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Conte keen on Chelsea as Juventus fight to keep Allegri
Antonio Conte is the favourite to become the next permanent Chelsea manager with Juventus determined to keep Massimiliano Allegri, Goal understands.
Guus Hiddink, who signed a short-term deal at Chelsea following Jose Mourinho’s sacking in December, is not expected to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer, despite having steadied the ship and overseen a 10-game unbeaten run.
Goal understands Conte held talks with Chelsea chiefs a month ago and is certain to step down from his position as Italy’s head coach following this summer’s European Championships in France.
The 46-year-old, who masterminded three successive Serie A titles during his time as Juve manager, is desperate to return to club management and has been taking English lessons in preparation for a move to the Premier League for some time.
His successor at Juve, Allegri, has also been heavily linked with the Chelsea manager’s job in recent weeks but has strenuously denied any interest in moving to west London.
“Today what I will say is, as I have said before, that I’m happy here,” he said last week "We have many commitments and three important goals to achieve. For the future, we do not talk about anything."
Allegri replaced Conte as Juve manager in the summer of 2014 and has built on the platform established by his compatriot, overseeing the Old Lady’s continued dominance of Serie A and guiding them to last season’s Champions League final.
The former Milan coach’s contract is due to expire in 2017 which has sparked uncertainty over his future, but Goal can confirm Juve’s general manager Giuseppe Marotta intends to sit down with Allegri imminently with a view to tying him down to a new long-term deal.
Antonio Conte is the favourite to become the next permanent Chelsea manager with Juventus determined to keep Massimiliano Allegri, Goal understands.
Guus Hiddink, who signed a short-term deal at Chelsea following Jose Mourinho’s sacking in December, is not expected to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer, despite having steadied the ship and overseen a 10-game unbeaten run.
Goal understands Conte held talks with Chelsea chiefs a month ago and is certain to step down from his position as Italy’s head coach following this summer’s European Championships in France.
The 46-year-old, who masterminded three successive Serie A titles during his time as Juve manager, is desperate to return to club management and has been taking English lessons in preparation for a move to the Premier League for some time.
His successor at Juve, Allegri, has also been heavily linked with the Chelsea manager’s job in recent weeks but has strenuously denied any interest in moving to west London.
“Today what I will say is, as I have said before, that I’m happy here,” he said last week "We have many commitments and three important goals to achieve. For the future, we do not talk about anything."
Allegri replaced Conte as Juve manager in the summer of 2014 and has built on the platform established by his compatriot, overseeing the Old Lady’s continued dominance of Serie A and guiding them to last season’s Champions League final.
The former Milan coach’s contract is due to expire in 2017 which has sparked uncertainty over his future, but Goal can confirm Juve’s general manager Giuseppe Marotta intends to sit down with Allegri imminently with a view to tying him down to a new long-term deal.
Robben: I won't follow Guardiola to Manchester City
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben does not expect to join coach Pep Guardiola when he moves to Manchester City in the summer.
After years of speculation, the Catalan confirmed earlier this month that he will succeed Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the season but, despite Robben's great admiration for his boss, the Netherlands international does not see a return to the Premier League in his future.
The Dutchman told Metro of the timing of the news: "I think it was a good moment to clarify a few things for the future. Everyone knows what's going to happen. The rumours were already there so maybe it was better to give some clarity as soon as possible.
"No, he didn't ask me to join him on his way to Manchester City," he continued, laughing. "I don't think he would do that - not with me and not with other players either.
"We all have only one goal: to finish this season with as many trophies as possible. That's the only thing that matters right now."
Robben has already won two Bundesliga titles under Guardiola's stewardship at Bayern and is on course for more glory this season - and the 32-year-old says that he has been taught a great deal by the former Barcelona coach.
"I'm actually not really thinking about Guardiola's departure yet; it's still too nice to work with him on the pitch to think about his departure," he remarked. "In the next few months, I want to enjoy working with him. Hopefully we can say goodbye to him by winning multiple trophies.
"The rumours about his departure had already been ongoing for some time but still I was hoping that he would stay. It was hard to hear that he was going to leave us. It's a pity because the collaboration was perfect. He is an amazing coach.
"What I will miss the most about Guardiola? His obsession with the game and his knowledge, which makes you a better football player. I've been playing football for a while but Guardiola really made me a better player. I was 29 when I started working with him so I wasn't very young but, if you see the steps I made thanks to him, it shows you what he is capable of doing. Guardiola didn't just put me on the flanks but in other positions as well. I've been a striker and a midfielder, which made my game more varied."
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben does not expect to join coach Pep Guardiola when he moves to Manchester City in the summer.
After years of speculation, the Catalan confirmed earlier this month that he will succeed Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the season but, despite Robben's great admiration for his boss, the Netherlands international does not see a return to the Premier League in his future.
The Dutchman told Metro of the timing of the news: "I think it was a good moment to clarify a few things for the future. Everyone knows what's going to happen. The rumours were already there so maybe it was better to give some clarity as soon as possible.
"No, he didn't ask me to join him on his way to Manchester City," he continued, laughing. "I don't think he would do that - not with me and not with other players either.
"We all have only one goal: to finish this season with as many trophies as possible. That's the only thing that matters right now."
Robben has already won two Bundesliga titles under Guardiola's stewardship at Bayern and is on course for more glory this season - and the 32-year-old says that he has been taught a great deal by the former Barcelona coach.
"I'm actually not really thinking about Guardiola's departure yet; it's still too nice to work with him on the pitch to think about his departure," he remarked. "In the next few months, I want to enjoy working with him. Hopefully we can say goodbye to him by winning multiple trophies.
"The rumours about his departure had already been ongoing for some time but still I was hoping that he would stay. It was hard to hear that he was going to leave us. It's a pity because the collaboration was perfect. He is an amazing coach.
"What I will miss the most about Guardiola? His obsession with the game and his knowledge, which makes you a better football player. I've been playing football for a while but Guardiola really made me a better player. I was 29 when I started working with him so I wasn't very young but, if you see the steps I made thanks to him, it shows you what he is capable of doing. Guardiola didn't just put me on the flanks but in other positions as well. I've been a striker and a midfielder, which made my game more varied."
Jackson Martinez receives cut of transfer fee
Jackson Martinez's move to Guangzhou Evergrande from Atletico Madrid brought an end to a disappointing period in the Spanish capital and earned him a significant wage rise, but it has now been revealed that the deal was more profitable for the striker than initially believed.
The former Porto man became one of several high-profile players to leave Europe for the cash-rich Chinese Super League, joining Guangzhou for €42 million after a brief spell at Atletico.
However, whistle-blowing website Football Leaks, which has revealed the details of many contracts in recent months, released the details of Martinez's contract with the Rojiblancos, which shows that he pocketed a chunk of the fee which saw him move to the Far East.
The 29-year-old had a clause in his deal which entitled him to five per cent of any transfer away from Atletico.
The contract also showed that Martinez picked up a €2.5m fee for signing with the Liga club and was to earn €3.5m in his first year, which was to rise to €5m per year for the remainder of his time there.
After a successful spell with Porto, Martinez joined Atletico last summer for around €35m, but failed to sustain his form with Diego Simeone's men, scoring just three goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.
Jackson Martinez's move to Guangzhou Evergrande from Atletico Madrid brought an end to a disappointing period in the Spanish capital and earned him a significant wage rise, but it has now been revealed that the deal was more profitable for the striker than initially believed.
The former Porto man became one of several high-profile players to leave Europe for the cash-rich Chinese Super League, joining Guangzhou for €42 million after a brief spell at Atletico.
However, whistle-blowing website Football Leaks, which has revealed the details of many contracts in recent months, released the details of Martinez's contract with the Rojiblancos, which shows that he pocketed a chunk of the fee which saw him move to the Far East.
The 29-year-old had a clause in his deal which entitled him to five per cent of any transfer away from Atletico.
The contract also showed that Martinez picked up a €2.5m fee for signing with the Liga club and was to earn €3.5m in his first year, which was to rise to €5m per year for the remainder of his time there.
After a successful spell with Porto, Martinez joined Atletico last summer for around €35m, but failed to sustain his form with Diego Simeone's men, scoring just three goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.
‘Terry to Manchester United? I wouldn’t put it past Mourinho’
Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins says he wouldn’t rule out the prospect of Jose Mourinho asking John Terry to join him at Manchester United.
Several reports claim that the Portuguese will replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford at the end of the season, while Terry revealed in January that he is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season when his contract expires.
When asked if Mourinho would try to lure his former captain to Old Trafford, Wilkins told talkSPORT: “That would be a cheeky one from Jose but I wouldn’t put it past him. He will have that in his locker.”
“Whether John would actually go to another Premier League club is another matter.
"He has stated that he wouldn’t, so that will be interesting.”
Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins says he wouldn’t rule out the prospect of Jose Mourinho asking John Terry to join him at Manchester United.
Several reports claim that the Portuguese will replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford at the end of the season, while Terry revealed in January that he is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season when his contract expires.
When asked if Mourinho would try to lure his former captain to Old Trafford, Wilkins told talkSPORT: “That would be a cheeky one from Jose but I wouldn’t put it past him. He will have that in his locker.”
“Whether John would actually go to another Premier League club is another matter.
"He has stated that he wouldn’t, so that will be interesting.”
Lukaku: I know what defenders are going to do before they do it
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku believes he has become a clinical goalscorer because he extensively studies opponents before coming up against them.
The Belgian, who has already secured two big money moves in his career despite being only 22, currently sits second in the Premier League goalscoring charts with 16 from 25 games.
And the former Chelsea player says he spends a great deal of time analysing his own game and that of his opponents, insisting he can predict what defenders are going to do when he comes up against them.
"There is a company in France which films all my games and makes clips of every action that I made on the pitch," Lukaku told the Telegraph."They make clips of every other player as well. Defenders from other teams and strikers throughout Europe.
"When I watch a match I know what teams are going to do, I know what their patterns are because I watch the games and I know and I see the movements."Like every time we play against Arsenal I know what this player or that player is going to do, the runs. And most of the time it is true."
Lukaku has received high praise for his exploits in front of goal this season, but the former Toffees star is letting nothing get to his head.
"I am getting better at everything," he added. "I am strong, tall, very fast. I can dribble, I can score with both feet and my head.
"I can hold up the ball so like when people say: ‘oh he’s unplayable’ I’m saying: ‘OK, I am unplayable that day but I have to try and be unplayable every single game’."
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku believes he has become a clinical goalscorer because he extensively studies opponents before coming up against them.
The Belgian, who has already secured two big money moves in his career despite being only 22, currently sits second in the Premier League goalscoring charts with 16 from 25 games.
And the former Chelsea player says he spends a great deal of time analysing his own game and that of his opponents, insisting he can predict what defenders are going to do when he comes up against them.
"There is a company in France which films all my games and makes clips of every action that I made on the pitch," Lukaku told the Telegraph."They make clips of every other player as well. Defenders from other teams and strikers throughout Europe.
"When I watch a match I know what teams are going to do, I know what their patterns are because I watch the games and I know and I see the movements."Like every time we play against Arsenal I know what this player or that player is going to do, the runs. And most of the time it is true."
Lukaku has received high praise for his exploits in front of goal this season, but the former Toffees star is letting nothing get to his head.
"I am getting better at everything," he added. "I am strong, tall, very fast. I can dribble, I can score with both feet and my head.
"I can hold up the ball so like when people say: ‘oh he’s unplayable’ I’m saying: ‘OK, I am unplayable that day but I have to try and be unplayable every single game’."
Adidas terminates boot deal with Johnson
Adidas has ended its association with Adam Johnson after the Sunderland winger pleaded guilty to two child sex charges.
England international Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.The 28-year-old denied two charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16 and will be on trial from Friday.
Johnson, who will not feature in Sunderland's Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend, had a boot deal with German sportswear manufacturer Adidas.
But the company confirmed that the sponsorship has come to an end in the wake of the events.
"Adidas can confirm that it has terminated its contract with footballer Adam Johnson with immediate effect," a statement read."This follows his guilty pleas entered earlier this week."
Adidas has ended its association with Adam Johnson after the Sunderland winger pleaded guilty to two child sex charges.
England international Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.The 28-year-old denied two charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16 and will be on trial from Friday.
Johnson, who will not feature in Sunderland's Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend, had a boot deal with German sportswear manufacturer Adidas.
But the company confirmed that the sponsorship has come to an end in the wake of the events.
"Adidas can confirm that it has terminated its contract with footballer Adam Johnson with immediate effect," a statement read."This follows his guilty pleas entered earlier this week."
Van Gaal needs answers from Manchester United, says Allardyce
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has urged Louis van Gaal to seek clarity from Manchester United over his future at the club.
Van Gaal's position at Old Trafford has been the subject of fresh speculation this week, with reports claiming Jose Mourinho will replace the Dutchman for the 2016-17 campaign.Allardyce was frequently tipped to be dismissed from his previous role at West Ham over criticism of his pragmatic style of play.
The 61-year-old was indeed moved on at the end of last season, to be replaced at Upton Park by Slaven Bilic.
And the former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers boss has urged Van Gaal to confront his employers ahead of United's trip to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Saturday.
"There's no doubt … about what you have to find out. You have to find out whether it's true," Allardyce told his pre-match media conference regarding whispers behind a manager's back.
"You don't always find out whether it's true or not from the owners … but he's got to try and find out and [then] you know one way or the other.
"It's a great shame that that football club is [being talked about] in that light again but the hype builds up so much at a football club the size of Man United that it is a huge task to have the coping mechanisms to do it."
Van Gaal is no stranger to scrutiny and intrigue though, with Allardyce confident the former Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Netherlands head coach can handle the pressure he has found himself under.
The Sunderland boss added: "Louis van Gaal has shown he has had the coping mechanisms at many big football clubs. He will probably continue to do the same now."
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has urged Louis van Gaal to seek clarity from Manchester United over his future at the club.
Van Gaal's position at Old Trafford has been the subject of fresh speculation this week, with reports claiming Jose Mourinho will replace the Dutchman for the 2016-17 campaign.Allardyce was frequently tipped to be dismissed from his previous role at West Ham over criticism of his pragmatic style of play.
The 61-year-old was indeed moved on at the end of last season, to be replaced at Upton Park by Slaven Bilic.
And the former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers boss has urged Van Gaal to confront his employers ahead of United's trip to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Saturday.
"There's no doubt … about what you have to find out. You have to find out whether it's true," Allardyce told his pre-match media conference regarding whispers behind a manager's back.
"You don't always find out whether it's true or not from the owners … but he's got to try and find out and [then] you know one way or the other.
"It's a great shame that that football club is [being talked about] in that light again but the hype builds up so much at a football club the size of Man United that it is a huge task to have the coping mechanisms to do it."
Van Gaal is no stranger to scrutiny and intrigue though, with Allardyce confident the former Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Netherlands head coach can handle the pressure he has found himself under.
The Sunderland boss added: "Louis van Gaal has shown he has had the coping mechanisms at many big football clubs. He will probably continue to do the same now."
Sunderland terminate Adam Johnson contract
Sunderland have terminated Adam Johnson's contract after the winger pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.
The 28-year-old is on trial for allegations of child sex charges relating to incidents between December 2014 and February last year. And Johnson, although he has admitted to one charge, has denied two charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.
It was later confirmed that the attacker would miss the Black Cats' Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday, but the club have since taken further action by releasing him from his contract.
A statement from the club read: "In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect."It was also revealed on Thursday that Adidas had brought an end to their sponsorship with Johnson.
Johnson had initially been suspended by Sunderland following his arrest in March, but upon having his bail extended by Durham Police, Johnson was cleared to return to training later that month and remained in the first-team picture until the latest developments in the case.
Sunderland have terminated Adam Johnson's contract after the winger pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.
The 28-year-old is on trial for allegations of child sex charges relating to incidents between December 2014 and February last year. And Johnson, although he has admitted to one charge, has denied two charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.
It was later confirmed that the attacker would miss the Black Cats' Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday, but the club have since taken further action by releasing him from his contract.
A statement from the club read: "In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect."It was also revealed on Thursday that Adidas had brought an end to their sponsorship with Johnson.
Johnson had initially been suspended by Sunderland following his arrest in March, but upon having his bail extended by Durham Police, Johnson was cleared to return to training later that month and remained in the first-team picture until the latest developments in the case.
anith kattiyatath meka hoda padamak
Lampard: Mourinho could certainly handle Manchester United job
Frank Lampard says Jose Mourinho is a “great manager” who could handle taking on the Manchester United job.
Louis van Gaal’s future at Old Trafford has come under scrutiny after another disappointing season with Mourinho heavily tipped to replace the Dutchman.
And Lampard, who won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup with Mourinho during his first spell at Chelsea, is backing the Portuguese to land another top job.
"I haven't spoken to him much. I spoke to him briefly when he left Chelsea," he told ITV’s This Morning.
"There's a bit of a merry-go-round of managers at the minute and I think he'll probably sit tight for a while and then will end up at a big club somewhere, because he's a great manager.
"If Louis van Gaal goes on, which I think he's said he's going to leave at the end of the season at the latest, I think Mourinho's the type of manager that will certainly come into their thinking.
"He could certainly handle a club like that, that's what he's about."
Frank Lampard says Jose Mourinho is a “great manager” who could handle taking on the Manchester United job.
Louis van Gaal’s future at Old Trafford has come under scrutiny after another disappointing season with Mourinho heavily tipped to replace the Dutchman.
And Lampard, who won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup with Mourinho during his first spell at Chelsea, is backing the Portuguese to land another top job.
"I haven't spoken to him much. I spoke to him briefly when he left Chelsea," he told ITV’s This Morning.
"There's a bit of a merry-go-round of managers at the minute and I think he'll probably sit tight for a while and then will end up at a big club somewhere, because he's a great manager.
"If Louis van Gaal goes on, which I think he's said he's going to leave at the end of the season at the latest, I think Mourinho's the type of manager that will certainly come into their thinking.
"He could certainly handle a club like that, that's what he's about."
Celta Vigo 2-2 Sevilla (2-6 agg): Emery's men set up final with Barcelona
Sevilla reached their first Copa del Rey final since 2010 following a 2-2 second-leg draw with Celta Vigo in a helter-skelter semi-final at Balaidos.
Going into the meeting with a four-goal lead from the first leg, Sevilla were always hot favourites to set up a final showdown against holders Barcelona, but found themselves 2-0 down just after half-time thanks to a double from their former striker Iago Aspas.
Ever Banega's effort left Celta needing to score four more goals in the final 30 minutes, however, and, when John Guidetti missed a penalty moments later, the home side's hopes subsided, and then Yevhen Konoplyanka tapped in a late equaliser for the visitors.
Sevilla, who are now unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, will face Barca in the May showpiece courtesy of their 6-2 aggregate victory. For Celta, a first Copa final since 2001 will have to wait.
In the pouring rain, neither side threatened the opposing goalkeeper until the 31st minute, when Sergio Rico did well to hold on to Aspas' shot across the face of goal.
Ten minutes before the break, however, Aspas gave the hosts hope with his first goal in six matches. A swift counter-attack ended with the former Liverpool striker tapping in at the back post following a well-weighted cross from Fabian Orellana.
Sevilla almost cancelled out Aspas' strike two minutes before the break, but, after rising highest to meet a corner, Daniel Carrico headed against the outside of the post.Rico made a fortunate save with his legs from Guidetti's flicked header just after half-time and the Sevilla goalkeeper enjoyed a huge let-off moments later when he failed to claim an aerial ball in the box and Aspas nodded wide from six yards out.
The frontman made no mistake with his next sight of goal in the 55th minute. Daniel Wass fired at goal from the right and, when Rico could not hold onto the shot, Aspas headed home from close range.
The home fans must have briefly believed in the most unlikely of comebacks, but it took less than two minutes for the visitors to change the tie again. Banega found space 15 yards out to steer his low shot into the bottom corner.
Celta should have pulled one back in the 59th minute when Rico upended Guidetti in the area, only for the Swede to strike a post from the subsequent penalty, as the pace of the game reached a furious tempo in increasingly terrible conditions at Balaidos.
With standing water starting to appear, however, Celta found it ever harder to create chances in front of goal and, when they finally did in the 79th minute, Rico made an excellent save from Orellana.
Despite an impressive showing, Celta could not hang on to the scant consolation of victory on the evening, as Konoplyanka was left with a simple tap-in from Vitolo's cross with a minute remaining.
Sevilla reached their first Copa del Rey final since 2010 following a 2-2 second-leg draw with Celta Vigo in a helter-skelter semi-final at Balaidos.
Going into the meeting with a four-goal lead from the first leg, Sevilla were always hot favourites to set up a final showdown against holders Barcelona, but found themselves 2-0 down just after half-time thanks to a double from their former striker Iago Aspas.
Ever Banega's effort left Celta needing to score four more goals in the final 30 minutes, however, and, when John Guidetti missed a penalty moments later, the home side's hopes subsided, and then Yevhen Konoplyanka tapped in a late equaliser for the visitors.
Sevilla, who are now unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, will face Barca in the May showpiece courtesy of their 6-2 aggregate victory. For Celta, a first Copa final since 2001 will have to wait.
In the pouring rain, neither side threatened the opposing goalkeeper until the 31st minute, when Sergio Rico did well to hold on to Aspas' shot across the face of goal.
Ten minutes before the break, however, Aspas gave the hosts hope with his first goal in six matches. A swift counter-attack ended with the former Liverpool striker tapping in at the back post following a well-weighted cross from Fabian Orellana.
Sevilla almost cancelled out Aspas' strike two minutes before the break, but, after rising highest to meet a corner, Daniel Carrico headed against the outside of the post.Rico made a fortunate save with his legs from Guidetti's flicked header just after half-time and the Sevilla goalkeeper enjoyed a huge let-off moments later when he failed to claim an aerial ball in the box and Aspas nodded wide from six yards out.
The frontman made no mistake with his next sight of goal in the 55th minute. Daniel Wass fired at goal from the right and, when Rico could not hold onto the shot, Aspas headed home from close range.
The home fans must have briefly believed in the most unlikely of comebacks, but it took less than two minutes for the visitors to change the tie again. Banega found space 15 yards out to steer his low shot into the bottom corner.
Celta should have pulled one back in the 59th minute when Rico upended Guidetti in the area, only for the Swede to strike a post from the subsequent penalty, as the pace of the game reached a furious tempo in increasingly terrible conditions at Balaidos.
With standing water starting to appear, however, Celta found it ever harder to create chances in front of goal and, when they finally did in the 79th minute, Rico made an excellent save from Orellana.
Despite an impressive showing, Celta could not hang on to the scant consolation of victory on the evening, as Konoplyanka was left with a simple tap-in from Vitolo's cross with a minute remaining.
Sooner or later we will see Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney in China, says Eriksson
Sven Goran Eriksson claims that players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney could all make the move to the Chinese Super League in the near future.
A host of big names have headed to the Far East this winter including Ramires, Jackson Martinez, Alex Teixeira and Gervinho.
Barcelona's Arda Turan has been the latest high-profile star to be linked with China although his agent has moved to deny reports Beijing Guoan were ready to offer €20 million per season on a five-year deal.
Rooney is another player who is reportedly attracting interest from China and Eriksson, currently coach of Shanghai SIPG, would not be surprised to see the England captain head to Asia at some point in his career.
“Who doesn’t want Rooney?” he told Expressen.
"But I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to leave Manchester United. Not for this moment, anyway.
“Sooner or later, we are going to see names like Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney in this league — players on this level.”
Welbeck could play against Hull - Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Danny Welbeck may be fit enough to face Hull City in the FA Cup on February 20.
The former Manchester United striker went under the knife in September last year after failing to recover from a cartilage problem which had ruled him out since the previous April.
Welbeck recently made his return to the pitch for Arsenal's U21 side, lasting an hour against Brighton, and Wenger feels the 25-year-old is close to making a full competitive return.
"Danny is doing well," he told Arsenal's official website. "It's maybe a bit early for him but he is now back to full power in training.
"It's a big possibility [that he could feature against Hull].
"We gave him one or two days' recovery after the U21s game, but now he is back in full training. He has worked very hard and he is fit."
Ahead of Arsenal's clash with table-toppers Leicester on Sunday, the manager gave an update on the rest of his squad.
"It's a similar squad to what we had available last week," he added. "We are still early in the week but we should have everyone available.
"Of course Rosicky [is out] and Wilshere is not ready, but everyone else should be available."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Danny Welbeck may be fit enough to face Hull City in the FA Cup on February 20.
The former Manchester United striker went under the knife in September last year after failing to recover from a cartilage problem which had ruled him out since the previous April.
Welbeck recently made his return to the pitch for Arsenal's U21 side, lasting an hour against Brighton, and Wenger feels the 25-year-old is close to making a full competitive return.
"Danny is doing well," he told Arsenal's official website. "It's maybe a bit early for him but he is now back to full power in training.
"It's a big possibility [that he could feature against Hull].
"We gave him one or two days' recovery after the U21s game, but now he is back in full training. He has worked very hard and he is fit."
Ahead of Arsenal's clash with table-toppers Leicester on Sunday, the manager gave an update on the rest of his squad.
"It's a similar squad to what we had available last week," he added. "We are still early in the week but we should have everyone available.
"Of course Rosicky [is out] and Wilshere is not ready, but everyone else should be available."
Van Gaal: I would know if Manchester United spoke to Mourinho
Louis van Gaal believes the Manchester United board would inform him if they are holding talks with Jose Mourinho.
Several reports this week have claimed that Mourinho’s move to United this summer has all but been confirmed.
Van Gaal has been criticised over United’s playing style this season, with his side dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage and unlikely to overturn a 12-point gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Leicester City.
But the Dutchman is adamant that United have not been actively speaking to potential replacements.
“I have not said that we have spoken, but he [Mourinho] is my friend, so there you go,” Van Gaal told The Independent.
“But I don’t know if Manchester United have spoken with Mourinho or not.
“I can only say that I have spoken with [United’s executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward and I cannot imagine that they have spoken with each other.
“I think that if they speak with another manager, they would tell me because our relationship is like that. But I think that, if they want to change, they have to prepare themselves. That is also a professional attitude, in my opinion.”
Louis van Gaal believes the Manchester United board would inform him if they are holding talks with Jose Mourinho.
Several reports this week have claimed that Mourinho’s move to United this summer has all but been confirmed.
Van Gaal has been criticised over United’s playing style this season, with his side dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage and unlikely to overturn a 12-point gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Leicester City.
But the Dutchman is adamant that United have not been actively speaking to potential replacements.
“I have not said that we have spoken, but he [Mourinho] is my friend, so there you go,” Van Gaal told The Independent.
“But I don’t know if Manchester United have spoken with Mourinho or not.
“I can only say that I have spoken with [United’s executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward and I cannot imagine that they have spoken with each other.
“I think that if they speak with another manager, they would tell me because our relationship is like that. But I think that, if they want to change, they have to prepare themselves. That is also a professional attitude, in my opinion.”
Maybe Scholes should be more positive about Man Utd - Van Gaal
Louis van Gaal has suggested Paul Scholes should be more positive on his view of Manchester United, but says he will not ask Ryan Giggs to speak to him about his comments.
United went on an eight game winless streak earlier in the season and were heavily criticised by fans and media, with Scholes blasting Van Gaal and his squad for playing "boring" football.
The Old Trafford side's form has picked up in recent weeks, but the coach continues to attract negative attention with speculation over his future continuing to grow.
Van Gaal says he would not put his assistant, Giggs, in an awkward position by asking him to speak to his former team-mate, insisting he is used to criticism, but feels Scholes' comments create a "negative atmosphere" at the club.
"I don’t think that I have to give Ryan stress in his friendship with Scholes," he told the Independent. "I have managed all of my career, so it would not be good or honest of me to ask Ryan to say something.
"What Scholes is thinking, he has to think it. Every human being can give his opinion. I don’t bother about that, I think it is good.
"But my problem is when you create an atmosphere, a very negative atmosphere for somebody, so maybe he should be more positive."
United, who take on Sunderland on Saturday, are currently fifth in the table - six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and a further six behind league leaders Leicester City.
Louis van Gaal has suggested Paul Scholes should be more positive on his view of Manchester United, but says he will not ask Ryan Giggs to speak to him about his comments.
United went on an eight game winless streak earlier in the season and were heavily criticised by fans and media, with Scholes blasting Van Gaal and his squad for playing "boring" football.
The Old Trafford side's form has picked up in recent weeks, but the coach continues to attract negative attention with speculation over his future continuing to grow.
Van Gaal says he would not put his assistant, Giggs, in an awkward position by asking him to speak to his former team-mate, insisting he is used to criticism, but feels Scholes' comments create a "negative atmosphere" at the club.
"I don’t think that I have to give Ryan stress in his friendship with Scholes," he told the Independent. "I have managed all of my career, so it would not be good or honest of me to ask Ryan to say something.
"What Scholes is thinking, he has to think it. Every human being can give his opinion. I don’t bother about that, I think it is good.
"But my problem is when you create an atmosphere, a very negative atmosphere for somebody, so maybe he should be more positive."
United, who take on Sunderland on Saturday, are currently fifth in the table - six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and a further six behind league leaders Leicester City.
Manchester United's next manager must trust youngsters, warns Van Gaal
Louis van Gaal claims the next manager of Manchester United will have to show confidence in young players or else he will find life at Old Trafford "very difficult".
The Dutch coach is expecting to leave Old Trafford in June 2017 when his current deal expires, although his future at the club remains the subject of intense speculation as United's season continues to disappoint.
Van Gaal has put his faith in a number of youngsters this season, most notably Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Jesse Lingard as well as splashing out heavily on Anthony Martial.
The Dutch coach believes his successor will also need to give youth a chance and says the United board must be careful when making their decision.
"I hope people will look back in the future and talk of the young players as my legacy, but you can never tell," he told The Independent.
"The next manager would also have to show the confidence in the younger players. So I cannot judge.
"If United, after I retire, hire a manager who does not give the benefit of the doubt to youngsters, it shall be very difficult.
"It is also very important for the board of Manchester United to look at the profile of the new manager.
"If they ask [for a recommendation on the next manager], I shall give my opinion and after that, they can do what they wish.
"But I never reign beyond my grave and, when I am gone, I cannot influence or contribute."
Louis van Gaal claims the next manager of Manchester United will have to show confidence in young players or else he will find life at Old Trafford "very difficult".
The Dutch coach is expecting to leave Old Trafford in June 2017 when his current deal expires, although his future at the club remains the subject of intense speculation as United's season continues to disappoint.
Van Gaal has put his faith in a number of youngsters this season, most notably Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Jesse Lingard as well as splashing out heavily on Anthony Martial.
The Dutch coach believes his successor will also need to give youth a chance and says the United board must be careful when making their decision.
"I hope people will look back in the future and talk of the young players as my legacy, but you can never tell," he told The Independent.
"The next manager would also have to show the confidence in the younger players. So I cannot judge.
"If United, after I retire, hire a manager who does not give the benefit of the doubt to youngsters, it shall be very difficult.
"It is also very important for the board of Manchester United to look at the profile of the new manager.
"If they ask [for a recommendation on the next manager], I shall give my opinion and after that, they can do what they wish.
"But I never reign beyond my grave and, when I am gone, I cannot influence or contribute."
Van Gaal impressed by 'excellent' Giggs
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hailed Ryan Giggs' work rate and is impressed by his assistant's coaching skills and ability to read the game.
The Welshman has been touted as a candidate to replace Van Gaal in charge at Old Trafford. However, reports this week have suggested that Giggs could be ousted if Jose Mourinho becomes United manager at the end of the season.
But the Dutchman believes his right-hand man has all the tools to succeed in management, whether at Old Trafford or anywhere else."Those questions on where to start his career in management are for Ryan, not for me, Van Gaal told The Independent.
"I cannot say that he should be my successor anymore because I don't want to reign beyond my grave. I have stopped that message. In my first year, it was good to say it, though.
"I am impressed by his hard-working attitude because ex-players are not often good examples of hard-working managers. He is very hard-working and it is impressive.
"What he has to do for me is analyse the opponent and his explanation of that is very good. His coaching capacity, his reading of the game, are excellent and he can say the right things to my players. I am very happy with him."
Giggs enjoys a close relationship with Paul Scholes, who has been one of United's biggest critics this campaign, but Van Gaal has never considered calling upon his assistant to have a word with his former team-mate.
"No, I don't think that I have to give Ryan stress in his friendship with Scholes," Van Gaal added."I have managed all of my career, so it would not be good or honest of me to ask Ryan to say something.
"What Scholes is thinking, he has to think it. Every human being can give his opinion. I don't bother about that, I think it is good."But my problem is when you create an atmosphere, a very negative atmosphere for somebody, so maybe he should be more positive."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hailed Ryan Giggs' work rate and is impressed by his assistant's coaching skills and ability to read the game.
The Welshman has been touted as a candidate to replace Van Gaal in charge at Old Trafford. However, reports this week have suggested that Giggs could be ousted if Jose Mourinho becomes United manager at the end of the season.
But the Dutchman believes his right-hand man has all the tools to succeed in management, whether at Old Trafford or anywhere else."Those questions on where to start his career in management are for Ryan, not for me, Van Gaal told The Independent.
"I cannot say that he should be my successor anymore because I don't want to reign beyond my grave. I have stopped that message. In my first year, it was good to say it, though.
"I am impressed by his hard-working attitude because ex-players are not often good examples of hard-working managers. He is very hard-working and it is impressive.
"What he has to do for me is analyse the opponent and his explanation of that is very good. His coaching capacity, his reading of the game, are excellent and he can say the right things to my players. I am very happy with him."
Giggs enjoys a close relationship with Paul Scholes, who has been one of United's biggest critics this campaign, but Van Gaal has never considered calling upon his assistant to have a word with his former team-mate.
"No, I don't think that I have to give Ryan stress in his friendship with Scholes," Van Gaal added."I have managed all of my career, so it would not be good or honest of me to ask Ryan to say something.
"What Scholes is thinking, he has to think it. Every human being can give his opinion. I don't bother about that, I think it is good."But my problem is when you create an atmosphere, a very negative atmosphere for somebody, so maybe he should be more positive."
Icardi: I would turn down Manchester United
Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has made it clear that he is not interested in a transfer to Manchester United amid speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.
The Premier League side are supposedly keen to add some more firepower to their squad at the end of the season and reports from Italy suggest they have earmarked Icardi as the ideal addition to strengthen their attack.Nevertheless, the 22-year-old has stressed that he is happy with life at Inter and would reject an offer from United.
"I am feeling very well in Milan. I want to stay here for a long time," Icardi told Corriere dello Sport.
"I received a number of offers when we were discussing my contract renewal with the club, but I had already taken my decision.
"I would also turn down Manchester United. Inter are working on a great project and I want to play my part in it."People say I am worth €40million, but it is up to me to prove I am worth that much money.
"I am committed to this team and happy to be part of it."Icardi, who has a contract with Inter until June 2019, has netted 10 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this campaign.
Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has made it clear that he is not interested in a transfer to Manchester United amid speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.
The Premier League side are supposedly keen to add some more firepower to their squad at the end of the season and reports from Italy suggest they have earmarked Icardi as the ideal addition to strengthen their attack.Nevertheless, the 22-year-old has stressed that he is happy with life at Inter and would reject an offer from United.
"I am feeling very well in Milan. I want to stay here for a long time," Icardi told Corriere dello Sport.
"I received a number of offers when we were discussing my contract renewal with the club, but I had already taken my decision.
"I would also turn down Manchester United. Inter are working on a great project and I want to play my part in it."People say I am worth €40million, but it is up to me to prove I am worth that much money.
"I am committed to this team and happy to be part of it."Icardi, who has a contract with Inter until June 2019, has netted 10 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this campaign.
Mahrez on Barcelona links: 'Everyone wants to play with Messi'
It was the goal that sealed the contest and crystallised Leicester City's Premier League title hopes. Darting inside from the left channel, tormenting the flailing Martin Demichelis and leaving Joe Hart helpless to stop the ball from finding the back of the net.
Riyad Mahrez cemented Leicester’s position at the top of the table and gave the clearest indication yet that the unexpected league leaders are genuine challengers, or even favourites.
Mahrez’s strike, the second goal in Leicester’s 3-1 win over Manchester City, was a watershed moment as the Foxes defeated wealthier, far more established opposition in their own stadium.
The goal also confirmed the 24-year-old’s rise from amateur football in the Parisian suburb of Sarcelles to a dominant force in Europe's glamour league, with his performances reportedly attracting interest from Champions League holders Barcelona.
Mahrez has been propelled to the top of the English game and it is now possible for the winger to see himself playing in a Barcelona shirt alongside Lionel Messi, one of the players he most enjoys watching.
"It’s not my goal or my dream but obviously everyone wants to play with Messi. One day, maybe. Why not?" the 24-year-oldtold Goal, speaking at the launch of the FIFA 16 Ultimate Team Winter Upgrades.
"I didn’t have a hero but there were some players I liked watching," Mahrez said of his time growing up and coming through the ranks. "Players like Zinedine Zidane, Didier Drogba, Messi, the Brazilian Ronaldo."
The Algeria international’s progress, along with that of team-mate Jamie Vardy, has mirrored that of Leicester's as a whole, beginning the 2008-9 season in English football’s third tier and now, under the stewardship of Claudio Ranieri, leading the Premier League with just 13 games remaining.
Ranieri’s return to football’s top table marks a renaissance of sorts for the Italian, after he was sacked as coach of the Greece national team following an embarrassing defeat to the Faroe Islands. The 24-year-old winger indicated that his favourite thing about the Italian is that he is “himself, he’s positive,” though he refused be drawn on a comparison between the man who kickstarted his career in English football and Nigel Pearson, the man who signed him.
Mahrez’s career began its relentless rise in 2009, just as Leicester escaped League One and returned to the Championship. Moving to Quimper, in the French fourth tier, the 24-year-old joined Le Havre in 2010 and then Leicester in 2014, winning promotion to the Premier League in his first season with the Foxes.
But English football and the Premier League were not the Algeria winger’s initial aims. Competing against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Monaco was a more attractive prospect than doing battle with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
“No [when I was at Le Havre] I didn’t want to play in the Premier League, I wanted to play in the French Ligue 1,” Mahrez said.
“When I came here I always thought I would play in the Premier League, but before, no."
Now safely established in England and the Premier League, Mahrez’s time at the King Power Stadium has coincided with a call up to the Algerian World Cup squad in 2014 and the 2015 Algerian Footballer of the Year award.
After reaching important milestones in the previous two years, 2016 could mark Mahrez’s first major club honours, with Leicester’s resolute attempt to remain at the top the Premier League table looking increasingly likely to come off.
But the 24-year-old does not want to be drawn on talk of the Premier League title, insisting that the players remain focused on enjoying each and every game.
Asked whether the Foxes can win the league title, Mahrez said: “I don’t know, we’ll see.
“We wanted 40 points [at the start of the season] but now we want to enjoy what we are doing.
“We’re not thinking about anything else.”
Whether that is still the case should Leicester emerge victorious from Sunday's summit meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium remains to be seen.
It was the goal that sealed the contest and crystallised Leicester City's Premier League title hopes. Darting inside from the left channel, tormenting the flailing Martin Demichelis and leaving Joe Hart helpless to stop the ball from finding the back of the net.
Riyad Mahrez cemented Leicester’s position at the top of the table and gave the clearest indication yet that the unexpected league leaders are genuine challengers, or even favourites.
Mahrez’s strike, the second goal in Leicester’s 3-1 win over Manchester City, was a watershed moment as the Foxes defeated wealthier, far more established opposition in their own stadium.
The goal also confirmed the 24-year-old’s rise from amateur football in the Parisian suburb of Sarcelles to a dominant force in Europe's glamour league, with his performances reportedly attracting interest from Champions League holders Barcelona.
Mahrez has been propelled to the top of the English game and it is now possible for the winger to see himself playing in a Barcelona shirt alongside Lionel Messi, one of the players he most enjoys watching.
"It’s not my goal or my dream but obviously everyone wants to play with Messi. One day, maybe. Why not?" the 24-year-oldtold Goal, speaking at the launch of the FIFA 16 Ultimate Team Winter Upgrades.
"I didn’t have a hero but there were some players I liked watching," Mahrez said of his time growing up and coming through the ranks. "Players like Zinedine Zidane, Didier Drogba, Messi, the Brazilian Ronaldo."
The Algeria international’s progress, along with that of team-mate Jamie Vardy, has mirrored that of Leicester's as a whole, beginning the 2008-9 season in English football’s third tier and now, under the stewardship of Claudio Ranieri, leading the Premier League with just 13 games remaining.
Ranieri’s return to football’s top table marks a renaissance of sorts for the Italian, after he was sacked as coach of the Greece national team following an embarrassing defeat to the Faroe Islands. The 24-year-old winger indicated that his favourite thing about the Italian is that he is “himself, he’s positive,” though he refused be drawn on a comparison between the man who kickstarted his career in English football and Nigel Pearson, the man who signed him.
Mahrez’s career began its relentless rise in 2009, just as Leicester escaped League One and returned to the Championship. Moving to Quimper, in the French fourth tier, the 24-year-old joined Le Havre in 2010 and then Leicester in 2014, winning promotion to the Premier League in his first season with the Foxes.
But English football and the Premier League were not the Algeria winger’s initial aims. Competing against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Monaco was a more attractive prospect than doing battle with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
“No [when I was at Le Havre] I didn’t want to play in the Premier League, I wanted to play in the French Ligue 1,” Mahrez said.
“When I came here I always thought I would play in the Premier League, but before, no."
Now safely established in England and the Premier League, Mahrez’s time at the King Power Stadium has coincided with a call up to the Algerian World Cup squad in 2014 and the 2015 Algerian Footballer of the Year award.
After reaching important milestones in the previous two years, 2016 could mark Mahrez’s first major club honours, with Leicester’s resolute attempt to remain at the top the Premier League table looking increasingly likely to come off.
But the 24-year-old does not want to be drawn on talk of the Premier League title, insisting that the players remain focused on enjoying each and every game.
Asked whether the Foxes can win the league title, Mahrez said: “I don’t know, we’ll see.
“We wanted 40 points [at the start of the season] but now we want to enjoy what we are doing.
“We’re not thinking about anything else.”
Whether that is still the case should Leicester emerge victorious from Sunday's summit meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium remains to be seen.
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