..::Football IV::..

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Arsenal confident of landing Mustafi as talks continue

Arsenal remain confident of signing Shkodran Mustafi as transfer talks between the Gunners and Valencia continue, Goal understands.

Mustafi, 24, was targeted by manager Arsene Wenger after injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel left Arsenal short at centre-back, with the German international identified as the man to fill the void over the coming months.

The player's agent, Ali Bulut, and father, Kujtim, have been locked in negotations with Arsenal officials over the past few days after Mustafi informally accepted an offer to join the north London club."He is a Valencia player," Kujtim told Goal.

"This is the only important thing for now. I cannot confirm anything [regarding how close a deal is]. This is a matter concerning only Valencia and my son."

Despite Arsenal's confidence and the player's enthusiasm, talks between the two clubs have not progressed as hoped since the weekend and a deal, expected to be struck in the region of £29 million, is now said to be days instead of hours away.

While Mustafi is Wenger's prime defensive target his back-up options include Bayer Leverkusen's Omer Toprak and Simon Kjaer of Fenerbahce, both of whom are likely to be available for around £20m.

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey looks set to be ruled out for almost a month with a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal's defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, meaning at least one of Granit Xhaka, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere is likely to start at Leicester City next weekend.

 

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Januzaj eager to prove himself again

Adnan Januzaj says he made the move to Sunderland to try and prove himself again by playing regular first-team football.

The 21-year-old made his debut for David Moyes' side in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, having joined on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United.

Januzaj is eager to play after a 2015-16 campaign that saw him fail to make a single league start for either United or Borussia Dortmund, with whom he spent a spell on loan.

"I am looking forward to playing my football – I came here to get games and to play for this club because the manger gave me the opportunity to prove myself again," he told the club's official website."I am really happy to be here. We have a very good group, very nice lads, very good coaches and obviously the fans are unbelievable.

"I am 21 and I want to play games, so I came here to play. I look forward to the next game [against Middlesbrough], I heard that it is a derby game and hopefully we will go for the win."

Januzaj agreed he had played his best football during Moyes' spell in charge at Old Trafford in the 2013-14 season - when he played 27 times in the Premier League - and also welcomed Sunderland's signings of Paddy McNair and Donald Love from Jose Mourinho's team.

He said: "I was already friends with them – at Man United we played all together.Obviously it is good to have them here and I look forward to playing with them.

"Of course I look forward to working with him [Moyes]. I always enjoyed playing in his team with the freedom and confidence he gives me. Once you have that confidence you can make things happen."

 

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OFFICIAL: Everton sign Bolasie

Everton have announced the signing of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace on a five-year deal.

The Goodison Park club confirmed the deal on Monday, taking the 27-year-old to Merseyside until 2021.

And speaking to the club's official website, Bolasie said: “I’m looking forward to putting on the Everton shirt."

“This is a big club and I know all about it from having played against them over the years.

“It’s not about the money for me. It’s about looking at the ambition of the Club and where they are trying to get to. I just like to play football.

“I just like to play football and it’s going to be really interesting to learn from someone like Ronald Koeman, who was obviously a top centre-back as a player and he played with some of the best players in the world.

“This season is going to be very interesting and I’m looking forward to being part of it here at Everton.”

 

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Mascherano: I will understand if Bravo joins Man City

Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has indicated that he would "understand" if Claudio Bravo leaves the club to join Manchester City.

Goal understands that Pep Guardiola's side are closing in on a move for the Chile international, with regular goalkeeper Joe Hart dropped to the bench for the Catalan manager's first Premier League game against Sunderland.

And when asked about the move in a media conference, Mascherano said that he was unsure whether the speculation was true, but wished his team-mate well should a move come off.

"We don’t know anything, honestly. We don’t know if it’s true or a lie," the Argentine said.

"I hope he stays, but obviously I will understand it [if he goes]."

Any possible signing could spell the end of Joe Hart's reign at the Etihad Stadium, with the England international forced to spend extended spells on the bench.

 

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Steaua Bucharest 0-5 Manchester City: Aguero hat-trick seals easy win

Sergio Aguero shook off two first-half penalty misses to score a hat-trick as Manchester City all but sealed their place in the Champions League group stage with a 5-0 away win over Steaua Bucharest in the first leg of their play-off tie.

The Argentina international had his first attempt from 12 yards saved by goalkeeper Goalkeeper Florin Nita, before blasting a second spot kick over the bar after David Silva's opener.

Aguero eventually made amends when he doubled City's lead late in the first half with a calm finish, with Nolito piling even more misery on the hosts in the second half to make it 3-0.City rounded off an easy win and it was Aguero who had the final say with a late double to complete his treble.

The fourth came in the 78th minute as Aguero converted at the end of an intricate passing move by firing into the bottom-left corner, and he hit home his third in off the post to add further gloss to the scoreline a minute from time.

City survived an early scare when Nicolae Stanciu nearly took advantage of some sloppy play from Fernandinho, but they were in full control from there on and should have gone a goal up in the eighth minute when referee Daniele Orsato awarded them a penalty following Muniru Sulley's foul on Sterling.

Nita pulled off a superb save to deny Aguero from the spot, though, blocking his low shot, before Nolito crashed the rebound against the crossbar.

The Premier League side eventually did get the early goal they were after in the 13th minute when Silva found the net after some great work from Sterling.Sterling stole the ball off Alin Tosca, charged forward and set up Silva inside the area, with the Spaniard coolly firing past Nita for the opener.

Aguero's poor fortune from the spot continued in the 21st minute as he shot high off target after Gabriel Enache had brought down Aleksandar Kolarov inside the area.

City were nearly made to pay for Aguero's profligacy when Jugurtha Hamroun popped up in a dangerous area after a quick counter-attack, but shot-stopper Willy Caballero - again selected ahead of Joe Hart - showed his class as he thwarted the winger.

Guardiola's men pushed hard for a second goal in the closing stages of the first half and it was Aguero who made it two in the 42nd minute. Goalkeeper Nita first frustrated Kolarov and Sterling, but there was nothing he could do to stop Aguero's placed shot from the edge of the box as he atoned for his previous penalty woes.

Nolito then all but put the tie to bed early in the second half, rounding the goalkeeper after a wonderful pass from Kevin De Bruyne before making it 3-0 to the visitors.

City and Aguero poured even more salt in the Steaua wounds courtesy of an excellent team goal 12 minutes from time, with the hat-trick and an emphatic rout then completed with yet another clinical finish.

 

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De Gea: Pogba is home again at Manchester United

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea feels Paul Pogba has "returned home" following his transfer from Juventus.The France international signed a five-year deal this month to complete his £89 million move to Old Trafford, four years after leaving United for Juventus.

De Gea is delighted the 24-year-old has returned to Manchester and is adamant Pogba will prove to be a great addition."I think he is something special. Signing for this club, he played here before and I think he's home," De Gea told MUTV.

"He feels like this is his home and we are all really, really happy to have him again in Manchester. He's now with all his friends again in Manchester, with everyone here, and he looks like he never left the club.

"He's really good for the team."United also brought in experienced players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and De Gea believes they now have the perfect blend.

"I think it's good to have a mix of young players and experienced players," he added."That's what we have in the team now and I think it's really good for the young players. They have done really well, they train very hard and it's really good to see."

Pogba missed United's win over Bournemouth at the weekend due to suspension, but could make his debut in Friday's home game against Southampton.

 

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Mahrez: 'Two or three' clubs could tempt me from Leicester

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has hinted that "two or three" clubs could tempt him away from the King Power Stadium.

The PFA Player of the Year's future remains uncertain heading into the final weeks of the transfer window, with Arsenal and Chelsea continuing to be linked with his signature.

And Mahrez has suggested he would like to stay in the Premier League, but refused to be drawn on which clubs he might like to join in the future."It is a super league and I would like to stay here as long as possible," he told France Football.

"Now, there are two or three clubs in the world, that if they come for me, it definitely makes you think, if you understand what I am trying to say."Goal understands Arsenal are yet to make an offer for Mahrez despite holding an interest in the Algeria international ahead of their clash with the Foxes on Saturday.

 

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Spurs keeper Lloris out for four weeks

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is set for four weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Lloris was substituted during the first half of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Everton on the opening day of the season, with Michel Vorm taking his place.Spurs tweeted on Wednesday that tests on the France international show he is likely to be out for around a month.

Lloris will to miss back-to-back home games against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, while he is also a doubt for September's trip to Stoke City and Tottenham's opening Champions League group game.

The 29-year-old was ever-present for his country at Euro 2016, but is now primed to sit out an September 1 friendly against Italy and the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Belarus.
A statement on Tottenham's official website read: "Following further assessment and scans of the left hamstring injury sustained by Hugo Lloris in the 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday, we can confirm he is expected to be out of action for around four weeks.

"Our captain left the field during the first half at Goodison Park and our medical team will continue to monitor his progress during his rehabilitation to determine when he will be ready to return to training."

Lloris, capped 82 times by France, has not missed a Premier League game since Spurs' 1-0 loss at Manchester United on the opening day of last season.

 

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Messi has a lot to give to Argentina - Mascherano

Javier Mascherano believes Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi's short-lived international retirement was born of frustration rather than any deep-seated desire to turn his back on Argentina.

Following June's Copa America Centenario defeat to Chile on penalties – Argentina's third loss in a major final in as many years – five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi said he would call time on his Albiceleste career with a record haul of 55 goals in 113 appearances.

But last Friday he reversed his decision and was subsequently named in new boss Edgardo Bauza's squad for September's World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela.

"Leo felt very frustrated after the final defeat. We all had our heads in other places. It's very hard to pick yourself up after three final defeats in a row," said Mascherano.

"I don't think Leo said 100 per cent that he was leaving, he was just very frustrated. But after thinking about things I think he realised he still has a lot to bring to the team and the country."He's perhaps not that used to losing because he's had such a fabulous career, but it's part of life in sport.

"Obviously there is a new coach, he needs to pick up points in the qualifiers.We've got six key games and we really need to get the points. He needs to make sure we get the simple things right and improve the things he thinks we need to."We haven't won a title for so many years but we've always been competitive."

Messi and Mascherano will aim to close out victory for Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana on Wednesday, having helped Luis Enrique's men to a 2-0 first-leg win at Sevilla on Sunday.

Barca's potentially pivotal second goal late on in the contest from Munir El Haddadi was laid on brilliantly by Messi and Mascherano is unsurprised to see the mercurial 29-year-old returning for a new season in prime form.

"It's the same every year. Leo is a very special player and we say every season that he looks more motivated than the season before," he explained. "He's looked motivated for the 10 years he's been here.

"He sets himself targets like any other player. It's not more or less than before, just different challenges. He's come back this year with the ambition of winning not only what we won last year, but to get further in the Champions League.

"I'm happy that he's happy. That's the most important thing."Mascherano also insisted he is happy at Camp Nou himself, conceding he considered his options during a close-season when Serie A champions Juventus were linked with his services.

"It wasn't a question of being appreciated, I've always felt that. I've got no complaints at all about my six years of treatment at the club," the 32-year-old added."But after all this time, you do start thinking if you can continue to play at this level, if it's worth it, if you can meet the demands of the club.

"At the end of last season I did reconsider a few things, I think people know that. But I'm grateful to the club that they still want me here. I think I can still do things."

 

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Liverpool reject 'unrealistic' £30m package from Palace for Benteke

Liverpool have rebuffed an offer of £23 million plus a further £7m in add-ons from Crystal Palace for Christian Benteke, as the guaranteed sum for the striker falls well below the club’s valuation.

The Reds have refused to budge over their £30m costing of the Belgian, with Jurgen Klopp insisting they will not be handing out “presents” in the market.

And while the bid from the South Norwood club reaches Liverpool’s price in theory, their extras have been deemed wildly unrealistic. The supplements are unlikely to be triggered, thus depreciating the amount Klopp’s side would actually be able to bank.

The German has stated he will only consider “serious offers” for the 25-year-old, and Palace’s proposal is not considered as such. They will need to restructure the deal to Liverpool’s liking to land Benteke, who wants to make the switch to Selhurst Park.

The forward is hoping for a speedy resolution to his future as he is missing out on playing time while the clubs negotiate.He did not make the matchday squad for the 4-3 victory over Arsenal in Liverpool’s Premier League opener and was peripheral during their pre-season preparations.

Benteke, despite being a stylistic mismatch at Anfield, netted 10 goals for the club last season. He is guaranteed to be explosive in a system that feeds his strengths, which is why the Reds are sticking to their firm stance over the fee.

Palace, who are in desperate need of a quality frontman, are expected to return with an improved package. Following their 1-0 defeat to West Brom on Saturday, Pardew admitted: "We did everything to try to break them down but it was difficult. Of course it's a frustration for me and the fans.

"We need strikers to come into this football club and we're working hard on that. Steve [Parish, Palace chairman] and myself are pushing at the door and hopefully one will open for us."

 

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Mourinho stifling Rooney's midfield evolution - Neville

Wayne Rooney’s natural evolution into a midfield star is being stunted by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, according to club legend Gary Neville.

Rooney played in the centre of midfield for the final month of the 2015-16 season under Louis van Gaal and fulfilled the same role at the Euro 2016 finals for England, but Mourinho has deployed the 30-year-old as a second striker behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic since becoming United manager.But Neville, who was an assistant coach for England under Roy Hodgson during the summer’s tournament in France, claims that Rooney will eventually find himself in a deeper role once more.

“I don’t think the transition has happened fully yet. For England sometimes he played left of a three in midfield, sometimes even deeper,” Neville told Sky Sports.“He needs stability, with a club manager to stay with him for two or three years and say: ‘You’re going to play in that position, that’s where you’re going to play.’ And that might be what Jose Mourinho is actually looking at.

“He’s been moved around three positions in the last two to three years he now needs to settle into that latter phase of his career position. He will continue to come deeper, it’s where he’s comfortable.

“Before the tournament, he said: ‘I’ve been looking at Gerrard and Scholes all my life, it’s where I thought I’d end up: as a midfield player.’ But Jose Mourinho has thrown a spanner in the works by saying he needs to play further forward.”Upon his arrival at Old Trafford this summer, Mourinho insisted that Rooney will never play in a deep midfield role on the Portuguese’s watch.

“Maybe he is not a striker any more, maybe he is not a No.9 anymore. But he will never, with me, be a No.6,” said Mourinho at his United unveiling. “He will never be 50 metres from the goal. For me he will be a No.9 or a No.10 or a nine-and-a-half, but with me he will never be a No.6 or even a No.8.”

As a No.10 Rooney netted his first goal of the Mourinho era in Sunday’s 3-1 opening-day win at Bournemouth, taking him to within three of Sir Bobby Charlton’s United career record of 249.

 

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Parker: Man Utd must strengthen or risk missing out on top four

Manchester United must sign three new players or risk failing to finish inside the top four this season, according to former defender Paul Parker.

The Red Devils have splashed the cash to sign Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly this summer but Parker believes they must strengthen further to secure a Champions League qualification spot.

Parker, who won two league titles during his time at United, feels Jose Mourinho must bring in a new centre-back, midfielder and a striker in order to guarantee United a top-four finish in the Premier League.

“They still need a centre forward and a centre-half and another midfield player,” said Parker, speaking exclusively to 888Sport.

“Manchester United aren’t finished yet; they can’t be because that present squad just isn’t going to win the league and Mourinho is all about winning the league. “Would you say United can even finish top four after what we saw in the Bournemouth game? I’d have to say not really.

“Liverpool look good and Arsenal will improve. Tottenham and Chelsea are hard to break down and will be in there. So United have some work to do between now and the end of August to bring in at least three players to guarantee a Champions League spot and maybe win the league.”

 

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Thawa Striker kenek & Defender(CF) kenek gatthoth thamai hoda​

 

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Real Madrid 5-3 Reims: Merengue prevail in pre-season thriller

Fans at the Santiago Bernabeu were treated to an enthralling pre-season friendly, as Real Madrid beat Reims 5-3 to win the Santiago Bernabeu trophy in a game that marked the 60-year anniversary of the European Cup final between both sides in 1956.

Alvaro Morata returned to the Spanish capital after two seasons with the Serie A champions, but failed to impress during pre-season and had yet to find the net until Tuesday's encounter.

But he showed what he is made of at the Bernabeu with a fine finish in the dying minutes of the first half, heading home after a cross from Marcelo to help his side to a 3-1 lead.Morata then made way for Mariano at half-time as Madrid eventually cruised to victory in a hugely entertaining encounter.

Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale started for Madrid after their prolonged holiday following Euro 2016, but the duo's return initially did not impress Reims as Pablo Chavarria scored an early opener after a quick counterattack.

Yet Kroos made his mark in the 11th minute as Nacho headed home the equaliser after a pinpoint corner from the Germany international, with Sergio Ramos repeating the trick in the 39th minute as he netted for a 2-1 lead following another set-piece from the former Bayern Munich midfielder.Morata's moment of glory came close to the half-time whistle when he beat his direct opponent to Marcelo's cross from the left and diverted the ball past goalkeeper Johann Carrasso.

There was more to come after the break and Remi Oudin pulled one back within minutes of the restart, before James Rodriguez restored the home side's two-goal lead with a finish in two instances.The French side refused to give up, however, and Grejohn Kyei got them back in it when he headed past substitute keeper Ruben Yanez.

But there was no denying Madrid on home soil as Mariano eventually netted his side's fifth with 10 minutes left on the clock to put the match to bed.

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Lol This

Dinamo Bucharest pulled off an incredible tifo prank on Steaua pre Man City game

http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/d...ble-prank-steaua-ucl-game-v-man-city-picture/​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Torres: I was portrayed as a traitor by Liverpool

Fernando Torres has hit out at Liverpool for portraying him as a traitor following his move to Premier League rivals Chelsea in 2011.

Anfield favourite and Atletico Madrid striker Torres swapped Liverpool for Chelsea in a big-money deal, believed to be worth £50million, more than five years ago.

Torres was the subject of criticism by Liverpool fans following his record-breaking move to Stamford Bridge but the 32-year-old has lifted the lid on his transfer to Chelsea, where he won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.

"[Director of football Damien] Comolli told me that the new owners [Fenway Sports Group], they had an idea of how to spend their investment," Torres is quoted as saying from an extract in new book 'Ring of Fire: Liverpool FC into the 21st Century - the players' stories'."They wanted to bring in young players, to build something new. I was thinking to myself, this takes time to work. It takes two, three, four, maybe even 10 years.

"I didn't have that time. I was 27 years old. I did not have time to wait. I wanted to win. Here we are five years later and they are still trying to build – around the same position in the league as when I left.

Torres, who spent four years on Merseyside, said: "It was presented as if I was a traitor. It was not like this in the discussion."Liverpool could not admit they were doing something wrong with the whole team. They had to find a guilty one."

Back at boyhood club Atletico Madrid after arriving permanently on a one-year deal from AC Milan in the close-season, Torres and Co. kick-off their LaLiga campaign at home to Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

 

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Kaka: AC Milan will return to the top of world football

It has been a difficult period for AC Milan but club icon Kaka is confident the struggling Italian giants will return to the top of world football.

Kaka enjoyed his best football in Milan, leading the way as the club won Serie A, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup glory in his first spell at San Siro from 2003 to 2009.

The World Cup winner - who returned to Milan in 2013-14 after a four-year stint with Real Madrid - also claimed the 2007 Ballon d'Or thanks to his exploits with the 18-time Italian champions.

However, Milan have declined badly since winning the Scudetto in 2011, having gone from runners-up in 2012, to third, eighth, 10th and seventh last season.

It is a situation that hurts Kaka but the 34-year-old - now captain of MLS outfit Orlando City - has backed Milan to work their way back into contention under Vincenzo Montella."I had very good moments there, I saw Milan at the top of the world, and to see the team like this now, it's sad," Kaka told Omnisport.

"They're still a big club with a great history. Of course the history doesn't go on the field but when you have history like this, it is just a period, so they can come back and be the best in the world."I think in a few years we will see Milan fighting for the Champions League again and winning Serie A. I'm sure Milan can do this again."

Kaka played his second spell at Milan under Clarence Seedorf, but turmoil has never been far away in the intervening period, with Filippo Inzaghi, Sinisa Mihajlovic and Cristian Brocchi all taking the reins since.

With reported long-term coaching target Montella now in place, as well as potential investment from a Chinese consortium, Kaka believes it could be a winning combination."I think he [Montella] is the man. It's not easy. I don't know how the Chinese will handle it but I think they will make some changes," Kaka continued. "I hope these changes will take Milan to the top again."

Montella arrived in Milan after a forgettable 2015-16 season, which saw the club finish seventh, ending the campaign 34 points adrift of five-time defending champions Juventus.And if Milan want to return to the summit of Italian and world football, Kaka believes his former team must take a leaf out of Juve's book.

The Turin powerhouse bounced back from second-tier football in 2007, rebuilding from the ground up to eventually dominate Serie A."In my opinion, Milan have to understand that in this moment they have to go step by step," he added as Milan prepare to open their league campaign at home to Torino on Sunday.

"The first step will be qualifying for Europe again and playing Europa League and Champions League, because the favourites again are Juventus. They are doing very well and have a very good team.

"We saw Juve playing Serie B a few years ago and they took advantage of that to build the team again and build a new stadium. After that, they made the Champions League final and they have continued to win Serie A. It's a good example for Italian teams to follow."

 

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Mourinho meets with Mario Balotelli but Man Utd move not on the cards

Mario Balotelli has met with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho in his quest to find a move away from Liverpool, but a move to Old Trafford was not proposed as part of the encounter.

Balotelli is on the lookout for a move after the expiry of an unsuccessful season-long loan move to former club AC Milan in 2015-16, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp keen to offload the striker.

And the 26-year-old has now called upon his former Inter boss Mourinho to offer guidance and use his vast array of contacts to widen his net as he looks to cut ties with the Merseyside club two years on from his £16 million transfer.

The Italy international’s career has hit a sticky patch since his arrival at Anfield, with a difficult first season in 2014-15 seeing him net just four goals in 28 appearances as Liverpool struggled to back up their impressive form of the previous campaign.

Balotelli was then loaned to Milan for the following season but groin surgery kept him out of action for three months and he managed only three goals in 23 games back at San Siro.

The former Mancheter City has been linked with a number of clubs in his native Italy as well as Turkish outfit Besiktas, with Chievo president Luca Campedelli recently backing the controversial front man amid transfer rumours: “Dreaming does not cost anything. I like Balotelli, the player can hardly be questioned. Yet, I also like the guy. I think too many times he has ended up at gunpoint.”But Klopp insists he will not let the likes of Balotelli and Crystal Palace target Christian Benteke leave on the cheap.

“Having six strikers is a little bit too comfortable I would say, but if anyone thinks that because we have more than one striker we will make presents for other clubs, that’s the biggest misunderstanding in world football,” said the German.

 

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Thiago Maia links to Chelsea are "bull****"

Thaigo Maia is not a serious target for Chelsea this summer despite speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge, with sources close to the player revealing to Goal that the rumours are "bull****."

The 19-year-old is open to a move to Europe but the Blues have ended their interest to add more experienced players which will include one striker and one centre-back.

Santos president Modesto Roma held provisional talks in London about Maia and Gabriel Barbosa with representatives from Chelsea and Manchester United but the clubs haven't shown serious interest in signing the pair this summer.

Maia is available for around £15m and has the same representatives as Oscar, Kenedy and Pato, but Paris Saint-Germain remain the club most interested in securing his signature.

Chelsea have also decided against signing Santos wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa who, as Goal exclusively revealed, is now nearing a £25m move to Serie A giants Inter, but the player's personal terms yet to have beem discussed.

Maia and Gabigol are currently in Brazil preparing to face Honduras at the men's semi-final of the Olympic Games and will not involve themselves in transfer talks until the tournament has concluded.

 

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Varane: I decided to stay at Real Madrid for Zidane

Raphael Varane has revealed that the presence of Zinedine Zidane was key to his decision to stay at Real Madrid.

The France international has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, with Jose Mourinho allegedly keen to lure him to Old Trafford.

However, Varane has ruled out leaving the Santiago Bernabeu as he is determined to stay put and keep developing at Madrid."Real Madrid are the best place for me to continue my career," Varane told reporters.

"It was a good decision to stay at Madrid. I believe in the club and I believe in the coach. I have spoken with him a lot and he has faith in me. Zidane's presence is one of the reasons behind my decision to stay.

"I am feeling well at Madrid and want to keep developing here. All the conditions are right to get the best out of myself."I believe that staying put was the right call. I want to reach my best level this season. It was hard to miss the Euros due to injury, but I want to move on and look toward the future."The 23-year-old has a contract with Madrid until June 2020.