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Man Utd target Alvaro Morata backed to leave Real Madrid by former coach

Alvaro Morata should leave Real Madrid in order to strengthen his chances of leading the Spanish national team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, according to former Real Castilla coach Alberto Toril.

The 24-year-old scored 15 Liga goals for the Spanish champions last season but managed just 14 starts under Zinedine Zidane, leading the striker to become frustrated in the Spanish capital.

Morata has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks, with reports suggesting a deal has been agreed in principle to join the Old Trafford club.And Toril, who guided Morata during his stint as youth team coach at Real between 2011 and 2013, belives the upcoming World Cup will play a major factor in his ultimate decision.

"It's a personal decision. He has the merit to be the frontman of the Real Madrid. His appearances have been very good this year with great success and effectiveness in front of goal," Toril said to Goal.

"He will try to find a place where he can have more playing time as this is the World Cup year and you need a lot of minutes to become the front-runner to start for your national team."In Real Madrid, it will be complicated for Morata."

A move to United would see Morata reunited with Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho, for whom Morata scored his first senior goal for at Real Madrid in 2012. Two years later, though, Morata would leave for Juventus as a direct result of lack of playing time.

And though Morata, considered one of the most exciting Castilla graduates to date, looks set to leave the club, Toril is in full support of its work and has described the academy as being among the best in the world, despite popular perception to the contrary.

"Real Madrid cares a lot for their youth and is one of the best academy in the world. It always has great players and they always will make it to the first team," he concluded.

 

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Giggs: Rooney could stay at Manchester United

Wayne Rooney could remain at Manchester United next season if he accepts a reduced role, according to club great and former assistant Ryan Giggs.

Despite wearing the captain's armband and becoming United's all-time leading goalscorer, Rooney seems poised to leave Old Trafford after struggling to feature on a regular basis in 2016-17.

Rooney only started 15 Premier League matches and scored five goals last term — a situation linking the 31-year-old with moves to Everton and the Chinese Super League — but Giggs believes his former team-mate could stay in Manchester.

"Wayne is a proven goalscorer, give him a chance Wayne will score," Giggs told Sky Sports News."It is whether he can put up with not being first choice or whether he can develop his game which I had to around the same age, not being certain to play every game, but playing 25-30 games and contributing."If Wayne can do that then I don't see why he can't still be at the club."

Rooney, who is out of the England fold, has already claimed he has "lots of offers" from England and abroad as United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly closes in on a deal to sign Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata.

 

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Suarez wants Arsenal's Bellerin at Barcelona

Spanish midfielder Denis Suarez said he hopes Hector Bellerin leaves Arsenal to return to Barcelona.

Bellerin progressed through Barcelona's youth system before moving to Premier League side Arsenal in 2011.

The 22-year-old Spain international full-back has been linked with a return to La Liga giants Barca, despite signing a six-year contract extension in November, and Suarez is ready to welcome him back with open arms.

"The people want the best at Barcelona and I hope Bellerin can come," Suarez — who is playing alongside Bellerin at the Under-21 European Championships — told Radio Marca.

"The players of a top level are welcome."Contracted to Arsenal until 2023, Bellerin made 33 Premier League appearances last season as the Londoners finished fifth.

Suarez's future at Camp Nou has also been speculated amid links with Serie A side Napoli.But Suarez said via Cadena Ser: "I will continue next year at Barca, yes."

 

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Montella hopeful Donnarumma will stay at Milan

Vincenzo Montella remains hopeful AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will sign a contract extension, having initially declined a renewal.

It has been chaotic since Donnarumma announced he will not be signing a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2018.

Amid the back-and-forth between the club and agent Mino Raiola, the 18-year-old sensation appeared to pledge he would hold fresh talks with Milan via Instagram before claiming his social media account was hacked on Sunday.

Donnarumma's future, however, looks set to be resolved following the Under-21 European Championship and Milan head coach Montella insisted the reported Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United target is an important member at the San Siro.

"I don't think it depends on Milan and it doesn't depend on me," Montella told Sky Sports Italia."The lad is reflecting on things with his entourage and it's right for him to reflect."He deserves to be waited for, and we hope he'll decide on Milan. We're waiting, goalkeeper is an important role and we hope he'll pick Milan."

Montella added: "I have a good relationship with the family. They're simple people, close to the values of life. They invited me for a coffee and I very gladly accepted."

Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli also remains confident that the Serie A club will keep hold of Donnarumma, who made his debut as a 16-year-old.
"We'd like a fairy tale with a happy ending, we’re calm and confident. We're doing our part, we're waiting," Mirabelli said.

"After the [U-21] European Championship we'll sit down and see what's to be done."

 

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Man Utd and Chelsea target Nainggolan hints at considering transfer

Radja Nainggolan is “thinking about what to do” as speculation continues to link him with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.The Roma midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in 2016 and has admitted to holding talks regarding a potential switch.

A year on and the rumour mill is back in full swing, with Premier League eyes drifting back towards Serie A.Nainggolan has expressed a desire to remain at Roma in the recent past, but he has now hinted that a transfer could be in his thoughts while enjoying a well-deserved break.

While Chelsea and United continue to be linked with big-money bids for the Belgium international, both are also closing in on alternative midfield targets.The Blues are looking to wrap up a deal for Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, with that deal likely to clear the path for United to complete a £40 million move for Nemanja Matic.

Nainggolan could still be on the move, though, with the 29-year-old one of European football’s most sought-after talents.


He has spent the last seven years in Italy with Cagliari and Roma, but may be tempted to try his luck elsewhere if an enticing offer is tabled.

 

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Bayern 'the best club' for Lewandowski amid Chelsea and Man Utd links, claims agent

Bayern Munich remain "the best club" for Robert Lewandowski despite links to Manchester United and Chelsea, claims the striker’s agent.

The Poland international has sparked transfer talk amid claims from his German representative that the 28-year-old is unhappy with the lack of support offered to him by coach Carlo Ancelotti as he chased down the Bundesliga top scorer crown in 2016-17.Premier League interest has been reported on the back of those comments, with Lewandowski one of Europe’s most prolific frontmen.

However, his Polish agent has sought to bring an end to the distracting rumours by supporting Bayern’s stance that the player is not for sale as he is already in the best place for his career.

Cesary Kucharski told Futbolfejs.pl: "I don't want to say anything more on this subject, because everything I say here is translated into German and every word is analysed by the media."However, I've got used to always being the one to blame when it concerns Lewandowski.

“I've always said, though, and I'm still of the same opinion, that Bayern Munich are the best club for the development of his career. And my opinion hasn't changed, not today nor yesterday."

Lewandowski remains under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2021 and Bayern are under no pressure to sell.

They're understandably reluctant to entertain any suggestion that could be tempted into a sale, with their star striker having plundered 110 goals in just 147 appearances for the club.

 

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Liverpool set to escape sanction over Van Dijk chase

Liverpool are set to avoid facing disciplinary action from the Premier League over their pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.The Reds were initially keen to land Van Dijk, 25, in a huge deal as they looked to strengthen their squad ahead of the prospect of playing Champions League football next season.

However, Liverpool soon publicly ended their interest in the centre-back after reports emerged that Southampton were threatening action, as they felt an illegal approach had been made.

The Merseysiders issued a statement apologising to the Saints and insisted their pursuit in Van Dijk, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City, was over.

But according to the Telegraph, although Southampton have yet to formally withdraw their complaint, the Premier League does not expect to punish Liverpool.


The report claims that while both clubs have resolved the matter, Southampton have not provided the Premier League with any fresh evidence over an alleged illegal approach to sign Van Dijk.

 

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Sanchez not distracted by transfer talk, says Chile coach Pizzi

Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi does not believe Alexis Sanchez has been distracted by uncertainty over his Arsenal future during the Confederations Cup.

The 28-year-old scored in the 1-1 draw against Germany on his first start at the tournament in Russia, although that remains his only goal from their three matches to date.

Sanchez has been heavily linked with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but would not be drawn on his future when asked following that stalemate with Germany in Kazan, insisting that his focus was on the national team.

And Pizzi has no concerns over Sanchez's ability to switch off from the transfer speculation ahead of Wednesday's semi-final clash with Portugal."We think Sanchez is very positive. He's giving his best, like everybody else. We think he's very happy," he said.

"I think everybody would like to be in a similar situation because the best clubs in the world would like to have him, although he is already playing for a great club."He's a very responsible person and he knows what he has to do. But right now, he is very comfortable and committed to the national team.

"We think we get better and better when we get to the latter stages of competitions. I'm completely convinced that we'll play a great game."Team-mate Marcelo Diaz feels the uncertainty will actually help Sanchez to become a stronger professional.

"I've said this a lot. Having Alexis on our team is amazing. He's played so well for so many years. He has so many qualities," said the Celta Vigo midfielder.


"I hope and think he will be able to keep developing and I think his personal situation will help him grow. It will be positive to Chile as we'll have a stronger player when we attack."

 

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Ronaldo told Premier League is 'the right place' for him, but not necessarily at Man Utd

If Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Real Madrid then the Premier League, at Manchester United or Chelsea, is “the right place for him”, says Raul Meireles.

The Portuguese forward has sparked transfer talk after reportedly informing Real that he is looking to move on this summer, amid accusations of tax evasion in Spain.

Various landing spots have been mooted for the four-time Ballon d’Or winner, with there only a select group of clubs that could afford to finance a deal.

Former employers United are among those to have been linked with an approach, and Meireles believes a return to England would make sense for the 32-year-old.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder told Sky Sports News: "Yes of course [he could return to the Premier League].

"He was very successful in the Premier League so I think that if he does not want to stay at Real Madrid, or he wants to leave, then the Premier League is the right place for him to be."

Meireles is, however, not convinced that Old Trafford would be the only destination considered by Ronaldo if a move were to be made this summer.

A man who often played alongside the superstar forward in the colours of his country believes there are a number of Premier League sides who would be willing to do a deal, and that Ronaldo would be a success at any of them.He added: "He played before at Manchester United, so it could be them, but I think any team.

“Chelsea? I do not know, but he can play for any team in the Premier League."Ronaldo is currently away at the Confederations Cup with Portugal, with his efforts having helped them to the semi-final stage.

He is yet to discuss his future and reveal his future plans, with Real still hoping that the club’s all-time leading goalscorer can be convinced to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

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Milan trying to close Biglia deal amid Premier League interest, agent claims

AC Milan are attempting to conclude a deal to sign Premier League target Lucas Biglia from Lazio, according to the player's representative. Biglia, 31, is under contract until June 2018, but is expected to leave Stadio Olimpico in the off-season.

The Argentina midfielder's agent has claimed Milan are close to securing the services of the former Anderlecht man, who was rumoured to be of interest to Arsenal and Liverpool.

"Lucas talked to Lazio a month ago, declaring his choice to leave Rome," Enzo Montepaone was quoted as saying by Il Messaggero.

"There's a deal with Milan and we're waiting for the two clubs to come to a definitive agreement."I know they're talking about finding a solution, because there's also an opportunity in England, but I can't say any more about that."Milan and Lazio are talking and they have to find a deal, next week I'll be in Italy and hopefully everything will be resolved quickly."

 

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'He has a great future' - Asensio praises Donnarumma amid Real Madrid links

Real Madrid star Marco Asensio lauded the quality of wantaway AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is reportedly attracting interest from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Donnarumma – out of contract in 2018 – has been linked with Spanish and European champions Madrid after announcing that he will not sign a Milan renewal.However, the 18-year-old Italy international could still extend his contract at San Siro following the European Under-21 Championship.

Asked about Donnarumma ahead of Spain's U21 showdown with Italy on Tuesday, Asensio said: "He is a young goalkeeper, who has shown that he is a great keeper.

"He has a great future, but he also has a great present."If he is prepared or not to play in Real Madrid, I do not decide it."Donnarumma has been Milan's undisputed number one since making his debut as a 16-year-old.


Seen as the heir apparent to Gianluigi Buffon in the Italy team, Donnarumma appeared in all 38 Serie A matches as Milan finished sixth last season.

 

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Full Time

Spain U21 3 Vs 1 Italy U21

Hat-trick for SaulSaul ge goals 3nama patta

Congratulations Spain U21

&

Its Germany U21 Vs Spain U21 Final
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Dani Alves announces Juventus departure as Man City move nears

Dani Alves has bid farewell to Juventus as he looks set to join Manchester City.

The right-back has agreed a two-year deal with the Premier League side but they are yet to make an announcement.But the 34-year-old confirmed his departure from the Serie A champions on Instagram, posting a picture of him waving to fans.

“I would like to thank all the Juventus fans for the year I've had, to my team-mates who welcomed me like the professionals they are, for a club that wins and reaches finals,” he wrote.“I think that my respect for this club and its supporters was my dedication, my passion and all my effort to make the club greater every single day.

“I apologise to the Juventus fans if sometimes they thought I had done something to offend them. I never had that intention, I just live very spontaneously and few people understand it... even though it appears that I am not perfect, my heart is pure.“Today our professional relationship ends and I will carry with me all of those who with love and true heart make Juve a great club.

"As everyone knows, I always say what I think and feel… so I feel that I should say thank you to Mr Marotta for the opportunity he gave me, he’s a great professional and someone who loves his job like few others.

“I don’t play football for money, I play football because I love the profession and those who are part of it. I leave it up to you to judge what I have done and worked for.

“I love football and money will never take me to any other place.”Alves spent one season at Juve, winning Serie A and reaching the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Real Madrid.

The former Barcelona star only enhanced expectations that he will join City after expressing his admiration for Pep Guardiola last week, calling him a "great coach".

 

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Arsenal target Lacazette unlikely to move this summer - Aulas

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed it is unlikely Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette will leave the club this summer.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the France international as they look to improve on a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season.It seemed as if he was destined for Atletico Madrid, however, only for the Liga outfit's appeal against a transfer ban to be rejected.

Aulas has previously said he would not sell Lacazette unless a replacement was found, but now he is suggesting that there is no chance his prized asset will depart ahead of the 2017-18 season.

He is not ruling out a potential move to Atletico in January, however, with the player seemingly having his heart set on Diego Simeone's side.When asked by Canal + if Lacazette would depart this summer, Aulas said: "I don't think so, no."

He did concede a move to Atletico was on the cards though, saying: "Yes, it's possible."

 

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Arsenal close in on Monaco starlet Thomas Lemar

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Monaco starlet Thomas Lemar, Goal understands.

The 21-year-old is at the top of Arsene Wenger's summer wishlist after scoring 14 goals and recording 11 assists from the flanks last season.

Wenger was recently spotted in the French city of Nice alongside chief executive Ivan Gazidis, and the two have spent much of their summer so far working on deals for targets in Ligue 1.

That includes Monaco's star striker Kylian Mbappe, who will make a decision on his own future when he returns from holiday, and another forward in Alexandre Lacazette, with Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas expected to allow his talismanic frontman to depart if a bid in excess of £57m is received.

The Gunners have already lodged a £44m bid to Lyon for 26-year-old Lacazette which was rejected by the French side, but the signing of Bertrand Traore from Chelsea is an indication that the Ligue 1 giants are preparing for life after Lacazette, who has signalled his intentions of moving to the Premier League.

Wenger remains hopeful that Lemar's move could pave the way for Mbappe to follow his compatriot to Emirates Stadium, and Goal understands that the Arsenal boss has not given up on signing the world's most sought after 18-year-old footballer this summer.

Highly-rated Lemar will compete for a place in the starting line-up alongside Alex Iwobi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, although the latter has yet to sign a new deal with his representative Aidy Ward still looking to get his client the best deal possible with Liverpool and Chelsea keeping tabs on his contract situation
Lemar's arrival in north London would see him become Arsenal's second signing of the summer after the free transfer of Bosnian left-back Sead Kolasinac.

Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez will resolve his future after returning from Confederations Cup duty with Chile. The 28-year-old has less than a year left on his current contract with Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich all monitoring his situation, but Alexis will make a joint decision with his agent Fernando Felicevich following the tournament.

 

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England U21 2- 2 Germany U21(PEN 3-4)-England beaten by Germany on penalties in U21 Euros semi-final

Julian Pollersbeck was the hero as he saved Nathan Redmond's penalty to send Germany into the European Under-21 Championship final with a 4-3 shoot-out win over England in Tychy.

With the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra-time unable to provide a winner, the semi-final went to spot-kicks and Pollersbeck's save from Redmond proved decisive.

Stefan Kuntz's side will take on the victor from the other semi-final between Spain and Italy in Friday's final.

Germany took the lead when Davie Selke powered a header home from Jeremy Toljan's cross, but Demarai Gray thumped in a volley to send the teams into half-time level.

England moved clear five minutes after the restart when Tammy Abraham turned a cross from Will Hughes – signed by Premier League side Watford last week – into the back of the net.

Felix Platte, a second-half replacement for the injured Selke, angled home a near-post header to restore parity and thought he had nodded in the winner with 12 minutes remaining, only to see the flag raised for offside.

There was nothing to separate the sides in regulation time, while Nadiem Amiri was unable to steer a cross from Toljan in the closing stages of the second added period into the net.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was the first to make a save in the shoot-out when he kept out Yannick Gerhardt, but a tame effort from Abraham saw England's chance to open an advantage evaporate.

After Amiri found the corner with a powerful effort from Germany's fifth spot-kick, Pollersbeck blocked Redmond's effort to send Germany into the showpiece.

 

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Spain U21 3 - 1 Italy U21-Saul hits hat-trick to send Spain into U21 Euro final

Saul Niguez scored a stunning hat-trick as Spain beat 10-man Italy 3-1 to move into the final of the European Under-21 Championship, where they will play Germany.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder struck three terrific goals after the interval to see Spain through to Friday's showpiece, with Roberto Gagliardini having seen red.

Following a quiet first half all four goals and Gagliardini's dismissal came in the space of 21 explosive second-half minutes, Spain's quality shining through to down the depleted Italians.

Gerard Deulofeu should have opened the scoring after 30 minutes but he fired wide at the back post after being found by a clever lofted Dani Ceballos pass.
The opener arrived six minutes into the second half, Saul collecting from Ceballos and bending a superb strike into Gianluigi Donnarumma's bottom-right corner.Italy's hopes were seemingly dealt a decisive blow soon afterwards when Gagliardini was dismissed for a second yellow card after a late tackle on Ceballos.

The 10 men roared back after 61 minutes, however, with Federico Bernardeschi holding off a series of challenges and finishing via the aid of a small deflection.

But within three minutes Spain were back in front after Donnarumma was beaten again, Saul smashing home a brilliant left-footed finish from 30 yards.

Marco Asensio scored a hat-trick against Macedonia in Spain's opening group game and the Real Madrid starlet provided the assist for Saul's third goal.The cutback from the left flank was perfectly weighted for Saul to hit a sweet first-time strike into Donnarumma's bottom-left corner, ensuring Spain will play Germany in Krakow in Friday's final.

 

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Perez: Difficult to find a place for Mbappe at Real Madrid

Florentino Perez says Zinedine Zidane is interested in Kylian Mbappe, but admits it would be difficult to find a place for him at Real Madrid.

The 18-year-old striker has attracted Europe's top clubs after a sensational season with Ligue 1 champions Monaco.

Goal understands Paris Saint-Germain have made an offer of more than €135 million, while Perez confirmed Madrid are following him last week and said he will "become one of the greatest".

Reports in Spain have said the Champions League holders are willing to allow one of their famous trio of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to leave in order to make room for Mbappe.

The club's president has reiterated his admiration for the France international but says a transfer will not be an easy one."Mbappe is a very good player," he told esRadio. "This situation reminds me of last year when they told us to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.

"The summer is long. Zidane has been close to him for several years."Not many players play for Real Madrid at 18 years old. We must be patient. Zidane has him in mind.

Mbappe scored 26 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions for Monaco last season, including Champions League goals against Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. He is contracted to the French side until 2019.

 

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'Ronaldo is angry but I think he'll stay' - Perez

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at the club, even though he admits the Portuguese is angry.

The 32-year-old has been accused of tax evasion by authorities in Spain, and reports in Portugal earlier this month suggested Ronaldo wants to leave Madrid.

Perez didn't deny that Ronaldo is upset, presumably with the club for failing to more strongly back him, but says he thinks the superstar will not leave.

"I know Cristiano is angry, but I think he will stay," Perez told esRadio."I haven't spoken with him," Perez said of Ronaldo. "The only thing that has to be done is to wait and talk after the Confederations [Cup]."

Ronaldo is currently with Portugal at the tournament in Russia, where the Euro 2016 champions will face Chile in a semi-final on Wednesday.

Though Perez won't speak with Ronaldo until after the tournament, the Madrid president did say he has been in communication with the player's agent, Jorge Mendes. "I have spoken with Mendes about him. No need to worry more than [is needed]."Perez also backed Ronaldo in his current tax predicament.

"He is a man of integrity and has fulfilled with his duties," Perez said. "There are many people who have wanted to hurt him with taxes and other topics and he feels it."