..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba named in Man Utd pre-season tour squad amid exit rumours


Paul Pogba has been named in Manchester United's squad for their pre-season tour despite the midfielder eyeing a move away from Old Trafford.

The France international has spoken of his desire to depart the Red Devils this summer while his agent Mino Raiola has revealed they are in the process of securing his departure.

But Pogba will now travel to Australia, China and Singapore with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad when they fly out of England on Sunday afternoon.

Reports had suggested that Pogba may go AWOL to avoid having to catch the flight and further increase his chances of being allowed to leave.But United's stance has always been that he will retain their player heading into the 2019-20 campaign, despite the 26-year-old emerging as a top target for Real Madrid and former club Juventus.

Pogba is joined in the squad by Romelu Lukaku, who himself has been at the centre of transfer rumours since the end of last season.

The Belgium international continues to be linked with a move to Inter while fellow Serie A sides Juventus and Napoli have reportedly emerged as other possible destinations for the former Everton striker.Fred and Matteo Darmian are the two most senior players missing from the 28-man roster, with the duo set to join up with the squad at a later date due to personal reasons.

Alexis Sanchez is also missing, though the forward was never set to be part of the group due to his participation in the Copa America with Chile.

Dean Henderson and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have also been left behind amid reports that they could again be loaned out in the coming weeks.

New signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James will likely be in the spotlight - along with Pogba and Lukaku - when United begin their pre-season campaign against Perth Glory on July 13.They will remain in Western Australia to take on Leeds United before travelling to Singapore for a clash with Inter.

The tour finishes with a meeting with Tottenham in Shanghai before the 20-time English champions return to Europe for games against Kristiansund and AC Milan ahead of their Premier League opener against Chelsea on August 11.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marotta rules out Icardi to Juventus & swap for Dybala


Inter managing director Beppe Marotta has ruled out a transfer of Mauro Icardi to Juventus while adding a move for Paulo Dybala is more fantasy than reality.

Icardi’s future at the club has been under constant question since he was stripped of his captaincy in February, with a public row taking place between Inter, Icardi and his wife and agent Wanda Nara.And at a news conference to introduce new Inter coach Antonio Conte, Marotta confirmed the club was looking to move on from both Icardi and Radja Nainggolan, and explained his decision as a difficult one, but made with the best interests of Inter in mind.

“When you define a project, you also need to find the ideal profiles for that project,” Marotta told reporters. “It’s not right to go into the details now, but we discussed it from all elements of the club and made this painful decision.

“We are not stupid, we realise these players are our assets and we have no intention of wasting that, but one must have the courage of convictions and we are sure we’re doing what is best for the club, without disrespecting two professionals. “There is no lack of respect, so they will train with us and we’ll respect their rights to train.”

However, Marotta shot down any talk of Icardi heading to Juventus this summer, with the Serie A champions often linked to the Argentine. When asked about those rumours, Marotta told reporters: "I’d exclude it right now.There aren’t the conditions to do that. “Today the player is the protagonist of his own future. We need to find a club that can meet his needs."

Among the reports of Juventus’ interest in Icardi, came the possibility of a swap for his countryman Paulo Dybala, who’s future is also in question in Turin. But Marotta deemed such a move unlikely even if Inter have interest in the star.

“I think it’s over the top to think about that right now,” Marotta said. “I know how good Dybala is, but suggesting an exchange with Icardi is something of a utopia. “We sit at the window and watch what’s happening.”

Marotta also confirmed Inter are targeting Roma’s Edin Dzeko and Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella though they are still trying to find a deal with their respective clubs. “It’s still something of a chess game where buyer and seller are playing with their strategy,” Marotta said. “I cannot deny Dzeko and Barella are objectives for us.

“The clubs are trying to find the right deal, there is a player who appreciates the destination and we are still in the negotiation phase to find a breakthrough.”

 

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Conte demands 'work, effort and sweat' as Inter aim to catch up with Juventus and Napoli


Antonio Conte says he found it easy to accept the role as Inter coach, but has warned his new team will have to work harder than anyone else to catch up with Juventus and Napoli.The former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea boss returned to his homeland to replace Luciano Spalletti at the helm of the San Siro outfit at the end of May.

Inter finished fourth in Serie A last season, 21 points behind Juventus, and while the Bianconeri have won each of the last eight league titles, Inter have not finished higher than fourth since 2011.

By hiring the man who coached Juve to the first three of those domestic crowns, Inter are hoping to narrow the gap on the Turin giants.While Conte was excited to join the Nerazzurri because they have a similar ambition, he says it will take great effort to achieve their goals."It was easy to choose Inter," he said at a press conference. "We found ourselves having the same vision and this was very important for me when I found myself talking to the manager and the president.

"We found ourselves sharing the same ambition, the same desire to build something important knowing that we will have to go through a path made of hard work, effort and sweat.

"The presence of director Giuseppe Marotta was certainly an incentive. He knows me well, he knows what my strengths and weaknesses are as I know his. I chose a club with great tradition, one of the most important in the world, it was easy to accept."

He added: "I am a person who has no limits and I don't want others to set themselves at the beginning of the season. In setting limits I would immediately give the team excuses and I don't want this to happen.

"We know very well that in the last few years that a huge gap has been opened up for two teams, especially Juventus, but there is also Napoli, who have shown they can compete at a high level.

"We know that we are called to work harder than others to fill this gap, but we must start with the ambition to give everything we have and in the end we will see what happens."We need to talk little and work hard. 'Head down and ride' should be our motto, we will have to be fierce and focused on our goal, which is to bring stability.

"If we want to have a season as challengers we must have these characteristics, we must work, sacrifice ourselves, question ourselves and every Sunday we will have to leave the field with a sweaty shirt. This is what I will demand from the players and I know they can do it."

Inter have signed Valentino Lazaro from Hertha Berlin during the current transfer window, while Matteo Politano and Eddie Salcedo made their moves to San Siro permanent, having spent last season on loan from Sassuolo and Genoa respectively.

 

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Liverpool looking to extend Klopp's contract - agent


The agent of Jurgen Klopp, Marc Kosicke, has claimed Liverpool are keen to tie the German down to a new contract at the club.Klopp joined the Reds in 2015 and in just four seasons has transformed Liverpool into one of Europe’s top sides.

The Merseysiders rounded off a superb campaign in 2018-19 by winning the Champions League, after amassing a club-record points tally in the Premier League.

Given his superb job at Liverpool, and previously with his hugely successful spells at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, Klopp has unsurprisingly been linked with some of football’s top jobs recently, not least the German national team position.

While Kosicke admitted that Klopp could one day be interested in taking charge of Die Mannschaft, he claimed the Liverpool boss has no desire to leave the Reds any time soon.

“Jurgen himself once said that in the event that Joachim Low someday no longer wants to be the national coach and it would be possible for him do that [job], this is an option for him,” Kosicke told German outlet Welt.However, he added that Klopp has no plans to leave the Reds before his current deal expires in 2022.

“Liverpool would even like to extend it,” he added.“[Jurgen] felt again at the recent celebrations [after winning the Champions League], what a great club Liverpool is, and that he is in the right place at the right time.”

Kosicke also implied that Liverpool would not allow another side to speak with their current boss, no matter how much money was offered for his services.

“Jurgen is currently not affordable,” he said. “But it is difficult to measure the transfer fee in his case anyway. How is this going to work for a coach who has increased the club's value from nearly £900 million to just under £2.8 billion? That is not how it works.”

As for Klopp’s immediate interests, he will no doubt already be planning for the 2019-20 campaign, with certain members of the first-team squad already reporting back for pre-season training.

The 52-year-old has made precious few signings so far this transfer window, with their only addition to date being youngster Sepp van den Berg.

 

[Arthur Curry]

Congratz Brazil

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 3 Peru 1: Jesus stars, sees red as Selecao seal Copa glory

Gabriel Jesus threatened to turn from hero to villain but his Brazil team-mates sealed a 3-1 win over Peru at the Maracana and a ninth Copa America title.

Tite's men beat their final opponents 5-0 during the group stage but were under pressure when Peru skipper Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton's opener with a 44th-minute penalty.Jesus, whose excellent wing play laid on Brazil's first goal, restored the advantage in first-half injury time.

That set the five-time world champions' on course for their first major honour in 12 years, although a clumsy aerial challenge on Carlos Zambrano was enough to earn Jesus a second yellow card and set up a fraught finale - until substitute Richarlison dispatched a final-minute penalty to spark buoyant celebrations.Peru began confidently before Brazil hit the front in the 15th minute.

Jesus got the jump on Miguel Trauco with a clever run before jinking around the full-back and crossing for Everton to finish gleefully on the half-volley.Everton turned provider shortly afterwards as Philippe Coutinho shot wide from 10 yards and Roberto Firmino headed narrowly over in the 36th minute.

They were misses the Selecao would regret when referee Roberto Tobar upheld a harsh handball call against a prone Thiago Silva on review and Guerrero levelled from the spot.Peru's joy was short-lived, however, as Zambrano's ill-timed slip allowed the razor-sharp Jesus to steal in for a cool finish.

Coutinho fizzed a curling effort fractionally wide six minutes into the second period as Brazil pushed to increase their lead.Jesus was shown remonstrating in tears on steps inside the stadium tunnel after his fifth foul of the game strained Tobar's patience too far.

Edison Flores sent a rasping strike wide before the action became unhelpfully fractious as far as Ricardo Gareca's men were concerned.Zambrano then erred once more, bundling Everton over, and Richarlison was on hand to land the final blow.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Brazil!​

 

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Tielemans returns to Leicester in club-record £40m deal


Leicester City have announced the club-record £40 million ($50m) signing of Youri Tielemans from Monaco on a four-year contract.The deal, which is subject to Premier League and international clearance, comes after the 22-year-old impressed during a six-month loan spell with the Foxes last season.

Indeed, in just 13 appearances, Tielemans contributed three goals and four assists for the East Midlands side.

The Belgium international becomes the third signing made by Brendan Rodgers' side this summer, following the arrivals of Ayoze Perez and James Justin.

Speaking to Leicester's official website, Tielemans spoke of his excitement at completing the move."It is such a great feeling to sign for this football club," he said. "Ever since I arrived on loan last season, all the players, the staff and the fans have been fantastic with me, so I’m thrilled to be able to become a Leicester City player.

"I believe that we have the talent in our squad to achieve something special and for any player, that’s an exciting thing to be a part of. I really can’t wait to get started again with this club and do everything I can to help my team-mates."Rodgers also weighed in on the transfer, stating that the acquisition of such a talented player speaks volumes of the club's ambitions.

"I’m delighted that Youri has chosen to be part of Leicester City’s journey," the manager said. "It’s an incredibly exciting time for this football club and to be able to bring players of Youri’s quality here is an indication of the hunger for success we have here.

"Youri fit brilliantly into the squad last season, he’s already shown that he’s capable of making an impact in the Premier League and he adds another option to an incredibly talented group of players here at Leicester City."Capped by Belgium 23 times, the first of those coming back in 2016, Tielemans was part of the country's 2018 World Cup squad that finished third in Russia.

The Anderlecht youth product will now join up with the rest of his new team-mates in France, where the Foxes are undergoing a training camp as they prepare for the 2019-20 Premier League season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Joao Felix: I'm at Atletico Madrid to be me, not follow 'best ever' Ronaldo


New Atletico Madrid recruit Joao Felix has paid tribute to the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo on his career as he prepares for life in the Spanish capital.

Felix was speaking at his unveiling at the Wanda Metropolitano after completing his €126 million (£113m/$141m) move from Benfica.The winger declared he had sought Ronaldo's advice before making the switch and said of the current Juventus star: "As we know he is a great player, currently the best in the world and maybe the best ever.

"When we were with the national team, he talked to me about Madrid a lot."I am here to make my history, the comparisons are not that good. Cristiano is Cristiano and I want to be myself."

The 19-year-old, who is reported to have snubbed Juventus and Manchester City, also told reporters: "I am very happy to be part of this project and the history of the club, I am here to help as much as possible, the team mates have received me very well."Felix also stressed he did not believe he would come under any added pressure because of the giant size of the fee or that he is seen as a direct replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who is trying to force through a move to Barcelona.

"That pressure ... I disconnect, sometimes we hear good things and sometimes we do not, I just do my job to help the team," he said. "I do not pay attention to that."
He also spoke of his desire to return to play Benfica in the Champions League."I would like to come back home, against my team mates, who have given me the opportunity to be here.

"I will always thank everyone for the way they have treated me. It's not easy to leave Portugal, leave my house. Everyone has wished me luck, I'll always be a fan."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Shanghai Shenhua complete €16m deal to sign Roma forward El Shaarawy


Stephan El Shaarawy has completed a switch to China after Shanghai Shenhua announced they had agreed on terms with his current club Roma.

Striker El Shaarawy has officially moved to the Chinese Super League (CSL) club for a reported €16 million (£14m/$18m).In a statement on their website on Monday, Shanghai Shenhua confirmed they had reached an agreement with Roma.

"Shanghai Greenland Shenhua Football Club and Italy's Rome Football Club have reached a transfer agreement," the statement read.

"Stephan El Shaarawy, who has dual Italian and Egyptian nationality, is expected to arrive in Shanghai on July 8, Beijing time.A 23-time Italy international, he scored 11 goals in 33 games in all competitions last season.

El Shaarawy told Football Italia: “I will always thank the Roma fans for these years we had together.“I also thank all those who I worked with at Roma.”

The Italy international had originally said he was too young to go to China, but the 26-year-old has had a change of heart.

El Shaarawy was asked if he had spoken to Italy boss Roberto Mancini about how the move would affect his chances of more international calls.“No, I haven’t heard from him,” the player said.El Shaarawy began his career with Genoa but made only four appearances for the club before first making his mark on loan with Padova where he scored nine goals in 29 games.

That was enough to earn a move to AC Milan in 2011 where he scored 21 goals in 82 appearances before loan spells with Monaco and then Roma which eventually became permanent.

He was qualified to play for Egypt but decided to link up with Italy at Under-17 level before making his senior international debut in a 2-1 friendly defeat by England in August 2012.

He scored his first goal for his country against France in his third appearance and has scored three times in his 23 outings to date.El Shaarawy joins a Shanghai Shenhua side struggling in 14th in the CSL after just three wins from their opening 16 games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arnautovic completes £22m transfer to Shanghai SIPG from West Ham


Marko Arnautovic has completed a reported £22 million ($28m) move from West Ham to Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG.

Arnautovic handed in a transfer request at London Stadium in January, but agreed to stay at West Ham, signing a new five-year deal reportedly taking his wages to £100,000 a week after he was the subject of a £35m ($44m) bid from China, with Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou Evergrande both interested.

However, renewed interest from China reportedly led to the 30-year-old former Stoke City forward asking to leave West Ham again in July.

West Ham have not disclosed the size of the transfer fee for the deal, which sees Arnautovic link up with Hulk and former Chelsea playmaker Oscar at SIPG.

A West Ham statement read: "West Ham United can confirm that Marko Arnautovic has joined Chinese Super League champions Shanghai SIPG for an undisclosed fee."The 30-year-old Austrian departs after two seasons at London Stadium, during which he scored 22 goals in 65 appearances in claret and blue."

Prior to the completion of Arnautovic's move to China, his agent and brother Danijel had been critical of West Ham after they initially rejected a £20m ($25m) offer for the forward.Danijel Arnautovic told Sky Sports News : “He's not a cow or a horse which you bring to market.

“He's a highly talented footballer who is simply being used by West Ham. He's just a number to them.“West Ham were trying to get rid of Marco right up until the last minute of the January transfer window and they are still trying to sell him right now. To them he's just a commodity.

“West Ham are still speaking to the Chinese club. He is still for sale and it's simply a case of how much money West Ham can get for him.”Arnautovic joined West Ham from Stoke in 2017, scoring 11 Premier League goals in his first season at the club before netting 10 more in the top flight last term.

Manuel Pellegrini's side must now look to bring in a replacement for the striker, with Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez having already left the club. They have been linked with a £45m move for Maxi Gomez from Celta Vigo.

 

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Juventus close in on De Ligt but still €10m short of Ajax asking price


Juventus are confident of securing the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax this week after agreeing a deal with the defender.

The Serie A champions have reached an agreement with the 19-year-old centre-back over a five-year contract that will see him earn €12 million (£11m/$13m) per season - €8m in basic salary with €4m in bonuses. De Ligt's agent, Mino Raiola, confirmed to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf on Sunday that a deal has been made with Juventus.

Juventus are confident of securing the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax this week after agreeing a deal with the defender.

The Serie A champions have reached an agreement with the 19-year-old centre-back over a five-year contract that will see him earn €12 million (£11m/$13m) per season - €8m in basic salary with €4m in bonuses.

De Ligt's agent, Mino Raiola, confirmed to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf on Sunday that a deal has been made with Juventus.

He will be Juve's fifth signing of the transfer window, as the Bianconeri have already landed Adrien Rabiot, Aaron Ramsey and Gianluigi Buffon, returning after a year with Paris Saint-Germain, in free deals, while Luca Pellegrini was bought from Roma and Merih Demiral arrived from Sassuolo.

Ajax, on the other hand, have already signed new centre-backs in 18-year-old Kik Pierie, who joined from Heerenveen, and Lisandro Martinez, while Quincy Promes and Razvan Marin also moved to the Dutch capital.

De Ligt will be the second major departure from Ajax this summer, as fellow rising star Frenkie de Jong has already left the Johan Cruyff Arena for Barca in a €75m (£67m/$84m) deal agreed in January.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Maguire 'flattered' by Man Utd interest and ready to join Solskjaer rebuild


Harry Maguire is “flattered” by Manchester United’s interest and is keen to be a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Old Trafford rebuild, Goal has learned from sources close to the negotiations to transfer the England international.

The Red Devils are looking to push through a deal for the Leicester City centre-back having shown initial interest in him during last summer’s transfer window.

But having gone cool on Maguire 12 months ago, United are now looking to tie up a move for the 26-year-old as Solskjaer continues to remodel his playing roster with an emphasis on young, proven British talent.

Maguire, who was one of the stars of the Three Lions' run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, is ready to become the next building block in the Norwegian’s summer spree.

Reports have suggested that United have offered around £70 million ($88m) for the boyhood United fan, but the Foxes board are hoping to attract an offer in excess of £80m ($100m) in order to allow Maguire to depart.But Maguire is now welcoming the chance to join the club and is said to be flattered by the thought of spearheading Solskjaer's defensive ranks.

Solskjaer has plenty of alternatives already available in the heart of their defence, with Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Axel Tuanzebe among their centre-back options.But the United boss wants to increase the quality of his choices in the centre, and Maguire is his number-one target.

Leicester have completed the club-record £40m ($50m) signing of Youri Tielemans having had the Belgium star on loan from Monaco for the second half of last season.

But while manager Brendan Rodgers will be happy to have his midfield stocks bolstered, he could now lose a leading figure of his squad in Maguire.

The centre-back will find at least one familiar face at the Theatre of Dreams should he complete a move this summer, with his former Hull City boss Mike Phelan now Solskjaer’s number two at United.

United have already been busy in the market this summer, having brought in Welsh attacker Daniel James from Swansea for around £15m and Crystal Palace’s England Under-21 international full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka for £50m.

They have since travelled to Australia for the start of their pre-season tour, with a match against Perth Glory on Sunday their first assignment ahead of the new campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale & Isco in Real Madrid's tour squad despite exit rumours


Gareth Bale and Isco have both been included in the Real Madrid squad for the club’s pre-season training retreat in Montreal, Canada, despite being linked with moves away this summer.

The pair were included on a list published by the club’s official website , with coach Zinedine Zidane naming them as part of a 29-man list that will work towards their first friendly outing in Houston on July 21.

Spain international Isco has been discussed as a potential target for Juventus, AC Milan, Manchester United and Manchester City, and he is one of several players Madrid are willing to offload .

Though Isco featured more prominently following Zidane's return to the dugout after being frozen out under the coach's predecessor Santiago Solari, Madrid are still prepared to move him on before the transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, Wales international winger Bale has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and Manchester United, with his representative Jonathan Barnett stating there is no prospect of him leaving the Santiago Bernabeu on loan.

Reports have also suggested that an unnamed Chinese side have offered to double the former Tottenham star's salary but would not be willing to pay Real a transfer fee.

"A loan move is not going to happen," his agent Barnett told Sky Sports recently. "I don't think he wants to go out on loan."He's got a lovely life and home in Spain. I think it would take something exceptional for him to leave and loans are not on the menu.”

Following a summer outlay in excess of €300 million (£270m/$336m) in signing the likes of Eden Hazard, Eder Militao, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo, Madrid are looking to raise funds and reduce the size of the squad.However, the inclusion of Isco and Bale in the squad for the start of pre-season suggests that a departure for either player is not imminent.

One player who is not included in the squad list is James Rodriguez, who has recently been on Copa America duty with Colombia and has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli following the end of his two-year loan at Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid squad:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Navas, Lunin, Altube

Defenders: Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Odriozola, Mendy, De la Fuente, Javi Hernandez

Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Isco, Seoane, Fidalgo

Forwards: Mariano, Benzema, Bale, Lucas Vasquez, Asensio, Brahim, Vinicius Jr., Hazard, Jovic, Rodrygo, Kubo

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Pogba's done nothing wrong!' - Raiola insists Man Utd have known transfer stance for some time


Paul Pogba has done nothing to disrespect Manchester United, insists his agent Mino Raiola, amid criticism of the France international for saying he wants to leave Old Trafford.

Pogba admitted last month that this summer could be a good time for him to move on to a new challenge elsewhere, a remark that has brought about widespread condemnation from Red Devils fans.

He then looked set to miss out on United's pre-season tour to Australia after he posted videos of himself training in New York's Central Park to Instagram while his team-mates had begun sessions at Carrington.

The 26-year-old was then photographed looking downcast before a flight with the rest of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad ahead of their preparations for 2019-20.
But Raiola is adamant Pogba has conducted himself properly. “The player has done nothing wrong,” Raiola told talkSPORT . “He has been respectful and professional in every way and always.“The club has known his feeling for a long time.

“It is a shame other people only like to criticise without the right information, and I am also sorry that the club does not take any position against this.“Hopefully there will be soon a satisfying solution for all parties.”Former Red Devils striker Louis Saha has been among those to criticise the France star's actions , saying he was "a bit annoyed" by his behaviour.

Raiola has since confirmed Pogba's plans to leave Manchester, insisting last week the midfielder is in the process of moving on.The 2018 World Cup winner's comments over the summer have led to reported interest from Real Madrid and Juventus, with a return to Serie A looking most likely.

Raiola is also confident another of his clients, Matthijs de Ligt, will complete a move to Juventus before the end of the transfer window.Goal reported last month that De Ligt had agreed a five-year deal in Turin , and it is now up to Juve and Ajax to agree a fee before the 19-year-old can complete his move.

And the two clubs are now just €10m (£9m/$11m) away from getting a deal in place, with Ajax holding out for a €75m (£67m/$84m) fee.

 

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'Neymar can leave PSG' - Leonardo open to offers after 'superficial' Barcelona discussions


Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has said Neymar is allowed to leave the club but says there have been no offers despite "superficial" talks with Barcelona.

Neymar's future at PSG has been in doubt this summer amid reports he wants to return to his former side Barcelona, while Real Madrid have also been linked.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu said last week that the Brazil international wants to leave the Ligue 1 champions , though he dismissed his side's chances of buying him because "PSG do not want him to go".

But Leonardo has now revealed that the French champions are willing to let him leave if a club matches their asking price.

"Neymar can leave PSG, if there is an offer that suits everyone," Leonardo told Le Parisien . "But to date, we do not know if anyone wants to buy him or at what price. All this is not done in a day, that's for sure."It's clear to everyone [that Neymar wants to leave], but in football, you say one thing today and tomorrow another. It's amazing but it's like that.

"We talked with his entourage too. Everyone knows everything. The position is clear for all participants. But one thing is concrete today: he still has three years of contract with us and since we have not received an offer, we cannot discuss anything."

He added: "PSG wants to rely on players who want to stay and build something big. We do not need players who would do a favour for the club by staying here."Although Leonardo confirmed informal talks with Barcelona about a potential deal, he said no offer has been made for the 27-year-old.

"We have not received any offers. But we had, it's true, very superficial contacts [with Barcelona]. They said they wanted to buy but we were not sellers."[Bartomeu] is the one saying it, but we did not see that Barcelona was really in a buyer position."

Leonardo's comments come on the same day PSG announced that they will take action against the Brazilian attacker after he missed training on Monday, though his father says the club had already agreed to the delay.

Responding to Neymar Sr's claims, Leonardo said: "He wasn't here in training. He had to arrive and he did not arrive. But he knew he had to be there."We will study the measures we need to take, as we would do for all employees.

"He made commitments to his institute and a sponsor, but these were not dates agreed with the club. However, he played his last game on June 6. The holidays were until July 8th and he didn't come."

Asked when Neymar will report for training, Leonardo said: "I do not know. The only thing I know is that he was not there on the scheduled date, July 8th."

 

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'This club is something special' - Mata reveals why he signed Manchester United extension


Juan Mata says he decided to sign a contract extension at Manchester United because it is a "special club" and he already has his sights on winning major trophies next season.The Spain international's future was the subject of much speculation over the last few months, amid reports of an impasse in negotiations over a new deal.

The 31-year-old was due to become a free agent on July 1, but despite rumours of a possible switch to Barcelona, he agreed to fresh terms at the Theatre of Dreams last month and will now remain at the club until 2021.

Mata joined United from Chelsea in 2013 and has since managed to rack up over 200 appearances for the club, scoring 45 goals across all competitions.The midfielder has picked up FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League winners' medals during his time at Old Trafford, standing out in a team which has faced a great deal of criticism.

Ahead of the Red Devils' pre-season tour of Australia, Mata explained his reasons for staying in Manchester, despite facing "difficult moments" in recent years."There were many things, the first thing is the feeling of belonging to this club, it's something special, unique," he told MUTV.

"We know there are three or four big clubs in Europe and United is one of them. Despite it not being the best moment in our history, even though we have won trophies, that feeling of waking up every day and feeling like a Red Devil is unbelievable so I wanted to keep feeling that.

"I wanted to stay, I wanted to keep giving my best to bring United where it belongs. I've been here more than five years and I realise how amazing the supporters are even in the tough moments."So I cannot imagine if we win a big trophy how it would be, how the town will change red. I imagine myself in that situation so that is another reason why I wanted to stay.

"I've lived difficult moments but I am really looking forward to living great moments with this club."Despite all that I wanted to stay. I wanted to commit to the club and keep enjoying wearing this shirt and keep trying my best."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side finished sixth in the Premier League last term, missing out on Champions League qualification and silverware after securing only two wins from their final 12 matches.

United have opted to chase young, homegrown talent in the transfer window in order to strengthen, with Welsh winger Daniel James and England defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka drafted in from Swansea and Crystal Palace, respectively.

Solskjaer is expecting to add one or two extra players to his ranks before the market closes and Southampton's Mario Lemina is among United's potential targets after expressing his desire to leave St Mary's.

 

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"I wanted to stay, I wanted to keep giving my best to bring United where it belongs. I've been here more than five years and I realise how amazing the supporters are even in the tough moments."So I cannot imagine if we win a big trophy how it would be, how the town will change red. I imagine myself in that situation so that is another reason why I wanted to stay.

"I've lived difficult moments but I am really looking forward to living great moments with this club."Despite all that I wanted to stay. I wanted to commit to the club and keep enjoying wearing this shirt and keep trying my best."

Love you Juan Mata!

​

 

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Lemina admits desire to leave Southampton amid Manchester United rumours


Rumoured Manchester United target Mario Lemina has confirmed he is seeking a move away from Southampton and would prefer to remain in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has been left out of the Saints' squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria amid reports that United have been given permission to speak to him.

Arsenal and Leicester City are also said to have made contact with Lemina, who arrived at St Mary's Stadium from Juventus two years ago in a reported £15 million ($19m) deal that could potentially rise to £18 million ($23m).

But the Gabon international has made it clear he wants to further his career elsewhere, with a move to another English club his priority."I am physically preparing myself at the training centre, with a few other players including Charlie Austin and Jordy Clasie," he told France Football.
"I did not accompany the team in training in agreement with the coach [Ralph Hasenhuttl]. He wants to build his group with the players who want to stay at the club, so he left me out.

"The best option for me would be to stay [in the Premier League], but I do not close the door to any club, no country. I aspire to play for the biggest clubs."I had chosen to leave Juventus for Southampton to have more playing time - I got it. I have made a good impression in England."

Lemina missed four months of last season with an abdominal injury, but he insisted the problem is behind him and he is now fully fit."As early as last year, I had set my conditions: I wanted to go elsewhere this summer," he said. "I was also very frustrated by my injury that lasted four months, so I really want to discover something else.

"I'm not afraid. I made a choice and I take it to the end. I stand by my plan. I decided to tell the leaders that I wanted to leave, there is no turning back. "There is a risk, of course, but I know what I'm capable of. I'm 100 per cent fit and I'm going to prove that I can get back to my best.

"Some clubs may be more cautious, but they already know me. Today I am fully recovered, I have worked a lot. I am ready to move on. The injury is a very hard one to handle and it requires a lot of work. I did it and now I'm doing very well physically."

Lemina has emerged as a potential target for United after impressing across his 52 appearances for Southampton.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have already lost midfielders Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini over the last five months, while Paul Pogba's future also remains uncertain.

Lemina has emerged as a potential target for United after impressing across his 52 appearances for Southampton.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have already lost midfielders Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini over the last five months, while Paul Pogba's future also remains uncertain.

 

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Van Dijk is an absolute beast - Bergwijn


Netherlands winger Steven Bergwijn has described Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk as "an absolute beast" and is loving playing alongside the powerful centre-back with the national team.Bergwijn enjoyed a sublime 2018-19 campaign with PSV and was among the most valuable players in the Eredivisie last term with 14 goals and 12 assists in 33 appearances.

Only Dusan Tadic, Luuk de Jong, Hakim Ziyech and Abdenasser El Khayati were involved in more goals, and Bergwijn was rewarded for his fine performances with an international call-up in October 2018, making his senior debut in a 3-0 Nations League win over Germany.

The 21-year-old has since gone on to make seven appearances for Netherlands and was part of the squad that lost the final of the Nations League to Portugal.

Teaming up with some of the world's best has proven to be beneficial for Bergwijn's development as he has attracted the interest of some of the continent's elite clubs, with Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Inter and Tottenham all among the teams believed to be keeping tabs on him.

Although Bergwijn was quick to stress he learns from all of his team-mates at international level, there is no denying that Van Dijk is his standout compatriot, being one of the best defenders in the world.

"Van Dijk is an absolute beast," Bergwijn told Goal and Voetbalzone."Of course, it is good to be able to measure myself against him in training with the national team.

"But not just Virgil, they all play for massive clubs. I learn from all of them really.They all have a lot of experience and almost everyone plays for a big club."

Van Dijk's stellar 2018-19 campaign has led to calls for the Liverpool centre-back to become the first defender to win the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, although he faces stiff competition from club team-mates Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, as well as Barcelona ace Lionel Messi among others.

Liverpool's competitive season begins on August 4 with a Community Shield clash against champions Manchester City before hosting Norwich on August 9 to kick off the 2019-20 Premier League season.