SoccerFT

Chelsea Shock As Manchester United Muscle In On Falcao Deal With 'Downpayment'

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:18:00 PDT

Manchester United have sensationally opened talks with Atletico Madrid about a fee for Radamel Falcao. Marca says a down payment has been made and that Falcao is just a step away from United.

The sequence of events is nothing new because the same thing happened two seasons ago when David de Gea left the Vicente Calderón to become a Red Devil.

De Gea moved to Old Trafford for around £17m (€20m) while Falcao is expected to cost United around £42m (€50m).

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will be shocked by developments, having struck personal terms with Falcao's camp before Christmas.

( source )

CL : Juventus 0-2 Bayern Munich

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:51:42 PDT

Mario Mandzukic 64'// Claudio Pizarro 90'+1'

CL : Barcelona 1-1 PSG

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:49:07 PDT

50' 0-1 J. Pastore // 71' 1-1 P. Rodriguez

Hulk Considers Zenit Exit In January

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:50:11 PST

Hulk has suggested he could leave Zenit St Petersburg in January if his issues with coach Luciano Spalletti are not resolved.

Hulk, 26, joined the Russian club from Porto in the summer, but could be set for an early exit after admitting his frustration with Spalletti is affecting his performances.

Joe Cole Keen On QPR Move

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:29:01 PST

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole is desperate to move to QPR on-loan in January.

The People says contact has been made as Rangers attempt to discover whether a loan deal could be on the cards – and Cole is keen.

Nemanja Vidic Ruled Out For Manchester Derby

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:26:17 PST

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Nemanja Vidic will not be involved in Manchester United's two upcoming games against Cluj and Manchester City this week.

On Friday, United boss Ferguson said there was a chance Vidic could be in the squad following knee surgery in September and the 31-year-old did train at Carrington on Tuesday morning.

However, Wednesday's game will come too early in his recovery and he will not be considered for Sunday's Manchester derby either.

Fernando Llorente To Leave Bilbao

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:22:03 PST

Spain striker Fernando Llorente has confirmed he plans to leave Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old turned down the offer of a new deal and said he wanted to move on over the summer, but the Basque outfit refused to negotiate with potential suitors and hoped to change the player's mind.

However, Llorente, who has spent a large chunk of the current La Liga season on the bench due to the issue, on Tuesday announced at a press conference that his decision was final.

Chelsea Completed Wallace Signing

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:17:52 PST

Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed the signing of Wallace from Fluminense.

Wallace, 18, is an attacking right-back and has made 18 appearances for his club since making his senior debut earlier this year.

The Brazil Under-20 international will remain with Fluminense in Brazil before making the switch to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2013.

Rafael Benitez Declares Interest In Chelsea Job

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:39:49 PST

Rafael Benitez has declared his interest in the vacant Chelsea job following Roberto Di Matteo's dismissal on Wednesday morning.

The 52-year-old Spaniard won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and finished second in the 2008-09 Premier League campaign, but left the club by mutual consent in 2010.

Following the dismissal of Di Matteo by Roman Abramovich, after the Blues lost 3-0 to Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday, the unemployed boss revealed his desire to take over the Stamford Bridge hot-seat.

"I have just found out [about Di Matteo]. Obviously Chelsea is a top side and they can compete for trophies so it goes in this category," he told Sport360.

"In football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the next few days. I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs."

Di Matteo lost his job after a poor run of form which culminated in a heavy 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday night, leaving the club's hopes of retaining the European crown in ruins.

The former Anfield boss suggested he and his agent will work together to find a new role within football - with Abramovich keen to employ a manager who can build on Di Matteo's European success.

"I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days. But I am just trying to go to a team that can win. So we will find ways to have a challenge like this."

Chelsea started the season brightly with seven league victories in eight games, but has only picked up two points from its last four games, and is staring at an early exit from Europe.

( source )

Scott Parker Returns To Training

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:35:18 PST

The 31-year-old, who was an integral part of Spurs' squad last season, has yet to feature this term after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury during the summer.

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has returned to light training as he steps up his comeback from an Achilles injury.

The England international has not played since the quarterfinal defeat to Italy on penalties at Euro 2012 and his return will boost a Spurs side which has slipped to eighth in the table.

The news will be welcomed by Andre Villas-Boas, who remains without Mousa Dembele as the central midfielder continues to struggle with a hip injury.

“Scott’s having his first training sessions and we’re now looking to buildup his fitness levels,” Villas-Boas told the club’s official website. “Not only that, it’s important for a player who has been out to get a feel for his teammates again, to stop training individually and get together with the group.

“We’ll build-up his fitness and then we can look at the options for him.”

The 32-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at White Hart Lane last term, quickly becoming an integral part of Harry Redknapp’s first-team plans as Tottenham finished fourth.

( source )

Chelsea Confirm Roberto Di Matteo Departure

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:32:10 PST

Chelsea have announced that manager Roberto Di Matteo has parted company with the club, who cite in a statement that the results "have not been good enough".

Di Matteo's future was the subject of intense speculation after Chelsea suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Champions League at Juventus on Tuesday, meaning they could become the first holders to exit the competition at the group stage.

A statement released on the club's official website on Wednesday morning confirmed the Italian's departure. It read: "Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with Manager Roberto Di Matteo.

( source )

West Ham Interested To Nicolas Anelka

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 02:41:22 PST

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has admitted interest in Shanghai Shenhua striker Nicolas Anelka.

Former Chelsea forward Anelka has recently been linked with a move back to the Barclays Premier League.

"It could interest me, of course it could," Allardyce said.

"It would be of interest if that is a possibility financially for us and he wanted to come. I have had no conversations with Nicolas' agent or anything like that at this time."

( source )

PSG Launching £40m Bid For Mario Balotelli

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 02:37:59 PST

PSG are launching a new January bid for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

The Daily Star Sunday says PSG are ready to offer £40million for Balotelli in January.

Meanwhile, AC Milan are proposing a loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal.

And Balotelli’s former club – Inter Milan – are also eyeing the situation.

A return to Italy is the preferred destination for the City ace as his on-off girlfriend Raffaella Fico is expecting his child.

He is buying a £1m apartment in Brescia – an hour from Milan.

( source )

Arsenal Go For Schalke Winger Lewis Holtby

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 02:34:47 PST

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is chasing Schalke winger Lewis Holtby.

The Daily Star Sunday says Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is also a fan of Holtby but the player may choose to snub a move to Anfield and join Arsenal – because his dad is a massive Everton fan.

The midfielder, 22 is out of contract at the end of the season and says he dreams of a move to the Premier League.

Holtby has impressed Wenger this season and the Frenchman is ready to make a move for Holtby in January, as will Kop chief Rodgers.

( source )

City And United Battle For Malaga's Isco

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 02:30:28 PST

Manchester United and Manchester City are being linked with Malaga midfielder Isco.

The Daily Star Sunday says Isco has been rated at £30million but the buy-out clause in his contract is much less, at £17m.

Francisco Roman Alarcon Suarez – to give him his full name – is making a big impact in the Champions League this season.

That alerted United but now the strongest interest is said to be coming from City.

The Premier League champions have strong Spanish contacts through chief executive Ferran Soriano and new football director Txiki Begiristain.

( source )

Chelsea To Make £30m Marouane Fellaini Offer

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 06:41:26 PST

Chelsea are ready to offer £30million for Everton ace Marouane Fellaini in January.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich has given the green light to a huge offer for the powerful Goodison hero who has been one of the major successes of the Premier League this season.

Boss Roberto di Matteo wants more strength in his side and an alternative to Fernando Torres, with fearsome Fellaini top of his wish list. And the fact Belgian Fellaini would be eligible for the Champions League is a major plus as the Londoners set up one of the biggest deals of the January market.

( source )

Manchester City Plan January Bid For Jack Butland

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 06:38:39 PST

Manchester City are moving for Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The People says City will make a new bid to sign Birmingham City’s young England keeper Butland in the transfer window.

Roberto Mancini plans to grab the big shot-stopper for around £6million and possibly loan him back to the Blues to keep him sharp and playing every week.

( source )

Agent : Liverpool watching Anzhi striker Lacina Traore

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 06:35:35 PST

Liverpool are watching Anzhi striker Lacina Traore.

The Mirror says Traore scored an eyecatching goal against Liverpool in last week’s Europa League clash - and the Anfield club will be monitoring the lad for the rest of the season ahead of money talk... according to the player's agent.

Traore’s representative Dimitri Seluk reportedly said: "In addition to Liverpool, the list of clubs that have applied to purchase Traore includes Udinese.

"At the moment, Lacina is content with his position at Anzhi. He recently signed a new contract until 2016.

"Traore has no need to hurry. We’ll go ahead and first let him get experience."

( source )

Real Madrid To Join Races For Wilfried Zaha

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:52:37 PST

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is eyeing Crystal Palace wonderkid Wilfried Zaha.

The Sun says Mourinho is lining up a £20million bid after watching the Crystal Palace winger.

Zaha, 20, is in the Three Lions squad to face Sweden in Stockholm tomorrow. Tottenham and Arsenal are also desperate to land the Ivory Coast-born sensation.

But Real boss Mourinho has sent one of his scouts to Palace’s games with Zaha emerging as one of Europe’s hottest properties.

( source )

Zaha Named To England Squad

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 01:19:44 PST

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has been added to the England squad to face Sweden.

Zaha, who turned 20 on Saturday, has been drafted into Roy Hodgson's squad for the friendly match on Wednesday after injuries to Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott forced the Three Lions coach to look at reinforcements.

Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone and Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson have also been called up, while Jonjo Shelvey, Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon have withdrawn

Zaha helped Palace to the top of the table with four goals in 15 appearances to date and Palace manager Ian Holloway paid tribute to his burgeoning talent after seeing his side overcome Peterborough 2-1 on Saturday.

"It is wonderful to see such an exhilarating, exciting player - to run with the ball like that, and outrun people running without the ball, is amazing," Holloway said

Holloway's opposite number, Darren Ferguson, added: "[He is] the best player outside the Premiership, hands down. At times he was unplayable. Since the first time I saw him I thought he was going to go right to the top."

Hodgson has been keen to include young players in recent squads, and persuade those eligible for other nations to commit their futures to England. Jenkinson and Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling have both been drafted into Hodgson's plans despite interest from Finland and Jamaica respectively - while Zaha, who was born in Abidjan but has represented England at Under-21 level, could play for the Ivory Coast.

Zaha, who is reportedly a transfer target for the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, noted on Saturday that he was considering representing Ivory Coast at international level, comments that may have sparked the FA into action.

( source )

Blues Face Anxious Wait Over Terry

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 01:16:50 PST

Chelsea face an anxious wait on the fitness of John Terry after he departed Stamford Bridge on a stretcher during Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw against Liverpool and will undergo an MRI scan on Monday.

Terry, 31, had headed Chelsea ahead after 20 minutes before suffering the knee injury during a nasty-looking collision with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The former England captain was making his comeback for Chelsea after completing a four-match ban having been found guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, but it could be the beginning of a renewed spell on the sidelines.

After colliding with Suareze, Terry signalled to the touchline before receiving treatment and departing the pitch on a stretcher with his head in his hands.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo revealed the club did not know the extent of Terry's knee injury with the captain - returning after his racism ban - set for a scan.

( source )

Liverpool Prepare January Bid For Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 02:12:54 PST

Liverpool are lining up a January bid for Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Sunday Mirror says Huntelaar is out of contract at Schalke 04 in the summer and is expected to reject a final offer from the Germans.

At 29, the ex-PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan hit-man does not fit the age profile Liverpool’s owners have put in place for new signings.

But manager Brendan Rodgers needs to add experience to his young team and Huntelaar’s contract dispute makes him available at the right kind of price. One problem for Rodgers will be to convince the Dutchman Liverpool have a great future as well as a glorious past.

( source )

Atletico Madrid Demand Fernando Torres In Chelsea Bid For Radamel Falcao

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 02:09:19 PST

Chelsea must sacrifice Fernando Torres if they're to land Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao.

The Daily Star Sunday says the Spanish club would prefer a deal which would see them re-sign Torres as a ready-made replacement.

Torres, 28, made his name at Atletico before moving to Liverpool, from where he made a sensational £50m switch to Chelsea.

( source )

Pep Guardiola Willing To Listen Offer From Europe Trio

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 02:14:28 PST

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is ready to discuss a return to football.

The Sunday Mirror says Guardiola has put Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United on managerial alert.

The former Barcelona boss is ready to open talks about coming out of his self-imposed exile.

Guardiola walked away from the game at the end of last season, deciding he needed a 12-month break.

But sources in Spain have revealed that Guardiola, 41, has put into place a timetable for his return and instructed his advisers to open talks with interested clubs in January.

It is believed Guardiola wants to work in either England or Germany.

Chelsea, City and Bayern Munich are his preferred options at the moment.

( source )

Manchester United Join Interest For Palace Kid Zaha

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:59:50 PDT

Manchester United are among clubs interested in Crystal Palace youngster Wilfried Zaha.

The Daily Mail says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed with the England Under-21 international's performance against the Reds in last year's Carling Cup tie.

Palace could be forced to sell their biggest asset next year.

( source )