Nabil Fekir Set for Real Betis Move

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Nabil Fekir Set for Real Betis Move

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.The Andalucian cl...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

De Gea Eyes Man Utd Captaincy Ahead of New Deal

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...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Injured Kante Leaves Chelsea Tour for Treatment

N'Golo Kante has travelled back to the UK to continue his rehabilitation for an injury connected to the knee problem he sustained at the end of last season.Kante, who has not featured for Chelsea during pre-season, suffered the injury during their 2-0 win over Watford in May.At the time, then head coach Maurizio Sarri said it was a mistake to play Kante and that he should have rested the France midfielder.Chelsea's current head coach Frank Lampard suffered his first defeat in charge as they lost 1-0 to Kawasaki in Yokohama on Saturday.Despite the loss, Lampard still saw plenty of positives in his team's performance in Yokohama.

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Ancelotti: Napoli Still Trying to Sign James

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. W...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Sarri Expects More Juventus Arrivals

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."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 ...

21Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

ICC : Nketiah Shines for Arsenal

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.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.Lacazette again kept his composure before playing in Willock, who finished...

21Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

PSG Insist No Concrete Offers In for Neymar

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.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 S...

21Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Iwobi : I Might Leave Arsenal If They Sign Zaha

Arsenal wide-man Alex Iwobi claims he may be forced to quit the club if they fulfill their ambition of signing Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace.The Gunners have made no secret of their desire to sign the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international and have already had a bid of around £40 million ($50m) rejected for a player the Eagles value at closer to £80 million.The presence of Zaha would limit Iwobi’s minutes at the Emirates and he says sitting on the sidelines would force hm to consider his position.“I am not one to chicken out,” the 23-year-old told The Sun. “I have had it all over the years, being told I’m not good enough.“So whenever the chance comes I always try and prove I should be starting. But it’s going to be difficult if Zaha comes. He will add more stress.“Obviously my joy is to...

21Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

ICC : Bayern Munich Ease Past Real Madrid

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 8...

21Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Bale Very Close to Leaving Real Madrid – Zidane

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 tra...

20Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd turned down €60m Inter Bid for Lukaku

Manchester United have rejected Inter Milan’s €60 million offer for Romelu Lukaku.Just two years after joining the Old Trafford giants, the 26-year-old is keen to move onto pastures new and Antonio Conte is keen to bring the striker to Serie A.United received a €60 million bid from Inter two days ago, which was rejected out of hand as it falls well short of their valuation.The two clubs met for an International Champions Cup clash in Singapore on Saturday, but Lukaku watched from the sidelines due to his latest knock.On the eve of the match, Inter head coach Conte confirmed his desire to sign a player he missed out on when Chelsea boss in 2017.“I think frustrated is a big word,” he said in English when asked about the inability to complete a deal.“Lukaku is a United player and this is the ...

20Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Chelsea's Ampadu Close to Joining RB Leipzig

The Wales international Ethan Ampadu is close to continuing his development at RB Leipzig next season with Chelsea negotiating his departure on a season-long loan to the Bundesliga club.Ampadu, who has eight senior caps, underwent a medical in Germany on Friday having been omitted from the Chelsea senior squad who are currently in Japan on a two-game pre-season tour.Frank Lampard, who had attempted to secure the youngster while Derby manager, had made clear his intention to loan out the 18-year-old in search of regular first-team football for the season ahead. The former Exeter City player made more appearances for his country than his club last season.Leipzig, who are close to securing Ademola Lookman from Everton this summer, will tap into Ampadu’s versatility with the teenager able to o...

20Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Ajax Sign Mexican Star Edson Alvarez

Ajax have announced an agreement with Club America for Mexico international Edson Alvarez, who is expected to sign a five-year contract.The Eredivisie club added the agreement, which is reportedly for a fee around $17 million (£14m), is subject to a medical.Ajax director for football Marc Overmars had previously talked up the possibility of the club moving for the Alvarez, saying the 21-year-old was a target for them regardless of the situation regarding Matthijs de Ligt, who has since had his move to Juventus confirmed."I think he has the right age - 21 years old, he's a regular starter for the Mexico national team and we know him very well because we've been following him for quite some time now,” Overmars said. “He's had good development, and he's versatile."The Mexico international dev...

20Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Early Goal Hands Algeria AFCON Glory

Algeria became Africa Cup of Nations champions for a second time as they edged Senegal 1-0 in a scrappy final on Friday.Djamel Belmadi's side needed a sensational last-gasp Riyad Mahrez winner to beat Nigeria in the last four, but it was a scrappy early strike that decided this clash as Baghdad Bounedjah benefited from a huge deflection.Further chances were few and far between in an ill-tempered affair as Algeria withstood almost constant pressure and also saw a Senegal penalty award overturned with VAR.The single goal ultimately proved enough to hold on, Algeria triumphing on foreign soil for the first time to add to their 1990 success as hosts.

19Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

John Obi Mikel Announces Nigeria Retirement

John Obi Mikel has announced his retirement from international football after helping Nigeria to third place in the Africa Cup of Nations.The Super Eagles lost to Algeria in the last four in Egypt, but atoned for that disappointment to a degree with a 1-0 win over Tunisia in the third place play-off.That game marked the last appearance in a Nigeria shirt for Mikel, who confirmed the end of his career for his country in a post on Instagram.MIkel won the AFCON in 2013 and collected a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, while he also featured for the Super Eagles at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.The former Chelsea star will continue his successful club career with Trabzonspor, having joined the Turkish side this summer.

19Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Zaha Tells Crystal Palace He Wants to Leave

Wilfried Zaha has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club amid interest from Arsenal, as per reports.The 26-year-old forward made his feelings clear after returning to Palace following his participation in the Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations campaign.The Eagles rejected a bid of £40m for Zaha from Arsenal earlier this month, but the Gunners are expected to raise their offer in the coming days.Unai Emery has wanted to sign Zaha since he scored in Palace's 3-2 win at the Emirates in April and he is the Gunners' number one transfer target this summer.

19Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Barca Offer £90m Plus Two Players for PSG Forward Neymar

Barcelona have made a £90m offer plus two players for Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar, according to Sky in Germany.The La Liga club have given PSG a list of six players that could be included in the deal, including Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Ivan Rakitic, Nelson Semedo, Malcom and Samuel Umtiti.It is understood the French club want over £200m for the 27-year-old.Sky Sports News reported on Tuesday that Neymar had told PSG he wanted to leave, while their manager Thomas Tuchel admitted on Wednesday that he knew the Brazilian was keen on an exit before the Copa America.PSG sporting director Leonardo said last week that Neymar could leave the French champions "if there is an offer that suits everyone", while also confirming "superficial contact" with Barcelona.According to Sky, PSG...

18Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Udinese officially acquires Nicolas from Hellas Veron

Nicolas is officially a player for Udinese. The club announced on their website that they've officially acquired the Brazilian goalkeeper from Hellas Verona after he arrived last season on loan.The 31-year-old signed a contract that lasts until June 30, 2021. Here's the official note: "Udinese Calcio announces to have guaranteed the sport performances of goalkeeper Nicolas Andrade. The class of '88 Brazilian arrived at Udine at the beginning of last season on loan from Hellas Verona, and has now been acquired definitively with a contract until June 30, 2021. He defended the bianconera goal in the third round of the Coppa Italia 2018-2019 against Benevento. To Nicolas we wish a good job on the club's behalf."

18Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

AFCON: Nigeria Beat Tunisia to Win Bronze

Odion Ighalo scored the only goal last night as Nigeria beat Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place play-off at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations to claim the bronze medals of this edition in Cairo, Egypt.The third place finish was a consolation for the three times champions who missed the last two editions of the African football showpiece back-to-back in 2015 and 2017.The goal is Ighalo’s fifth that makes him the tournament’s leading scorer on five goals.The Nigerian forward scored against Burundi in the opening match before his brace against Cameroon in the Last 16 stage. He also scored in the semi final clash with Algeria before capping his outing with the winner against Tunisia last night.The former Watford striker yesterday tapped in after Tunisia keeper Moez Ben Cherifia deflected the ball off...

18Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle Appoint Steve Bruce as Manager

Newcastle United have appointed Steve Bruce as their head coach on a three-year contract.Former Sunderland manager Bruce, 58, resigned as Sheffield Wednesday boss on Monday following talks with the Magpies at the weekend.Newcastle have been without a manager since Rafael Benitez left when his contract expired in June, saying the club “did not share his vision”.Bruce was born near Newcastle and was a boyhood Magpies fan.“There is a huge challenge ahead of us, but it’s one that my staff and I are ready for,” said Bruce. “This is my boyhood club and it was my dad’s club, so this is a very special moment for me and my family.”Bruce will be joined by coaches Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence, who have been part of his team at a number of his previous clubs.