..::Football IV::..

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Ben Arfa: I am ready to play for Europe's best

Hatem Ben Arfa insists he is ready to take the step up to one of Europe's biggest clubs, after a fine season with Nice relaunched his career.

The former Newcastle United and Hull City midfielder suffered a difficult period in England, but life on the Cote d'Azur seems to agree with him as he has been exceptional for the French club over the last year.

Out of contract at the end of the campaign, Ben Arfa has been linked to Spanish giants Barcelona and he believes he is good enough to play at the highest levels.

"I feel totally ready to play for a big European team. I reached many levels, and today I'm ready for any challenge, big or not," he told Eurosport, while stopping short of confirming contact with the Catalans.

"There is a lot of talk about Barcelona. Sometimes it's Barcelona, another day it's another team. It's always like this.

“For the moment, I'm focused on the end of my season. We will see after."

Ben Arfa has scored 17 Ligue 1 goals this term, leaving him joint-fourth in the ranks behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Lacazette and Edinson Cavani.

 

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Man Utd scouts watch PSG amid Ibrahimovic rumours

Scouts from Manchester United and a host of other clubs were in attendance at Bordeaux, as speculation grows regarding Zlatan Ibrahimovic's possible Premier League switch.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker told Goal that while he was in talks with his current clubs over a contract extension, he was also talking to other suitors about his future.

With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, Louis van Gaal's team is thought to be one of the favourites to land Zlatan should he decide to leave.

United have also been linked with Bordeaux's 19-year-old attacking midfielder Adam Ounas.

United were not alone, however, as Premier League rivals Sunderland, and Southampton as well as Wolves were in the stands on Tuesday.

Borussia Dortmund, Real Sociedad, Besiktas and Trabzonspor also sent representatives to the Stade Matmut-Atlantique.

 

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Welbeck out for nine months after knee surgery

Arsenal have confirmed striker Danny Welbeck will be out for around nine months following surgery on his right knee.

The England international was forced off in the first half of Sunday's draw with Manchester City following a coming together with Bacary Sagna, and will now miss Euro 2016.

The striker, formerly of Manchester United, has failed to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League thus far this season, making just 11 appearances in the top-flight.

Welbeck has scored a total of four Premier League goals in 2015-16 and now faces a lengthy lay-off in a significant blow to both the Gunners and the Three Lions.

Welbeck reacted to the news on Twitter, insisting that he "will be back stronger".

The 25-year-old has suffered with injury problems throughout his career, and missed 12 matches in all competitions through injury last term.

Arsenal face Aston Villa in the final game of their Premier League season this Sunday and still harbour hopes of finishing second, though they will need to win and hope Tottenham lose to Newcastle to record such a finish.

 

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Suarez: Liverpool & Gerrard turned me into a different player

Barcelona star Luis Suarez has underlined the importance of his time at Liverpool and believes he reached another level at Anfield.

The Uruguay international enjoyed a successful spell on Merseyside between 2011 and 2014, before making the move to Camp Nou.He has since developed into a key figure at Barcelona, but doubts he would be playing at the same standard without his time in the Premier League.

"Liverpool turned me [into] a player of a different level," Suarez told ESPN. "A player like [former Liverpool captain Steven] Gerrard, he was so motivating the way he played. I learned so much from him.

"You went in there and you were transformed. They never gave up. The fans [were] so motivating. The stadium was always full. It made me grow as a player, I matured, my play improved technically."

Suarez expressed his gratitude to former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, who stood by the trouble-prone forward when he was accused of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra in October 2011.

"Kenny Dalglish changed me ... what he did for me at Liverpool, for the way he was. He even compared me to him. He supported me in that moment of racism, he defended me because he believed in me. And I am grateful to him."

Suarez started his career with Nacional in his native Uruguay before joining Eredivisie side Groningen in 2006 and he was full of praise for the way his coaches at his first two clubs mentored him."Well, first, of course, [former Nacional coach] Martin Lasarte, who gave me the chance to debut, deserves credit for my development," he said.

"There were people who said I was never going to score a goal against anyone and he kept supporting me and gave me the chance to play. I am very grateful because that is very difficult, it was Uruguay and I was only 18. His support at that time was incredible and very important.

"Then coaches like I had at Groningen who incentivised me have a winning attitude and [showing] it. They told me all these things, you have to watch what you eat, watch your weight, train harder, you have to show what you can do."

 

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Bordeaux 1-1 PSG: Pallois strike denies Parisiens win

Nicolas Pallois scored a thunderous strike in the second half as Bordeaux held Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

The visitors underwhelmed for the majority of the clash at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique but took the lead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the half-time interval.

Bordeaux were unfortunate to fall behind after playing well on the counter-attack throughout but soon levelled the tie through Pallois after 69 minutes.

The defender was quick to react to Cheick Diabate's flick on from a corner to smash a shot past Kevin Trapp, before clearing Lucas Moura's goal-bound effort off the line in the dying embers of the game.

Bordeaux were the first team to take points off PSG in 2015-16 when they played out a 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes in September and they again caused Laurent Blanc's men plenty of problems this time around.PSG got an early chance to open the scoring through Adrien Rabiot, who chipped just wide from the left-hand side of the area after being set up by Ibrahimovic.

Bordeaux then started pushing forward and Diabate nearly took advantage of some sloppy play from Rabiot, only for Marquinhos to throw himself into the tackle and deflect the striker's attempt over for a corner.

Jaroslav Plasil came close for the hosts in the 17th minute after a poor attempted clearance from Marquinhos, forcing PSG goalkeeper Trapp into a good save with his shot from 12 yards out.

Blanc's men disappointed in the opening period, but should have gone a goal up nonetheless when Lucas inexplicably failed to convert from close range after Ibrahimovic's mis-hit shot ended up at his feet just yards away from goalkeeper Jerome Prior.

Ounas was unfortunate not to find the net for Bordeaux in the closing stages of the first half, aiming just wide from a rebound after Trapp had done well to deny Diego Rolan with his left foot.

Bordeaux started well after the break but fell behind when Ibrahimovic broke the deadlock after 59 minutes slightly against the run of play. Angel Di Maria sent in a perfect cross toward the far post and the Sweden international beat Prior with a well-placed header.The home side nearly responded straight after through Plasil, with the experienced midfielder volleying just wide after Serge Aurier had lost possession in a dangerous position.

Bordeaux, though, did get a reward for their courageous display after 65th minutes through Pallois asthe defender beat Trapp with a powerful volley after Diabate had diverted a corner in his direction.

Blanc then opted to replace Ibrahimovic with Jean-Kevin Augustin after the goalscorer seemed to have picked up a minor knock, but the promising youngster could not make the difference either as it ended level, with Pallois the hero once more late on when he cleared Lucas' shot off the line.

 

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Norwich 4-2 Watford: Canaries down despite win

Dieumerci Mbokani scored twice as Norwich beat Watford 4-2 but it wasn't enough as they suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Supporters at Carrow Road were treated to a victory in their final home match of the season and an excellent display of attacking football, but Sunderland's win over Everton confirmed Norwich's demotion to the Championship.

The home side fell behind after just 11 minutes when Troy Deeney scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season, but the outstanding Nathan Redmond levelled the match four minutes later.

Alex Neil's side plundered two further first-half strikes through Mbokani and an own goal by Craig Cathcart, but Watford hit back just after half-time when Deeney played Odion Ighalo in for his 15th of the league season.Mbokani had the last word as he split Watford's defence with ease and made it 4-2, giving visiting manager Quique Sanchez Flores a reminder of his side's frailties at the back.

For Neil, seeing his side get back among the goals after four consecutive defeats without scoring will have been no consolation, with his team having fatally won just six home games across the course of the season.

Norwich made four changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Manchester United in their previous outing, including Graham Dorrans in place of the injured Jonny Howson, while Watford drafted Allan Nyom in for Sebastian Prodl at right-back.

Watford took the lead when Deeney knocked a Miguel Britos cross down for Ighalo to shoot straight at John Ruddy, before tapping home the rebound after the Norwich goalkeeper failed to hold onto the ball.

Having dominated the first quarter of an hour, Watford then failed to cope with some neat Norwich link-up play and Redmond played a one-two with Steven Naismith before beating Heurelho Gomes at the near post to level the match.

Full of confidence, Redmond then hammered onto the post with Gomes well beaten and Mbokani was on hand to stab home the spillage and revive Norwich's survival hopes.The home side piled forward and the inspired Redmond hit the post shortly before Gomes saved brilliantly from Martin Olsson's long-range effort.

Norwich doubled their lead when Nyom slipped and allowed Wes Hoolahan to cross towards Mbokani, only for Cathcart to turn the ball into his own net as he attempted an interception.

The second half began in much the same way as the first, but this time Deeney turned provider as he beat Russell Martin and crossed for Ighalo to slam the ball into the net.Watford's defence again let them down, though, as Norwich's two-goal cushion was restored five minutes later when Mbokani played a simple one-two with Redmond on the edge of the box before chipping Gomes to make it 4-2.

But Norwich’s efforts were in vain as they were consigned to an immediate return to the second tier following Sunderland’s victory over Everton at the Stadium of Light.

 

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Sunderland 3-0 Everton: Black Cats seal safety in style

Sunderland sent both Newcastle United and Norwich City down to the Championship while preserving their own top-flight status with a crushing 3-0 victory over Everton at the Stadium of Light.

The hosts came into Wednesday's meeting knowing three points would be enough to secure safety and send Newcastle down, along with Norwich, who were hosting Watford.

This victory leaves the Black Cats four points clear of both clubs with just one round of fixtures remaining, with Norwich's 4-2 win over Watford proving in vain for Alex Neil's men.

Buoyed by Saturday's battling 3-2 victory over Chelsea and facing a woefully out-of-form Everton side, Sunderland sealed the points with three goals in 17 minutes either side of half-time.

Patrick Van Aanholt made the breakthrough with a free-kick in the 38th minute that raised question marks over Joel Robles' positioning, before Kone netted a double with two simple close-range finishes.

It was another performance to forget for Everton in what has proved to be a dismal end to the league season, although there was one positive note with Gareth Barry making a Premier League record 572nd start.

But the headlines belonged to Sunderland, who can travel to Watford on Sunday safe in the knowledge that another season of top-flight football is assured and will particularly relish playing such a pivotal part in Newcastle slumping down to the Championship.

Allardyce named an unchanged side from the one that defeated Chelsea, but it took the hosts a while to settle into the match.

The first effort of note did not arrive until the 24th minute when Younes Kaboul cut inside on his right foot and curled a superb effort narrowly wide of the far post.
Everton showed three alterations, but the changes failed to inspire the visitors and Sunderland scored twice in the space of four minutes shortly before the break to take a huge stride towards survival.

After Ramiro Funes Mori brought down Jermain Defoe 25 yards out, Van Aanholt stepped up and sent his free-kick around the wall into an unguarded portion of the goal, with Joel having stepped too far to his left in an attempt to anticipate the flight of the ball.

The Everton goalkeeper then went some way to making amends for that error by superbly tipping Defoe's header over, but, from the resulting corner, Sunderland doubled their lead as the visitors failed to clear and Yann M'Vila headed back into the box for Kone to smash home a volley from close range.

Defoe saw an effort cleared off the line by Matthew Pennington 10 minutes into the second period, but once more Everton struggled to deal with the subsequent set-piece, Joel's punch ricocheting off James McCarthy before running perfectly for Kone to sweep into an empty net from two yards.

Joel's excellent reaction save denied Defoe 11 minutes later as Sunderland threatened to run riot, although Funes Mori did bring a first notable save out of Vito Mannone with a back-post header.

Defoe was denied again by Joel in the final minute, but it mattered little as Sunderland comfortably held on before ecstatic scenes greeted the full-time whistle.

 

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Martinez ta wade set wei wage​

 

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Chelsea fans MOCK Rafa Benitez after Newcastle United's relegation

Chelsea fans mocked Rafa Benitez at Anfield after it was confirmed that Newcastle United had been relegated from the Premier League.

Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Everton at the Stadium of Light meant that both Norwich and Newcastle will join Aston Villa in the Championship next season.

Benitez, who was appointed as Newcastle boss in March, spent six months at Chelsea and guided the club to success in the Europa League in 2013.

But the Spaniard endured a turbulent relationship with Chelsea fans, who chanted ‘Rafa’s going down’ during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Eden Hazard opened the scoring for last year’s Premier League champions with a fine solo effort but Christian Benteke earned a point with an injury-time equaliser.

 

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Newcastle United chief apologises after Premier League relegation

Newcastle United’s managing director Lee Charnley has apologised to fans following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Sunderland's 3-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday confirmed Newcastle's demotion to the Championship alongside Norwich City and Aston Villa.

Rafa Benitez's future is now under speculation, while Charnley insists the club will communicate fully in the upcoming weeks.

“Tonight we are devastated at our relegation from the Premier League, as I know every single person connected to this football club will be,” Charnley said in a statement.

“I want to thank all of the fans for the support you have shown for the club you love throughout the season, in spite of this massive disappointment and underachievement.

“Your support throughout has been magnificent, but I want to pay particular thanks for the incredible backing you have given to Rafa and the team during the latter part of the season. Nothing more could be asked of you and I am truly sorry we have not given you the outcome you deserve.

“I also want to thank every single member of staff here. This club is their livelihood, but they are fans too. To go through the threat of relegation last season and then to suffer a worse fate this time around has been very hard for them. I know that each and every one of them has done whatever they could to help us out of the situation we now find ourselves in.

“We know that supporters want to know what the future holds and will want to hear more from us as soon as possible. The process of scrutinising what went wrong and planning for what is to come has already begun.

“Right now, of course, Rafa and the team must prepare for the final game of the season but after that, please rest assured we will communicate more fully with supporters.”

 

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Allardyce hails January arrivals as Sunderland secure safety

Sam Allardyce paid tribute to Sunderland's mid-season recruits after Premier League safety was secured with a comfortable 3-0 win over Everton on Wednesday.

Sunderland's victory condemned both fierce rivals Newcastle United and Norwich City to the drop with a game to spare, as Allardyce maintained his record of never being relegated from the Premier League.

Patrick van Aanholt's free-kick and Lamine Kone's close-range finish had the hosts in control at half-time at the Stadium of Light. Kone's second 10 minutes after the interval put the game well beyond a disappointing Everton.

And Allardyce was quick to point to the influence of his January arrivals - which include the likes of Kone, Wahbi Khazri and Jan Kirchhoff - in Sunderland's successful survival bid.

"It's been a long few days from Saturday [a 3-2 win over Chelsea], because it's in your hands for the first time," Allardyce told Sky Sports."Everyone wanted us to perform like we did against Chelsea and actually we did it better.

"If you look back at November...Everton 6-2 Sunderland, it shows how far we've come and it's been a long few months until we got some players in in January and we turned into a team from January onwards.

"We became difficult to beat, a team that didn't like losing again and we continued this run through the last 10 games or so."The financial side [of staying up], what that gives us in terms of spending is the same for everyone so it's how wisely we spend it and what we do.

"Because I think the contribution of the players we got in in January has been really big and the next set of recruitment is crucial to make sure the club isn't cheering a lap of honour to be staying up.

"The draws eventually led to wins, that led us to getting safe with one game to go.
"It was pretty miraculous and there was no way I wanted to go to Watford [on Sunday] needing anything!"

 

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Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: Benteke rescues late draw

An injury-time header from substitute Christian Benteke cancelled out a stunning goal from Eden Hazard as Liverpool and Chelseadrew 1-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday. Benteke made the most of an error from visiting goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to grab Liverpool an unlikely point in manager Jurgen Klopp's 50th game in charge.

Hazard's fourth goal in as many Premier League matches, a fine solo effort in the 32nd minute, had appeared enough for Chelsea to become the first visiting side to win at Anfield in the league since January 17.

Despite being without suspended captain John Terry, Guus Hiddink's understrength team were within touching distance of spoiling Liverpool's home farewell a week before they face Sevilla in the Europa League final.

However, Begovic presented Benteke with the chance to level matters in the third minute of stoppage time when he palmed a deep cross to the Liverpool forward, who gratefully headed home into an unguarded net.

With their trip to Basel for the decider against Sevilla looming large on the horizon, Klopp selected the same XI that had started the 3-0 home win over Villarreal in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final.

Daniel Sturridge looked eager to impress against one of his former clubs, drawing a foul from makeshift centre-back John Obi Mikel – replacing the suspended Terry in the heart of Chelsea's defence – inside the opening minute.

Yet Liverpool – wearing a new kit complete with gold trim around the neck – too often let Mikel and his defensive colleagues off the hook.

Roberto Firmino summed up the home side's slack play when he wasted a glorious one-on-one opportunity. Carried wide by a needlessly heavy touch, the Brazilian's effort beat Begovic but ended up in the side-netting.Liverpool's sloppiness was not just in attack either, as they gifted Hazard the chance to break the deadlock.

The Belgian picked up the ball out wide and despite being confronted by four red shirts during his mazy run, never had to deal with a challenge. Allowed to progress to the edge of the area, Hazard aimed a shot low into the right corner of the net.

Bertrand Traore had a wonderful chance to double Chelsea's lead when he beat the hesitant Simon Mignolet to an over-hit pass just before the break. However, with Liverpool's goalkeeper caught out of position, the forward missed the target.

Mignolet was in the right place to keep out a low drive from Hazard early in the second half, while he also had to beat away a stinging drive from Pedro, complete with face mask to protect a broken nose.Begovic was occasionally called into action at the other end, including denying Sturridge at close range after the forward had been played through by Adam Lallana's wonderful reverse pass.

Liverpool seemed to have run out of ideas until Begovic made a mess of substitute Sheyi Ojo's cross, his inability to deal with the delivery allowing Benteke to level right at the death.

Klopp will hope the result keeps confidence levels high going into the final match of the league season away to West Brom, followed by the showpiece game in Switzerland.

 

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Martinez remains defiant in wake of another defeat

Roberto Martinez refused to answer questions about his future after Everton slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Patrick van Aanholt's free-kick and Lamine Kone's close-range double secured the points for Sunderland that keep Sam Allardyce's side in the top flight, consequently relegating Newcastle United and Norwich City.

The defeat at the Stadium of Light means Everton have just one win from their last 10 league outings, with Martinez's position coming under increasing scrutiny as fans have voiced their disapproval in recent weeks.When asked if he still expects to be in charge at the end of the season, Martinez told Sky Sports: "That's not a question."

Despite another disappointing defeat, the Spaniard continued to see the positives in the work-rate of his players.

"We need to win football games, and when you don't do that, [pressure] is normal," he said. "I'm pleased with the effort and intent of the players, we want to make sure we get a performance that could give us a good feeling to finish the season.

"We are a team and we lost a game and what we want to do now is get that winning feeling."Martinez added to BBC Sport: "The effort we put in deserved a lot more and you have to congratulate Sunderland, they had a lot of intent.

"We never dropped our arms, we kept pushing and we kept creating the best chances towards the end but we couldn't use that to our advantage."Now we have another game to finish the season and make sure it ends in a better feeling. We have to fight hard to turn it around.

"We need to assess and work really, really precisely on what's needed but there's still a game to play and we want to get that winning feeling."

 

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PSG will not risk Ibrahimovic ahead of Euro 2016 - Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has stressed he will not take any risks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the remainder of the season with an eye on Euro 2016.

The Sweden international sustained a calf problem in PSG's 1-1 Ligue 1 draw against Bordeaux on Wednesday and was forced to leave the pitch with 20 minutes left, having earlier scored his 36th league goal of the season.

Blanc revealed that Ibrahimovic is being plagued by a minor calf injury and is optimistic he can still play a role in the upcoming Coupe de France final, but added that he has no intention of risking the striker if he is not fully recovered.

"Ibrahimovic has a minor problem with his calf, but it was enough for him to prefer to be taken off," Blanc told reporters."Fatigue is slowly starting to play a role, but he will do everything to play in our last league game against Nantes and in the Coupe de France final against Marseille."There are some important things coming up for him like Euro 2016, though, so we will not take any risks."

 

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Ranieri sends signed Leicester City shirt to Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon has had a pretty good week so far.

The 38-year-old has signed a new deal with Juventus, keeping him with the Serie A champions for another two years, while Claudio Ranieri has taken the time to congratulate the Italian.

Ranieri, who has guided Leicester City to the Premier League title, sent a shirt to the goalkeeper adorned with signatures from all of his players.

The mutual respect between Buffon and Leicester can also be traced back to last month as the Italy international congratulated the Foxes for securing a place in next season’s Champions League.

 

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Hiddink hints at Chelsea stay despite Conte's arrival

Guus Hiddink has hinted that he may be given another role at Chelsea after he steps down as manager this summer.

Antonio Conte will replace the Dutchman after Italy’s Euro 2016 campaign as last year’s champions will be looking to recover from the worst title defence in Premier League history.

Reports have claimed that Roman Abramovich is keen to keep the former Netherlands boss at Stamford Bridge in an advisory role, and the 69-year-old admits he would relish the chance to improve the club’s youth system.

“I’m not definitely going away, I’d like to be involved with the development of players, like Tammy [Abraham] and maybe some others, not just in the club but outside the club, that’s what I’d like to do very much, we’ll see what will happen in the upcoming time,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports after Wedesnday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Chelsea cannot finish higher than ninth this season.

 

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Hithuwath wage Martinez ta wade set wela.​

 

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Icardi: I'm absolutely staying at Inter!

Inter captain Mauro Icardi reassured fans over his future at the Serie A club, insisting he is "absolutely" staying in Milan.Icardi has been linked with a move away from San Siro amid interest from Premier League trio Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, with the Argentina international himself previously hinting at a transfer.

However, the 23-year-old forward - who has scored 16 goals in the Serie A this season - said he is not planning on leaving anytime soon.

"I have a contract until 2019 and there are a few years to go yet," he told reporters at a charity event."I will absolutely stay here."Do I want to become the new Javier Zanetti? Steady on, that's a lot of years. I am happy to be here and to be wearing his armband.

"If I get to remain as many years as he did, then I'll be even happier."Inter - fourth in the standings - close out the season at Sassuolo on Saturday.

 

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West Ham make €30m Lacazette bid as Hammers search for marquee striker

West Ham have made a €30 million (£23.7m) bid for Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette as they attempt to sign a marquee striker this summer, Goal understands.

The Hammers tabled their offer for the France international earlier this week, and it is currently being considered by the French giants, for whom Lacazette has scored 92 goals in 229 games.

Slaven Bilic is keen to recruit a proven frontman this summer as he prepares to lead his side into the Olympic Stadium next season, and Lacazette has been identified as the priority acquisition.

Bilic has informed the club's hierarchy that he would like to sign a striker who can score 20 goals a season and, as such, an offer has been launched for Lacazette.

It was previously understood that the 24-year-old - who has netted 23 goals in all competitions this term - would only leave Lyon to join a Champions League club, amid interest from Tottenham and Liverpool, but the Hammers are hopeful his stance has since softened and are optimistic a deal can be struck.Lyon are open to allowing Lacazette to leave the club, and Wissam Ben Yedder, of Toulouse, has been earmarked as a potential replacement.

West Ham are casting their net far and wide as they attempt to recruit a striker this summer, and have also opened negotiations with Marseille over a potential €40m deal for Michy Batshuayi, while there is also interest in Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy.

Vardy has scored 24 goals in 35 games in Leicester's incredible title-winning season and the Hammers have attempted to gauge his interest in a possible move. Sources, however, insist that the move remains a "20-1 shot", with Lacazette the club's primary target.

 

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Frank De Boer leaves Ajax

Ajax have announced manager Frank de Boer has left the club after agreeing an early termination to his contract at the Amsterdam ArenA.

The 45-year-old was in charge of the club for five-and-a-half seasons after taking over from Martin Jol in December 2010.

De Boer led Ajax to four consecutive Eredivisie titles in a stunning start to his reign, but lost out to PSV in each of the last two seasons.

The 2015-16 campaign came to a painful conclusion as Ajax lost out on the title despite being top of the table going into the last week of the season, when their shock 1-1 draw at second-bottom De Graafschap gifted PSV the league.

"After winning four league titles in succession, the 2014-15 season was a disappointment," said De Boer. "We wanted to rectify that in the last season and we did everything, but it did not become what we had all hoped for and expected.

"I started to realise more that it was time for something else. It's better for me and I think also for Ajax. What I will do, I do not know yet. A year without a club is also an option and I will see what comes my way."I cherish above all the beautiful memories, with winning the 30th league title as the absolute highlight. Wherever I am, I will continue to follow closely. Ajax is my club and always will be."

The former Netherlands international's agent Guido Albers recently revealed his client would "love to manage Everton or Valencia" – two of the teams he has been linked with joining.

De Boer's Ajax contract had been due to expire in July 2017.