..::Football IV::..

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Ajax confirm Abdelhak Nouri suffered 'serious and permanent brain damage'

Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nouri has suffered serious and permanent brain damage after he collapsed during Saturday's friendly against Werder Bremen, the Eredivisie club have confirmed.

Nouri was treated on the field during the game — which was subsequently abandoned — at Lindenstadion in Hippach, Austria, before a trauma helicopter arrived and the 20-year-old was taken to hospital.

Although Nouri recovered a stable heart rate and Ajax confirmed on Monday that his heart was functioning normally, doctors were unable to examine his brain until he was brought out of an induced coma.

On Tuesday, the hospital in Innsbruck were "cautiously optimistic" after a CT scan and other neurological tests did not show any abnormalities but Ajax have confirmed the latest tragic developments."Ajax are deeply saddened by the news that Appie Nouri has been diagnose with serious and permanent brain damage," read a statement released via the club's Twitter account.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones at this difficult time."
Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar told the club's website: "This is the worst possible news we could get. It is devastating. Our thoughts are with his parents, his brothers and sisters and the rest of his family.

“There are no words to describe what they are going through. This is a huge blow for Ajax, even if we knew this scenario was a possibility.

“It were some very difficult and insecure days, with a lot of people showing their support. We really appreciate that.“Abdelhak is such a huge talent, but we will never know how bright his star would have shone had this not happened."

 

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Juventus demand €40m from AC Milan for Bonucci

AC Milan have bid €30 million for defender Leonardo Bonucci, but Juventus are unwilling to sell the 30-year-old for less than €40m.

Vincenzo Montella has been given money to spend by Milan's new owners, having already signed over €100m worth of players, including Andre Silva, Ricardo Rodriguez and Franck Kessie during the summer transfer window.The new Milan manager has Bonucci as his next target, but Goal understands that Juventus are holding out for more than the €30m being offered.

Milan had initially been in contact with Bonucci's agent Alessandro Lucci, who also represents Milan's Andrea Bertolacci, to assess the possibility of a switch from Juventus Stadium to the San Siro. Following these initial meetings, talks have opened between Milan sporting director Marco Fassone and Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta.

A possibility to help push through the transfer would be the inclusion of Mattia De Sciglio in the deal. The full-back has been linked with a move to China, but Milan could use the 24-year-old as an addition to sweeten the deal.

Bonucci has previously played at the San Siro with Inter Milan but left the club in 2009 after failing to break into the first team. He then spent one season at Bari before joining Juventus, where he has played over 300 games and won six Serie A titles, three Coppas Italia and three Supercoppas Italiana.

 

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Man City & Spurs agree £50m Walker fee

Manchester City and Tottenham have agreed a fee for Kyle Walker, Goal understands.

City have long since agreed personal terms with Walker and, barring any late and unforeseen mishaps, the deal should be finalised before Pep Guardiola takes his squad to the United States for pre-season on Monday.

Goal reported on Wednesday that Spurs had made it clear that they would hold out for £50 million for Walker, after City failed in their pursuit of Dani Alves.

It is understood that City and Spurs wrapped up the deal on Thursday morning.
The Blues had been utterly convinced that Alves would be moving to the Etihad Stadium having agreed personal terms several weeks ago.But a last-minute change of heart saw him move to Paris Saint-Germain. At his unveiling on Wednesday he apologised for Guardiola and City.

Spurs looked to take advantage of the situation and force City to meet their demands after weeks of negotiations.

They informed Blues director of football Txiki Begirisitain that they would not sell for anything less than £50m, or at least a deal that would surpass £50m were it to include a number of achievable add-ons.

It appears that City's desire, or indeed desperation, to bring in reinforcements at full-back before they fly to America on Monday has led to a deal being pushed through.

Sources close to City's decision makers have previously told Goal that dealing with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had been incredibly frustrating, but they are now content that they have finally reached a breakthrough.City agreed personal terms with Walker and indeed most of their targets this summer some time ago.

Talks are ongoing for Monaco left-back Benjamin Mendy and City are hopeful they can also conclude a deal for the France international before Monday, though his current club leave for their pre-season camp on Thursday afternoon.

City have been confident of signing Mendy for some time, and although they have so far been unable to find a breakthrough with Monaco after weeks of wrangling, there is a sense that a conclusion is near.

The French club have been holding out for £40m and though City had been hoping to lower that price they are now ready to do as they have done with Walker and get the deal over the line as soon as possible.

 

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Gor Mahia 1 Everton 2: Rooney marks return with long-range strike

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on his Everton return but it was left to one of the Premier League club's next generation to seal a 2-1 win over Gor Mahia in Tanzania.

Rooney, who secured a move back to his boyhood club after 13 decorated seasons at Manchester United, fired in a dipping effort from 30 yards against Everton's Kenyan Premier League opponents.

Gor Mahia were level through Meddie Kagere before the interval but 19-year-old midfielder Kieran Dowell drilled in from the edge of the box in the 82nd minute to ensure Ronald Koeman's men enjoyed a winning start to pre-season.

Alongside Rooney, new signing Davy Klaassen also started for Everton with Aaron Lennon – the former England winger who is back in training with Koeman's first-team squad following a stress related illness.

Rooney saw a 17th-minute free-kick comfortably gathered by Boniface Oluoch but the Gor Mahia goalkeeper will have been a little disappointed when England's record goalscorer clinically caught him off his line in 11 minutes before the interval.

Gor Mahia were swiftly back on terms in the 38th minute, as Kagere powered in a header from a corner and the striker tested Maarten Stekelenburg in the Everton goal ahead of the half-time whistle.

Another new recruit, England defender Michael Keane, was introduced among a host of changes at the break along with Dowell – a member of England's triumphant Under-20 World Cup side - and Everton had long been in the ascendancy before he found the net.

Substitute goalkeeper Jerim Onyango excelled himself to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dowell either side of the winner, while Keane – stationed alongside Mo Besic at the heart of defence after Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams combined for the first period – was able to help see out victory in relative comfort.

 

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Rooney ge goal 1ka patta!​

 

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Rio Ferdinand's mother dies after cancer battle

The mother of Rio and Anton Ferdinand has died after a battle with cancer.
Janice St Fort, who was 58, passed away in hospital with her family at her bedside.The news comes just two years after former Manchester United defender Rio lost his wife to breast cancer.

A statement released by the family read: "We are heartbroken to announce that our amazing mum Janice passed away today after an ongoing battle with cancer.

"She was an inspiration to us all and was loved by everyone who knew her. She died at Guy's Cancer Unit, London Bridge Hospital, with her loving husband Peter and us, her four children, at her bedside."She was a devoted mother to us all, and she was the most incredible grandmother to our children.

"The whole family are devastated. Our mum was the centre and the heart of our family and has supported us all through many difficult times, always with a smile on her face. Her strength and courage, as well as her great sense of humour and immense kindness, were never-ending.

"We would like to thank all the staff at Guy's Cancer Unit for looking after our mum so well during her illness especially Marta and Joanna as well as everyone who has sent kind wishes to us all during this difficult time."

United later tweeted a message of condolence, posting: "Our deepest sympathies go to Rio Ferdinand and his family at this sad time."

Mrs St Fort met Julian Ferdinand, Rio and Anton's father, as a teenager and they lived together in south London before the relationship ended.She later married Peter St Fort and had two further children, Sian and Jeremiah.Former England international Rio lost his wife, Rebecca Ellison, in 2015 after a battle with breast cancer.

His mother featured in the short film 'Being Mum and Dad', a documentary in which he met other young widowers and offered insight into how he and his three children have coped with their grief.

 

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Mendy to miss Monaco tour amid Manchester City rumours

Benjamin Mendy has been left out of Monaco's 25-man party for the pre-season trip to Switzerland amid mounting speculation the France left-back will join Manchester City

Monaco confirmed Mendy is still recovering from an injury to his right thigh suffered while on international duty with France, although negotiations between City and the Ligue 1 champions, who are claimed to be holding out for close to £50million for the 22-year-old, are reported to be ongoing.

City are understood to be close to securing Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker for a similar fee having been disappointed by Dani Alves' last-ditch decision to choose a move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer ahead of reuniting with Pep Guardiola at Eastlands.

Guardiola has already raided Monaco, who dumped City out of the Champions League last term, to snap up playmaker Bernardo Silva, while a host of other star performers from Leonardo Jardim's squad are attracting attention.

One of those is midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who is said to be on the verge of a £39.7m move to Chelsea.

Bakayoko underwent keyhole knee surgery at the end of last season, but is not listed among Monaco's injury absentees for the tour on their website, while newspaper reports in the UK say the 22-year-old will undergo a medical with Chelsea on Friday.

Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe and winger Thomas Lemar are among the travelling party, as are Kamil Glik and Djibril Sidibe – the defensive duo who on Thursday signed contract extensions at Monaco.

 

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BARCA EYE CHELSEA'S AZPILICUETA

Barcelona have made Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta their number one target this summer, according to a report from Spanish publication Marca .
The Catalan club continue their search for a right-back, having failed to lure Arsenal Hector Bellerin to Camp Nou, which has led them to the Chelsea defender instead.

 

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Icardi: Di Maria to Inter? We'll see

Mauro Icardi praised the quality of Paris Saint-Germain star Angel Di Maria, who continues to be linked with Inter.Di Maria has emerged as a possible transfer target should Ivan Perisic leave Inter for Manchester United.

Inter director Piero Ausilio dismissed chasing the 29-year-old Argentina international due to his wage demands but captain Icardi endorsed a move for his countryman.

"Everyone knows him, he has great quality," Icardi said during a Q&A via Inter's official Facebook page."We'll see if the rumours are true…"Di Maria has spent the last two seasons at PSG, scoring 16 goals in Ligue 1.

 

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Totti set to retire as Roma director role beckons

Francesco Totti is nearing retirement as he confirmed he is set to join AS Roma as a director. The 40-year-old ended his playing days with Roma at the completion of the 2016-17 campaign, and the club legend was considering offers to continue his playing career outside of Italy.

But Totti has made his decision, and an announcement will likely come soon confirming the club icon will occupy a role in the front office alongside director of football Monchi.

"There is still no signature, but I will become a director," Totti told Premium Sport after a meeting with Roma chairman James Pallotta.Totti's exact role is yet to be determined, but it's expected that he will serve as an intermediary between Monchi and the Roma playing staff led by manager Eusebio Di Francesco.

Totti spent 25 years as part of the first-team set-up at Stadio Olimpico, making a club-record 786 appearances.

 

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'We just have to wait' - Bonucci's agent refuses to deny talks of stunning AC Milan switch

Leonardo Bonucci's agent has said "we just have to wait" amid speculation that the Juventus defender is closing in on a shock move to AC Milan.The Italy international is claimed to have agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri, with the clubs locked in negotiations over a transfer fee.

Juve are demanding €40 million for the 30-year-old, although there is some speculation a part-exchange deal involving either Mattia De Sciglio or Alessio Romagnoli could be agreed.

Bonucci's agent, Alessandro Luci, has refused to deny talks are taking place but offered no indication of whether the move will go through."There are no feelings at the moment," he said, as quoted by Calciomercato.com . "We just have to wait."

The transfer would represent a stunning piece of business from Milan, who have already invested heavily in their playing squad as they seek to build a team capable of returning to the Champions League.

Bonucci was linked with Manchester City and Chelsea last season and his future in Turin was cast into doubt after a row with head coach Massimiliano Allegri on the touchlines during a Serie A match with Palermo in February.He was dropped from the squad for their next game against Porto in the Champions League but the duo later held clear-the-air talks and he was brought back into the first team.

Bonucci posted on his official Instagram page on Thursday, writing "Let's get back to work. Ready to start again!" alongside a picture captioned with text in Juventus colours.

 

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City and United to pay tribute to Manchester victims in U.S. friendly

Manchester City and Manchester United will wear shirts bearing the worker bee emblem when they face each other in a pre-season friendly in Houston next week as a mark of respect to those affected by the Manchester terror attack.A suicide bomber targeted a concert by American singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena on May 22, killing 22 people and leaving dozens more injured.

The worker bee, adopted as a motif for Manchester during the industrial revolution, has become a symbol of solidarity and respect for the city and with the victims of the attack.

City and United donated a combined £1 million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, which will also benefit from both sets of match-worn shirts from next Thursday's encounter being made available to fans in an auction.

"Manchester continues to show great strength and sense of community since May’s devastating attack and the thoughts of everyone at Manchester City remain with those affected," said City chief executive Ferran Soriano.

"The worker bee symbolises everything that makes Manchester such a special city and our players will wear it on their shirts with immense pride, as a demonstration of solidarity with the Manchester community."
Soriano's United counterpart Ed Woodward added: "The city of Manchester has shown great strength and unity since the tragic terror attack in May, showing the country and the world how special this city really is.

"Having the worker bee on our shirts once again shows the community spirit of our city and football club and it is only natural that we continue to help all of those affected, through this fundraising and awareness, with millions of fans across the world watching this game."

 

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RB Leipzig reject €65m Liverpool bid for Naby Keita

Liverpool have seen a €65 million bid for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita rejected, Goal can confirm.

As first reported by Bild, the Reds submitted a big-money offer but were swiftly turned down by the Bundesliga club, who maintain the 22-year-old is not for sale.

"We will definitely not be letting any key players go," RB Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick said at a press conference last week. "There's nothing that will make us budge."

Keita was instrumental in leading Leipzig to a surprise second-place finish in the Bundesliga last term, qualifying the club for the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp has made the Guinea international Liverpool's top transfer target this summer, but has so far been rebuffed in his efforts.


Roma winger Mohamed Salah and Chelsea attacker Dominic Solanke are Liverpool's only transfer additions so far this summer, with the club looking to strengthen further ahead of a Champions League campaign in 2017-18.

 

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Barcelona reach agreement with Benfica over Nelson Semedo signing

Barcelona have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Benfica to sign full-back Nelson Semedo, pending a medical. The 23-year-old defender has been the subject of fierce interest from the Catalunya club in recent weeks, as they sought to solve their issues at right-back.

Neither Aleix Vidal nor Sergi Roberto managed to stake a regular claim for the post last season, with Barca weakened by the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus.But after talks with Benfica proved successful, the club announced that Semedo would soon be arriving at Camp Nou.

"FC Barcelona and Benfica have come to an agreement over the signing of Nelson Semedo, subject to the medical tests he will undergo this Friday in Barcelona," a Barca statement affirmed.

The right-back is expected to sign a five-year contract at Camp Nou after an initial fee of €30million was agreed between the clubs.The Catalans hope to have Semedo travel with the squad next Wednesday for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Barca reportedly turned to Semedo after being rebuffed by Arsenal in their pursuit of Hector Bellerin, with a new right-back having been designated one of their priorities for next season.

The Portugal international is new coach Ernesto Valverde's third signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Gerard Deulofeu and young centre-back Marlon.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu stated this week that they hope to complete "two or three" deals before the window closes next month.

 

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Bartra urges Aubameyang to stay at Dortmund amid €80m China move reports

Marc Bartra hopes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rejects reported offers from China and England to stay at Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool and Chelsea are said to be competing for the Gabon international's signing, with Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian reportedly considering an €80 million offer before their transfer window closes.

But Dortmund are hopeful of holding onto last season's Bundesliga top scorer and Bartra feels doing so will be pivotal to their 2017-18 campaign."Of course I hope Aubameyang stays," he told Bild. "He is important not only for his goals, but also for the spirit of the team."

The Spanish defender is optmistic about the future with BVB, having been convinced by new coach Peter Bosz and his philosophy after joining from Ajax as Thomas Tuchel's replacement.

"The first impression is really good. I also like his philosophy very well," he said of the Dutchman. "When you look at his past, you can look forward to attractive football. It's a playing style that comes from Ajax, who have the same philosophy as Barcelona, ​​both of which are coined by Johan Cruyff, which means that you want to control the game and have as much possession as possible.
"That makes me feel very comfortable."

After winning the DFB-Pokal, Bartra enjoyed his wedding with new wife Melissa Jimenez and is happy with his settled life, despite reports of interest from Manchester United."After the DFB-Pokal victory and the party in Berlin, then the wedding in Spain, it was the best summer of my life.

"I have experienced so much in this one year. It's like a family to me. That other clubs are interested in me shows that I am doing well. I'm pleased with the recognition I've received. But I think we will celebrate many wonderful experiences together in Dortmund."

 

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Auba BVB walin yanawanam aparade China Legaue team 1kata join unoth nam Major League(EPL/LA Liga/Serie A/Ligue 1) team 1kaka join wenne nathuwa​

 

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Real Madrid confirm Ceballos signing from Betis

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Dani Ceballos from Real Betis for a reported €18 million.

The Champions League winners beat competition from Barcelona to signing the midfielder, who was named Player of the Tournament at the European Under-21 Championship with Spain this year.

The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive season with Betis, scoring twice in 30 league appearances, and Madrid and Barca both contacted Betis for him.Betis offered him a new deal, but president Angel Haro revealed on Monday that the player informed them of his decision to join Zinedine Zidane's side after agreeing a six-year contract, leaving the clubs to decide on a transfer fee.

"Real Madrid and Real Betis have reached an agreement over the transfer of Dani Ceballos, who is tied to the club for the next six seasons," a statement from Real read.Ceballos is Madrid's second signing of the close-season, having already secured Theo Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for €24m.

He joins just days after James Rodriguez departed for Bayern Munich and will be presented as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday before joining the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

 

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Naby Keita to repeat Liverpool wish as Leipzig reject £57m bid

Naby Keita is expected to respectfully reiterate his desire to leave RB Leipzig for Liverpool as the determination to get a deal over the line is strengthened.

The Reds have had an opening offer of £57 million rebuffed for their priority target as the Bundesliga side once again affirmed the midfielder is not for sale.

News of the development broke via Bild on Thursday night, but it is understood the bid was submitted days in advance of the 22-year-old reporting back for pre-season training.

Jurgen Klopp had alluded to the proposal last week when he highlighted the need for patience in the transfer window and said “even if you cannot see it, you can imagine we’ve done a lot behind the scenes.”

The response Liverpool received to their formal approach wasn’t that Keita isn’t for sale at that price - comfortably a club record fee for the Merseysiders - but that he is not on the market at all.

Leipzig’s sporting director Ralf Rangnick has been consistent with this message, stating not even a three-figure sum could convince them to let the Guinea international depart.However, sources in Germany reveal his stance is not fully supported within the club and there is growing pressure to make a smart business decision.

Their hardline approach therefore seems to be slowly eroding privately, and Keita is due to hold further talks to plead for the kind of ambitious move he has worked towards since leaving Guinea for France as a teenager.

Liverpool will submit an improved package when they are given indications that Leipzig are willing to have dialogue over a fee. The Reds are prepared to make Keita one of the biggest signings in Premier League history with Klopp believing the player's rare, all-round attributes will elevate his dynamic blueprint.

 

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Kagawa signs Borussia Dortmund extension

Shinji Kagawa has signed a contract extension at Borussia Dortmund which keeps him tied to the club until 2020, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.

Japan international Kagawa, in his second spell with Dortmund having rejoined from Manchester United in August 2014, was due to be out of contract at the end of the forthcoming season but is now committed to a stay at Signal Iduna Park for a further two years.

Over a combined five campaigns with BVB, Kagawa has won two Bundesliga titles and twice lifted the DFB-Pokal.

Dortmund are currently on tour in Kagawa's homeland and he told a news conference in Tokyo: "BVB with its incredible fans has grown in my heart.

"I am very happy to continue to be a part of this extraordinary club in one of the best leagues in the world with the highest number of spectators."Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc added: "We are very fortunate that Shinji will play for us over the next three years.

"Shinji identifies with our club, the city and our fans. He is one of the most experienced players and he is an exceptionally important anchor in our overall young team."

Dortmund take on Klassiker rivals Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup on August 5 before a DFB-Pokal tie at Rielasingen-Arlen. They get their 2017-18 Bundesliga campaign up and running away to Wolfsburg on August 19.

 

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West Ham set to complete Hart deal

West Ham could complete the signing of Joe Hart from Manchester City this weekend on an initial loan with an option to buy, Goal can confirm.

The Hammers are keen to recruit a new goalkeeper this summer, and have swiftly negotiated a deal for the England international.

City allowed Hart to leave on loan to Torino last season and he is now set to move to London Stadium, with Pep Guardiola’s side willing to subsidise his wages.
West Ham are understood to have struck a deal that will see City pay half of Hart’s £100,000-per-week wages, and an option to buy will be included.

At the beginning of negotiations, City valued Hart at £20 million but sources have confirmed that West Ham are hopeful of negotiating a deal that will allow them to purchase Hart for between £12m and £15m.Both Adrian and Darren Randolph could potentially leave the club as a result of Hart's signing as the former has been linked with Crystal Palace, while both Newcastle United and Middlesbrough are interested in Randolph.

Hart will link up with former City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta in the capital, after the Hammers signed the right-back on a free transfer earlier this summer.

The pair won two Premier League trophies, the FA Cup and two League Cups together during their time at the Etihad Stadium.Hart has made a total of 348 appearances for City, and has won 71 England caps.