..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern dismiss Ronaldo rumours as 'hoax of the day'

Bayern Munich have dismissed rumours of interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge calling them "completely unfounded".Ronaldo reportedly wants to leave Real Madrid amid accusations that he had defrauded the Spanish tax authorities out of €14.7 million.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Bayern have been credited with an interest in the press, but the Bundesliga champions made clear they have no desire to make an offer, calling the rumours the "hoax of the day" on their website.

"Rumours about FC Bayern swirl around the world daily via printed press, social media and whispers," a statement on their website read. "Digital technology means news is spread with great speed, but sometimes stories come out that are simply not true."

Executive committee chairman Rummenigge, meanwhile, said the rumours should be forgotten as mere "fantasy"."We’re used to being the subject of intense transfer speculation during transfer windows," he said.

"Normally we don’t comment on rumours, but in this case, we would like to make our position on Cristiano Ronaldo absolutely clear: This rumour is completely unfounded and must be consigned to the realms of fantasy.”

Ronaldo's future became uncertain following the allegations last week.Madrid prosecutors have filed a complaint to a court, accusing the 32-year-old of a "voluntary" and "conscious" breach of his tax obligations.


The Portugal star's representatives, Gestifute, have denied the claims, saying that his business structure "fully observes Spanish tax regulation", and Madrid stated they are "absolutely convinced" of his innocence.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Raiola: Ibrahimovic has many offers but none from AC Milan

Mino Raiola says Zlatan Ibrahimovic would already be back at AC Milan if Adriano Galliani were still at the club, but says the striker has many offers to consider.

Ibrahimovic is a free agent after being released by Manchester United as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury suffered in April.Although the 35-year-old will be out for several months, he has already been linked with several clubs, including a return to Italy.

The former Inter, Juve and Milan star has numerous options, according to his agent, who says that his destination would already be sorted had Galliani stayed as Milan CEO after their takeover by Li Yonghong's Sino-Europe Sports investment group.

"Ibra is fine, he’s received so many offers, from the US and beyond,” Raiola told Gazzetta dello Sport."He’s certainly not going to Napoli. Milan haven’t asked me about him. With Galliani, he’d already be there."

Raiola made the comments in the wake of the dispute between his client Gianluigi Donnarumma and the Rossoneri as the 18-year-old goalkeeper told them he will not renew his contract.

Milan's new CEO, Marco Fassone, said Donnarumma and his agent have cost the club €100 million over their decision, and Raiola fired back with claims his client was "bullied".

As well as Ibrahimovic and Donnarumma, Raiola said he could also be negotiating a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi in the close-season.

“Clubs have asked me about Matuidi, like Inter and Juve. We’ll see,” he said.“The Bianconeri pulled out a year ago due to political reasons. Maybe this time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Players come and go, we'll always be there' - AC Milan Ultras slam Donnarumma and Raiola

AC Milan supporters have written an open letter to wantaway goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and his agent Mino Raiolo, claiming the 18-year-old has ruined his reputation by refusing to sign a new deal at the club.

Donnarumma sparked a backlash from supporters of the capital side following his announcement that he would not be signing a contract extension once his current Milan deal expires at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.Raiola has since accused Milan of creating a hostile envronment for Donnarumma, and even bullying him, though CEO Marco Fassone has denied those claims.

The clash between the two camps has caused outrage from Milan fans, who made headlines by throwing fake money at the shot-stopper during an Under-21 clash between Italy and Denmark on Sunday.

It has pushed the ultra wing of the club, Curva Sud Milano, to publish an open letter to Donnarumma and Raiola, declaring their disgust at the teenager choosing money over the affection of the fans.

“After [Italian President Sergio] Mattarella on December 31, it’s time for the unified speech by Mino Raiola on all the sports channels,” their statement reads. “Obviously with HIS journalists, with previously agreed questions and all pre-recorded, because it should never be a real debate with real questions.“It seems strange to see Raiola, who has always shunned the Press, opening his doors and trying to save the impossible.

“It seems strange to hear words like ‘hostile climate’, ‘forcing’, and ‘threats’ that translate financially to €25m in five years, the captain’s armband and six months of reflections to get to June and say they feel hurried.

“It’s seems strange to hear about a hostile climate for a lad who is the first Milan player in many years to have his own song from the fans and so much love from every single Milan fan.

“It seems strange to learn from Raiola that there was no discussion of wages or the length of the contract. Maybe because in the famous game of ‘the compensation that would be paid to Milan will go to me’, some elementary things have no value.

“It seems strange that Raiola, with his polished Italian and infinite culture, did not comprehend the simple meaning of a banner to which he referred!“It seems strange that such a great agent was unable to represent the interests of his client.

“Instead he destroyed his image not only in the eyes of Milan fans, but of all football fans, who now find that an 18-year-old can be irreconcilable with the club which launched him in the sole interest of a man behind him, promising mountains of money.The group then questioned Donnarumma's reasoning, claiming the love he generated from the fans is something which has no price.

“It seems strange that, just a few days after the farewell of Francesco Totti, in tears in front of his fans, a lad of 18 would prefer money to being treated as a God by his fans," it continued.

“For a sportsman, the gratitude of the fans has no financial value, and we invite Donnarumma to reflect upon what he has denied himself for the rest of his career.
“It doesn’t seem strange to us that Raiola didn’t explain how everything changed so fast.

“It doesn’t seem strange to us that a club symbol who really wanted to be one [Marek Hamsik] moved away from this character, becoming captain of the club [Napoli] he chose to love.

“It doesn’t seem strange even to try and cast old condors [Adriano Galliani] in a good light, who say they want the best for Milan having placed one who could have been a club symbol for the future in the hands of a vulture, so now he is merely the symbol of easy money.

“The actual reality of football is increasingly far from the passion of the people and closer to Raiola-style characters, figures capable of conditioning whole careers and histories of the most important clubs with one goal: their own self-interest.

The statement goes on to recognise the difficult position Donnarumma has been put in, and even suggests there may be a future for him at the club should he change his mind.

“We want to thank those who are working for the good of Milan and have brought people with Rossoneri values back to the club, people who really meant it when they kissed the badge and deserved it when they received affection," the statement continued.

“We know it must have been difficult for the lad to defend himself from the thousands of criticism and insults he’s received in the past few days, but when you swear love and betray it, that’s all that can happen.

“On social media it’s likely that things have been over the top, and of course we don’t think threats are right, they have nothing to do with our position.

“We believe there may still be a chance to rebuild things, but it’s now linked to the expulsion for his affairs of those who pushed him in a bad direction, ruining his image.

“Players come and go, we and Milan will always be there.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'He's playing at a fantastic club' - Ballack expects Ronaldo to stay at Real Madrid

Michael Ballack expects Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Real Madrid amid rumours linking the Portuguese superstar with a shock exit.The Ballon d'Or holder is reportedly seeking a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu due to scrutiny in Spain over his tax affairs.

Prosecutors in Madrid have filed a complaint in which they accused Ronaldo of a "voluntary" and "conscious" breach of his tax obligations, amounting to a figure of €14.7million.

His representatives Gestifute have denied the accusation, while his club have said they are "absolutely convinced that our player… will prove his total innocence in this process".

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have been touted as possible destinations for the 32-year-old, while Bayern Munich were on Monday moved to dismiss rumours linking them with a stunning swoop.

Ballack, who exited Bayern under something of a cloud when he left for Chelsea on a free transfer in 2006, expects Ronaldo to remain at Zinedine Zidane's LaLiga and European champions.

"I think it's an emotional situation right now… all I can say is he's playing at a fantastic club," he told Omnisport .
"And I'm sure he's happy at that club. "It's a bit of a difficult situation right now. But he's experienced enough to handle it as well and find a good solution for himself.

"Real Madrid is a fantastic club and I don't see him at another club right now."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Australia 2 Germany 3: Goals galore as world champions get off to winning start

Germany beat Australia 3-2 in their Confederations Cup opener at Fisht Stadium in Sochi courtesy of goals from Lars Stindl, Julian Draxler and Leon Goretzka.

Stindl opened the scoring early on with a tidy finish after some good work from Julian Brandt, but the Asian Cup holders somewhat surprisingly restored parity shortly before the break when some poor goalkeeping from Bernd Leno allowed Tom Rogic to net.

The world champions, however, were back in front just three minutes later as Draxler converted a penalty, with Goretzka adding a third early in the second half.

Tomi Juric ensured an exciting finish to the game when he pulled one back in the 56th minute - the goal awarded following the latest Video Assistant Referee (VAR) referral - but Australia lacked the individual quality to genuinely worry an experimental Germany.

Joachim Low's men now meet Chile on Thursday, while Australia take on Cameroon on matchday two.

Germany made a strong start to the game and needed just five minutes to edge ahead via Stindl, the Borussia Monchengladbach man finding the net with a calm finish from inside the area after a great run down the right from Brandt.

Low's side continued to dominate play after their early opener and Sandro Wagner nearly doubled their lead in the 16th minute, sending a diving header inches wide at the far post following Goretzka's pinpoint cross, before the Hoffenheim man fired just wide again minutes later after beating the offside trap.

The Germans were fortunate not to concede when the unmarked Trent Sainsbury headed wide from close range after a free-kick, but they had no such luck in the 41st minute when Rogic levelled after all with a half-volley from the edge of the box, Leno failing to keep out the Celtic man's attempt.

Australia's joy did not last long, though, as Draxler restored Germany's lead, coolly dispatching a penalty after Massimo Luongo had clumsily hacked down Goretzka inside the area.

Germany immediately went in search of a third goal after the break and got what they were after in the 48th minute when Goretzka beat Mathew Ryan with a powerful volley after a brilliant pass from Joshua Kimmich.

But Ange Postecoglou's men refused to throw in the towel and Juric pulled one back after more unconvincing goalkeeping from Leno, the attacker tapping home a rebound after the Bayer Leverkusen shot stopper failed to hold on to what seemed like an easy ball, with the goal allowed to stand after a VAR referral did not confirm a potential handball in the build-up.

Substitute Timo Werner was unfortunate not to make it 4-2 when he struck the upright with a low shot after shrugging off Sainsbury, yet it mattered little in the end as Germany held on to the win without any major late scares.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Maradona: I wish Ronaldo was Argentine

Diego Maradona would have liked to see a star of Cristiano Ronaldo's calibre line up alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina's national side.

Argentine legend Maradona is full of praise for Ronaldo, but he would still take Messi over the Portugal superstar regardless of his inability to deliver Argentina the world title.

"Cristiano is an animal," Maradona told TyC Sports. "I wish he was Argentine.
"But I still prefer Messi. He is enjoying playing football and goes by opponents with ease."

Messi has an Olympic gold medal, but he has yet to win a World Cup, which is something Maradona had accomplished once during his career."Leo cannot deliver the World Cup on his own," Maradona added. "Even if he does not win a World Cup, we will still remember him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Florentino Perez fails to mention Ronaldo at media event

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez declined to speak about Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer situation at a media event Monday.Perez was elected to a fifth term as Madrid's president, extending his time with the club until 2021.

Speculation about Ronaldo's future has been rampant in recent days, with reports the 32-year-old wants to leave the club due to Spanish authorities pursuing him over 14.7 million euros in unpaid taxes.

Instead of taking questions from the assembled media in Madrid, Perez gave a statement which did not mention the club's superstar.

"We have build a legendary team with the best players in the world and the best players in Spain, but also many from the academy," said Perez."That is the model Real Madrid will continue with.

"When this club is united it is practically indestructible."Perez's statement will likely increase speculation about Ronaldo's departure, with young homegrown talent like Marco Asensio waiting in the wings for the Blancos.

Ronaldo played a big role for Madrid again in 2016-17, as the club completed a La Liga and Champions League double.

"This season has been the best in our history," Perez said."We will continue to work on this project without falling into the trap of complacency, putting more emphasis on youth."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No Milan or PSG approach for Belotti, insist Torino

Torino president Urbano Cairo denied AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain have made contact to sign star striker Andrea Belotti.

Belotti has been linked with Milan, Ligue 1 giants PSG and the Premier League's Manchester United after scoring 26 Serie A goals in 2016-17.

Torino, however, have no intention of selling the 23-year-old Italy international — who has a €100million release clause for foreign clubs."With Belotti we're tied to him until 2021," Cairo told Tuttomercatoweb."Then clearly it's very important that he remains happy as I hope he is.

"There's been no contact with Milan, nor Paris Saint-Germain, these are more journalistic stories."Cairo also dismissed the return of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who spent last season on loan at Torino.The Torino boss, though, refused to rule out a move for PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu.

"Hart got a year of experience with us, I don't think there's any chance of seeing him in Granata again. It's a closed chapter," Cairo added."As for Sirigu, we'll see. I won't talk about players who aren't ours."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We have not had an offer for Cristiano' - Perez plays down talk of Ronaldo exit

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has played down talk that Cristiano Ronaldo could be about to leave the club, claiming the Portugal international is 'at ease' at Madrid.Perez also confirmed that no club has made an offer for the 32-year-old, who has a release clause of £1 billion.

It had been speculated that Ronaldo may quit Santiago Bernabeu due to accusations of tax fraud, but Perez does not think that his player has done anything untoward.

"It has affected me how the media treated Cristiano, the presumption of innocence was not respected," Perez told Onda Cero."I believe everyone must comply with their tax obligations and I know that Cristiano always does things the right way.

"Cristiano has the same corporate structure he had in England, where he spent many years without problems. I am sure that Cristiano complies with his tax duties, it must be a confusion that will be cleared."

Perez assured fans that the forward would be honouring his contract with Real Madrid, but revealed that he would not discuss the former Manchester United player's future until after Portugal had finished their Confederations Cup campaign."All I can say is that Cristiano Ronaldo has a contract with Madrid," Perez continued.

"I have not spoken to Ronaldo, I have just heard what has been in the newspapers. The last time I spoke to Ronaldo was after the Cardiff match and we spoke about next season.

"He always told me he is at ease in Real Madrid. Ronaldo is in a major tournament with his country and until that is over I cannot talk to him."The clause for Cristiano is £1bn. We have not had an offer for Cristiano... the Sheikh at PSG is a friend of mine and he hasn't called me nor have we talked.

"This is all very strange. Cristiano is a good guy, I will have to talk with Cristiano and see what's happening. I will always defend Cristiano as a person and as a footballer. He's a very good person.

"Cristiano definitely didn't want us to pay his fine... he isn't like that. I'm sure that Cristiano meets all his tax requirements, it must be a confusion that will be cleared up.

"Cristiano is not angry about who has to pay his fine. The only thing I know is that Cristiano is very angry with the treatment he has received in the press."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo Real Madrid walin yai kiyana 1ka gana nam kisima sure 1kak thiyanna baha Ronaldo ma confirm karanakamEthakam ithin rumors thamai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City not currently interested in Dortmund striker Aubameyang

Manchester City are not currently exploring a deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Goal understands.

Aubameyang was a target for City last summer, but like Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci, Athletic's Aymeric Laporte and Arsenal's Hector Bellerin, he is far from the top of Pep Guardiola's wishlist this time around.

City identified their top targets several months ago, and after signing Bernardo Silva from Monaco and Ederson from Benfica they are now working on deals for four full-backs.

It is understood Dani Alves is currently the most likely to become the Blues' third signing of the summer, though director of football Txiki Begiristain is still trying to sign Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker and left-backs Benjamin Mendy, of Monaco, and Ryan Bertrand, of Southampton, as quickly as possible.

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez is Guardiola's top target this summer but City are aware their pursuit of the Chilean is likely to drag on for many more weeks, even if they are confident that they will eventually get their man.

For that to happen they would need Alexis to make it clear to his current employers that he will not sign for any other club nor sign a new contract, which would force the Gunners into selling him to City this summer or losing him on a free in a year's time.

City were interested in Monaco's Kylian Mbappe last summer and are once again very keen to land the teenager this time around. Should the Ligue 1 champions decide to sell the 18-year-old City will go all out to sign him, and would have no problem signing both Mbappe and Alexis ahead of next season.

Neither deal is likely to be resolved quickly, however, and indeed it is also a distinct possibility that Real Madrid would trump City when it comes to Mbappe.

In any case, Aubamayeng is currently far from a top target and it is believed that any move for the Gabon international would come much later in the summer and only if City are left disappointed in their hunt for Alexis and Mbappe - if an approach is to come at all.Aubameyang had appeared to be close to moving to Paris Saint-Germain, but the move fell apart last week.

Sources close to the player have told Goal that the striker would prefer to move to Spain or England this summer, as he has already played in France, Italy and Germany and wants to compete in Europe's top five leagues by the end of his career.


He has previously spoken of his dream of playing for Real Madrid, though the Spanish club are of course also interested in Mbappe, and their entire transfer plans are now up in the air while they seek a resolution to the Cristiano Ronaldo situation.

 

[aggregate]

රොනාල්ඩො යන සීන් එකක් තියෙන්නෙ. ශික් ග්‍රීස්මාන්ටයි ක්‍රිස්තියානෝටයි එකට සෙල්ලන් කරන්න තිබ්බ නං මරු දෙන්නම මැන්චෙස්ටර් යුනයිටඩ් ගිහින්

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'England must build around Kane and Alli' - Cole hails Spurs stars

Joe Cole has spent his career battling Tottenham Hotspur with both Chelsea and West Ham United, but he reluctantly admits that Harry Kane and Dele Alli can help England to earn World Cup glory.

Kane has been in scintillating form for club and country of late, with his latest efforts for the Three Lions taking him to 32 goals for 2017, while Alli was key in Tottenham's second title push in as many years, despite being just 21 years of age.

While both men have impressed domestically, Gareth Southgate's England side have stumbled slightly after enjoying a positive start to his time as manager - going down 3-2 to 10-man France after drawing 2-2 away to Scotland. Cole remains positive, though, that the talent is there for future success to be enjoyed.

"For me, if I was England manager, I think Harry Kane and Dele Alli are the players you have got to build your team around. We have got quality. A fit [Daniel] Sturridge gets into any top team in the world," he said.

"[Jack] Wilshere is a top player but you have to make sure their bodies are right. There’s enough quality to win you games but certainly Kane and Alli, put your arm around them to and say, we are going to build the team around you.

"There are not many strikers in world football as good as Kane at the moment. Dele Alli is developing into one of the best No. 10s/9.5-type players around. [It hurts] more than you would know [to say it], it is a tough one."I admire what they have done at Tottenham, from a professional point of view.Only time will tell whether that group of players go on and win things but certainly the future is bright for them. For England, the future for England is Kane and Alli."

Cole was capped 56 times for England and is preparing for a future in coaching, while also playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United Soccer League.

The 35-year-old thinks that with expectation so low around the England team, and the FA embracing methods which have worked elsewhere, an improvement in fortune may be around the corner after poor showings at recent competitions.

"With England, I am very excited about the group. I know they haven’t done well in the past three tournaments but I am very excited," he added. "They have pace, ability and the expectations are very low at the moment.

"It has got to benefit these young lads. I like the team, I like the players. I think Gareth is a good manager and he has the strength of knowing them. He has worked with all of them before. It has seemed to have worked with Germany [taking over from the youth team].


"Not only that, you look at England from the U21s downwards, outstanding results that people have been getting there. I think from Dan Ashworth onward, the coaches have been doing a fantastic job and I think we are going in the right direction."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dani Alves agrees two-year Man City deal

Dani Alves has agreed a two-year contract with Manchester City and a move is expected to be confirmed once his contract situation at Juventus is resolved.Alves met with Juve chiefs on Monday afternoon to establish an exit plan.

City had been willing to pay a relatively low amount to sign the Brazilian, now thought to be around £5 million, though Alves could yet rescind his contract with the Turin club and join on a free.

There have been reports that he has already reached an agreement to become a free agent, though Juve are yet to officially confirm that to the stock exchange, as they are compelled to do.

Although those final details are yet to be ironed out, Goal understands Alves has already reached a verbal agreement with City over the terms of a two-year contract.

It is reported in Italy that he will earn around £4.3m per year, which works out at roughly £85,000 per week - the same wage packet offered to Nolito last summer.

Gazzetta dello Sport revealed at the start of the season that Alves earns roughly £60,000 per week plus bonuses in Turin, having previously taken home £100,000 a week in Barcelona.

City sources expect the deal to be completed shortly, barring any unforeseen issues, and it is possible that Juventus will make their position on Alves official in the next 48 hours.

The Italian club traditionally make official statements around 17:00 UK time, half an hour after local markets close.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd boss Mourinho accused of tax fraud during time at Real Madrid

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been accused of defrauding tax authorities in Spain during his time with Real Madrid.

The allegations against the Portuguese amount to a sum of £2.9 million (€3.3m), according to Spanish publication El Pais.

A number of high-profile football stars have been accused of tax avoidance in recent months, with Cristiano Ronaldo the most recent example.The 32-year-old Real Madrid player has denied evading tax of £13m between 2011 and 2014, and the club subsequently issued a statement claiming it has "full confidence" in Ronaldo.

However, reports have since suggested that Ronaldo is "upset" at his treatment, and is set to leave Real. Ironically, a return to United, where he would reunite with Mourinho, has been mooted.

Mourinho spent three seasons in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013 before returning to England to take in a second spell with Chelsea.He inherited the managerial reins at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 and led United to three trophies during his debut campaign.


Lionel Messi, of Barcelona, was also accused of tax fraud to the value of £3.5m earlier this year, and was sentenced to 21 months in prison, though he is unlikely to face any jail time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Conte assured signings are imminent for Chelsea as he agrees new £9.5m contract

Antonio Conte will sign a new £9.5 million deal to remain at Chelsea until 2021 after receiving assurances that progress is being made on transfer targets following a disagreement last week.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia appears to have mended the temporary rift with Conte on Sunday as she addressed the issues of transfers and a new contract.

Conte will become the seventh highest paid manager in the world and the third highest in England after verbally agreeing to the fresh terms, which comes off the back of initial doubts about whether he would remain at the Premier League champions after news emerged in Italy that he was unhappy with how Chelsea's transfer business was being handled.

Chelsea remain confident of completing deals for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, AS Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko and Manchester City's Willy Caballero and they have convinced their manager that negotiations are being handled correctly, despite the slow progress.

Meanwhile, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United have all secured major transfers before the transfer window officially opens on 1 July which has led to irritation among the club's fanbase.

The 47-year-old is currently on holiday in Italy and is close to securing a new home close to Chelsea's training ground ahead of his wife and daughter's move to join him in London. He has also secured a place for his daughter at a London school.

Conte will be back as Chelsea begin pre-season on 7 July and is expected to take part in some low profile friendlies in England, ahead of a lucrative tour of the far east to face the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Inter.Chelsea will then face Arsenal in the Community Shield and Burnley in the Premier League on the opening day of the season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo set for July court date in tax fraud case - reports

Cristiano Ronaldo will appear in court on July 31 following allegations of tax evasion from Spanish prosecutors, according to reports.

The Spanish media have claimed the Real Madrid star must be in the courtroom in Pozuelo at 11am local time for the beginning of the case.Ronaldo has been accused by prosecutors of defrauding Spanish tax authorities out of €14.7million, a claim he has strenuously denied.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner is alleged to have created a "business structure" in 2010 to conceal his earnings from image rights between 2011 and 2014.

The allegations have led to uncertainty about the 32-year-old's future at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Manchester United linked as a possible destination should he opt to leave Spain.

Madrid president Florentino Perez defended the superstar on Monday and insisted he would not be letting his prized asset leave unless a club can meet his €1billion buyout clause.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool agree potential club record package for Roma's Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is expected to complete his long-awaited transfer from Roma to Liverpool by Thursday as he travels to undergo a medical in England.

As reported on Monday, the Reds were tying up negotiations with their Serie A counterparts over a deal in excess of £35 million inclusive of add-ons for the 25-year-old.

An agreement has now been reached with the extras, which could ultimately reach £39m, having the potential to make the package the club’s highest outlay on a player.It would surpass the £35m purchase of Andy Carroll in January 2011.

The Egypt international departed Cairo on Tuesday and preparations are in place for his physical assessment to be carried out on Merseyside as soon as it is feasible.

If there are no hindrances, his signing should be made official by June 22 on a five-year deal with a salary in the region of £90,000 a week.

As revealed by Goal on May 9 , Salah came into Liverpool’s focus after Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt did not want to risk his playing time diminishing with a move to Anfield.

The versatile attacker will join Dominic Solanke as an incomer ahead of 2017-18, with the Under-20 World Cup winner swapping Chelsea for Liverpool. The talented teenager will officially link up with the Reds on July 1 following the expiration of his terms at Stamford Bridge.

A tribunal is expected to decide the training compensation Antonio Conte’s side will receive for the 19-year-old, with the clubs still a distance apart in their valuations.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rexach: I decided to sign Messi for Barcelona after five minutes!

Barcelona legend Carles Rexach says he needed only five minutes of watching Lionel Messi to decide that he must sign for the Catalan club.

Rexach, a former team-mate of Johan Cruyff and assistant to the Dutchman in the Dream Team era, was working as a scout at Barca in 2000 when a young Messi arrived on the scene and Charly played a pivotal part in his recruitment.

"I was introduced to him by [agent] Josep Maria Minguella," he told Goal in an exclusive interview. "But when the club called me, I was in Australia, so I asked for reports on the boy until I returned. The opinions were divided; some said he played very well, others said he was too small, even that he was a table football player. It was not clear whether he would join."

But when Rexach returned, he had little doubt. "We organised a practice match," he said. "I needed just five minutes to be clear that we had to sign him. He was brilliant and I knew we couldn't let him get away, even though there were a lot of obstacles in the way."

The signing was difficult for a number of reasons and it took time for a deal to be closed for a player who has gone on to carve his name into the history of the Catalan club.

"Messi and his family wanted [financial] security," Rexach said. "The days went by and the deal wasn't getting done, although it wasn't an economic issue. We were clear that we wanted to sign him, but because he was a non-European, he couldn't play in the Spanish league at youth level, so he only played friendlies and there were often problems when we wanted to pick him.

"We found a way for it to work, with a special contract for his father. The club were still not convinced, because there were so many problems to sign a young player, not even a first-team player. They only saw the cons, the difficulty in completing the deal because of the complexity of his contract. But we only saw the pros, his tremendous quality."

In the end, a deal was agreed and Messi rose through the youth ranks before making his debut for the first team in late 2004, going on to score his first goal at the end of the 2004-05 season and establishing himself as a regular, then the team's star and later the finest footballer in the club's history.

However, Rexach believes those experiences helped to make Messi the player he is today."It made him very strong mentally," he said. "He was also very well advised by his family the whole time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Under-appreciated' Rooney one of the best players England has ever produced, Says Crouch


Wayne Rooney's long-time England attacking partner Peter Crouch feels the Manchester United striker's achievements have been "under-appreciated".

Since making his Premier League debut at the age of 16, Rooney has won five league titles, as well as the Champions League, the Europa League, the FA Cup and four EFL Cups.

The striker became United's all-time record goalscorer last season with a late free-kick against Stoke City, and sits second on the list of all-time Premier League scorers, behind only Alan Shearer.

His achievements are not limited to club football, either, the 31-year-old having overtaken Bobby Charlton as England's leading marksman in 2015.

Rooney and Crouch often linked up together during the latter's 54-cap international career and he believes the United veteran does not get the credit he deserves.

"When you look back at Wayne Rooney's career I think maybe he's been a bit under-appreciated," Crouch said at the Costa Smeralda Invitational 2017."He's Man United's record goalscorer - what a club that is to be record goalscorer of - he's England's record goalscorer.

"Not just that, his natural ability. I remember when he burst on the scene when he was a 16, 17 year-old.

"He's had an incredible career and is one of the best players England has ever produced. I think there will come a time when we look back and remember just how much he has done in the game."