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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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'Lionel Messi is in the form of his life': Javier Mascherano fires a warning to Argentina's Copa America competitors

Javier Mascherano says he would settle for being Lionel Messi for just five seconds. The midfielder is known for his way with words, for expressing what he thinks with precision and clarity. And when the subject is his Barcelona and Argentina team-mate, he is clearer than ever.

Mascherano says Messi is in the form of his life, and as somebody who has been by the No 10's side for the past five years at club level, and even longer with the national side, it's difficult to disagree.

What that means is Argentina are favourites to win the Copa America, with their campaign beginning against Paraguay on Saturday night. The side is graced with several stars in attack, from Manchester City's Sergio Aguero to Juventus' Carlos Tevez, but Messi is on another level.

Gianluigi Buffon described him as an alien and though he didn't beat the goalkeeper in the Champions League final, Messi still had a hand in all three goals that sealed an historic treble for Barcelona.

Bouncing back from what was a poor season – judged by his own, inflated, barely believable standards – Messi inspired his team to success across the board in 2014-15. Now he is looking to do the same for his country.

The last time the Albiceleste lifted a trophy was in 1993 - 22 years ago - when they beat Mexico 2-1 in the Copa America final. The star of the show was Gabriel Batistuta, the country's top scorer to this day, with 56 goals.

Messi is on 45, and the idea that he could level the legendary striker during this tournament by scoring 11 in six games, should Argentina reach the final, is unreasonable. Or at least, would be, were Messi not Messi.

The forward scored 11 goals in six games between November and December, and those included games against the likes of Sevilla, Valencia and Paris Saint-Germain. Tougher sides than Paraguay and Jamaica, with Uruguay the stoutest test for Argentina on paper, before the knock-out stages.

Messi is arguably in the form of his life, after adjusting to a new position on the right. That's where he'll be playing for Argentina, with his friend Aguero and Manchester United's Angel di Maria likely to line up alongside him in a front three.

The fitness regime of Luis Enrique and a strict diet routine he is following are two given reasons he is reaching new levels. Doubtless they have had an impact, but Mascherano believes that it is simply years of experience adding to Messi's natural talent that have created the monstrous force ready to take the Copa America by storm.

The midfielder told Ole: 'Messi is in the best moment of his career. Not because of his body, or everything that's been said [about his new diet], but because years pass, and this is a game. With more experience, you get a better understanding. And Leo has reinvented himself.

'From a winger he turned into an incredible forward, a record breaker. Now he is a total player, in every aspect of the game. Assisting, playing away from the goal, passing, making the difference, playing one-on-one out wide, he is a football leader. We're now enjoying a 'global' version of Leo.'

But one man and one man alone cannot win you a tournament. Just as Messi's outstanding backing cast of Luis Suarez, Neymar, Ivan Rakitic, Gerard Pique and the rest provided a platform for him to shine, his countrymen have the ability to do the same.

Sometimes Argentina are accused of being too top-heavy, and to some extent that is still the case, with any flaws in the side being found at the back. But with Mascherano, hailed as his country's outstanding player at last summer's World Cup, Sevilla's Ever Banega and Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi, they have a strong core.

Banega is enjoying the best form of his career under Unai Emery, and played a key part in Sevilla's Europa League triumph. Otamendi too is excelling, with a £40million price-tag slapped on his head to ward off attention from Manchester United.

Marcos Rojo, at left-back is a potential weak point, but his City rival Pablo Zabaleta will be a sturdy presence on the opposite flank. Javier Pastore had a wonderful season with PSG and is starting to fulfil the great promise that the French side thought they were getting when they splashed £37m on him in 2011.

It would be inaccurate to say that this Argentina side is complete, but Tata Martino is looking to end the trophy drought and has picked players he knows he can rely upon. While other teams use the Copa America to start a new competitive cycle and bring through some younger players, the likes of Luciano Vietto will have to wait their turn.

Martino knows Saturday's opponents, Paraguay, extremely well - he was their coach for five years, until 2011. He will know the weaknesses of the defence, of Paulo Da Silva and Pablo Aguilar - fine players, but far from infallible.

They reached the final of the Copa America in 2011, but it was without winning a game, and failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Although Ramon Diaz's side are not whipping boys, Messi, Aguero and Co will be looking forward to getting their tournament underway against them at La Serena's dainty Estadio La Portada.

With a more balanced side and the will to end the long wait for success, it is impossible to imagine that Argentina will not reach the semi-finals, where, in all likelihood, they will face Brazil. And though this rivalry will mean an intense game, where anything can happen, the Messi factor may prove decisive.

Asked if Messi would like to be Mascherano for a day, the former Liverpool player replied: 'I don't think so. He does what no-one else can. He can also do what I do. If you make Messi defend, you can't get past him. I've seen it. You can't dribble round him.'

And therein is the reason why Argentines believe this is the time to end their long wait for a trophy. When Messi hit the World Cup last season, he was out of form and physically below his best. Things couldn't be more different this year. With the final on the exact anniversary of their last triumph in this competition, Messi can emulate Batistuta - in more ways than one. 

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Memphis Depay completes £25million Manchester United move and hails Louis van Gaal as 'the best manager in the world.

Memphis Depay has completed his £25million move to Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven and has heralded his new manager, Louis van Gaal, as the best in the world.

The 21-year-old Depay was strongly linked with Liverpool, but Van Gaal, who worked with the attacker when he was manager of the Holland national team, beat United's rivals, as well as French champions Paris Saint-Germain, to Depay's signature.

'This is a dream come true for me; to play for the biggest club in the world and also to have the chance to work with someone who I believe is the best manager in the world, Louis van Gaal,' Depay said. 'I have great belief in my ability and I work hard to strive to achieve my dreams.

'I have been at PSV Eindhoven since I was 12 years old and I would like to thank them for everything. It was a great moment when we won the league and I was so happy to be part of that. 

'This is now a new chapter in my life and one that I am looking forward to.' 

Van Gaal was equally as complimentary about Depay, who scored 50 times in 124 games for PSV.

'I know Memphis well from our time working together in the Netherlands national team,' Van Gaal said. 'He is a young versatile player who has the ability to play in a number of different positions.

'It will take time for Memphis to get used to the rhythm of the Premier League but I have no doubt that he has the potential to become a great footballer for this club and he is at the right club to continue the good work he has done so far.'

In his final year at PSV, Depay fired in 22 goals to propel his team to Eredivisie glory and finished as the league's top scorer.

His form not only caught the eye of Liverpool but also PSG, who were favourites to land the winger until United acted.

Van Gaal admitted in May that PSG's interest forced his hand.

'I have been forced to sign him,' Van Gaal said. 'I don't want to sign him before the end of the season because we have to focus on our games and when you sign a player you disturb the focus of y

Depay is currently on international duty for Holland, where he hit the third goal in their 4-3 defeat against the United States last week.

His striker gave Guus Hiddink's side a 3-1 lead, before surrendering their advantage and losing 4-3.

They face Latvia on Friday evening and are currently third in Group A of Euro 2016 qualifying, behind Iceland and the Czech Republic. 

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Arsenal closing in on Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech as Arsene Wenger grows confident of sealing £11m deal next week

Arsenal will push to complete an £11million swoop for Petr Cech by the end of next week.

And in a further boost, Theo Walcott looks likely to commit his long-term future to the club following positive talks over a new deal.

But it is the potential capture of goalkeeper Cech that will excite Gunners supporters. 

Sportsmail understands that Arsene Wenger is growing increasingly confident of concluding a deal to sign the Czech Republic shot-stopper this summer.

Arsenal have already made a formal enquiry to Chelsea about a move for Cech, but talks will accelerate next week.

The Gunners have remained sceptical over Chelsea's willingness to sell the four-time Premier League winner to them given their rivalry. 

But Arsenal have received encouragement that the Blues will allow, albeit reluctantly, Cech to move across London.

Next week's discussions will centre around finalising a transfer fee. Chelsea are demanding a minimum of £10million for Cech.

And, if expected, that issue is resolved then the goalkeeper should complete a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Paris Saint-Germain have also made a formal enquiry for the 33-year-old, but Cech's preference is to join the Gunners so not to uproot his family who are settled in London.

His intention was always to play in Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Iceland before deciding his future.

And with that clash out of the way, Cech will look to confirm his next destination as quickly as possible with Arsenal the firm favourites to win the race for his signature.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has always maintained he wants Cech, who lost the No 1 jersey to Thibault Courtois last season, to stay at Stamford Bridge, but privately the Portuguese will not stand in the keeper's way given his outstanding service to the club.

Arsenal's pursuit of Cech raises serious question marks over Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina's futures in north London.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are also growing increasingly confident of tying England star Walcott down to a new deal this summer.

Talks over a new deal for the forward, whose deal expires at the end of next season, took place earlier this month.

And the discussions are understood to have pleased both parties, who are confident a deal for Walcott to stay will reached.

Walcott's main focus with regards to his new deal has centred around assurances over his level of playing time after struggling for regular football last season. 

But the forward struck a timely reminder of his qualities with a hat trick in the win over West Brom on the final day of the season and the opener in Arsenal's comfortable FA Cup final triumph over Aston Villa.

And Walcott, who is set to feature for England against Slovenia tomorrow, looks likely to extend his Gunners career this summer. 

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Crystal Palace target Yohan Cabaye wants Premier League return as France midfielder claims 'nothing will change' at PSG

Yohan Cabaye is ready to quit Paris Saint-Germain this summer and return to the Premier League.

The France international has been heavily linked with a switch to Crystal Palace this week, while West Ham, under new manager Slaven Bilic, have also been credited with an interest.

And former Newcastle midfielder Cabaye has revealed that staying at the French champions is not an option. 

Asked by French sports daily L'Equipe if he was considering staying at PSG where he has only started 13 Ligue 1 games this season, Cabaye said: 'Not really. I know that if I stay, whatever I'll do, nothing will change.'

Cabaye joined from Newcastle in 2013 but he has failed to settle in at PSG, where Italians Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta or fellow Frenchman Blaise Matuidi is often preferred over him.

Cabaye is now looking to return to the Premier League.

'If there is an opportunity to go back to England, I hope everyone will be smart enough to do things well. But there could be other destinations,' he said.

Cabaye features in the France squad, who were beaten by Belgium 4-3 at the Stade de France in a friendly last Sunday, and travel to Albania on Saturday.

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Manchester City target Paul Pogba as well as Raheem Sterling on their £100m summer transfer hit-listManchester-City-target-Paul-Pogba-Raheem-Sterling-100m-summer-transfer-hit-list.

Manchester City will make a second bid for Raheem Sterling but are refusing to meet Liverpool’s £50million-plus valuation of the England star.

And City were ready to follow up their interest in Paul Pogba on Friday night with a formal offer for the £70m-rated Juventus midfielder.

Liverpool turned down a verbal offer of £25m plus £5m in add-ons for Sterling and publicly insist they will not sell.

However, City will further test their resolve with an improved bid as manager Manuel Pellegrini looks to freshen up his squad after they finished second to Chelsea in last season’s Premier League.

Senior officials at the Etihad Stadium are keen on Sterling but determined not to shell out more than market value for a 20-year-old, whose form has dipped.

They see Liverpool’s valuation as unrealistic for a player who was recently offered a new contract worth £100,000 a week.

City played down reports in Italy yesterday that they have lodged a bid of £58m for Pogba but it is understood that contact has been made between the two clubs and a formal offer is likely to follow.

They will face fierce competition from Barcelona, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

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Messi:ready to lead Argentina from the wilderness.

 As it transpired, Lionel Messi was not able to drag Barcelona to the treble all by himself. The squad needed to be replenished following a fallow 2014 and the arrivals of Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez in particular were enough to help transform the Catalans from also-rans to multiple champions. Success, however, depended upon, if not more from Messi, then something different.

Rakitic and Suarez were two goalscorers in the Champions League final, along with Neymar, but it was all facilitated by this latest, greatest iteration of the best player in the world; Lionel Messi 2.0. Barca changed; Messi changed. It worked spectacularly well.

"We won every competition we entered and it’s incredible to do the treble again," Messi said shortly after touching down in La Serena on Tuesday following a quick break.
"Thankfully, we were able to fulfil our objectives with our club and hopefully we can now gain more success with the national team which is what we all want."
The game against against Juventus in Berlin will not go down as the Messi final by any stretch of the imagination but it had his hallmarks of quality all over it. His arrowed pass to Jordi Alba drew the first goal for Rakitic and exemplified the evolution his game has undergone in such a short spell in 2015. He flashed the ball into the path of Alba before most inside in the stadium had spotted the pass was on. He did it from deep, too, demonstrating that his days as a forward to be serviced are very much gone. His dribble and shot prompted Gianluigi Buffon to spill the ball into the path of Suarez for the second and was redolent of days gone by. His was the clever pass which permitted Neymar and Pedro to race clear for the third.

The skinny Messi with the shirt too big and the awkward teenager's haircut shimmied and scampered effervescently through matches when he first emerged. This Messi proved he can still do that too but he does not have to do so as often these days. He is content to work away in the background and his let his team-mates reap the rewards. There is no visible sulkiness as there was last season, no shrugs or indifference which spread throughout an under-performing team like a sickness.

Messi is peaking. Again. He is doing all the things he could do when he first burst on the scene but is doing plenty more besides. His first goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey was awe-inspiring; it will ensure Messi will be the first recipient of both the Ballon d'Or and the Puskas Award in the same year. A quintuple of sorts but all in the Barcelona shirt.

A sixth trophy for 2015, the year of Messi, remains possible and remains desired by the player himself and, crucially, by his country. For too long his compatriots have looked to what he achieves on the old continent and wondered what it would take for him to replicate that success in the famous white and light blue stripes. It was too much to bear at World Cups and Copa America tournaments gone by but Messi 2.0 is now ready for Chile 2015.

"I’d love to win the Copa America for everything it would mean for us after enjoying a spectacular World Cup and coming so close," Messi said shortly after touching down in La Serena on Tuesday following a quick break.
"This Argentina generation wants to win and we’re aware that we are the favourites. As a team, we deserve to win something. We know that it would be the best thing ever to end the season by lifting the Copa America."
Argentina have not won the Copa America since Gabriel Batistuta helped deliver it against Mexico in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 1993 when Messi had barely turned six. Twenty-two years on and Messi, now captain, will win his 100th cap for Argentina here in Chile and is within 11 goals now of 'Batigol' - la Albiceleste's record scorer. He is a long way from the crying boy sent off two minutes into his Argentina debut against Hungary in 2005.

To end Argentina's more than two-decade trophy drought will take Messi in all his forms. Tata Martino needs the creator, the conjurer, the inspiration and the goalscorer. He did not have that player when he was Barcelona coach; he had a Messi who looked to have topped out. This year has been Messi's alone. He has recovered from what was, by his and Barcelona's standards, a bad year to reclaim his place as best player on the planet.

There is certainly enough talent for them to win this tournament and for the first time they will enter a tournament with the new Messi unleashed. Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero are world class players in their own right while the midfield support offered by Ever Banega and Javier Pastore will be second to none. Can his team-mates benefit from his metamorphosis like Barcelona did?
"With the national team we are all in good shape and we have some great players who can help us to achieve what we want," he said.
"We’re going into this in better shape than we did at the World Cup because we had a few players injured. It’s important for us, and for Argentina because it’s been a while since we last won it."
Last year, the comparisons with Diego Maradona reached a crescendo; Messi could not match Maradona's achievement of taking Argentina to a world title; those are the plain facts of the matter. That stands against him in the public consciousness regardless of the rabbits he continues to pull out of his hat for Barcelona.

Argentina's barren streak in international football now stretches so long that the Copa America, once upon a time a second-rate competition for the Argentines, is priority. It is a tournament never won by Maradona; Argentina had bigger fish to fry during el Pibe d'Oro's reign at the top of his game but the crime during his career was the crime of indifference. Now they are desperate and have the man to deliver it. Maybe 30 years ago a player like Messi would have been given the Copa off in order to recover and recharge for the season ahead. No more.

The Copa America is a tournament that has transformed for Argentina from a mere opportunity to try out new players to a necessity. Messi, like his countrymen, is hungry.

Argentina have the competition of hosts Chile, expectant but anxious, Brazil, chastened but redoubtable, Uruguay, steadfastly predictable and Colombia, gloriously offensive. The Argentines, however, have a strong team, battle-hardened by their experiences in the World Cup final against Germany and ready to exact vengeance on the continent of South America.

This tournament may not grab at the global conciousness like the World Cup but boasts quality nonetheless. Never before has the line-up of teams here contained so many of the world's top players; Alexis Sanchez, Neymar, Edinson Cavani and James Rodriguez are among them and it would be more if Luis Suarez was not serving his ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini in Brazil last summer.

"All of our rivals are going to be difficult," Messi said. "This is one of the closest tournaments in a long time. I love good football and would pay to watch Brazil, Colombia and Chile."

None of those players can match Lionel Messi; indeed, it is insulting to Messi's increasing dominance at the top of world football to even mention him in the same sentence as the other lesser lights.

He is leading Argentina and they are expecting great things from the man who helped Barcelona to the Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble. It would be fitting for Messi to win again, on a personal level, and to also lead his country to glory here in Chile. Indeed, it would merely confirm his Midas touch.

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Following my heart: Dani Alves explains Barcelona contract extension on Instagram

For those who saw the Barcelona treble
celebrations at the Nou Camp on Sunday, it will
come as little surprise that Dani Alves has
extended his stay at the treble winners.
On Tuesday, Barcelona announced that Alves had
signed a new two year deal at the Nou Camp,
taking the Brazilian up to June 2017.
The flying full back has the option of staying at
Barcelona for a further season after that.
Alves has been a key player for Barcelona since
signing from Sevilla and appeared to be back to
his best during 2014/2015.
Speculation has been rife for some time about
Alves and whether he would stay at Barcelona
with Manchester United and AC Milan interested.
Alves reportedly wanted better pay at Barcelona,
but in the end it appears the La Liga winners had
their way.
Just after Barcelona announced the new deal,
Alves posted the video below on Instagram, from
the Nou Camp treble celebrations, it simply says:
“Following my heart”.
A second video quickly followed from Alves on
Instagram, this one said: “Seguindo meu coração
e daqueles que me amam” – “Following my heart
and those who love me”.

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Chelsea eye €40m swoop for Gonzalo Higuain but they face competition from Man United

Where will 27-year-old Argentine striker
Gonzalo Higuain be playing his football next
season?
As seems to be a right of passage every summer,
current Napoli forward Higuain is thought to be
open to a big money move in the off-season, and
some of the Premier League biggest clubs are
said to be circling.
According to Wednesday’s Corriere dello Sport,
Higuain, who scored 19 goals for Napoli in Serie A
last season, is now a €40 million target for Jose
Mourinho’s Chelsea.
It is well known that the West London side are
looking to strengthen upfront during the summer
transfer window, after club legend Didier Drogba
left Stamford Bridge at the end of the last
campaign.
Chelsea, however, face competition from Man
United, who themselves are in need of bolstering
their front-line after the departure of Radamel
Falcao from Old Trafford.
Aside from the two English clubs, Corriere dello
Sport list French moneybags PSG as a third suitor
for Higuain, while the Italian daily says that
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is looking
sell the player for an tear-jerking €100 million.

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Lionel Messi Targets Title Jinx as Copa America Kicks Off

While Lionel Messi has been the key figure in
Barcelona's emergence as the dominant force in
club football over the past decade, he has yet to
taste victory in an Argentina shirt, a gold medal
in the 2008 Olympics aside.
Argentina are favourites to end a 22-
year trophy drought when the Copa America
kicks off here Thursday as a resurgent Brazil
chase redemption following their ill-fated
campaign at last year's World Cup. ( Battle for
the South American Crown: Who Will Win the
2015 Copa America? )
One of the most eagerly anticipated Copas in
years gets under way in Santiago, with hosts
Chile launching the three-week extravaganza of
South American football against Ecuador in
Group A at 8.30pm (2330 GMT).
The 12-team tournament is a convention of
football's deadliest attacking talents, with a
galaxy of Europe-based stars including Lionel
Messi, Neymar, James Rodriguez, Alexis Sanchez
and Edinson Cavani set to shine.
The competition also comes as a welcome relief
to South America's governing body CONMEBOL,
which has been battered by corruption
allegations in the ongoing scandal which has
rocked world football.
Argentina captain Messi and Brazilian
counterpart Neymar head to Chile less than a
week after inspiring Barcelona to their
Champions League triumph in Berlin on Saturday,
the final act of a glittering treble-winning
season.
Both No.10s are carrying the weight of
expectation on their shoulders, with Messi
determined to finally taste glory at a major
international tournament with Argentina and
Neymar aiming to erase the memory of last
year's World Cup.
-Pointt to prove? -
While Messi has been the key figure in
Barcelona's emergence as the dominant force in
club football over the past decade, he has yet to
taste victory in an Argentina shirt, a gold medal
in the 2008 Olympics aside.
"Our aim is to win this year," said Messi, who
fell agonizingly short of ending Argentina's jinx
in an extra-time defeat to Germany in last year's
World Cup final. "It's great to play with the
national team, to wear the shirt and to be
captain," Messi added. "But getting a title would
be the ultimate for me."Messi may feel he has a point to prove, four
years after being jeered by his home fans during
Argentina's quarter-final exit to eventual winners
Uruguay.
Argentina open their campaign against Paraguay
on Saturday, and should comfortably progress
from a Group B which also includes Uruguay and
Jamaica, one of two teams from the CONCACAF
region invited to bolster the tournament.
The biggest threat to Argentina's hopes of
topping the group is likely to come from
defending champions Uruguay, who are bullish
about their chances despite the absence of
suspended talisman Luis Suarez. The holders
will instead look to Paris Saint-Germain striker
Cavani to provide the cutting edge in attack.
Cavani heads into the tournament after notching
31 goals in all competitions for the French giants
this season, a haul which has reportedly made
him a transfer target for Manchester United this
summer.
- Brazil on track -
Brazil and Neymar meanwhile begin their
campaign against Peru in Group C on Sunday.
Brazil's biggest challenge of the first round
comes three days later when they face Colombia
on June 17, a rematch of the two sides' bruising
World Cup quarter-final last year.
That stormy encounter was notable for a series
of rugged Brazilian challenges on Colombia star
James, although Brazil's 2-1 win came at a
price, with Neymar suffering a broken vertebra
that ended his World Cup.
Brazil's World Cup dream was ultimately
demolished by Germany in the next round, when
the hosts were humiliated 7-1 in the semi-finals,
before losing 3-0 to the Netherlands in an abject
third place play-off display.
Fast forward a year however and Brazil, under
the guidance of former coach and 1994 World
Cup-winning captain Dunga, are back on track.
Dunga's men have reeled off nine straight
victories since the World Cup and will feel
confident of reaching the Copa final in Santiago
on July 4.
Dunga, who coached Brazil to their last Copa
America win in 2007, belie

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New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic interested in £8m move for Chelsea striker Loic Remy

The Hammers announced Bilic as their new
manager yesterday and have handed him a £25m
transfer kitty to bring in new faces this summer.
And, the former Besiktas boss is eyeing Remy as
his first signing, according to The Express .
West Ham are already preparing for their Europa
League campaign with start on July 2 and are in
desperate need of new recruits if they are to build
on their successes this season.
French international Remy, who is rated at around
£8m, is understood to be frustrated at his lack of
game time with Premier League champions
Chelsea.
And, Bilic is willing to offer the striker a fresh
start at Upton Park.
Crystal Palace and Swansea are also said to be
interested in Remy.
Meanwhile, West Ham are close to securing a
deal for Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang.
The 23-year-old is understood to have agreed a
£4.6m deal, which is expected to be completed
this week.
It is a fact not lost on the former Besiktas and
Croatia boss when he analysed the team's
performances from last season.
He told West Ham's official website: “They were a
little bit unlucky last year with the number of
injuries in a crucial stage of the season.

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Barcelona sign Aleix Vidal from Sevilla until 2020 despite transfer ban.

Barcelona have officially unveiled Aleix Vidal after the player passed a medical to complete his signing from Sevilla. However, the 25-year-old wing-back is unable to feature for the Catalan club until January 2016 due to a Fifa-imposed transfer ban.

Barça unsuccessfully appealed against their two-window transfer ban, set after the club breached rules on signing international players under the age of 18, late last year. Under its terms, they cannot complete player registrations and field new signings until January.

Vidal, born in the Catalonian municipality of Valls, signs for a reported £16m from the club he helped to a successful Europa League title defence and a fifth-placed La Liga finish, just two points behind Atlético Madrid in third. He scored four league goals in 22 starts last season.

Announcing the signing on their website, Barça said: “FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have struck a deal to bring Aleix Vidal to the Camp Nou, with the 25-year-old signing a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2020.”

Vidal said: “After the birth of my daughter this is the most important day of my life. I’m back at what used to be my home.”



He played one season at under-14s level for Barcelona B alongside Jordi Alba, who currently plays on the left-hand side for the club. “When I realised it was going to happen, I didn’t think it would be a problem being out until January,” Vidal added. “Positives come with that – I can concentrate on getting ready for where I’m going to play.”



The signing of Vidal comes as speculation continues over Dani Alves’s future. Alves, a target for Manchester United, is a free agent but speaking at the club’s end-of-season parade on Sunday, he said: “I’ve been happy here and I am happy here. And if the day is not yet here that I am to leave then I’ll be happy because I am one of you.”



On the subject of potential competition with the 32-year-old, Vidal said: “One of the keys to playing in a team like this is you’re going to have lots of competition for places. If Dani stays, then it’s wonderful, but it’s not for me to comment. It would be great for him to stay here.”

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Messi,the $280 milllion man.

With the opening of a a new transfer window, the Football Observatory of the International Center for Sports Studies[CIES] has disclosed its exclusive top-100 ranking of the highest transfer values for big -5 league footballers.
At the head of the table is Lionel Messi with an estimated value between $255 and $281 million. For the first time, Eden Hazard rankls second. The Belgian is ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. At club level, Champions league winner Barcelona outranks Chelsea and Real Madrid.
The CIES Football observatory  also presented for the first time the probabilities of fee paying transfers for 5 big leagues players. This was a major achievement of the research work carried out by our academic team during the last year. Many expensive footballers are to be found in the top 100 of this ranking, such as Raheem Sterling, Alexis Sanchez, Antoine Griezemann, Harry Kane and Philippe Coutinho.
More information is available in issue number 115 of the big 5 weekly post.The full data is presented in the sixth edition of the CIES Football Obsevatory Mont5hly Report. this publication also remains the unique methodology developed by our research team to estimate both transfer values and transfer probabilities of foootball players.

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Madrid return would depend on many people, says Morata.

The striker has offered a low key response to talk of playing for the club again, while claiming he could have scored 25 goals last season had he been fit from the start




Juventus forward Alvaro Morata says a return to Real Madrid would "depend on many people", following reports the club could bring him back to the Bernabeu.



The 22-year-old only moved to Turin last year where he has since won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia and scored in the Champions League final before his side went on to lose 3-1 to Barcelona.



Morata denied there had been talks to move back to Madrid following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and subsequent appointment of Rafa Benitez, but didn't close the door completely on playing for the club again.



"Nobody has spoken to me about going back," the Spain international told Cadena Ser. "It is something that would have to depend on many people.



"That said, I have to think about how my year went here [at Juventus]. And I am very happy to be playing here."



The Madrid cantera graduate moved to the Serie A champions to increase his chances of playing time and enjoyed a season of continuity in which he managed to score 15 goals in 46 games across all competitions.



Nevertheless, Morata expressed his regret at not being able to do more in helping Juventus secure the treble but said their European disappointment on Saturday would serve as motivation next term.



"The year could have been better if we had won the Champions League," he continued. "I could have easily scored 20 to 25 goals had I been better prepared in the first half of the season.



"I could have done much better. These have been a couple of hard days in which we lost the Champions League final, though I feel the team gained plenty from the journey.



"Sometimes it's not always pretty but we've learnt and seen that we're not made of glass. We'll emerge out the other side soon."



Juventus have already been busy reinforcing their squad to challenge on all fronts again next term, having completed the €40 million signing of Paulo Dybala from Palermo.

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Official: Bilic appointed new West Ham manager.

The Croatian edged out competition from Marcelo Bielsa to sign a three-year contract at Upton Park, where he enjoyed an 18-month spell as a player in the mid-1990s
West Ham have confirmed they have appointed Slaven Bilic as their new manager on a three-year deal with the Croatian replacing the departed Sam Allardyce at Upton Park.

olassblog understands Bilic edged out competition from Marcelo Bielsa with both candidates having impressed co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold.

Bilic returns to the club where he played for 18 months during 1996 and 1997 and says he is thrilled to be back with the Hammers.

“I’m really glad to be back with West Ham United,” Bilic said. “It’s in the Premier League, which is among the best in the world. It’s a big challenge and you are competing with the best and what better club to do it with than West Ham.

“I remember West Ham as a special club. I love these kinds of special clubs. My last club, Besiktas, was that kind of club. It’s not about the size – West Ham is big Club – there is something special about them - they are a cult clubs.

“It is a great place to play and I felt like I was at home. It is a big privilege and a big responsibility to now be manager and I hope that I will prove it to the Board, players and fans.

“My first priority when choosing a club is to look at its ambitions. When I spoke to the Chairmen and Karren Brady, they made clear that it is not only the fantastic new Stadium we are moving into, but they showed their determination and ambition to make what is a big club even bigger.

“I saw their determination and passion that they want to do that. That was the number one reason. I could feel that they really wanted me so it was an easy choice.

“I would say to the West Ham fans that I will give my best and together we will achieve great things.”

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