow right-back Mathieu Debuchy for a regular first-team spot at Arsenal.
The Spaniard broke into Arsene Wenger's side last season after Debuchy suffered an ankle ligament injury and went on to make 28 appearances in all competitions - including the full 90 minutes of Arsenal's FA Cup final triumph over Aston Villa.
And despite France international Debuchy returning to fitness this term, Bellerin has started two of the Gunners' three Premier League matches so far.
"I think the competition in every single position in the team is really strong," the youngster told the club's official website. "That's going to make the team train harder, perform better and grow as players.
"We have to give our best. We know we can't relax. We know we can't take out starting position for granted when we have it.
"Even when you think you're going to play, you need to train hard because otherwise it's on to the next one and you're going to be on the bench.
"I think it's very good and all the successful teams have that kind of battle in every single spot because that keeps you on your feet and makes you perform better.
"I know it's going to be difficult with Mathieu back now but I'm just going to keep training hard."
Van Dijk considers Celtic departure after Champions League exit
Southampton target Virgil van Dijk will consider his Celtic future if "the right opportunity" is presented to him before the transfer deadline.
The Dutch defender has long been linked with a move to St Mary's Stadium and Celtic's Champions League elimination on Tuesday could open the door to his departure from the Scottish champions.
"I'm very disappointed and it's a terrible way if it ends like this," Van Dijk told Sky Sports after their loss to Malmo. "I don't know what is going to happen.
"I'm not looking for anything. [Celtic] is a great place to be and they gave me a great opportunity to show myself so I'm very thankful for that.
"But if the opportunity comes and it's the right opportunity for me, then I'll consider it, yeah, but that's what every player, I think, would do.
"It's still difficult. Celtic is an amazing club and I am very thankful for what they did for me. We'll see what is going to happen."
Southampton target Virgil van Dijk will consider his Celtic future if "the right opportunity" is presented to him before the transfer deadline.
The Dutch defender has long been linked with a move to St Mary's Stadium and Celtic's Champions League elimination on Tuesday could open the door to his departure from the Scottish champions.
"I'm very disappointed and it's a terrible way if it ends like this," Van Dijk told Sky Sports after their loss to Malmo. "I don't know what is going to happen.
"I'm not looking for anything. [Celtic] is a great place to be and they gave me a great opportunity to show myself so I'm very thankful for that.
"But if the opportunity comes and it's the right opportunity for me, then I'll consider it, yeah, but that's what every player, I think, would do.
"It's still difficult. Celtic is an amazing club and I am very thankful for what they did for me. We'll see what is going to happen."
Cuadrado will make a huge difference to Juventus - Di Livio
Juan Cuadrado has made the perfect move in joining Juventus and could help fix the side's problem in the attacking midfield position, according to former player Angelo Di Livio.
The Bianconeri have been in the hunt for a player capable of being the link between midfield and attack, but have so far been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Julian Draxler from Schalke.
Their search led them to Chelsea winger Cuadrado, who has failed to secure a spot in Jose Mourinho's first team after joining in January, with the Colombian moving back to Serie A on loan.
And Di Livio has revealed his excitement at the signing, stating the the attacker's versatility and flair can take the Old Lady far as they look to move on from the departures of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.
"He’s someone who can make a huge difference. Serie A will remember him well after his great season for Fiorentina in the 2013 season," the ex-Italy international, who also represented the Viola in his career, told Tuttosport.
“I’m convinced that Juventus is the perfect club for Cuadrado, who I think can also play behind the strikers. We know the Colombian as a fabulous winger because of his pace, but I’m sure coach Massimiliano Allegri will also try him as an attacking midfielder."
It is however unknown whether the 27-year-old could be ready in time for the Italian champions' trip to face Roma on Sunday, and Di Livio is of the opinion the early battle between the Scudetto contenders could prove problematic for either side.
"The trip is too soon for Juventus but the same holds true for Roma," he said. "Unfortunately neither side is in top condition for a match like that, so it’s difficult to make predictions for Sunday.
"In the long run, both are competing for the Scudetto, they’re the best teams to do that."
Both sides got the season off to a bad start last weekend, with Juventus succumbing 1-0 to Udinese at home while Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona.
Juan Cuadrado has made the perfect move in joining Juventus and could help fix the side's problem in the attacking midfield position, according to former player Angelo Di Livio.
The Bianconeri have been in the hunt for a player capable of being the link between midfield and attack, but have so far been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Julian Draxler from Schalke.
Their search led them to Chelsea winger Cuadrado, who has failed to secure a spot in Jose Mourinho's first team after joining in January, with the Colombian moving back to Serie A on loan.
And Di Livio has revealed his excitement at the signing, stating the the attacker's versatility and flair can take the Old Lady far as they look to move on from the departures of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.
"He’s someone who can make a huge difference. Serie A will remember him well after his great season for Fiorentina in the 2013 season," the ex-Italy international, who also represented the Viola in his career, told Tuttosport.
“I’m convinced that Juventus is the perfect club for Cuadrado, who I think can also play behind the strikers. We know the Colombian as a fabulous winger because of his pace, but I’m sure coach Massimiliano Allegri will also try him as an attacking midfielder."
It is however unknown whether the 27-year-old could be ready in time for the Italian champions' trip to face Roma on Sunday, and Di Livio is of the opinion the early battle between the Scudetto contenders could prove problematic for either side.
"The trip is too soon for Juventus but the same holds true for Roma," he said. "Unfortunately neither side is in top condition for a match like that, so it’s difficult to make predictions for Sunday.
"In the long run, both are competing for the Scudetto, they’re the best teams to do that."
Both sides got the season off to a bad start last weekend, with Juventus succumbing 1-0 to Udinese at home while Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona.
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