..::Football IV::..

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OFFICIAL: Juventus sign Benatia from Bayern

Juventus have signed Medhi Benatia on loan from Bayern Munich with the option of making the deal permanent in 2017.The former Roma defender, who joined Bayern for €26 million in 2014, will spend the next year in Turin for a loan fee of €3m.

If Juve wish to make the deal permanent, they have the option of shelling out a further €17m to seal his signature next May.

Benatia is no stranger to Serie A, having spent four years in Italy with Udinese and Roma before his move to the Bundesliga.He made 46 appearances over two seasons at Bayern under Pep Guardiola, scoring three goals.

Benatia becomes Juve's third signing of the transfer window following the acquisitions of Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves, with the Bianconeri now turning their attention to Gonzalo Higuain.

 

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Juventus lath pattama sign set 1kak karagannawanext Higuain wenna puluwan​

 

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Fernandez: MSN scare off attackers at Barcelona

Barcelona's star power means many players are turning down the opportunity to sign for the Catalan giants, according to technical secretary Robert Fernandez.

Spanish champions Barca have made three signings this off-season, bringing in Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti, as well as using their buy-back clause for Denis Suarez.However, Fernandez revealed several players have rejected the advances of Barca in recent weeks, citing one important reason.

"We have such a good team that it's difficult to sign players, we have a top team with a brilliant dressing room," he said."Everything is calibrated, but there are certain signings you can't even begin to broach. "There are players who don't want to come to Barcelona."

More specifically, Fernandez says attacking players are turning the club down due to the famed 'MSN' trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar."It's very hard to convince players to come here with the three we have up front," he lamented.

 

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'Atletico want the best' - Cerezo confirms interest in Chelsea's Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has talked up the prospect of re-signing striker Diego Costa from Chelsea.The Spain international left the Vicente Calderon in a £32million deal in 2014 and scored 21 goals in a superb first season in London, as Chelsea claimed the Premier League and League Cup.

However, persistent injury problems and inconsistent form blighted his second season in England, prompting suggestions that new boss Antonio Conte will seek to offload him in the transfer window.

Cerezo admits that Atletico are looking to sign a striker and could not hide his admiration for Costa, who won La Liga and the Copa del Rey and reached the final of the Champions League under Diego Simeone."We're looking for a new striker, and we always like to get the biggest players we can," Cerezo said, following the announcement of the 2016-17 LaLiga fixtures.

"Costa played for us for a few years and he's a really good player, no one can deny that. I don't know if Costa has spoken to Conte, but we're working to hard bring the best players to Atleti."

 

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Kante has medical at Chelsea as deal nears conclusion

N'Golo Kante has rejected Leicester City's offer of an improved contract and is set to join Chelsea after the Blues activated the buy-out clause in his contract.

The Premier League champion is yet to finalise terms with Chelsea but he has informally agreed a deal through his agent and had a medical in west London.
He will cost Chelsea a fee in the region of £30 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history after £50m record buy Fernando Torres.

According to RMC Sport, a five-year contract is on the table and if the deal goes through as expected, Kante is likely to make his debut against Liverpool in the International Champions Cup on July 27.Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri hoped to keep Kante but a buy-out clause in the Frenchman's contract put his future in his own hands.

After joining the Foxes from Caen for £7m last summer, Kante was influential for Leicester in their remarkable title-winning season and earned a place in the France squad for Euro 2016, where Les Bleus were losing finalists.

 

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Kante can make the difference for Chelsea - Lineker

Former Leicester City striker Gary Lineker believes the potential arrival of N'Golo Kante could make the difference for Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title.The France international joined Leicester from Caen ahead of the 2015-16 campaign and played a key role in the Foxes' surprise title win.

He has been heavily linked with a move away from Leicester in recent months, with Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea all credited with an interest in signing the 25-year-old.

Recent reports claim Chelsea are sitting in pole position to secure Kante's services and Lineker has little doubt the combative midfielder will become a key figure at Stamford Bridge if the move goes ahead.

"Seems Kante is going to join [Antonio] Conte, which is pretty c***y," the ex-England international tweeted."Wish Kante well and thank him dearly."He's the main reason Leicester won the title and will make a massive difference to Chelsea's chances."

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri revealed on Thursday that the club have offered Kante a new and improved deal in an attempt to keep him at the club, but acknowledged there is a lot of interest in the midfielder and that his future is in his own hands.The Frenchman is believed to have a £20million release clause in his existing contract.

 

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No contact with Manchester United over Pogba, claim Juventus

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has insisted the Italian champions have had no contact with Manchester United over midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with a move for their former youth player for a probable world-record transfer fee of around €120 million.Pogba's agent, however, has claimed that his client is in no rush to leave Turin and says Juventus are planning to offer him a new contract.

On Friday, Marotta poured further cold water on the speculation in an appearance on Italian television, simply telling Sportitalia that there has been "no contact" with other clubs.

Juventus completed the loan signing of Medhi Benatia from Bayern Munich earlier in the day and have also signed Dani Alves and Miralem Pjanic this summer.Goal understands the Bianconeri have agreed terms with Gonzalo Higuain and are attempting to negotiate a deal to buy the striker from Napoli.

 

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'I'm 100% happy' - Klopp insists Liverpool don't need big names

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists there is no need for him to sign "big names" ahead of the Premier League season.

The German has added Sadio Mane, Joel Matip and Loris Karius to his squad for the upcoming campaign, with further additions expected.Klopp said he had no plans to go for players based on their status, focusing instead on what was best for his side as a whole.

"If we go for players and there is obviously no chance, there is no point," he said.
"Look for players you can have and make the best of it. I am 100 per cent happy with the guys we have brought in until now."This period in every year is one of a lot of expectations. Everyone expects big names and a big improvement because of big names and if you don't know the players it's like 'What are we doing? What are they doing?'"

Manchester United have added the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while City brought in Ilkay Gundogan among others.However, Klopp's focus is on building a squad, saying: "Nobody thinks about the good games we played last season.

"They only think United or City have taken this player and we have taken what's-his-name, but for us it is about creating and building a team for next year.
"We have to prove that our thinking about the team is right."

 

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Payet could still leave West Ham, says agent

West Ham star Dimitri Payet's agent has denied the France international ever said he was "100 per cent staying" at the Premier League club.

The 29-year-old was quoted by The Sun as saying he was certain to stay at West Ham despite interest from elsewhere.However, his agent Jacques-Olivier Auguste denied that was the case, insisting Payet had never spoken to the publication.

"I have no idea where this [interview] came from but in any case he never said that," Auguste told L'Equipe 21."With West Ham it is quite simple, if a club is interested they will call the club, and then, we will see."Now Dimitri is certainly feeling good at West Ham, but to say that he will 100 per cent stay is difficult.

"Because if tomorrow he has to leave, I think he will be burnt in public."Payet scored nine goals and had 12 assists in the Premier League last season before starring for France at the European Championship.

 

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Juventus set to offer Man Utd target Pogba new five-year deal

Juventus are set to offer Paul Pogba a new contract in a bid to stave off interest from Manchester United, Goal has learned.

The France international’s former club have been linked with a world-record transfer bid worth around £100 million, which includes a salary worth in the region of £16m per year.

But Juventus are set to meet with the 23-year-old’s agent, Mino Raiola, in the coming days in the hope of extending Pogba's stay in Turin until 2021, rather than watching him head back to the club he left in 2012.

The Bianconeri look set to offer a deal worth between €6m and €7m per year, which marks a significant rise on his current €4.5m-a-year contract which currently expires in 2019.

The Serie A giants are hopeful, despite their own offer falling well short of the money on offer at Old Trafford, that the good relationship with Pogba will act in their favour.Goal sources insist the increased financial package on offer to Pogba has no impact on interest in Gonzalo Higuain, with Juve prepared to meet the €94m (£79m) buyout clause in the Napoli striker's contract.

Raiola has previously shown a willingness to work with the Italian champions on a new deal, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport in March: “Juventus and Paul are on the same page here.

“Juve won't accept anything less than €100m for his sale and I agree with that, though he is more than happy to remain with the Bianconeri. We are even ready to sign a new contract.”Real Madrid were also keen on Pogba earlier in the summer but are understood to have baulked at Juventus's valuation, leaving United as the sole interested party.

However, Pogba’s dissatisfaction with United's handling of his development during his previous three-year spell could persuade the player to stay on in the peninsula.
Pogba this week admitted in an interview with ESPN that he saw Manchester United as “my first family”, but added of Juventus: “That’s my team, my family. It’s where I am playing.”

 

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Mourinho: My Manchester United players need real opposition

Jose Mourinho is keen for his Manchester United stars to play a competitive game ahead of Saturday’s clash against Wigan Athletic.

Two of the Portuguese’s summer signings, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly, have been named in United’s XI for the match at the DW Stadium, while Luke Shaw makes his return from a broken leg he suffered last September.

“I want them to play. I want them to train against not their mates but against real opposition. That’s what I want,” Mourinho told MUTV.

“I will play with 11 players in the first half and at half-time I’m going to make seven changes.

“I won’t do 11 because I want to keep the other three or four for the rest of the game.”

 

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Arsenal have offered €50 million plus Giroud for Higuain, claims Napoli radio station

Napoli’s official radio station has claimed that Arsenal have offered €50 million (£41.8m) plus Olivier Giroud for Gonzalo Higuain.

The Argentina international has been linked with a move away from the Serie A club this summer but clubs have been told they must meet the player’s €94 million (£78.6m) release clause to prise him away from Naples.

Juventus and Arsenal are two sides who are being heavily linked with Higuain, while earlier this week Giroud’s agent fuelled speculation by suggesting that the France international would be open to joining Napoli.

And now Radio Kiss Kiss' host believes that Higuain will “almost certainly” be heading to Arsene Wenger’s side this summer.

“At the moment the rumour linking Higuain to Juve is true, but I am certain that in the end Pipita will leave Napoli to go abroad,” said Francesco Marciano.

“He will almost certainly join Arsenal. For now the Gunners are offering €50m plus Giroud.

“Arsenal are trying to free up funds by selling players so they can increase the economic part of the proposal.”

 

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OFFICIAL: Chelsea sign Kante from Leicester City

Chelsea have announced the signing of N'Golo Kante on a five-year deal, with the France international arriving from Premier League champions Leicester City.

Speaking to the club's website as the move was completed, the midfielder said: "The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was simply too good to turn down.

"My first season in English football was very special and now I hope to go on to achieve even more during my time as a Chelsea player.

"I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and helping the club achieve a lot of success."Kante made 37 appearances during Leicester's stunning title-winning campaign and was named in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year.

 

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Roma slap €45m price tag on Arsenal target Kostas Manolas

Roma have told interested clubs that they will have to stump up €45m to sign defender Kostas Manolas this summer, Goal understands.

The Greek centre back has been courted by Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United over the past few weeks although none of whom have yet to lodge an official bid for the highly rated 24-year-old.

Manolas, who replaced Medhi Benatia at the Stadio Olimpico after joining from Olympiacos last season, impressed with a series of confident performances in defence for Luciano Spalletti's men both domestically and in the Champions League.

With defender Antonio Rudiger currently on the treatment table after tearing cruciate ligaments in his right knee, Roma's director of football Walter Sabatini has informed clubs interested in Manolas that they will have to stump up at least 45m euros to sign him.

It means the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea will be forced to turn their attentions to other targets including Kalidou Koulibaly, who has been heavily linked with Antonio Conte's men throughout the summer transfer window.

Goal understands that a clause exists in Manolas' contract which means Roma will come to owe 50% of his future transfer fee to Olympiacos, although that clause in question is negotiable and the Greek champions are likely to be forced to settle for a much lower figure.

Manolas has spent much of the summer on holiday in Greece but is said to be relaxed ahead of the new season where he looks set to become Roma's main defensive.

 

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Robben: Van Gaal at the heart of Bayern success

Arjen Robben believes Louis van Gaal laid the foundations for Bayern Munich's success over recent seasons and has backed Carlo Ancelotti to build on the work of the Dutchman and his fellow predecessors Jupp Heynckes and Pep Guardiola.Van Gaal was in charge at the Allianz Arena between 2009 and 2011, leading the club to a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2009-10.

Heynckes subsequently oversaw a famous league, cup and Champions League treble in 2013, before handing over to Guardiola who won three straight Bundesliga titles with Bayern before departing for Manchester City.

And Bayern winger Robben believes the Bavarian giants are still reaping the rewards from Van Gaal's time at the club as Ancelotti prepares for his first season in charge at the Allianz Arena.

"I think this positive development in the club, in the team, already started under Van Gaal. The way he played, the attacking football," Robben told ESPN.

"And then Heynckes built on that. Every coach has his own little influences, his own details that he wants to work on. That's what we've seen over the past few years.

"Heynckes had certain details he focused on, Guardiola was a little different and Ancelotti will be a bit different again. But there will not be any major differences. There will be some little changes.

"I think in general, the style of play that belongs to this club and that has been successful, you have to build on that. There won't be a coach who will change everything around and play totally different."

 

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OFFICIAL: Giaccherini completes Napoli move

Napoli have completed the signing of Emanuele Giaccherini from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

Italy international Giaccherini joined Sunderland from Juventus in 2013, but failed to live up to expectations at the Stadium of Light over the past three seasons.
The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Bologna and has now sealed a permanent return to his native country.

"I have joined an important and prestigious club," Giaccherini commented on his move."I am very happy to be wearing the Napoli jersey."I cannot wait to start my new adventure with Napoli. It will be fantastic to play at the Stadio San Paolo."

Giaccherini starred for Italy Euro 2016, scoring once in four appearances as the Azzurri reached the quarter-finals.

 

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Wigan 0-2 Manchester United: Mourinho's reign starts with victory

Jose Mourinho's reign in charge of Manchester United got off to the perfect start as his side opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Wigan on Saturday.

The Portuguese watched on as new signings Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan made their maiden bows for the Red Devils, while Luke Shaw also got 45 minutes under his belt following his recovery from a broken leg.

United took the lead in fortunate circumstances after Jussi Jaaskelainen scuffed his clearance to Juan Mata, who selflessly teed up Will Keane to open the scoring early in the second half.

And Mourinho's charges soon doubled their lead when Andreas Pereira smashed home a sublime finish from inside the penalty area.It was a routine success against last season's League One champions for Mourinho's men, who will face sterner tests against Borussia Dortmund and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City over the next 10 days.

Jose Mourinho's reign in charge of Manchester United got off to the perfect start as his side opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Wigan on Saturday.

The Portuguese watched on as new signings Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan made their maiden bows for the Red Devils, while Luke Shaw also got 45 minutes under his belt following his recovery from a broken leg.

United took the lead in fortunate circumstances after Jussi Jaaskelainen scuffed his clearance to Juan Mata, who selflessly teed up Will Keane to open the scoring early in the second half.And Mourinho's charges soon doubled their lead when Andreas Pereira smashed home a sublime finish from inside the penalty area.

It was a routine success against last season's League One champions for Mourinho's men, who will face sterner tests against Borussia Dortmund and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City over the next 10 days.United displayed the greater attacking intent in the first half and ought to have had a goal to show for their efforts.

In the 25th minute, Mkhitaryan played an inviting low ball for Memphis Depay, who stabbed wide with his right foot when it appeared a left-foot finish was the better option.It was Mkhitaryan who was wasteful 10 minutes later, leaning back and sending his effort over the bar following good work down the right by Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Mourinho rang the changes in the second half, making seven alterations and it was two of those who combined for the opening goal in the 49th minute.Jaaskelainen's terrible pass presented the ball to Juan Mata, who squared for Keane to tap home into an empty net.

Nine minutes later United were two up as Ander Herrera's shot from Ashley Young's free-kick fell kindly for Pereira, who lashed an unstoppable shot into the top-left corner, before Mourinho's men saw the game out with ease.

 

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Congratulations Manchester United!​

 

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Lippstadt 3-4 Bayern Munich: Robben suffers injury scare as Ancelotti nicks win in first game

Arjen Robben gave Bayern Munich a fresh injury scare as Carlo Ancelotti's first game in charge of the Bungesliga champions ended in a thrilling 4-3 win over Lippstadt.

The Netherlands international was restricted to 15 league matches during an injury-hit 2015-16 and he pulled up during a sprint in the 36th minute, with youngster Mario Crnicki taking his place.

Robben had been in fine form until his injury, playing a role in Julian Green's opener after nine minutes before doubling Bayern's lead with a trademark cut in from the right.

Franck Ribery, who himself missed large parts of last season due to fitness woes, fired in Bayern's third in the 33rd minute and Marvin Joswig's own goal five minutes after the restart had seemingly put the visitors out of sight.

However, Lippstadt - who play in Germany's fifth tier - mounted an unlikely comeback attempt, started by Marcel Rump in the 51st minute.Stefan Parensen headed home Lippstadt's second shortly afterwards and Paolo Mailla made it 4-3 in the closing stages, but time ran out for the hosts.

Ancelotti will be happy enough with Bayern's workout despite Lippstadt's revival, with several of his first-team regulars still unavailable due to their participation at Euro 2016.

 

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Rapid Vienna 2-0 Chelsea: Blues downed in Conte's first game

Chelsea started the Antonio Conte era with a disappointing 2-0 pre-season friendly defeat at Rapid Vienna on Saturday.

The Italian was chosen as the full-time successor to Jose Mourinho, who was sacked in December, with Guus Hiddink having led Chelsea to a 10th-place finish as interim boss during a disappointing Premier League title defence last season.

The former Italy boss, lacking several first-team regulars due to their participation at Euro 2016, witnessed his side make a losing start to his tenure, though, as goals in either half from Joelinton and Tomi Correa saw Rapid celebrate the opening of their new Allianz Stadion in style.

Asmir Begovic had already made a smart save low to his left from Philipp Schobesberger by the time Rapid moved in front.

A well-worked passing move on the edge of the penalty area resulted in Joelinton rounding the Chelsea goalkeeper and converting into the empty goal.

Chelsea upped the tempo as the half progressed and Diego Costa showed quick feet and dragged a left-foot shot wide of the right-hand post, before Steffen Hofmann poked wide of the right-hand post for Rapid at the other end.

The second half had all the trademarks of a pre-season fixture with Chelsea working the ball well enough but not creating many clear-cut chances.

Teenage substitute Ola Aina almost levelled with a fortuitous cross-shot that evaded everyone and hit the right-hand post, but Rapid doubled the lead late on.
Begovic pulled off a smart stop from Stefan Nutz, but there was nothing he could do to prevent Tomi poking in from close range.