December 2018 – Football Flame    
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Month: December 2018

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Rajiv van La Parra set to join Middlesbrough on loan

Hudderfield Town have confirmed that winger Rajiv van La Parra will join Middlebrough on loan when the transfer window opens on 1 January 2019.The Dutchman, who joined the Hudderfield  from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2016, has made just five starts in the Premier League this season, the most recent of which came at Burnley on 6 October 2018.Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner explained:“Rajiv is 27 and understandably wants to play regular football, which is not something I can offer him at Huddersfield Town right now.“We wish him the best of luck at Middlesbrough for the rest of the season.”Rajiv’s contract at Huddersfield Town runs until the summer of 2020, with the Club having an option on a further season.
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Valencia eye West Ham United forward Javier Hernandez

Valencia plans to make a move for West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez in January transfer window, and believe the Mexican international wants to return to La Liga.The Spanish club are eager to change their goal-shy attack due to the struggles of Kevin Gameiro and Michy Batshuayi, with the latter set to return to Chelsea after an unsatisfactory loan move.Valencia’s financial situation means they would favour a similar temporary move for Hernandez, but that is seen as the main obstacle to any deal. It is understood the striker wants to return to Spain after an enjoyable time there with Real Madrid in 2014-15, and there is a feeling from the Mestalla that West Ham might be willing to do a deal. While Hernandez has played in the majority of matches this season, he hasn’t been ab...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

N’Golo Kante delight in new attacking role with Chelsea

Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante has revealed the pleasure he is taking from his new attacking midfield role after scoring the game’s only goal in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.The Frenchman’s recent change from  the world’s leading defensive midfielder, it was from that position he was so influential as France became world champions  to a more offensive position has consistently divided opinion.Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri has also occasionally been criticised for the decision taken to accommodate summer signing Jorginho, but at Selhurst Park amid Palace’s negativity it was Kante’s forward run and finish that was needed to secure victory.Despite their ability Chelsea had rarely looked like scoring, and the 27-year-old Kante told the club’s official website: “(This role) is somet...
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SERIE A

Josip Ilicic score hat-trick to help Atalanta grab 6-2 win over Sassuolo

Atalanta forward Josip Ilicic came off the bench to score a hat-trick in the last 20 minutes to give his side 6-2 rout away victory over Sassuolo on Saturday.Duvan Zapata headed Atalanta in front from an Alejandro Gomez free kick in the 19th minute and Gomez himself added the second with a deflected shot three minutes before halftime.There were three goals in a seven-minute spell early in the second half as Alfred Duncan pulled one back for Sassuolo, Gianluca Mancini restored Atalanta's two-goal lead and then Duncan struck again.Ilicic was brought on in the 63rd minute and the Slovenian became the first player to score a hat-trick in Serie A from the substitutes' bench since 2011.He opened his account with an angled shot in the 74th minute, added a second with three minutes left following ...
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SERIE A

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice against Sampodoria to seal new record for Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals for Italian champions Juventus to end 2018 with a 2-1 win over Sampdoria giving the Italian champions a new record of 53 points before the winter break. Ronaldo curled in the opener after just two minutes in Turin adding a second from the penalty spot after 66 minutes, putting the Portuguese top of Serie A's scoring charts with 14 goals. Fabio Quagliarella pulled Sampdoria level with a penalty after 33 minutes, with the visitors having a late Riccardo Saponara goal ruled offside after consultation with the VAR (video assistant referee).Juventus open up a 12-point lead at the top of Serie A ahead of Napoli who can reduce the gap when they host Bologna later on Saturday.The seven-time reigning champions also have a record number of points before the three-w...
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LALIGA

Eric Abidal disclose Barcelona plans for January transfer window

Barcelona technical secretary Eric Abidal spoke about the club’s plans for the January transfer window during Jeison Murillo’s unveiling on Thursday.The Spanish champions are being linked with several players, most notably Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, but Abidal played down talk of further signings.“We are always monitoring the market,” he said. ”In theory, there is nothing planned in terms of arrivals.“As for exits, there are certainly some players who will want more.”Everything will be put on the table and decisions will be taken.”                                        &nbs...
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Real Madrid set to sign Manchester City youngster Brahim Diaz

Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Manchester City and talented forward Brahim Diaz. The Spanish prospect will join Los Blancos when the transfer window opens in just a few days.Madrid President Florentino Perez and sticking with his transfer market plan of signing young, promising players and building them up within club.After being known for over a decade as the club that signs the biggest names in Europe, Los Blancos are now signing players 22 and younger who have shown glimpses of brilliance.Brahim Diaz will be the next up-and-coming player to put on the white kit and he will make his switch to the Spanish capital in just a weeks time according to Marca.The fee will be in the area of €15 million but could be more due to add-ons and stipulations in the agreement. Diaz has agreed ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Bournemouth captain Simon Francis ruled out for the rest of the season with injury

Bournemouth captain Simon Francis will be sidelines for nine month with a cruciate ligament injury.The 33-year-old defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 5-0 Premier League defeat by Tottenham at Wembley on Boxing Day.He was carried from the field on a stretcher and after being assessed by the Cherries' medical staff, underwent a scan in London on Wednesday evening which revealed the extent of the damage.Manager Eddie Howe told the club’s official website: “We are devastated to have lost Simon to a serious knee injury.“It is a huge blow for us to lose our captain and someone who has performed so well and consistently for the team over a long period of time.“There is a long road ahead, but Simon is a model professional who has a positive mindset and is...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Brighton held 1-1 draw against Arsenal

Brighton & Hove Albion came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday and arrest a run of three straight defeats.Their poor run looked like continuing as Arsenal took the lead after seven minutes, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang producing a fine side-foot finish wide in the box for his 13th league goal of the season.However, the Gunners have only kept three clean sheets in 19 league games and were pegged back just after the half hour mark.A long ball up the field came off the head of Stephan Lichtsteiner and fell to Jurgen Locadia who had sprinted up the pitch and did well to poke it past Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.Brighton midfielder Davy Propper headed just wide shortly after halftime, while Solly March later got on the end of another long ball but his...
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SERIE A

Cristiano Ronaldo shines in Serie A as he help Juventus maintain their unbeaten run

Portuguese forward  Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped up when his team required him the most and delivered against all odds. And after years of popping up for his team at the much needed hour, And he does it again to salvage a 2-2 draw for his new team against Atalanta.It was a rare occasion as Ronaldo was rested as Juventus went on to face Atalanta. With Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, Juventus struggled to put the ball into the net as Atlanta were leading the match 2-1 for major halves of the game and Juventus were with a man less on the pitch after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off. It was in the 65th minute when a 10-men Juventus finally turned to the saviour.And with 13 minutes to go, Cristiano repaid their faith to salvage a 2-2 draw. It was from a corner which was going into...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool beat Newcastle to stay six point clear at the top

Liverpool displayed the form of champions as they increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points by beating Newcastle United 4-0 at Anfield.Goals from Dejan Lovren, Mohamed Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho did the damage as Liverpool's chances of a first English top-flight title since the 1989-90 season were boosted by Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Leicester.Klopp made three changes to his starting XI whereas Benitez made an eye-catching six from Newcastle's previous result,  a goalless draw against Fulham that featured zero shots on target.Joselu missed a glorious opportunity after eight minutes, heading wide of Alisson Becker's goal following a wonderful cross from Matt Ritchie.Liverpool punished Newcastle's lack of ruthlessness as three minutes later.A deep...
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LALIGA

Barcelona's Jordi Alba set to sign new mega long-term contract

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba plans to sign a new four-year contract at the Camp Nou, to remain with the club until 2023. The defender has been in Barca starting line-up since his switch from Valencia back in 2012 and has managed to win four La Liga titles and the Champions League. The 29-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in European football and he has once again been at the top of his game for Barca this term, contributing a goal and four assists in 17 La Liga appearances. According to report, the Spanish champions are now set to reward Alba after over 200 games of service with a new mega long-term contract worth €9 million per year, after negotiations with the defender were accelerated. Alba told media after Barcelona’s 2-0 home win agains...
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LALIGA

Antoine Griezmann penalty help Atletico Madrid grab a 1-0 win over Espanyol

Antoine Griezmann scored a second-half penalty to help Atletico Madrid grab a 1-0 win at home over Espanyol, lifting Diego Simeone's team level on points with Barcelona atop the Spanish league on Saturday.Griezmann fired in the spot kick in the 56th minute after Jorge  Resurreccion was fouled by Esteban Granero in the area.Atletico is in second place on goal difference.Espanyol started well as Borja Iglesias drew two saves from goalkeeper Jan Oblak before Leo Baptistao hit the post in the 28th.But Atletico then tightened up its defense and got the goal it needed from Griezmann.Espanyol fell into 12th place after a sixth consecutive loss.
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Crystal Palace thrash Manchester city 3-2 through Andros Townsend wonder goal

Liverpool are still four points clear at the top of the Premier League after Crystal Palace thrash Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad, partly thanks to an Andros Townsend wonder goal. Manchester City had led through Ilkay Gundogan but two goals in three minutes overturned the scores as Palace led 2-1 at the break.Jeffery Schlup levelled on 33mins before Townsend put them ahead with a wonder goal. Luka Milivojevic penalty doubled Palace's lead on 51mins.Kelvin De Bruyne gave City hope in 85mins but the visitors held on to stun Man City. 
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NEWS

Neymar reacts to PSG Champions League draw and Jose Mourinho sacking

United finished second in UCL Group H under Mourinho and also expect a difficult match-up in the round of 16.On Monday, French giants PSG were selected to face United in February. A day later, Mourinho lost his job and has since been replaced by club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis.United’s caretaker manager will guide the team against PSG when they visit Old Trafford for the first leg on February 12.Solskjear’s men then go to the Parc des Princes on March 6 for the return fixture.Neymar and his team-mates have big ambitions in the competition this season and are many people’s tip to win the trophy.PSG topped a tough Group C ahead of runners-up Liverpool and Europa League-bound Napoli.Manchester United ultimately decided they could not move forward with Mourinho in cha...
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SERIE A

Napoli plans to make Arsenal loanee David Ospina transfer to Italy permanent

According to report in Italy, Napoli could activate their option-to-buy in the winter window, despite having until the summer to make a decision. The €3.2m option in Ospina’s contract with the club becomes compulsory if the Colombian makes 25 appearances, which means he only has 10 left to go between now and the end of the season before the Serie A side have no choice anyway. Napoli have found Ospina to be absolutely reliable, aside from one mistake against Liverpool. He convinced both the club and the fans to want him beyond the end of this season.
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Barcelona target Valencia defender Jeison Murillo

Barcelona are in the process of finalizing a loan deal for Valencia defender Jeison Murillo, according to Catalan radio station RAC1. The deal would be a good one for Barcelona who’ve been looking for a way to fix their defence after Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen injury. Murillo has had some injury problems over the last 12 months and only started 16 games in the league. Being only 26-years-old Murillo could be a great prospect for Barcelona should he remain healthy.The main reason Barcelona seem to be targeting Murillo is that they can’t seem to get a handle on Ajax’s Matthjis de Ligt in the January transfer window. They really need a experienced defender. Murillo might be the top tier player they want .
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SERIE A

Torino plans to make Chelsea loanee Ola Aina deal permanent

Torino have made the permanent signing of defender Ola Aina a top priority ahead of the January transfer window.  According to report, Torino have been impressed with Aina since he joined the club and are eager to tie him down to a long-term deal.The report claims that Torino have an option to sign him for €10m, which they are set to exercise in the coming weeks. Aina impressed at Hull in the Championship last season and made 46 appearances for Nigel Adkins’ side in all competitions.So far this season Aina has played in 14 of Torino’s 16 Serie A matches, starting 10 of them. Maurizio Sarri does not see Aina in his future plans and sanctioned the deal in the summer, with Cesar Azpilicueta Chelsea’s first-choice right back.Despite representing England at five different yo...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

West Ham eyeing January move for Beskitas Midfielder Gary Medel

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini plans to sign Gary Medel from Beskitas in Janaury, according to Sky Sport. The Midfielder Previously played in the Premier League in a one-year spell at Cardiff City who made him their club-record 11million pounds transfer from SevillaAnd now it looks as though the Midfielder could be on his way back to England with the Hammers chasing his signature.It’s reported that officials of the London club are set to travel to Turkey to get negotiations under way.No formal offer is thought to have been made at this stage, but Pellegrini is determined to bring his fellow countryman to the capital.Medel, who has also had spells at Universidad Católica, Boca Juniors and Inter Milan, has played  116 times for Chile.
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Adrien Rabiot agree terms with Barcelona

Adrien Rabiot, who is out of contract in the summer of 2019, has reportedly agreed terms with Barcelona over a potential transfer to the Spanish giants. According to report, Adrien Rabiot contract situation is concerned. The French midfielder has reportedly agreed terms with Barcelona over a move and is likely to leave PSG for the Catalan giants in the near future.Adrien Rabiot emerged from the PSG academy at a time when the French giants had become a cash-rich entity, with the club having a treasury at their disposal to reinforce their squad. But, the midfielder soon became a household name at the club and till date, has 227 senior appearances to his credit.But, for a while now, Rabiot’s contract has been the talk of the transfer window, with the Frenchman not ready to commit to a new dea...
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