..::Football IV::..

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Paulinho urges Guangzhou to grant him dream move to Barcelona

Paulinho has called on Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao to be flexible as he chases a move to Barcelona, claiming he would accept a pay cut to push through a transfer.

The Brazil midfielder revealed Barca had made a bid for him last month, reportedly worth €20 million, but the Chinese Super League champions have rejected the offer and are determined to keep hold of their man, whose contact includes a €40m release clause.

With Barca turning to the former Tottenham player as their attempts to sign Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain hit the buffers, Paulinho hopes that his current employers will have a change of heart.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "I was a little surprised that Guangzhou had not responded to Barca yet and it came out in the press here that they had rejected the offer.

"I could not talk to my president yet because we travel to Beijing to play, but I hope that if Barca come, Guangzhou will be flexible and the signing can be confirmed."

Though his CSL deal may be beyond the pay structures at Camp Nou, Paulinho says the dream of competing for Champions League glory means more to him than money.

He explained: "In 2011, when I was in Corinthians, I received an offer from Russia that offered me to win 10 times more than in Brazil and I answered: 'What I can do with five, I can do with two.'"Money for me never came first. A player can make money at any team he goes to. The important thing for me is to be happy with the decision that I am making.

"China is now a financial giant, but for me the money was not a priority, so if Barca offer me a proposal which is less than in Guangzhou, for me it is not a problem because I value the option of being able to play in a great European league, surrounded by great players.

"The dream of being able to win the Champions League is something that you have with Barca, and with the team that is there, I can achieve it."

 

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Lukaku: I learn from Ibrahimovic but I'm not the same

Romelu Lukaku has revealed his admiration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but warned he is not the same type of striker as the man he will replace at Manchester United.

Lukaku is set to complete a move to United, having already undergone a medical, after they agreed a £75 million fee with Everton.

The 24-year-old will be expected to supply goals for Jose Mourinho's side following the loss of Ibrahimovic, who was the club's top goalscorer last season with 17 Premier League goals from 28 games.

Lukau managed 25 in 37 games for Everton and is confident about filling the striker role at Old Trafford, but says he will do it in his own way."He did a wonderful job for the club," he told ESPN.

"He was the main guy at Manchester United, and he's a guy I really look up to and who I learn from a lot because we share the same agent. Here and there he sends a bit of advice to me, and it helps me improve.

"But I'm Romelu Lukaku - I'm not Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I will fill up the striker position in my way, but I know I have to work really hard and deliver more than I've done before."

United will compete in the Champions League and look to enjoy a more successful domestic campaign next term, and although Lukaku would not set any targets, he is aiming high.

"The team has to win trophies, and everybody has to do their best to make sure the club gets back the trophies that they always have," he added."The only thing I can say is that we're going to be there. We're going to be there and we're going to be performing for sure.

"I don't want to talk too much, because I think the backlash is going to come like last season, so I'm not going to talk much."

 

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Twice a blue, always a red - Rooney will forever be a big part of Man Utd history

After 13 years, 559 games and a record 253 goals, Wayne Rooney’s wonderful spell at Manchester United has come to an end.

With the confirmation on Saturday that he was returning to Everton came the realisation that his often glorious, sometimes frustrating, always fascinating time at Old Trafford was over. His last action as a United player was to lift the Europa League title in May, and it feels fitting that he should go out on such a high.

So often a divisive figure, Rooney’s value to the club cause was a hot topic right down to the last, but in all truth Jose Mourinho handled the skipper’s gradual demise to perfection. Having given him an early opportunity to stake a claim at the start of the 2016-17 campaign he quickly sidelined him but continued to keep him involved. It was an approach which allowed the England captain to bow out gracefully.

Rooney arrived at Old Trafford with a bang. His hat-trick on debut against Fenerbahce in 2004 will never be forgotten by United fans, and he quickly became a key part of the first team setup. He formed an electric partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side evolved into a team capable of winning a third European Cup triumph.

Their 2008 triumph in Moscow was undoubtedly his highlight on a team level but his 34-goal returns in 2009-10 and 2011-12 after Ronaldo’s departure for Real Madrid were the clearest signals of Rooney’s ability to be United’s talisman. His goals were so regularly as spectacular as his stats too, with the oft-replayed overhead volley against Manchester City and the unstoppable blast against Newcastle among the stand-outs.

In between times he had caused consternation and controversy by telling Ferguson he had no desire to sign a new contract with the club as neighbours City stood by, and while he did soon put pen to paper on a new deal there were many fans who never trusted him again. As the legendary Ferguson departed, he did so with another Rooney contract wrangle apparently going on in the background but once more the player signed a lengthy deal once his former Everton boss David Moyes took the reins at Old Trafford.

Under Ferguson, Rooney couldn’t stop winning things. He would eventually gain winner’s medals in everything bar the UEFA Super Cup as a United player, but it was the five Premier League titles which thrilled him the most. “Growing up, watching the Premier League as far back as I can remember, feeling the trophy and having the medal around my neck was an unbelievable feeling,” he once remarked.

But Rooney never quite regained his top form post-Ferguson. It was not only reflective of the club’s general struggles in coping without the Scot but also emblematic of the former child star’s early burnout. Once a blunderbuss of a teenager star, his body needed early regeneration to cope with the miles on its clock but Rooney just couldn’t find a way to make it happen in front of the constant glare of the Manchester United spotlight.

Having been made captain by Louis van Gaal he was afforded a long leash by the Dutchman but sometimes it felt like it was doing him no favours to be thrown out on the park no matter his form. Mourinho took away the poisoned chalice that was the unconditional starting place but ultimately Rooney couldn’t arrest the slide in his form.

He netted only eight times in his final United season but one of them was historic.Having already surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton’s England record of 49 goals he repeated the feat at club level, firing a wonderful injury-time free-kick home against Stoke in January to earn United a point and take his total in the club’s colours to an unprecedented 250.

His final tally of 253 might never be beaten, and it seems fitting that that should be the case. Sure, he might have ended his United career with a murmur but for so much of the past 13 years he has marched around the place with a swagger and had the goals record to match.

"It's a strange twist of fate that if Newcastle hadn’t come in for him he wouldn’t be here, he’d probably still be at Everton,” said Sir Alex shortly after Rooney became a United player for £25 million back in 2004. “Once we knew Everton were talking to another club we had to do something. We didn’t think he was available.”

He returns to Goodison Park destined to be remembered as one of the greatest strikers in Manchester United history. He will return to Old Trafford in Everton blue on September 17, but will always, but always, be a part of the Reds’ history.

 

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Mourinho: Rooney asked to leave... I couldn't stand in his way

Jose Mourinho will miss having Wayne Rooney at Manchester United, but says he could not stand in the way of his return to Everton.

The Manchester United manager said that he felt the need to grant the 31-year-old's request to move back to his boyhood club after a 13-year tenure at Old Trafford.Rooney was officially announced by the Merseyside club on Sunday, signing a two year deal to return to Goodison Park.

"It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne; he has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come," Mourinho said in a statement posted on United's official website.

"It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton."His experience, focus and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future."

Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, added to the plaudits. "Wayne has been a fantastic servant to United since the moment he signed for us as a prodigiously talented, explosive teenager some 13 seasons ago," Woodward said.

"On behalf of the whole club and our hundreds of millions of fans around the world, we wish Wayne all the very best for the next phase of his incredible career."
Rooney won five Premier League titles with United as well as the Champions League, Club World Cup and FA Cup before sealing the Europa League title in his last game with them.

 

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Rooney: I've joined Everton to win trophies

Wayne Rooney says that he wants to win trophies after completing his return to Everton from Manchester United.The Toffees confirmed the signing of the England striker on Sunday, revealing that the 31-year-old had put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Goodison Park.

After finally bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden 13 seasons at Old Trafford, in which he won five Premier Leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League, the striker is now hoping to help his boyhood club win some silverware.

“(Winning trophies with Everton) would be the pinnacle," Rooney told the club's official website."I really feel now the Club is moving in the right direction, bringing the right calibre of players in. I want to be part of it and hopefully part of a successful Everton team.

"It’s a great feeling to be back. I’m excited, I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play. I’m ecstatic – I just cannot wait to get back playing."

Everton have been busy recruiting new players during the transfer window, with Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez among a host of fresh faces arriving at the Merseyside club alongside Rooney.

And Manchester United's record goalscorer is feeling buoyed by the business conducted by the Toffees, declaring that the club are "moving forward" towards winning trophies.

"I’m excited, and I’m excited by the signings that the club have made. This club is moving forward," continued Rooney. "This football club should be winning trophies and we’re taking huge steps to being involved and trying to win trophies.

"The first game back will be an emotional day for me and I’m looking forward to it. I’m not just coming back because it’s the team I support, the team I grew up playing for - I’m coming back because I feel the Club can move forward and be successful. I want to be part of it.

"There will be pressure on me to perform, but I’m ready to go. I believe I can help move this club forward and be more successful on the pitch.

"With the new stadium in the pipeline, it’s an exciting time to be an Everton player, to be an Everton fan. It’s on us players to make those times even more exciting by giving them good performances and try to help them be successful and bring trophies to the Club."

Rooney had been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League as it became clear that his future lay away from Manchester United, but he insists that, as soon as Everton were interested in him his mind was made up.

“As I’ve said for the last few years, if I left Manchester United, there’s only Everton and Manchester United I’d play for - I wouldn’t play for another Premier League team," he said."I was true to that and I firmly meant that. I didn’t want to play for another club in England other than Everton.


"Once I knew Everton were interested and wanted to sign me, I made my agent aware, ‘Go and speak to them, let’s make it happen. That’s where I want to go’."

 

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Sergio Ramos: Not crazy to think I could win Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos believes the idea he could win the Ballon d'Or is not crazy.

Ramos enjoyed an excellent year as he helped Madrid to a Liga and Champions League double, the club becoming the first to successfully defend the latter competition in its current guise.

While Ramos' contributions at both ends have been pivotal to Madrid's success, the centre-back cedes the limelight to their star-studded attack, led by Ballon d'Or favourite Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, who netted twice in the 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus and posted an excellent scoring rate of 42 goals in 46 games in all competitions in 2016-17, would make it a fourth Ballon d'Or in five years should he win the award for the fifth time and equal Lionel Messi's record.

But asked about the prospect of winning the trophy himself, Ramos told Marca: "It depends. I'd have to know what they value to award that prize."These last years have been all about both Leo and Cristiano, but, for example, [Fabio] Cannavaro, who was my partner, also won.

"You never see it as crazy. I have achieved lots of things throughout my career that are very, very good but if they rewarded me with a Ballon d'Or, that would be historical."

There has been widespread speculation surrounding Ronaldo's future, with local reports claiming he felt let down by a lack of support from Madrid following allegations of tax fraud by Spanish prosecutors – claims the Portugal captain has strenuously denied.

Striker Alvaro Morata was heavily linked with Manchester United before they agreed a fee for Romelu Lukaku, and Premier League champions Chelsea are now being talked up as a potential destination for the Spain international.

Of their respective futures, Ramos said: "These are personal situations and logically I can't add much more. The only thing I can say is that I like being with the best and they are great players."Hopefully they are with us for many years but maybe they're looking for an exit option so we'll see."

Ramos found the net 10 times last term and has developed a penchant for scoring at important times, the 31-year-old on target in two of their three Champions League final wins in the last four years.

And he believes his proficiency in front of goal can be attributed to a fondness for former Brazil and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo."In my time maybe Ronaldo Nazario, Raul and Iker [Casillas] were the ones that I looked up to most in the dressing room. And Roberto Carlos also, along with Michel Salgado," he added.


"I always played as a striker [in his childhood] and one always imitated the celebrations of players like Ronaldo. It might make me more comfortable in offensive situations and it may also make me act differently than other defenders who have not played this way as a youngster."

 

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Chelsea complete £34m signing of Roma defender Rudiger

Chelsea have completed the signing of Antonio Rudiger from Roma for a reported £34 million.

The centre-back had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last year and the Blues reignited their interest this summer, agreeing a fee with the Serie A side last week.

He has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, and will wear the No.2 shirt that was vacated by Branislav Ivanovic following his sale to Zenit in January.

Rudiger spent two seasons at Roma after joining from Stuttgart, and made 26 Serie A appearances in 2016-17 as they finished second to Juventus, and he has now signed a five-year deal at the Blues.
He had been contracted to Roma until 2020, but has opted for a switch to the Premier League, becoming the Blues's second summer signing following the arrival of goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
"It’s a great feeling because not every player has the opportunity to join a huge club like this," he told the club's official website."I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and I’m very proud to officially become a Chelsea player."The 24-year-old adds to Antonio Conte's defensive options after the departure of John Terry, now with Aston Villa, and Nathan Ake, sold to Bournemouth for £20m.

Part of Germany's Confederations Cup winning team, Rudiger has made 17 appearances for the national team.

 

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Rooney to take Lukaku's No.10 shirt at Everton

Everton have confirmed that Wayne Rooney will take the No.10 shirt at Goodison Park that is due to be vacated by Romelu Lukaku.

Rooney completed an emotional return to the club he left 13 years ago on Sunday, paving the way for Lukaku to move the other way to Manchester United.

United confirmed on Saturday that they had reached an agreement with the Toffees over a fee for the Belgium international, believed to be in the region of £75 million.
And the Toffees have wasted little time in reassigning the striker’s shirt, with Rooney set to wear the squad number he has made his own at both club and international level.

Rooney scored a total of 253 goals at United, in 559 games, having begun his career by netting 15 in 71 games for the Toffees.

 

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Man United's 'best striker' - Neville hails departing Rooney

Manchester United icon Gary Neville hailed Wayne Rooney as the finest striker he has ever seen at Old Trafford after the captain's return to Everton was confirmed.Rooney's departure to Goodison Park on a two-year deal was confirmed on Sunday after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Though Rooney's powers have faded in recent seasons, he will leave Old Trafford as United's record scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances, having won five Premier League titles and the Champions League among 12 major trophies.Neville was in the United team as Rooney marked his debut with a phenomenal hat-trick against Fenerbahce in the Champions League in 2004.

And though he played with such club icons as Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy, Neville places Rooney above the lot in the annals of United strikers.

"All the best @WayneRooney and congratulations on a great United career," Neville posted on Twitter. "The best Striker I played with and saw at the club."

 

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Rooney thanks Manchester United as club salute 13 years of success

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has thanked the club and their "amazing fans" after sealing a return to Everton.

The forward secured a switch back to Goodison Park on Sunday, 13 years on from his transfer to United as an 18-year-old.

Manager Jose Mourinho and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward spoke in glowing terms about Rooney's achievements at Old Trafford, which included winning 12 major trophies and breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record as the club's leading goalscorer.

And the 31-year-old sent his own personal farewell to his old team-mates, coaches and fans, writing on Instagram: "Just want to say a massive thank you to everybody at Manchester United.

"Thanks to the boards over the years, the managers and coaches I've played under, the staff I've worked with, the team mates I've played alongside, and finally the amazing fans that I've been lucky enough to have played for.
"Thanks for the memories!"

 

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Mexico 3 El Salvador 1: Defending Gold Cup champions win opener

Mexico made a winning start to their CONCACAF Gold Cup title defence after overpowering El Salvador 3-1 in their Group C opener.

The defending champions claimed their seventh Gold Cup crown in 2015 and they took a step towards another trophy thanks to first international goals from Hedgardo Marin and Orbelin Pineda, and Elias Hernandez's effort, in San Diego on Sunday.

With Mexico's regular stars afforded a break following the Confederations Cup in Russia, domestic-based players – aside from Erick Torres who plays in the United States – have been given a chance to shine in the country's bid for back-to-back Gold Cups.

And they stepped up, overcoming a spirited challenge from minnows El Salvador, who cancelled out Marin's eighth-minute opener within two minutes thanks to Nelson Bonilla at Qualcomm Stadium, but Elias Hernandez put Mexico ahead again prior to half-time.

Pineda came off the bench and sealed the points in the 55th minute as Mexico extended their unbeaten run against El Salvador to seven games – dating back to 2009.

The Mexicans – with head coach Juan Carlos Osorio watching from the stands as he served the first of a six-match suspension for insulting language directed towards match officials at the Confederations Cup – made five changes to the 'Gold Cup' team that beat Paraguay in a friendly earlier this month. Hugo Ayala, Edson Alvarez, Ricardo Reyes, Jorge Hernandez and Angel Sepulveda came in for Jair Pereira, Jesus Molina, Pineda, Alan Pulido and Luis Rodriguez.

El Salvador – without a Gold Cup win since 2013 amid a run of four winless games at the tournament – were headlined by captain Andres Flores, Darwin Ceren and Bonilla, and the Mexicans did not have it all their own way, despite starting brightly in California.

Marin broke the deadlock in the eighth minute courtesy of a towering header at the back post, which left Benji Villalobos with little chance.

However, El Salvador responded almost immediately. Bonilla made a great darting run inside the penalty area and slotted the ball across Jose Corona.El Salvador should have made it 2-1 in the 27th minute. Corona collected the ball and tried to distribute it quickly by hand but miscommunication almost gifted the El Salvadorians the lead, though Gerson Mayen's chipped effort was just too high.

Corona's error sparked Mexico into action as they retook the lead approaching the half-hour mark. Jesus Gallardo whipped in a floating cross and Elias Hernandez – unmarked at the back post – volleyed the ball into the net.Mexico had an opportunity to double their lead when Gallardo attempted to slot the ball underneath Villalobos but the keeper got down well to deny the Pumas UNAM forward.

But the Mexicans were not to be denied 10 minutes into second half as Elias Hernandez's cross somehow made it to Pineda at the back post and the substitute made no mistake from an acute angle.

If not for Villalobos, it could have been worse for El Salvador as the floodgates threatened to open – the Aguilla man thwarting Mexico despite clearly struggling with a knee problem, though he eventually succumbed to injury.

 

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Spalletti wants Perisic talks amid Man Utd links

Inter head coach Luciano Spalletti wants to speak with Ivan Perisic amid speculation that he wants to join Manchester United.

The Croatia international has been linked with Jose Mourinho's side for a number of weeks and encouraged rumours that he wants to move when he 'liked' Paul Pogba's Instagram post welcoming imminent new signing Romelu Lukaku.

Spalletti hopes to convince Perisic to stay at San Siro but he suggested that he would be prepared to stand firm even if the winger confirmed that he wanted to head for the Premier League.

"I will speak to everyone and, of course, for those who are 'distracted' there will be different words," Spalletti told a news conference after Inter beat Wattens 2-1 in a friendly match on Sunday.

"I will listen to him. I'm counting on him but we'll have to understand his intentions. It would not be nice for me to hear him say words like 'I want to leave'. We'll see.

"You keep talking about Perisic and his desire to leave but I need to listen to his own words first and then decide how to act."In any case, I will say this: we are Inter and we can choose to make different decisions to the ideas of the players. I hope to have him in the side, I am counting on it and I am positive in that sense."

Borja Valero has reportedly arrived in Milan for a medical ahead of a move from Fiorentina and Spalletti believes Inter fans will take to the Spaniard quickly.

"Borja Valero has a very specific style and he proves that in every game," he said. "He won't change for Inter, he'll be consistent. Having that type of player is very important for me. I know him well and I'm sure all Interisti will appreciate him."
Spalletti would also not rule out the prospect of a raid on former club Roma for midfielder Radja Nainggolan.

"We're talking about a great guy as well as a wonderful player," he said. "He's very different to how people talk about him, he just has this remarkable sporting determination.

"He gave me a lot so I am pleased when he says positive things about me. Our directors are working in the market and I trust our directors."

 

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Perisic wa gatthoth patta!​

 

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Totti will join Tokyo Verdy or return to Roma, says club chief

Francesco Totti will either join Tokyo Verdy or return to Roma, according to the J2 League club's president.

Totti, 40, left boyhood club Roma at the end of the season, but the veteran forward's future remains unclear.Speaking on Sunday, the president of Tokyo Verdy, Hideyuki Hanyu, said he had been told MLS was no longer an option for Totti.

"I'm currently hearing from the agent that there are only two options now for Totti, either to stay at Roma or play at Verdy. No options in America now," he told reporters after his side drew 1-1 with Fagiano Okayama."There was an offer from Miami and LA, I heard, but I've been told they would not happen.

"I also hear that there are a lot of voices from fans saying, 'Totti should finish at Rome' and so, Totti is wanting to making decision on his own.

"He might go to travel on his own and decide on his own. He must be really thinking seriously about this."New Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco said recently he expected Totti to accept a director's role at the club.But Hanyu is eager for Totti to head to Tokyo, saying the former Italy star could be available for a home clash against Kamatamare Sanuki on July 22 if he accepted their offer.

"We would not offer to him if we have a problem with money," he said."Also we would not buy another player because Totti is special. I'll speak out ASAP if this happens. Potentially he can play from 22nd if it happens."Just over halfway through the J2 League season, Tokyo Verdy sit fifth in the table – nine points behind leaders Shonan Bellmare.

 

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Manchester United-bound Lukaku farewells Everton

Romelu Lukaku wrote a farewell message to Everton and their fans as the Belgian striker nears his blockbuster move to Manchester United.

Lukaku, 24, is on the verge of joining Premier League giants United in a reported £75million deal after undergoing a medical in Los Angeles on Saturday.Jose Mourinho and United flew out to LA for their pre-season tour on Sunday and it is there where the big-money transfer is set to be announced.

And Lukaku — who scored 25 Premier League goals last season as he finished second behind Golden Boot winner Harry Kane — expressed his gratitude to all involved at Everton following his permanent arrival in 2014.

In an Instagram post with an accompanying video, Lukaku wrote: "I want to say a big thank you to all the people involved at @everton. I want to thank the fans for your support throughout the four years we've spent together. You guys helped me through all my games and I can proudly say it was an honour to play in front of you.

"To the staff at the stadium and training ground thank you for making me feel home from the first day I walked in. To my team-mates it was great to play with you guys.

"To technical staff thank you for helping me become a better player. Working with you guys has been a pleasure and I'll take your advice throughout the rest of my career. Thank you Everton Football Club."

Having initially arrived from Chelsea on a loan deal, Lukaku scored 53 Premier League goals and 71 in all competitions for the Toffees.

 

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Man Utd sign Lukaku from Everton for £75m

Manchester United have completed the signing of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku for a fee of £75 million.On Saturday morning United confirmed they'd agreed a fee for the 24-year-old, who had been subject a late bid from Chelsea to steal him away from their title rivals.

They've now agreed personal terms and the Belgium international has completed a medical in Los Angeles, meaning he'll link up with the team on their pre-season US tour.The 20-time English champions moved swiftly to close the deal ahead of fellow admirers Chelsea following their decision earlier this week to withdraw from talks with Real Madrid regarding their striker Alvaro Morata.

The £75m fee makes Lukaku the second-most expensive player in British football history behind only United's world-record £89.5m signing of Paul Pogba last summer.

Lukaku has signed a five-year contract with the Old Trafford outfit and will join the rest of the first-team squad when they fly out to Los Angeles on Sunday.

Lukaku has been holidaying with close friend and new team-mate Pogba in California, where United are set to arrive for the start of their summer tour.Jose Mourinho is delighted to have signed the forward, telling the club's website "Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United.

"He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club. He will be a great addition to the group and I know they will make him very welcome. I am really looking forward to working with him again."

This will be Lukaku’s second stint under Mourinho following their previous spell together at Chelsea. However, the Portuguese loaned the striker to Everton soon after returning to Stamford Bridge in 2013 before selling him to the Toffees on a £28m deal the following summer.

The Belgian thanked Everton for his time at the club, but is eager to work with Mourinho again and wear the red jersey of Manchester United."I would like to start by thanking Everton and the fans for the last four wonderful seasons, I have made some special friends and we have shared some amazing moments," Lukaku said.

"However, when Manchester United and Jose Mourinho come knocking at the door it is an opportunity of a lifetime and one that I could not turn down. You could see the fight, determination and the spirit in this team during the Europa League final and I want to become a part of that.

"I cannot wait to run out at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 fans but before that pre-season is where the hard work starts and I am looking forward to that first training session."

Lukaku, who scored 87 goals in 166 games for Everton, is United’s second major signing of the summer following the earlier arrival of Swedish defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Lukaku!

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Neymar: I could join Manchester United... or Eibar!

Barcelona star Neymar has suggested that he could be tempted to leave Camp Nou in future to join Manchester United – or perhaps Eibar!

The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League side for much of the past 18 months, despite having signed a new five-year contract last October.

The forward's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claimed last September that he had been tempted by offers from United and Paris Saint-Germain, who were reportedly ready to pay a transfer fee of up to €190million.

Speculation of renewed interest from United has refused to die down, even though manager Jose Mourinho stated in May that it would be "absurd" to try to sign the player.

Neymar has admitted that he cannot guarantee his long-term future but offered something of a tongue-in-cheek response when asked where he could potentially move.

"Who knows what will happen tomorrow?" he said after the Neymar Jr's Five event. "I'm very happy for now, very well adjusted. But anything can happen, who knows."

Asked if he could go to United, he replied: "Yes... or Eibar!"The 25-year-old had earlier stated that he believes 2017-18 will be the most important campaign of his career.

"I hope it will be a season with a lot of success and a lot of happiness," he said."I'm getting ready for it. It's going to be one of the most important seasons of my life. It will be the most important season of my life."So I'm really happy and really excited, and I'm going to start training and get prepared."

 

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Diego Costa misses Chelsea training to secure Atletico move

Diego Costa has not joined up with the rest of the Chelsea team for pre-season training after being granted leave to secure a move to Atletico Madrid.

Atletico remain the only option for Costa, who was told he is no longer needed at Stamford Bridge by Antonio Conte in a text message last month. The arrangement has secured Costa an extra week away from Chelsea but this could be extended.

Chelsea and Atletico have opened talks but have not agreed a fee and Costa is clear that he is willing to accept the terms at his old club, despite their transfer ban preventing them from fielding the Spain international until January 2018.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have beaten Chelsea to their first choice target to replace Costa as they are set to sign Everton's Romelu Lukaku for £75 million.

A rekindling of the relationship between Conte and Costa that helped them on their way to the Premier League title last season seems impossible as Chelsea join up ahead of a pre-season tour of Asia.

Lewis Baker and Andreas Christensen are just two players from the group that spent last season on loan to be watched by Antonio Conte in a training session on Monday. Baker will likely leave on a two-year loan deal to a Premier League club, but Christensen could be used next season.

Antonio Rudiger will be given a holiday after signing for the club in a £34m deal from Roma due to his participation in the later stages of the Confederations Cup.