Blog – Page 395 – Football Flame

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NEWS

Highest court in France suspends Ligue 1 relegation

Logos of clubs during the Ligue 1 match between Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on March 8, 2020 in Saint-Etienne, France. France's highest administrative court has confirmed the Ligue 1 season will end early as planned - but suspended the relegation of Amiens and Toulouse. The league was cancelled in April on a points-per-game basis, with Paris St-Germain named champions and Ligue 2 sides Lorient and Lens promoted. However, Amiens and Toulouse - the French top-flight's bottom two clubs - could still be demoted because the State Council ruled that the French Football League (LFP) must re-examine its structure of the top two divisions. Tuesday's ruling could potentially lead to a 22-team Ligue 1 for the 2020-21 season, an increase of two sides. The appea...
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TRANSFERS

Everton reportedly Lead the Race to sign Juventus Midfielder Adrien Rabiot

Juventus player Adrien Rabiot during a training session at Allianz Stadium on June 05, 2020 in Turin, Italy. Everton are reportedly at the head of the queue for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman has made 24 appearances for Maurizio Sarri's side since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain. The 25-year-old has only started 11 Serie A matches during the 2019-20 campaign, though, and the Old Lady are allegedly keen to move him on during this summer's transfer window. Manchester United have been strongly linked with the midfielder, who turned down the chance to sign a new contract with PSG to join the Italian champions on a free transfer last year. However, according to Tuttosport, Everton are leading the race for Rabiot due to the presence of head coach Carlo Ancelott...
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Man United and Liverpool make bid for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during a training session on March 9, 2020 in Naples, Italy. Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has insisted that the Italian giants will not be lowering their £100m asking price for in-demand centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international's future has been called into question in recent weeks, with a host of clubs - including Manchester United and Liverpool - thought to be lining up summer offers. Previous reports have suggested that Koulibaly could be available for a cut-price fee due to the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak, which is likely to be felt across the sport. However, Giuntoli has insisted that Napoli's valuation of 28-year-old - widely thought to be £100m - will stand this summer, effectively ruling out a m...
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BUNDESLIGA

Max strikes late to rescue point for Augsburg

Augsburg's German defender Philipp Max (R) shoots a free kick during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Augsburg v 1. FC Cologne on June 7, 2020 in Augsburg, southern Germany. Philipp Max scored his eighth goal of the season to rescue a point for Augsburg at home to Cologne and cancel out Anthony Modeste's late strike. Heiko Herrlich's side came into the match on the back of a concerning run of just two wins in their last 12 and only four points above the relegation play-off.  The hosts dominated the first-half, however, and should have been out of sight before the interval only to find Cologne shot-stopper Timo Horn - on his 150th league appearance for the club - in inspired form. Horn saved Florian Niederlechne's penalty, making amends after fouling Noe...
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BUNDESLIGA

Wout Weghorst nets to earn Wolfsburg a win over Bremen

Bremen's Finnish defender Niklas Moisander and Wolfsburg's Dutch forward Wout Weghorst vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match SV Werder Bremen v VfL Wolfsburg on June 7, 2020 in Bremen, northern Germany. Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst scored his first goal in five games to seal a late victory over Werder Bremen, dealing a huge blow to the hosts' battle for Bundesliga survival. Weghorst, left unmarked in the box, headed in Felix Klaus's curling cross in the 82nd minute in Bremen. The result leaves second-bottom Werder Bremen six points adrift of Mainz in 15th place with four games to go. Wolfsburg move up to sixth in the table, two points above Hoffenheim.
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TRANSFERS

Juventus reportedly set to complete move for Emerson Palmieri

Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal with Juventus. The Blues are expected to bring a new left-back to Stamford Bridge during this summer's transfer window, suggesting that Emerson will be surplus to requirements next season. The 25-year-old has made 18 appearances for Frank Lampard's side this term but has largely struggled to hold down a regular spot and has not played in the Premier League since January. Juve have been strongly linked with the Italy international in recent weeks, and according to Tuttosport, the Old Lady are now closing in on a deal for the full-back. Emer...
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LALIGA

Real Madrid: Gareth Bale miss training due to foot problem

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid during the team's training session during the Covid-19 pandemic at Valdebebas training ground on May 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Gareth Bale missed Real Madrid training with a foot problem on Saturday as Los Blancos continued their preparations for the return of LaLiga. The Welsh winger felt discomfort and was left out of the weekend session, which featured a 2-2 draw in an 11-a-side practice match, as a precaution. Luka Jovic was also absent after returning to the club last month with a foot fracture, but Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio are both back from their respective injuries. Saturday's session was behind closed doors and Madrid took advantage to train at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, where they will play their remaining home games as renovation w...
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BUNDESLIGA

Dormund beat Hertha to cement second place in Bundesliga

Emre Can (L) of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Axel Witsel (R) of Borussia Dortmund during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hertha BSC at Signal Iduna Park on June 06, 2020 in Dortmund, Germany. Borussia Dortmund tightened their grip on second place in the Bundesliga after Emre Can's second-half goal ended Bruno Labbadia's unbeaten run as Hertha Berlin coach in the 30th round of matches on Saturday. Neither Dortmund nor Hertha were able to develop much offensive momentum, meaning goalscoring chances were a rare occurrence in the first 45 minutes. The only noteworthy chance of the first half came from Achraf Hakimi, who rattled the side netting eight minutes into the game. The second half started with promising build-up work fr...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern down Leverkusen to close on Bundesliga title

Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (C) heads to score his team's fourth goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern Munich on June 6, 2020 in Leverkusen, western Germany. Bayern Munich moved a step closer to winning an eighth straight Bundesliga title as they came from behind to beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 on Saturday. Lucas Alario gave the hosts – who were without injured star Kai Havertz – the lead in the ninth minute. But Bayern responded in impressive style as Kingsley Coman, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry all scored before the break. Robert Lewandowski made it 4-1 in the 66th minute and Bayern cruised home despite a late consolation goal from Florian Wirtz to move 10 points clear at the top of the table with ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Champions League hopes hit as Gladbach loses to Freiburg 1-0

Nils Petersen of Freiburg celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the Bundesliga match between Sport-Club Freiburg and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Schwarzwald-Stadion on June 5, 2020 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Champions League qualification hopes were hit by losing at Freiburg 1-0 in the Bundesliga on Friday. Nils Petersen scored with a header to a free kick in the 59th minute, just after coming on as a substitute, to change the course of the game after Gladbach had dominated. Only Freiburg team officials could celebrate -– the game was played amid strict hygiene measures against the new coronavirus and fans have been banned from all Bundesliga games through the end of the season. It got worse for the visitors 10 mi...
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LALIGA

Barcelona: Leo Messi back to training, Suarez fit again

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona work during a training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on May 19, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Lionel Messi returned to the Camp Nou on Saturday after missing two group training sessions with a slight leg injury, while Luis Suarez is set to be fit for the La Liga restart next week. Messi trained alone indoors on Wednesday and Friday, but worked on the sidelines of a group session at Barca's home stadium, according to Spanish press. La Liga leaders Barcelona play their first match since mid-March at Real Mallorca next Saturday. Suarez will be fit to play for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in January after reporting feeling no pain following training. Messi and Suarez have scored 38 goals between them in all compe...
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SERIE A

Report: Brescia to terminate Balotelli Contract

Brescia's Italian striker Mario Balotelli pictured in the wamr up before the Serie A match between Brescia Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Mario Rigamonti on February 21, 2020 in Brescia, Italy.  Brescia are set to terminate Mario Balotelli's contract after the Italy striker failed to return to training ahead of Serie A's restart this month, Italian media reported on Saturday. Balotelli, 29, signed a three-year contract with his hometown club last year after they earned promotion to the top flight for the first time since 2011. Balotelli has earned a reputation as a troublemaker during a career in which he has played for Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice and Olympique de Marseille, and won 36 international caps. Sky Sports reported Balotelli was involv...
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TRANSFERS

Man United Join race to sign AC Milan Midfielder Ismael Bennacer

Ismael Bennacer of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 22, 2020 in Florence, Italy. Manchester United have joined rivals Manchester City and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer, according to a report from French outlet RMC Sport. The report adds that United are the latest club to show interest in the Algeria international, who won Player of the Tournament at the 2019 African Cup of Nations. A report from The Sun earlier this week suggested that City are interested in the midfielder, who made one League Cup appearance for Arsenal as a 17-year-old in 2015 and left the London club in search of first-team football before joining Empoli two years later. R...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Harry Kane believes Tottenham can benefit from focusing on Premier League

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 05, 2020 in London, England. Harry Kane hopes Tottenham can benefit from only having the Premier League to focus on once the season resumes. Spurs have nine games to try and force their way into the Champions League places, which could be as low as fifth if Manchester City's appeal against their European ban is rejected. All of their rivals have other things to play for with Manchester United in the FA Cup and Europa League, Chelsea in the FA Cup and Champions League, Wolves in the Europa League and Sheffield United in the FA Cup. He said on Sky Sports News: “From our point of view we are not in any of the other competitions so we have got nine games to concentrate ...
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LALIGA

Lionel Messi misses Barcelona training ahead of La Liga resumption

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona sprints during a training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on May 22, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Spanish LaLiga clubs are back training in groups of up to 10 players following the LaLiga's 'Return to Training' protocols. Lionel Messi missed training on Wednesday because he has an adductor injury which means he could miss Barcelona’s clash with Real Mallorca on June 13, according to reports. The captain worked alone in the gym, rather than joining the group, and his absence was largely played down at the time. TV3 are not quite as upbeat. They report Messi has an adductor injury and had an MRI scan on Tuesday to determine severity of the problem. They also rate him as “doubtful” to face Real Mallorca even though the clash at Son Moix is still s...
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BUNDESLIGA

Stefan Ilsanker scores twice for Frankfurt to beat Bremen

Frankfurt's Austrian midfielder Stefan Ilsanker (L) scores his second goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match SV Werder Bremen v Eintracht Frankfurt on June 3, 2020 in Bremen, northern Germany. Eintracht Frankfurt substitute Stefan Ilsanker scored twice in 10 minutes to complete a 3-0 win away to Werder Bremen, who stayed in the Bundesliga drop zone on Wednesday as their dismal home record continued. Forward Andre Silva headed the visitors ahead in the 61st minute of a physical, niggly match, as Ilsanker took advantage of poor marking to turn in the second in the 81st, less than one minute after coming on.  The Austrian also headed the third eight minutes later, stopping Bremen's run of three games unbeaten, which included Saturday's superb 1-0 victory...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton offer Leighton Baines one-year contract extension

Leighton Baines of Everton prepares to cross during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on March 01, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Everton have offered Leighton Baines a new 12-month contract extension, with the left-back’s current contract set to expire at the end of June. Baines, 35, has made six appearances for the Toffees this season, three of which have come under Carlo Ancelotti, who has said the defender remains ‘really important’ to Everton. Should Baines accept Everton’s offer, it would see him extend his stay with his boyhood club into a 14th season, having joined the Blues from Wigan Athletic in a £6 million deal in the summer of 2007. Though he has lost his place as first-choice left-back to Lucas Digne in the last...
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TRANSFERS

Real Madrid plotting Move for Man United target Jadon Sancho

Dortmund's English midfielder Jadon Sancho runs with the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match SC Paderborn 07 and Borussia Dortmund at Benteler Arena in Paderborn on May 31, 2020. Real Madrid could reportedly move for Jadon Sancho in next summer's transfer window if the attacker does not leave Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. The speculation surrounding the 20-year-old's future continues to gather pace, with Manchester United thought to lead the race for his signature. The Red Devils could allegedly attempt to agree a swap deal with BVB due to the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak, which is likely to be felt across the sport. However, according to AS, Madrid are keeping a close eye on developments and could attempt to secure...
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TRANSFERS

Inter Milan reportedly target Arsenal star Lacazette

Alex Lacazette of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on June 01, 2020 in St Albans, England.  Inter Milan reportedly continue to consider Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette as a potential replacement for Lautaro Martinez. Despite speculation regarding his future, it was claimed last month that Lacazette has no interest in a switch to San Siro during the next transfer window. However, according to reports in Spain, Inter are prepared to play a waiting game with the France international, aware that they could lose Martinez to Barcelona. As it stands, that deal appears unlikely unless Barca are able to put together a proposal which matches the Argentine's release clause, said to be in the region of £95m. Nevertheless, recouping close to that fee would allo...
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Lyon signs Villarreal Loanee Toko Ekambi on Permanent deal

Karl TOKO EKAMBI of Olympique Lyonnais during the Ligue 1 match between Lille and Lyon at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on March 8, 2020 in Lille, France. Olympique Lyonnais have signed on-loan Cameroon forward Karl Toko Ekambi from Villarreal on a four-year contract, the Ligue 1 club said on Tuesday. Lyon exercised an option to buy the player in a deal worth 11.5 million euros ($12.86 million) plus add ons which includes a sell-on clause of 15% of any future transfer. Ekambi, 27, has scored twice in eight league matches since joining the club on loan in January. "Lyon is pleased to announce that it has taken up the purchase option for Ekambi from Villarreal," the French club said in a statement here “The Cameroonian international has signed a four-year contract with the Rhone club.” ...
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