Oliver Giroud Urges Arsenal to Buy a New Striker.

Arsenal FC forward Olivier Giroud had come under increased criticism off late with Thierry Henry stating that Arsenal needed a new "spine" in the team to win the league.
The Arsenal legend went on to state that the Gunners won't be able to win the Premier League with Olivier Giroud as their striker.
The 28-year-old striker didn't take the criticism kindly and retaliated through the media. He was also backed by his manager Arsene Wenger, who reminded Henry that he faced similar criticisms when he was signed by the club.
Giroud welcomes challenge
Giroud, currently Arsenal's first-choice forward, said he would welcome the arrival of a new leading striker.
Giroud said: "I am going to focus on my preparation. We are doing well together with a good cohesion. The most important thing for me is that the team is always improving. I give my best every game. If there is another striker it will be nice for all the team because competition is good for everyone."
We don't rule it out, also don't guarantee we will sign: Wenger
While Giroud would welcome a new arrival, manager Arsene Wenger has said he will only enter the transfer market again this summer if he finds an exceptional player with Arsenal FC regularly linked with Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema.
"I don't know where that story comes from, but that is not happening at the moment. I am happy with the squad we have. If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it."
"It depends what's on the market. It is not easy, there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We don't rule it out and [also] don't guarantee we sign.
"[The title] is our target and we feel we have a chance in a very competitive league. We are not far away." – The Arsenal manager was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
It cannot be ignored that Arsenal FC need to add players upfront, specially someone who can provide something different to what Olivier Giroud brings to the plate. While the manager had hoped that from Welbeck, he has failed to deliver consistently with the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger has, over the past two seasons, made a marquee signings in the form of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. The fans will hope for something similar this summer.

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Arsenal in talk to sign Roma center-back Alessio Romagnoli

Arsenal are in talks to bolster their defensive options by signing Roma centre-back Alessio Romagnoli.

AC Milan are also in negotiations to sign the 20-year-old and have had three bids rejected, and now Gazzetta dello Sport says Arsenal have approached Roma to discuss a deal.

Romagnoli is valued at £24.4 million but no club has yet come close to offering such a fee.

We are told that Arsene Wenger has stated he won't be signing any new defenders this summer - but Romagnoli is such a top talent, he could make an exception.

Meanwhile, The Metro believes Arsenal are poised to make a 'huge offer' to sign striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

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Bastian Schweinsteiger eye more glory at Old Trafford.

Bastian Schweinsteiger revealed Wednesday the prospect of playing before Manchester United's supporters at Old Trafford's iconic "Theatre of Dreams" helped lure him away from Bayern Munich. (Joined Manchester United to win titles: Schweinsteiger)
The 30-year-old 2014 World Cup-winning midfield general completed a £14m (19.47m euros, $21.72m) move to United on Monday after agreeing a three-year deal with the Premier League side.
The move to Manchester reunites Schweinsteiger with former Bayern boss Louis van Gaal, who forged a solid bond with the midfielder during a successful stint with the Bundesliga giants between 2009 and 2011.
Schweinsteiger, who joined up with United immediately for their pre-season tour of the United States, told journalists in Seattle on Wednesday he was looking forward to working with van Gaal again.
But it was the prospect of playing for United at Old Trafford which had been the biggest draw, he said.
"Of course we know each other, we had a good time but I am here for Manchester United because Manchester United is a big club and I am looking forward to playing in that great stadium," Schweinsteiger said.
Schweinsteiger said the Old Trafford support had made a lasting impression on him during a 2010 Champions League quarter-final, when Bayern lost 3-2 but eliminated United on away goals.
"The supporters from Manchester United, they are huge," Schweinsteiger said.
"I remember once when we played there, we lost 3-2 but we moved on to the next round - but these supporters were very respectful after the match, they gave us applause and I am looking forward to playing in front of these supporters."
Schweinsteiger said he had his sights set firmly on a trophy-winning finale to his career after winning every available honour with Bayern.
"I cannot guarantee titles, but I can guarantee we will give our best to be successful," he said.
"I am very happy to be here and to play for Manchester United. It is a big honour. Of course it is a new step in my life.
"I want to win titles, it is easy. Manchester United is used to it and I am used to it too. That is the goal for the next years in Manchester."
Schweinsteiger could make his bow for United in their opening International Champions Cup match on Friday, when they face Mexico's Club America at CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team.

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Strongest Lineup: Manchester United vs Club America – Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Darmian and Depay debut

Manchester United get their pre-season tour of the USA underway on July 18th with a clash against Club America at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle and Red Devils' faithful all around the world will be eagerly anticipating the match due to the host of star players the club have purchased this summer.

The likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian and Memphis Depay have all arrived at Old Trafford so far this summer and the signings of such quality players has certainly caught the imagination of the fans.

The exciting quartet is set to start in United's first pre-season clash on Saturday and it will be interesting for everyone to see how the new stars will fit into the system of manager Louis van Gaal.

Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –

Goalkeeper

David De Gea looks all but certain to leave Manchester United this summer but he has been included in the squad for the pre-season tour by the club.

Having been included, there is no reason why the wantaway Spaniard will not be used. Anders Lindegaard and Sam Johnstone are the other goalkeepers who make up the squad and the duo could possibly start as well. Victor Valdes is the surprise omission from the squad.

Defence

United have brought in Italian international Matteo Darmian from Torino this summer and he certainly looks like a very good purchase for the Red Devils. With Rafael left out of the squad, it is very likely that Darmian will make his debut for the club against Club America.

There has been a lot of talk surrounding United purchasing a new central defender this summer but as of now no signing has been made and it looks likely that the duo of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will be starting at the heart of the defence on Saturday.

Luke Shaw will be hoping for a good season this term following a difficult campaign last season due to injuries and the young Englishman looks likely to be starting in the left back position.

Midfield

The Manchester United fans have been crying out for the club to buy a world class midfielder over the last few years and the Red Devils have finally obliged by bringing two top quality players in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.

Due to presence the of Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Daley Blind and Michael Carrick alongside the new arrivals of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, United's midfield looks a formidable force all of a sudden.

For Saturday's clash, there is a possibility that Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin will be handed their debuts while either Ander Herrera or Daley Blind will partner the duo at the middle of the park.

Another exciting signing United fans are looking forward to see is Memphis Depay and he should get his debut on the day as well. The likes of Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Antonio Valencia will also be in consideration for a start while Angel Di Maria has been left out due to his participation in the Copa America.

Attack

Following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney remains the undoubted star striker for United and he should be leading the line against Club America as a lone forward.

James Wilson has also been included in the squad and the young striker should be used in some capacity by van Gaal.

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Arda: Ronaldo is special but he'll never be like messi.

The latest arrival at Camp Nou believes that the Argentine is the greatest player the game has ever seen, while he revealed that he received several offers from other clubs

New Barcelona signing Arda Turan says that, while Cristiano Ronaldo is a "special" player, the Real Madrid superstar will never reach the same level as Lionel Messi.

Turkey international Arda completed his €41 million move from Atletico Madrid to the Blaugrana on Friday, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Catalan club.

The attacking midfielder will not be able to play for Luis Enrique's side until January as Barca are currently serving a Fifa-imposed transfer ban relating to the movement of under-age players but Arda explained that he never had any doubts about moving to Camp Nou as he is so excited about lining up alongside the man he believes to be the greatest footballer of all time.

"Cristiano is special but he'll never be like Messi," the 28-year-old told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

"I don't think that there's ever been anyone like Messi - or ever will be."

However, Arda admitted that he is arguably even more excited about playing in the same team as Andres Iniesta and insisted that there is room for him in Barca's all-star attacking line-up.

"Hopefully I will play play alongside Iniesta, Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez," he stated. "I think you can see that picture of the five of us playing together.

"At Atletico, I always said that Messi is the best player in the world, but Iniesta is my idol."

Arda, who was also linked with Liverpool, Chelsea, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, also revealed that he could have moved elsewhere but that he always had his heart set on a switch to Catalunya.

"I received lots of offers, but when I heard from Barca I pushed all the others aside," he added.

"Those who know me know that I've dreamt of playing for Barca since I was a kid.

"I'm happy to come to the best club in the world. I'll try to give the best I've have.

"I've always liked having to really fight in order to win; I think here people will see the best Arda."

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Messi will feel better if I'm president - Laporta

The Barcelona candidate insists the Argentina international will definitely stay at the club if he wins the upcoming election.

Joan Laporta has insisted that, if he is elected as Barcelona's new president, he will make Lionel Messi feel more comfortable at Camp Nou.

The Argentine rose to prominence during Laporta's stint at the helm of the club between 2003 and 2010 and he is looking to take charge again in the election on July 18.

The 27-year-old was linked to a move away from Barca last season and had a fall-out with coach Luis Enrique, but he turned his form around to fire them to a European and domestic treble.

Laporta, 53, has always maintained that Messi's happiness is crucial to the success of the first team and has again stated that voting for him will help keep the four-time Ballon d'Or winner happy.

"Last season there was talk of selling Leo, but with me in charge he will feel far more comfortable," Laporta said on a debate on TV3.

The Catalan politician then criticised his opponent Josep Maria Bartomeu, who is looking to be re-elected after leading the club from January 2014 until the board was dissolved ahead of the election.

"Bartomeu and his successor Sandro Rosell are the type of people who impede the country from moving forward," Laporta said, before urging the other two candidates Toni Freixa and Agusti Benedito to withdraw from the race and pledge their support to himself or Bartomeu.

"The polls show that the intention to vote for Benedito and Freixa is low. It's impossible for them to win. If I was them I'd channel support to either the Bartomeu/Rosell campaign or my own."

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Man Utd transfers: Sergio Ramos gives update on his future.

Manchester United target Sergio Ramos insists he has not entered into talks with any potential suitors.
Sergio Ramos has insisted that he is not in negotiations with any interested clubs amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.
The Spain international has been heavily linked with a move to
Manchester United in recent weeks after reports emerged suggesting that manager Rafael Benitez is ready to sell the centre-half.
The Red Devils target, who helped Spain win the World Cup in 2010, has two years remaining on his current contract with the 10-time European champions.
However, Ramos, 29, insisted that he was not entered into talks with any potential suitors despite media speculation to the contrary.
"I am not negotiating with anyone," Ramos is quoted as saying by AS English .
Asked if he was going to stay at Madrid, Ramos replied: ""All is very well."
Ramos has won three La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and the
Champions League.
The Real Madrid defender is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2017 unless the World Cup winner agrees a new deal with the 10-time European champions.
The World Cup winner scored four goals in 42 games in all competitions for Los Blancos last term.

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Man United's Robin van Persie agrees four-year deal with Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

The Guardian reports the Dutchman will pen a four-year deal with the Turkish giants after being told he's not wanted at
Old Trafford.
Starsport earlier revealed the striker had
rejected an offer from fellow Turkish side Besiktas .
But Van Persie's agent Kees Vos has reportedly been in Istanbul for the last two days finalising a deal with fellow Istanbul club Fener.
Former Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt has been reportedly played a key role in persuading the United striker to go ahead with the move.
The pair played together for the Dutch national team, and Kuyt offered a rave review of the club he left earlier this summer after a three-year spell.
Van Persie's United team-mate Nani is also closing in on a switch to Fenerbahce.
He is also preparing to pen a four-year contract after being told he's not in Louis van Gaal's first-team plans.

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Galatasaray sign Podolski from Arsenal.

Galatasaray have announced the signing of Lukas Podolski from Arsenal, with the Germany international signing an initial three-year deal.
Podolski, 30, was expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, having slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of players such as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter Milan and has now signed a contract with the Super Lig champions, with an option for a fourth year in place.
Announcing the deal through their website, Galatasaray confirmed an initial fee of 2.5million euros (£1.8m) plus add-ons for how well the club perform during the length of Podolski's stay, with the former Bayern Munich man tweeting a picture of himself inside the Turk Telecom Arena.
President Dursun Aydin Ozbek admitted Galatasaray had been chasing the signature of the FIFA World Cup™ winner for some time and was pleased to have finally worked out a deal for the forward. "Podolski was a player we have been following for a long time," he said at the announcement of the signing. "We have met the expectations of our fans. We think he will serve us for many years."
Podolski, who started for the Gunners in the 2014 FA Cup final victory over Hull, had long been linked with a move to Galatasaray and his agent Nassim Touihri said on Friday that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had begrudgingly allowed the player to leave.
''We had good talks with Wenger,'' Touihri said. ''He wanted to keep Lukas at Arsenal but could not guarantee him a starting position. That's why we agreed to make a transfer.''
Despite moving to Arsenal with a fine reputation, Podolski's chances became limited as Wenger added the likes of Ozil, Sanchez and Danny Welbeck to his forward options. He also has Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at his disposal, which is the likely reason why the Frenchman could not guarantee Podolski the game-time he craves.

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Arturo Vidal to Real Madrid: Manchester United and Arsenal target agrees 'five-year deal' with Los Blancos.

Real Madrid have moved to agree a five-year deal with Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, according to reports in Chile.
The 28-year-old had been a target for Manchester United until they lost interest following his drunk-driving incident where he crashed his Ferrari . Arsenal were also interested in the midfielder but Arsene Wenger was said to have had a 're-think' on Vidal .
Chilean newspaper La Tercera report that Real Madrid have no such concerns for Vidal's off-field antics and have moved to agree terms with the player, but are still to agree on a fee with the Italian club.
Vidal has impressed for hosts Chile in the Copa America, where he will likely start in the final against Argentina on Saturday night.
New Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is yet to make a signing this summer, with the move for Porto right-back Danilo being agreed back in Marc. Germany midfielder Sami Khedira left the club on a free transfer, eventually signing for Juventus.

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Deal! Louis van Gaal favourite agrees Manchester United exit

ROBIN VAN PERSIE has agreed to join Fenerbahce, according to reports.
The striker has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer after injuries restricted him to just 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances last season.
Louis van Gaal is believed to be looking for a new first-team striker, with Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani and Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain on his radar.
And the Guardian claims that Van Persie is now on the verge of leaving Old Trafford after agreeing a move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
The striker has apparently struck a four-year deal with the Super Lig club, although a transfer fee is currently being negotiated.

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Man Utd to refuse to sell David De Gea unless they get Sergio Ramos.

Manchester United will block David De Gea's transfer to Real Madrid unless they can secure a deal to bring Sergio Ramos to Old Trafford, according to The Guardian .
The Red Devils are said to be playing hardball over the De Gea deal because Madrid are blocking their attempts to sign Ramos.
The centre-back has been informed of a £28.6m bid from United and has told his current club that he would like to be allowed to make the move this summer and wants to open negotiations.
That has not happened yet and, if the situation doesn't change, United will reportedly keep hold of their Spain international keeper and allow him to wind down the final 12 months of his contract.
The report suggests that Madrid lodged an informal offer of £12.7m for De Gea. That was rejected by United, who want £35m.
De Gea is due to return to United's Carrington base to start pre-season training on Monday.

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Luis Enrique requested Atletico Madrid's Arda Turan - Bartomeu.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique asked the club to sign Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid, presidential candidate Josep Maria Bartomeu has said.
Bartomeu, who has stepped down as president ahead of his bid for re-election on July 18, confirmed to Cadena SER on Friday that the coach had specifically requested both the Turkey international and Aleix Vidal, who has already completed a move from Sevilla.
"Luis Enrique has asked for him," Bartomeu said, in quotes reported by AS. "The priorities for the coach were Aleix Vidal and Arda.
"The board needs to sign a player like him -- they have to. They must sign Arda and incorporate him as soon as possible so that he can start the preseason."
Joan Laporta, Bartomeu's primary rival at the election, has been critical of the club's efforts to sign Paul Pogba and Turan before the new president is confirmed, telling Cadena SER: "The board shouldn't make any statements. [Turan] is a great player, I like him, but the board can't make these declarations and should wait until the 19th when there is a president."
However, Marca has reported that neither Atletico nor Turan are willing to wait until July 18 and that they want a decision on his future by Monday.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both reported to be keen on signing Turan, with Chelsea striker Diego Costa saying this week he wants a reunion with his former Atletico teammate, which may force Barca into early action.
Bartomeu said he felt everything was in place for Barca to make their move for the 28-year-old now.
"Before stepping down, we left everything in an advanced state which is why we have the information we need," he said. "I am not in contact with the board but the statutes should always be respected as long as it is to the benefit of the club.
"I don't know whether Arda can wait 10 days. I hope to make it official in due course and the price we have set is less than €35 million."
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has also talked up a potential deal for Turan.
"Arda is a great player, one of talent and spectacular quality," he said in AS. "Anything that improves the team is always important. If he comes in the end, he will be welcome. He will come to add [to the team]."
On comparisons with Xavi Hernandez, who left Barca at the end of the season, he added: "They are different players. Arda, at Atletico, does not play in that position but he has the characteristics to play inside. He is a midfielder that combines very well, he understands the play very well, but we will see what happens."
He also praised Juventus midfielder Pogba, saying: "He is a player that all of the big teams would want to have in their team, a lad who is still very young, with talent and strength to play at the top level."

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Keep Argentina maestro Lionel Messi in check. It’s the only way.

How do Chile need to set up for the final?
For most teams facing off against an Argentina side that possesses not only the best player in the world in Lionel Messi but also Sergio Aguero, Javier Pastore and Angel Di María, you would expect to say defend deep and stay compact, nullifying space between the lines and behind the defence.
But Chile aren't most teams. They are unique.
Away to Colombia in qualifying for last year's World Cup finals, they raced into a three-goal first-half lead before losing a player in the second half and attempting to defend their lead.
The game finished 3-3. It was a mesmerising match. One in which coach Jorge Sampaoli learnt a lesson. He admitted afterwards that his side are not built to defend the area.
In a defensive sense, Chile are confrontational. The defenders don't drop back and let the forwards come on to them.
The likes of Gary Medel and Gonzalo Jara, who is suspended, are proactive and aggressive and will commit themselves to challenges higher up the pitch.
Whether Chile play with a back three or four, they will press high and push Argentina's dangerous players away from goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
The one alteration in their attitude may be reining in Arturo Vidal's and Charles Aranguiz's forward surges, Sampaoli perhaps asking them to help Marcelo Diaz and acting as NFL tackles to stop Pastore and Di María.
What are Argentina's weaknesses that Chile can exploit?
Against Paraguay in their semi-final, Argentina looked most vulnerable when trying to play from the back.
Nicolas Otamendi and Martin Demichelis were getting the ball in very deep areas but there was a nervousness about them.
Paraguay pushed high and stopped any Argentine fluidity in deep areas.
Chile are experienced in the art of pressing so will likely do so with more structure and greater intensity.
This may force Argentina to forego their passing from the back and go more direct, which will suit Chile if the ball is in the air without an Argentine target man.
The problem is if they get the Chile defence turning.
Another area Chile may be able to exploit is the areas around and behind Javier Mascherano.
Lucas Biglia and Pastore have been on the front foot as well as the full backs. Space is there for Jorge Valdivia as well as Vidal and Aranguiz if they do not have shackles placed on them.
Space for Valdivia will allow him to thread passes behind the slow Argentine defence for Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez.
What will be the key battles?
Gary Medel and Marcelo Diaz v Lionel Messi
Messi will drift from the left-hand side with the ball, in and out of challenges, in and out, before looking for that arced ball over the defence to runners from the left to score.
Or he will look for combinations around the box before popping off a shot.
With Pablo Zabaleta surging forward from full back and Aguero darting right, Chile's left centre back and left back – if they play four at the back – will be occupied.
This means much responsibility will be on Diaz and one of the centre halves, probably Medel, to come out and squeeze Messi's options.
Diaz is an intelligent player while Medel has the low centre of gravity and aggression that can be used to combat Messi's magic.
Mauricio Isla v Angel Di Maria
Isla is a player who looks much more at home in a Chile shirt bombing forward with a large dollop of recklessness.
He has been excellent going forward so far, linking with Valdivia and Vidal and scoring the winner against Uruguay.
But he has yet to come up against someone as penetrating, as quick and as good as Di Maria.
Will Isla try to force him back and risk leaving acres of space in behind him, space that Jefferson Montero attacked in Chile's opener with Ecuador?
If Isla can shut out Di Maria, it will prevent Messi reaching one of his favoured targets.
Jorge Valdivia v Javier Mascherano
Could there be two more contrasting players.
The creative genius whose career has suffered from a spate of injuries and off-field misdemeanours against the ultimate team player.
Yet Valdivia has surprised just about everyone, having started every game and remained in consistent fitness. He has harried opponents without the ball and sparkled with it.
Medel's goal from Valdivia's flighted assist in the 5-0 victory over Bolivia in Group A is up there with Eduardo Vargas' rocket in the 2-1 semi-final win against Peru as Chile's goal of the tournament.
Mascherano can at times be left to his own devices for Argentina defensively.
Who will win between the visceral talents of "El Mago", Valdivia, or the hard-running dependability of Mascherano?
Score prediction?
Chile 2, Argentina 4.

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United are willing to pay Ramos €12-million-a-year

Spanish football correspondent Begona Perez believes that Manchester United will offer Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos €12-million-a-year to join the club this summer, as reported by talkSPORT .
Perez told the radio station that Ramos did not receive the wage improvement that he was promised after he helped the club win the Champions League in 2014, the tenth in their prestigious history.
The reporter has stated that United are willing to offer him in excess of €10-million-a-year, which could easily drag him away from the Santiago Bernabeu in the coming months.
"Real Madrid told him after last year's Champions League final that he would be getting a pay rise, but they only offered him €7-million-a-year-net, when he is already on €6-million," Perez told talkSPORT.
"He want's €10-million-a-year and Man Utd are apparently willing to offer him more than that, €12-million-a-year. If that is the case, then Real Madrid will be desperate to keep him," Perez explained.
The defender, who scored four goals last in the league last season, could cost the Red Devil's an incredible £70-million according to the Daily Mirror, who predict that Los Blancos will employ similar tactics that saw United pay £59.7-million for Angel di Maria last season.
Ramos played 27 matches last term but following the dismissal of former manager of Carlo Ancelotti and the appointment of Rafa Benitez, signs of unrest have begun to surface from the Spanish international, with Bayern Munich also said to be interested, as per the Daily Star.
The 29-year-old has been at Madrid since 2005, following a transfer from Sevilla and has so far played 445 games for the club.

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Messi not the only focus- Bravo

Santiago, Chile: Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has warned his teammates not to be focussed solely on stopping star striker Lionel Messi in the Copa America final, but concentrate on the entire opposition.
The keeper plays with Messi and Javier Mascherano for FC Barcelona and knows first-hand the quality that both possess.
On Saturday, they will go head-to-head in the Copa America final here.
He admitted that such knowledge gives him some cause for concern, but suggested that Chile must focus on the entirety of Gerardo Martino's side and not just one player.
"The truth is that it is not easy, seeing the quality that Leo has and what he has done throughout his career, it's been amazing," Bravo said in a press conference on Friday.
"I think that our focus is the team - that as a team we can control Leo and the other class players.
"Javier is a very valuable player who gives character to your team, is the heart of the side.
"The performance of the team does not only go through Javier or Leo."
Ahead of the clash at the Estadio Nacional, Bravo insisted Chile are not afraid of taking on the World Cup 2014 runners-up and that Jorge Sampaoli has prepared the team well.
"We never have fear with any team. We have the maximum respect for all national teams," he added.
"The feeling which is not only mine, but of all my team-mates, is of great happiness to see that the work we are doing is on track.
"By continuing the style of play we had under (former coach Marecelo) Bielsa we have always tried to capture the idea that Chile play as equals with any team.
"We are prepared, we know how he have to play. We have always tried to play and suffocate with our pressing."
There have been worries of the fitness of La Roja's star striker Alexis Sánchez, but Bravo was quick to allay suggestions that he may miss the showpiece event.
"He worked normally, is fine and in good condition. No player has been ruled out."

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Chile vs Argentina: Copa final set to go down on fire.

Having lacked the goalscoring prowess that we would have expected from Argentina in the earlier stages of the Copa America, it was refreshing to see Messi and co. take apart Paraguay to book their spot in the final.
La Albiceleste turned the screw to dispatch of Los Guaranies 6-1 and progress to their second major final in the space of 12 months.
They are 4/7 to end this one in a better fashion than they did in Brazil and get their hands on the trophy.
But standing in their way are hosts Chile who have looked fantastic in front of their own fans, former QPR loanee Eduardo Vargas topping the scoring charts with four goals so far.
That demonstration of their unrelenting nature in front of goal has seen them extend their impressive record of finding the net in all but one of their last 38 games on their own patch.
Argentina could be a tough nut to crack though, with Tata Martino's men keeping clean sheets in four of their last six matches.
Sergio Aguero has found the net in three of their five matches at the tournament this year, but it is Gonzalo Higuain that will be licking his lips at the thought of facing Chile again.
The Napoli man bagged a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier against La Roja in Buenos Aires in 2011, before netting again in the sides most recent meeting in October 2012.
He's 7/4 to add to that tally on the biggest stage in South American football, and will be a massive danger to the hosts.
But while our prediction for a low scoring semi-final for Argentina went down the pan, this one really does look like it could go right down to the wire.
Don't believe us? Then here's the professor with all the stats that matter…
DID YOU KNOW?
Chile have been drawing at half-time in five of their last seven competitive matches
Chile have scored two or more goals in 18 of their last 23 matches at home
Gonzalo Higuain has scored four goals in his last two appearances against Chile
Five of Chile's last seven matches have seen most goals come in the second half
Argentina haven't lost in 90 minutes in 12 competitive matches
Half of Argentina's major finals have gone to extra time

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Odemwingie signs new deal at Stoke

Nigeria international forward Peter Odemwingie has signed a one-year extension to his contract with Stoke.
The 33-year-old winger will remain at the English Premier League side until the summer of 2016, with the option of a further 12 months.
"I'm delighted to stay here," Odemwingie told BBC Sport.
"I've enjoyed great support from everyone connected to the club and I am honoured to be given another opportunity to continue here."
A serious knee injury kept Odemwingie out of action for eight months last season and he only returned for the last five games of the campaign.
Odemwingie is eager to show the club - and the fans - how grateful he is for their help during a tough year.
"The fans make me feel at home and I would like to thank the fans who have continually supported me," he said.
"Everyone at the club stood by me during my tough period and I have a big chance to repay them in a positive way.
"Right now I've earned the contract and hopefully there could be a few more years after this because I love it here.
"This club is on the way up and it is a great time to contribute to the progress."
Odemwingie has scored five goals in 23 appearances for Stoke after signing in January 2014 from Cardiff City in a swap deal which took Kenwyne Jones the other way.
His form for the Potters earned him an international recall and he played for Nigeria at the World Cup in Brazil, scoring the winner against Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Previously Odemwingie enjoyed a successful three-year period at West Bromwich Albion scoring 15 goals in his first season at the Hawthorns and 31 overall in his time there.

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Chile vs Argentina: How the hosts must use Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez to...

Voted as Arsenal's player of the season, the Chilean took Premier League by storm by producing awe striking performances in only his first season in England. Even world class players at times take their time to settle in, especially when coming into the Premier League.
This however was not true in the case of Alexis, who seemingly settled in his new side and was able to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League without much hassle. He ended a terrific campaign with 25 goals including a thunderbolt of a strike in the FA Cup final against Aston Villa, supplementing his goals with 12 assists to his name.
He started the Copa America brightly picking an assist in the opening match against Ecuador, was sharp in the match against Mexico and scored a beautiful headed goal against Bolivia. The former Barcelona man however has not been at his supreme best in his last two outings and Chile will want him to pull his socks up as they prepare for a big match against Argentina.
Argentina however will be like no side Chile have played so far in the tournament. La Albiceleste have now made it to the final of two major tournaments in two years and apart from having a very potent attack they also have a resilient defence which Alexis will try to get the better off.
It is however possible that in the case of Alexis Sanchez, fatigue is taking its toll for the 26 year old who made more than 50 appearances for Arsenal last season. Following which, the Chilean had no time to rest and headed straight for the Copa America. It is also important to realize that Alexis in the past had been used to getting breaks in the winter, having played his trade in Spanish and Italian clubs in the past.
Sanchez however is a fighter and he certainly will not let something like fatigue come in his way and glory. On Saturday one can expect an energetic display from the Arsenal man, closing down defenders giving them less time on the ball and tracking back whenever necessary.
However it is important that Jorge Sampaoli and his staff turn Sanchez's focus on his prime duty on Saturday which is to create difference in the final third. Whereas his off the ball antics are commendable and do earn his team an added advantage, he is quite a menace with the ball at his feet.
Not only is he capable of skipping past a host of defenders without effort, but is capable of unleashing a strike from a distance. He possesses quite an understanding of the players around him and his link up play is excellent. What bodes even better for him is the fact that Alexis is currently being played in his preferred position through the middle from where he can create quite a nuisance.
Argentina however possess one of the most impressive defensive set ups in the tournament right now and it will be impossible for Alexis to do it all in his own. It is important that his strike partner Eduardo Vargas supports him well as well as the midfielders behind him who will have to put forth an all-round display if Chile are to win the Copa American title.

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No bids for Llorente or Vidal- juventus.

Chief executive Giuseppe Marotta says the club has not received any offers for the pair and expressed his delight with the Old Lady's summer business so far
Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta says the club have not received any bids for Real Madrid targets
Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal.
Striker Llorente was forced to play a bit-part role in Turin last season as former Madrid forward Alvaro Morata became a regular in attack, while Vidal has repeatedly been linked to the club in recent seasons.
New Blancos coach Rafa Benitez is reported to be interested in bringing the pair to the Spanish capital but while Llorente could be set for a summer move, Marotta says the club have no interest in allowing Chile international Vidal to leave.
"We have not received any offer for Llorente or Vidal," Marotta told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"There are no ongoing negotiations for Vidal, who has been the object of desire for half of Europe."
Llorente has been targeted to bolster Madrid's attacking options after Javier Hernandez returned to Manchester United following his loan spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Juventus marched to their fourth straight Serie A title and the Coppa Italia last season before falling to Barcelona in the Champions League final.
Carlos Tevez has since departed for Boca Juniors, but Marotta says he is delighted with the business the club has carried out this summer following the arrivals of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira, Simone Zaza and Daniele Rugani.
"We moved in good time, anticipating the competition, and gained some important players," Marotta said.
"We lack nothing, the team is complete and ensures another year at a very high level, with some eclectic options that allow the coach a lot of opportunities to rotate the squad."

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Agent confirms Chlsea winger exit to Seria A

Mohammad Sallah's agent has revealed his client willnot e joining Fiorentina on a permanent basis from Chelsea this summer, according to reportsfom Express.
After struggling for the first-team football at Stamford Bridge, the 23-year-old was loaned out in january this year to Seria A club Fiorentina,in which he enjoyed a successful hal of th season.
And the Egyptian internaional was set to make a permanent tansfer after the two clubs reportedly agree on a #12.8 million deal, but his agent Ramy Abbas hascme out to claim that Salah rejected the viola's offer and wll join a rival italian club instead.
"We have decided not to stay in Fiorentina", Abbas said.
Salah will sortly move to another Italian cub."
This will come as a big blow to the Fiorentina hierarchy, who thougt the had completed the deal because of a clause in his loan contract stating his stay could be extended in th case that permanent deal was finalized.
But it seems unlikely now that Sallah will be plying his trade at the Artemio Franchi, with Inter Milan one of the clubs intereted in the formal Basel man

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Reports: Nani set to arrive in Turkey for medical today

Manchester United midfielder Nani is expected to jet into Turkey today to undergo a medical ahead of his proposed switch to Fenerbahce, as per Milliyet (via Turkish Football). Furthermore, the newspaper claims that the transfer will be official within 24 hours.
The 28-year-old scored 12 goals in 35 appearances for Sporting Lisbon last season and was in mesmeric form ever since returning back to the club he was at, prior to his move to Old Trafford in 2007.
However, it seems Sporting were not able to afford the Portuguese star’s hefty wages or even his price tag, which has promoted Turkish giants Fenerbahce to swoop in.

The aforementioned report claims that Nani will arrive in Istanbul this evening and will undergo a medical before completing his transfer to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Nani had the highest Performance Score in the Sporting side in the Champions League last season
United were still paying Nani’s wages despite his return to Portugal last season and the playmaker, who has three years left on his current contract after signing a new deal under David Moyes, was never expected to stay in Lisbon, as per Metro

Nani – who won the Player of the Month award in November and also got his hands on the Taca de Portugal trophy thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory over Sporting Braga in the last campaign – will be hoping he can shine in Turkey with a clean slate on the table.

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Liverpool and Manchester City chase Barcelona star

Liverpool and Manchester City are among a
number of heavyweight European clubs said to
be monitoring Pedro's future at Barcelona.
The winger is reportedly considering a move this
summer due to his first-team chances being
limited by the formidable trio of Lionel Messi ,
Luis Suarez and Neymar .
According to Mundo Deportivo, Pedro is open to
a move away from the Nou Camp despite signing
a new contract at the start of June.
His new deal runs until 2019 but it is
understood that Barca will contemplate selling
the 27-year-old if they receive an offer of over
£18m.
Sources in Spain claim that Pedro would be keen
on a switch to the Premier League, although
Paris Saint-Germain would also provide an
attractive destination.

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Liverpool announce signing of Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino

Liverpool have signed Hoffenheim forward
Roberto Firmino subject to a medical, the Premier
League club have announced.
The 23-year-old Brazil international has agreed
what Liverpool describe as "a long-term contract"
and will undergo a medical once he completes his
commitments at the Copa America.
Firmino has scored 47 goals in 151 appearances
during his four and a half years in Germany and
has scored four times in nine international caps,
including Sunday's Copa America winner against
Venezuela.
Firmino is Liverpool's fifth signing in a busy start
to the transfer window, with more expected to
follow as strikers Carlos Bacca and Salomon
Rondon are understood to be targets.
Manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring in
another forward despite the arrival of England
Under-21 international Danny Ings from Burnley,
and the £32.5million release clause of Aston
Villa's Christian Benteke is considered too high.

Therefore he has turned his attention to Bacca,
the 28-year-old Colombian who scored 28 goals
for Sevilla in Spain's Primera Division last season,
and Rondon, a Venezuela international who has
20 goals in 39 matches for Zenit St Petersburg.
The pair are in Copa America action along with
Firmino and the club feel they represent better
value for money than Benteke, with reported fees
of £20million and £15million respectively.
Liverpool have already recruited Ings, Manchester
City midfielder James Milner, Charlton defender
Joe Gomez and Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan
as well as giving a new long-term contract to
Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Danny Ward.

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Spanish Giants Open Talks With Manchester United Over Record Signing

English transfer record breaker Angel di
Maria could be heading back to Spain,
as reports suggest that talks have
started between Manchester United
and Spanish giants Barcelona.
In what would be an extremely shocking
move, given Di Maria’s previous with Barca’s
rivals Real Madrid, according to the Metro ,
Spanish paper Sport reported that the
Catalan giants are working on a deal that
would see the forward talent make the switch
in January.
The Argentina international, who only joined
Louis van Gaal’s side in the summer for
£59.7million, could make the move back to
Spain, with Barcelona keen on bringing him to
the Nou Camp.
Di Maria, who played for Real Madrid from
2010-2014, starred as Los Blancos clinched
La Decima.
The talents past could snub out a move to
the Catalonian club, due to the fierce rivalry
between the two Spanish sides.
Louis van Gaal however is open to the idea of
losing the forward after a disappointing start
to life in the Premier League.

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Real have reopened talks with Sergio Ramos in hope that he will stay

Sergio Ramos is considering going public over
his desire to leave Real Madrid as his war with
the Spanish club’s president Florentino Perez
continues to escalate.
The club could look to ward off any official
Ramos statement by reopening contract
negotiations with the player but the fear is that
bad blood between the two sides have now
taken the dispute beyond the parameters of
stalled contract talks.
In comments that will only serve to raise
Manchester United’s hopes of landing the player
Ramos’ departure was described as near
inevitable on Tuesday by Pedro Riesco who
works alongside the player’s brother and agent
Rene Ramos.

Riesco told Radio Marca: ‘With everything that
has happened it will be very difficult for Sergio
Ramos to stay at Madrid.’
Since the player admitted privately that he
wanted out of Madrid after falling out with
president Perez he has been subject to a smear
campaign by media that Ramos believes are
being directed by the club’s president.
Riesco added: ‘Sergio is a symbol of this club.
He has nothing to prove. But so many things are
being said about him. There is so much
manipulation to discredit his name via
spokesmen who behave like puppets saying he is
not respecting the club and that he is just a
money-grabber.’
Ramos tweets in both Spanish and English and
as captain he is also one of Real Madrid’s more
vocal players but until now he has maintained a
public silence.

He is being advised to break that silence and
make it clear to Real Madrid supporters that his
argument is not with the club but with the man
running it.
Over 74 per cent of supporters said in a survey
of around 12,000 fans that they did not want to
lose the player in order to bring in David de Gea.
Ramos remains popular with the Santiago
Bernabeu faithful despite his current flirtation
with United.
The battle over Ramos' future centres on the
players contract with the club that runs until
2017 and sees him pick up €5.5m (£3.9m) net a
season.
Ramos believes he is worth almost double that
sum and cannot understand the club’s reticence
towards negotiating an extension when he has
now entered the last two years of his contract.
President Perez is reluctant to make the captain
the club’s third top earner after Cristiano
Ronaldo and Gareth Bale because he is wary of
the power he has in the dressing room and with
the club’s supporters.

Ramos was one of those players opposed to
Jose Mourinho staying as Real Madrid manager
beyond his third season and he also publicly
backed Carlo Ancelotti after Perez sacked the
Italian. Perez doesn't like his players influencing
who he selects as his manager.
The president's public stance is that anyone
wishing to sign the defender would have to meet
his €200m buyout clause, but a sum closer to
€60m is understood to be a figure the Spanish
club would accept, especially if it helped free-up
De Gea sooner rather than later.
If Real sell Ramos they will look to two players
who have also been Manchester United targets
to fill the gap.
Athletic Bilbao’s Ayemeric Laporte recently
became a Jorge Mendes player and is available
for €42m and Valencia’s Nicola Otamendi is also
under consideration.

Read More

Jackson Martinez keen on Arsenal transfer

Arsenal striker target Jackson Martinez has
hinted he could be on his way to Arsenal amidst
reports that the north London club are lining up a
move for the Colombian.
Martinez appeared to be close to joining AC Milan
but that move fell through, and now he is back
up for grabs with the Italian club seeking a swoop
for Edinson Cavani from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 28-year-old, who is currently away with his
country at the Copa America, has a €25 million
release clause in his contract with Porto and with
Arsenal said to be in the market for a new
forward a deal could be on the cards - and
Martinez is seemingly keen on making it happen.

He said of Arsenal : It's a big club in one of the
best leagues in the world. We have to see if an
offer will become a reality or not. The day we'll
know where my future goes is near. I still haven't
decided, as I'm focused on the Copa America
right now."
Martinez is said to be keen on playing in the
Champions League which Arsenal can offer, and
boss Arsene Wenger has previously spoken out in
favour of the forward. "He has top physical
strengths," the manager said. "Hugely efficient, he
is the kind of player who can make room for
himself in the box.

"He could play in the Premier League because he
has the body to make the difference.
"He uses it in a very intelligent way. He has a
very short back lift and he's a very good finisher.
He's on the list of many clubs, you know that."

As it stands Arsenal can only call on Olivier
Giroud to lead the line and the Frenchman has
come in for criticism before, from club legend
Thierry Henry. The former Montpellier man
managed 14 goals in the Premier League last
term to help his side finish third, and admitted he
was 'hurt' after Henry questioned his credentials
at the top level.
"He was a little brutal at the time, so it caused a
fuss, but that is what he's asked to do as a
pundit and I didn't lose any sleep over it," the
Frenchman said. "Of course, it hurts your pride, it
brings into question the work you do every day. It
irritates you, and I was a little annoyed, but I
quickly put it behind me."
Wenger has been linked with a host of top
targets, including Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli.
The former Real Madrid man is almost certain to
leave Italy this summer when he returns from the
Copa America in Chile when the tournament ends
next month.

 'OLASSBLOG' OPINION
Jackson Martinez doesn't appear to be a huge
improvement on Giroud. He is older and at £25
million is no bargain either while he's not proven
in a major league - so they are better off looking
at alternatives before pulling the trigger on a deal.
If Arsenal can pull off a swoop for Higuain then
the fans would be delighted to have a genuine
world class forward in attack to go alongside their
big-money options in Sanchez and Ozil. The north
London club would undoubtedly be a force to be
reckoned with.

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Petr Cech to Arsenal: Chelsea goalkeeper 'agrees' personal terms with the Gunners as he closes in on Emirates Stadium move

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has
agreed personal terms with Arsenal,
according to reports.
Sky Sports have reported that Cech has
agreed his personal terms in principle
but the clubs are not close to agreeing a
fee. Negotiations will continue this
week.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is
willing to let Cech leave for rivals
Arsenal as a goodwill gesture following
his 11 years of loyal service at Stamford
Bridge, and the transfer will allow Cech
to keep his family in London where
they have settled since his move from
French side Rennes in 2004.

Last week, Arsenal's goalkeeping coach
Tony Roberts left the club to join
Swansea, prompting speculation that
Cech will bring his own coach with him
when he makes the expected move.
Cech is likely to want to bring Blues
goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon
with him.
Lollichon, who has close bond with Cech
after working with him for many years,
said this week: "I think [Cech] still has
three or four excellent seasons in him,”
said Lollichon.
"His family like England. And a player
is happy when his family is happy.
"He wants to stay in England, but I
don't know where are the discussions.
The Premier League is his primary
objective. But it will also depends on
the conditions .
"The advantage is that Arsenal is a top
club, with a philosophy that pleases him
and that is at London. It is a base for
consideration."
Roberts, 45, will link up again with
former Gunners 'keeper Lukasz
Fabianski at Swansea.

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‘I’ll run naked down the street if he signs!’ Manchester United fans react to Sergio Ramos transfer rumour

It was always likely Manchester United would
sign a central defender this summer and all of a
sudden it appears Sergio Ramos is the man who
could bolster their backline.
Previously Mats Hummels and Nicolas Otamendi
had been the main men linked with a switch to
Old Trafford but now it’s the Spanish superstar
who could move in a reported €65million deal
from Real Madrid

The reports are emerging after Ramos was
claimed to be unhappy his contract had been
allowed to run into its final two years, while no
improvement on his wages had been
forthcoming.
And with Red Devils goalkeeper David De Gea set
to swap Manchester for Madrid, Louis van Gaal
could end up sealing an incredible coup.
You can see how Manchester United fans reacted
below…

'I'll run naked down the
street if he signs!' Man
United fans react to
Sergio Ramos transfer
rumours
But Red Devils supporters are being
realistic about the chances of the move
happening
by talkSPORT 15 hours ago
Man_United
@United_Rules
15 HOURS AGO
Makes me laugh some people saying
they don't want Ramos, the guy is
easily one of the best CB in the
world, would be a dream signing.

Beckham's Right Foot
@Beckham_RF
15 HOURS AGO
It probably won't happen but, if it
did, Sergio Ramos is world class. He's
aggressive, physical and has
experience. Would love him at Utd

Lorena
@UtdLorena
15 HOURS AGO
I don't think that Ramos is a realistic
signing. I want him at United but I
can't see him leaving Madrid now,
despite all the rumours.

Teec
@Teecus90
15 HOURS AGO
@UnitedJosh Ill run naked down the
street shouting "Yippeee" if we sign
Ramos.... I'm joking, kind of.

Jordan Beck
@JordanBeck_6
15 HOURS AGO
A Ramos-Phil Jones CB pairing would
be the most hilarious thing in the
world.

All For United
@allforunited
15 HOURS AGO
I do hate Ramos, but can't argue with
the fact he is world class. #AB #mufc

Dave
@OhJosh_
15 HOURS AGO
Going to name @abs8554 first born
Ed even if it's a girl, if Woodward
signs Bastian & Ramos.

Tom Doyle
@TomJDoyle
15 HOURS AGO
Would be nice to sign Ramos, if only
to see him break the yellow card
record for a Prem season. He's
coming for you, Cattermole #mufc

Finn
@FutbolFinn
16 HOURS AGO
We all know how it goes. Ramos
"wants out of Real Madrid", United
"show interest"... Ramos signs a new
5-year deal.

♚
@BlindsLeftPeg
15 HOURS AGO
How can people not want Ramos,
he's easily one of the best CB's,

Jake
@laniesalford
15 HOURS AGO
De gea for Sergio Ramos?, I'd happily
have that, if de gea wants to go that
is.

JY
@UtdRampaiger
15 HOURS AGO
man i'd absoluley love ramos at
#mufc

Alex Adams
@AxAs23
16 HOURS AGO
If Ramos does want to leave that mob
we may as well sign him and
Otamendi. We'll need a good
defence with De Gea bunking #mufc

Read More

Sergio Ramos wants to quit Real Madrid as Man United hover. Cristiano Ronaldo is also unhappy

All of a sudden, everything appears to be going
wrong at Real Madrid.
News broke on Sunday that Real Madrid centre-
half Sergio Ramos had decided to quit the
Santiago Bernabeu as the Spanish international is
furious with suggestios that he was offered to FC
Barcelona.
Ramos is said to be angry that he was offered to
Barcelona presidential candidates and the Spanish
defender is surprised that Real Madrid have not
denied this.
The 31-year-old defender is contracted to Real
Madrid until June 2017 but he now wants to
leave the Bernabeu as soon as possible.
That message is clearly conveyed on the front
page of AS on Monday, with their no-nonsense
headline “Sergio Ramos wants to leave Real
Madrid”.
The paper also report that Manchester United are
possible suitors for Ramos, while rumours fly
about that Man United may swap David De Gea
with Ramos in a deal that could suit both sides.
AS further report that Real Madrid’s player
problems go deeper, as Florentino Perez is in a
conflict with the three biggest players at the
club: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano
Ronaldo.
With regard to Casillas, it’s now claimed that
Perez has never been really convinced by Iker, and
the Real Madrid deal-maker has tried to sign Gigi
Buffon on several occasions in the past.
Moreover, Casillas reportedly has not felt
protected by the club after being pointed out as
the mole of the team during Jose Mourinho’s
time at the club.
As for Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar is said
to hold a grudge against Florentino Perez, as the
club never defended Cristiano for his 30th
birthday party, which he held just after Real lost
4-0 to Atletico Madrid.

Read More

Bender on Arsenal radar

Bender has caught the eye of a number of clubs
including Southampton and Liverpool, but the
Gunners are hoping to steal a march on their
rivals.
German publication Bild claims the north London
outfit have already been in contact with the
German club over the possibility of doing a deal.
Dortmund are going through something of a
transitional period after losing coach Jurgen
Klopp at the end of last season, while struggling
to a seventh-place finish.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has made no secret
of his desire to strengthen the middle third and
the report suggests that Bender will be drafted
in to provide competition for Francis Coquelin.

Read More

Liverpool ‘to make shock £17million transfer bid for Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko’

Liverpool are plotting a shock £17million
transfer move for Newcaslte United’s
French midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
Brendan Rodgers is in the market for a
midfielder fit to replace Steven Gerrard and
Sissoko, who was a key player in helping
Newcastle avoid relegation from the
Premier League last season, scoring four
goals and providing two assists for his
team-mates, could be that man.
According to Tutto Mercato, Sissoko is
tempted to leave Newcastle this summer in
a bid to join a team were he’ll have a better
chance of impressing current French coach
Didier Deschamps ahead of Euro 2016.
Sissoko’s isn’t short of admirers either,
former Liverpool player Danny Murphy has
previously urged the club to snap up the
Frenchman: ‘Sissoko is a box-to-box
midfielder, who has looked absolutely
terrific since going centrally. He’s only 25
and a France international. His wages
aren’t going to be an issue,’ he told
talkSPORT.
Sissoko, who previously admitted his
desire to join Arsenal by telling Telefoot
‘Arsenal has always been the club of my
heart’, is contracted at Newcastle until the
summer of 2019 but Liverpool are prepared
to test their resolve with a £17million bid,
according to Mercato.
Would sissoko be a good signing for Arsenal?

Read More

Arsenal make fresh bid for willian carvalho.

According to The Sun , Arsenal have made a fresh
£28.5 million offer for Sporting Lisbon’s highly-
rated defensive midfielder William Carvalho.
The Portuguese international is currently in the
Czech Republic with his nation’s U21 side and
thoroughly impressed during their recent 1-0
European Championship win over England.
At 23, he has evidently outgrown his country’s
youth team ability-wise, and plenty of observers
feel that he is ready to move on from Portugal
and onto one of Europe’s elite clubs.
The Gunners have long been admirers of the
youngster, and after having a previous offer
rejected they have now upped their bid as they
look to bring in that elusive top quality defensive
midfielder.
“Arsenal have tabled a fresh £28.5million bid for
Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho. And the
Gunners could get their man if they stump up a
further £8.5m in add-ons to trigger the Portugal
midfielder’s £37m release clause,” the report in
The Sun states .

Following their impressive run towards the end of
last season, the Gunners were every bit as good
as Premier League champions Chelsea but doubts
remain over the strength in depth.
Central midfield has been an area of much
concern for years, and although Francois
Coquelin’s inclusion evidently improved the team
he has little in terms of competition for a first-
team place.

Last season, the Angola-born enforcer made 28
Portuguese top-flight starts and helped the club
achieve an impressive 76 points, their highest
tally for a number of years.
Carvalho will not only strengthen the Gunners in
that midfield area, but owing to his and
Coquelin’s young age they have the making of a
long-term partnership with the potential to really
dominate.

Read More

Juventus midfielder set to snub a move to England.

Paul Pogba is set to disappoint his English
suitors, should the midfielder leave Juventus,
Daily Star reports.
The Juventus midfielder has attracted interest
from a host of clubs ; including Manchester City,
Chelsea, Arsenal and his former club Manchester
United.
As well as those clubs from the Premier League,
Paris Saint Germain are also very keen on the
Italian international and are willing to meet his
£70m price tag .
However, Pogba is set to snub all these club s as
his heart is set on a move to Spain, to either
Barcelona or Real Madrid.
The news will come as a huge blow to City boss
Manuel Pellegrini who has made him his number
one transfer target in his mission to build a side
capable of winning the league.
Pogba has become one of the hottest properties
in world football following a hugely successful
spell in Turin where he helped his side win a
domestic league and cup double, as well as
reach the Champions League final.

Read More

Neymar banned for the rest of Copa America for violent conduct.

Neymar has been banned for the rest of Copa America following his red card in Brazil's match against colombia.
A disciplinary panel of the South American Confederation ruled on Friday that he must sit out four games for violent conduct after the sending off, ruling him out of the remainder of the competition even if Brazil reach the final.
In addition to his ban, the 23-years-old was also fined $10,000. Brazil have the right  to appeal to the ruling.
The Barcelona forward picked up a red card after kicking the ball at  Colombia's Pablo Armero after the final whistle in Colombia's 1-0 victory over Brazil on Wednesday. He also appears to headbutt Jeison Murillo.
Brazil play their final group game on Sunday against Venezuela. If they advance to the knockout rounds they could play a maximum of three more games.
Brazil are tied on points with Colombia, Venezuela and Peru heading into the last group game.

Read More

No reason for Mandzukic to leave Atletico Madrid - agent

The striker has been linked with Manchester United and Juventus but his representative thinks he will stay at the Vicente Calderon

Mario Mandzukic's agent says he expects the striker to honour his contract with Atletico Madrid.
The Croatia international joined the club from Bayern Munich last summer in a reported €22 million deal and signed a four-year contract at the Vicente Calderon.
Mandzukic netted 20 times in 42 appearances in all competitions in his first season in Spain but it has been claimed that Atleti coach Diego Simeone would like to offload the forward.
Manchester United and Juventus have been touted as possible destinations, but the player's representative, Ivan Cvjetkovic, believes his client will remain at the club.
"Mario was unhappy recently because he had stopped scoring and that affected him but that was also down to Atletico Madrid," the agent told Tportal.
"In spite of this, this Atletico side still qualified for the Champions League and won the Supercopa de Espana, so there's no reason to think he's totally unsatisfied.
"When you go to a new league, the first year is always one of adaptation. Anyway, the fans immediately took to him. Mario adapted to both the club and the city.
"I don't see any reason why he should not fulfil his contact. Of course, we know well that in football things are always changing and you never know what can happen.
"However, I don't think it's necessary to speculate about the future right now."

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Manchester City's £20m-rated forward Edin Dzeko targeted in summer swoop by Roma

Roma have revived interest in Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnia international will be allowed to leave Eastlands but City want close to £20million for a player who still has three years left on contract.

The 29-year-old has been touted for a move to Liverpool but the Anfield club are not interested although Chelsea and Arsenal have considered him.

The key for Roma is whether they can come up with the finance. 

They have discussed the merits of Romelu Lukaku at Everton and Christian Benteke at Aston Villa but both seem out of their price range.

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Everton set to complete the £3million signing of Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu.

Everton are poised to sign £3million Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu after beating off competition from other Premier League clubs for the 21-year-old Spaniard.

The move represents a return to Goodison Park for Deulofeu who scored four goals in 30 matches during a season-long loan under Roberto Martinez in 2013/14 when Everton qualified for the Europa League.

Last season was less successful for both parties with Deulofeu struggling on loan at Sevilla and Everton finishing in the bottom half of the table.

Martinez moved for Deulofeu once it was clear Barcelona would allow the player to leave on a permanent basis from the Nou Camp.

The cost of the transfer would be half what Tottenham want for Aaron Lennon who spent the second half of last season on Merseyside.

Deulofeu would be Everton's second signing of the summer. They have already signed Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley on a five-year contract after his deal at Old Trafford ran out.

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Argentina 2-2 Paraguay: Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios cancel out Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi's first-half strikes in stunning Copa America comeback

From embarrassing Victor Caceres with a nutmeg to harassing Miguel Samudio into a sloppy backpass that allowed Sergio Aguero to score the opener and slotting home a penalty himself, Messi was Argentina's architect.

But he can't do it alone.

Seven days on from leading Barcelona to Champions League glory in Berlin, he swapped one formidable front three for another as Aguero and Angel di Maria replaced Neymar and Luis Suarez.

That meant Juventus' Carlos Tevez had to make do with a place on the bench despite scoring 29 goals for the Serie A champions last season.

His former Manchester City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta missed out through injury but his cross-city rival Marcos Rojo was included at the back.

Paraguay, who reached the final four years ago without winning a match, will rely on an ageing squad to drag them out of the group stage in Chile, something that now looks a distinct possibility thanks to Lucas Barrios' late strike.

The opening stages were dominated by Rojo and his marauding runs down the left flank with the Manchester United full-back seeing his early effort deflected before a pinpoint cross was nodded over by Nicolas Otamendi.

But despite the abundance of attacking talent in their ranks, Argentina almost took the lead through a slice of luck as Javier Mascherano's drive was inadvertently deflected wide by Messi.

The treble winner, reunited with former Barcelona boss Tata Martino, had looked isolated on the right touchline but his influence grew as he drifted threateningly inside.

It was Aguero, Messi's international room-mate for the last decade, who benefited as he latched on to Samudio's loose ball and slotted calmly past Antony Silva. 

And the Paraguay defender's night went from calamitous to disastrous as he conceded a penalty minutes later. Although Di Maria was fouled in the area, Messi had again pulled the strings, jinking his way past four players before threading the ball through to his team-mate.

Argentina's captain stroked the ball to Silva's left to leave Paraguay with a mountain to climb and they were fortunate not to concede another penalty before the break when Paulo da Silva appeared to barge into Messi.

Having made a change at half-time, Paraguay almost fell further behind when Messi played a delightful one-two with Javier Pastore only for Silva to stand firm. 

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