..::Football IV::..

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Bolt to train with Borussia Dortmund ahead of athletics retirement

Usain Bolt plans to train with Borussia Dortmund as he considers pursuing a football career after his retirement from athletics.

Bolt, the 100m and 200m sprint world record holder, will race for the last time in London next summer at the World Championships.

The Jamaican has been in contact with Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, according to the Guardian, and will "see what happens" after spending time training with the Bundesliga club."We’ve genuinely been talking to people," said Bolt, who turns 31 next August.

Bolt is a high-profile Manchester United fan and admitted he still dreams of turning out for the Red Devils."For me, if I could get to play for Manchester United, that would be like a dream come true," he added. "Yes, that would be epic."

The Kingston-born runner is a nine-time Olympic gold medalist with a perfect record in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay events at the three Games he has attended since 2008.Last year, he reiterated his desire to go on trial with United in an interview for MUTV and was confident he could show enough ability to earn a contract.

"In my mind, I think I should do a trial and see if they would say: 'Alright, come on in' or if they would say: 'No, you are not any good,'" Bolt said. "I think I would be pretty good because I am fit, I am quick, I can control the ball and I understand all of the play.

"So, I think if I do a trial then they would say: 'You know what, here is a contract for five years! You are 30 years old, here's a five-year contract. Let's just do it!'"

 

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Bolt Vs Auba​

 

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Bale believes Wales can still qualify for World Cup

Gareth Bale insists Wales can still qualify for the 2018 World Cup despite a late Aleksandar Mitrovic equaliser denying Chris Coleman's men victory over Serbia in Cardiff.The hosts were unremarkable throughout in their fourth Group D encounter, but Bale's first-half strike appeared to have clinched three crucial points.

However, with just five minutes remaining, Mitrovic headed Serbia level to leave Wales four points off the pace set by the Republic of Ireland, who Coleman's men face next in March.Bale, though, still believes his side can progress to the finals from this difficult position having reached the last four at Euro 2016.

"We are so disappointed at the moment, we played great in the first half but then we faded," he told Sky Sports. "We dug in. It's one of those things, you go so close at one end [as Bale hit the post] and then they go up and score."We believe we can still do it, we just need to keep working hard. At home we were confident, we were 1-0 up in the 85th minute, it's two points lost."

Team-mate Joe Ledley similarly focused on the positives after a deflating stalemate, pointing to Wales' unbeaten record."Being at home, of course we wanted to take the three points," he added. "We fought well. We changed the tactics, it worked and on another day we would have won.

"Credit to Serbia, they came here and got the point. We're still undefeated, so there's still a lot of positives to take out of this game."We'll keep our heads and look forward to the next one."

 

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Koeman confirms Everton interest in Man Utd outcast Memphis

Everton manager Ronald Koeman is keen to sign Manchester United outcast Memphis Depay in the January transfer window.

Depay joined United from PSV in June 2015, but the Netherlands international has struggled to live up to the high expectations at Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old has made just seven appearances in all competitions this term, six of those coming off the bench, and Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to cash in on the winger, whose contract runs until June 2019.

Recent reports suggested Everton were keeping a close eye on Depay's situation and Koeman has now confirmed he would welcome the attacker with open arms.
"I would love to have him in my team at Everton," Koeman told Fox Sports.

"He is a very interesting player in my opinion. He has a lot of individual quality, is always dangerous going forward and is pretty efficient as well."He just needs to get regular playing time again."I already wanted him at Southampton in 2015, but he picked Manchester United at the time, which was a logical choice."

 

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Mkhitaryan: I deserve to be a key player at Man Utd

Henrikh Mkhitaryan believes he should be a key player in Jose Mourinho's Manchester United squad.

the Armenian has struggled to establish himself under the Portuguese manager since his summer move to Old Trafford, making just one Premier League appearance so far.

And though Mkhitaryan has been linked with a move away from the club in January, he believes he can still become a success if given a chance.

"I know I can succeed at Manchester United and I want to show everyone that I deserve to be a key player in this team, in this league," the 27-year-old said in an interview with the Armenian FA.

"There are no disappointments, just challenges; I never stop or give up when I encounter obstacles in my way, I just continue going until I reach my career objectives.

"Today I don’t have enough playing time, so I have to do all my best so the coaching staff gives me the chance to play. I'll keep working hard and this will pay off."

 

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Mourinho fumed over Man Utd hair stylist ahead of Chelsea embarrassment

Jose Mourinho was left fuming with certain members of his Manchester United squad after they paid for a hair stylist to visit the club’s hotel ahead of a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea, according to the Daily Mirror.

The contest at Stamford Bridge was Mourinho’s first in west London since being relieved of his managerial duties by Roman Abramovich in December 2015.Returning to coaching at a Premier League rival, the Portuguese tactician would have been hoping to enjoy a productive return to familiar surroundings.

Instead, his Blues reunion turned into something of a nightmare, with the tone set for a torrid afternoon as United conceded inside the opening 60 seconds.Mourinho was understandably disappointed with the showing of his players, with his frustration also taken out on opposite number Antonio Conte at the final whistle.

His mood is then said to have been soured further by the news that certain members of his playing staff took their eye off the ball during pre-game preparations.

According to the Mirror, four senior players – including Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero – organised for a hair dresser to travel down from Manchester the day before the Chelsea encounter.

Focus and commitment to the collective cause are two of the qualities Mourinho prides himself on most and as such, he demands the same from those around him.To have discovered that senior stars were allowing their minds to wander towards trivial matters so close to an important top-flight fixture did not go down well with the United boss.

He is said to have chastised his squad after being informed of the incident, with those words coming on the back of a stinging post-match dressing down.

Those in question are reported to have been reminded of their responsibilities and the need to avoid potential distractions in the pursuit of precious Premier League points.United have struggled for consistency this season, with rather erratic efforts so far having left them perched in sixth spot in the English top-flight table.

They are eight points off the title pace at present, and six adrift of the top four.
Full dedication will be required from all concerned if those respective gaps are to be closed, with it vital that everyone pulls in the same direction in order for ultimate targets to be hit.

 

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No Mourinho feud as Mkhitaryan talks up 'fantastic' Man Utd boss

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed there are no bad feelings towards Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, and hopes he can learn a lot from the Portuguese coach.

The Armenia international has made a solitary start in the Premier League this season having arrived at the club for around £30 million in the summer.

His lack of game time suggested there had been a clash of personalities with Mourinho and there was speculation that the 27-year-old could leave the club in the January transfer window. Instead, Mkhitaryan has revealed that there's no issue with the relationship and that he is looking to learn from the Portuguese.

"Regarding Mourinho, I hope I can learn a lot from him. He is a coach with a fantastic record," the former Borussia Dortmund attacker said in an interview with the Armenian FA.Mkhitaryan also noted how now-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had a big influence on his career, and how he thrived being a key player in the Dortmund set-up.

"Klopp, he trusted me and gave the chance to play in his team, he made me one of his key men and he worked a lot on my psychological part," he added, before speaking of current BVB manager Thomas Tuchel's effect.

"Tuchel, he opened all the abilities in me, he gave me full confidence and things were flowing naturally, it was a feeling like I was 'flying in the air' so free I was in my movements."

 

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Luxembourg 1-3 Netherlands: Depay double gives visitors victory

Memphis Depay came off the substitutes' bench to score a crucial double as Netherlands survived a major scare in 2018 World Cup qualifying to win 3-1 in Luxembourg.Arjen Robben put the visitors ahead a year to the day since his last Netherlands appearance, when he scored twice in a 3-2 friendly victory over Wales.

Luxembourg grabbed a shock equaliser just before half-time, though, with Joshua Brenet conceding a penalty on his first Oranje start to allow Maxime Chanot to slot home from the spot.

But half-time substitute Depay – yet to start for Manchester United in the Premier League this season, but drawing the interest of Everton boss Ronald Koeman – scored an excellent header and sealed victory with an impressive late free-kick to spare head coach Danny Blind's blushes.The victory moves Netherlands up to second in Group A, above Sweden on goal difference and three points behind leaders France. Luxembourg remain bottom on one point.

Robben and Georginio Wijnaldum both forced Ralph Schon into early saves with left-footed efforts, while a powerful strike from David Turpel forced Maarten Stekelenburg into action for the first time at the other end.

Netherlands should have taken the lead when Davy Klaassen received a clever pass from Robben and saw his initial effort saved, before he failed to direct his follow-up header under the bar from close-range. But the visitors did make the breakthrough after 36 minutes as Wijnaldum found Klaassen, who in turn slipped through a pass to Robben to calmly finish into the far corner.

Luxembourg fought back, though, with Brenet bundling Daniel da Mota to ground after the attacker had shown impressive pace down the left to burst into the penalty area.

Chanot then sent Stekelenburg the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick one minute before the break, ensuring Netherlands failed to keep a clean sheet for the eighth straight competitive game under Blind.

The Netherlands coach sent on Steven Berghuis and Depay for Robben and Wesley Sneijder at half-time, with Schon having to save well from Klaassen's header soon after the restart.

However, Netherlands did succeed with a headed effort in the 58th minute, Depay making a prompt impression with a powerful connection on United team-mate Daley Blind's left-wing cross to beat Schon. Depay fired over from an opportunity to add to his tally, while fellow sub Berghuis forced the home keeper to tip away his late effort.

An improved Dutch performance after the restart ensured they were given no late scares from the hosts - who struggled in the second half - and Depay struck again six minutes from time to secure the points. After Virgil van Dijk was fouled by Chanot, Depay stepped up and found the bottom corner with a dipping free-kick from 25 yards.

 

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Ela ela Depay meh score karala thiyenneDigatama meh form 1ka continue kaloth hodai​

 

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'It's not a joke!' - Dortmund confirm Usain Bolt to join team

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has confirmed nine-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt will train with the Bundesliga side.

Bolt stated in an interview with The Guardian that he has "genuinely been talking to some people" regarding a switch from athletics to football, with an appearance on the Dortmund training ground mooted.

Watzke has now made it clear the 30-year-old will indeed join high-profile names such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marco Reus and Mario Gotze, although he seems to have little chance of securing a permanent deal.

"It is not a joke that Bolt will train with us at some point," Watzke told Kicker."This decision was made a while ago. Puma chief Bjorn Gulden, who is also part of our board of directors, told me some time ago that Usain had asked him if he could train with us sometime.

"I immediately said that was not a problem and the coach [Thomas Tuchel] is okay with it as well."It will obviously not happen when we have two games in one week, but probably when things are a bit more quiet. The team will like it as well.

Any suggestions that Bolt could soon be walking out on Signal Iduna Park as part of Tuchel's squad were dismissed by Watzke, however, as they plan to limit the Jamaican legend's link-up to the training field."We do not have to talk about us offering him a contract," he added. "But we feel flattered that he wants to train with us. It is an honour."

Bolt will go down as one of the all-time great Olympians having won nine gold medals across three Games in 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

 

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Rooney to donate England shirt to terminally ill child

England captain Wayne Rooney has pledged to donate his shirt from the win over Scotland on Friday night to a terminally ill eight-year-old from Sheffield.

Little Kasabian Newton-Smith was diagnosed with cancer as a toddler and has two brain tumours.Football teams, players and individuals have been asked to tweet with #1LastSmile4Kasabian.

Alan Shearer, Billy Sharp and Adam Lallana are amongst those who have also shown their support for Kasabian, who has been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma and has had 111 radiation treatments.In a video message, Rooney said he and his team-mates were very proud of the bravery shown by Kasabian.

The Manchester United forward said: "I just want to say a massive thank you for your support and I've kept my shirt from [Friday] night's game against Scotland - so will send it down to you."I hope you enjoy it, and hopefully it makes you smile."

The campaign, organised by Grassroots Football, appealed to the entire footballing world to join together and send "Kasabian 1 last smile".People are being encouraged to wear a football strip, hold one finger in the air and smile for a photograph.His brain tumours are inoperable, but he has been treated for five other tumours in six years.

He is now confined to bed at home and his family celebrated his ninth birthday, which is in December, early.

 

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Guardiola may not be right for Stones at Man City - Hoddle

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle is concerned by John Stones’ development at Manchester City and has suggested that Pep Guardiola ‘isn’t what he needs’.

The 22-year-old has always been heralded as a ball-playing centre-half, with that skill set first spotted at Barnsley and fine tuned at Everton.A big-money transfer took him to City over the summer, with his footballing philosophy seemingly tailor-made for incoming boss Guardiola.

There have been occasions in which he has been accused of over-playing, with an apparent reluctance to stray from his principles getting him into trouble.

Hoddle believes these are the issues which should be addressed at club level, with it important for coaches to focus on negatives as well as positives.He is not convinced that Guardiola is pulling Stones up enough, or nudging him in the right direction.

Instead, he sees the England international stagnating and struggling to fully unlock potential which has been championed since a young age.

He wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: “John Stones is at a crossroads in his career. He may only be 22 but he now has to decide whether he wants to be something really special or end up being a defender with whom managers eventually lose patience.

“I know that seems unlikely at Manchester City, where he has a manager for whom passing the ball out form the back is sacrosanct. And some will say that he a great environment in which to thrive.

“But I'm beginning to fear Stones isn't learning. Maybe Pep Guardiola isn't what he needs; it's almost like the over-indulgent father who never reprimands his son, who consequently never learns appropriate boundaries of behaviour.

“Stones looks like a player who feels he has to play out of defence on principle, on every occasion, no matter what. And that's just not the case.”While seeing his attributes questioned by Hoddle, Stones has been a regular for club and country this season.

His outing in England’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Friday was his 22nd appearance of the campaign, with those whose opinions matter most to him still of the opinion that he has plenty to offer.

 

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Portugal 4-1 Latvia: Ronaldo leads Selecao to victory

Portugal survived a scare and a missed Cristiano Ronaldo penalty as they beat Latvia 4-1 in Sunday's World Cup qualifier.William Carvalho's first international goal and late efforts from the captain and Bruno Alves rescued the victory after Arturs Zjuzins had shocked Estadio Algarve with a well-taken equaliser midway through the second half.

Ronaldo had put his side ahead from the spot just prior to the half-hour mark, but the Real Madrid star hit the post with a second spot-kick eight minutes before Latvia – who had lost back-to-back games against the Faroe Islands and Hungary – scored their surprise leveller.

The European champions had been kept at arm's length for much of the match despite dominating possession, with the fluid attacking display that saw them score six against both the Faroe Islands and Andorra sorely lacking.

Carvalho proved an unlikely hero with a header from Ricardo Quaresma's cross, before Ronaldo's emphatic volley and a late Alves header ensured that Fernando Santos' side moved back into second place in Group B, three points behind Switzerland.

Portugal unsurprisingly began in dominant fashion without putting the Latvia goal under undue threat and Igors Tarasovs missed the first presentable chance as he turned a corner straight into Rui Patricio's grasp.

Glebs Kluskins was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a high challenge on Andre Gomes and Portuguese frustrations grew when the Barcelona midfielder was himself booked for a late tackle on the Latvia forward two minutes later.

The visitors had contained Portugal efficiently, but they ruined their good work after 28 minutes. Nani was felled in the box by the sliding Gints Freimanis after a clever one-two with Ronaldo and the captain struck the penalty beneath Andris Vanins' grasp.Portugal continued to be frustrated by Latvia's deep-lying defence despite enjoying close to 75 per cent possession.

A clumsy challenge from Kluskins on Gomes gave Ronaldo the chance to score a second spot-kick after 58 minutes, but his low strike rattled Vanins' right-hand post before deflecting off the goalkeeper's back and out of play.

Just eight minutes later, the home crowd was stunned into silence as Latvia snatched an equaliser with their first shot on target, with Zjuzins blasting the ball beneath Patricio from the edge of the area after Portugal had failed to clear.Any Portugal anxiety lasted only two minutes, though. Substitute Quaresma bent a fine cross in from the right and Carvalho met the ball ahead of Vanins to head in from inside the six-yard box.

Gelson Martins dragged an effort wide and Ronaldo saw a close-range strike blocked, but the 31-year-old was not to be denied five minutes from time as he met Quaresma's deep cross with a splendid scissor-kick volley that went through Vanins' legs for his seventh goal in three international games.

Ronaldo – who now has 68 international goals, level with Gerd Muller and Robbie Keane in the all-time European standings – hit the crossbar with a header before Alves nodded in Raphael Guerreiro's cross to add some gloss to the scoreline and ensure a welcome three points in Portugal's quest to reach Russia 2018.

 

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Belgium 8-1 Estonia: Magnificent Mertens inspires crushing win

Dries Mertens stole the show by having a hand in four goals as Belgium thrashed Estonia 8-1 in World Cup qualifying to capitalise on Greece's draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina and take charge of Group H.

Roberto Martinez's men were dominant from start to finish in a deserved victory and, while Romelu Lukaku also caught the eye, Mertens was on another level, scoring twice and setting up another two in an eye-catching display in Brussels.

Things looked ominous for Estonia very early on as Belgium cruised into a comfortable 2-0 lead inside 16 minutes thanks to goals from Thomas Meunier and Mertens.

Hazard opened up a three-goal cushion with a fine Mertens-inspired effort, though Henri Anier's goal just before the half-hour mark saw Belgium's defence breached for the first time in qualifying.

There was never any danger of a comeback. though, and Yannick Carrasco netted Belgium's fourth after 62 minutes to round off a brilliant team move, before Ragnar Klavan directed a Mertens cross into his own goal.

The magnificent Mertens added a glorious sixth with 22 minutes to go and Lukaku wrapped things up with a late double as Belgium eased to a maximum 12 points from four matches, leaving them two clear of Greece.

Belgium's preparations were not helped by injuries to Mousa Dembele, Vincent Kompany and Christian Kabasele, but they looked completely unaffected and effectively ended Estonia's hopes inside the first 25 minutes.Meunier broke the deadlock just eight minutes in, making the most of hesitant goalkeeping from Mihkel Aksalu to head Carrasco's cross in at the back post.

Lukaku almost doubled their lead shortly after when he struck the post, but Belgium did not have to wait much longer for the second – Mertens seeing his fierce 25-yard drive deflect off Klavan and beat Aksalu.

Mertens then turned provider as the hosts moved 3-0 ahead, with the Napoli star feeding Hazard in behind the defence and the captain producing an emphatic finish.

Anier reduced the arrears on the half-hour mark, turning inside the area and coolly picking out the bottom-left corner from 14 yards.

But the hosts managed to restore the three-goal advantage and they did so in style just after the hour.Mertens released Lukaku into the right side of the area and the Everton star's squared pass into the danger zone was left by Eden Hazard for Carrasco to smash in at the far post.

Mertens was integral again just two minutes later as his low cross was diverted past Aksalu by Klavan.There was no such fortune about Belgium's sixth, though, as Mertens brilliantly chipped Aksalu from just inside the area.

Lukaku then took over in the final 10 minutes, drilling a left-footed effort in after good play by Kevin De Bruyne, before rounding things off with a smart finish into the bottom-right corner after being released by substitute Youri Tielemans.

 

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No broken foot for Griezmann

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that star forward Antoine Griezmann did not suffer a broken bone in his foot during France's World Cup qualifying win over Sweden.

Griezmann was taken off in the first half of Friday's 2-1 victory after taking a blow to his left foot and withdrew from the squad for the friendly against Ivory Coast as a precaution.Further medical checks have revealed that he has suffered heavy bruising and he will continue to undergo treatment in the Spanish capital with a view to recovering fitness in time for the Madrid derby on November 19.

"In the x-ray that was completed yesterday, an injury to the bone was ruled out, and the diagnosis indicates that he has suffered a trauma with a hematoma on the left foot," an Atletico statement read on Sunday.

"Both the medical services of the France national team and those of Atletico Madrid have agreed for the Frenchman to return to Madrid, where he has already been placed in the hands of our physiotherapists.

"During the day on Monday, he will continue with a new course of treatment and his recovery will continue to be assessed."Griezmann was eager to play down fears of a significant problem and promised fans that he would do everything to be available for the meeting with Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.

"It's not too serious," he said, as quoted by Marca. "But I have to work morning, afternoon and night to be ready."Griezmann has eight goals and five assists in 14 games for Atletico in all competitions this season.

 

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Memphis not ruling out Everton move

Memphis Depay has not ruled out a possible move to Everton, but has insisted he remains focused on his career at Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with the Merseysiders in recent days and Ronald Koeman fuelled the speculation after admitting he would “love” to have the Dutchman amongst his ranks.

However, speaking to reporters after the Netherlands’ 3-1 victory over Luxembourg – in which Depay scored twice – the winger said he was concentrating on his football at Man United.“I do not know, we’ll have to see," he said.“I focus on United, I do my very best to be able to get minutes.

“I’m going back to United with a good feeling, because I have got minutes here and we won. That is the most important thing.”The Dutchman’s future has been plunged into uncertainty after failing to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s plans thus far this season.

 

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Mamanam kiyanne Depay wa sell karanne nathuwa digatama chance 1ka denna thiyenne kiyala​

 

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Lallana is England's best player, says Hoddle

Glenn Hoddle considers Liverpool forward Adam Lallana to be "England’s best player at present" and is delighted to see him getting the recognition he deserves.The former Three Lions boss has monitored Lallana’s progress since first spotting him in Southampton’s academy ranks.

Since then, the talented 28-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise which has carried him from League One to the top of the Premier League table.

There has a big-money move to Anfield thrown into the mix, along with 28 senior caps for his country.Lallana’s talents may not be appreciated by everyone, with his game more about guile than graft.He is not the quickest across the ground, but more than makes up for that with his footballing brain and outstanding vision.

Hoddle now considers him to be the finest player in the country, with his domestic form being carried over onto the international stage.

He is delighted to see Lallana’s hard work paying off, and believes he would have been at this level many years ago had come through the youth system at a more glamorous club.

Hoddle wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: “Had he been at Manchester United at 19, I suspect he would have been in the England team much earlier, rather than waiting until he was 25 to make his debut. And that's wrong. Talent is talent and you have to identify it and get it in the England squad.

“At 28, he is playing the best football of his career and maybe that is because he only now believes in himself fully. He should do. He is England's best player at present.

“I said at the start of the season that if he could add goals to his assists, he could join the top echelons of the game. Since then he's scored twice for England and three for Liverpool. He needs to maintain that ratio.”

 

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'Kane could be perfect for Manchester United'

Harry Kane could be a perfect fit for Manchester United, according to former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour.

Reports on Monday claim contract talks between Kane and Tottenham have broken down over wage demands, which has alerted a host of big clubs - including United - to his possible availability.And Parlour feels the Red Devils will be on the look out for a new face to lead the line given the veteran status of current No.9, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"I'm sure Manchester United will be looking at him," he told talkSPORT."They will be thinking "OK, Ibrahimovic is here at the moment but he's getting on a bit - we might need a new striker soon".

"He could be perfect for Manchester United."Kane recently returned from injury having missed six weeks of action, and found the net as Spurs held local rivals Arsenal last time out.

That led to an England call-up, but after being an unused substitute against Scotland he has returned to north London to work on his fitness while the Three Lions prepare to face Spain on Tuesday.

 

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Memphis Depay wants Everton transfer as Man Utd exit looks inevitable

Memphis Depay is eager to join Everton in January as a Manchester United exit looks increasingly inevitable, Goal understands.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with the Merseysiders in recent days and Ronald Koeman fuelled the speculation after admitting he would “love” to have Memphis among his ranks .

An opportunity to work under a Dutch footballing legend - Koeman has a Euro 1988 winners' medal and twice lifted the European Cup - is believed to be hugely appealing to Memphis.

Memphis has briefed his advisers to find him a new club, with a Premier League move his first choice, and joining Everton would mean he wouldn't need to uproot his life in nearby Cheshire.

However, he remains coy in public about his transfer intentions. After scoring twice in Netherlands' 3-1 victory over Luxembourg, the winger said he was concentrating on playing more regular football for Man Utd.

“I do not know, we’ll have to see," he told reporters when asked about the Everton rumours. “I want to focus on United, I do my very best to be able to get more gametime.

“I’m going back to United with a good feeling, because I have played for Netherlands and we won. That is the most important thing.”The Dutchman’s future has been plunged into uncertainty after failing to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s plans thus far this season.

“I’m going back to United with a good feeling, because I have played for Netherlands and we won. That is the most important thing.”The Dutchman’s future has been plunged into uncertainty after failing to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s plans thus far this season.

The forward was touted as the new Cristiano Ronaldo when Louis van Gaal signed him in 2015 but he's completely failed to adjust to life at Old Trafford.

Any hope of a fresh start under Mourinho quickly vanished as he has found Juan Mata, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ahead of him in the attackers' pecking order.Koeman pursued him during his reign as Southampton manager and Memphis would get a much greater degree of faith at Goodison Park.

His £5 million salary is not expected to be a stumbling block due to Everton's new majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, who would be willing to match his Man Utd wage.

The Red Devils want to recoup as much of the £26m that they paid as possible, although his string of poor performances are likely to ensure Everton can negotiate down his price tag.