Blog – Page 433 – Football Flame

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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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."
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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...
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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.
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Lindelof Dismisses Barca Rumours

Victor Lindelof has claimed he is very happy at Manchester United, pouring cold water on Barcelona’s hopes of signing him in this transfer window.Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof has dismissed transfer rumours linking him with a summer move to La Liga champions Barcelona, saying that he is very happy at his current club and is looking forward to the season ahead, as reported by the Mirror.Lindelof joined Manchester United in the summer of 2017, from Portuguese outfit Benfica. After a difficult first season in England, the Swedish centre-half came into his own in the 2018-19 campaign and was easily the Red Devils’ best defender on show.Till date, Lindelof has made 69 appearances for United, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. The 24-year-old’s performances in the last season se...
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Cameroon Sack Seedorf and Kluivert

Former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf has been sacked as Cameroon coach after the side failed to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.The former Real Madrid player, 43, had been in charge for under a year.His assistant Patrick Kluivert, his former Netherlands and Ajax team-mate, has also left his role.Cameroon lost 3-2 to Nigeria in the last 16 in Egypt, leading to the country's sports minister calling for Seedorf to leave.Seedorf had said he was happy to continue and felt his squad had shown promising signs.The former Real Madrid and AC Milan player signed a four-year deal to take charge of the Indomitable Lions in August 2018.But a statement confirmed that "following the premature exit of Cameroon's men's flagship squad, Cameroon's football federation in line with clauses in...
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PSG sign Dortmund Defender Diallo for €32m

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of defender Abdou Diallo from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of €32 million including bonuses.As confirmed by ESPN FC sources, the France under-21 international successfully underwent his medical in the French capital on Monday before signing a five-year contract at Parc des Princes."It is a great honour to be involved with such a prestigious club as Paris Saint-Germain," Diallo said. "I have always said that the Parisian project was very attractive."Joining the capital club today is another important step in my career. I am committed to giving my all for my new club and look forward to bringing my qualities and desire to this team renowned for its high quality and high ambitions."Diallo, 23, left PSG's Ligue 1 rivals Monaco for Bundesliga outfit...
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Joselu Leaves Newcastle United for Alaves

Newcastle United finally completed the sale of Spanish forward Joselu to Alaves.They say all good things come to an end, but obviously the same can be said about things on the opposite end of the spectrum. Newcastle United finally brought the Joselu era to a conclusion as they completed a transfer of the forward back to Spain. The 29-year-old joins Alaves for a reported 2.5M.Typically, there are mixed feelings when a player departs the club, but with Joselu, the feelings will be mostly positive. He arrived in 2017 as a much-needed striking option. But, he proceeded to score only seven goals in over 50 appearances across all competitions. He was hard-working and did a lot on the pitch outside of scoring, but as a striker, he needed to do more of his primary job: find the back...
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Philippe Coutinho Approves Loan Move to Liverpool

Philippe Coutinho has given his approval to a sensational offer from Liverpool to take him on loan from Barcelona , according to reports.Coutinho has been linked with a move after struggling to nail down a place last season - with Manchester Unitedhaving been touted as a possible destination.Antoine Griezmann's arrival at Barcelona appears to have narrowed Coutinho's Barcelona chances further, although the fact that the Frenchman was given the number 17 shirt rather than the number seven was seen by many fans as a sign that the Brazilian midfielder would be staying at Camp Nou.However, speculation continues over a Coutinho exit, with the 27-year-old having been touted as a makeweight in a deal to lure Neymar back to Barcelona from Paris-Saint Germain.But now, European champions Liverpool a...
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Barcelona Officially Present Antoine Griezmann

France star Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona on Friday after the Spanish club agreed to pay his €120 million release clause to rival club Atletico Madrid. On Sunday the club presented Griezmann with the number 17 shirt. Griezmann spoke on the opportunity with his new club saying, "It's a new challenge. I always try to better myself and break out of my comfort zone. I want to win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League -which is missing from my curriculum."The 28-year-old World Cup winner with France last year joins Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Malcom as an attacking option, adding to the already world-class forwards that Barcelona possesses. Griezmann had a contract with Atletico until 2023 with a buyout clause of €200 million...
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Late Mahrez Free-kick Sends Algeria into AFCON Final

Riyad Mahrez scored a stunning free-kick with virtually the last kick of the game as Algeria beat Nigeria to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final.With the tie heading for extra time, Manchester City forward Mahrez whipped a fierce set-piece into the top corner.A William Troost-Ekong own goal had given Algeria the lead before Odion Ighalo's penalty levelled the scores.Algeria will face Senegal, who earlier beat Tunisia thanks to an extra-time own goal, in the final on Friday.
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Bayern target Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi

Bayern Munich remain determined to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi as the German club prepare to offer Chelsea £45million for the winger.The 18-year-old looked set to join Bayern Munich in January after submitting a transfer request, but the Blues rejected four separate bids from the Bundesliga side.With just one year remaining on his contract, Chelsea are desperate to tie Hudson-Odoi down to a new deal.But, according to the Mail, Bayern will test the club’s resolve with a new £45million bid.The England international is currently making steady progress in his comeback from a ruptured Achilles, suffered in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Burnley last April.While Hudson-Odoi played 24 times for Chelsea last season and earned his first England caps, he grew disillusioned with his lack of playing time under M...
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Tottenham confirm Eric Dier injury problem

Bad news for Tottenham and England international Eric Dier.Spurs have confirmed this weekend that Dier is now on the sidelines.That’s after the midfielder had an unspecified operation.Tottenham issued the following statement on Dier’s injury setback:"Eric Dier has undergone a medical procedure to correct an issue detected during medical assessments on the first day of pre-season training."Following the successful procedure Eric will now undertake a short period of rehabilitation. "He will therefore not travel on the Club’s pre-season tour to Singapore and Shanghai".
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