..::Football IV::..

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'Be your own person!' - Pogba urged to ignore agent Raiola by Man Utd legend


Manchester United icon Bryan Robson hopes Paul Pogba will knuckle down amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a move away from the Red Devils.
The France international has been strongly linked with a summer move away from Old Trafford and has admitted the time has come for "a new challenge somewhere else".

Pogba's agent Mino Raiola is often vocal when it comes to his player's futures, though Robson is keen for Pogba to remain focused despite talk of a return to Juventus or a possible switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Having joined United three years ago, Pogba insisted there was "no need" to speak about his future following the Red Devils' 2-0 win over Perth Glory though reports concerning a move are rife.

Robson, however, believes the 26-year-old should be the sole master of his destiny and hopes outside influences don't sway his decision."Players are influenced far too much by their agents instead of making their own decisions," Robson told the Evening Standard.

"OK, you might want some advice on what you might sign for and when you do move but you are your own person, you can show the path you want to do in your own career."I don't think many players do that. They are always taking advice from agents."Obviously agents want players to move on because they make money.

"Players should have a good look at themselves in the mirror and make what they want to make from their football career."

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is working with Pogba fully in his plans ahead of the new season as the Manchester club look to return to the top four and beyond following last year's disappointing sixth-place finish.

The Red Devils open the Premier League season against Chelsea on August 11, though whether Pogba will line up at Old Trafford, only time will tell.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar should play for club which makes him happy, insists Dunga


Neymar needs to put wellness before wallet when it comes to choosing between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, according to former Brazil boss Dunga.

PSG signed Neymar in a world-record €222 million (£200m/$250m) deal two years ago but the attacker now wants to rejoin Barca, despite the likelihood of having to take a pay cut.

Part of the 27-year-old's motivation appears to be his desire to reunite with close friends Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, with whom he forged a fearsome forward line.

Dunga knows Neymar better than most in football, having handed him the Brazil captaincy in 2014, and thinks a comfortable environment should be his first priority.

"It's important that he chooses where he's going to be happy, where he will enjoy playing," Dunga said."People don't understand that the Brazilian player is different from the European one.

"We like to play, to have fun, otherwise we get tense, sad... I hope that next season he can give us a lot of joy and demonstrate his full potential. It's up to him."He has many qualities, technical quality. He does everything a player needs to do and has matured a lot. He wins fouls now and he likes more to score, and not only to dribble.

"I think he's in a good moment."Dunga was speaking at an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of Brazil's triumph at the 1994 World Cup.

One feted member of that side, former Deportivo La Coruna striker Bebeto, has an intimate understanding of the pressure associated with providing goals for club and country.The scorer of six World Cup goals counselled his compatriot on the even greater importance of living up to his stature back in Brazil."I hope with all my heart that Neymar can put his head in place," Bebeto said.

"Neymar doesn't know the size of his name. He has to be an example. We have to talk about Neymar making goals, helping the Brazilian team."I'm very supportive of him, because he's a great player and any team in the world has a place for him."

 

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Inter chief Marotta 'optimistic' over move for Lukaku


Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta said he is "optimistic about everything" amid the club's ongoing battle to sign Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku revealed that he expects an update on his future next week as Inter try to prise the Belgium star from Old Trafford, where Marcus Rashford has become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-choice striker.

Antonio Conte's Inter have made no secret of their interest in the 26-year-old, but the Serie A side's reported offer of €70 million (£63m/$79m) – comprising of a two-year loan and a €60m obligation to buy – has apparently fallen short of United's €83m (£75m/$94m) asking price.Officials from both clubs met on Thursday to further negotiate the deal as Conte looks to build his new team around the former Chelsea frontman.

Asked if he was optimistic about Lukaku following speculation Inter could turn to Eintracht Frankfurt's Ante Rebic, CEO Marotta told reporters: "Yes, I am optimistic about everything."Lukaku was not included in the squad for United's 2-0 win over Perth Glory in their opening pre-season fixture in Australia on Saturday.

The ex-Everton striker – contracted to the Red Devils until 2022 with the option of a further year – joined United from the Toffees for £75m in 2017.Lukaku, who has acknowledged a desire to play in Italy and hinted his future could be away from Manchester, scored 12 Premier League goals last season.

He scored 15 goals across all competitions as United finished sixth in the Premier League and lost to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.Inter, meanwhile, have seen striker Mauro Icardi leave the club's pre-season training camp, with it understood Conte is keen to sell the Argentina international this summer.

Juventus are weighing up a potential swoop for Icardi despite an already busy summer of signings for the Serie A champions.

 

[Arthur Curry]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We want to win' - Josh Kroenke issues open letter to Arsenal fans amid protest campaign


Josh Kroenke has issued an open letter to Arsenal fans just 24 hours after 16 influential supporters' groups, websites and bloggers launched the #wecaredoyou campaign.

On Monday morning Arsenal fans came together in an unprecedented showing of unity, calling on owner Stan Kroenke and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) to prove they have the ambition to get Arsenal back competing alongside Europe’s best.A joint statement was issued demanding Kroenke and the club start reversing the decline that has been seen in recent seasons.

It read: “As Arsenal fans we have watched with frustration as the team’s football performances have declined over the past decade. When Stan Kroenke began buying Arsenal shares the club had just competed in a first Champions League final. Twelve years on, Arsenal are about to play in the Europa League for the third year running.

“Off the pitch, fans have never felt more marginalised, less listened to or valued.This was sadly illustrated when Stan Kroenke forcibly bought out the last remaining supporter-shareholders without even a word of appreciation for their custodianship role in the club.

“It feels as though Arsenal is at a crossroads. Things need to change.
“What all of us as signatories to this statement want to see is meaningful action by Stan Kroenke to reinvigorate our football club.“This requires work to strengthen the club’s board and football executive and to once again make Arsenal a place where fans have a real sense of belonging.

Change needs to start with better leadership.”And now Josh Kroenke, Arsenal director and the son of owner Stan, has responded with an open letter addressing some of the points made in the campaign’s statement.

The 39-year-old, who was in attendance on Monday night as Arsenal kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 win against Colorado Rapids in Denver, said: “I’d like to start by clarifying that my family owns Arsenal together, and when it comes to the Club, my father and I are in constant dialogue.

“So when you hear from him you are hearing from me, and the other way round.So I pen this on behalf of myself, my father, my family and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.“We know we have some of the most passionate fans in any sport, anywhere in the world. It’s part of what makes us such a special and unique Club.

“And while we understand, appreciate, and agree with concerns about our Club failing to achieve our goal of qualifying for the 2019-20 Champions League, we respectfully disagree about our Club being at a crossroads and that things need to change because so much change has recently occurred.”

The letter continues with Kroenke saying Arsenal now needs some stability following a 12-month period which saw huge amounts of change at the club, following the departure of Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

Kroenke highlighted the appointment of Edu as technical director, an appointment he describes as the ‘final piece of a very important jigsaw’ in the club’s football operational structure.

“He [Edu] is first and foremost an Arsenal man who understands the ethos of our Club and, as an Invincible, he understands the mentality required from top to bottom across the entire Club for us to return to the level at which we all expect to be competing,” said Kroenke. “He joins Freddie, Per and Steve Bould, all winners with Arsenal DNA, who love our Club.”

A major part of the #wecaredoyou campaign that was launched on Monday centres around the perceived lack of ambition from KSE to get Arsenal back challenging for major titles.The Gunners are preparing for a third successive campaign of Europa League football having missed out once again on a top-four finish in the Premier League last season.

And currently the north London club have made just one summer signing, with Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli the only new addition to Unai Emery’s squad.

Monday’s statement said: “In his takeover document Stan Kroenke said: 'KSE’s ambitions for the club are to see it competing consistently to win the Premier League and the Champions League'.“We see little evidence of how this is to be achieved. Instead our club feels like an investment vehicle, personified by the owner’s statement that he didn’t buy Arsenal to win trophies.

“It is sad that an institution like Arsenal FC has such passive ownership. All of us want to see a clear sense of purpose and direction. KSE should start by being more open and accountable and explain how they intend to achieve the goal of winning the game’s major trophies.”Kroenke, however, insists KSE are ambitious and their aim is very much to win titles.

“We want to be clear we are in sports for one reason and one reason only...to win,” he said. “There is simply no better feeling in sport than winning at the highest level.

“We know there is a lot of hard work ahead and understand that supporters want success now. We will continue to push forward trying to balance the short and long term vision without abandoning the core principles of the Club that have sustained us for the past 133 years.

“We are not naive in our thinking that our ambitions can be achieved overnight, and are putting processes in place to ensure we are stacked not only with talent, but talent with the proper mentality to help us achieve our highest goals in the future.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG complete €32m Diallo signing from Borussia Dortmund


Paris Saint-Germain have signed Abdou Diallo from Borussia Dortmund, the French side announced on Tuesday.

Diallo moves to the Parc des Princes in a €32 million (£29m/$36m) deal, ending his stay with Dortmund after just one season.The centre-back joined Dortmund from Mainz ahead of the 2018-19 season and made 38 appearances across all competitions in his only campaign for the club.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club, as he makes the move back to France, with Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc stating that the defender was in search of a new challenge."It is a great honour to be involved with such a prestigious club as Paris Saint-Germain," Diallo said.

"I have always said that the Parisian project was very attractive. Joining the capital club is another important step in my career."I am committed to giving my all for my new club and look forward to bringing my qualities and desire to this team renowned for its high quality and high ambitions."

Formerly a part of the Monaco academy, the French defender now moves to rivals PSG to add a bit of youth to the club's back line.Diallo made 10 appearances in Ligue 1 before moving to Germany, making five appearances for AS Monaco during both the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons ahead of his move to Mainz.

Both Thilo Kehrer and Presnel Kimpembe are also counted among the club's central defensive options, and all but Thiago Silva are under the age of 26.PSG have also signed Ander Herrera and Pablo Sarabia this summer, making Diallo the third addition following deals for the two midfielders.

The French champions have been dealing with a tumultuous summer, headlined by reports that Neymar could leave the club for Barcelona.After missing the opening days of pre-season training, Neymar reported to Paris on Monday as he began preparations for the new season.​

Dortmund have already added to their own back line with the return of Mats Hummels, who came back after originally departing for Bayern in 2016.The club also has Omer Toprak, Manuel Akanji and Dan-Axel Zagadou among their back line options after finishing second behind Bayern last campaign.​

 

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'Maguire will improve Man Utd or City' - Former Leicester team-mate backing big-money move


Harry Maguire would improve either of the Manchester rivals pursuing his signature, says Danny Simpson, with it easy to see why United and City are battling it out for the Leicester defender.

A move away from the King Power Stadium for the England international has been mooted for some time.Jose Mourinho was said to have made him a top target for United in the summer of 2018 on the back of his exploits at the World Cup finals in Russia.

Interest from the Red Devils has been rekindled, amid talk of record-breaking transfer fees, but they are not the only ones in the hunt.Premier League champions City are also said to be keen, with Pep Guardiola in the market for a suitable successor to Vincent Kompany at the heart of his back four.

Simpson, who spent two years alongside Maguire at Leicester before leaving the Foxes this summer, is not surprised to have seen the 26-year-old centre-half become such a sought-after talent.He told talkSPORT: “I’m not surprised that United and City are in for him. For me he’s one of the best defenders.

“He’s a top lad and he’s only going to get better. He’s improving, he’s a leader and he can be wherever he wants to be.“The way he brings the ball out from the back and organises everyone is quality.“He wants to go all the way to the top and I think if he does go to one of those two teams, he’ll kick on straight away and take it in his stride.”

Simpson is a product of United’s academy system and would prefer to see Maguire head for Old Trafford if a move to Manchester is made, but he concedes that City would be a suitable destination for a player with the potential to fill some big shoes for the Blues.“I’m a United fan so I’m a bit biased,” added Simpson.

“But United want to get back to the top and City have lost Kompany.“Wherever he is this season he’s going to improve that team.”Maguire committed to a new five-year contract with Leicester in 2018 and is now said to be valued by the Foxes at around the £90 million ($112m) mark.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Maguire wa Manchester United ganna puluwan unoth nam godak watinawa​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski could sign new Bayern deal as Rummenigge rules out Mandzukic return


Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says Robert Lewandowski could extend his contract with Bayern Munich and has ruled out a deal to bring back Mario Mandzukic.Poland striker Lewandowski appeared to be agitating for a move away from the Allianz Arena 12 months ago but was unable to secure an exit.

He went on to score 40 goals last season as Bayern won the domestic double and admitted in March he could see out his career at Bayern after becoming much more settled.

Chairman Rummenigge now hopes Lewandowski will agree to a new contract as he believes the 30-year-old could play for several more years. Lewandowski's current deal covers the next two seasons.

"It's not all wrapped up, but there's already the development with Robert that he feels extremely comfortable with Bayern Munich," Rummenigge said to Bild."When you look at his body, this is a player who can easily play at this level for a few more years."

Rummenigge also dismissed talk that former Bayern striker Mandzukic could be brought back to the club from Juventus as support for Lewandowski, saying: "Nothing is planned in that direction."However, Rummenigge did confirm Bayern remain eager to sign another winger to help fill the void left by Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who left at the end of last season.

"We still need a winger because we lost two with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben," said Rummenigge, with Bayern still thought to be interested in Leroy Sane and Ousmane Dembele. "But I don't want to promise anything because there is no point in making big promises."Rummenigge added he is confident head coach Niko Kovac can make further strides with the club in 2019-20 thanks in part to their impressive strength in depth in defence.

"When I look at our defence, with [David] Alaba, [Lucas] Hernandez, [Niklas] Sule, [Joshua] Kimmich, [Benjamin] Pavard and Jerome [Boateng], where we have to wait and see what's going on with him, I have to say I don't see many better in Europe," he added.

"Also, what we have to offer up front... it's all good. We have a good team and a good squad; the transfer market is not over yet. When the Bundesliga starts, I'm convinced our team will be very focused and motivated to get to work.

"Niko knows we are a club that needs success. We're interested in continuity, in the coaching position as well. I wish him as successful a second season as he had last year, with the double, and perhaps one more round in the Champions League. Everyone would then be very happy with Bayern."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG to demand €222m+ for Neymar & not interested in Coutinho or Dembele swap deal


Paris Saint-Germain will demand €222 million-plus (£200m/$249m) from Barcelona if they want to sign Neymar.AS reported on Tuesday that the Catalans, who are keen to take the Brazilian back to Camp Nou, had lodged a bid worth €40m (£36m/$45m) plus Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele.

But, according to sources close to the talks, PSG are not interested in selling the 27-year-old for less than €222m, the figure they agreed to pay Barca to sign him originally in 2017.

Should the Liga title winners continue to offer players as part of the negotiations, the Parisians would only consider defensive reinforcements, given they already possess an array of attacking talents including Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler.As outlined by Goal in November 2018, there are stipulations over Neymar's possible return to Camp Nou.

Barca are expecting the player to accept he made a mistake in the way he left the club initially, while he would need to agree to a wage cut and also drop the various legal disputes that exist between both parties.But according to sources close to the club, the Brazilian has yet to meet any of those expectations and has not publicly given a clear indication that he wants to return.

PSG, meanwhile, will not be comfortable with how the Neymar saga has played out over the summer.Thomas Tuchel's side have seen one of their star names hit the headlines on numerous occasions over the past few months, with Barca having publicly claimed the Brazilian forward wants to leave.

His position within the PSG camp was not helped by his reference to Barca's 6-1 'Remontada' comeback win over the Parisians being his favourite moment as a player, while he also posted a cryptic message on Instagram containing an image of him in a Barcelona shirt.And, despite PSG's determination to recover as much as possible in a potential sale, sporting director Leonardo has already confirmed that Neymar could well leave this summer.

Sources have told Goal that the former Santos star, who returned to training on Monday, has told his compatriot that he wants out, only to be informed about PSG's asking price - a figure that the Catalans are unable to afford outright.

Neymar himself does not want to further upset PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi by making any more public declarations over his future, knowing he will ultimately have the final say over whether he's allowed to leave.One possible scenario is an initial loan with the option to buy, much like the deal PSG put in place to sign Mbappe from Monaco, although that is not currently on the table.

Any move for Neymar is certain to have repercussions for members of the current Barca squad, with Philippe Coutinho's agent having called for clarity over his client's future, suggesting Barca are plotting to sell the Brazilian to help fund their pursuit of the PSG attacker.

 

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‘We need to get strong Man Utd back’ – Phelan hoping to make amends for ‘poor finish’ in 2018-19


Manchester United are looking to make amends for their “poor finish” in 2018-19, says Mike Phelan, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff working hard to make the team more consistent.

The Red Devils enjoyed a mid-season resurgence last term after the managerial baton was passed from Jose Mourinho to Solskjaer.They were, however, to end the campaign with a sorry run of just two wins in 12 games across all competitions.

Efforts are being made during the summer transfer window to bolster the ranks at Old Trafford, while pre-season preparations are now well underway in Australia.Assistant manager Phelan claims to have seen plenty of signs of encouragement, with everyone associated with the Red Devils endeavouring to bring back the United of old.“We're piecing everything together,” Phelan told the club’s official website.

“We've asked the players to do more and we're getting that response from them.You can see the intensity in training is high.“We need to keep pushing and pushing.We're not just preparing them for the first game of the season [against Chelsea on August 11] but preparing them for the season.

“We all know last season was difficult - a great start but poor finish. We need to make sure now that the energy, stamina and enthusiasm is in the players right from the start.“It's not just fitness. We want them to be mentally tough as well to experience what it really is about Manchester United - it's right to the end, from start to finish.

“We had periods in games where we looked really at it and really strong but then faded. We need to get that Man Utd back, that goes right the way through 96 minutes, which is a game of football nowadays, and we're preparing them for that.

“The players have to understand how it feels to be fatigued and then go again.We're trying to get that into them, both in their minds and in their bodies.”United will be back in action on Wednesday when they take in a meeting with old adversaries Leeds.

They then have further fixtures to come against Inter, Tottenham and AC Milan in the International Champions Cup and a friendly clash with Kristiansund before the next Premier League season kicks off.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘His heart and affinity is very much with Liverpool’ - Coutinho’s agent hints at possible return to Anfield


Philippe Coutinho's agent has said the Barcelona attacker would not consider a move to any Premier League side other than Liverpool, given his affinity with the Merseyside club.

The Brazilian has been linked with transfers to Manchester United and Chelsea - as well as Liverpool - in recent weeks, but agent Kia Joorabchian believes if Coutinho were to return to the Premier League it only would be to rejoin the Reds.

"Manchester United is a great club, I have players there and I have all the respect for them, but as far as Philippe goes it would be an extremely difficult to a near-impossible move,” Joorabchian told talkSPORT.

"It would be very difficult for Philippe to play for any of Liverpool’s rivals, because he has such a great affinity towards Liverpool. His time there was fantastic. His heart and affinity is very much with Liverpool."

Coutinho spent five years at Liverpool before departing the club in January 2018 for a reported fee of £142 million ($178m), but has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at Camp Nou.

While it is a little over 18 months ago that the 27-year departed the Reds, Joorabchian feels that the club’s recuitment in that period may mean there is no place for Coutinho in Jurgen Klopp’s side."Liverpool have built a tremendous squad, the manager has a great balance there and it’s probably one of the best run football clubs in the country," he said.

"So with the build-up they’ve done and the squad they have, [signing Coutinho] would really have to be something they would have to decide whether or not they feel there is now a gap in the squad for someone like Philippe."Obviously if he were to move back [to the Premier League], it would have to be Liverpool, but at the moment I think it would be difficult and it would be up to them."

Speculation that Coutinho could return to his former employers has increased markedly in recent days, with a report claiming Barcelona may offer Liverpool the chance to sign the former Inter man on a two-year loan.However, the player’s agent has dismissed these rumours and claims Barca want to keep hold of their record signing.

"I don’t know about those stories," said Joorabchian. "[Josep Maria] Bartomeu [the club president] was very clear with me, saying he doesn’t want the player to leave and he has a future there."They made a tremendous effort to bring him over, he is Barcelona’s most expensive signing in history and the second or third most expensive signing in the world.

"As things happen in football, sometimes players feel a bit uncomfortable about somewhere, sometimes it’s the clubs that just don’t quite fit. If that happens obviously we’ll decide what’s best for Philippe, but at the moment we’re being told that’s not happening, it’s fine."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Overmars optimistic De Ligt saga 'almost over' as Juventus move nears
completion

Matthijs de Ligt's transfer to Juventus is nearing its conclusion, according to Ajax's director of football Marc Overmars.

De Ligt's move away from Ajax is set to be one of the biggest deals of the transfer window, with the 19-year-old having been linked to a number of Europe's biggest clubs.

The 19-year-old helped Erik ten Hag's side complete a domestic double last season while racking up over 50 appearances across all competitions.

Serie A champions Juve are the team who look set to secure the teenage centre-back, however, for a reported fee of €66 million ($74m, £59m).

Ajax confirmed on Sunday that De Ligt had been left out of their travelling squad for a pre-season trip to Austria , and Overmars believes the transfer is all but done, with the player expected in Turin to undergo a medical on Tuesday."The end of the transfer of De Ligt is near," Overmars told Voetbal International .

"We're awaiting bank guarantees because we are very strict with this at Ajax.Hopefully, things will progress, but I think there will be no further obstructions. They are Italians."

De Ligt will leave a big void in Ajax's defence, with the youngster having been instrumental in leading Erik ten Hag's side to the Champions League semi-finals last term.

Mexico international Edson Alvarez could act as De Ligt's replacement, though Overmars insists the Club America centre-back would have been a target regardless ."This transfer is not depending on the development of De Ligt's transfer," Overmars added."Edson is a player we think is good, so he might come to us. He is a good age, 21, and plays on a regular basis in the national team of Mexico and we know him very well because we scouted him over a longer period.

"He has progressed very well, and he can play in many positions."Juventus, meanwhile, will take their summer spending beyond €100 million ($90m, £113m) with the acquisition of De Ligt, having already brought in Cristian Romero, Luca Pellegrini and Merih Dermiral.

Adrien Rabiot, Aaron Ramsey and Gianluigi Buffon have also arrived in Turin on free transfers, with new boss Maurizio Sarri set to target trophies on all fronts next season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal set to beat Spurs to £27m William Saliba transfer


Arsenal are hopeful they have seen off Tottenham in the race for William Saliba.The 18-year-old centre-back has been a priority target for the Gunners this summer and they thought they had landed the teenager when a £27 million ($34m) deal was agreed with Saint-Etienne last week.But just as the transfer was in the process of being finalised, Tottenham made a late move for the defender which threw his potential move to the Emirates into doubt.

Spurs' bid was for the same amount, but it included a payment structure and add-ons that were more appealing to the Ligue 1 outfit.

Saint-Etienne then requested that Arsenal matched the offer, which they did - and the Gunners are now on the verge of sealing a deal for the talented Frenchmen.Saliba had already agreed a five-year contract at the Emirates and will spend the first year of that back on loan with Saint-Etienne for the 2019/20 campaign.

Arsenal will not have to pay much of the transfer fee in the initial down payment, so the deal will not have much of an impact on Unai Emery’s transfer budget this summer.

Saliba’s arrival will be warmly welcomed at the Emirates, with the club’s scouting network having identified the centre-back as a priority target having watched him extensively during the second half of last season.

And the potential deal comes as Arsenal are also close to landing Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid.

The Gunners are in advanced talks with the Spanish giants over a loan move for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.Madrid have yet to fully agree to the move, but it is believed manager Zinedine Zidane will not prevent the Spain international from leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.

Should Zidane give the green light for Ceballos to complete the transfer, it should be finalised relatively quickly, with Arsenal keen to wrap up a deal.The potential move coincides with comments from Arsenal director Josh Kroenke - the son of owner Stan Kroenke - telling fans to be excited about what could come before the close of the transfer window next month.

“I would say ‘be excited’,” Kroenke told Arsenal.com. “There are a few things that I know our group are working on, and a few things we hopefully have on the doorstep.

“Nothing is ever a done deal until it’s a done deal, obviously, but we know we have key areas we want to address in our squad, both now and in the future.“Our entire football operations staff have a great grasp on that and I’ve encouraged them to be as expressive as possible.”Meanwhile, Unai Emery has stated that he is hoping to see three of four new faces arrive before the transfer window closes on August 8.

The Spaniard, who saw his side kick-off their pre-season tour to the United States with a 3-0 win against Colorado Rapids, said: "We need players with big performances.

"Our target is to get three or four players who really improve our squad now. We are being very, very demanding and first speaking about the possibility to sign very expensive players.

"The first player in our list is our first target, if we cannot achieve that [we'll go for] the second. We think they're going to improve our squad."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Trippier joins Atletico Madrid in £20m deal


Tottenham's England full-back Kieran Trippier has completed a move to Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club confirmed on Wednesday.

Trippier, 28, put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitana. Atletico paid out £20 million ($25m) for the player, a fee that could rise in the future due to add-ons and bonuses negotiated between the two clubs.

"Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have come to an agreement for the transfer of Kieran Trippier," Atletico confirmed on the club's official website."The English player, 28, has signed for the next three seasons.

"We welcome Trippier to the Atletico family and wish him the best of luck in his new home. Welcome, Kieran!"The Colchoneros have invested heavily in shoring up their defence so far in the summer transfer window.With stalwart centre-back Diego Godin leaving for Inter, Atleti swooped for Porto's Felipe as a replacement for the Uruguayan.

Felipe's fellow Brazilian Renan Lodi also joined from Athletico Paranaense, making Trippier the third defensive signing of the summer; while Atletico have also moved for Joao Felix and Marcos Llorente further up the field in the wake of Antoine Griezmann's exit to Barcelona.Trippier had already been left out of Tottenham's pre-season touring squad as he closed on a switch to the Spanish capital.

Tuesday saw the right-back travel to Madrid to undergo his medical and bring to a close four years with Spurs.He joined the north Londoners in 2015 from Burnley, and went on to make over 100 appearances under the watch of manager Mauricio Pochettino.

But having represented England at the World Cup just 12 months ago, the 2018-19 season saw his form take a noticeable dip.His poor performances led to his exclusion from the Three Lions' UEFA Nations League squad while also convincing Spurs they could afford to dispense with his services.

Now he will look to bounce back under Pochettino's compatriot Diego Simeone and take on the mantle of legendary Atletico right-back Juanfran, who left the club in May 2019.

 

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West Ham complete club-record £40m Haller signing


West Ham have completed the club-record signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Sebastien Haller for a fee reported to be worth an initial £40 million ($50m) plus add-ons.The 25-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Irons, with the option for a further year included.

Felipe Anderson was the club's previous record signing having moved from Lazio for £35m ($43m) last year, a month after Issa Diop had broken the Hammers' record with a £22m ($27m) transfer.

"It means a lot [to be the record signing]," Haller said in a statement. "It proves that the club [has] really wanted me for a long time.

"I felt this desire to sign me and I’m really happy to sign, also. it is an ambitious club, a nice club, a nice city and nice fans too."For me I can guarantee that I will give 100 per cent for the club because the club has given me this confidence and I will try to give it back every day in every game.

"I will always give 100 per cent and respect the club. I think this is a normal thing and that I can guarantee. I know it’s a big transfer and there is a lot of expectation around me, and I just want to make people proud of this transfer and I will give everything I have."

Haller enjoyed a breakthrough season for Frankfurt last term, scoring 15 goals in 29 league games as Die Adler finished seventh in the Bundesliga off the back of his and Luka Jovic's goals.

The forward had previously picked up a DFB Pokal winners medal in 2018 after he was an 89th-minute substitute as Frankfurt beat Bayern Munich 3-1 in the final.

West Ham's director of football Mario Husillos said: “It is no secret that we have been in the process of identifying a top class striker to add to the squad this summer, and much work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure that we were in a position to act once the right opportunity became available.

“Sebastien is a player we have been watching closely for some time - he has always been a key target and someone who myself, Manuel Pellegrini and David Sullivan were very keen to bring to the football club."

Haller becomes West Ham's fourth signing of the summer following Pablo Fornals and goalkeeping duo Roberto and David Martin.

 

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Manchester United 4-0 Leeds United: Man Utd sign off in Perth in style

Goals from Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side two up at the break and, after 11 half-time changes, Phil Jones' header and an Anthony Martial penalty sealed the impressive win.
Leeds spurned a host of clear goalscoring opportunities in the first half but, with manager Marcelo Bielsa only having a 16-man squad at his disposal, their challenge faded in the second half as fatigue set in.


Manchester United jet off to Singapore on Thursday ahead of Saturday's clash with Inter Milan, while Leeds travel across Australia to take on Western Sydney Wanderers.

With Romelu Lukaku missing for the second game running, Rashford nearly sealed the perfect start for United inside two minutes at Optus Stadium but his crisp drive cannoned off the post after flashing past Kiko Casilla.
The Leeds goalkeeper's defence was breached five minutes later, though, as Greenwood applied the finishing touch to Aaron Wan-Bissaka's cross to open the scoring from close range.

Paul Pogba flashed a dipping free-kick inches wide on the quarter-hour mark before Leeds staged their comeback. Jack Harrison fired a shot into the side-netting before Sergio Romero denied Pablo Hernandez and Patrick Bamford with two fine saves in quick succession.
But Leeds paid the price for missing their chances as Rashford's left Gaetano Berardi and Stuart Dallas on their backsides with a sidestep and finished clinically past Casilla.

The woodwork denied Daniel James his first United goal two minutes before the break but their second-half 11 took just six minutes to extend their lead.
Andreas Pereira whipped a corner into the near post and Jones had the time and space to score United's third with a towering header from six yards.
Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes began enjoying themselves against tiring Leeds legs, the pair combining to provide United's fourth goal as the former was brought down in the area by Leeds captain Liam Cooper. Up stepped Martial, who sent Casilla the wrong way from 12 yards on 69 minutes.

The game tailed off as full-time approached, but there was still time for tempers to flare as Ashley Young lunged in on Adam Forshaw shortly after claiming to be elbowed.

 

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Congratulations Manchester United!
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'More difficult' to keep of Milinkovic-Savic this summer, admits Lazio chief


Lazio president Claudio Lotito insists it will be harder to keep star player Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the current transfer window.Lotito, 62, will celebrate his 15th anniversary in charge of the capital club on Friday, and his comments will alert those who have shown a key interest in talented Serbia midfielder Milinkovic-Savic.

Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are said to have enquired about the availability of the 24-year-old, who occupies a role as a box-to-box player and a creative outlet for his side.Milinkovic-Savic represented Serbia at the World Cup in 2018 having arrived at Lazio from Genk in 2015. He has since made 163 appearances in Biancocelesti, scoring a total of 31 goals.

“We’ve created a glasshouse, where it’s understood that people can’t be forced to perform their roles in an environment where they feel cramped,” Lotito admitted to Il Corriere dello Sport.“Milinkovic has shown sincerity and responsibility, so that isn’t the case with him. He feels good here.

“Last year I managed to resist the assaults of other clubs, but this year I’d have fewer weapons if a different solution was proposed to the player.“Let’s say that I used up some of my weapons last year.”

Reports have suggested that United have already seen a bid of €80 million (£72m/$90m) rejected by Lazio, with the Serie A side insisting on at least a €100m fee in order to part with their outstanding asset.They are in a good position to stick to their guns, as Milinkovic-Savic only recently extended his existing contract with the club, taking his deal up until 2023.

At the beginning of July, it was reported that Lazio sporting director Igli Tare had flown into London to hold talks with United, however there has been no official news since then.

The Lazio man would represent a good replacement for Paul Pogba, as rumours persist that the Frenchman is on his way out of Old Trafford this summer.Milinkovic-Savic fills a similar role to Pogba and contributed to his side’s attack with five goals and three assists in domestic action last season.

 

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Griezmann dispute sees Atletico report Barcelona to La Liga over claims to €80m transfer fee addition


Atletico Madrid have reported Barcelona to La Liga as they continue to pursue an €80 million (£72m/$90m) addition to the transfer which has taken Antoine Griezmann to Camp Nou.

A World Cup-winning forward has completed a move from the Spanish capital to Catalunya.Barca have paid out the €120m (£108m/$135m) required to trigger the release clause that existed in his Atletico contract.

They believe they have done nothing wrong , but domestic rivals are arguing that an agreement was reached with Griezmann when his exit fee stood at €200m (£179m/$224m).Atletico vowed when a move was announced that they would be opening legal proceedings.

Club president Enrique Cerezo claims to have evidence of wrongdoing and is determined to get what those at Wanda Metropolitano feel they are entitled to.That fight has now been taken to La Liga officials and those in power at the Spanish FA (RFEF).

Atletico had been planning to take their case to FIFA, in the hope that world football’s governing body could rule in their favour.They have, however, been informed that FIFA has no jurisdiction in a dispute between two teams from the same association.

That has led to the appeal which the Rojiblancos hope will see them given a fair hearing.The dispute is unlikely to be resolved easily, though, as representatives from both Atleti and Barca sit on the six-person La Liga committee.

With there a clear conflict of interest, it may be that both officials are forced to stand down.The case is set to be heard on Thursday, with no official comment being made as yet.Whatever happens, Griezmann will be cleared to open a new chapter in his career at Camp Nou.

The France international had come close to making a switch to Barcelona in the summer of 2018, only to then commit his future to Atletico in an infamous video reveal.The 28-year-old then went a step further by signing a new contract but has completed just 12 months of that agreement before moving on.

He is joining the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at the Spanish champions, while there is still a chance that Neymar could be drafted into a star-studded attacking unit – with Barca exploring the possibility of bringing the Brazilian back onto their books from Paris Saint-Germain.