..::Football IV::..

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'No reason for Vardy to leave' - Morgan insists striker was right to re-sign at Leicester

Leicester City captain Wes Morgan insists Jamie Vardy had no reason to leave the club after being linked to Arsenal.

The England international signed a fresh four-year deal with the Premier League champions, snubbing approaches to join Arsene Wenger's men.Morgan, who has also re-signed, said Vardy made the right decision and believes the 29-year-old can get even better.

"It's to be expected that teams are going to be interested in him, but he has committed himself to Leicester now and it's great for the fans, the players and the club," he said, via the Mirror."He has proved himself on the big stage and, no doubt, he can do that again because he's much more confident now. Even on the ­international stage with England, he has been a threat straight away.

"And, at Leicester, he's proved himself. We are the defending champions – there's no reason for him to leave."

Morgan feels Vardy is ready to shine at an even higher level in the Champions League.But the Jamaica international warned his club team-mate that opponents would put even more work into him after his 24 league goals last season.

Morgan said: "I'm sure teams will do their research and know about him – he's a household name now, isn't he? So, teams will try to nullify his threat."But plenty of defenders have tried and failed so far. I'm just looking forward to seeing what he can do."

While Vardy and Morgan have stayed, Leicester have seen N'Golo Kante leave for Chelsea and Riyad Mahrez still be linked with a move away.

 

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Barcelona in talks with 32-goal striker Jonas, agent confirms

Barcelona have entered talks over signing Benfica striker Jonas, as their search for attacking reinforcements continues.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2015-16 campaign, scoring 32 goals in 34 outings to help Benfica to the Primeira Liga title and his performances have seemingly not gone unnoticed in Catalonia.

Barca have also been linked with Atletico Madrid attacker Luciano Vietto as they look to sign a forward to deputise for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar."Someone dealing on behalf of Barcelona approached us at the end of last season," Jonas' representative Tiago Goncalves told Globoesporte .

"We were obviously quite flattered, because it was recognition that Jonas had a spectacular season."When a club are interested in signing someone, they have to act quickly because negotiations take time to reach their conclusion. A transfer could be difficult because there has not been any contact since the initial approach.

"I want to make it clear that Jonas is very happy at Benfica and feels beloved here. Barcelona's approach is a reward for what he did at Benfica. But a transfer would only be an option if both Benfica and Jonas are happy with it."Former Valencia striker Jonas has a contract with Benfica until June 2018.

 

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Manchester United in worst possible situation - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho feels Manchester United's Europa League participation puts them in the "worst possible situation" to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Old Trafford side had to settle for fifth spot in the table last term as they narrowly missed out on Champions League football and will now be playing on Thursdays instead in the Europa League.

Mourinho is concerned that their lack of rest between games could have a negative impact and believes Chelsea - who do not play in Europe at all - have a major advantage in the title race."The Premier League doesn't do you any favours," the Portuguese told The Sun.

"We will be playing [in the Europa League] on Thursday, but I don't think they will then make us play on a Monday, they will make us play on Sunday and probably at 12 o'clock."So we are in the worst possible situation. It is the worst [if you want to fight] for the Premier League.

"It is much easier to be a Champions League team. And obviously it is much easier to be what Liverpool were two years ago and what Chelsea are next season [with no European football]."One complete week to work every week, that is a dream. That is a dream for a manager who wants to improve his team."

Nevertheless, Mourinho is determined to fight for the title in his first season in charge, even if the board of directors have given him three seasons to get United back to the top.

"The message from the owners and Mr Woodward was this: 'Get your three years, do your work, improve the team and bring us back where we belong during a three-year period.' My message was that I wanted to win the title in the first season," he added."I want to be champion. To say before the season starts that the top four is the target? The top four is not the target. We want to play to be champions.

"If during the season we realise the points difference doesn't allow us to fight for the title, we are going to establish a new target and when you can't be champion the next target is to finish top four."

 

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Roma expect Manolas to snub Premier League move

Roma president James Pallotta is confident that Kostas Manolas will not leave the club, amid reported interest from the Premier League.

Manolas' agent claimed this week that Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City had all been monitoring the centre-back's future in the Italian capital.

The 25-year-old, heavily linked with Arsenal in the past, is reported to be in talks over a new deal at Roma, although no breakthrough in negotiation has yet been made.

But Pallotta says the Greece international is happy at the Stadio Olimpico and will not be sold during the transfer window."Why shouldn't he stay?" he told Sky Sport Italia. "He has a contract. He's happy here."

Pallotta insists Roma are still active in the transfer window as they look to build a squad capable of challenging Juventus for the Serie A title."We already have a good squad and are waiting to make more good signings," he said.

"There isn't much to be done, we've got another couple of players in mind."

 

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Mourinho & Guardiola set to take centre stage once again

Jose Mourinho's hastily re-arranged press conference ahead of Manchester United's clash with Manchester City in Beijing will serve as a reminder of his new club's enduring popularity.

Around one hundred media representatives had packed a cramped room in the Olympic Sports Centre - which was itself only utilised as a back-up option due to the sorry state of the pitch at the nearby Bird's Nest Stadium - resulting in United media staff deciding to move the media briefing outside. It was too busy and too hot. Ultimately, too popular.

Pep Guardiola will not care that his earlier conference was attended by a smaller number of media. He was not fazed by the pulling of Real Madrid during his time at Barcelona, either, and ultimately these things do not matter.But it goes to show that these two old foes will be thrown into the same spotlight sooner than they would have anticipated, and perhaps liked.

Whether Mourinho and Guardiola are delighted at the prospect of facing each other so early in their respective new jobs is not entirely certain, but the chance for their teams to meet an opponent on a level footing will surely be welcome.

For both United and City, who meet in the International Champions Cup in Beijing on Monday, it is an opportunity at least to get a good idea of where exactly they stand with less than three weeks to go until the Premier League begins again.

United strolled past Wigan in their first friendly of the summer but were soundly thrashed by Borussia Dortmund on Friday.

Much was made of the fact Dortmund had already played four friendlies by the time they faced United, meaning they could dig far deeper into their fitness reserves in the sapping Shanghai heat.

But the German side have been playing attractive, successful football for years now, and they looked like a team that knew exactly what they needed to do and how they needed to do it. Collectively and individually they were pitch perfect. It is no surprise United had no answer.

Over the last two years Louis van Gaal had employed a philosophy which rejected those ideals. Most of the players on the pitch on Friday have become accustomed to a slow, predictable possession game.

Mourinho needs time to change that way of thinking and facing Dortmund was a timely reminder of the job he has on his hands, even if a number of important players - such as Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial - were absent.

The opportunity to face Guardiola's men, then, might just come at the right time, even if concerns about the soggy pitch has dampened enthusiasm at both clubs.
City themselves have played just one friendly this summer as they look to adopt the approach of their new manager. Blues players have raved about the Catalan's intensity, which, combined with his commitment to attacking football, is expected to drastically improve on the often lethargic performances of last season.

Bayern Munich provided the opposition for Guardiola's first game in charge, which was always going to be an interesting bellwether even if it was also likely to end in defeat. Bayern's players are still indoctrinated in the Pep way, while City's are just three weeks down the line. The boss himself has cautiously warned that he will need time to get the best out of his new squad, and three weeks is certainly not what he had in mind.

Mourinho scoffed at the idea of analysing Dortmund's approach in the build-up to Friday's game, while Guardiola said on Sunday that he has only seen a bit of United so far. At this stage, victory is not important. Even in a derby, the first to be held outside England.It is a chance for the great Manchester rivals to learn a bit more about themselves, as well as a little about each other.

Despite Leicester City's brilliant title win last season there is a feelilng that they will not be able to repeat the feat, with the traditional Premier League title rivals in a race to get back to where they believe they should be.

Both Mourinho and Guardiola have been hired to put their respective clubs back at the top of the tree. There is a school of thought that suggests one was hired as a direct result of the other. Given their pedrigree, not to mention the amounts of money dedicated to their projects, both Manchester clubs can be expected to put up more of a fight than they have managed in recent years.

Guardiola has been at pains to play down his infamous rivalry with Mourinho so far - "It’s a friendly game. A really friendly game", Pep has said of this clash - and even the Portuguese appears to have no appetite to get back into the mind games. But it is easy to say so when the pressure is off.

After a couple of years on the fringes, Manchester football is resurgent. There is a long way to go yet - both on the training pitch and in the transfer window - but Guardiola and Mourinho can expect to be the centre of attention, and in China they will have been reminded of that fact relentlesly.They will get a taste of things to come in Beijing on Monday.

 

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Mourinho: I have to accept criticism from Man Utd legends

Jose Mourinho has no problem with Manchester United legends voicing their opinions and says he will accept any criticism that may come his way.

Several United greats have taken aim at performances and style in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, with Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville among the more vocal critics.Mourinho recognises that the opinions of such prominent United figures can impact the mood at Old Trafford.

However, the Portuguese says the former stars have earned the right to air their views and are welcome at the club's Carrington training ground any time they like to discuss the team if they have grievances.

"At this club you find legends from five years ago, legends of 10 years ago, legends of 15 years ago and legends of 20 years ago," the United boss told the Sunday Times.

"Their voice becomes very powerful. That is something you have to understand. When people belong to the club history, they are different to a normal pundit. You have to look at them in a different way. You have to be respectful with these guys.

"They are so powerful in the fans' world that they can influence positively or negatively. The fans love them, so when they are positive they can unite and when they are negative they can create a more difficult situation."They are working and have to try to be honest and independent. So, myself, as Manchester United manager cannot tell them, 'you belong to our history, you are here to help'.

"You have to accept that if they are happy with the team they can elevate the support, but if they are not happy maybe they can disturb and make things more difficult.

"I would say to them, 'you are welcome at the training ground.' Any time you want to give an opinion, welcome, it is your house, it is your home and you can be back when you want."

 

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Schurrle the perfect Mkhitaryan replacement - Tuchel

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel feels Andre Schurrle is the perfect replacement for Henrikh Mkhitaryan following the latter's departure to Manchester United.Mkhitaryan enjoyed an impressive 2015-16 campaign, but BVB opted to cash in on the attacking midfielder following his refusal to sign a contract renewal.

They subsequently turned to Schurrle to fill the void left by the Armenia international and Tuchel has little doubt the 25-year-old will become a key figure after joining from Wolfsburg.

"With Mkhitaryan's departure, we have lost a player who can play on the wings and there are not a whole lot of players like him. Schurrle is one of the them, though," Tuchel told Bild.

"Players like them do not have an ego, but still contribute a lot of goals."It's always easier when you are a defender playing behind one of them."That's why we so desperately needed Schurrle, because we lost Mkhitaryan playing like this."

 

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Rooney excited to play alongside Ibrahimovic

Wayne Rooney has admitted he is looking forward to playing alongside new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Manchester United attack. The former Sweden international joined Jose Mourinho's team from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in the summer.

Zlatan has a record of winning titles almost unmatched in European football, and Rooney believes he will be a great asset at Old Trafford.

"I am [looking forward to playing alongside him]," the 30-year-old forward explained in a Facebook Q&A as United compete in the International Champions Cup in Beijing. "He's been one of the best strikers in world football over the last 10 years. He's always won trophies wherever he's been. He's a huge character.

"So I'm looking forward to getting back training with him and then hopefully forming a good partnership with him and being successful together."United face rivals Manchester City on Monday, after losing their first International Champions Cup clash 4-1 at the hands of Borussia Dortmund.

 

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Rooney reveals his most memorable goal… and it's NOT the Man City overhead

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has revealed what he believes is his most memorable strike and, perhaps surprisingly, it's not the derby winner from the 2010-2011 campaign.

The goal, that saw the England forward acrobatically bicycle kick Nani's cross into the top corner past a helpless Joe Hart, sealed a 2-1 win and would help propel United to the title that season.But it's not the strike that Rooney feels is his most memorable, with the volleyed effort from distance against Newcastle United in 2005 also not at the top of the list.

It's actually the former Everton striker's penalty against Blackburn Rovers, that delivered the championship for the Red Devils in 2011, with Rooney admitting that the pressure of the strike made it particularly sweet to find the net.

In a Q&A during United's China tour, Rooney said: "The overhead kick [against City] is the best one. It was 1-1, 10-15 minutes to go so it was the winning goal in the derby so that was a great feeling and it won us the game. Then we went on to win the league.

"But I think the most memorable one was Blackburn away, the penalty late on. If I scored we won the league. So it was pressure taking it, there was a big delay before I took it so I had to try and keep myself calm and thankfully I scored and we won the league. That was a moment. There was huge pressure but I got through it and it was a really memorable one."

 

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James Rodriguez hoping for more game time at Real Madrid

James Rodriguez has spoken of his desire to earn more playing time at Real Madrid following an underwhelming second season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The flamboyant attacking midfielder arrived in the Spanish capital amid much fanfare ahead of the 2014-15 campaign having starred for Colombia at the World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot award.James responded by scoring 13 goals in 29 La Liga appearances and was a star turn for Real under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti.

However, the 25-year-old struggled to replicate that form last term after largely falling out of favour Zinedine Zidane, and he made just 17 starts in the league.

Reports suggest that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in launching a bid for the 25-year-old, but the Colombia international is instead eyeing an upturn in fortunes in Madrid. "At Real Madrid this season I hope to play more," he told Caracol TV."I want it to be a good season, and to perform at a high level."

 

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Arsenal need 'wow' signings because Ozil, Sanchez and Xhaka aren’t good enough - Collymore

Arsenal need to make some "wow" signings this summer because they lack star quality and Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Granit Xhaka are not good enough, according to Stan Collymore.Arsene Wenger has brought in only Xhaka this summer but has insisted he is willing to spend “big money” on the right players before the start of the season.

The Gunners have already missed out on Jamie Vardy while Gonzalo Higuain is set to join Juventus, and Collymore feels they need to make a signature signing to have any chance of the Premier League title.“I still believe that Wenger's team could be right in the top-four mix, I only think that will ­happen if they sign a boss central ­defender and/or a boss ­central ­striker, otherwise they could just as easily miss out,” he wrote in the Sunday Mirror.

"That, for a team which relies on finishing in the Champions League spots season in, ­season out, would be a disaster. It would also, I’m sorry to say, leave Wenger’s reputation shredded to bits.

"It is as clear as day to the rest of us what Wenger’s squad needs, yet for some reason he is so stubborn with the Emirates chequebook. Sol Campbell, you could argue. He ­offered great ­defensive stability.

"But I still don’t feel Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez or Granit Xhaka are of the highest level. They’re very good ­players. Xhaka is the right type of signing, ­mobile and aggressive.

"But his arrival didn’t light up the eyes of Arsenal fans in the same way that Zlatan Ibrahimovic's did with Manchester United's, or Paul Pogba's will do, if his deal gets done."Wenger could have done it with Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan could be banging in goals for Arsenal now rather than Barcelona.

"Wenger and his Arsenal ­paymasters don’t seem to possess that ruthless streak. We know he has money to spend, but he is unwilling to take risks."But sometimes you have to gamble and pay whatever it takes to get a Gonzalo Higuain or similar striker.

"That’s why Wenger needs those one or two "wow" signings and fast – otherwise Guardiola, ­Mourinho and Conte could taint his legacy for ever."

 

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Inter 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Aurier & Kurzawa give Emery's men the win

Serge Aurier's brace and Layvin Kurzawa's free-kick helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 International Champions Cup victory over Inter, who had a noticeable absentee in the form of Mauro Icardi.

Argentine striker Icardi is reportedly in talks with Serie A rivals Napoli over a switch to Stadio San Paolo as they make contingency plans with Gonzalo Higuain seemingly on his way to Juventus.

In his absence, Stevan Jovetic was partnered with Rodrigo Palacio up front at the Autzen Stadium in Oregon, and it was the former that levelled from the penalty spot after Aurier capitalised on a Samir Handanovic error to open the scoring.

Handanovic failed to cover himself in glory again when Kurzawa put the Ligue 1 champions back in front with a second-half set-piece before Aurier's second three minutes from time completed the win.It was a deserved win for PSG and new head coach Unai Emery will certainly take positives from the movement and vibrancy his side showed in attack.

PSG went ahead in the 14th minute when Hatem Ben Arfa - signed on a free transfer this month - saw his tame free-kick spilled by Handanovic and Aurier tapped in the rebound.

Inter enjoyed good moments in possession and Jovetic saw a free-kick well parried by Alphonse Areola, before the striker dragged a 20-yard effort wide of the right-hand post.

Some slack defending from Andrea Ranocchia allowed Maxwell an opportunity, but Handanovic was out quick to tip over the top.And Inter were level by half-time when Lucas Moura was punished for handball in the area, Jovetic clinically smashing his spot-kick into the top-right corner.

Jovetic tested substitute goalkeeper Kevin Trapp with a stinging 25-yard effort after the break, while at the other end Aurier almost fluked one in from a right-wing centre that hit the crossbar.PSG did re-take the lead in the 61st minute, though, as Kurzawa's free-kick found the bottom right-hand corner with Handanovic again perhaps feeling he could have done better.

It should have been all over with 15 minutes remaining when Edinson Cavani turned sharply in the area, but the Uruguay striker was unusually wasteful and curled his shot wide.

But the win was duly wrapped up when Aurier rose highest to head home Alec Georgen's cross.

 

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Manchester United ICC friendly with Manchester City cancelled

Manchester United's International Champions Cup match with Manchester City has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, it has been announced.

A tweet from the Red Devils indicated that the decision head been made between the tournament organisers and the two Manchester clubs.

Mourinho vs Guardiola is set to be a standout rivalry in this season's Premier League, with the two managers in close proximity for the first time since their days in charge of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The International Champions Cup offered fans a first glimpse at the latest installment of their running battle, but torrential rain in Beijing has rendered the pitch at the Bird's Nest Stadium unplayable.

 

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Apo pitch 1ka dakkhama epa wenawane

 

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Ancelotti trusts me more than Guardiola - Ribery

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery says he feels "more trust" under Carlo Ancelotti since the Italian replaced Pep Guardiola as head coach at the Allianz Arena.Ribery made just 50 Bundesliga appearances in Guardiola's three seasons at the helm, beset by a string of injuries and fitness concerns.

The former France international has started all three of Bayern's pre-season friendlies so far, however, scoring in the wins over Lippstatdt and Landshut.
And, despite the emergence of Douglas Costa and Kingsley Coman under Guardiola last season, Ribery feels refreshed as he looks to put his stamp back on the Bayern side in 2016-17.

"I feel free and I am fully motivated," the 33-year-old told Kicker. "Carlo Ancelotti is a gift for the club. Since Ancelotti has arrived, I feel more trust. "He's a great coach. I need people like him, Jupp Heynckes or Ottmar Hitzfeld. I need this trust in me, to play off my strengths.

"It all depends on things like trust, respect and proximity. Then I cannot only give 100 percent - I can give 150 percent."With Ancelotti we can reach something great and I'm really looking forward to the next season."

 

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Aubameyang: Only Real Madrid can lure me from Dortmund

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says playing for Real Madrid is his "main goal" and that the European champions are the only club that could persuade him to leave Borussia Dortmund.The Gabon international stated in an interview earlier this year that he had made a promise to his grandfather that he would one day play for Madrid.

Reports have linked the forward, who scored 39 goals for Dortmund last season, with a big-money transfer to Manchester City or Atletico Madrid before the start of next term.

But Aubameyang has reiterated that only Zinedine Zidane's side could tempt him away from Signal Iduna Park."This year, no," he told ZDF when asked about a possible move."But the only club I would leave Dortmund for are Real Madrid. If they don't come calling, I don't leave.

"My grandfather, the dad of my mum, always wished that I would play in Spain. Two years ago, when he died, I promised him that someday I will play for Real - and I work hard to reach that goal.

"Real Madrid is my main goal but at the moment I like it in Dortmund. If there is a chance to go to Madrid, I will immediately say yes - but at the moment there is no contact."Aubameyang, who was on target in the 4-1 win over Manchester United in the International Champions Cup on Friday, has been joined at Dortmund by rising French star Ousmane Dembele.

And head coach Thomas Tuchel believes the 27-year-old could be the perfect mentor for the former Rennes teenager.Tuchel said: "Because of his perfect French, Auba is the perfect integrative figure for Ousmane Dembele."I think that Auba is adult enough to play a role like this."

 

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Allardyce: I can make England players better

Sam Allardyce believes making international football fun again for England's under-performing players could be key to unlocking their full potential.

The Three Lions manager took to his new job for the first time on Monday and is tasked with rebuilding the team after a defeat to Iceland knocked them out of Euro 2016 in the last 16 and resulted in Roy Hodgson's departure.

England were criticised for making costly errors in defence and a lack of potency in attack throughout their campaign, and Allardyce stressed the importance of mentally preparing players, who have often appeared to crack under the strain of national expectation at tournaments.He said: "The bonding of the team is exceptionally important and trying to create a good team spirit and to have some fun.

"Football is to be enjoyed and I've enjoyed my life in football for many years, it's the pinnacle of my career and I want to enjoy it the most."Man-management is my biggest asset, to help the players enjoy themselves and be better than they already are. It's worked everywhere else I've been.

"To sit here is a huge thrill for me. I think I fit the chair, I hope I do. I think I've got the experience to pass on and not only challenge the England team and challenge myself."Allardyce gave short shrift to suggestions that England were at their lowest ebb after a group-stage elimination at the 2014 World Cup and their embarrassing exit from France.

"I wouldn't suggest it's rock bottom," he said. "People see me to be able to turn a club around very quickly, and I suppose that comes around by taking West Ham up, saving Blackburn Rovers and saving Sunderland."I consider myself much more than that but that's the label I've got, I can turn things around quickly and I can get amongst staff and create a successful journey that starts by us all pulling together."

He added: "There's no lack of passion I don't see a lack of passion anywhere from the players who play for England. The loss of form wasn't due to a lack of passion or determination or desire so I have to identify what went wrong."I don't want to spend too much time on the past I want to think about future and future of improving these elite players we have.

"It's about trying to create an environment that's got a feel-good factor that will allow the lads to go over that white line and deal with whatever's thrown at them."
The ever-confident Allardyce also bullishly outlined his ability to handle the added scrutiny that will fall on his shoulders as England manager.

Asked if the role was a "poisoned-chalice", he smiled: "Not for me. I'm hardened over many years. You toughen yourself for whatever job. You either take the good with the bad or don't bother.

"I'm here because I want the challenge, I'm here because I think I can make the team better and I think I'm tough enough to take it so bring it on!"

 

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Icardi not for sale at any price, insist Inter

Inter intend to build their squad around Mauro Icardi and have no intention of letting the striker leave for any price, according to Piero Ausilio.

Icardi has been linked with a move away from Inter ahead of the 2016-17 Serie A campaign, with Napoli reported to be leading the race for his signature and speculation was only intensified when the Argentine was not involved in Monday's 3-1 friendly defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli's interest comes amid Gonzalo Higuain's seemingly imminent move to Juventus, but Inter director Ausilio has warned Icardi will not be his replacement at San Paolo."Icardi will remain at Inter, our position is very clear," he told Fcinternews.it. "It's not a question of money, it doesn't matter what Napoli can offer us.

"Our plan this summer is to reinforce Inter and to do that we're keeping hold of Icardi and our best players regardless of the figures offered. Icardi does not have a release clause and we do not want to sell; simple.

"There's no problem between us and Icardi, he's working very hard. He has been with us for years and become captain of a team with a glorious past. We have always been attentive to his needs and always renewed his deal at the right time.

"Many people are forgetting that we have already signed three players [Caner Erkin, Ever Banega and Cristian Ansaldi] of international pedigree and will do more still."

Vice-president Javier Zanetti echoed Ausilio's sentiments and stressed the importance of Icardi remaining focused on helping Inter."Icardi is very young and has great potential. He must keep thinking about playing, nothing more," he said.

"The intention is for him to stay with us. We renewed last year, adjusting the contract and giving him the captain's armband."

 

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Torres backs Tottenham to win the Premier League title

Fernando Torres believes Mauricio Pochettino is doing a “great job” at Tottenham and is convinced the club will win the Premier League title.Spurs finished 11 points off the top last season despite being Leicester City’s closest title rivals for the majority of the campaign.

And the former Chelsea striker, who will face Tottenham in the International Champions Cup on July 29, believes Spurs will only continue to improve under Pochettino’s guidance.“It’s an amazing club, they have amazing fans. When I was in England, it was always special to go to White Hart Lane and play against them,” said the striker.

“Pochettino is doing a great job mixing these talented young players they have with more experienced players.

“They’re doing things really well. Last season they were really close to winning the Premier League and they are on their way, but in the future they will do it.”

 

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Manchester City 'in advanced talks' for Brazil starlet Gabriel Jesus

Manchester City are in advanced negotiations to sign Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus, according to the player’s agent.

The 19-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, won the Best Newcomer award for his breakthrough season in Brazil last year and is set to line up alongside Neymar at this summer’s Olympic Games.

Pep Guardiola has already bolstered his attacking options with the signing of Nolito and is now leading the race for the Brazil starlet.

“I can say that we are defining some contractual issues [with Manchester City], we are dealing with that,” the forward’s agent, Cristiano Simoes, told Calciomercato.

“With Manchester City we are very advanced [in negotiations]. We'll see.”