..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Maldini: Modric would be 'perfect' but Milan have not bid for Madrid star


Paolo Maldini insists AC Milan did not make an offer for Luka Modric this close season, although he admits the Real Madrid man would be "perfect" at San Siro.

Modric is expected to stay at Madrid, where he has been since 2012, but the 33-year-old was linked with moves to Inter last year and rivals Milan in recent months.Maldini, acknowledging the midfielder's blend of experience and talent, says there was never any negotiation for the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.

"We never negotiated for Modric, but we've said to [coach Marco] Giampaolo this club are looking for good young players and some experienced ones," Rossoneri technical director Maldini told a news conference.

"The growth of young players takes place through the presence of experienced players. Modric would be perfect here, but we've never negotiated for him."

Maldini was speaking alongside Rade Krunic and Theo Hernandez as they were presented as Milan players on Friday.Hernandez, a left-back just as Maldini was in his playing days, was delighted to have joined Milan.

"It is a real honour to be sitting next to [Maldini]," Hernandez said. "He will always be the best full-back in the world."We met in Ibiza, where he had some very beautiful and sincere words for me. Since then, I have had the desire to join Milan.I trained hard to succeed and in the end I did it."

Krunic, a Bosnia and Herzegovina international midfielder, joined after spending four seasons with Empoli.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'You know very well I like this player' - Conte confirms admiration for Lukaku amid Inter transfer links


Inter boss Antonio Conte has expressed his admiration for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku, who continues to be linked with a move to San Siro.

The 26-year-old completed a switch to Old Trafford from Everton in 2017, reuniting with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after three years at Goodison Park.

Lukaku scored 26 goals across all competitions in his debut season for United but was less prolific in the 2018-19 campaign, facing criticism amid concerns over his fitness in particular.

The Belgium international even admitted back in April that he "dreams" of playing in Serie A one day, fuelling speculation he could leave United this summer.Inter have been touted as his most likely next destination, with chief executive Giuseppe Marotta 'optimistic' a deal can be pushed over the line before the August transfer deadline.

Speaking ahead of his side's pre-season clash against the Red Devils in the International Champions Cup on Saturday, Conte confessed he "likes" Lukaku as a player before also conceding the Nerazzurri are in dire need of attacking reinforcements.

“You know very well I like this player [Lukaku]," the Italian coach began. "Today Lukaku is a player of United and this is the reality. This is the truth.“For sure it’s not easy to play without a striker at the beginning of the season like this. The market is still open."

Conte also hinted he would have preferred to have concluded Inter's business at an earlier date, but he has been in regular contact with the club's senior officials.

“Of course it can be difficult for the team," he added. "I already spoke with the management. It’s not just about getting news players but reducing (the squad). I cannot hide that we’re a bit late."One man who looks destined to leave San Siro this summer is Mauro Icardi, after a turbulent year which saw him stripped of his captaincy duties by former coach Luciano Spalletti.

Conte succeeded Spalletti in June and, when asked to address the Argentine's position at the club, he confirmed that the 26-year-old is not in his plans ahead of the new season.“He [Icardi] is out of Inter’s project. This is the reality in this moment," Conte stated.

Inter's clash against United will take place at Singapore's national stadium and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already revealed that Lukaku will miss the fixture through injury.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Manchester United 1 Vs 0 Inter

Manchester United Goal(s)

M.Greenwood 78'

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United 1-0 Inter: Greenwood hits winner for impressive Red Devils

Mason Greenwood's second pre-season goal gave Manchester United a richly deserved 1-0 win over Inter in the International Champions Cup in Singapore.
On as a second-half substitute, teenager Greenwood demonstrated composure beyond his years when he rifled home the only goal in the 76th minute.

His fine finish consigned Antonio Conte to defeat in his first match in charge of Inter, which was played against the backdrop of transfer speculation surrounding Romelu Lukaku.

The injured striker played no part in the wake of reports Inter had unsuccessfully tabled a £54million bid, an offer United might reconsider if Greenwood's emergence continues.

United welcomed David de Gea and Luke Shaw back into the starting XI and the latter went closest to an early opener, fizzing a shot past Samir Handanovic's left post.Anthony Martial tested the Inter captain with a dipping drive midway through the half and the Premier League side's lively start should have been rewarded with the opener on the 30-minute mark.

Shaw escaped into space on the left flank and dragged a cut-back towards Marcus Rashford, but goalkeeper Handanovic got just enough of a touch to muddle the striker's feet.

Daniel James sliced wide from a promising position towards the end of the first half and the pressure on Inter did not relent in the moments after the interval.Martial this time sliced through a static defence and provided Jesse Lingard with a golden scoring opportunity, but his unconvincing finish was hacked off the line.United skipper Nemanja Matic then headed against the upright from the resultant corner.

Substitutes Andreas Pereira and Tahith Chong had appeals for penalties waved away as Inter continued to cling on, although a raft of substitutions on both sides did somewhat stymie the flow of proceedings.That was until Greenwood clinically punished a poor Handanovic punch, twisting away from a tackle in the box and making no mistake with a rasping finish.

An instinctive effort from the goal-scorer found the woodwork with 10 minutes to play but his impression on the match - and surely Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - had already been made.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich 3-1 Real Madrid: Hazard makes debut as Bundesliga champs steal show

Eden Hazard made his Real Madrid debut as the LaLiga giants were beaten 3-1 by Bayern Munich at the International Champions Cup in Houston.Hazard wore the Madrid jersey for the first time since his big-money move from Chelsea, while fellow recruits Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo Goes also made their bows for Zinedine Zidane's side.

But Corentin Tolisso, Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry stole the show as Bayern put Madrid to the sword in the second half, which saw Zidane make 11 changes at the interval.

Tolisso opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Bayern completely dominated in the second half, with substitutes Lewandowski and Gnabry condemning Madrid to defeat in their ICC opener on Saturday.

Madrid did have something to celebrate when Rodrygo capped his debut with a stunning 84th-minute free-kick after Sven Ulreich was sent off for bringing down the former Santos youngster.

Gareth Bale was left out of the Madrid squad amid ongoing uncertainty over his future, with the Welshman linked to Bayern. While there was no room for Bale, Jovic, Rodrygo and Mendy were on the bench.

It was an entertaining and end-to-end first half, with Bayern's Manuel Neuer the busier of the two goalkeepers at NRG Stadium.

After Neuer managed to make a goal-line save to deny Karim Benzema in the 11th minute, Bayern broke the deadlock four minutes later via Tolisso.A low cross from Kingsley Coman found a way through to Tolisso, whose initial shot was stopped on the line by Thibaut Courtois, but the Frenchman made no mistake with the rebound.

Madrid huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser – Benzema, who failed to capitalise on a pair of consecutive close-range chances, in the thick of the action but unable to put the ball over the line.Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Hazard also had opportunities for Madrid prior to half-time, however, Bayern managed to preserve their advantage.

Madrid controlled possession early in the second half but Bayern were a threat in attack and the German giants sent a warning when an unmarked Thiago Alcantara drove into the box, however he was unable to direct Coman's cross on target approaching the hour mark.

That warning went unheeded as centre-back Niklas Sule picked out Lewandowski with a ball over Madrid's defence in the 67th minute and the Polish striker produced a stunning piece of skill to control it before turning and finishing into the bottom corner.

Gnabry completed the rout two minutes later when the German found himself unmarked in the area and he had time to take a touch and fire a half-volley past Keylor Navas.

Bayern ended the match with 10 men after Ulreich was red carded for a foul on Rodrygo outside the area in the 81st minute following Joshua Kimmich's sloppy back-pass and the Madrid signing converted his own free-kick to pull a goal back.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal 3-0 Fiorentina: Nketiah leads Premier League outfit

Eddie Nketiah continued his fine form to lead Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Fiorentina at the International Champions Cup on Saturday.

Nketiah, who scored a late winner against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, netted a brace at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 20-year-old forward led Arsenal to another pre-season victory, scoring once in each half for the Premier League outfit before Joe Willock sealed the win.

Arsenal opened the scoring after 15 minutes thanks to Nketiah, who made it goals in back-to-back games.

Sead Kolasinac was released down the left before his cross was deflected to Nketiah, who produced a composed finish from inside the area to make it 1-0.

In hot conditions, Fiorentina almost drew level nine minutes before half-time, but Federico Ceccherini's header was cleared off the line by Nketiah.

The Serie A side looked threatening throughout the first 45 minutes and Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was called into action on the stroke of half-time, denying Riccardo Sottil after the attacker was played in behind.A beautiful move led to another chance for Fiorentina before the break, but Dusan Vlahovic poked wide in a one-on-one with Martinez.

The encounter opened up to begin the second half, with Alexandre Lacazette curling a 20-yard free-kick over the crossbar for Arsenal in the 57th minute.
But, Arsenal doubled their lead in the 65th minute as Nketiah continued his goalscoring form.Henrikh Mkhitaryan's cutback from the right found Lacazette, who passed to Nketiah for a simple finish.

Fiorentina were unable to find a way back into the contest amid a flurry of substitutions, Gabriel Martinelli squandering a one-on-one chance for Arsenal before the sealer arrived.

Lacazette again kept his composure before playing in Willock, who finished clinically to make it 3-0 in the 89th minute.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'It has not moved' - No concrete offers for Neymar, insists Leonardo


Paris Saint-Germain have not received a "concrete offer" for Neymar, the club's sporting director Leonardo said.The Brazilian forward has been heavily linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 champions during the close season, with his former club Barcelona looking the most likely destination.

He caused controversy earlier in the off-season when he failed to report for training with the rest of the squad on July 8.

Despite the club insisting he would be disciplined for his unauthorised absence his father insisted he had PSG’s approval to remain in Brazil to work with his charitable foundation until July 15.

Neymar has yet to feature for PSG so far during pre-season and was again absent as Thomas Tuchel's side laboured to a 1-1 draw with Nurnberg on Saturday.Leonardo has previously said the 27-year-old can leave for the right price, but he told reporters after the game in Germany that no offers have been tabled for him.

"Honestly, there is nothing different from the last time we talked," he said, according to Le Parisien. "Nothing at all."It has not moved. There is no concrete offer for Neymar, he is with us. He is a player for Paris Saint-Germain.

"I repeat, there is no concrete offer. It's been the same situation for 10 days."
It has been reported PSG would look to recoup their €222 million investment in the player, and have rejected a bid from Barca for €40m, plus Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele.

Tuchel refused to be drawn on where Neymar's future lies, two years after becoming a world-record buy, insisting he remains part of the French club's squad."The situation between Neymar and me is clear; it's now something between him and the club," the PSG boss said.

"He is part of the dressing room and will train with us tomorrow."Leonardo, back at PSG this year for a second spell as sporting director, was evasive on the subject of other transfer targets.

He said the mooted signing of Idrissa Gana Gueye from Everton was ‘just a possibility,’ but admitted his club was looking for a new central midfielder, while saying the current composition of the squad was a strong one.

“The squad is already competitive, there is a bit of everything, young players, very experienced players.“We targeted a central defender and a defensive midfielder. The central defender has arrived with Abdou Diallo, and now we are looking for the midfielder.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We hope Bale leaves' - Zidane reveals Real Madrid transfer exit imminent for unwanted star




Zinedine Zidane said Gareth Bale is close to leaving Real Madrid after he was left out of Saturday's International Champions Cup clash against Bayern Munich.



Bale has been deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Zidane and the Welsh star was absent as Madrid lost 3-1 to Bayern in Houston. The 30-year-old, who has three seasons remaining on his contract, has been linked to former club Tottenham, Manchester United and Saturday’s opponent Bayern.

And it appears Bale's future is close to being resolved, with Zidane determined to sell the Wales international sooner rather than later. Asked why Bale was left out of the squad on Saturday, Zidane told reporters: "Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving. "We hope he leaves soon, it would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team."

The manager also explained the club’s decision to let the former Spurs star leave, claiming that the club “have to change” following last season’s disappointing results.

"I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done, I have to make decisions, we have to change," he added."The exit is the coach's decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation.

"The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will, and it's a good thing for everyone.

Zidane had spoken about Bale ahead of the match and left much more up to question, claiming that Bale “staying was not a problem,” while he also hinted at a potential move for Manchester United ace Paul Pogba.

The abrupt about-face raises plenty of questions, with Madrid having been in close contact with one of Bale’s reported suitors on Saturday.

Bayern midfielder Thiago Alcantara also made clear before the match that Bale would be more than welcome with the German giants, who are looking to replace club legends Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

"If Gareth (Bale) wants to come, any top player who wants to come here is welcome,” Thiago said at a pre-match press conference.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Zidane is a disgrace' - Bale's agent slams Real Madrid boss over exit talk


Zinedine Zidane has been branded "a disgrace" by Gareth Bale's agent after the Real Madrid boss' comments about the winger's impending exit from the club.

Bale has been touted for a departure from the Santiago Bernabeu and Zidane confirmed that the winger is "very close to leaving" the club after leaving him out of the team for the International Champions Cup clash with Bayern Munich on Saturday."Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving," Zidane said.

"We hope he leaves soon, it would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team."

Jonathan Barnett, who represents the Wales international, has reacted strongly to the Madrid coach's frank assessment of the situation.

"Zidane is a disgrace to speak like that about someone who has done so much for Real," Barnett told ESPN FC."If and when Gareth goes it will be because it is in the best interest of Gareth and nothing to do with Zidane pushing."

Barnett doubled down on that final assertion when speaking to AS, saying: “If Gareth Bale leaves, it will be because he wants to, not because Zidane or Real Madrid push him out.

“Gareth is still one of the best players in the world, one of the top five players in terms of market value, and his future lies at a big club."Zidane's apparent desire to move Bale out of the club, despite the Welshman's contributions to Madrid's unprecedented period of European success, has been widely reported.

He scored decisive goals in two Champions League finals as Madrid won four out of five tournaments between 2014 and 2018, as well as a stunning winner in the 2014 Copa del Rey final - the last time Madrid won that competition.

The 2018 Champions League final brought Zidane his most recent piece of silverware, as Bale's second-half double downed Liverpool.

The forward's bicycle kick from Marcelo's cross instantly became one of the tournament's iconic goals, with many likening it Zidane's own volleyed effort against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 final.The desire to move him on will stem at least in part from his hefty wage packet, especially following Madrid's busy transfer window so far.

Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo Goes have all joined the club, and there may be more to follow with speculation still surrounding the likes of Paul Pogba and Christian Eriksen.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Bruno Fernandes will cost Man Utd more than €62m' - Sporting president in no rush to sell star


Bruno Fernandes will certainly cost more than €62 million (£56m/$70m), Sporting C.P. president Frederico Varandas has insisted, amid reports of interest from Manchester United.

The Red Devils have been linked with the Portugal international for a number of months, with Ole Gunnar Solskajer seeing him as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba if the French playmaker were to leave this summer.

Reports in Portugal have claimed Man Utd are preparing a bid in the region of £56m ($70m), so Varandas' latest comments will come as a blow to the Premier League side.

Solskjaer is looking to rebuild his squad after a poor end to the 2018-19 campaign and has already brought in Daniel James from Swansea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace.

And if big-name players like Pogba and Romelu Lukaku were to leave, the Norwegian would almost certainly need to bolster his options further, but Varandas insists Sporting do not need to sell the 24-year-old. “I don’t know if there are many or if there are few [interested clubs],” he told RTP.

“What I know, a lot has been spoken of values, coming to the press, €55m, €62m… for that he doesn’t leave, for sure.“If Bruno Fernandes leaves, players with quality will come. But if Bruno leaves.”

Solskjaer is set to receive a boost, though, with David de Gea reportedly preparing to sign a new six-year deal.

The Spain international appears eager to take on more responsibility at Old Trafford and says he would like to become captain after Antonio Valencia left the club at the end of last season.And while Fernandes could still join the Red Devils, Solskjaer is adamant the club will not spend more than the market rate on any new signings.

"We have been linked with so many players," the Man Utd boss told reporters earlier this month."I'm sure you don't believe every single player that we've been linked with, but I think that Manchester United sometimes have, because of the wealth, maybe we have had to pay more, a bigger premium to get players in, and that's just the world we live in.

"And we've taken our time, we're not going to overpay, but we have to get the right people in, the right players."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rakitic reiterates future stance as Barcelona exit talk resurfaces


Ivan Rakitic continues to ignore the transfer talk which surrounds him at Barcelona, with it his intention to remain at Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.

Speculation regarding a move elsewhere is nothing new for the Croatia international.He has been linked with leading sides across Europe for some time now, with the likes of Manchester United and Inter having been credited with interest in the past.

Rakitic has always turned a deaf ear to the rumours, with the 31-year-old midfielder fully committed to a contract at Camp Nou.He is not about to alter that stance, despite seeing more gossip sparked during the current window.

Quizzed on the latest reports, Rakitic told reporters while on pre-season duty: “My idea is very clear, I want to stay at Barca.“[Transfer talk] is a situation I'm used to. It happened to me last year.

“I've spoken with the club and the coach and we have the same idea, for me to stay at Barca.“We're open to everything, as always, but my intention is to stay. I have two more years on my contract and I want to keep enjoying myself at Barca.”

With Rakitic experienced now to ignore any potentially distracting stories about his future, he claims that speculation is no longer a source of frustration for him.He added: “It doesn't annoy me.

“I know that football works like this and it makes me proud because if other teams want me it's because I'm doing things very well. I'm calm.”Rakitic is currently tied to a deal with Barca until the summer of 2021.

It has been reported that he is eager to thrash out fresh terms, allowing everybody to bring the unwelcome exit talk to a close.He is, however, no closer to putting pen to paper, with no discussions having been held as yet.

“I spoke with the president on various topics and now the club has other things to do before thinking about [my new contract],” added Rakitic.“The president wants to create a good squad so that the fans can enjoy Barca.”

Josep Maria Bartomeu is currently in the process of bringing fresh faces into Camp Nou, with Antoine Griezmann the marquee addition of the summer as speculation continues to suggest that Neymar could be brought back to Catalunya from Paris Saint-Germain.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Arsenal can replace Man Utd-linked Aubameyang' - Lehmann laments lack of direction at Emirates


Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann says that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be replaceable for Arsenal if he moves to Manchester United, while criticising the lack of direction at the Emirates.

Unai Emery's first season in charge saw the Gunners finish fifth, just one point back from fourth-placed Tottenham, after they dropped points to Leicester and Brighton at the end of the season.

A chance for redemption was on offer in the Europa League final at the end of May, when victory would have provided Champions League qualification for 2019-20, but Arsenal suffered a dismal 4-1 loss to Chelsea.

Failure to appear in Europe's elite club competition for the third consecutive year has left the north London side having to significantly reduce its spending.The sale of Aubameyang to United could free up some funds and Lehmann believes Arsenal would be able to cope without their top scorer.

"If you finish fifth [in the league] you can sell players. If he was to go to United, a new player would come in who could do better," the German told DAZN."Arsenal's goal shouldn't be to finish fifth or sixth."

Ray Parlour disagrees with the former goalkeeper, though, claiming it would be "madness" if Arsenal were to sell the 30-year-old who netted 31 times in all competitions last term.While it would emulate the move made by Robin van Persie in 2012, Aubameyang's departure could enable Emery to add Wilfried Zaha to his squad after the Gunners had a £40 million ($50m) offer for the winger rejected by Crystal Palace.

But Lehmann thinks the problems at Arsenal are rooted far deeper than the playing staff."All of the guys playing for Arsenal are good but they need to win something," he continued."They were in the Europa League final last season and lost. Obviously it would have been good if they had won it.

"Their finish in the league season was disappointing as well. Even though they had the chance to secure fourth place, or even third place, they didn't. "The club is in a situation right now where no one knows the direction that it is supposed to be going in."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fekir set for Real Betis medical ahead of €20m switch from Lyon


France midfielder Nabil Fekir will undergo a medical at Real Betis later today, ahead of a permanent €20 million (£18m/$22.4m) switch from Lyon.The 26-year-old had one year left to run on his existing contract at Lyon's Olympic Stadium but was given permission to speak to potential suitors at the end of last season.

The mercurial playmaker had no intention of extending his stay in Ligue 1, with it his desire to undertake a new challenge after six successful years in his homeland.

Lyon boss Sylvinho excused Fekir from pre-season training so he could fly to Spain and negotiate terms on a five-year contract with Betis on Monday.The France international is expected to put pen to paper on the long term deal, which brings to an end one of the year's longest-running transfer sagas.

It is Goal's understanding the Andalucian club will pay an initial €20m for Fekir, with the player and Lyon entitled to a percentage of the incomes that Betis could receive in a future transfer.

Liverpool came agonisingly close to signing the World Cup winner last summer and there had been some suggestion the club would revive their interest during the current transfer window.The likes of Juventus and Arsenal were also linked with moves for Fekir in recent months, but he has opted to help Betis climb the Liga table over the coming years.

A stellar 2018-19 campaign saw Fekir's stock continue to rise, as he contributed nine goals and seven assists in 29 Ligue 1 appearances to help Lyon finish third in the final standings.

He also shone in the Champions League, grabbing a goal and an assist in a famous 2-1 group stage victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.In total, Fekir played 180 games for Lyon across all competitions, finding the net on 68 occasions, but failed to win a single major trophy during his time at the club.

The midfielder could be in line to make his competitive debut for Betis on August 19, when Rubi's side take on Real Valladolid at Benito Villamarín Stadium in their 2019-20 La Liga opener.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rumoured Arsenal target Gotze open to move abroad despite Dortmund contract talks


Mario Gotze has held discussions with Borussia Dortmund about extending his contract but revealed he is open to a move abroad, amid reported interest from Arsenal.Attacking midfielder Gotze has one year left on his deal at Signal Iduna Park and the Gunners have been heavily linked with a potential swoop.

The World Cup winner is considering the potential of joining a club outside Germany despite being in talks over a renewal at Dortmund.

"I am now going into my 10th Bundesliga season, so it's logical foreign countries sometimes play a role in your thoughts," Gotze told Bild."As a footballer, you have the privilege of being able to work in almost every country in the world."There have already been one or two conversations with BVB. I have one more year on my contract and I am totally relaxed in every aspect."

Dortmund are believed to have spent more than €100 million ($112m, £90m) to sign Mats Hummels, Thorgan Hazard, Nico Schulz and Julian Brandt ahead of the 2019-20 season.

However, Gotze warned such expenditure alone will not be enough to overthrow Bayern Munich, who won a seventh straight Bundesliga title last term."In the end, what it looks like after the 34th matchday is all that counts. And many new additions do not necessarily mean success," said Gotze.

"If you have ambitions and big goals, you have to buy quality to get better. Money alone, however, is no guarantee of a title."On his reunion with Hummels, he added: "Mats and I have been through a lot of great things together, things we'll never forget; we've won a World Cup together, celebrated Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles.

"But today things are a little different than they were back then. We have a different coach and the team is completely different."Bayern's only major moves in the transfer market have been to bring in Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, but Gotze does not think that means they can be discounted as title favourites.

"They are still Bayern Munich. It should not be forgotten that even without a load of new signings, they have a top squad with whom they won two titles last season," he said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'm very attached to James' - Ancelotti says Napoli still negotiating for Colombia star


Carlo Ancelotti says Napoli are still negotiating a deal to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid as Atletico Madrid reportedly circle.

James has been linked with Napoli throughout the current transfer window, but a deal that would reunite the Colombia star and head coach Ancelotti is yet to materialise.Atletico have emerged as a possible destination for James amid a deadlock in talks between Napoli and La Liga giants Real.

Asked about Napoli's pursuit of James, Ancelotti told TV Luna: "I'm not aware of a deal with Atletico.

"We're still talking for James, a player that I really like. I'm very attached to James, I rate him very highly and he can certainly improve our team."He doesn't need to re-announce himself, he's a great player. But he's not the only player we're openly negotiating for. We're assessing many players."While negotiations for James drag on, Napoli are close to signing Fenerbahce and Macedonia midfielder Eljif Elmas.

With Amadou Diawara now at Roma and Marko Rog poised to move to Cagliari, Napoli have turned to the 19-year-old Elmas as Ancelotti's men look to dethrone Serie A champions Juventus in 2019-20."We're very close and I hope a deal closes quickly,” Ancelotti added. “He's a very interesting player and we're defining the final details. I hope he arrives before we leave Dimaro.

"We were looking for a player skilled at playing between the lines, and Elmas has a lot of quality."The squad is already very complete. We have to take a little step at a time. We're very close to the top."We'll be happy as of August 31. Napoli are working and nothing is impossible, but then there are the wants of the players or problems with the clubs or agents."

Ancelotti has already seen his club make one major signing this summer, with Greek defender Kostas Manolas arriving from Roma for €36 million (‎£32m/$41m).Napoli have been continually linked with James, whom Ancelotti managed at the Bernabeu as well as with Bayern Munich.

He is also keen to keep some of his side's key players from departing, including left-back Mario Rui, who started 17 league matches for Napoli last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We certainly have to do something' - Sarri expects Juventus activity during transfer window


Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri expects the Serie A champions to make more signings before the transfer window closes.

It has been a busy off-season for Juve, who have signed Matthijs de Ligt, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, Luca Pellegrini, Merih Demiral and Gianluigi Buffon.Juve have also been linked with former midfielder and Manchester United star Paul Pogba, as well as Inter outcast Mauro Icardi.

There is also uncertainty over the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Blaise Matuidi and Mario Mandzukic, and Sarri provided a transfer update following Sunday's International Champions Cup loss to Tottenham thanks to Harry Kane’s last-gasp goal from the halfway line.

"I don't want to occupy myself too much on the market because I think that's the right thing to do and because I keep much less of an eye on it than those who are in charge," said Sarri."Maybe there are leagues and players I don't know about. Therefore, it's better to leave it to those who are in charge.

"We have lots of players in certain positions and less in others, but we're talking about a situation where I have seven players in Turin carrying injuries and five who have yet to return from international commitments."I think the club, between now and the end of the transfer window, will do something in terms of incomings, but we'll also have to do something in terms of outgoings.

"We have so many players right now that we'll have to keep two or three out of our Champions League squad. We certainly have to do something."Cristiano Ronaldo was on target at the National Stadium in Singapore, where the five-time Ballon d'Or winner put Juve ahead four minutes after Higuain cancelled out Erik Lamela's opener.

Tottenham, however, stormed back thanks to Lucas Moura and Harry Kane's stunning long-range effort in the 93rd minute.Discussing Ronaldo, Sarri was quick to lavish praise, saying: "Cristiano's the best player in this team.

“Therefore, we must set up the other 10 well defensively. He can play anywhere on the field. He's the best and it's important for him to be free on the pitch."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We must raise our level' - Mata issues rallying cry to Man Utd team-mates after disappointing season


Juan Mata is targeting improvement at Manchester United this season after admitting their performance levels last season “wasn’t good enough”.The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League, missing out on Champions League qualification as a result, while they exited Europe's biggest cup competition at the quarter-final stage after losing 4-0 on aggregate to Barcelona.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side also failed to lift silverware in domestic cup competitions as they were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup in the sixth round, as well as an unceremonious exit from the Carabao Cup in the third round at the hands of Derby County.

Mata, who signed a new contract in June which keeps him at Old Trafford until 2021, admits that last season’s displays did not match the club’s usual high standards.“We know that last season wasn't good enough,” he told media at an Adidas event in Singapore.

“So we need to improve, we need to try our best in this upcoming season.“What we have to do is raise our level and compete and let's see where we end up.“You know, the level in the Premier League is getting better every single year.“All the clubs have been bringing (in) very good players, so we need to try to be at our best.”

United tasted victory in their opening game of pre-season with a 1-0 win over Inter in the International Champions Cup on Saturday, and face last season’s Champions League finalists Tottenham in their next fixture on Thursday.

Teenage midfielder Mason Greenwood scored the only goal of the game against the Nerazzurri, while Solskjaer has also reserved praise for new signing Daniel James after his impressive pre-season performances.Mata is focused on the club’s pre-season fixtures ahead at the moment, adding: “Tottenham is going to be tough, [AC Milan] is going to be tough.

“So we still have a few difficult games but [we planned] to use these games to get ready for the Chelsea game, which is our first official game, and that's the important one and the one that we have to be ready to win.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea eyes Man Utd captaincy as agreement over new contract closes in


David de Gea says he would be "really happy" to be named Manchester United captain and insists he is ready to fight for trophies at Old Trafford as he closes in on a new deal.The Spain international has been in talks over a new contract at Old Trafford for a number of months and now appears set to commit his future to the Premier League outfit.

With Antonio Valencia having departed the club at the end of last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is searching for a new permanent captain, and De Gea wants to be considered.

Speaking at an event for supporters in Singapore on Sunday night, the 28-year-old said: “I’ve been captain for some games. Of course it is amazing to be captain of a club like Manchester United and defend this badge.“It’s amazing, so of course I’ll be really, really happy to captain.“It’s my ninth season, I feel like one of the most experienced players.

“I need to show that on the pitch and try to help the young guys know what Manchester United means and that’s important.”After a disappointing start to the season under Jose Mourinho that saw the Portuguese lose his job, Solskjaer eventually led United to a sixth-placed finish, five points back from fourth-placed Tottenham.

The Red Devils failed to find success in any cup competitions either, crashing out of the Champions League in the quarter-final stages to Barcelona despite having achieved a monumental comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.

De Gea was at fault for some crucial goals, letting a Lionel Messi strike past him against Barca and making another error against Chelsea to realistically end his side's hopes of a Premier League top-four spot.“We have to improve a lot,” the shot-stopper continued.

“We are Manchester United, we need to fight for trophies. When you put on this badge, that’s what it means – fight for everything, give your best and bring the team again to the top.”The Spaniard will line-up against the Blues again on the opening dayof the 2019-20 campaign as Man Utd host Frank Lampard's side on August 11.

Juan Mata hopes his team-mate's transfer saga will be over by then, and would also like to see Paul Pogba stay at Old Trafford.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

“We are Manchester United, we need to fight for trophies. When you put on this badge, that’s what it means – fight for everything, give your best and bring the team again to the top.

​