..::Football IV::..

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Zieler close to Leicester move as Hannover confirm medical

Hannover have announced that goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler has been granted permission to travel to Leicester City to complete a transfer.The Germany international is to hold contract talks and complete a medical with a view to sealing a switch to the Premier League champions.

Goal understands a decision will be made on Monday as to whether the English side sign him, as the Bundesliga club confirmed negotiations are underway.

"Ron-Robert Zieler has exercised the option in his contract and informed Hannover that he will travel to English champions Leicester City to have contract talks," a statement said,"In addition, the 27-year-old goalkeeper will complete the sports medical examinations in England."

Hannover managing director said Zieler would always be welcome to return to the club in future."We've always been aware that Ron would continue to show his outstanding qualities in the first division," he said."We wish him all the best for the future. Ron will always be welcome in Hannover."

Zieler has played nearly 200 times in his six years with Hannover since leaving Manchester United, where he never made a senior appearance.

The club were relegated from the Bundesliga this season after finishing bottom of the table with just seven wins from 34, thus activating a clause in Zieler's contract to allow him to look for a transfer.

 

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Isco: I'll stay if Real Madrid want me


Real Madrid midfielder Isco says he wants to stay at the club following their dramatic Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Isco impressed as a substitute in a tense final at San Siro, which Madrid eventually won on penalties after goals from Sergio Ramos and Yannick Carrasco ensured the match finished 1-1 after extra-time.

The Spain international fell out of favour under former coach Rafael Benitez and came close to leaving Santiago Bernabeu in the mid-season transfer window, but he has enjoyed a more sustained first-team role since Zinedine Zidane took charge in January.

And the former Malaga man says he is keen to enjoy more success in the capital as long as the club want him to stay."I am very proud of my team. We had a difficult season, but we have never given up, so we deserve it," he said after the match.

"I hope to stay. If the club wants me here, I will stay. I am very happy here and I hope to keep winning trophies for this club. Zidane has done an amazing job with us.

"It is in our DNA to fight to the very last minute. We showed that in La Liga and right now in the Champions League. We have played against a very competitive opponent who made things very difficult, but thank God we can bring the trophy to the Bernabeu."

 

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Dortmund dismiss Aubameyang exit talk as 'b******t'

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has laughed off suggestions Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to leave the club.

Gabon coach Jorge Costa was quoted as saying on Saturday that the 26-year-old had asked not to be selected for the friendly against Mauritania because he is close to a transfer, with clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United believed to be keeping a close eye on the prolific attacker's situation following his sublime performances in 2015-16.

However, Dortmund have made it clear there is no truth in suggestions Aubameyang is on his way out of the Signal Iduna Park."Is Aubameyang set to leave? That's b******t," Watzke told Sport Bild when questioned about a potential transfer.

Aubameyang netted 39 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions for BVB in 2015-16, helping them to second spot in the Bundesliga table and the DFB Pokal final, where Bayern Munich proved to be too strong.The former AC Milan man has a contract with Dortmund until the end of June 2020.

 

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Mourinho will give Manchester United the X factor they need, says Lampard

Frank Lampard believes new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho provides the club with the "X factor" they have been missing.The former Chelsea boss has signed a three-year contract to replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, with the option of an additional season.

Lampard played under Mourinho in both of his spells as Chelsea manager and is confident the self-styled 'Special One' can transform United's fortunes."Jose will have a massive effect at United," the New York City midfielder told The Sun .

"He knows how to get a team winning by putting his own imprint on them. His personality reflects his teams and, looking from afar, Manchester United have needed that.

"They had a lot of quality in their squad, but not much oomph. Jose gives them the X factor – he did that at Chelsea. I know it didn't end perfectly there, but I can see him succeeding at United.

"He has good players and people like Wayne Rooney will respond to him because he understands them. He has worked with so many top players and he knows exactly how to get the best out of them.

"He is a top manager and a team like United need a top manager. I'm not a Manchester United fan, but I don't think anyone can say they aren't licking their lips at the prospect of Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Antonio] Conte and [Arsene] Wenger all going up against each other."Concerns have been raised over whether Mourinho's style of play will be too negative for United supporters, but Lampard does not buy into that argument.

The 37-year-old added: "I don't think United played great football last year from watching them. Jose is a man who knows how to get a win and sometimes that isn't always with fluent football.

"He will bring an energy to the team, will be effective and win games. Fans want to win and of course they want great style. You can talk all day about style and everyone wants beautiful football, but winning is what it's all about.

"Mourinho has a history of winning things. Look at Arsenal, everyone says they are great on the ball yet they have not won anything because they don't have the grit to grind games out.

"To be a complete team and be successful over a period of time you have to be able to do both sides of the game."

 

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Spain 3-1 Bosnia: Nolito fires La Roja to success

Nolito netted his first goals for Spain as they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 in Sunday's international friendly at AFG Arena in St. Gallen.

The 29-year-old opened his Spain account in the 11th minute with a calm finish in the top corner, before making it two shortly after with a cheeky chip from inside the box.Emir Spahic halved the deficit after a corner, only to get himself sent off in the dying seconds of the first half for violent conduct.

Bosnia had a number of chances to restore parity after the break despite being a man down, but Milan Djuric failed to beat shot-stopper Sergio Asenjo as Spain saw out the win, Pedro coming off the bench to add a third late on.

Vicente del Bosque named an experimental XI in the absence of the Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and majority of Barcelona players, handing a number of newcomers their debut as Cesc Fabregas and David Silva were the only two regulars featuring from the start, but that did not stop them from opening the game strongly.

Spain could have gone a goal up after just 58 seconds when Nolito found Aritz Aduriz in a dangerous position with a fine cross, only for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to deny the striker with a sublime save.

Del Bosque's men eventually grabbed the lead in the 11th minute via Nolito, the Celta de Vigo man curling a shot into the top corner from the left-hand side of the area after Edin Dzeko failed to clear a set-piece.

Nolito continued to cause the defence all kinds of problems early on and he doubled Spain's lead in the 18th minute, beating Begovic with a delicate chip from 10 yards out after Bosnia lost possession inside their own box.

Spain continued to dominate proceedings in the opening 45 minutes and created a number of chances to make it three, with Cesc Fabregas firing just wide from a free kick, before Begovic denied Nolito his hat-trick with a good save.

Mehmed Bazdarevic's men pulled one back in the 29th minute despite spending the majority of the game in their own half. Spahic beat Marc Bartra in the air after Miralem Pjanic's corner and the centre-back left Asenjo no chance to make it 2-1.
Bosnia were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages of the first half when Spahic was dismissed after an altercation with Cesar Azpilicueta and Fabregas during a touchline brawl.

Asenjo was called into action in the 50th minute after Djuric beat the offside trap, showing his class with a strong save to prevent the equaliser.Spain failed to make the most of their man advantage and they were again fortunate to escape when Djuric hit the upright with a clever header after Haris Duljevic's cross.

Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal should have put the match to bed with 15 minutes left on the clock, but the Real Sociedad youngster aimed just wide after superbly bringing down a lofted pass.

Spain did get a third goal in the end, though, Pedro tapping home a rebound after Begovic had saved Inaki Williams' shot as it ended 3-1 in Switzerland.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Germany 1-3 Slovakia: Hosts shocked in rain-affected friendly

Germany's worrying form ahead of Euro 2016 continued as they fell to a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Slovakia in Augsburg on Sunday.

Mario Gomez's penalty put the home team in front after 13 minutes, but a stunning strike from Marek Hamsik and a Michal Duris header turned the game on its head before the break.

After stormy weather had delayed the start of the second half, substitute Marc-Andre ter Stegen's dreadful mistake in wet conditions allowed Juraj Kucka to make it three and Germany could not find a way back into the match.

Joachim Low gave first caps to Bernd Leno and Joshua Kimmich, as well as substitutes Julian Weigl and Julian Brandt, but the head coach has major problems to solve with no more matches to play before he cuts his squad down from 27 to a final 23.

Germany, winners of the World Cup two years ago, have now lost four of their last six games and failed to keep a clean sheet for eight successive matches with the Euros under two weeks away.

They only have one more warm-up match against Hungary to play before the tournament, while in-form Slovakia are unbeaten in seven as they prepare to face Northern Ireland in their last pre-tournament clash.Jerome Boateng almost marked his first Germany appearance of 2016 with an early goal when his bouncing effort was tipped over the bar by Matus Kozacik.

But the hosts did not have to wait long to break the deadlock, with Mario Gotze drawing a foul from Kucka in the box and Gomez sending Kozacik the wrong way to make it two strikes in as many caps having previously gone almost four years without an international goal.The world champions should have added to their lead, Leroy Sane seeing his effort from a promising opening saved by Kozacik's legs and Julian Draxler volleying over.


Slovakia levelled against the run of play in emphatic fashion four minutes before half-time when Hamsik gathered Ondrej Duda's pass and unleashed a blistering finish into the top corner from well outside the box, giving the debutant Leno no chance.

Astonishingly, the visitors then went ahead 185 seconds after levelling as Duris rose to powerfully head Vladimir Weiss' corner over Leno, who could not react quickly enough.

Low had made three changes at the interval and one of his replacements, Ter Stegen, had a moment to forget after 52 minutes when he somehow allowed Kucka's volley from Patrik Hrosovsky's corner to squirm through his legs.Draxler was just off-target with a long-range drive for Germany, while Ter Stegen had to get out quickly to deny Hamsik.

After causing him problems for Slovakia's third goal, the wet surface helped the Barcelona goalkeeper on this occasion as it slowed the Napoli star down while he prepared to shoot.

The expected rally from Germany did not arrive in the closing stages, with Gotze firing wide in their best opening as Low's side failed to muster an attempt on target in the second half.

 

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Italy 1-0 Scotland: Pelle strike settles tense friendly

Graziano Pelle's fine second-half strike gave Italy a narrow 1-0 win over Scotland in a Euro 2016 warm-up friendly on Sunday evening.

Antonio Conte's men had not won since their qualifying campaign drew to a close, with defeats to Belgium and Germany, either side of draws with Romania and Spain, depriving them of the chance to build any momentum.

The Euro 2012 runners-up never looked like losing in Malta, but their inability to convert promising opportunities during the first half was a concern.

However, Southampton striker Pelle produced an accomplished finish 12 minutes into the second half to clinch a welcome victory for Italy, who face Finland in their last pre-tournament friendly and will name their final 23-man Euro 2016 squad this week.

Scotland failed to register a single shot on target during the 90 minutes - Matt Ritchie's late strike wide their only effort of any description - and will hope for an improved performance when they provide the opposition for the last warm-up fixture of tournament hosts France.Italy probed the Scottish defence with little reward during the first half, Emanuele Giaccherini looking particularly dangerous.

David Marshall parried a powerful Antonio Candreva free-kick into the Sunderland attacker's path early on, but the goalkeeper was equal to Giaccherini's effort on the rebound and Pelle was unable to send in a third attempt.

Candreva and Giaccherini combined again for Italy's next chance, the Lazio winger cutting back only for the eventual effort to be lifted harmlessly over the crossbar from the centre of the box.Italy continued to control possession but Giaccherini was again guilty of squandering a golden opportunity when he prodded wide after taking down a long Daniele De Rossi ball over the top.

Alessandro Florenzi then sent an optimistic effort sailing wide of the left-hand post, and Eder felt he should have been awarded a penalty when he was outmuscled by the Scottish defence just before the break.Scotland had been impotent in the first half and striker Ross McCormack was taken off during the interval after making just six touches in the opening 45 minutes.

Giaccherini could count himself unlucky when he was wrongly called offside five minutes into the second half, but Pelle soon put Italy in front.Taking the ball off the feet of Eder at the edge of the penalty area, Pelle guided a powerful effort beyond a diving Marshall.

Substitutions interrupted the flow of Italy's play but Scotland, who saw Ritchie fire wide with 12 minutes to play, continued to prove unable to test Gianluigi Buffon - the goalkeeper perhaps left feeling he was worked harder during the pre-game warm up than during the match itself.

 

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Bellerin in line to replace Carvajal for Spain's Euro 2016 campaign


Vicente del Bosque has confirmed Hector Bellerin will replace Dani Carvajal in the Spain squad for Euro 2016 if the Real Madrid defender is forced to withdraw due to injury.Carvajal picked up a muscle problem in Madrid's Champions League final win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday and is doubtful for the tournament in France.

Bellerin, meanwhile, made his Spain debut in Sunday's 3-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and will remain with the squad until there is clarity about Carvajal's fitness."It all depends on what the medical staff say about Carvajal's fitness," Del Bosque said at a news conference.

"Bellerin will stay with the squad until we know the extent of Carvajal's injury."I also considered [Villarreal defender] Mario [Gaspar], but we have to remain consistent and bear in mind this training camp was in order to prepare for the Euros. That's why Bellerin will stay with the squad."

Del Bosque fielded a young team against Bosnia-Herzegovina as he was still without the Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and some Barcelona players, but he was nonetheless pleased with his side's display as they prepare to try and retain their crown.

"We felt comfortable in the first and were in control with Bruno Soriano and Cesc Fabregas," he added."Even though we had a man more following their red card, we were less in control after the break. We did not take advantage of the fact they were down to 10 men.

"I am very happy with the youngsters, though. They will all return to Spain on Monday, except Bellerin. I then have 48 hours left to announce the final squad."

 

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'Manchester United have another Marcus Rashford in Ashley Fletcher'

Manchester United have another exciting youth prospect on their hands in Ashley Fletcher, according to Barnsley’s caretaker head coach Paul Heckingbottom.

Fletcher joined Barnsley on loan in January and scored a stunning effort in Sunday’s League One play-off final against Millwall to help fire the Tykes back to the Championship.

And Heckingbottom believes that the 20-year-old forward has the ability to make the same impact Marcus Rashford made earlier at Old Trafford this season.

"I don't know the pecking order there, but if he wasn't here he could have been making his debut instead of Rashford," said Heckingbottom.

"I think he will get better and better. United will have seen his progression and they'll know he has the attributes to get better."

 

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Portugal 3-0 Norway: No Ronaldo, no problem for dominant hosts

Portugal showed they are far from a one-man team with a convincing victory over Norway on Sunday, as the Lusitanians won 3-0 in a one-sided friendly.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe both absent following Real Madrid's Champions League victory, Ricardo Quaresma made his own case with a stunning strike to open the scoring.

Raphael Guerreiro doubled Portugal's advantage in the second half, curling a brilliant free-kick out of Jarstein's reach to press his claims to be first choice at left-back for Portugal at the tournament in France.

Portugal's comfortable victory was wrapped up when Eder finished off Joao Mario's low cross, with Norway unable to seriously test goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.

Fernando Santos' men, who face Hungary, Austria and Iceland in a potentially tough group, extended their fine run of form to six wins from their last eight games.
Norway narrowly missed out on earning a place at Euro 2016 and Per-Mathias Hogmo's side have now won only one of their last six internationals.After a low-tempo opening to the game, Portugal took the lead in spectacular fashion in the 13th minute.

Guerreiro fed Quaresma, who beat Martin Linnes easily then cut inside off the left wing to bend an unstoppable strike across Norway goalkeeper Jarstein and into the top corner.

And the hosts almost added a second goal within a minute, but Eder turned a terrific cross by right-back Cedric Soares wide of the post.

Norway then went close to an equaliser when Lopes misjudged Joshua King's pace, the AFC Bournemouth striker lifting his shot on to the roof of the net after the goalkeeper had raced off his line.

Veton Berisha's looping header caused no problems for Lopes after 24 minutes, before King's speed again created an opening, the striker forcing an error from Jose Fonte but placing his finish straight at the Portugal goalkeeper.

King was bundled over in the box between a combination of challenges by Fonte and Ricardo Carvalho after 51 minutes, but the referee felt it was not a penalty.Norway continued to press and Valon Berisha hit the crossbar with a header from Anders Trondsen's terrific left-wing cross.

Portugal's attack looked light on quality with star man Cristiano Ronaldo not in action due to his Champions League-winning exploits on Saturday, while Real Madrid team-mate Pepe also missed the game.

Ronaldo's absence freed up set-piece duties for his colleagues, Guerreiro taking full advantage after 65 minutes.From just outside the box, he whipped a sumptuous left-footed free-kick over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Jarstein helpless.

Portugal, galvanised by fresh legs from the bench, added a third goal five minutes later, Eder timing his run into the box perfectly to slot home a low right-wing cross from Joao Mario.

And the upbeat pre-tournament mood in Porto was summed up when a young pitch invader ran on to plant a kiss on Lopes' cheek as Portugal eased to victory.

 

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Colombia 3-1 Haiti: Cuadrado helps Pekerman's side to win

Colombia will carry winning form into the Copa America Centenario after a 3-1 victory over Haiti in a friendly on Sunday.Juan Cuadrado and substitute Roger Martinez struck in the second half at Marlins Park in Miami in what was the only lead-up friendly ahead of the tournament for Jose Pekerman's men.

Dayro Moreno had put Colombia ahead before Wilde-Donald Guerrier levelled for Haiti, who had Max Hilaire sent off before the break.

Pekerman's men capitalised through Cuadrado and Martinez to seal a third straight win heading into their Copa opener against the United States on Friday.Haiti have won just one of their past six matches and face Peru, Brazil and Ecuador in Group B at the Copa.

Cuadrado threatened early for Colombia, but saw his long-range strike deflected and well saved by Johnny Placide.

Colombia's early pressure would lead to the 13th-minute opener.Sebastian Perez mis-kicked an effort towards goal, but Dayro Moreno was on hand to find the net on the turn to make it 1-0.

As Haiti chased an equaliser, Colombia threatened as Perez went close and Marlos Moreno sent a shot straight at Placide on the counter-attack on the half-hour mark.

However, poor set-piece marking would lead to an equaliser 10 minutes before half-time.Wisla Krakow's Guerrier lost his marker at a corner before heading in a Jeff Louis cross for the leveller.

Haiti's chances of a result were dealt a blow six minutes prior to the break, with Hilaire given a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Daniel Torres.Colombia had to wait until the second half to take advantage of their numerical advantage through Cuadrado.

The Chelsea-owned attacker was the beneficiary of a lightning counter, Dayro Moreno feeding Cuadrado through down the right before he chipped the onrushing Placide from an angle.Guerrier had a chance to respond immediately but was denied by David Ospina in a one-on-one, with the Arsenal goalkeeper also called into action just after the hour-mark.

After containing Haiti through that period, Colombia made it 3-1 thanks to Martinez, who replaced Carlos Bacca at half-time.A fine team move saw Marlos Moreno put Guillermo Celis in down the right and he squared for Martinez to tap in the sealer.

 

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Panama 0-2 Brazil: Jonas breaks goalscoring drought, Gabriel nets on debut

Brazil put in a dominant performance on Sunday as it secured a 2-0 win over Panama in their pre-Copa America Centenario warm-up game.

Jonas, called up as an injury replacement for Ricardo Oliveira, gave Brazil the lead inside two minutes at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver. It was the Benfica striker's first international goal since November 2011, when he scored a double in Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Egypt.

Debutant Gabriel doubled Brazil's lead in the second half to round out the win in their final friendly before facing Ecuador in its first Copa America group-stage match.

Brazil also faces Haiti and Peru in Group B, while Panama must tackle Argentina, Chile and Bolivia in Group D of the special-edition tournament taking place in the United States.

Brazil got off to a flying start and took the lead just under 120 seconds into the contest, after Jonas finished off a great passing move from the South American side.

Panama managed to calm itself down after the early goal, and it was not until the 21st minute when Brazil had its next shot. Dani Alves had a long-range free kick saved by Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo before Willian had a shot from inside the area blocked by Felipe Baloy.Renato Augusto should have put Brazil 2-0 up in the 32nd minute but his header from an Alves cross was directed just wide.

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho had two chances in the space of a few minutes but hit both strikes wide as Brazil went into the halftime break with just a one-goal advantage.

Coutinho turned provider in the second half for the recently introduced Hulk, but his close-range header was spectacularly kept out by the in-form Penedo. Brazil eventually doubled its advantage in the 73rd minute when Gabriel scored on his international debut, the Santos winger slotting the ball into the right-hand corner of the goal.

Dunga also handed a Brazil debut to Rodrigo Caio with 10 minutes remaining as they ran out the closing stages of the game, while another debutante - Douglas Santos - played the 90 minutes.

Second-half substitute Kaka, who was called up as an injury replacement for Douglas Costa, was denied by Penedo in the 84th minute with a brilliant diving save.

 

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Dani Alves set to join Serie A champions Juventus

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves will join Serie A winners Juventus this week on a two-year contract, Goal can reveal.

The 33-year-old is expected to earn around €4 million-per-year during his stay in Turin, with the option of an additional year inserted into his contract.

The marauding right-back brings with him a wealth of international experience, having won 89 caps for his country, and is highly regarded by Massimiliano Allegri, who is eager to stamp his authority on Europe.

Alves, who joined the Blaugrana from Sevilla in 2008, will arrive with considerable UEFA Champions League exposure, having lifted the European Cup on three occasions in 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has a contract at the club until 2017 and is unlikely to depart the Old Lady of Italian football following the Brazilian's impending switch, with Juan Cuadrado tipped to join former manager Antonio Conte at Chelsea this summer.

Juve will also offer Alves' team-mate Javier Mascherano a two-year deal, however the option of a third will not be included. The Argentine defender is keen to move to the Italian north and talks with his agents have gone smoothly, but an agreement with Barca is still yet to be met.

The European heavyweight clubs enjoy a great working relationship and Juve are hesistent to stretch their correspondence but Mascherano is enamoured with the idea of being allowed to return to a midfield role under Allegri.

 

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Spain full-back Carvajal ruled out of Euro 2016


Real Madrid have confirmed that right-back Dani Carvajal has suffered a hamstring injury and will now miss Euro 2016.The Spain right-back picked up the problem in the Champions League final victory against Atletico Madrid, leaving the pitch in tears after 52 minutes.

And, following tests on Monday, a statement on Madrid's official club website has confirmed that Carvajal has suffered a hamstring injury.

"After the tests carried out today at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital," it read, "the player Daniel Carvajal has been diagnosed with a grade-two injury to the right iliopsoas. His recovery will continue to be assessed."
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is now set to replace Carvajal in Vicente del Bosque's squad for the tournament in France, with the Spain coach having revealed that the Gunners full-back would step in if the Madrid star failed to recover in time.

He told reporters on Sunday: "It all depends on what the medical staff say about Carvajal's fitness. Bellerin will stay with the squad until we know the extent of Carvajal's injury.

"I also considered [Villarreal defender] Mario [Gaspar], but we have to remain consistent and bear in mind this training camp was in order to prepare for the Euros. That's why Bellerin will stay with the squad."

 

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Robben and Ribery in line for Bayern renewals

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has suggested both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will be offered contract renewals at some stage in the coming months.Both wingers' contracts are due to expire in June 2017, but Bayern are yet to open talks over new deals with the experienced attackers.

Nevertheless, Rummenigge has made it clear the Bundesliga champions are keen to hold on to both Robben and Ribery beyond the expiration of their existing deals.

"I do not rule out that both will sign renewals with Bayern," Rummenigge told Kicker. "We all know how incredibly important they are, both on and off the pitch."But both will have to be patient for a bit. It is only normal to wait a bit longer with players who are older than 30."

Robben, 32, joined Bayern from Real Madrid in August 2009. The 33-year-old Ribery, meanwhile, has been with club since signing from Marseille in June 2007.

 

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Terry certain of Mourinho success at Manchester United

Chelsea defender John Terry is certain Jose Mourinho will be a success at Manchester United.

Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea halfway through the 2015-16 campaign following a dreadful start to the defence of their Premier League title, but was appointed as Louis van Gaal's successor at Old Trafford last week.

Terry worked under Mourinho during his two spells at Stamford Bridge and he has confidence that his former boss will lead United back to the top."Mourinho's appointment is fantastic news for Manchester United," Terry told Sky Sports.

"It was unfortunate the way it ended at Chelsea this year but I wish him well because he's also a great man. He'll be great for Manchester United, I'm sure."I'm sure that United's fans and players will be delighted with that because, as I've said many times before, he's the best manager I've worked under.

"I'm sure he'll settle in well with the likes of Ryan Giggs - hopefully he will stay and support him as well."Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge with United next term after his dismissal last December and Terry believes the Portuguese manager will get a warm welcome.

"It will feel very different, but I've come up against Jose for various teams before so it will be interesting to play against him," Terry added."He'll get a great reception when he comes back to Stamford Bridge, for sure."

 

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Rashford signs new Manchester United deal

Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford has pledged his future to the club, signing a contract extension that keeps him at Old Trafford until 2020, with the option to extend for a further year.

The 18-year-old's previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2016-17 season, but the young striker has been rewarded for his fine performances this campaign with a new and improved contract.

Rashford ends his debut campaign in professional football with eight goals in 18 games in all competitions, having made his maiden appearance for the senior side as a late call-up to the UEFA Europa League encounter with FC Midtjylland.

The United academy graduate has grown in stature throughtout the season after being handed a regular starting role under former manager Louis van Gaal.

The teenage sensation netted within three minutes of his England debut against Australia on Friday to stake his claim for a place in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad ahead of Euro 2016 in France.Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward - who announced the appointment of Jose Mourinho as the club's new manager on Friday - is excited by Rashford's prospects and believes the youngster will continue to improve at Old Trafford.

"Marcus is a naturally talented footballer with great potential. He has taken his chances well and has integrated into the first team very quickly," he told the club's official website.

"I am delighted that Marcus has signed a new contract, he is at the right club to continue his development. He is still very young and we need to be patient but he is developing in the right way and we believe he has a great future ahead of him."

 

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Congratulations Rash!​

 

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Borthwick-Jackson signs new four-year Man Utd deal

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United with the option of a further year.

The young left-back was handed his debut by Louis van Gaal in a 2-0 win over West Brom back in November 2015 and went on to make a total of 14 first-team appearances in all competitions.

The news comes on the same day that striker Marcus Rashford committed his future to the club and Borthwick-Jackson insists he is looking forward to learning from Jose Mourinho and the rest of the United coaching team.

He told the club's official website: "I have grown up at United and have enjoyed every minute of being here. Last season was an incredible experience to make my first team debut and a dream come true for myself and my family.

"I feel it stands me in good stead for continuing my development as a Manchester United player. I will continue to work hard and take advice from the manager and his coaching team to improve with every training session."

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward added: "Cameron is one of a number of young players to come through our academy to make their first team debut last season.

"This is something that our club has always done and promoting the academy and U21 players is something that makes everybody associated with the club very proud. I'm delighted that Cameron has signed his new contract and look forward to seeing him in the squad for many years to come."