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Tuesday 31 December 2013

Transfer Talk!!!


Goal.com Transfer Talk is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumours in the global transfer market.
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Besiktas interested in Pizarro

It is believed that Besiktas want to sign Claudio Pizarro from Bayern Munich in January. The contract of the Peruvian expires at the end of the season. At Bayern Pizarro get not much working time. Besiktas want another solid striker next to Almeida.
Source: Fanatik
Monday, December 30, 2013 3:28 PM

Mönchengladbach want Johnson

Fabian Johnson from 1899 Hoffenheim is out of contract at the end of this season. So Borussia Mönchengladbach tries to transfer him in the summer as a replacement for captain Filip Daems.
Source: Bild
Monday, December 30, 2013 3:14 PM
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De Bruyne prefers Wolfsburg

Kevin De Bruyne wants to leave Chelsea in winter and move to Wolfsburg because of his former sporting director in Bremen, Klaus Allofs. While Wolfsburg want to buy the Belgian, Mourinho is said to prefer a loan deal.
Source: WAZ
Monday, December 30, 2013 12:31 PM

Barça to improve Messi's contract

Despite his recent renewal, Sandro Rosell wants to become the Argentinian star in the best paid player. Messi's salary could reach more than 20 million euros per year.
Source: Sport
Monday, December 30, 2013 10:45 AM

Tottenham is interested in Vucinic and Quagliarella

Beppe Marotta is in London for holiday, but non only... Juventus is sounding out chances to sell Vucinic or Quagliarella. Tottenham likes both of them...
Source: Tuttosport
Monday, December 30, 2013 8:45 AM
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Manchester United to bid £50m for Barkley

Manchester United have put Everton midfielder Ross Barkley at the top of their wanted list and are prepared to spend £50 million to capture the youngster in the January transfer window.
Source: Manchester Evening News
Monday, December 30, 2013 8:34 AM

Alexander Madlung to Nuremberg?

Bundesliga side want to reinforce their squad in winter and is interested in signing Alexander Madlung, whose contract with Wolfsburg ended last summer and wasn´t extended.
Source: Bild
Monday, December 30, 2013 8:15 AM

Borussia Moenchengladbach chase Fabian Johnson

Bundesliga side is interested in signing US international Fabian Johnson from 1899 Hoffenheim. The left back´s contract runs out next summer.
Source: Bild
Monday, December 30, 2013 8:06 AM
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Ricardo Moniz new coach in Hannover?

Bundesliga side is still searching for a new coach to replace Mirko Slomka who was sacked a few days ago. Now former HSV and Red Bull Salzburg coach Ricardo Moniz is the first option for Hannover.
Source: Bild
Monday, December 30, 2013 7:58 AM

Medjani followed by Valenciennes

The algerian defender is expected to leave Olympiakos for a come-back in France ------------ goal.com

Injury-free 2014 top of Messi's wish list

Injury-free 2014 top of Messi's wish list

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 04:57
  
Injury-free 2014 top of Messi`s wish list
Barcelona: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is hoping for an injury free 2014 as his recovery from a thigh injury nears completion, the World Player of the Year said on Monday.

Messi has been in his native Argentina recuperating from a thigh strain sustained on November 10, the latest in a series of muscle injuries that plagued him throughout 2013.

Barca stumbled during his most recent absence, losing consecutive games to Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League and Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, and are keen to have him back in the side as soon as possible after the end of the winter break.

"After celebrating the end of the year with my family and friends, I will fly to Barcelona on Wednesday and after my return we will see when I am ready to play again," Messi said on Barca`s website (www.fcbarcelona.es).


"The objective now is to get myself back to full fitness and the idea is to have a few practice sessions with my team mates before returning to action," he added.

Coach Gerardo Martino`s squad have New Year`s Day free and return to training with a double session on Thursday.

Barca host Elche in La Liga on Sunday before playing at home to Getafe in their King`s Cup last 16, first leg the following Wednesday.

Messi may get some playing time in those two matches but Martino will be wary of rushing him back and, if possible, will want him at peak fitness for the La Liga clash at Atletico Madrid on January 11.
Barca and Atletico are level on 46 points at the top after 17 matches, with Real Madrid five points behind in third.

Barca defender Gerard Pique left no doubt on Monday about Messi`s importance to the Spanish champions.

"Leo is the best in the world," he told a news conference previewing Catalonia`s friendly against Cape Verde later on Monday.

"If he is playing or not playing of course it has an impact," added the Spain international, who was a contemporary of Messi`s at Barca`s academy.

"The team has been able to survive without him these past few weeks but he is the best and he gives us a huge amount.

"To win things you need everyone fit and all the more so when it is the best player in the world."
Reuters ------------------------- ZEENEWS.com

John Terry calls for Chelsea to kick on

John Terry calls for Chelsea to kick on

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 07:15
  
John Terry calls for Chelsea to kick on
Southampton: Chelsea captain John Terry believes that his side will head to Southampton on Wednesday buoyed by having produced their best performance of the season in the victory over Liverpool.

Blues manager Jose Mourinho has maintained that his team are in a period of transition, playing down their chances of taking the Premier League title.

But Sunday`s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, against one of their main rivals at the head of the table, ensured that Mourinho`s side remained two points off the top.

And Terry believes there were signs in the Liverpool win that confirmed there is more to come from the team.


The centre-back, who clocked up his 600th Chelsea appearance against the Anfield club, said: "I think the first half was the best we`ve played all season, actually; the pressing was spot on, as were the tactics from the manager.

"Hopefully we can continue that, as it`s been coming. We`ve been playing OK, but feeling like we`ve got a little bit more to give and I thought we did that in this game."

Terry believes Mourinho has succeeded in forging a togetherness within the squad and continues to draw the best out of the defender and the rest of his senior players.

"The manager has been asking for togetherness from everyone," Terry said.

"Whether you play or you are on the bench, everyone`s got a part to play. When the guys are not playing, it`s important they maintain their fitness and their sharpness.

"The older boys in the squad have still got a lot to give, too. We see that every week.

"There is new talent coming through the squad and one day it will come to an end -- we all realise that -- but it certainly won`t be for the want of trying from us, trying to keep our place in the team."

David Luiz will miss the trip to Southampton after collecting a fifth booking, while Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic are likely to be sidelined after picking up injuries against Liverpool.

Chelsea will travel with less trepidation than they might have done a few weeks ago, when Southampton were on an excellent run that had taken them into the top four.

A run of one win in eight league games has seen them drop to ninth, but Terry warned that they still pose a considerable threat, having lost 3-1 at Chelsea on December 1.

"It`s going to be tough because they`re very good at home and it proved a difficult game here when they scored pretty early," he said.

"They are a good footballing side, very much like Liverpool, who try and play out from the back, so we`re expecting a tough game.

"Man United and Man City have gone on good runs and it`s important over this period that we do the same."

The narrow 2-1 defeat at Everton on Sunday was the latest in a series of frustrations for Mauricio Pochettino`s Southampton, who have continued to deliver impressive performances without securing positive results.

But James Ward-Prowse, Saints` highly-rated young midfielder, believes a top-six finish is still there for the taking.

"The beauty of this time of year is that the next game is only around the corner," he said.

"There will soon be a chance to rectify the result at Everton, starting against Chelsea.

"It`s a good place to push on from where we were last year, hopefully to a place in the top six. As long as we keep working hard in training I`m sure that`s a possibility.

"The manager told us afterwards to keep doing what we`re doing and the philosophy won`t change. The sky`s the limit for us.

"We`ve still got half the season to come and we`ll spend each day trying to keep improving."
AFP ------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Hungry Man United eye title charge: Patrice Evra

Hungry Man United eye title charge: Patrice Evra

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 07:19
  
Hungry Man United eye title charge: Patrice Evra
Manchester: Patrice Evra believes Manchester United have got their hunger back as the Premier League champions look to make it five league wins in a row against Tottenham on New Year`s Day.

United moved up to sixth with a narrow 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday, marking the half-way point of what has been an inconsistent season for the reigning champions, who are still adapting to life under new manager David Moyes.

They now face Spurs and new boss Tim Sherwood at Old Trafford on Wednesday as they enter the second half of the campaign eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal and three points behind fourth-placed Everton in the race for Champions League qualification.

But France defender Evra believes his team-mates have now recovered their hunger and are looking forward to mounting a charge in 2014 in a bid to retain their title.


"I`m just looking at the present moment in time," he said. "The team is now playing better, we have that winning mentality and United spirit which was missing at the start of the season.

"I can see that our hunger has come back, so I`m confident, but I don`t want to talk about the title.

"I just want to talk about the next game, Tottenham at home on Wednesday. We need to make sure that we win and that we keep the momentum going."

United striker Wayne Rooney missed the win over Norwich with a slight groin strain, while his fellow forward Robin van Persie is nearing a return after missing a number of weeks with a thigh strain, although Moyes remains coy about the timetable for the Dutchman`s comeback.
"Robin has started some light training and he might not be too far away," said Moyes.

"We haven`t often had Robin and Wayne as a strike partnership, so I look forward to getting them back together."

Evra is also desperate to have the pair back and he believes that when they return, United will have the strongest team in the Premier League.

"The squad is strong but it is not only about one player," he added.

"We were also without Wayne and Robin when we played against Stoke, and when they come back we`ll be even stronger, which is why I`m so happy.

"With them, we are the strongest team in the Premier League, so we have to keep winning -- with or without them."

Tottenham head to Old Trafford unbeaten in three Premier League games since the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas and boosted by a convincing 3-0 victory over Stoke on Sunday.

That brought an end to a disappointing run of results at White Hart Lane and was kick-started by a penalty from Roberto Soldado, the Spain forward`s first league goal in two months.

"It was a really important win for us because we haven`t won at home for a while," Soldado said.

"Of course scoring the goal felt good and that started us off for a fantastic win.

"We were really ambitious and went at them from the first minute. That paid off. We pressed and pressed and winning the game meant everything to us."

Sherwood`s team selections have so far made the most of the attacking options at his disposal and Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele, who was also on target against Stoke, insists Spurs have no reason to fear the trip to Manchester.

"I am not scared to go there," Dembele said.

"They are a top team and we have a lot of respect for them of course, but we have a very good team too.

"We can`t have too much respect. We have to play our own game. We can do something there, why not?"
AFP ----------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Manchester City form gives Pellegrini Christmas cheer

Manchester City form gives Pellegrini Christmas cheer

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 07:22
  
Manchester City form gives Pellegrini Christmas cheer
Swansea: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that his side`s profitable December has set them up to regain the Premier League title in 2014.

City won six of their seven league games in December, only dropping points in a draw at Southampton, and are now just a point off leaders Arsenal heading into their first game of 2014 at Swansea City on Wednesday.

The 2012 champions were eighth in the table at one point in November and looking in danger of being cut adrift by their title rivals, only to recover the deficit.

"I think it was a fantastic month for us," Pellegrini said.


"In the Premier League, from the last seven we won six. It was very important for us to recover points. Arsenal were six points ahead of us so it is very important to finish the year in the position we wanted to be.

"To recover six points in a month is not easy. We continue in the Capital One (League) Cup and Champions League also, so I think the first six months of the year (season) was very good for us. Now in the second half we try to continue winning."

Goalkeeper Joe Hart suffered a nasty cut below his eye in City`s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but he will be fit to face Swansea after having six stitches in the wound.

Hart has been in good form since returning to Pellegrini`s starting line-up in the Premier League after a period on the bench following a number of high-profile errors early in the season.
"Joe Hart has a cut beneath his eye, but nothing important," explained Pellegrini. "It is not dangerous and he can play without any risk.

"I hope of course he will be at his best. Everyone knows why Joe Hart is the first goalkeeper here in England. He played two or three years in a very high performance. He can do it and we hope he will continue in the same way."

Pablo Zabaleta, Yaya Toure and Alvaro Negredo are all set to return to City`s starting line-up after being rested for the game with Palace, which came soon after their Boxing Day win over Liverpool.

"Pablo played against Liverpool on Boxing Day to the limit," said Pellegrini.

"It was a risk to have a massive injury and too near for him to play two games in 44 hours. Toure and Negredo were a little tired and will be fresh for Swansea."

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is hoping for improvements from his side in the second half of the season after failing to reach his points target for the half-way stage.

The Swans have also had to contend with an energy-sapping Europa League campaign, which has taken its toll on a squad that finished ninth last season.

"I thought we could (reach the) turn on 23 points, so we are a couple short of where I expected to be," said Laudrup, whose side amassed 21 points in their first 19 games.

"But I think we can do better in the second half of the season and we can end up more or less where we did last year. I said before the season that our target is to consolidate the club as a mid-table team.

"If we can do that this season, which has been so complicated with all the European games as well, it would be for me a big success."

The south Wales club are only five points above the bottom three, but Laudrup believes that there are 11 teams at risk of relegation.

"We cannot think we are outside the 11 teams and say this is not about us," he said.

"That would be very, very arrogant to say as a team who have only been in the Premier League for two and a half seasons, and I am not arrogant." ---------------- ZEENEWS.com

I snubbed FC Porto for Lille, says Enyeama


I snubbed FC Porto for Lille, says Enyeama

I snubbed FC Porto for Lille, says Enyeama

The Super Eagles goalkeeper has revealed that he actually turned down some top European sides for Les Dogues
Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has disclosed that he snubbed former European champions, Porto and Spanish outfit Getafe to play in the French league.
“I had several offers from Porto and several Spanish clubs like Getafe, but I finally chose Lille because by then they were doing well on the league table and my brother, Aniekan, was also playing in France,” Enyeama told L’Equipe.
The former Enyimba captain also spoke about his trials at English side Bolton Wanderers.

“I was close to signing for Bolton, but I don’t know why I didn’t because I did well at the trials. Could it have been a problem between my agent and the club? I cannot tell but I moved on,” he said in an extensive special feature on him by the top French sports magazine.

Enyeama joined Lille as a free agent in 2011 from Israeli club Hapoel Tel-Aviv but was frozen out in his first season and had to go on loan to another Israeli club Maccabi Tel-Aviv for the 2012/13 season.
On return, he has been superb denying top-rated strikers from finding the back of the net. His contract at Lille ends in June 2018.   ---------------- goal.com

Players' exodus, injuries threaten Nigeria’s CHAN hopes


Players' exodus, injuries threaten Nigeria’s CHAN hopes

Players' exodus, injuries threaten Nigeria’s CHAN hopes

The Super Eagles Team B is suffering from an exit of players to Europe and key injuries barely two weeks to the commencement of the continental competition in South Africa
Nigeria’s chances of doing well at the third African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa in January are getting slimmer with each passing day as the national team faces huge obstacles along its way.
Key player exodus and injuries to squad members look to hamper the Super Eagles Team B who were hoping to make a big splash in their maiden championship appearance where they have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts South Africa, Mali and Mozambique.
The Eagles will open their campaign against Mali on January 11, Mozambique on January 15 and final group game against Bafana Bafana on January 19.
Stephen Keshi is expected to name his squad after Monday’s friendly match against Nigeria Professional Football League champions Kano Pillars in Abuja.
However, the task of the coach has been made harder with the departure of key players for Europe as they seek to make use of the European winter transfer window that opens in January.
For a competition open to only players based in their country’s local leagues, Nigeria’s maiden CHAN appearance is looking jinxed already as players who were being counted on to make the squad are now leaving in search of greener pastures in Europe.
Late last week, national team media officer Ben Alaiya announced the departure of midfielder Sunday Mba for Bastia in France. Mba had been a key part of the team during qualification and was among a handful of players expected to form the core of the squad to Cape Town.
After missing out on a transfer to the second division French side last summer, Mba has taken his second chance with both hands and has now abandoned his country’s CHAN campaign just before it began.
Defender Azubuike Egwuekwe also cast doubts over his availability for the tournament in an interview with Brila FM claiming he is keen on a move to Europe after getting offers from the Old Continent.
Egwuekwe, alongside Mba, Chigozie Agbim, Solomon Kwambe and Benjamin Francis were all expected to make the trip to the Rainbow Nation due to their experience. They have all been in Keshi’s plans since he took over the job in late 2011.
Kwambe is also reported to be on the radar of a club in the American Major League Soccer (MLS) and could also depart the squad before the tournament.
Youngster Kelechi Iheanacho also left the squad two weeks ago as a result of chasing a contract in England with Manchester City. However, since failing to tie down a contract with the EPL club, Iheanacho has been ruled out of a return to the side by Keshi.
An appearance at the CHAN was seen as an opportunity for the best player at the Fifa U17 World Cup to impress the national team coaches and stake a claim in the 2014 World Cup squad.
Apart from player departures, injuries are also playing their part in the decimation of the ranks of the Super Eagles ahead of the CHAN.
Kano Pillars striker Gambo Mohammed has been on the injured list for more than a week while he was recently joined by Yinka Adedeji who picked up a hamstring injury during warm up for last Friday’s friendly against Rivers State club side Gokana FC.
The game ended 1-1 but Adedeji suffered his injury due to the poor state of the pitch.
Still in with hopes of getting some of his best legs back, Keshi said: “We have worries medically but we will wait till the last minute to see if the players can pull through.”
With the euphoria of winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations on South African soil, Nigerians were expecting a strong team to compete for the lesser CHAN title.
However, with player departures and injuries decimating the squad, perhaps it is better to tone down expectations after all. ------------------ goal.com

'Keep fighting, Michael' - Football sends its support to stricken Schumacher


'Keep fighting, Michael' - Football sends its support to stricken Schumacher

'Keep fighting, Michael' - Football sends its support to stricken Schumacher

The Formula One icon is in a critical condition in hospital after a skiing accident, prompting stars from across the globe to wish the German well
Tributes and messages of support have been pouring in from around the footballing world for iconic Formula One driver Michael Schumacher.

The seven-times world champion, who retired from F1 last year for a second time, has been left "fighting for his life" after a skiing accident in the French Alps resort of Meribel on Sunday. The German is currently in an induced coma having undergone surgery for severe head injuries.

Schumacher, 44, holds the all-time record for Formula One race wins with 91 and enjoyed a glittering career, most notably with Italian giants Ferrari. He is also a keen football fan and, as a resident of Switzerland, has played for second-tier side FC Echichens.

A lifelong supporter of FC Koln, Schumacher has also frequently appeared in charity football matches in recent years, and footballing figures from his native Germany, Italy and the world have taken to social media to express their best wishes for a speedy recovery.

AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong via Twitter: "Just heard the news about Micheal Schumacher, get well soon! One of the reasons I'm a big fan of Formule [sic] One"

Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle on Twitter: "Get well soon, Michael Schumacher!!!! Gute Besserung, Michael Schumacher!!! #bestrong"

Lukas Podolski of Arsenal: "Bad news from Switzerland: please get well soon, Michael Schumacher. All the best for you, my friend! #getwellsoon #MichaelSchumacher"

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng: "Get well soon, Michael Schumacher!"



Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand: "[thoughts] go out to the #Schumacher family"

Dietmar Hamann, ex-Liverpool midfielder: "Thoughts with Michael Schumacher and his family.Let's hope he pulls through."

Inter's Diego Milito: "Strength to Michael Schumacher, we're all with you!"

Juventus's Claudio Marchisio: "Don't give up Schumi!! #champion#F1#ferrari#world champion"



Arsenal's Per Mertesacker: "All our thoughts to Schumi ! Hope you will recover soon"

Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado: "All support for Michael Schumacher!"

Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu: "All the best Michael Schumacher! You have to get out of this... #KeepfightingSchumacher" -------------------- goal.com

Ibrahimovic: Santa Claus should win the Ballon d'Or

Ibrahimovic: Santa Claus should win the Ballon d'Or

Ibrahimovic: Santa Claus should win the Ballon d'Or

The striker shared his unique thoughts on the prestigious award ahead of his side’s friendly with Real Madrid in Doha on Thursday
Paris Saint Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he hopes Santa Claus wins the Ballon d'Or rather than the three high-profile contenders for the prize.

The Sweden international was touted as a potential winner of the prize himself before Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery were named on a three-man shortlist for the award, which will be presented to the winner on January 13.

Speaking to the press in Doha, Ibrahimovic joked: “The Ballon d’Or? For me, the three deserve to win it, but the one who must have it is Santa Claus.”

Ibrahimovic will come up against Ronaldo on Thursday as Paris Saint-Germain play Real Madrid in a exhibition match in Qatar and the 32-year-old spoke about his plans for the future with les Parisiens.

He said: “Yes, it’s an option for me to finish in Paris and we’ll see what happens in the future.

“I’m never fully satisfied. The team progresses, the club has made a leap in a short time, but we must continue to work. We have great qualities and I am optimistic for the future,” he added.

Thursday’s friendly will see Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti face his former club, but the Swede said he was looking forward to seeing his old coach.

“We’ll see Carlo Ancelotti, who was at the initiative of the new Parisian project and he left his mark. He pulled the group and the club up. He is a great coach, and I was happy to work with him at Paris and I wish him the best in Madrid.” ------------------- goal.com

Ibrahimovic: Santa Claus should win the Ballon d'Or

Ibrahimovic: Santa Claus should win the Ballon d'Or

Ibrahimovic: Santa Claus should win the Ballon d'Or

The striker shared his unique thoughts on the prestigious award ahead of his side’s friendly with Real Madrid in Doha on Thursday
Paris Saint Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he hopes Santa Claus wins the Ballon d'Or rather than the three high-profile contenders for the prize.

The Sweden international was touted as a potential winner of the prize himself before Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery were named on a three-man shortlist for the award, which will be presented to the winner on January 13.

Speaking to the press in Doha, Ibrahimovic joked: “The Ballon d’Or? For me, the three deserve to win it, but the one who must have it is Santa Claus.”

Ibrahimovic will come up against Ronaldo on Thursday as Paris Saint-Germain play Real Madrid in a exhibition match in Qatar and the 32-year-old spoke about his plans for the future with les Parisiens.

He said: “Yes, it’s an option for me to finish in Paris and we’ll see what happens in the future.

“I’m never fully satisfied. The team progresses, the club has made a leap in a short time, but we must continue to work. We have great qualities and I am optimistic for the future,” he added.

Thursday’s friendly will see Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti face his former club, but the Swede said he was looking forward to seeing his old coach.

“We’ll see Carlo Ancelotti, who was at the initiative of the new Parisian project and he left his mark. He pulled the group and the club up. He is a great coach, and I was happy to work with him at Paris and I wish him the best in Madrid.” ------------------- goal.com