..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Rennes: Mbappe and Di Maria complete Trophee des Champions comeback

Kylian Mbappe inspired a second-half comeback as Paris Saint-Germain retained the Trophee des Champions with a 2-1 win over Rennes in Shenzhen on Saturday.

Victors via shoot-out when the teams met in the Coupe de France final in April, Rennes looked set again to upstage their more glamorous opponents through Adrian Hunou's tidy 13th-minute finish.Star forward Mbappe had other ideas and his 57th-minute equaliser laid the platform for Angel Di Maria to complete the turnaround in splendid style, the substitute stroking in a stunning free-kick 17 minutes from full-time.

PSG have now claimed the season's first silverware for seven straight years and did so on this occasion without Barcelona-linked Neymar, who watched on as he missed the match through suspension.
Thilo Kehrer headed an early chance against the crossbar and seemed to be thinking about the opportunity as he dozed off a minute later.Hunou darted in behind the defender to steer Benjamin Bourigeaud's right-wing cross past Alphonse Areola.

PSG's start would have been worse had Juan Bernat seen red and not yellow for a two-footed lunge on James Lea Siliki.Mbappe unleashed several fruitless first-half shots before Edinson Cavani poked wide with a poacher's effort.

The former eventually restored parity with the easiest of tap-ins, Pablo Sarabia cushioning Marquinhos' lofted pass into Mbappe's path.Sarabia almost bundled in a second moments later and it was the Spaniard who won the foul for the 73rd-minute winner.

Di Maria took ownership of the dead ball and gave Tomas Koubek no chance with a sublime strike into the top-right corner to complete the quickfire turnaround.

Thilo Kehrer headed an early chance against the crossbar and seemed to be thinking about the opportunity as he dozed off a minute later.Hunou darted in behind the defender to steer Benjamin Bourigeaud's right-wing cross past Alphonse Areola.

PSG's start would have been worse had Juan Bernat seen red and not yellow for a two-footed lunge on James Lea Siliki.Mbappe unleashed several fruitless first-half shots before Edinson Cavani poked wide with a poacher's effort.

The former eventually restored parity with the easiest of tap-ins, Pablo Sarabia cushioning Marquinhos' lofted pass into Mbappe's path.Sarabia almost bundled in a second moments later and it was the Spaniard who won the foul for the 73rd-minute winner.

Di Maria took ownership of the dead ball and gave Tomas Koubek no chance with a sublime strike into the top-right corner to complete the quickfire turnaround.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd set to complete Maguire signing 'very soon', confirms Solskjaer


Harry Maguire’s move to Manchester United is likely to be completed “very soon” according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 26-year-old is set to become the world’s most expensive defender as he moves from Leicester, with an £80 million ($97m) fee agreed between the clubs.
He is thought to have been offered a six-year deal at Old Trafford, as Solskjaer looks to fix United’s long-term defensive shortcomings.

"Hopefully the last little details will be in place,” Solskjaer said in a press conference. “So hopefully we can announce something very soon."United are set for an intriguing start to their Premier League season, as they host Chelsea on August 11.

Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo started in the centre of defence in the pre-season penalty shoot-out win over AC Milan on Saturday, and fans will be hoping Maguire goes straight into the starting XI against the Blues."Let's get the last details over the line,” Solskjaer added. “But yeah, he's played a few games over the summer so we'll have to assess him if and when."

He is set to be an integral part of a new-look United back line, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka starting on the right and Luke Shaw and Lindelof likely to be the other preferred starters.

Swedish international Lindelof scored an own goal in Saturday’s game, but Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard found the net at the right end to earn a 2-2 draw.

New signing Daniel James bagged the winning spot-kick, and will be hoping he has done enough in pre-season to make the team against Chelsea. His winner ensured that United finished their pre-season campaign undefeated.

Paul Pogba wasn’t present for the game against Milan as he had a slight knock but Solskjaer added that he fully believes the midfielder wants to be at United, amid heavy interest from Real Madrid.

The transfer window will have closed before United get their season underway, and Solskjaer will doubtless be happy to focus entirely on matters on the pitch.
Fixtures with Wolves, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leicester follow the Chelsea game, before their Europa League campaign gets underway in mid-September.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Community Shield 2019.08.04

Community Shield 2019.08.04

Liverpool Vs Manchester City

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[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool 1 Manchester City 1 (4-5 on penalties): Wijnaldum miss settles tense Community Shield

Manchester City won the Community Shield for the second year in a row after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat of Liverpool following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

City were the best team in the first 45 minutes even after losing Bayern Munich-linked Leroy Sane to injury, with Raheem Sterling giving them a deserved half-time lead with his first goal against Liverpool in his 11th outing versus his old club.
Jurgen Klopp's side improved after the break, though, and Joel Matip's leveller was just reward for their efforts, as City started to wilt in the warm conditions.


The excellent Claudio Bravo made sure the game went to penalties and proved the hero when he kept out Georginio Wijnaldum's effort, allowing Gabriel Jesus to seal victory.

The blow of losing Sane just 11 minutes in was quickly forgotten as City made the most of the resulting free-kick, Liverpool's offside trap all over the place as David Silva flicked Kevin De Bruyne's cut-back across goal and Sterling forced the ball beyond Alisson.

City were in control but Liverpool could have levelled before the break had Mohamed Salah shown a touch of generosity, the forward clipping the outside of the post from a tight angle and then ballooning a second chance over the bar after a poor Oleksandr Zinchenko header, leaving Roberto Firmino angry not to receive a simple pass.

Guardiola then became the first Premier League manager to be booked on the touchline as he reacted furiously to a challenge from Joe Gomez on David Silva, the City boss suggesting the defender's boot had been dangerously high.Sterling hit the base of the post - although any goal would have been ruled out for offside - as City started the second half strongly, with Guardiola and Klopp resisting the urge to make the most of the maximum six available substitutions at the break.

Liverpool suddenly threatened a leveller and were twice denied by the woodwork, Virgil van Dijk hitting the base of the crossbar with a half-volley and Salah firing against the foot of the right-hand post from the edge of the box.

Sterling then raced through on Alisson but dithered on the ball and the goalkeeper calmly took it back, and it proved a costly miss, with Matip nodding an equaliser past Bravo after Van Dijk picked him out in the six-yard box.

Bravo prevented Naby Keita and Salah from snatching late winners, and the latter was denied from another glorious chance as Kyle Walker's acrobatic clearance on the goal line forced a shoot-out.

Bravo saved comfortably from Wijnaldum's spot-kick - the only one that was missed - before Jesus confidently swept the ball past Alisson and sparked City celebrations.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar next? Bartomeu hints at more Barcelona signings after Junior Firpo deal


Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says more signings are anticipated before the close of the La Liga transfer window as speculation over a bid for Neymar continues.The Spanish champions secured the arrival of Junior Firpo from Real Betis on Sunday in a deal that could be worth €30 million (£27.4m/$33.3m).

Barca have spent upwards of €230m (£210m/$256m) on new players in 2019, with Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong, Neto and Emerson among those to arrive in the close season.

They are reportedly in negotiations for the season-long loan of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, who is pushing to leave the Ligue 1 champions just two years on from his world-record €222m (£200m/$249m) move from Barca.

Such a deal, that would likely include an option to buy in 2020, would help Barca balance their spending while negating the need to sell several first-team players before the window closes on September 2.

Bartomeu thinks more arrivals at Camp Nou are certainly possible in the coming weeks."We have a stronger squad, with more potential," he said. "There are still several weeks left for the market to close and we could have more incomings.

“[The challenge] is to continue the best era of success in the history of Barca."We have an ambitious and incredible squad, led by the best player in the world and in history, Leo Messi."

Bartomeu was talking at the World Congress of Pena Azulgranas and he presented his club’s new signings to a rapturous reception.There have been changes off the field for the Blaugrana this summer as well. Jordi Mestre and Pep Segura have moved on from roles as Vice President and General Manager respectively, and are replaced by Eric Abidal and Ramon Planes.

Abidal is not the only former player taking up a backroom position in Catalonia, as Patrick Kluivert returns to the fold.Kluivert has been hired as director of youth football, following his dismissal as Cameroon assistant manager after the African Cup of Nations.

Bartomeu thanked the outgoing executives, saying they “steadfastly and successfully directed” the team.“Now Abidal and Planes will continue to lead it and I take this opportunity to welcome Patrick Kluivert on his return to the club,” he added.

Neymar watched on as PSG beat Rennes 2-1 in Shenzhen to win the Trophee des Champions for the seventh year in a row.The Brazil international was dragged into medal celebrations by Marco Verratti and appeared in good spirits, despite PSG sporting director Leonardo confirming last month the player wants to leave.

There was then a moment of controversy when Kylian Mbappe, who scored PSG's first goal, appeared to push Neymar out of the way as the team celebrated with the trophy in front of photographers on the pitch.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Conte still hopes for Lukaku deal as Man Utd reportedly end Dybala talks


Inter boss Antonio Conte is holding out hope of a deal for Romelu Lukaku after Manchester United reportedly ended talks over a possible swap deal with Juventus involving Paulo Dybala.

Striker Lukaku has long been believed to be Conte's top transfer target but the Nerazzurri have been unable to match United's asking price, despite making what CEO Giuseppe Marotta described as a fair offer.It seemed a move to Juventus was looking more likely as the Serie A champions discussed a deal that would also see Dybala move to Old Trafford.

However, widespread reports on Sunday said United have ended interest in the Argentina international due to his wage demands, the agent fees involved and concerns that he does not particularly want to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

"We're continuing to work in the best possible way," he said after Inter beat Tottenham 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 International Champions Cup draw. "I understand there are some gaps to fill but, at the moment, I'm very hopeful."At the same time, I'm working with a big group of players who I'm very satisfied with.

"I honestly don't know how it will end. I'm reading about the swap in the newspapers."Lukaku is a good player, a striker I tried to buy when I was the coach at Chelsea. We're talking about two big clubs in Juventus and Inter, but I honestly don't know how it will end."

Lukaku is still expected to leave United before the end of the Premier League's transfer window at 1700 local time on Thursday, even if they cannot sign a replacement.

Speculation on Sunday suggested Mario Mandzukic had agreed terms with the Red Devils, but it is not known how the end to the Dybala talks could affect any such deal.Solskjaer is said to have been hugely impressed with the pre-season efforts of 17-year-old forward Mason Greenwood, meaning he is not desperate to sign a direct replacement should Lukaku leave.

The Belgium international fell out of favour at Old Trafford in the latter stages of last season, with Solskjaer preferring to play Marcus Rashford at centre-forward.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd complete Maguire signing in world-record £80m deal

Manchester United have completed the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City in an £80 million ($97m) deal that sees the centre-back sign a six-year contract, with the option of a further year, at Old Trafford.The long-running saga came to an end on Monday as the England international put pen to paper to become part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's rebuild at the Theatre of Dreams.

The move sees Maguire surpass Virgil van Dijk to become the most expensive defender of all time, with the Netherlands international having joined Liverpool for £75m in January 2018.

Fans have been calling for defensive reinforcements for some time at United, with many believing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to have been the last two truly reliable centre-halves at the club.Solskjaer said upon the announcement of Maguire's arrival: “Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature.

"He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure - coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes - I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.”He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club.“I would like to welcome Harry to Manchester United and we are looking forward to working with him as we prepare for the new season.”

Maguire added: “I am delighted to have signed for this great club. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club, and the fans, for their fantastic support over the past two seasons."However, when Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.

”From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team. It’s clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started.”

A sixth-place finish in the Premier League last term following Solskjaer's appointment to replace Jose Mourinho in the dugout was considered a hugely disappointing return for a club of United's stature and Maguire is seen as a ready-made edition to aid in their mission to return to challenging for the English top-flight crown and the Champions League.

Maguire becomes United's third signing of the summer following the earlier arrivals of Daniel James from Swansea City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Maguire!

Godak kalayek thisse hoda CB ge aduwa lokwatama thibba team ekeDan Maguire gattha nisa ekath fill wenawa

next Fellaini / Hererra ge replacements gana baluwanam thamai hoda + Lukaku / Pogba ge futures unath thama sure naha wage​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Emery hints at end to Tierney pursuit and Arsenal’s summer spending spree


Unai Emery has suggested that Arsenal’s summer spending spree is over, with Celtic defender Kieran Tierney seemingly no longer a top priority.The Gunners were tipped by many to take in a quiet window, with there a supposedly limited budget on offer in north London.

Nicolas Pepe has, however, been acquired in a club record £72 million ($88m) transfer, while Dani Ceballos, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba have been snapped up on loan and permanent deals.

Unai Emery has suggested that Arsenal’s summer spending spree is over, with Celtic defender Kieran Tierney seemingly no longer a top priority.

The Gunners were tipped by many to take in a quiet window, with there a supposedly limited budget on offer in north London.Nicolas Pepe has, however, been acquired in a club record £72 million ($88m) transfer, while Dani Ceballos, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba have been snapped up on loan and permanent deals.

It had been suggested that the Brazil international would be sounded out in a bid to bring more creativity onto the Gunners’ books.Emery, though, insists such a move has never been discussed, telling Cadena Ser of those rumours: “We’ve never talked about Coutinho.

“He’s a splendid player, but we haven’t talked about Coutinho at any time.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lukaku trains with Anderlecht amid Man Utd exit reports


Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku spent Monday training with Anderlecht as reports regarding his future and a potential Old Trafford exit continue.United's squad were reportedly given Monday off following Saturday’s pre-season win against AC Milan .

However, with Lukaku not featuring for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in Cardiff - or in any of their six pre-season games - the frontman has returned to his homeland in an effort to boost his fitness.

Lukaku is understood to be on his way out of Old Trafford having dropping behind Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the pecking order for a starting berth as United’s central striker.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Inter all summer, but recently their Serie A rivals Juventus have been widely touted as a more likely destination for Lukaku.

Pictures of the former Everton man training with another side will do nothing to help the rumours of his imminent departure, although it is believed that Lukaku was training with Anderlecht’s youth team having been arranged as a one-time favour by former international team-mate - and the Belgian club’s new head coach - Vincent Kompany.

With United back in training on Tuesday it is believed Lukaku will return to their Carrington base as Solskjaer begins to plan for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Chelsea.

Last season’s clash with the Blues - in April - was, in fact, the attacker’s last game for the club.Having not featured all summer for the Red Devils, Lukaku seems unlikely to play against another of his former employers at Old Trafford this weekend.Lukaku moved to United in 2017 for an estimated £75 million ($91m/€81m) and has scored 42 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

However, with his form faltering in the second half of last season, and Solskjaer’s desire to have a more dynamic frontline, it appears unlikely that Lukaku will again pull on the red shirt.One man who will, however, is Harry Maguire, who it was announced on Monday has joined the club from Leicester City .

The England international cost United £80 million ($97m/€87m), making him the most expensive defender of all time.

 

[Arthur Curry]

Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Bayern Munich: Sancho stars as BVB claim DFL-Supercup

Congratz BVB..

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘James has to leave Real because of Zidane’ – Valderrama urges fellow Colombian to get out of Madrid


James Rodriguez has to find a way out of Real Madrid this summer, says Carlos Valderrama, as Zinedine Zidane has made it abundantly clear that he “doesn’t want him”.

A move away from the Santiago Bernabeu for the Colombia international has been mooted for some time.Bayern Munich opted against turning a two-year loan into a permanent transfer, but various other landing spots have been mooted.

Serie A giants Napoli are considered to have been leading the chase, with Carlo Ancelotti eager to secure a reunion with a player he has previously worked with in Spain.

No deal has been done as yet, but there is still time before the latest transfer window slams shut.Colombia legend Valderrama believes it is imperative that James pushes through a switch prior to the deadline, with there clearly no future for a talented 28-year-old under Zidane.

He told Blog Deportivo: “James? He should go to another team.“The coach doesn’t want him and he won’t play if he stays in Real Madrid. He should leave, that’s just how it is.

“When James signed for Madrid the fans were excited and so was the president, but the coach just doesn’t want him.”A potential opening at Real for James has presented itself, with Marcos Asensio suffering an unfortunate knee ligament injury.

Zidane has, however, offered no indication that he is prepared to wipe the slate clean and offer the South American playmaker a fresh start.With that in mind, Valderamma wants to see a fellow countryman find the recognition he deserves elsewhere.He added: “The problem here is that he is not going to play if he stays in Real Madrid.

“It would be better for him to leave, given that the coach is the one in charge of the starting lineup.“Considering his skills he can play in every club.”

James is still under contract at Real until the summer of 2021, so a sizeable fee will be required to free him from that agreement despite his standing down the pecking order in the Spanish capital.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal eye £70m RB Leipzig star Upamecano as they step up centre-back chase


Arsenal are eyeing a move for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano as they battle the clock in their bid to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season.The Gunners are in the market to bring in a centre-back before Thursday’s 5pm BST (12pm ET) transfer deadline having agreed a fee with Bordeaux for Laurent Koscielny.

The 33-year-old is in France to undergo a medical ahead of a €5 million (£4.6m/$5.6m) move to the Ligue 1 club - with a deal expected to go through within the next 24 hours.

Arsenal had been reluctant to let their captain leave, even after he had refused to travel with the squad for the pre-season tour to the United States.

But having held several rounds of talks with the defender during the past week, he made it clear he was determined to return to France - so a deal has been agreed with Bordeaux.With Koscielny’s exit now imminent, Arsenal are looking to bring in a replacement and are interested in 20-year-old RB Leipzig defender Upamecano.

Contact has been made with the Bundesliga club, but Leipzig value the Frenchman at around £70m ($85m) - a price that would make a deal extremely difficult for Arsenal, given the budget they are working to this summer.There is also continued interest in Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani.Arsenal had a two-year loan offer knocked back by the Serie A champions for the Italy international last week.

Juventus are reluctant to let Rugani leave due to injury concerns over Giorgio Chiellini, who is struggling with a persistent calf problem.They could be open to a permanent deal, however, but are believed to be demanding a fee of up to £50m ($61m).

Arsenal feel that price is too high and would prefer to take Rugani on loan, with an option to buy included at the end of the season.The north London club are open to allowing Shkodran Mustafi to leave to raise further funds this summer, but the German centre-back has made it clear he wants to stay at the Emirates.

Mustafi is out of favour with Unai Emery and has now fallen behind Calum Chambers in the pecking order, with the Englishman set to start alongside Sokratis on Sunday in the Premier League opener at Newcastle.

But despite being told he can go, Mustafi is settled in London and Arsenal are yet to receive a firm offer for the 27-year-old.One player who does look certain to leave before Thursday’s transfer deadline, however, is Carl Jenkinson - who is close to completing a permanent move to
Nottingham Forest.

In terms of further incomings, the Gunners still hope to come to an agreement with Celtic for left-back Kieran Tierney, with talks continuing with the Scottish champions over the structure of a £25m ($30.5m) deal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd legend Rooney agrees 18-month deal with Derby as he prepares to return to England from MLS


Wayne Rooney will be returning to English football from MLS side D.C. United in January, with the Manchester United legend agreeing an 18-month deal with Derby County.

A man who has more goals to his name for the Red Devils and Three Lions than any other player will be linking up with the Rams in a player-coach capacity, as Goal revealed on Monday was to be the case.

The contract he has in place at Pride Park, which is due to run until the summer of 2021, includes the option for a further 12-month extension.

Rooney, who will see out the 2019 season in America before joining Derby’s Championship promotion push, told the club’s official website: "I am very excited about the opportunity that Derby County have provided me with.

"I am looking forward to joining Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team squad from the start of January. I am sure I can make a big contribution and can’t wait to meet everyone, especially the supporters."I am equally excited to begin my coaching career at Derby County working with both the first team and Academy.

"I must also take this opportunity to thank DC United, their owners, executives and supporters who have been superb to work with. I want them to know that I will give my all in support of our push for the play-offs."Rams boss Cocu added on acquiring the services of an iconic figure: "Wayne Rooney is an extremely talented and top-class footballer.

"It is an exciting prospect for him to be joining Derby County and he can bring so much to this squad, both on and off the pitch. He has enjoyed a wonderful career, both in club football and for England, and he still has so much to give as well."His credentials speak for themselves. But to have a player with his leadership, skill, experience, character and work ethic will be huge for us. He knows what it takes to succeed as a player and I have no doubt he will have a positive impact right across the club.

"The inspiration and motivation this can generate is massive for all of our players from the first team right through to the youngsters in the Academy. It is entirely in keeping with, and in support of, the club’s philosophy and approach."I am looking forward to working with Wayne from the start of next year and welcoming him to the club."

Executive chairman Mel Morris said: "We are absolutely delighted to announce that Wayne Rooney will be joining Derby County."This is clearly an exciting signing for us, and Wayne’s presence will further enhance the club’s standing and its ability to perform both on and off the pitch.

"To have Wayne Rooney as a player, and equally as an aspiring coach, is incredible and I can only imagine the buzz this will generate amongst our supporters at home and internationally.

"First and foremost, Wayne is joining us as a player but he will also have coaching responsibilities too, particularly around the development of our younger players progressing towards the first-team from our Academy, as he looks to gain his relevant qualifications for a future coaching and management career.

"I would like to express a sincere thanks to DC United for their professionalism throughout this process. We wish them every success for the remainder of their season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Rooney!

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[Wolverine GTR]

Bale & James snubbed for Red Bull Salzburg friendly as Real Madrid futures remain uncertain


Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez have not been named in Real Madrid's squad to face Red Bull Salzburg in a pre-season friendly match on Wednesday evening as the pair continue to face uncertainty over their respective futures at the club.

Bale had reportedly agreed a £1 million-a-week deal to move to China with Jiangsu Suning back in July, but Madrid seemingly refused to let the four-time Champions League winner leave without a significant transfer fee.

The suggestion was that the Welshman had hoped the club, at which he is clearly not in manager Zinedine Zidane's plans, would let him leave on the cheap as Chinese clubs must pay a 100 per cent tax on significant transfer fees.

Rather than getting Bale's already sizeable wage off their books, however, Los Blancos stood strong, scuppering a move that would have reportedly made the former Tottenham star one of the highest-paid players in the world.

Following that, the club announced that Bale had been 'too ill' to travel to Munich for Madrid's Audi Cup exertions, but Zidane was forced to comment on a photo that had allegedly pictured the attacker playing golf in the Spanish capital while his team-mates were in Germany.

Now, left out of the squad again, questions will again surface over whether Bale will move on before the transfer window closes or have any kind of involvement in Madrid's season in 2019-20.

James finds himself in a similar situation, with Napoli and Atletico Madrid having registered their interest before a potentially season-ending injury to Marco Asensio appeared to see the Colombian redrafted into Zidane's plans.

Having now been snubbed for Wednesday's pre-season clash with Red Bull Salzburg, however, James's future is up in the air yet again, with no indication as to whether Napoli or Atleti have made any ground in their pursuit of the playmaker.

Indeed, James's agent, Jorge Mendes, claimed recently that no clubs were close to finalising a deal for his client and that the press should ask Real Madrid president Florentino Perez if they want to know more about the club's plans for the player.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lukaku to Inter talks continue amid reports of Man Utd conflict


Manchester United and Inter are continuing discussions regarding the transfer of Romelu Lukaku amid reports that the Belgian striker has been fined by the Old Trafford club.Lukaku was pictured in Anderlecht training apparel on Tuesday after deciding to work away from Manchester ahead of a potential move to Inter.

And reports claim that the former Chelsea and Everton star has been fined more than once for his behaviour in recent days, the first for tweeting a copy of United’s sprint stats and the latter for his decision not to return to the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday.

This follows suggestions that his relationship with United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has broken down, with the Norwegian having apparently informed Lukaku that he will be expected to train with the Under-23s until there is some resolution regarding his future.And Goal has been informed by a source close to the negotiations that talks are ongoing to find a deal between United and Inter which would see Lukaku finally link up with Nerazzurri head coach Antonio Conte.

The Italian has sought to sign Lukaku on more than one occasion in the past but has thus far been unsuccessful in his attempts, with him having failed to land the Belgian while in charge of Juventus and Chelsea.

However, following the end of talks between Juve and United relating to a planned swap deal involving the 26-year-old and Paulo Dybala, Inter are now overwhelming favourites to secure the striker’s signature.

The Red Devils ultimately decided against moving forward with talks over Dybala's potential arrival due to the Argentine’s exorbitant financial demands. Christian Eriksen has also been linked with the club but reports suggest that move has also fallen through.

Lukaku arrived at United in the summer of 2017 from Everton for a £75m ($91m) transfer fee and the Reds are looking to make their money back on the No.9.

And with Solskjaer in no rush to seek out a replacement for the forward, United are under no pressure to force a quick exit ahead of Thursday’s English transfer deadline.

The window for Italian clubs to register doesn’t close until September 2, giving Inter more than three weeks to finalise a deal with United regarding the purchase of Lukaku.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Watford complete swoop for ex-Arsenal star Welbeck


Watford have announced that they have completed a move for attacker Danny Welbeck, who was a free agent after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of last season.

The Hornets have yet to confirm details of the deal, but did release a brief statement on Twitter, which read: "We're delighted to confirm the signing of England international Danny Welbeck on a free transfer." Reports suggest Welbeck has signed a three-year deal with Javi Gracia's side.

Welbeck started his career with Manchester United, where he scored 20 Premier League goals in 92 appearances after making his debut in 2008.

Watford have announced that they have completed a move for attacker Danny Welbeck, who was a free agent after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of last season.

The Hornets have yet to confirm details of the deal, but did release a brief statement on Twitter, which read: "We're delighted to confirm the signing of England international Danny Welbeck on a free transfer." Reports suggest Welbeck has signed a three-year deal with Javi Gracia's side.

Welbeck started his career with Manchester United, where he scored 20 Premier League goals in 92 appearances after making his debut in 2008.

By signing up for the Hornets, he has become their fourth permanent signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of Craig Dawson from West Brom, Tom Dele-Bashiru from Manchester City and Sam Dalby from Leeds United.
On the contrary, they have seen Dodi Lukebakio depart to Hertha Berlin and Obbi Oulare leave for Standard Liege.

Meanwhile, Ben Wilmot (Swansea), Jerome Sinclair (VVV) and Kwasi Sibo (Ibiza) have all left on loan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona seek Neymar loan deal with option to buy - but must offload Coutinho to Tottenham first


Neymar's potential return to Barcelona will hinge on Philippe Coutinho as the Paris Saint-Germain star has been given the all-clear to return to his former club if the Spanish champions can find a way to offload his Brazil team-mate.
Sources have told Goal that Paris Saint-Germain are open to loaning Neymar to the Catalan side with an obligation to purchase outright next season.

The move, however, is dependant on Coutinho accepting a loan switch to Tottenham, with upper-tier Premier League sides the only clubs now left in a financial position to pay the former Liverpool man's wages.

In short, Barca need to offload Coutinho in order to be able to match Neymar's salary whilst also avoiding falling foul of financial fair play regulations. In addition, Spurs have been told they must pay a loan fee of €30m (£28m/$34m).

Standing in the way, however, is the imminent closure of the English transfer window on Thursday, August 8 at 1700 BST. Despite PSG originally not wanting to sell to Barca, they have now reached an accord – but things rest on whether Coutinho heads to London or not.Should the deal go through, the 27-year-old would be on a similar salary to Spurs captain Harry Kane, who is said to make £200,000 ($243k) per week.

Another, smaller piece of the transfer puzzle is the matter of the demands made of Neymar by president Josep Bartomeu. The Blaugrana felt stung in several ways by the manner in which the Brazilian left and as such have made clear what he needs to do to to get back in the good books.

Top of the list is dropping a court case in which Neymar is seeking to claim €30m (£28m/$34m) from Barca, a bonus he believes he is owed for signing a renewal with the Catalan side before his move to France.

In addition, should he return to Catalunya, the club want the player to publicly admit that he made a mistake in leaving in the first place.

Lastly, a decrease in salary must be agreed, although the fact that the first part of the operation is a loan move might see that shelved until Neymar is a fully-fledged Barcelona player once again.

The Spanish champions will kick off their defence of La Liga with a trip to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao on August 16.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

English Summer Transfer Window 2019

1 more day remaining.....

Manchester United backline eka nam dan shapeAth MID thamai awla thiyenneHerrera ge replacement ekak gatthoth thamai hoda + Inter la full try karanawa wage Lukaku wa ganna.Bari welawath anthima mohothe lukaku sell kaloth nam thawath loku prashnayak.Lukaku ge replacement ekak attheth naha penawidiyata.Moussa Dembele unath not for sale kiyala kiyanne

Anyway.....anything can happen.Good Luck Manchester United!
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