Man City closing in on Samir Nasri

Manchester City are closing in on a £20million swoop for Arsenal star Samir Nasri, Sky Sports sources understand.

The French midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, with a host of top European clubs thought to be chasing his signature.
He has yet to put pen to paper on a new Gunners contract, with his current terms set to expire next year.
Manchester United were previously tipped as frontrunners to secure Nasri's signature, but it seems big-spending local rivals City have now taken pole position in the race to sign him.
The Blues are also reportedly close to capturing Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy, while Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas is expected to leave this summer, meaning manager Arsene Wenger could be left without several of his key players next season.
France international Nasri enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, but could not help the Gunners end their trophy drought, which has stretched over six years.
The 24-year-old arrived at the Emirates from Marseille in 2008 and has since notched up over 80 appearances for Wenger's side.

Read more...

Gill: England FA unfair to Man United

Manchester United chief executive David Gill claims the Football Association singled out the club for "harsh" punishments.

United found themselves involved in two high-profile disciplinary hearings last season.
Striker Wayne Rooney was banned for two matches for swearing into a television camera during the team's victory at West Ham in April while manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has had his fair share of run-ins with the authorities, was handed a five-game touchline ban for comments made about referee Martin Atkinson.
However, Gill believes similar punishments would probably not have been meted out to other clubs.
"I do genuinely believe there have been some poor-ish decisions that, in my opinion, wouldn't necessarily have hit other clubs," United's chief executive said in Champ19ns, a book about the club's record title-winning season.
"That's not to say I'm condoning Wayne's comments, because I don't think they were correct, or what Sir Alex said, because it wasn't helpful.
"But at the same time, the actual punishments were harsh.
"We're possibly being caught up in being one of the biggest clubs and the (FA's) Respect agenda being there.
"What better way to demonstrate the authorities are being tough than by hitting one of the biggest clubs the hardest?"
Gill believes the FA's treatment of Rooney for his swearing episode has set a precedent but questioned whether the governing body would apply the same sanction to other players in the future.
"The club doesn't condone it but Wayne recognised it was wrong and apologised almost immediately,' he added.
"We have various issues with the ban - one being consistency. What's going to happen now? Is the referee under pressure to send everyone off?
"It's a dangerous course the FA has gone down, because consistent application is what's required and I'm not sure that will necessarily happen.
"There are certain things you should wait until the start of the season to change.

Read more...

Xavi: Barcelona will welcome Fabregas

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has described Cesc Fabregas as an extraordinary player.

Barca failed with two bids for their former youth team midfielder last year and have reportedly had an initial offer turned down this summer as well.
But the Catalan club are likely to return with a new bid for the 24 year-old in the coming days and Xavi says his arrival would be positive for Barca.
"Competition is always good and Cesc is an extraordinary footballer," he said.
"If he comes, it will be to help out."
However, the midfielder hopes comparisons will not be drawn between Cesc and himself, as happened when Xavi broke through in the late 1990s and was dubbed as a successor to then captain and now coach Pep Guardiola.
"They put that label on me of being a replacement for Pep Guardiola and it wasn't fun at all," the 31-year-old said.
Xavi also celebrated the renewal of 20 year-old midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who has signed a new contract to remain at the Nou Camp until 2015.
"Thiago has renewed and that's great news," he said.
"He is a fantastic player with a lot of talent - the competitiveness of the group is great."
Xavi began last season with a niggling injury, but says he is feeling good ahead of the next campaign.
"I feel good physically, I'm very motivated and content," he said.
"Last year I suffered some tendonitis in the Achilles tendon but I'm over that.
"I'll try to start off as best I can and at the highest level."

Read more...

Arsenal helpless as stars exit

Arsene Wenger may be keeping his cards close to his chest, but Arsenal appear on the verge of finally losing captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.

To make matters worse, the Spaniard could be quickly followed out of Emirates Stadium by contract rebels Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.
Unlike they did 12 months ago, the Gunners have not as yet issued any public statement despite Barcelona once again stepping up their pursuit of Spain international Fabregas.
The player himself also has been careful over his recent statements, yesterday refusing to rule anything out or in, simply saying he was "calm" over the whole situation.
The European champions are expected to improve their £27million offer, and while that is still likely to be undervaluing the Gunners captain, a deal is anticipated to be agreed.
Arsenal will not be held to ransom by Nasri and Clichy, who are both out of contract at the end of next season, over demands for inflated wages, with free-spending Manchester City now unsurprisingly a likely destination for both.
Wenger is due to gather his first-team squad together next week ahead of a tour to Malaysia and China. The Arsenal manager continues to give little away as to which players will be part of the group when they jet off in 10 days time.
"We are in a waiting period, everybody is waiting that the other [club] moves," Wenger said in an interview with Alsace TV.
"Everybody has their cards in [their] hands, hoping for the big transfer.
"There is nothing moving yet. The period will me more active at the end of July when we will need to really strengthen the team."
By then, though, Arsenal fans will be demanding more additions following the expected departures.
Defence is an area Wenger has singled out as in need of improvement, with Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill emerging as the preferred candidate, although whether the Gunners will match his £17million price tag remains to be seen.
It is, though, not only key men like Fabregas who look set to leave - with the likes of Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner now surplus to requirements especially with Arsenal's pursuit of £10millon-rated Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, Lille stalling in hope of an improved offer.
Argentina youngster Ricardo Alvarez says it would be a "dream" for him to move to Arsenal, but the agent of Brazilian midfielder Denilson claims interest from AC Milan is unfounded, and as such the player will report back for pre-season next week.
Wenger continues to argue his squad simply lacked the stamina, rather than quality to get over the line as they battled for so long on all fronts last season.
The Arsenal manager, though, knows after another season which promised so much but failed to deliver following a cataclysmic collapse after defeat in the Carling Cup final, the focus will be on just how Arsenal can respond, with title rivals already active in the transfer market.
"There is always pressure, England is the hardest championship in the world, some teams have more money than us. We have to accept it and do the maximum," he said.
"We decided to respect some rules in our club, especially on the financial side in an environment that does not respect that.
"We respect [the] quality of the game and human quality too. It means it is harder for us when you respect these three topics.
"We live exactly in the way everybody should, with a balance between revenues and expenses.
"We have been very constant for many years now. We should be seen as an example and it is often not the case."

Read more...

"Liverpool suffering from old stadium"

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre admits the failure of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to build a new stadium "set the club back several years".

And Ayre, promoted from commercial director late last season by new owners Fenway Sports Group, said had it not been for huge strides made in off-field business during that time the finances would have been in a bigger mess than they were just before FSG assumed control.
Hicks and Gillett were eventually ousted last October when, with creditors Royal Bank of Scotland wanting repayment of a £230million acquisition loan, a sale to FSG was pushed through against their wishes.
They departed with work on the promised stadium in Stanley Park no nearer starting than it was when Gillett pledged "the shovel needs to be in the ground in the next 60 days" at his first press conference having bought the club in February 2007.
"When you look at what we have done in growing the business, if we had started building a stadium in 2007 we would be in it by now," said Ayre.
"It could have been brilliant but we have probably set ourselves back several years."
The Reds managing director admitted there could not be a greater difference between the previous regime and the current one.
"There was a great opportunity to maximise the value of the club and they (Hicks and Gillett) were right, it needed a new stadium and new people," Ayre told the Liverpool Daily Post's Business Magazine.
"What they got fundamentally wrong was using leveraged finance to run the business and try to develop the business.
"Without the significant increase in revenues God knows how much of a mess we would have been in.
"What we have now is people who really understand how to own, operate and run a sports business.
"They are very honest about their objectives; they listen - that's quite fundamental."
The stadium issue is one which still needs resolving but Ayre said they would not repeat past mistakes and rush their deliberations.
"Nobody is going to force ourselves or the owners to make a decision until we know what's right for the club, because that was what partly went wrong before," he added.
"Sometimes people won't like that it takes a long time. That's unfortunate but it's the way we do it.
"Once a week someone will ask me what is happening with the stadium and the answer is 'We don't know'.
"The reason we don't know is there are still the two solutions. They are a new stadium in Stanley Park or a refurbished Anfield - that obviously comes with all sorts of issues - and there are a million questions to answer.
"The new stadium in the park comes down to the economics; how do we pay it back? It needs a big naming partner.
"Until you get the answer to those questions it would be wrong and unprofessional for us to make a statement about what we are doing."
Yesterday principal owner John Henry reiterated his belief that rebuilding the club - both on the field and off it - was a long-term project with no quick fixes.
Despite the progress made under FSG and manager Kenny Dalglish, who revitalised the team when he took over from Roy Hodgson in January, there is still plenty of work to be done to restore Liverpool to former glories.
And Ayre echoed the views of Henry by saying: "There's nobody getting carried away with what can be achieved in what timescale.
"The owners have said they want to win. That means a lot of things.
"We don't want to win once, we want to build consistency."

Read more...

Neville lauds Phil Jones signing

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has backed new recruit Phil Jones to one day wear the armband at Old Trafford.

Neville retired last season after making 602 appearances over 19 years with the club.
Jones, an England Under-21 international, agreed a five-year contract to move from Blackburn earlier this month and Neville believes he is destined for great things.
"I think this lad's going to be a star, I really do," the ex-England defender told Singapore's The New Paper.
"I think he's going to be somebody who could potentially be a captain of Manchester United in the future.
"He looks really solid and he's somebody who can be a huge player for the club for the next 10 years.
"There's a lot of potential there and the performances he's put in over the last two years have been outstanding, particularly against us.
"For a 19-year-old that's excellent. He's a great signing for us."

Read more...

"Denilson not heading to AC Milan"

The agent of Arsenal midfielder Denilson has played down speculation linking his client with a move to AC Milan.

Reports in the Italian media have suggested the Brazilian, who joined Arsene Wenger's side in 2006, could be set for a switch to the San Siro this summer after failing to nail down a regular place with the Gunners.
But the 23-year-old's agent, Gerardo Santiago, has denied having contact with the Rossoneri or any other club.
He told calciomercato.it: "I know nothing of AC Milan's interest. I think at the moment these are only rumours.
"The only certainty right now is that Denilson will be at training with Arsenal on July 7. Are Spanish and other Italian clubs chasing him? Currently there are no negotiations.
"With Wenger we often talk about other issues, but we have never touched on the topic of a possible departure for Denilson."

Read more...

Kvitova makes first Wimbledon final

Petra Kvitova moved into the Wimbledon final with a 6-1 3-6 6-2 victory over Victoria Azarenka.

The rising Czech star will now play either Maria Sharapova or Sabine Lisicki in Saturday's final.
It was a typically powerful performance from the 21-year-old, who, after a flying start, was able to put a second-set blip firmly behind her to dominate the decider.
Kvitova had to save a break point in the first game of the match but after that took firm control.
She broke Azarenka for the first time in the fourth game and even a fire alarm going off just outside the court could not shift her focus.
Azarenka had fought back from 40-0 down to deuce in the fifth game which featured the alarm, but Kvitova held her off to move 4-1 up.
A second break of serve duly followed and the eighth seed then produced three aces to serve out the set, clinching it 6-1 in just 27 minutes.
Azarenka, the highest-ranked player left in the tournament, began her fightback by breaking Kvitova at the start of the second set.
She saved a break-back point in the third game, Kvitova sending a backhand long, but in the main the momentum had definitely swung.
The Czech, who has stormed up the rankings since reaching the last four here 12 months ago, had to fight hard to prevent herself falling a double break down.
However, Azarenka did not require the second break as she served out to level the match despite a minor wobble.
Having kept her hopes alive with a much-improved second set, it was a surprise to see Azarenka make a poor start to the decider.
She was soon 3-0 down as Kvitova refocused.
Azarenka had two points to get the set back on serve in the fifth game but both were saved by Kvitova, the second with a trademark forehand winner.
From there it was plain sailing for the Czech.
She missed her first match point at 2-5 - framing the ball long - but on the second she did not have to do anything, her opponent double-faulting to end the contest.

Read more...

Tsonga proud of 'crazy' comeback

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga became the first man to beat Roger Federer from two sets behind at a grand slam and admitted: "I just can't believe it."

The 26-year-old Frenchman produced some of the best tennis of his career to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals with a 3-6 6-7 (3/7) 6-4 6-4 6-4 success on Centre Court.
Federer had looked poised for a routine victory, the sort he has made his trademark at Wimbledon, when he claimed the two-set advantage.
But his opponent gave an exhibition which combined heavy hitting and finesse over the next three sets to set up a last-four showdown with Novak Djokovic.
"It was amazing today [Wednesday]. I played unbelievable," Tsonga said.
"To come from two sets down - that's crazy.
"He is the biggest champion in my sport. He's achieved lots of things and he's the best player in the world.
"I'm just so happy to win against him especially on grass because it's maybe his favourite surface.
"I'm so happy. I'll celebrate with my friends and family.
"Now I'm here in the semi-finals and I just can't believe it."
With a day to recover, Tsonga promised he would be ready for the clash with Djokovic.
"I will recover. I have time. I play on Friday. It's going to be enough [time]," he said.
"It's going to be a difficult match but I have my chance.
"I will try to come on court like today [Wednesday] and try to win."
Federer was left to consider what might have been while Tsonga was able to celebrate with his famous dance, but both men gave impressive performances and defeat was always going to be cruel for the loser.
Bare statistics can never tell the full story of a match but Federer's were impressive enough to have seen him past most opponents.
Of his first serves, 75% hit the target, and when they went in he won 78% of points.
He rifled 17 aces, committed just one double fault, and had just 11 unforced errors in the entire contest while hitting 57 winners.
Tsonga still edged him out though, and Federer was complimentary when it came to discussing the French 12th seed's effort.
"I think Jo played great," Federer said. "Really from start to finish I don't remember seeing a break point after I broke him in the first game.
"But I was close. I had all my chances. He came up with some good stuff."
Asked what he felt went wrong and what went right, Federer replied: "Except the score, many, many things went right.
"I thought I played a good match myself. I'm actually pretty pleased with my performance today [Wednesday].
"It's hard going out of the tournament that way, but unfortunately it does happen sometimes.
"At least it took a special performance to beat me, which is somewhat nice.
"I think he played an amazing match. He didn't give me many chances."

Read more...

ICC confirms mix-up in Dhoni dismissal

The ICC have confirmed India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was incorrectly given out during the second Test against West Indies.

Dhoni was caught by Shivnarine Chanderpaul off the bowling of Fidel Edwards on the opening day of the current match in Barbados, but on-field umpire Ian Gould suspected the delivery may have been a no-ball and sought confirmation from the third umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
In the review that Brathwaite was shown by host broadcaster IMG Media, Edwards` delivery was legitimate and Dhoni was subsequently given out.
However, it was later established that Brathwaite had been shown the wrong replay and that the delivery that led to Dhoni's dismissal should have been called a no-ball, the ICC confirmed in a statement.
"The host broadcaster for this series, IMG Media, acknowledged the mistake and has apologised," said Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.
"Having looked into the situation, I am satisfied it was an unfortunate but honest mistake in what is a tense and live environment. It is worth pointing out that the umpires followed the correct procedures and are without blame in this matter.
"Seeing as the game has continued, clearly there is no opportunity to reverse the decision. We are forced now to put it behind us and move on with the remainder of the match."
A spokesman for IMG said: "IMG Media takes its responsibilities on this matter very seriously. This was a case of human error, compounded by a senior replay operative having to return home at very short notice."
The ICC also noted that because this series does not have the Decision Review System (DRS), the enhanced standards, including the presence of an ICC technical official, are not in place as would be the case when DRS is used.
India, who lead the three-match series 1-0, were bowled out for 201 having been put into bat at Kensington Oval before West Indies reached 98 for five at the close of day two in a contest that has been rain-affected.

Read more...

Real won't overspend on Coentrao

Real Madrid have refused to splash the cash to sign Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao.

According to reports in Marca, the two clubs have failed to come to an agreement over Coentrao's transfer value.
Benfica are sticking to their guns and demanding the player's€30m release clause, but would consider a player plus €25 million deal.
Some of the players linked to the deal include defender Ezequiel Garay, and midfielders Royston Drenthe and Pablo Sarabia.
However, the La Liga side are relcutant to spend more than €15 million on Coentrao, who is contracted to Benfica till 2016.

Read more...

"Bayern Munich must win Bundesliga"

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger admits there will be no excuses if Bayern Munich do not regain their Bundesliga title next season.

The Bavarians finished 10 points behind champions Borussia Dortmund last term, but with a new coach in Jupp Heynckes and a new goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer, Schweinsteiger, believes Bayern have to win it back.
"We have a new team, a new coach and want to win titles and play nice football," the Germany international said on www.tz-online.de.
"With this squad we have to win titles."
As the club's longest serving player and with 87 caps for his country, the 26-year-old knows there is more responsibility on his shoulders than most.
"I have been here the longest and know that I have to lead the team," Schweinsteiger added.

Read more...

Platini unimpressed with football tech

UEFA president Michel Platini claims the introduction of technology would be bad for football.

The Frenchman added the additional referees being used behind the goal-line in European competitions would have seen Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England in 1986.
England were denied a clear goal in their World Cup defeat to Germany last year, when Frank Lampard's drive hit the crossbar and crossed the line before bouncing out.
That, along with a series of other controversial incidents, brought renewed calls for goal-line technology to be introduced, but Platini will strongly oppose any moves to bring it in.
"In my opinion technology isn't good for football," he told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.
"Nobody (at UEFA) wants to bring it into our sport - and nor does (FIFA president Sepp) Blatter."
Platini says the two additional referees recently introduced behind the goal-line in the Champions League and Europa League are sufficient, claiming they would have spotted Maradona's handled effort 25 years ago.
"The two additional referees in each area are a great help," he said.
"They would have seen Maradona's hand.
"Football was managed by just one man for 100 years and it was impossible to appreciate everything that happened on the pitch, so sometimes he would make decisions without having seen what went on.
"Now if a referee doesn't see something it's because he's not very good."
Platini also claims the additional referees have limited diving in the penalty area, and believes no further technology is necessary.
"In the last edition of the Champions League there were three of four decisions that the referees corrected on seeing that the ball had not entered the area," he said.
"There is no more simulation in the area because there is a referee who sees it; we are happy and we don't need more technology."
Platini was also critical in the Marca interview of Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese claimed in the wake of a Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Barcelona that the Catalan club had an influence over referees and that they had not won the 2009 Champions League cleanly because of decisions in their favour in the semi-final encounter against Chelsea.
"I'm especially fond of him; I love Mourinho," Platini said.
"I like him as a man and also his character as a coach, but that doesn't mean the disciplinary body of UEFA will not deal with him - that has nothing to do with it.
"He said stupid things and that's why the disciplinary commission decided to sanction him."
Mourinho was given a five-match European ban by UEFA for his outburst, a sanction which Real have appealed against, but Platini says the case will not affect their relationship.
"He has taken up his right to appeal and we'll see what happens, but we will still get on well," the Frenchman said.
"When I played there were referees that I had a very good relationship with, but they still gave me yellow cards... and my father would slap me when I behaved badly as a child but it was because he loved me."
Platini, however, said he will have nothing to do with the case.
"The disciplinary commission is a completely independent body and the president of UEFA has nothing to do with all that," he said.
"I don't get involved with disciplinary issues or referees."
But the former France star reiterated that UEFA is a neutral organisation.
"UEFA is neutral, firm and respects everyone," he said.
"The referees don't favour Barcelona more than Real Madrid, nor Juventus more than AC Milan."
Platini says the organisation has a fight on its hands to eliminate violence and corruption cases from the game.
"We are fighting and we will always fight against those things. Racism and violence are external circumstances in football - individuals who go to the stadium for political reasons," he said.
"Then there are other factors relative to the game, namely illegal betting - those affect the players directly, they affect me, they affect everyone.
"We have to eliminate it radically, but I need the collaboration of the governments. We are talking about investigations that have already begun, but that are very dangerous. There's a lot of money at stake and I need the governments, the judges and the justice system to help us eradicate the problem."

Read more...

Juan believes Roma can win Serie A

Roma defender Juan believes that Roma can improve on last season's sixth-placed finish and win Serie A.

The Serie A side appointed Luis Enrique as their new head coach, to the satisfaction of Juan.
"We are one of the favourites for the Serie A title and so are AC Milan, Inter and Juventus. In Italy, it is always the same teams that are fighting for the title," the defender said, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.
"The expectations have to be met out there on the pitch though.
"I am full of enthusiasm ahead of the new season. I am intrigued by the changes within the club and the new things could be a great motivation."
Roma will hope to repeat their last title victory in the 2000-01 season, as they have had a trophy drought since 2007-08, when they won the Coppa Italia.

Read more...

Sharapova vs Kvitova for Wimbledon title

Former champion Maria Sharapova will play Petra Kvitova in Saturday's Wimbledon final.

The pair had contrasting semi-final victories on Thursday, Sharapova beating wild card Sabine Lisicki in straight sets after Kvitova had fought to a three-set victory over Victoria Azarenka.
Sharapova will start the weekend showdown as the favourite to win a second Wimbledon crown after finally ending her wait to reach another final in SW19.
She had to overcome serving problems to ensure she returned to the final for the first time since her 2004 triumph as a 17-year-old.
The Russian posted a 6-4 6-3 win but a first-serve percentage of just 48 and a tally of 13 double faults was worrying for the fifth seed.
Lisicki, only playing thanks to a tournament invite after injury problems, made a flying start, breaking Sharapova to love in her first service game.
However, that game featured two double faults, something that was to become familiar to the Centre Court crowd.
Sharapova, yet to drop a set at this year's championships, soon hit back though and she was quickly level at 3-3.
Lisicki's booming serve - she banged one down at 124mph earlier in the tournament - was broken again in the ninth game to leave Sharapova serving for the set.
Two set points were duly created and although the first was saved with the drop shot which had served Lisicki so well during her quarter-final win over Marion Bartoli, the second brought an ace from the Sharapova racquet.
The drop shot let Lisicki down as the second set, a netted effort seeing her fall 0-40 down in the first game.
A double fault followed to leave the former champion in full control.
Aside from her serve, Sharapova's game looked in good order and she was soon a double-break to the good. Although one was squandered, Lisicki was unable to take advantage, losing her serve again.
Sharapova failed to serve out the match at 5-2 but simply broke serve for the sixth time in the contest in the following game to book her meeting with Kvitova.
The Czech had progressed earlier thanks to a 6-1 3-6 6-2 victory over Azarenka.
It was a typically powerful performance from the 21-year-old, who, after a flying start, was able to put a second-set blip firmly behind her to dominate the decider.
Kvitova had to save a break point in the first game of the match but after that took firm control.
She broke Azarenka for the first time in the fourth game and even a fire alarm going off just outside the court could not shift her focus.
Azarenka had fought back from 40-0 down to deuce in the fifth game which featured the alarm, but Kvitova held her off to move 4-1 up.
A second break of serve duly followed and the eighth seed then produced three aces to serve out the set, clinching it 6-1 in just 27 minutes.
Azarenka, the highest-ranked player left in the tournament, began her fightback by breaking Kvitova at the start of the second set.
She saved a break-back point in the third game, Kvitova sending a backhand long, but in the main the momentum had definitely swung.
The Czech, who has stormed up the rankings since reaching the last four here 12 months ago, had to fight hard to prevent herself falling a double break down.
However, Azarenka did not require the second break as she served out to level the match despite a minor wobble.
Having kept her hopes alive with a much-improved second set, it was a surprise to see Azarenka make a poor start to the decider.
She was soon 3-0 down as Kvitova refocused.
Azarenka had two points to get the set back on serve in the fifth game but both were saved by Kvitova, the second with a trademark forehand winner.
From there it was plain sailing for the Czech.
She missed her first match point at 2-5 - framing the ball long - but on the second she did not have to do anything, her opponent double-faulting to end the contest.
Kvitova, who idolised Martina Navratilova as a child, becomes the first Czech since Jana Novotna in 1998 to reach the Wimbledon final.
It will be her first at Grand Slam level.

Read more...

Fiorentina angered by United swoop

Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has taken a swipe at Manchester United for convincing Italy Under-17 goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini to leave.

Gollini revealed he had accepted an offer to join United´s academy.
Corvino says even more of his youngsters were targeted by clubs in England but elected to remain with the Viola.
A statement on the club´s official website read: "Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has taken into consideration the comments made by player Pierluigi Gollini and is surprised by his decision.
"He takes the opportunity to thank players (Niccolo) Fazzi, (Saverio) Madrigali, (Leonardo) Capezzi, (Federico) Bernardeschi and (Luca) Lezzerini, who have decided to remain with the Viola club, not being lured by false illusions of English sirens in recent days.
"Of the 150 players that have decided to go abroad, no-one has been able to earn a place in the first team."
Italian defender Michele Fornasier joined United in 2009 from Fiorentina´s youth section.

Read more...

Ipswich: Wickham offer was too good

Ipswich chief executive Simon Clegg has admitted Sunderland's offer for Connor Wickham was just too good to turn down.

The England Under-21 international completed his move to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday for an initial fee of £8.1million, which could rise to £12million.
And Clegg felt the Portman Road club had little option but to accept the bid for the 18-year-old frontman.
"When offers on the table all of a sudden exceed what you believe the player is worth, at this particular moment in time, then you have to act," he told the Ipswich Evening Star.
"You also have to take into account what you could do with the additional money.
"Negotiations had been going on for some time, and we had serious interest from Sunderland for the last week or 10 days.
"The result is that we have a cracking deal for Ipswich Town. I'm very pleased with it. And it's a good move for Connor as well. In fact, it's an historic day for the football club."
Clegg believes that the sale of Wickham will help the Tractor Boys secure a return to the Premier League and has pledged that manager Paul Jewell will now have additional funds this summer and in forthcoming transfer windows.
He added: "The important thing is that money is in the bank, to be made available over the forthcoming windows, to make sure we can see progression towards achieving the goal of Premiership status.
"It's not all about what happens this summer, or all about what happens this season. That money will drip feed over the next couple of years.
"A lot of that will be triggered by various clauses in the contract. The bottom line is, Paul (Jewell) will have additional resources, but as he made clear recently, he had money to spend whether Connor was here or not.
"There are always ifs and buts in football, but what this deal has done is given us a considerable sum of money to invest in the football club, and look to see how and where we can reinforce the club.
"No team is built around any one individual. The huge income that this sale has generated for this club will allow us to enhance the playing squad going forward."

Read more...

Alan Pardew excited by squad additions

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew feels he already effectively has five new signings at his disposal as his search for new talent continues.

The Magpies have landed Yohan Cabaye and free transfers Demba Ba and Sylvain Marveaux since the end of last season, and are still working on their remaining targets.
However, with Hatem Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling now back to full fitness, Pardew is also looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the squad.
He told the club's official website: "I am really pleased with the way the squad is taking shape. I'm excited.
"You could say we have got five new players who we didn't have last year.
"We have obviously lost Kevin Nolan, but we have gained Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Sylvain Marveaux - and then there is Hatem Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling.
"Hatem could be the best signing if he stays fit all year, and we are looking forward to seeing what Dan can do as well."
Nolan's £4million departure for West Ham after he was unable to agree a new deal at St James' Park came as a blow in the wake of Andy Carroll's defection to Liverpool in January, and with the futures of Jose Enrique and Joey Barton still uncertain, there is a growing disquiet in certain quarters that the proceeds do not appear to have been reinvested yet.
Cabaye cost a little more than the fee Newcastle received for Nolan, so there has been little additional outlay, while owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias are doggedly sticking to their policy of trying to get the best possible value for the club's money.
However, Pardew always knew his transfer kitty would also have to cover the wages of his signings, so marquee acquisitions were always unlikely.
The Magpies have registered their interest in the likes of Kevin Gameiro, Gervinho and Mevlut Erding in the hunt for a replacement for Carroll, but have to date been thwarted and the search goes on.
Tranquillo Barnetta, Blaise Matuidi, Charles N'Zogbia and Darron Gibson are among the midfield players they have considered, while their approach for Swansea full-back Neil Taylor was rebuffed earlier this week and they are currently assessing their options on that front.
However, with work behind the scenes continuing, Pardew has been delighted with the business he has been able to do to date.
He said: "Cabaye is a ball-manoeuverer, someone who can work the ball and make a pass that has an incisiveness to it.
"He can unlock the door and comes to us full of confidence on the back of winning the league and cup double with Lille.
"Ba is an out-and-out goalscorer, a winner and will certainly give everything he's got. I expect him to get between 15 and 25 goals this year.
"Marveaux has impressed and, because of his contract situation, he didn't play a lot last season, but that means he comes to us fresh. We think there is a lot to come from him.
"He works off the left-hand side as a rule, can play off either foot and will certainly give us competition for [Jonas] Gutierrez and Joey [Barton] on both flanks. They are really nice options for us.
"The only way the players are good value is if they are a big success for the team, and hopefully they will be, playing at a venue as big as Newcastle."

Read more...

Pedroza: I'm headed to Tottenham

Young Mexican striker Antonio Pedroza claims a deal has been agreed for him to join Tottenham from Jaguares in his homeland.

The 20-year-old, who has previously had spells on trial with Arsenal and Chelsea, was born in England and still has family in this country.
Pedroza was reported to be in the frame for inclusion in England's squad for the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia this summer, but did not make the 21-man squad.
His contract with Jaguares expired this summer and he elected against signing a new deal when the opportunity of a move to join Harry Redknapp's side emerged.
"I can announce that my transfer to Tottenham has been arranged," Pedroza said.
"I didn't want to renew my contract with Jaguares because I knew that there was a chance to be transferred to a team in the Premier League.
"I am very happy and satisfied having played for an important team like Jaguares. Now I have the chance to make a dream come true to play in Europe.
"I have spoken with the officials of Jaguares and they have confirmed to me that everything is OK for me to leave and be transferred to Tottenham.
"The only thing that is left to resolve is something related to my journey to England.

Read more...

Roma closing in on Jose Angel

Roma are closing in on the signing of Sporting Gijon defender Jose Angel, according to the player´s agent.

The 21-year-old left-back has been a reported target of Barcelona and Manchester City.
"I don´t know if the deal will be completed today," agent Alfredo Martinez told Corriere dello Sport.
"I know that the two clubs are having meetings.
"Roma are in pole position to acquire him and this is a great opportunity for Jose Angel.
"The arrival of (new Roma coach) Luis Enrique can make the difference but the most important thing is that we are talking about an historic club."
Jose Angel is valued at around £15m and is under contract at Sporting until June 2014.

Read more...

Ji ready for Premier League challenge

Ji Dong-won completed his move to Sunderland and immediately signalled his intention to "overwhelm" Barclays Premier League defenders.

The 20-year-old South Korea international has signed a three-year deal after securing a switch for an undisclosed fee from Chunnam Dragons, and he will join Asamoah Gyan and £8.1million new boy Connor Wickham in a re-shaped strike-force.
Ji arrived in England with a blossoming reputation after scoring four times for his country at the Asia Cup earlier this year, and standing at almost 6'2" tall, he is ready to make his presence felt.
He told SAFC TV: "As a striker, I like to overwhelm defenders.
"My aim is to help the team get as many points as possible. That is what will give me satisfaction.
"I am so satisfied to be able to come to a good club, a nice club in the world's number one league.
"I am happy because I have a chance to challenge the biggest players, and that gives me motivation."
Ji finally put pen to paper after having to wait for the administrative details of his move, including a work permit, to be finalised.
Manager Steve Bruce said: "The boy has been in fantastic form for both club and country and he was one of South Korea's stand-out performers at the Asian Cup, so we are delighted to bring him to Sunderland.
"The Barclays Premier League is very different to the K-League, so there is hard work ahead, but you just have to look at players like Park Ji-Sung and Lee Chung-Yong to see how well Korean players are adapting to its pace and physicality."
Ji becomes the latest man from his country to try his luck in the Premier League alongside Manchester United's Park and Bolton's Lee.
The striker is relishing the chance to line up against his compatriots in the Premier League, but insists he will be giving no quarter.
He said: "I am so glad to be able to meet other Korean players on such a big stage, but there is no such excuse for the opponent. I will do my best to defeat them."
In the meantime, Ji faces the tasks of negotiating pre-season on Wearside, getting to know his team-mates and learning the language and all about his new home.
He admits that will take him some time, but he is hopeful the red and white faithful will soon see the best of him.
Ji said: "It will not be easy. I am enjoying the life and studying English. I hope I could be a member of this team within six months."
Bruce has made the attacking department his main priority this summer after losing Darren Bent to Aston Villa in January, Danny Welbeck to Manchester United following the end of his loan spell and Fraizer Campbell to a second knee injury which will sideline him for much of the new campaign.
He has not yet given up hope of persuading United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to part company with Welbeck once again, and could yet recruit again in that department.
The manager's latest acquisition is the fifth man to commit his future to Sunderland this summer after Ahmed Elmohamady, Wickham and free signings Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson, who will join the club after their current contracts with Coventry and Birmingham respectively expire.
In addition, the Black Cats are close to sealing their swoop for Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner as Bruce attempts to get the bulk of his new-look squad together ahead of next week's return to pre-season training.

Ji Dong-Wan Factfile

1991: Born in Jeju-do, South Korea on May 28.
2007-08: Has a brief spell on trial with then Premier League club Reading.
2010: January - Leaves Gwangyang Jecheol high school to join K-League side Chunnam Dragons.
November: Ends his first season with the Dragons having scoring seven goals in 22 league appearances. His team finished 10th out of 15 teams in the K-League.
2011: January - Scores four goals to help South Korea to third place in the 2011 Asian Cup, including a brace in his country's 3-2 third-place play-off victory against Uzbekistan. Ji also scored two goals in the 4-1 group stage win over India.
June 11: Ji scores in his last game for Chunnam Dragons.
June 30: Joins Sunderland on a three-year contract.

Read more...

Transfer Watch: Who's free this summer?

July 1 will see dozens of top-class players officially become free agents in the summer transfer window.

Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the individuals who are up for grabs.

Patrick Vieira (released by Manchester City)

A true great of the Premier League era with Arsenal, Vieira returned to England in January 2010 following almost five years in Italy with Juventus and Inter Milan. Though not a regular starter at City, the 35-year-old added a winning mentality to the club, and he played an important role in the team's FA Cup-winning campaign last season. It was City's first major trophy since 1976, and a fitting way for Vieira to end his short stint in Manchester. The midfielder still provides a solid cover for his defence and proved he still has the appetite for the big occasion.

Owen Hargreaves (released by Manchester United)

A player with undoubted talent, who rarely gets the chance to show it due to a catalogue of injury problems. After being England's best performer at the 2006 World Cup, United signed Hargreaves for a reported £17million a year later. The midfielder's first season was a success, winning the Premier League and Champions League, but the following year signalled the start of the injury jinx. He would only play four matches in his final three seasons at United, before boss Alex Ferguson told him his time at the club was over. At his best, Hargreaves would cover every blade of grass for his team, and when fit, he is a valuable asset to any team and someone could yet take a chance on him based on past form.

Matthew Upson (released by West Ham)

Having joined Arsenal in 1997, Upson learned from the stalwarts of the Gunners defence in Tony Adams, Martin Keown and Steve Bould. The centre-back then moved to Birmingham, where his solid displays led to his England debut against South Africa in 2003. An uncompromising centre-back, the ex-West Ham captain could do little to prevent his side's relegation to the Championship last season and left the club with the view to getting a move back to the Premier League.

David Vaughan (released by Blackpool)

Charlie Adam may have stolen the headlines for Blackpool last season, but Vaughan was equally impressive in his first season in the top flight. Boss Ian Holloway claimed Vaughan was arguably their best player in their one-year stop in the Premier League as the midfielder epitomised Blackpool's free-flowing style of football. The Tangerines were relegated on the final day of the season, and Vaughan has since rejected a new contract offer, stating his desire to remain at the highest level. Wolves, West Brom, Sunderland and QPR are reportedly interested in the 28-year-old.

John Carew (released by Aston Villa)

With Darren Bent proving an instant hit at Villa Park, the Birmingham side have deemed Carew surplus to requirements. The Norwegian was on loan at Stoke for the second half of last season, and although he looked threatening at times, a back injury prevented him from making a real impact. At 6ft 4in, the 31-year-old is more than a handful for any defence and still has a lot to offer any club who is willing to snap him up.

Jonathan Woodgate (released by Tottenham)

Another undoubtedly talented player whose career has been hampered by injuries. The centre back made only four appearances in his last two seasons at Spurs due to a long string of setbacks. Despite his difficulties, Woodgate will always be remembered by the White Hart Lane faithful for scoring the winning goal in the 2008 Carling Cup triumph over Chelsea. Turning only 31 this year, clubs could be tempted to sign the centre back if he can be persuaded to accept a pay-as-you-play deal.

Sol Campbell (released by Newcastle)

The only man to match Ryan Giggs in playing in all 19 Premier League campaigns, Campbell was a bit-part player in keeping the Magpies in the top flight last season. Now 36, the centre-back's best days are behind him having had great success with Tottenham, Arsenal, Portsmouth and England. Despite the lack of games, Campbell can still play a role for sides looking for experience and leadership in their back line.

Read more...

Gambhir fit for England tour

Star India opener Gautam Gambhir has declared himself fully fit for the upcoming England tour.

Gambhir, who skipped the ongoing tour of West Indies due to a shoulder injury, reckoned that "mental adjustment" will be a key to the Indian batsmen overcoming the conditions in England and said certain strokes would have to be avoided.

"I am back at my full fitness and feeling fresh both physically and mentally. The pain that I had in my shoulder is gone," Gambhir .

"Before returning from Bangalore I batted in the nets against the likes of S Sreesanth and I didn't feel any discomfort. Even in Delhi I will resume practice in a day or two," he said.

The 29-year-old left-hander, who has 3234 runs in 38 Tests at an average of 51.33, will be playing Test matches for the first time on English soil if he is picked for the series starting July 21.

All excited about the challenge, Gambhir said he is working hard on his game.

"I think it begins with mental adjustment. One has to see the ball early and play it late. For some time now I'm not playing on rise. At the top level one has to tighten up his game and I have done that," said the batsman who has 4073 runs in 114 ODIs at an average of 40.73.

"In England, for first few balls you can't drive on the up till you are very sure. There are certain other strokes one should avoid. The rest I'd do it when I reach there," he added.

In the interview, Gambhir spoke about a range of issues, including his relationship with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and former India coach Gary Kirsten and the cramped international schedule.

Gambhir was still fuming about the furore his IPL stint created after it came to light that he was carrying a shoulder injury while captaining the Kolkata Knight Riders before their eliminator match against Mumbai Indians.

The injury, which Gambhir picked up during the World Cup, eventually ruled him out of the ongoing series against the West Indies, where he was initially chosen to lead the side in the ODIs after Dhoni took a break.

Asked whether he could have avoided the controversy by opting out of IPL after first experiencing discomfort in his shoulder, Gambhir said, "I think the whole episode was a bit unnecessary, just a ploy to sell news. The most unfortunate part was that it somewhat took the limelight away from the good work done by Kolkata Knight Riders."

"I feel sad for guys like Iqbal Abdullah, Manoj Tiwary, Shaqib-Al Hasan, Rajat Bhatia and many more who had done so well in IPL but because of this unwanted controversy the focus shifted somewhat. Look, I have always been committed to the team that I represent, that's my upbringing.

"My family values have taught me to be committed and that's what I do for a club team, state team, country or a franchisee. I know how hard I have worked for my India cap and what it means to me. I can't deride the honour of playing for India," he asserted.

But his focus is completely on England, where India is scheduled to play four Tests and five ODIs, and Gambhir said Andrew Strauss' men are the team to beat right now.

"Well, let me get picked first. If I am, like always I did put my heart and soul into the effort to get my team to a good start. I think England is the team to beat besides South Africa at the moment.

"They have their tails up boasting a world class bowling attack which has really tall fast bowlers and a spinner who is pretty good as well," he said.

Read more...

WI vs IND, 2nd Test, Day 3: LIVE

Ishant Sharma struck right after the interval to claim his fifth wicket of the innings. West Indies still trail by eleven runs.

The home side were 189 for eight, 12 runs short of India's first innings 201 all out, from 73.2 overs with two wickets in hand.

Marlon Samuels (77) and Ravi Rampaul (0) were batting at the rain interruption.

Samuels, brought back into the side in place of vice-captain Brendan Nash following the first Test defeat, shared a 77-run stand with Shivnarine Chanderpaul to help the Windies recover from a perilous 57 for five in response to India's first-innings 201.

Chanderpaul's wicket was the only one to fall in a morning session that was delayed due to the rainy conditions that had also cut short yesterday's play at the Kensington Oval. Starting the day on 98 for five, Samuels and Chanderpaul added 36 runs to their partnership before the obdurate Chanderpaul was dismissed in the penultimate over before lunch, the left-hander being bowled via an inside edge as he aimed a pull at the bowling of Abhimanyu Mithun.
Chanderpaul had faced 117 balls for his 37 and struck one four.
There were no further inroads for India after that, however, as Samuels, who has struck five boundaries in his 119-ball knock, and Carlton Baugh (one not out) saw West Indies through to the interval, where they lie 63 runs adrift of their opponents with four wickets remaining.
India lead 1-0 in the three-match series.

Read more...

Bresnan not fazed by bad memories

Tim Bresnan is hoping to escape any unwelcome reminders tomorrow of his last one-day international experience against Sri Lanka on his home ground.

England's Yorkshire seamer is back in the fold for his country to face the tourists at Headingley, having returned from injury in Tuesday's opening NatWest Series victory by 110 runs at The Oval.
But it was at this venue, back in 2006 as a 21-year-old in only his fourth international match, that Bresnan 'disappeared' for 29 runs from only two overs with the new ball - and England were trounced by eight wickets to complete a 5-0 series whitewash by the Sri Lankans.
Bresnan now has an Ashes victory in Australia on his CV, and his standing as a 'go-to' all-rounder in all formats was confirmed when he was recalled by England as soon as he regained fitness this summer.
Asked about that baptism against Sri Lanka, he said: "Oh, you're talking about 2006 - thanks for reminding me about that.
"It's just a learning curve. Every international bowler does it, and that was just my time to do it."
Bresnan and England have come a long way since then.
"I've bounced back strongly," he added.
"The first time I was called up that was mentioned again, even though we were playing against different opposition - so it doesn't worry me at all."
Bresnan will have the added comfort of knowing there will be no Sanath Jayasuriya waiting to ambush him either this time.
Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga both bagged big hundreds as Sri Lanka chased 321 for seven, with an astounding 12.3 overs to spare, back in 2006.
But both left-handers are absent, Jayasuriya having retired after a last hurrah at the Oval two days ago and Tharanga currently suspended for failing a World Cup drugs test.
Sri Lanka's interim coach Stuart Law this afternoon reported Mahela Jayawardene will therefore open with captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, with youngster Dinesh Chandimal expected to bat at number three.

Read more...

Villas-Boas: Man United our motivation

Andre Villas-Boas will consider using images of Manchester United celebrating their Barclays Premier League title to motivate Chelsea players to regain their crown.

Villas-Boas used a similar tactic after taking charge of Porto a year ago, making his squad watch a video of Benfica's championship party.
And the new Chelsea boss would not rule out something similar when the Blues players report back for pre-season training on Wednesday.
"We just need, as technical staff, to make the right moves," Villas-Boas said during his official unveiling as manager on Wednesday.
"Maybe a United photo, an Arsenal photo, to show they've been successful."
Villas-Boas admitted United were the benchmark and urged Chelsea to reclaim the mantle they held under Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.
"United are a reference - they're pretty clear," he said.
"A big, successful club, as this club was when Jose, Carlo and Guus were here. That's the challenge we face next season.
"If we are going to provoke them in that way, that's for our technical staff to decide."
As well as motivating from the outside, Villas-Boas will need his players to motivate each other, and he sees captain John Terry as integral to that aim.
Terry has been accused in the past of being too strong an influence but Villas-Boas said: "Most of the players in the dressing room see John as a leader and a player who motivates them.
"There are lots of leaders in the dressing room. If John is in the team, he will be the captain. He represents the history of this club, the successful history of this club in the last six or seven years."
One player who is also part of the club's history - if only for being their most expensive ever player - is Fernando Torres.
Torres became a £50million misfit last season after moving to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool, the Spain striker netting just once for his new club in almost four months.
Ancelotti tried everything he could to get Torres scoring but it seemed Chelsea did not play to the 27-year-old's strengths.
That appeared certain to change next season but Villas-Boas does not believe in building the team around one man, having faced the same problem with Falcao while at Porto.
"He was a striker who didn't find the back of the net in pre-season and was frustrated," Villas-Boas said.
"We didn't tune the team to provide to him. We tuned the team as a whole.
"Once we did that, he scored 30 goals.
"It's about fine-tuning the team, not the player. The quality is amazing at every player at Chelsea. We have to fine tune the whole organisation of the team."

Read more...

Barca to announce Fabregas signing

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are planning to announce the signing of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez by this weekend.

The duo has been heavily linked with the reigning European and Spanish champions and could now complete their long awaited moves as early as within the next 48 hours, according to Catalan radio station Ona FM.
Barcelona had a €30 million bid for Fabregas rejected by Arsenal but have finally gotten the nod from the Gunners after improving their offer by €5m.
The Arsenal captain's desire to rejoin his home club has been made known to all after attempting to engineer a move to the Nou Camp last summer.
However, Arsene Wenger's stance against selling the 24-year-old meant another season for Fabregas, who endured yet another trophy-less campaign at the Emirates Stadium.
Now the Spaniard hopes he can finally seal his dream move to Barcelona.
He was quoted as saying in AS: "I'm calm and I am optimistic. I have nothing to say and there is nothing to speak of.
"If something happens, it is because it has to happen.
"For my part, I've begun to get in shape, which is what I have to do."
Meanwhile, the path is clear for Barcelona to sign highly coveted Udinese winger Sanchez after Manchester City pulled out of the race for his signature.

Read more...

City considering Baines bid

According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester City are willing to offer £10 million plus a choice of their transfer-listed players for Everton's Leighton Baines.

Roberto Mancini is looking for quality additions to his squad ahead of Manchester City's maiden season in the UEFA Champions League and reports have suggested that the Italian is interested in securing the services of Everton's Leighton Baines.
City are said to be willing to part with £10 million and one of their unwanted players to tempt the England international away from Goodison park.
Emmanuel Adebayor, Wayne Bridge, Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips have all been heavily tipped to make the move away from the Eastlands during this summer transfer window.
Everton's financial limitations have been well publicised and an opportunity to bank in on one of their assests may prove too enticing for the Merseyside club.
The 5'7 left-back had a stunning 2010-2011 campaign, playing every single minute of the season and chipping in with seven goals and eleven assists for the Toffees. 
 In June, the 26-year-old was rewarded for his fine form, when he made his competitive international debut against Switzerland, contributing with an assist for England's equalizer as well.
The former Liverpool youth product has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Read more...

Man United, City clash over Nasri

Manchester United and Manchester City are set to clash in their bids to sign Arsenal's Samir Nasri.

According to reports in the Sun, the wily Scot believes that he can put one over old rival Arsene Wenger and snap up the midfield maestro, despite the best efforts of the Arsenal maanger.
Ferguson, who has already spent over £50 million this summer, has been given permission from the Old Trafford hierarchy to make a £20 million bid for Nasri.
The midfielder has been disheartened at the lack of silverware at the Emirates, and has refused to put pen to paper on a contract extension, a situation that has vexed Arsenal, given that he has only one year to go on his current deal.
The 24-year-old's situation has raised the interest of both Manchester clubs, with reports indicating that City are now looking at adding the Frenchman to their arsenal after a failed bid for Udinese's Alex Sanchez.
City manager Roberto Mancini conceded defeat in their chase for Sanchez, saying: "I talked to Alexis but he wants to move to Barcelona.
"We have thus decided to withdraw from the negotiations to buy the player, although we have made some serious offers for him."
The Citizens had made a £35 million bid for the 22-year-old, and this failure has led them to contemplate fighting United for Nasri instead.
Reports in talkSport also indicate that Nasri's representatives have already spoken Manchester City's representatives about a possible transfer.
The fact is that both City and United will be aware that signing Nasri will give their squads a boost, as well as weaken Arsenal's, and with the relatively low price tag on the player now, given his contract deadlock, the situation certainly does not favour the Gunners, who worry the Frenchman will run his contract down and leave on a free as midfielder Mathieu Flamini did three years ago.

Read more...

"No Arsenal offer yet for Gervinho"

Arsenal have yet to make a formal offer for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, according to Lille president Michel Seydoux.

The 24-year-old has made no secret the Gunners would be his preferred destination were the French club ready to sell.
However, while Arsene Wenger is said to be keen to bolster his squad, suggestions a £10million deal is about to be completed would appear somewhat premature.
Lille president Seydoux told Radio Monte Carlo: "We know that Gervinho is keen on Arsenal. For the moment, there has been simple contact, but we have not received a concrete offer yet."
Arsenal have also been linked with Lille's Belgian starlet Eden Hazard, but Seydoux maintained the 20-year-old would remain at their club.
It has so far been something of a slow transfer window for the Gunners, with young defender Carl Jenkinson so far the only confirmed addition in a £1m deal from Charlton.
However, that does not mean the Gunners have been idle in their search for new talent to help end a six-season trophy drought following an implosion over the closing months of the last campaign.
The addition of Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to be confirmed at the start of July ahead of Arsenal's Far East tour.
However, the quest for more experienced cover, particularly in defence continues to prove a source of frustration.
It appears Blackburn are holding out for an increased fee for centre-half Christopher Samba, with Bolton's Gary Cahill and Everton's Phil Jagielka other options, if likely to be more expensive.
Spain's Under-21 midfielder Juan Mata is another reported target, rated at around £18m by Valencia, while the Gunners are also said to be tracking Argentina youngster Ricky Alvarez.
Much could depend on whether captain Cesc Fabregas is allowed to rejoin Barcelona for a cut-price £30m, and also whether France midfielder Samir Nasri puts pen to paper on a new contract.
Full-back Gael Clichy is another whose current deal expires next summer, and so could move on if no agreement is reached, with Liverpool and Roma possible destinations.
Wenger will also look to jettison some of his fringe players, with the likes of Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner expected to move on ahead of the new campaign.

Read more...

Barca to announce Fabregas signing

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are planning to announce the signing of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez by this weekend.

The duo has been heavily linked with the reigning European and Spanish champions and could now complete their long awaited moves as early as within the next 48 hours, according to Catalan radio station Ona FM.
Barcelona had a €30 million bid for Fabregas rejected by Arsenal but have finally gotten the nod from the Gunners after improving their offer by €5m.
The Arsenal captain's desire to rejoin his home club has been made known to all after attempting to engineer a move to the Nou Camp last summer.
However, Arsene Wenger's stance against selling the 24-year-old meant another season for Fabregas, who endured yet another trophy-less campaign at the Emirates Stadium.
Now the Spaniard hopes he can finally seal his dream move to Barcelona.
He was quoted as saying in AS: "I'm calm and I am optimistic. I have nothing to say and there is nothing to speak of.
"If something happens, it is because it has to happen.
"For my part, I've begun to get in shape, which is what I have to do."
Meanwhile, the path is clear for Barcelona to sign highly coveted Udinese winger Sanchez after Manchester City pulled out of the race for his signature.

Read more...

Springboks call up McLeod

South Africa have called Sharks scrum-half Charl McLeod into their preliminary World Cup squad following Ricky Januarie's decision to retire from Test rugby.

Januarie, 29, was initially named in the 49-man party but the 47-cap half-back decided to end his international career and focus on his impending move to French Top 14 newcomers Lyon.
That has seen 27-year-old McLeod called up with the squad set to begin preparations for the upcoming international campaign at an assessment camp in Cape Town from July 5-8.
A South African Rugby Union statement read: "Charl McLeod has been called in to the training squad in place of Ricky Januarie, who has retired from international rugby."
The Stormers players in the party will not attend if their side reach the Super Rugby final.
Coach Peter de Villiers will name his squad for the first game of the Tri Nations on July 9.

Read more...

Nobbs appointed India hockey coach

Australian Michael Jack Nobbs was on Wednesday appointed coach of the Indian men's hockey for an unprecedented five-year period.

The 57-year-old Nobbs, who succeeds Spaniard Jose Brasa and has been a player himself, will take over charge immediately in the national camp in Bangalore scheduled to start from Friday.

He will oversee the preparatory camp from July 3 till July 8 before flying back to Australia but will rejoin the camp again at the end of the month.

Nobbs' contract runs till the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and his pay cheque will start at 10,000 Australian dollars per month.

His remuneration will be hiked by 10 per cent if the struggling Indian hockey team manages to qualify for next year's London Olympics.

"Under my chairmanship, a committee comprising Sports Authority of India and Hockey India officials and some eminent former players unanimously selected Nobbs as our coach for the period upto 2016 Rio Olympics," SAI Director General Deepak Kumar told reporters here.

"The selection was based on several factors, most importantly his experience, organising capabilities, bio-data and the presentation he made before us.

"What weighed heavily in his favour is the fact that the Australian style of hockey suits us. It is similar to ours. We have decided to continue with that as we feel if Australia can be at the top with this style, why can't we?" he added.

Verma also said that Nobbs can expect another hike if the national team does well next year, as in a first in India hockey, his contract has a clause for performance-based incentives.

Read more...