Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen set to seal Borussia Dortmund loan move

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen set to seal Borussia Dortmund loan move

Ian Maatsen of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on December 27, 2023 in London, England.Ian Maatsen is set to join Borussia Dortmund on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season. The final details of the deal are being ironed out but it is understood there will be no buy option for the 21-year-old.Maatsen almost left Chelsea last summer, when Burnley had a £31.5m offer accepted on deadline day to sign him after a successful season on loan there, but the Dutchman decided to stay. He has started only one Premier League game under Mauricio Pochettino despite Chelsea’s injury problems.Dortmund have made a left-back and a winger their prime January targets and are close to securing Manchester United’s Jadon...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Martinez expected to miss five weeks with latest injury

Inigo Martinez of FC Barcelona leaves the pitch with an injury during the Copa del Rey Round of 32 match between UD Barbastro and FC Barcelona at Campo Municipal de Deportes on January 07, 2024 in Barbastro, Spain. Barcelona expect Inigo Martinez to miss around five weeks after being injured again on Sunday in the Copa del Rey win at Barbastro.Martinez was back in action after hamstring trouble but had to go off yet again after suffering a fresh injury.Barcelona have confirmed it’s a thigh problem:Diario Sport reckon Martinez will be now sidelined for just over a month.The news means he’ll miss the Spanish Super Cup, the next round of the Copa del Rey and league games against Real Betis, Villarreal, Osasuna and Alaves.Barcelona are hoping he will be fit in time for the return of...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Osimhen would thrive in Premier League – Adebayor

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during the Serie A TIM match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on December 23, 2023 in Rome, Italy.Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor believes African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen possesses all the attributes required to "thrive" in the Premier League.Nigeria front man Osimhen, who won the prestigious continental award in December, has become one of the hottest properties on the transfer market.This is ostensibly on the strength of his stellar 2022-23 season, when his 26 goals saw him finish as top scorer in Italy's Serie A and helped end a 33-year league title drought for Napoli.Last month the 25-year-old extended his contract with the club until 2026, but that is unlikely to ward off suitors such as Ars...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Wolves’ Kalajdzic joins Eintracht Frankfurt on loan

Sasa Kalajdzic of Wolverhampton Wanderers poses for a portrait in the Wolverhampton Wanderers 2023/24 Third Kit on July 23, 2023 in Faro, Portugal.Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan until the end of the season.The Midlands club signed the Austria international for £15m from Stuttgart in August 2022 but he suffered a serious knee injury on his debut.The 26-year-old returned this season and has scored three goals in 13 outings, which included three starts."Sasa has been incredibly unlucky," Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs told the Premier League club's website."He got injured on his debut having come back from a bad injury. He worked hard to get back fit, but the form of our forwards has meant his game time has been limited."After the best part of ...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Xavi says Barça should renew Sergi Roberto: ‘He knows what Barça is’

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Las Palmas v FC Barcelona at the Gran Canaria Stadium on January 4, 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain.Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández thinks the club should keep captain Sergi Roberto around for one more season. Roberto’s deal expires in six months and he’s widely expected to leave in the summer, but the coach doesn’t want to see him go.Speaking to the press on Saturday, Xavi said he has recommended Roberto’s renewal to the club and praised the captain’s leadership and qualities as a player. He also defended Roberto, who is a target of much criticism from press and fans.“I would recommend to the club that they renew Sergi Roberto. They already know it. He is important, he can play in many positions. Y...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter Milan captain after Serie A win vs Hellas Verona: ‘We weren’t at our best, but we needed to win’

Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with team mates during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 6, 2024 in Milan, Italy.Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez feels that the important thing was winning against Hellas Verona, even if the performance wasn’t perfect.The Nerazzurri captain spoke to InterTV, via FCInterNews, after this afternoon’s 2-1 Serie A victory against relegation-battlers the Gialloblu.In the end, Inter emerge from this evening’s match with three points.That means that no matter what the result of tomorrow’s match between Juventus and Salerntiana is, the Nerazzurri will finish the weekend top of the Serie A table.It was not the most convincing of perfo...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Isak double seals Wear-Tyne derby win for Newcastle

Dan Ballard of Sunderland fouls Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United for a penalty during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light on January 06, 2024 in Sunderland, England.Newcastle made comfortable work of rivals Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light to book their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup.The Magpies piled on the pressure from the outset and eventually found the breakthrough 10 minutes before half time when Sunderland defender Dan Ballard sliced Joelinton's cross into the back of his own net.It took less than a minute after the restart for Newcastle to take full control of the first Wear-Tyne derby since 2016 when Miguel Almiron robbed the ball from Pierre Ekwah before squaring for Alexander I...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Bologna secure draw with late goal against Genoa

Albert Gudmundsson of Genoa CFC celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with his teammate Ruslan Malinovskyi of Genoa CFC during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on January 05, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. Bologna have scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time against Genoa to snatch a 1-1 draw at home in Serie A.Icelandic striker Albert Gudmundsson put the visitors ahead on Friday with his third goal in four games when his free kick from the left sneaked in through a crowd.However, just when it looked like Bologna would lose two games in a row for the first time in a year, Lorenzo De Silvestri popped up in the penalty box to score a dramatic equaliser.Genoa will be furious at switching off so late in the game but the result ma...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid suffer double injury blow ahead of busy run of games

Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez players of Real Madrid are training at Valdebebas training ground on January 02, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid have revealed that Lucas Vazquez is facing a spell out with a hamstring problem, while Toni Kroos will be absent against Arandina on Saturday due to an ankle issue.A medical report issued by the club on Friday afternoon confirmed a thigh problem for Vazquez, who would have been in line for a start against Arandina in the Copa del Rey this weekend."Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Lucas Vazquez, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his right thigh. His progress will be monitored," read a statement on Real Madrid's official website.The 32-year-old has ...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Tottenham knock Burnley out of FA Cup after Porro stunner

Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur scoring the 1st goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 5, 2024 in London, England. Burnley were knocked out of the FA Cup following a narrow 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur after Pedro Porro's 25-yard special.A replay at Turf Moor appeared on the cards until Ange Postecoglou watched full-back Porro make the breakthrough with a superb strike in the 78th minute.Clarets boss Vincent Kompany could take positives after a solid display and they will now concentrate fully on staying in the Premier League.Spurs had already beaten Burnley 5-2 this season, but they were missing their hat-trick hero from that sunny September day with Son Heung-min away for the Asian Cup...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Swansea City appoint Luke Williams as new head coach

Luke Williams poses for a picture after signing a contract to become manager of Swansea City AFC at The Fairwood Training Ground on January 04, 2024 in Swansea, Wales.Luke Williams has left Notts County to become the new head coach of Swansea City.A month has passed since the Championship outfit made the decision to part ways with Michael Duff, who only arrived in South Wales during the summer.Since then, Alan Sheehan has been in charge on a temporary basis, instigating a vast improvement with 11 points being accumulated from seven matches.However, a day before the club's FA Cup third-round tie against Morecambe, Swansea have announced the appointment of Williams.The 43-year-old takes on the third job of his career having previously managed Swindon Town and more recently been in char...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City’s Rodri & Haaland doubts for Huddersfield tie

Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring the opening goal with Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Manchester City's Rodri and Erling Haaland are doubts for the club's FA Cup third round tie against Huddersfield Town.Spain midfielder Rodri could miss Sunday's game following the death of his grandmother."Today and tomorrow he will not be here," said Guardiola, whose side won the FA Cup last season."Hopefully he will come back for the game but, if he needs to stay, family issues are the most important thing."Haaland has not played since 6 December because of a foot injury.Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and winger Jeremy Doku are bac...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

FA Cup: Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent off as Everton hold Crystal Palace

Referee Chris Kavanagh shows a red card to Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin (not pictured) during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match at Selhurst Park, London. Picture date: Thursday January 4, 2024.Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin was controversially sent off as his side held on for a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round on Thursday. Calvert-Lewin saw red after a VAR review of the England striker’s studs-up foul on Nathaniel Clyne late in the second half at Selhurst Park.Calvert-Lewin made only slight contact with Clyne’s leg while winning the ball and Everton boss Sean Dyche was furious with the decision by referee Chris Kavanagh after a long VAR check.The first red card of Calvert-Lewin’s career could have been fatal to Everton’s hopes of progressing in the co...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Xavi: Champs Barca deserve respect in title race

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona consoles Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona who leaves the pitch with an injury during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Las Palmas v FC Barcelona at the Gran Canaria Stadium on January 4, 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain.Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández called for "respect for the reigning champions" as his side came from behind to beat Las Palmas 2-1 to remain seven points behind joint LaLiga leaders Real Madrid and Girona.Ilkay Gündoğan scored a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win after Ferran Torres had cancelled out former Barça striker Munir El Haddadi's opener for Las Palmas at the Estadio Gran Canaria."Of course," Xavi said in his post-game news conference when asked if Barça were still in the title race. "Did you see this week's games ...

4Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle United’s Kalvin Phillips hopes boosted

Kalvin Phillips of England during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium on October 17, 2023 in London, England. Newcastle United target Kalvin Phillips’ preference would be to stay in the Premier League if he leaves Manchester City this month, which is a boost for the Magpies, according to The Northern Echo.Phillips is keen to move on from Manchester City and Pep Guardiola is ready to sanction a loan move away from the club.Newcastle are interested in signing the midfielder but the Manchester City hierarchy’s financial demands have made a deal improbable.The Magpies are not prepared to shell out a massive loan fee or agree to Manchester City’s key condition of inserting a mandatory purchase clause.Juventus are also interested in...

4Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Lee Kang-in, Kylian Mbappe goals give PSG victory in French Champions Trophy

Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain reacts after winning the Trophy Of Champions against Toulouse FC at Parc des Princes on January 03, 2024 in Paris, France. Lee Kang-in and Kylian Mbappe scored first-half goals as Paris Saint-Germain won the first silverware of the French season on Wednesday, beating Toulouse 2-0 to claim the Champions Trophy. Lee, playing his final game before heading off to the Asian Cup in Qatar with South Korea, put PSG ahead in the third minute, leaving Toulouse with an uphill battle at the Parc des Princes. Mbappe then added a superb second goal just before half-time, as Paris claimed the Champions Trophy for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons."We were exceptional in the first half. It was our best 45 minutes of my time here," said PSG coach Luis...

4Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Atalanta set up Italian Cup quarter-final with AC Milan

Mario Pasalic of Atalanta BC jumps for the ball and assists his teammate Charles De Ketelaere's goal during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and US Sassuolo at Gewiss Stadium on January 03, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. Atalanta beat Sassuolo 3-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the Italian Cup quarter-finals where they will meet AC Milan. On loan from Milan, Belgian striker Charles De Ketelaere scored the first two of Atalanta's goals before also providing the assist for the third, scored by Russian Aleksei Miranchuk. Milan defeated Cagliari 4-1 on Tuesday and will face Atalanta at the San Siro on January 10.Holders Inter Milan were knocked out by Bologna in a game that went to extra time last month while champions Napoli were thumped 4-0 by Frosinone.Roma came from behind in a ...

4Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

La Liga leaders Real Madrid extend unbeaten run

Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with teammate Rodrygo Goes during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 03, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. La Liga leaders Real Madrid gained a hard-fought win over Mallorca thanks to Antonio Rudiger's late header.Mallorca hit the woodwork twice as Antonio Sanchez's header bounced off the underside of the crossbar on to the goalline, with Samu Costa also hitting the post for the visitors.Those misses proved costly as Rudiger headed in from Luka Modric's fine left-wing corner in the 78th minute.Real are now unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions.The result had briefly taken Real three points clear at the top, before second-placed Girona m...

3Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Source: Dortmund in loan talks for Utd’s Sancho

Jadon Sancho of Manchester United controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Barcelona v Manchester United of round of 16 at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 16th, 2023. Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are in talks over a loan deal for Jadon Sancho, a source has told FootballFlame.Dortmund are keen to sign Sancho until the end of the season but want United to continue to pay the majority of his wages.The 23-year-old hasn't played for United since August following a public row with manager Erik ten Hag.The England forward has been exiled from the first team squad for four months and has been forced to train alone under the supervision of club staff.Sancho has also attracted interest from Juventus and RB Leipzig but, according...

3Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Milan thrash Cagliari to reach Italian Cup last eight

Luka Jovic of AC Milan celebrates with teammate Samuel Chukwueze after scoring their team's first goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at San Siro on January 02, 2024 in Milan, Italy. In-form Luka Jovic has eased the pressure on coach Stefano Pioli, scoring twice to help AC Milan beat Cagliari 4-1 in the Coppa Italia's round of 16.With Milan nine points off Serie A leaders - and city rivals - Inter going into the winter break, Pioli had come under fire after a poor run that led to his team being eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage.Milan have won the Italian Cup five times but last lifted the trophy in 2003 and haven't reached the final since 2018.They will face either Atalanta or Sassuolo in the quarter-final.Going into Tues...