..::Football IV::..

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OFFICIAL: Leicester City sign goalkeeper Zieler

Premier League champions Leicester City have signed Germany international goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler from Hannover for an undisclosed fee.

Leicester confirmed on their official website that the 27-year-old has agreed a four-year deal that runs until 2020 at the King Power Stadium, and while the fee has not been disclosed reports suggest that Zieler's Hannover contract contained a £3million release clause.

Zieler has six caps for Germany and was a member of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, although he missed out on selection for Euro 2016 after Hannover finished bottom of the Bundesliga this season.

He told Leicester's official website: "It feels great coming to Leicester and joining the club after they've had such a great season - it's really nice to be part of the club now.

"I've been shown around the training ground and it looks very good and I've been to the stadium - I heard about the great atmosphere and the great fans, so my first impression is very good."
Zieler will provide competition for Leicester's regular number one Kasper Schmeichel with manager Claudio Ranieri keep to bolster his ranks as the club embarks on a maiden Champions League campaign.

He previously featured as an academy player at Manchester United, alongside Leicester colleagues Danny Drinkwater, Danny Simpson, Matty James and Ritchie De Laet, although he failed to make a first-team breakthrough before joining Hannover in 2010.

 

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Rashford & Smalling have big parts to play for England - Heskey

Former England striker Emile Heskey believes Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Chris Smalling could have a big say in the Three Lions’ destiny at Euro 2016 this month.

Rashford struck inside three minutes on his England debut against Australia last week, while Smalling followed up with the winner on Thursday against Portugal at Wembley.And Heskey has backed them both to have an impact at the finals tournament in France.

“Rashford has not been daunted by any of it, so this is another obstacle if he actually gets to play. But I don’t think he’ll care about that to be honest, he’ll just go out there and perform the way that he can,” Heskey told Goal at the Ladbrokes #ForTheFans Euro 2016 preview event.

“None of it has been any problem for him. He’s been a breath of fresh air for Manchester United because they were looking for strikers themselves, and he gives them something different. Whether running in behind, chasing lost causes, dribbling in behind, setting others up… He can do all of it.”

The 62-cap former frontman added that while coach Roy Hodgson has a number of options in attack, Smalling adds some presence to the defensive half of the field too and can live up to the example set by Rio Ferdinand in years gone by.

“We’ve got an abundance of strikers which is good, but we’re also quite solid and Smalling’s come into his own now,” he added. “I think he struggled at Manchester United at first, but I think he’s turned into a really, really good defender, a solid defender.

“Everybody’s going to compare him to Rio, which is a bit harsh because Rio was one of the best defenders in the world. But he’s not shied away from any of that, he’s got his head down and now he’s trying to emulate what Rio has done.”

England begin their Euro 2016 assault on June 11 against Russia in Marseille before taking on Wales and Slovakia in their remaining Group B fixtures.

 

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Al-Khelaifi: Cavani perfect replacement for Ibrahimovic

Edinson Cavani can step into the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and lead the line for Paris Saint-Germain, says president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Ibrahimovic has been a revelation in the French capital over the past four seasons, scoring 156 goals in all competitions to help them become the dominant force in Ligue 1.

The Sweden international's contract at PSG will expire at the end of the month, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Alexandre Lacazette linked with replacing him.

However, Al-Khelaifi is confident Cavani – who has occupied more of a wide role due to Ibrahimovic's presence – is more than capable of scoring the goals PSG need to maintain their superiority."I sometimes feel that the media does not see things well," he told Le Parisien.

"He [Ibrahimovic] was a scorer, a great scorer. [But] Cavani is one of the best in the world. Watch his goals throughout his career. Cavani is one of the best in this position, why look elsewhere?

"It is a change of the project. We will recruit players who bring more to the team.We will look for players who will help the team to take the next steps on the field."We need players who eat the grass, and are ready to die for the club and this jersey."

Hatem Ben Arfa has been linked with a switch to Parc des Princes after a sensational season with Nice, the former Newcastle United playmaker scoring 18 goals in 2015-16, and Al-Khelaifi is a fan."He is a great player in French football. He has grown mentally, he has a lot of talent and a lot of quality," Al-Khelaifi added.

"Some people wonder if he can play at a big club, in my opinion the answer is yes. He's an option, but there are others."

 

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'Ibrahimovic could destroy Ireland with Man Utd audition'


Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s desire to earn a blockbuster summer move to Manchester United could undermine the Republic of Ireland’s hopes at Euro 2016, according to Jason McAteer.

Ibrahimovic’s Sweden side take on Ireland in their opening match at the finals on June 13 in Saint-Denis, but the Paris Saint-Germain striker’s preparation has been clouded by speculation over his future.

And with Jose Mourinho’s new club having prepared a £34 million package for the free agent, former Ireland midfielder McAteer told Goal that he fears Ibrahimovic could use the Euro 2016 opener as a showcase for his undoubted ability.

“I just think Ibrahimovic is in the news all the time about a move, he’s a big-game player, he wants to make a statement at this championship, and I just think if he’s on form he could be the one who upsets the party for the Irish,” said McAteer, speaking at the Ladbrokes #ForTheFans Euro 2016 preview event.

Martin O’Neill’s side also face Belgium and Italy in Group E but McAteer, who earned 52 caps in a 10-year spell for Ireland, believes the first game against the Swedes could be all important.

“They’ve got that one individual who is world class whereas we don’t, and the thing about a tournament is that there’s a massive hype and excitement about that first game,” he added. “It’s like a boxer waiting to get out into the ring, all that energy is focused on that first chance to get out and play.

“But I think Martin will believe he’ll get a second chance against the Italians. I think he’ll believe there’s two opportunities to get three points. The Sweden game definitely is a real chance, but I don’t think you can write us off if we lose that first game."We beat Italy in the first game in 1994 and they still reached the final, so you shouldn’t write anyone off after one game.”

Ireland are competing in their second successive European Championship, but the three defeats suffered in 2012 are their only experience of the finals in the last 28 years.

 

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Kane: I need time to gel with Rooney and Vardy


Harry Kane says his strike partnership with Jamie Vardy and Wayne Rooney needs time to develop after England's 1-0 win over Portugal.

The trio led England's attack in the victory at Wembley on Thursday, but their link-up play lacked cohesion as Roy Hodgson's men stuttered to an uninspiring victory against 10 men thanks to Chris Smalling's late header.

England now get set to face Russia in their Euro 2016 opener a week on Saturday and Kane is unconcerned by the poor form the triumvirate displayed in their final warm-up, insisting they can combine to make a fine partnership."I don't think you can judge it on one performance. The understanding isn't just going to happen overnight," he said.

"We were asked to play together against Portugal and we won the game."Of course we would have wanted a few more chances and a few more shots at goal, but it's something we are still working on, so there is no reason for anyone to get too downhearted.

"It's a learning curve. These games were to prepare us for the Euros and I feel they have done that."We'll see what formation the manager picks against Russia and we will do our best."

Kane's night nearly ended prematurely following a high challenge from Bruno Alves after 35 minutes, with the defender's boot catching the Tottenham striker on the head - earning him a straight red card.

"It wasn't a great challenge," he added."I am happy I'm still here. I was lucky not to have a few stitches. I think he just caught me with the top of his boot rather than his studs so I got away with one."

 

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Wilshere out to impress Wenger at Euro 2016


Jack Wilshere is desperate to impress Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at Euro 2016 and prove his fitness worries are behind him.The England midfielder endured another injury-hit season in 2015-16 as a fractured leg saw him miss the majority of the campaign.

Roy Hodgson opted to include Wilshere in his 23-man squad for the Euros, though, with Danny Drinkwater omitted despite winning the Premier League with Leicester City, a decision that drew plenty of criticism from fans on social media.But Wilshere is adamant he is "fit and ready" ahead of the upcoming showpiece and aims to impress club boss Wenger by starring for England.

"Every single Premier League manager will be watching every single Premier League footballer [at the Euros]," Wilshere told the Arsenal website."Arsene Wenger will be watching so it is down to me to show what I can do.

"I feel fit and ready. I said that when Roy first named his 26-man squad. I said I was ready to be in it. If I didn't feel like I was ready to be in the squad, I would have said so to the manager and the staff. "I had been training before [the Manchester City game] for six or seven weeks, so I was desperate to get on to the pitch. It probably was the moment I thought I was ready.

"We have some great players, a young squad and a great chance. We have players on the pitch who can score goals, we have many strengths, and going forward is probably our main one, but defensively as well we are starting to look good."

 

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Mourinho will lead Manchester United on adventure - Neville

Jose Mourinho will take Manchester United on an "adventure" next season, but one they should enjoy, according to former defender Phil Neville.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho was hired as Louis van Gaal's replacement last week, after United chalked up a third season in succession without challenging for the Premier League title.

An FA Cup win was not enough to save Van Gaal and Neville believes that the club should be aiming much higher, with a three-time Premier League and two-time Champions League winner in the form of Mourinho now in charge."I'm excited for the season ahead. With Jose, win, lose or draw, it's going to be an adventure and a journey," Neville told the official United website.

"Maybe the United fans need that now. They need lifting, they need a spark and someone who will keep them on the edge all the time. "This club keeps you on the edge; you don't know whether it's going to go one way or the other in games. That's what was so great about Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Whatever ride Jose takes the United fans on, I think they'll enjoy it. "This club has always had that mystique and specialness about it where you're not quite sure where you're going, but you're going to aim for the best.

"He's the best manager and his record tells you he gets results and wins championships, and it's probably about time United started winning championships again."

 

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OFFICIAL: Bartra to leave Barcelona for Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona have announced that Marc Bartra will leave the club this summer, with the defender having reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund.

The German club revealed on their official website that the centre-back will sign a four-year deal, though some details need to be finalised before the move can be completed.The 25-year-old joins Dani Alves in exiting Camp Nou, with Javier Mascherano also linked with a move away from Catalonia in recent weeks.

Despite earlier protestations from sporting director Robert Fernandez that he would not be allowed to leave, Barca have revealed that Dortmund agreed to trigger his release clause and he will move to Signal Iduna Park.

A statement from the Blaugrana read: "FC Barcelona announce that German club Borussia Dortmund have informed them of their desire to activate the buy out clause for the player Marc Bartra, according to which the Club is obliged to facilitate the transfer of the player for the price of 8 million euros.

"Marc Bartra arrived at the Club at the age of 12 and is a fine representative of the values embodied by la Masia, both as a player and as a person.

"The defender has spent more than half his life at FC Barcelona and with the first team he won five league titles, two Champions Leagues, two Copa del Rey, two European Super Cups, two Spanish Super Cups and one Club World Cup.The defender has made 103 professional appearances for Barcelona since his debut on February 14 2010 against Atletico Madrid.

 

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Arsenal activate Jamie Vardy release clause

Arsenal are on the verge of making their second signing of the summer after activating the release clause in Jamie Vardy's contract.The Gunners have set their sights on bringing in a top-class striker after learning that Danny Welbeck will miss nine months due to injury.

Vardy scored 24 goals in the Premier League last season to lead Leicester City to their first Premier League title and Goal can confirm a Guardian report stating his buy-out fee of around £20 million has been triggered.

Arsene Wenger is determined to get all of his business done before the start of the European Championship, having failed to sign a single outfield player last summer.Arsenal have already completed a deal worth more than £30 million, having signed Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The north London side are also keen to bring in a centre-back to rival the ageing Per Mertesacker. A £750,000 bid for Bolton Wanderers defender Rob Holding has been rejected, though the 20-year-old would be unlikely to go straight into the first team.

Roma defender Kostas Manolas is on Wenger's radar and is currently on holiday in Greece awaiting an official offer, with Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United also interested.

 

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Lewandowski agent: Madrid rumour 'fished from bottom of sea'

Robert Lewandowski's agent Maik Barthel has rejected claims the Bayern Munich striker has signed a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old became the first non-German to score 30 Bundesliga goals in a single season last term as he helped fire the Bavarians to a league and DFB-Pokal double, and his fine form over the last year has seen him linked to a move to the European champions.

Lewandowski recently claimed he was in no rush to sign an extension at the Allianz Arena, with three years still to run on his current contract, while Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rumminigge has denied the player will leave the club.

And Barthel has told Goal that there is no truth to recent reports that the Poland international is on his way to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We don't comment on any rumours which have been fished from the shallows of the ocean," Barthel said.

The former Borussia Dortmund attacker - who joined German rivals Bayern on a free transfer in 2014 - will be hoping to lead Poland out of the group stage at Euro 2016, having been drawn in a group alongside Germany, Ukraine and Northern Ireland.

 

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Dani Alves confirms imminent Juventus move

Dani Alves has confirmed that he is set to join Juventus and is determined to guide the Serie A champions to European success.Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that the defender is set to leave Camp Nou after days of speculation that the 33-year-old was on his way out.

Juventus were widely believed to be in pole position to secure the services of Alves since rumours first surfaced that he could be on the move, only for Paris Saint-Germain to show an interest in signing the right-back.

However, Alves has now made it clear that he will continue his career in the Italian top flight."I am always happy, but I am even happier now. I am very happy to join Juventus," the Brazil international told Sportitalia.

"I want to win in Europe and in Italy."I have won a lot of trophies with Barcelona, but the time has come to enjoy Italy and to try to bring Juventus back to the European top."Alves enjoyed eight successful seasons with Barcelona and he is keen to return to the club at some stage in the future.

"But it is more of a see you later than a farewell with Barcelona," he added.
"Sooner or later I will return to Barcelona. I am still a fan of Barca."

 

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United States 0-2 Colombia: Rodriguez and Zapata silence Copa America host

Colombia came and spoiled the party, easing to a 2-0 win over the United States in the Copa America Centenario curtain raiser in Santa Clara on Friday.

With the Copa America being staged outside of South America for the first time, there was plenty of hype surrounding the USA but the host nation was left silenced as captain James Rodriguez and Cristian Zapata inspired Colombia in the Group A opener at Levi's Stadium.

Zapata opened the scoring in the eighth minute after latching onto Edwin Cardona's corner for his first international goal and Rodriguez - attempting to put a difficult season with Real Madrid behind him having sat out the Champions League final last month - converted a 41st-minute penalty.

However, Colombia - a quarterfinalist at last year's tournament - will be sweating on the fitness of Rodriguez, who was forced off the field just past the hour-mark due to a shoulder injury, after landing awkwardly.

Jurgen Klinsmann named a full-strength XI, with the same lineup that started the second half of last week's 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia. Captain Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Brad Guzan and Fabian Johnson headlined the team.

Likewise with Colombia, which called in the big guns for the opening clash after Rodriguez and Edwin Cardona were drafted into the starting lineup as Dayro Moreno and Marlos Moreno made way in the only changes to the side that saw off Haiti 3-1 on Wednesday.

The USA barely had a chance to settle, with Colombia threatening every time it went forward and it only took eight minutes for the South American's made their dominance count.A teasing delivery from Cardona found Zapata and the center back powerfully volleyed home the corner kick to silence an entire nation.

While the USA eventually settled and enjoyed some extended periods of possession, the side never troubled goalkeeper David Ospina, with Dempsey's long-range effort just past the half hour, which almost curled inside the post, the only real highlight for the home team.

The USA's evening went from bad to worse four minutes before halftime as Rodriguez doubled Colombia's lead from the spot.

Referee Roberto Garcia awarded a penalty, amid bewilderment in the stands after DeAndre Yedlin was deemed to have handled the ball, and the Real Madrid player converted the spot kick emphatically for his 15th international goal, moving him equal fifth alongside Teofilo Gutierrez and Victor Aristizabal in Colombia's all-time leading scorer standings.The USA emerged from the interval on the front foot and twice came close to pulling a goal back via Dempsey.

Dempsey had a header cleared off the line by Sebastian Perez on the hour-mark and the Seattle Sounders star then forced Ospina into a diving save with his free kick effort.

In the midst of all that, Colombia was given a scare after Rodriguez landed awkwardly on his shoulder. The 24-year-old received treatment on the sidelines and returned to the field before he eventually succumbed to injury.

Bacca almost added some gloss to the score line with 14 minutes remaining but the AC Milan striker rattled the crossbar, not that it impacted the result as USA was left winless from its last six Copa America appearances, dating back to 1995.

 

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James Rodriguez forced off with injury

James Rodriguez was forced off in the second half of Colombia 's 2-0 win over the United States with an apparent shoulder injury.

The Colombian playmaker went down awkwardly and went off for treatment immediately. The Colombia medical team appeared to be working on Rodriguez’s shoulder as if it were dislocated.Though he returned briefly, Rodriguez was replaced in the 73rd minute by Guillermo Celis.

Rodriguez had converted a first-half penalty to give Colombia a 2-0 lead after Cristian Zapata had opened the scoring in the eighth minute.

 

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Coppa America Fixtures 2016.06.04

Coppa America Fixtures 2016.06.04

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Costarica Vs Paraguay

Haiti Vs Peru

Brazil Vs Ecuador

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Schneiderlin looking forward to working with Mourinho

Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin says he is looking forward to working with Jose Mourinho and has targeted a Premier League title push under the Portuguese.

Schneiderlin is currently away with France ahead of Euro 2016 and has revealed he has been speaking to countryman Lassana Diarra, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea and Real Madrid, to learn more about his new manager.

And the former Southampton man has pinpointed winning the league under Mourinho, who he believes is “one of the best coaches in the world.”"As everybody knows Jose is one of the best coaches in the world," Schneiderlin said.

"I don’t know him personally but I spoke to Lassana [Diarra] at France's training camp and he only said good things about him."I'm really looking forward to working with him, finding out his methods and winning back the title at Manchester United."

 

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Pekerman 'optimistic' over James injury

Jose Pekerman is "optimistic" James Rodriguez will recover from the injury that saw him taken off in the closing stages of Colombia's 2-0 win over the United States.

Despite kicking off their Copa America Centenario with a victory over the hosts, an apparent second-half shoulder injury for James – who netted the second goal just before the break – provided a possible setback to their ambitions in the tournament."I want to be optimistic," Pekerman said. "James is very important for Colombia. We also know he has a lot of desire to play, but I think the medical professionals know to what extent he'll be running a risk. We cannot take a fast decision.

Pekerman's side looked in control throughout Friday's match at Levi's Stadium, but the Argentine coach paid tribute to the display of Jurgen Klinsmann's side."We tried to take advantage of our chances and had more goalscoring situations. I can name a couple that were very close," he added.

"The United States is a very competitive team which is not easy to outscore and we have to show respect to them."Next up for Colombia is a clash with Paraguay in Pasadena on Tuesday.

 

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'He's the best in the world' - Nani backs Mourinho for Man Utd success

Former Manchester United winger Nani has backed new manager and compatriot Jose Mourinho to bring the good times back to Old Trafford.Nani was among a number of United players to leave the club when Louis van Gaal replaced David Moyes, with the Dutchman keen to bring in his own signings.

However, Van Gaal's reign was ultimately one of disappointment, with the Dutchman losing his job after the club failed to qualify for next season's Champions League, finishing fifth in the Premier League.But Nani insists United have finally found the right manager to bring the glory days back to the club, and believes Mourinho is "the best in the world" at what he does.

"He has done well in England in the past. We know he can always produce something at every team he goes to and we hope he will help Manchester United to win titles again," he told reporters.

Nani has also praised the ability of former United team-mate Wayne Rooney, having faced off against the England captain during the Three Lions' 1-0 win over Portugal at Wembley on Thursday.

Debate continues to rage over Rooney's best position for England, with the Premier League's leading goalscorers Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane pushed wide to accomodate the 30-year-old, but Nani insists he will be a key contributor wherever he plays.

"I played with him for many years so I know what Wayne can do on the pitch," Nani said."I saw him ply on the left wing, the right wing, striker. I saw him a little bit more down in midfield. I am not surprised to see him more in midfield.

"He has a lot of qualities. It is different to midfield than to play striker but of course he is a great player and any time he can do something great for England."

 

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Arsenal close to completing Vardy deal

Arsenal are hoping to seal the signing of Jamie Vardy within the next two days, Goal understands.

The 29-year-old will travel to France with the England squad ahead of Euro 2016 on Monday and Gunners officials are desperate to complete the deal before the tournament gets underway after activating his £20 million release clause.

Vardy scored 24 goals last season as Leicester City won their first ever Premier League title, finishing 10 points above the second-placed Gunners.

After rising from non-league to top flight football, Vardy was named Football Writers' Player of the Year after his scintillating performances in attack for the Foxes which included goals against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has confirmed Arsenal's bid for Vardy, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport that "it's all true" when asked about the Gunners' interest in the forward.

Vardy is represented by the same management company as Arsenal stars Theo Walcott and Gedion Zelalem, along with youth-team prospects Jay Beckford and Daniel Crowley.

Goal understands that Vardy's England team-mate Jack Wilshere has played a huge part in persuading his compatriot to join him at Emirates Stadium and that a medical has been pencilled in for Sunday afternoon at the club's London Colney training ground.

Arsene Wenger was at Wembley on Thursday night with former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein to watch England take on Portugal, with Vardy's agent John Morris also in attendance.

Wenger has identified Vardy as the top-class striker Arsenal need but business will continue in a busy summer. Wenger is also keen to sign a centre-back, along with a young forward.

Vardy will become Arsenal's second signing of the summer following the arrival of defensive midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for £33m.

 

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Fosu-Mensah: Manchester United my priority

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has stressed that Manchester United are his main priority after pulling out of the Netherlands squad back in May due to a groin injury.

The 18-year-old received a surprise call-up for the friendlies against Republic of Ireland, Poland and Austria, but told national team coach Danny Blind he was unavailable due to physical problems.

Fosu-Mensah is confident his time will come for Netherlands in the future, but is adamant success at club level must come first."A groin problem was causing me too much problems," the versatile defender told Voetbal International.

"I told the national team coach about it and also informed the doctor. I need to rest. If I do too much now, I will be sidelined during pre-season. We also have a trip to China coming up with Manchester United. I have to be fit for that. It's a long journey and we will be training hard."I will meet with my physio in two weeks' time and we will do everything to make sure I will be ready for the first training of the new season.

"The national team coach has ensured me that he is keeping a close eye on me. I am still only 18. My time will come. I am focused on United now. I was happy with the call-up for Netherlands and the coach will keep following me."Fosu-Mensah made eight Premier League appearances for United in 2015-16.

 

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Nainggolan confirms Chelsea approach

Radja Nainggolan has confirmed Chelsea have approached Roma to discuss a potential transfer, but is adamant the move is by no means done just yet.New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly keen to lure the Belgium international to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season, having previously attempted to sign him while at Juventus.

Goal confirmed in April that the Blues had agreed a deal with Roma for the midfielder, and the 28-year-old has admitted that there has been contact between the two clubs.

"There has been contact between Roma and Chelsea," the midfielder told HLN Nina."But I will not get involved so long as there is no agreement between the clubs."Chelsea are keen to strengthen their squad and Conte is a manager who wanted to sign me before. Chelsea are a big club.

"But the transfer is not a done deal so long as there is no signed contract on the table. And it would not be easy to leave Italy after 11 years."Nainggolan has a contract with Roma until June 2020.