..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea complete €45m Kovacic signing from Real Madrid in Blues' only transfer deal of the summer


Chelsea have completed the €45 million (£40m/$51m) signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid in what is likely to be the club’s only signing of the summer transfer window.

Kovacic spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge and has been able to join Chelsea permanently, despite the club’s transfer ban, due to the Blues holding his registration.A fee for the 25-year-old was agreed last week, followed by personal terms, with Kovacic signing a five-year contractwith the Europa League winners.

The Croatia international is delighted to be staying in west London for the long term after making 51 appearances for Chelsea last season under former manager Maurizio Sarri.

"I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much," he said in a statement. "I am very happy to be able to join permanently."We had a successful year, winning the Europa League and I hope I can make a big contribution in the coming seasons."

Meanwhile, Chelsea have opted against signing Kovacic’s fellow loanee Gonzalo Higuain on a permanent basis. Higuain arrived from Juventus in January and the Blues had the option to extend his loan deal for €18m (£16m/$20m) or sign him permanently for €36m (£32m/$41m).

However, after Higuain mustered just five goals in 18 appearances in all competitions, Chelsea have decided not to activate the terms of their agreement with Juventus.This means that Kovacic will likely be Chelsea's only senior signing this summer after FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the club for the signing of under-18 players from overseas.

The ban is currently due to last until next summer and, though Chelsea have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to have the sanction overturned, they have not asked for provisional measures to have the embargo frozen.

Chelsea’s next announcement to follow on from the Kovacic signing could be that of the appointment of Frank Lampard as the club’s new manager to replace the now Juventus coach Sarri.

Derby County confirmed on Monday that they are excusing Lampard from the beginning of their pre-season preparations as talks continue over a deal for the former England international to return to Stamford Bridge.

The deal is thought to be close and the move would see the legendary midfielder return to Chelsea, where he holds the club record for scoring 211 goals during his distinguished career with the Blues.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter confirm Godin signing after Atletico departure


Inter have confirmed the signing of former Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin on a three-year deal.Godin, 33, announced in May he would be leaving Atletico after nine seasons with the La Liga giants.

The Uruguay international's expected move to San Siro was then confirmed by Inter on Monday after his Copa America commitments had come to an end.

"FC Internazionale Milano announces that a contract has been agreed with Diego Godin that will run until 30 June 2022," a statement from Inter read.
Godin became an Atletico great after joining the club from Villarreal in 2010 and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club in all competitions.

He won La Liga, a Copa del Rey and two Europa Leagues with the Spanish club, while also reached two Champions League finals.Godin joins an Inter side looking to rebuild under Antonio Conte, having finished fourth in Serie A last season and 21 points behind champions Juventus.

Though some way behind in the league race, Inter's defence was the second best in Serie A as they conceded just 33 goals across 38 games, with Godin's arrival set to further strengthen their back line.

The Uruguayan defender was recently in action at the Copa America where he saw his side lose to Peru in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals. "I had a lot of enthusiasm and desire to move forward, but we did not succeed,” Godin said.

"We tried our hardest but we missed three big chances and towards the end, there was no strength left."I thank the people, I thank the supporters, they have given us a lot, not only today, but always. I am proud of my teammates, this is a spectacular group of players.”

Inter are set for a busy pre-season with games scheduled against Manchester United, PSG and Tottenham as part of the International Champions Cup.

 

[Heisenberg]

Rashford signs new Man Utd contract through to 2023


Marcus Rashford has agreed a new contract at Manchester United through to 2023, with the deal including the option for a further 12 months beyond that point.The 21-year-old was set to see his previous deal at Old Trafford expire at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Fresh terms for the England international have been mooted for some time.

United were understandably reluctant to see a highly-rated academy graduate head for the exits after helping to develop him to this point.Their efforts have now been rewarded, with Rashford committing his long-term future to the Red Devils, though reports suggest he will now earn somewhere between £200,000 and £300,000-per-week.

He told the club’s official website of the agreement and his ambition: “Manchester United has been everything in my life since I arrived here at the age of seven. This club has shaped me, both as a player and as a person, so it is such a privilege every time I get the opportunity to wear the shirt.“I want to thank Ole and his staff for everything they have done for me; they are the perfect group of coaches to learn from as I continue my development and look to push on to the next level.

“I will be giving everything I have to help get this club back to where it belongs and deliver the success that our fans deserve.”

Rashford, who burst onto the scene during Louis van Gaal’s reign at United in 2016, has taken in 170 appearances for the Red Devils to date.He has recorded 45 goals across those outings, while earning 32 caps for his country.

United are delighted to have got him tied down, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking forward to seeing an exciting frontman unlock further potential.The Red Devils boss said: “Marcus is one of the most talented English players of his generation. He is an outstanding player; blessed with natural pace and energy.

“Marcus is a shining example of the talent that our academy produces and his upbringing means that he truly understands what it means to play for Manchester United.

“Despite being only 21 years old, Marcus already has great experience. He has a fantastic future ahead of him with the club and I am delighted that he has signed a new contract.”

rashford,lingard,jones,smalling,young ekektawath aluth contract denna watinne na.pogbath sell karanna one

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain 2 Germany 1: Fabian and Olmo seal fifth title

Fabian Ruiz and Dani Ceballos excelled as Spain secured a 2-1 win over Germany in the European Under-21 Championship final.

Germany beat a much-fancied Spain side in the showpiece two years ago but fell behind in the seventh minute to a wonderful long-range strike from Napoli star Fabian in Udine.

Spain captain Jesus Vallejo was fortunate to avoid a red card as Germany asserted themselves, but Dani Olmo netted a crucial second in the 69th minute.


Fabian and Carlos Soler almost added gloss to the scoreline and a late deflected effort from Nadiem Amiri could not deny Spain a fifth success in this competition - a triumph that moves them level with Italy on the all-time list.Mikel Oyarzabal dropped deep from centre-forward to cleverly lay the ball off to Fabian, who still had plenty to do as he advanced and lashed a superb 25-yarder beyond Alexander Nubel.

Spain should probably have been down to 10 men when Vallejo was only booked for a knee-high lunge on Gian-Luca Waldschmidt.But the Real Madrid defender stayed on and was on hand to boot Levin Oztunali's shot away from his own goalmouth before half-time.

Vallejo was in the right place at the right time again early in the second period when Spain goalkeeper Antonio Sivera spilled an Amiri shot and Waldschmidt attempted to pounce on the rebound.

Just as his team were being pushed back to a worrying degree, Ceballos brilliantly orchestrated Spain's second.Vallejo tackled, fairly on this occasion, to launch a counter-attack, which Ceballos skilfully kept alive for Fabian to unleash another firm strike. Nubel was unable to hold on and Olmo dinked in a cheeky finish on the follow-up.

From that point, Spain ran through their repertoire as Germany flagged – Fabian slotting just past the post and second-half substitute Soler hitting the crossbar before Amiri set up a grandstand finish two minutes from time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

VAMOS SPAIN U21!

Congratulations Spain U21!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham break transfer record to sign Ndombele in €60m deal from Lyon



Tottenham have confirmed the €60 million (£54m/$68m) signing of midfielder Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon, in a record transfer for the club.

22-year-old France international Ndombele joins on a six-year contract, and follows Leeds winger Jack Clarke through the door as Mauricio Pochettino freshens up his squad.The initial fee could rise to €70 million (£63m/$79m) with bonuses, and represents a real contrast from last season when Spurs famously didn't sign any players.

Ndombele became one of world football's most wanted men after two superb seasons with Lyon, and represents something of a coup for Spurs with the likes of Manchester City also having been linked.
Aside from the similarities in their names, Ndombele has attracted comparisons with former Spurs star Mousa Dembele for his dribbling in particular - powerful and skilful in equal measure, his ability to break through defensive lines should bring a new dimension to Spurs’ attacking play.

It has been a rapid rise for the young midfielder, who joined Lyon for just €8 million (£7.2m/$9m) two seasons ago from Ligue 1 minnows Amiens. Since then, he has made almost 100 appearances in all competitions for Lyon and established himself as their star man, finishing last season with three goals and eight assists in all competitions.

He was particularly impressive in the Champions League as Lyon shocked Manchester City with a 2-1 win and 2-2 draw in the group stage, Ndombele starring with performances which will give Spurs fans hope that he can adapt quickly to life in the Premier League.

Spurs have come close to doubling their previous transfer record, the £36 million ($45.4m) paid for Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez two years ago.

It comes as a welcome boost after what had looked set to be an underwhelming day in the transfer window for the club - plenty of fans were left disappointed when it was revealed that new winger Clarke would immediately be sent back to former club Leeds to spend the 2019-20 season back on loan in the Championship.

But with the addition of Ndombele, things are certainly starting to look up despite continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of Denmark international Christian Eriksen, heavily linked with a move away from North London.

The 27-year-old is thought to want a fresh start elsewhere, with Real Madrid among the clubs linked with a move.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal complete £6m deal for Brazilian teenager Martinelli


Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli, with the 18-year-old arriving at Emirates Stadium in a £6 million ($8m) deal.Sources close to the transfer revealed to Goal back in April that a deal for the highly-rated forward was close.

The Gunners have now tied up an agreement for a player they are hoping to see unlock his full potential in England.

Martinelli has been acquired from Ituano, for whom he made his debut back in November 2017 at just 16 years of age.Interest in his services built steadily from that point, with Arsenal having won the race for a hot prospect who trained with Brazil’s senior squad ahead of the 2019 Copa America.Martinelli has signed a long-term contract at Emirates Stadium and is looking forward to testing himself in English football.

He told the club’s official website: “It is a dream since I was a child and also my family’s dream for me to be playing in Europe and playing for a big team like Arsenal. I am going to take this opportunity.”Martinelli has arrived in north London with big ambitions, with it his intention to help Arsenal compete for major silverware.

He added: “I am a player who gives his all at all times, I play as a team and always looking to win games and win trophies.”The youngster is certainly setting some lofty benchmarks when it comes to those he is hoping to follow in the footsteps of.

“I model my game on Cristiano Ronaldo, he is a player who works hard, pushing himself to the next level. Always in the run for titles and individual trophies,” said Martinelli.“I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi and Neymar as they are players who can decide games and are very professional, who dedicate themselves to the whole game.”

Martinelli is also looking to become the latest in a long line of Brazilians to have made a positive impression during their time with the Gunners.Quizzed on Arsenal’s Samba stars of the past, he said: “I know a few. I know Edu, Denilson and I know that they have a lot of history at the club.

“Edu, in particular, I had a little contact with him at Corinthians as I had a spell there and I know they had a lot of success here but also for the national team. I am going to try to follow the same route.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG sign Sarabia in deal worth over €20m


Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Pablo Sarabia from Sevilla in a deal worth over €20 million (£18m/$23m).The 27-year-old playmaker has penned a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions.A move to France had been mooted for some time.

With uncertainty shrouding the future of Neymar at Parc des Princes, PSG have moved to ensure that they are not left short of attacking options.Sarabia arrives having spent three productive years with Sevilla.During that time he recorded 43 goals in 101 appearances.

Prior to that, the exciting midfielder enjoyed a five-year stint with Getafe.
He had joined them from La Liga giants Real Madrid, with Sarabia a product of a famed academy system in the Spanish capital.Just one competitive appearance was made for the Blancos, with that coming back in December 2010.

A solitary outing for Madrid came in a Champions League clash with Auxerre, when he was introduced off the bench as a replacement for five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.His undoubted potential has been unlocked away from the Santiago Bernabeu.PSG are hoping to bring even more out of Sarabia in the years to come.

They had faced competition in the battle to secure his signature, with reports suggesting that there had been interest from England and Italy.Chelsea were linked with an approach at one stage, but the Premier League outfit have been stung with a two-window transfer ban.Roma were also said to be keen on taking Sarabia to Serie A, but his career is set to continue in France.

Sevilla have wished him all the best as he prepares to open a new chapter.
They said in a statement on the club’s official website: “Sevilla FC wishes to thank Sarabia for all of the great work that he carried out now that his time as a Sevillista comes to a close.

“He displayed enormous professionalism at all times and we wish him the best of luck in his new professional adventure.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City activate Rodri's €70m release clause


Atletico Madrid have released a statement confirming that Manchester City have activated Rodri's €70 million (£63m/$79m) release clause.

The 23-year-old has long been identified as the player Pep Guardiola wanted as City looked to bring in a deep-lying midfielder during the summer transfer window.

And it would seem they've finally been able to get their man, with Atleti confirming that the Premier League champions have triggered the former Villarreal star's buyout clause.

A statement read: "The representative of the player and representatives of the English club appeared at La Liga headquarters to exercise the rescission clause."Manchester City has deposited the amount of the termination clause on behalf of the player."In this way, the player has unilaterally terminated the employment contract that bound him to our club until June 30, 2023."The deal is expected to be completed in the next few days, with Rodri reportedly seen as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, who is now 34.

And though he only has six caps to his name, he is also viewed in some quarters as the ideal successor to Sergio Busquets in the Spanish national side.The Madrid-born star became a crucial cog in Atletico’s engine room following his £22m move from Villarreal in May 2018.

In total he made 47 appearances for Los Rojiblancos in all competitions during the 2018-19 campaign, scoring three times. He also lifted the UEFA Super Cup during his brief stay in the Spanish capital.

City boss Guardiola has been searching for a potential replacement for Fernandinho for some time, and missed out on landing the likes of Fred – who switched to neighbours Manchester United – as well as Chelsea’s Jorginho and Barcelona new boy Frenkie de Jong.

Rodri, however, could yet play as understudy to the Brazilian during the upcoming season, and a new one-year deal is not out of the question for the veteran holding midfielder should he produce the goods once more during 2019-20.

The fee will see Rodri become City’s most expensive signing of all time if they complete a deal, with the figure in excess of the £60m they paid Leicester City for Riyad Mahrez some 12 months ago.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid aim to sell James Rodriguez as soon as possible with Napoli in pole position


Napoli remain in pole position to land James Rodriguez in a permanent deal from Real Madrid, with Los Blancos keen to get him off their books as soon as possible.Sources close to Santiago Bernabeu have confirmed to Goal that Real want James sold as quickly as possible, ideally within the next 10 days.

Indeed, Madrid players that are not on extended breaks are due to report back on July 8, although James's involvement with Colombia at Copa America means he was not required to return on that date.

That gives the Liga club, who are not interested in sanctioning a further loan deal, more time to negotiate James's exit, with Serie A side Napoli the front-runners to sign the midfielder for a fee expected to be in the region of €30 million to €40m (£36m/$45m).

Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli's president, confirmed the club's interest in the Colombian back in June, insisting that he had been requested by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who originally signed him for Madrid from Monaco in 2014 and also took him to Bayern Munich.

"James Rodriguez is Ancelotti’s wish," De Laurentiis told Radio Kiss Kiss in June."I don’t know if we need him 100 per cent, but his talent isn’t in doubt."I must help my coach. He wants James and I won’t bat an eyelid, even if he’s very expensive."

Despite arriving at Madrid with considerable fanfare after his exploits in winning the Golden Boot at World Cup 2014, James failed to make a significant impact in the Spanish capital and was loaned out to Bayern in 2017.

His two-year loan has now come to an end, however, with the Bundesliga champions deciding against taking up their €42m (£38m/$47m) option to sign him on a permanent deal.Ancelotti's Napoli are confident of getting a deal over the line before the end of the month, with the first-team's pre-season return date set for July 6, when they will head to Trentino for 20 days for the first part of their preparations.

Madrid, for their part, are looking at offloading a number of first-team players before they head to the United States for the International Champions Cup.

As well as James, Theo Hernandez and Sergio Reguilon, who are moving to AC Milan and Sevilla respectively, Martin Odegaard, Borja Mayoral and Raul De Tomas are all in line to be moved on.Isco and Gareth Bale are two more Madrid want to offload although the latter's huge wages, along with his determination to stay at the club, mean it remains a difficult process in getting him out.

In terms of incomings, meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane's side have cooled their interest in Neymar with a view to securing a future move for Kylian Mbappe, while Paul Pogba remains a top target for this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain sign former Man Utd midfielder Herrera


Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United and Spain midfielder Ander Herrera.

The 29-year-old, who spent five seasons with the Red Devils after arriving from Athletic Bilbao, won the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League during his stay at Old Trafford.

He was released by the clu at the end of the 2018-19 campaign and will now ply his trade with the Ligue 1 champions from next season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Herrera!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City confirm club-record €70m Rodri signing

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Rodri from Atletico Madrid for a club-record transfer fee of €70 million (£63m/$79m).

City triggered the buy-out clause in the 23-year-old's Atleti contract after convincing him to move to the Etihad Stadium.The Spain international has signed a five-year dealwith the Premier League champions.

“What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad,” Rodri, who will wear the No. 16 shirt, told City’s official website.“It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times.“It’s a style that excites me, as do the club’s ambitions.

“I can’t wait to start working with Pep Guardiola and my new team-mates and hopefully we can achieve great things together.”Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football added: “Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for.

“He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession.“He is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and we are confident he will be a success.”

City identified Rodri as their No.1 target for the deep-lying midfield role towards the end of last season, and had been confident of wrapping up his signature as far back as April.

The midfielder had second thoughts about his future in June as Atleti made efforts to sign him to a new contract, while Bayern Munich also made a serious attempt to bring him to Bavaria.

But the prospect of working with Pep Guardiola played a key part in his decision making, and the two men talked at length just before Rodri communicated his decision to Atleti boss Diego Simeone.The capture of Rodri brings City's long and troubled search for a defensive midfielder to an end.

The Blues failed in their attempt to sign Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2018, before a move for Jorginho fell through despite agreeing personal terms with the player and a transfer fee with Napoli. The Italian club later refused to sell to City, insisting he go to Chelsea as part of the deal that took Maurizio Sarri to Stamford Bridge.City also saw a move for Ajax's Frenkie De Jong hijacked by a last-minute, big-money intervention from Barcelona.

But sources close to Guardiola's coaching staff insist they are delighted to get their hands on Rodri, who has long been seen as Spain's successor to Barcelona lynchpin Sergio Busquets.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lampard confirmed as new Chelsea manager on three-year deal

Frank Lampard has been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager, returning to the club where he became a legend as a player.The Blues agreed a deal with Derby County worth £4 million to cover the final two years of Lampard's contract at Pride Park after a week's worth of talks with the 41-year-old.

He has signed a three-year deal upon his return to Stamford Bridge to succeed Maurizio Sarri, who departed the club after a single season in charge to take over at Juventus.

Lampard spent 13 years as a player in west London, scoring 211 goals in 649 games to become Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer.

He won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League while also finishing second to Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho in 2005.It is understood that Lampard will bring staff from Derby with him, with ex-Blues midfielder Jody Morris expected to join as his assistant manager after working with him at the Rams.

Former Blues coach Chris Jones will also return, while head of performance analysis Steve Rands is believed to be another of the six to eight backroom staff that have spoken to the west London side.Chelsea's Development Squad manager, Joe Edwards, will also be promoted in line with Lampard's arrival, with the highly-rated young coach boasting a close relationship with Morris from his time in the academy.

Lampard spoke of his delight at re-joining the club where he is regarded as a legend upon the announcement, saying: "I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach.

"Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead."I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started."

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added on the club's official website : "It gives us great pleasure to welcome Frank back to Chelsea as head coach."Frank possesses fantastic knowledge and understanding of the club and, last season, he demonstrated he is one of the most talented young coaches in the game.

"After 13 years with us as a player, where he became a club legend and our record goalscorer, we believe this is the perfect time for him to return and are delighted he has done so."We will do everything we can to ensure he has all the support required to be a huge success."

Lampard will now lead Chelsea into seven pre-season matches in Dublin, Japan, Germany and Austria before opening the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 11.He will not, though, be able to request new signings due to a two-window transfer ban imposed by FIFA.

The arrival of Christian Pulisic, whose move from Borussia Dortmund was completed in January, will help ease the load on Lampard's squad while Mateo Kovacic has seen his loan move from Real Madrid turned into a permanent deal.

 

[Arthur Curry]

Goodbye Arjen Robben

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba's agent reveals he is 'in the process' of a transfer away from Man Utd


Mino Raiola has revealed that he is "in the process" of ensuring Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United for pastures new this summer.Pogba has been the subject of transfer rumours since the summer window opened, and is reportedly a target for former club Juventus as well as Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old was the Red Devils' top-scorer across all competitions last season, netting 16 goals from midfield in a disappointing season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.

The France international has his sights set on a move away from Old Trafford this summer however, and news comes just two days before the club's pre-season trip to Australia.Speaking to The Times, Raiola said: “Everyone within the club from the manager to the owner knows Paul’s wishes.

“Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that. Everyone knows what the feelings of Paul are.”Despite the Red Devil’s pre-season trip to Australia fast approaching, Raiola would not be drawn on whether the midfielder would be joining his team-mates.

“I cannot tell you anything. I live day by day,” he added.Pogba has proved to be a divisive figure since returning to the Premier League in August 2016, when he became a world-record signing from Juventus at £89 million ($111m).

He enjoyed the highest-scoring season of his career at Old Trafford in 2018/19, netting 10 more goals than in the previous season and seven more than in his debut season with the club.At Juventus, Pogba reached double figures in terms of goals in his final two seasons in Turin with 10 across all competitions in both campaigns.

Since returning to the club with whom he spent his youth career however, the 26-year-old has not struggled to grab headlines no matter the quality of his performances.Rumours of a move away were given new life earlier today as Pogba was absent from Manchester United training, after he was given time off by manager Solskjaer.

His contract with the club is set to expire in 2021, and the player himself admitted in June that it “could be a good time to have a new challenge.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'No way' Neymar coming to Barca but talks are open over Griezmann, says Bartomeu


Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has admitted defeat in his club's efforts to re-sign Neymar, while revealing that talks have begun over the arrival of Antoine Griezmann.The Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid forwards are the Catalans' top priorities this summer, with little transfer activity elsewhere.

Frenkie de Jong, Emerson and Neto are the only new faces currently confirmed at Camp Nou, while Marc Cardona, Jasper Cillessen, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes are among those to move on.

The Blaugrana's chances of recapturing the Brazil international they sold for a world-record fee in 2017 were heightened by reports he was unhappy at Parc des Princes and angling for a move.But Bartomeu has now poured cold water on that talk, recognising that if PSG are not willing to sell then Barca's options are limited.

"We know that [Neymar] wants to leave PSG, we know that, but we also know PSG do not want him to go. There is no way," he explained in Friday's press conference, while pointing out that Ousmane Dembele is more than capable of playing on the left side of attack now the Brazilian has been ruled out. "Do we want him to come? We don't talk about players from other teams, we have the maximum respect as an institution. There is nothing we can do.

"[Dembele] is a young talented player, different from the rest in the football world. He is already a football star, he has a future and we want him at Barca."The president also dismissed suggestions that Neymar was being courted at the behest of captain Lionel Messi, asserting that the Argentine had no influence on transfer policy.

"I heard that from the press, but Messi does not ask for players," he stated."He wants to play, he wants a good, competitive team, but the decisions are always down to club officials."

While Bartomeu struck a negative tone while referring to Neymar, he was rather more optimistic with regards to Griezmann.
The French World Cup winner has already confirmed he will leave Atletico this summer, and while the president believes negotiations will be tricky, he confirmed that the Madrid club have been contacted over a sale.

"Yesterday there was a meeting between Oscar Grau and Miguel Angel Gil and they talked about the [Griezmann] subject. I cannot say any more," he added, while insisting that the player's refusal to join Barca in 2018 had no bearing on the club's current interest.

"That can happen, [with] Henry, Villa, Cesc... I am not concerned. The situation is different from one year to another. That doesn't mean he'll come. There is interest, yes. Whether he comes or not is another matter."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Solskjaer expecting more business at Man Utd amid links to Maguire and Fernandes


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expecting Manchester United to complete more transfer business before the summer window slams shut.

The Red Devils have already tied up deals for Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with focus being shifted to young players with the potential for future development.New contracts have also been put in place with the likes of Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira.

Solskjaer is pleased with the business United have carried out but is hoping for more movement to come, with his side continuing to be linked with Leicester defender Harry Maguire and Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes.The Red Devils boss told the club’s official website on his recruitment plans: “Well, it’s a long-term and it's a short-term project.

“You cannot just think three years down the line, so we’ve got short-term goals as well, of course.“I think we’ve been quite calm and good in the market as we’ve got the right people, and we’re still working on a case or two.

“Of course, we’re always looking to improve the squad and, all over the summer, I’ve been in touch with Joel [Glazer] and Ed [Woodward] and all the recruitment people, and analysis people.“I’ve got to say it’s been very good so far. I’ve got the backing and we’ve got the people we wanted, for now, and there will probably be some more business being done.”

While hinting that he may be able to get more big-money signings over the line, Solskjaer is just as happy to have kept key men on his books.

There are still issues to be addressed, such as David de Gea’s deal, while Ander Herrera has departed for Paris Saint-Germain, but United have been able to tie important figures to fresh terms.“Of course, over the summer we're delighted that we have got Juan sorted, Marcus, Axel [Tuanzebe] and Andreas,” said Solskjaer.

“People in different stages of their career.“There are young lads coming through our academy and showing their ability and mentality as a Manchester United player.

“Then you’ve got Juan, who is a true professional and a fantastic lad. He is going to be so important in this group to help the youngsters.”

 

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Mourinho admits Serie A return is a possibility as he waits on first job since leaving Man Utd


Jose Mourinho, who has remained out of work since leaving Manchester United, has admitted that a return to Serie A “could be a possibility”.The Portuguese departed Old Trafford in December 2018 after two-and-a-half years with the Red Devils.That post was his third in the Premier League, having previously taken in two productive stints with Chelsea.

Mourinho has also spent time in his homeland with Porto, Italy with Inter and Spain with Real Madrid.It remains to be seen where his next challenge will take him, but the 56-year-old has expressed a desire to return to coaching this summer.

Various landing spots have been mooted, but most of the high-profile posts are now filled – with Juventus turning to Maurizio Sarri and Chelsea bringing in Frank Lampard as his successor.

There would appear to be limited options available to Mourinho at the level in which he wishes to work, however, it could be that the chance to head back to the Italian top tier presents itself.“In the future? Always soccer, and always a high level. Italy? Could be a possibility,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.

Mourinho stated back in May, as domestic campaigns came to close across Europe, that he intended to be back in work by July.He told RMC: “I have a lot of qualities and one of them is to respect other clubs and their management.“I have never spoken like ‘this club wanted me, they contacted me'.

“When I left Manchester United in December, I immediately took the decision I want to work from summer. I hope to be back to work in July in a project I really like.” Mourinho has a few weeks left in which to get the job he craves, but the clock is ticking.

He has previously stated that he wants to fill a role that gives him a full summer in which to ready himself for a new challenge.It could be that he is forced to wait longer than he would have hoped, with there no obvious appointments for him at present.

He could, like former rival Arsene Wenger, end up spending longer away from the dugout than he had initially planned when leaving a much-coveted position in England.

 

[Frosty]

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