August 2020 – Page 3 – Football Flame

28Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Report: Milan to miss out as Sevilla close €16m deal with Real Madrid over playmaker

Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid looks on during the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 06, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. In recent days, Milan have been linked with several players as they look to reinforce their squad ahead of the upcoming season. However, it seems that they will miss out on one of their targets. Yesterday, La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) reported that the Rossoneri are interested in both Brahim Diaz and Oscar Rodriguez, though ruling out that both will arrive. However, it seems the decision has been made for them. Oscar Rodriguez of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Youth League Quarter-final match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at Estadio Alfredo Di S...

28Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Klopp: ‘No chance’ Liverpool signing Messi

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona gestures during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou on November 27, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool have ‘no chance’ of signing Lionel Messi. Several elite European clubs are in the hunt for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner after he intimated a desire to leave Barcelona earlier this week. Manchester City currently appear favourites to land the Argentina captain due to a good relationship with Pep Guardiola during his time at the Nou Camp. But Klopp has discounted the prospect of the Reds joining the race for Messi, 33, due to the financial demands associated with signing the coveted player. He said: “Interest? Yeah, who doesn’t want to have Messi in their team?! “...

28Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Harry Maguire: I feared for my life during Greece arrest

Manchester United football team captain Harry Maguire (L) leaves a courthouse on the Greek island of Syros, the administrative hub of the Cycladic island group that includes Mykonos on August 22, 2020. Manchester United captain Harry Maguire says he feared for his life and thought he was being kidnapped during his arrest in Greece. The England international’s legal team have lodged an appeal against his conviction for assaulting a police officer and attempted bribery following an incident on the island of Mykonos. United have said the appeal nullifies Tuesday’s ruling in a Greek court and means Maguire has no criminal record ahead of a full retrial after he was initially handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence. “My initial thought, I thought we were getting kidnapped. We got ...

28Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Antoine Griezmann wanted to leave Barcelona before Bayern disaster

Antoine Griezmann of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis on August 25, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. Antoine Griezmann was considering his future before Barcelona’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich and was pretty set on leaving the club. According to his former agent Eric Olhats, the Frenchman wasn’t too happy with the way things were going and had only one thing in mind. Yet it seems Griezmann has now had a change of heart since chatting with new boss Ronald Koeman. “Before the disaster vs Bayern, Antoine wanted one thing: to leave. He felt like he was no longer part of the plan, that things couldn’t continue like that. “He was seriously looking at it (leaving). Then, there was what we know happened and a conversation...

28Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Lampard must deliver after Chelsea spending spree

Frank Lampard manager of Chelsea celebrates victory after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. Chelsea coach Frank Lampard is under pressure to deliver a serious Premier League title challenge after a spending spree fuelled by his desire to catch champions Liverpool. Lampard showed promise in his first season by steering the Blues into the Champions League with a fourth place domestic finish. But Arsenal exposed the flaws that were visible in Lampard's side all season with a 2-1 win against their London rivals in the FA Cup final. Having finished 33 points behind the Reds and 15 adrift of second placed Manchester City last term, the response from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy has be...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Chelsea sign former Nice defender Sarr on free transfer

Malang Sarr of Nice during the Ligue 1 match between Nice and Amiens at Allianz Riviera on August 10, 2019 in Nice, France. Chelsea signed former Nice defender Malang Sarr on a free transfer on Tuesday. Sarr left Nice when his contract expired in the close season and agreed a five-year deal with the Premier League club. The 21-year-old centre-back is seen as one for the future by Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and will be sent on loan this coming season to build his experience. Nice-born Sarr racked up more than 100 appearances at his hometown club since his senior debut aged just 17. He is eligible to play for Senegal due his parents, but he has represented France from Under-16 to Under-21 levels and captained their Under-18s. "The opportunity to sign Malang was one we coul...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Higuain, Bale, Ozil, and the high-earning players who simply won’t move on

In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain was asked about the possibility of closing the circle on his career by moving back to River Plate this summer. He was rather dismissive of such romantic inclinations: “I don’t miss it [the Argentine league], but I like watching it. “I started young and many players hesitate to come back, especially for the future of their families. The USA, China or Saudi Arabia are preferred.” Reports from Italy suggest Juve are finding it increasingly difficult to shift Higuain on this summer, just as they did last. Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo landed on Piedmont tarmac in July 2018, the club has desperately tried to rid themselves of the Argentine striker. Initially they succeeded, sending him on loan to Milan, and later...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Report: PSG Keeping a Close Eye on Messi Situation at Barcelona

Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Napoli at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 8, 2020. Social media lit up on Tuesday with the news that Lionel Messi wants to leave FC Barcelona. After the shock wore off, football fans started to think about which clubs could realistically sign Messi and two teams immediately came to mind: Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. There are obvious links to both clubs. Messi could play under Pep Guardiola once again at Manchester City or, he could leave for the French capital and reunite with his friend Neymar Jr. Both clubs are widely known as having seemingly endless funds to afford the best players as w...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United have another transfer strategy they need to speed up this summer

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Aon Training Complex on August 03, 2020 in Manchester, England. In the middle of the next week the lane leading up to Manchester United's Carrington training ground will begin to hum to the usual sound of sports cars and 4*4s as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plauers return to pre-season training. It's been an unusually short summer of tranquillity out on the border of Greater Manchester and Cheshire, but that will be shattered when what remains a large squad return with just over two weeks before they kick-off the 2020/21 Premier League season. Even accounting for those players away on international duty, it will remain a sizeable group that Solskjaer and his backroom staff look to drill in ...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool FC still in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara – report

Thiago Alcantara of FC Bayern Munich celebrates with the UEFA Champions League Trophy following his team's victory in the UEFA Champions League Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 23, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal. Liverpool FC are still interested in a deal to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, according to a report in England. The Daily Mirror is reporting that Liverpool FC are still interested in the Champions League winner in the 2020 summer transfer window. The same article states that Thiago is determined to leave the Allianz Arena this summer despite playing a key role in Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. According to the same story, Liverpool FC are r...

27Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Thiago Silva to undergo Chelsea FC medical today – report

Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Bernabeu on November 26, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. Thiago Silva is poised to undergo a medical with Chelsea FC on Thursday as the Blues close in on the signing of the Brazilian defender on a free transfer, according to reports. Sky Sports is reporting that the experienced defender is due to undergo medical checks ahead of his proposed move to Stamford Bridge this summer. Silva is a free agent after his contract with PSG expired at the end of last season, and according to the same story, the “finishing touches” to an offer have been agreed by Chelsea FC and the player in recent days. The 35-year-old defender’s proposed transfer to Chelsea FC com...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ian McGarry: Chelsea FC close to signing Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen

Kai Havertz of Bayer Leverkusen controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Bayer Leverkusen and Lokomotiv Moskva at BayArena on September 18, 2019 in Leverkusen, Germany. Chelsea FC are closing in on a deal to sign Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, according to Ian McGarry. The west London side have been strongly linked with a move to bring the 21-year-old Germany international to Stamford Bridge this summer as they look to strengthen their options ahead of Frank Lampard’s second season in charge. Havertz is widely considered to be one of European football’s most promising young attacking talents, with the 21-year-old having scored 18 goals and made eight assists across all competitions for Leverkusen last term. Lampard has alread...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Transfer Rumour: Everton Eyeing Summer Move For James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez of Real Madrid controls the ball during the Copa del Rey match between Ral Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 6, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Everton are reportedly eyeing a summer move for James Rodriguez and have already started talks over a transfer for the Real Madrid playmaker. According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Everton have opened talks with Real Madrid over the prospect of signing James Rodriguez in the summer transfer window. The Colombian playmaker is keen to be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, with Los Blancos hoping to offload him as well. James Rodriguez was on top of the world when he joined Real Madrid in the aftermath of a superb 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign. The start to life in the Spanish capital was solid, ...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Phil Foden Named in England Squad

Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Port Vale at Etihad Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Manchester, England. After being repeatedly overlooked by England Manager Gareth Southgate, Phil Foden has now received a call up to the England squad. Over the last couple of years Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has carefully nurtured the developing career of young English player Phil Foden. Pep has given him game time in increasingly important matches in a variety of tactical roles. For his part Foden has continued to work hard and has never let his head drop and his concentration waiver. Throughout the British media have stood on the sidelines, jeering, believing the lack of game min...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Luis Suarez in talks with Inter Miami – report

Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona shoots during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 14, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal. Luis Suarez is reportedly in talks with Inter Miami after being told by new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman he’s not in the Dutchman’s plans for next season. David Beckham’s club “hope to make him the first signing in a hugely ambitious plan that involves a lot of big names,” according to The Independent. Suarez is said to prefer to stay in Europe but could be tempted to Miami. However, to do so he’ll need to take a pay cut on his €450,000 a week wages. Ajax have been linked with trying to bring Suarez back from Barcelona, but sporting director Marc Overmars seems to have ruled out suc...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge optimistic Bayern will keep hold of David Alaba

David Alaba of FC Bayern Munich celebrates following his team's victory in the UEFA Champions League Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 23, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal. Per a new report from Sky Sport Germany, Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said he’s optimistic that David Alaba will sign a contract extension with the club. Earlier in the season, Hansi Flick conferred the epithet of “defensive chief” on the Austrian defender, who has been one of Bayern’s most consistent performers en route to another historic treble-winning season. Negotiations between Alaba, his agent Pini Zahavi, and Bayern have proven to be more difficult than Bayern may have anticipated, but Rummenigge is confident everything will w...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter Wing-Back Victor Moses: “We Gave Everything But It Just Wasn’t To Be”

Victor Moses of FC Internazionale controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final between Inter and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Merkur Spiel-Arena on August 10, 2020 in Duesseldorf, Germany. Inter wing-back Victor Moses has taken to social media platform Instagram to share his thoughts on Inter’s Europa League final loss to Sevilla on Friday and also thanked fans for their support during the 2019/20 season. The Nigerian national team player joined Inter on loan with an option to buy from Premier League club Chelsea back in the January transfer window. The former Wigan Athletic player made 20 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell, in which he provided five assists for his teammates. He posted: “Devastated to lose the final on Friday. We gave everything...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea FC are making the same mistakes that Man City did in the transfer market

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (L) greets Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard (R) ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 23, 2019. Manchester City were quick out of the blocks in the transfer market to bring in Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake, but it has been Chelsea laying down the marker when it comes to strengthening their squad this summer. Having already agreed to sign Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, Chelsea announced the capture of Timo Werner before the 2019/20 season had ended - beating a number of clubs, including Liverpool, to his signature. If reports are to be believed, they will add Bayer Leverkusen's talented attacking midfielder Kai Havertz...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lionel Messi hands in Barcelona transfer request as fans protest outside Camp Nou

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RC Deportivo La Coruna at Camp Nou stadium on October 15, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Lionel Messi has never been closer to leaving Barcelona at any point in his 20 years at the Catalan club. Representatives of the Argentine attacker sent a certified fax to the Barca board on Tuesday afternoon outlining the 33-year-old’s intention to walk away from Camp Nou for free this summer. Messi’s contract expires in 2021, but the club captain has told Barca he wants to activate a clause which allowed him to leave this summer. Football Flame understands that clause expired in June, with Messi obliged to tell the club in May if he had wanted to depart. However, with the season extended due to Covid-19, t...

25Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Martin Montoya: Defender leaves Brighton to rejoin Real Betis

Martin Montoya of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at American Express Community Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Brighton, United Kingdom. Spanish defender Martin Montoya has left Brighton to rejoin La Liga side Real Betis in a permanent move. Montoya, 29, played 57 games after joining Brighton from Valencia in 2018. The right-back came through Barcelona's youth ranks, making 67 appearances before being loaned to Inter Milan and Real Betis during the 2015-16 season. "Over the past two seasons, Martin has played his part in helping the club maintain its Premier League status," Brighton head coach Graham Potter said. "On behalf of all at the club, we wish him all the success for the future....