Goal Zone

Friday, November 28, 2014

Paris Saint-Germain 'to accept loss on Yohan Cabaye'

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly willing to accept a loss by selling Yohan Cabaye, 10 months after buying the midfielder from Newcastle United.

The French international joined Les Parisiens for a fee of £22m in the January transfer window, but Astral Football claims that the 28-year-old is looking to return to the Premier League.

Liverpool and Manchester United are among those linked with a move for the midfielder while Arsenal may rekindle their interest in Cabaye, having missed out on a deal for the player in the New Year.

Earlier this month, Cabaye rejected reports that he was looking to leave the French champions in favour of a return to England.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere "very down" after suffering three-month injury blow

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Jack Wilshere is "very down" after undergoing surgery on his ankle, which is expected to keep him out for three months.

The England international suffered the problem following a tackle by Paddy McNair during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

"He is very down," Wenger told reporters. "Jack is a football man who loves the game, but on the other hand, he is a very strong character as well and he has learnt to deal with adversity at a very young age.

"I think he will be back at the end of February, beginning of March, and he will focus on coming back to rehab, having a strong rehab, and then I am sure he will help us to do well until the end of the season."

Wilshere has suffered a number of problems with his ankle, most notably back in 2011 when he was given a 17-month layoff with a stress fracture.

Michu undergoes ankle surgery

Napoli have announced that on-loan forward Michu has undergone surgery on his right ankle.

The Spaniard, who is currently on a season-long loan from Swansea City, has played just five times for the Serie A club, with his last appearance coming on October 23.

An official statement read: "Today, Michu underwent an arthroscopic surgery to trim his right ankle at the Victoria medical institute in Spain."

Swansea boss Garry Monk revealed earlier this week that there are no plans for Michu to return to the club in January.

Manchester United 'to make £50m Edinson Cavani offer'

Manchester United have reportedly ditched plans to sign Radamel Falcao on a permanent deal next summer, instead weighing up a big-money move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani.

The Red Devils have the option to purchase Monaco loanee Falcao at the end of the season, although the 28-year-old has failed to make a real impact at Old Trafford due to various injury problems.

It is claimed in a report published by the Daily Express that United will now make a £50m bid for Cavani instead, with Falcao being shown the exit.

Cavani, who has scored 11 goals in 19 appearances so far this season, claimed last month that he was happy at PSG having been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 outfit.

Kolo Toure: 'Brendan Rodgers is similar to Arsene Wenger'

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has claimed that there are similarities between Brendan Rodgers and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Toure was brought to the Premier League by Wenger, before going on to become a key member of the Gunners squad which avoided defeat on the way to the title in the 2003/04 season.

The Ivorian believes that Rodgers has the ability to lead Liverpool back to form due to his approach, which he believes can be compared to Wenger's at Arsenal.

"I do see Wenger in him, because he's so intelligent. He knows how to speak to players and how to get the best out of them," Toure is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "He will prove that, because we will come out of this hard time.

"Last season was unbelievable. This season has been more tough. We need to stick with Brendan though, because he's one of the best managers in the Premier League.

"At the end of the day, he's a fair guy who is working hard and gives 100% every day. Like Arsene, he's always there at training, trying to improve things. His style of play is also similar. He always wants us to pass the ball and keep playing which is very important."

Liverpool will look to end a run of three successive defeats in the Premier League when they host Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

Hull City boss Steve Bruce: 'I'm due a result against Manchester United'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce believes that he is "due a result" against Manchester United ahead of tomorrow's clash at Old Trafford.

The 53-year-old, who played for United from 1987 to 1996, believes that without Sir Alex Ferguson at United's helm, Hull have more of a chance of ending their five-game winless run.

"I think I'm due a result and maybe without Sir Alex being there, I might have a chance," BBC Sport quotes Bruce as saying. "I've been going a long time and I've never been able to beat them. I've had a couple of draws but that's about it.

"I need everyone to play to a level that will cause Manchester United problems and hopefully we can catch them on a bit of an off-day."

United, who are now under the guidance of manager Louis van Gaal, have won their last two Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.

Roy Keane steps down from role as Aston Villa assistant manager

Aston Villa have announced that Roy Keane has decided to step down from his role as assistant manager with immediate effect.

The former Manchester United captain, who spent 151 days as Paul Lambert's right-hand man, has found it too difficult to juggle his role in the Midlands and his coaching duties with the Republic of Ireland.

The 43-year-old, who also claimed that his work commitments affected time with his family, is planning to continue as Martin O'Neill's assistant boss with the national side.

Keane said in a statement: "Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much. It isn't fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I've made this decision.

"I'd like to thank Paul for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club, I've really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the club nothing but the best going forward."

Lambert added: "Roy came to me this morning and he informed me that, ultimately, the difficulty of combining both roles has prompted his decision, which I respect totally. In the brief period we have worked together he has been great in the role and I understand his reasons for leaving."

Chief executive Tom Fox said: "We thank Roy for his time at the club and we wish him the best with Ireland. Our focus now will be on working with Paul to identify the right person to work alongside him and to help us continue on our journey to return the club to its rightful place in the Premier League."

Keane was appointed by Villa on July 1.

Arsene Wenger rejects reports Arsenal want Chelsea's Petr Cech

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rubbished reports that the club are interested in signing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech in January.

The 32-year-old is believed to be open to leaving Stamford Bridge due to his limited playing time following the return of Thibaut Courtois.

Various reports have recently claimed that the Gunners are prepared to spend £7m on the shot-stopper.

However, when asked about the rumours in this morning's press conference, Wenger denied that the North London outfit are in the market for him.

The Czech has spent a decade playing for Chelsea.

Ashley Young: 'Manchester United players targeting Premier League title'

Ashley Young has insisted that Manchester United are not out of the title race, despite being 13 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

United manager Louis van Gaal has declared his intention to take the club back into the Champions League following a disappointing season under David Moyes, but Young claims that the players have not given up hope of being crowned champions.

"I think the manager has said obviously we want to break that top four," the winger told members of the media. "But you know players and staff at the club, we want to win the league title.

"I think [Van Gaal] has got that aura. You know he's got that presence out on the training ground and the training pitch. He believes in people, he gives you that belief, he's an honest man and he just wants everyone to go out there and do well.

"We're all pulling in the right direction, pulling in the same direction and everybody is leading that charge up the league."

United host Hull City at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp insists his future is with Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp has clarified comments he made earlier this week by insisting that his future is with Borussia Dortmund.

Before losing 2-0 to Arsenal in the Champions League, Klopp hinted that a move to the Premier League was a possibility, but he had dismissed reports claiming that he could replace Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium or Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

"I do not think that after watching the match of my team, the fans of Arsenal want to see me on their bench," the Dortmund boss told Mediaset Premium.

"They have one of the best coaches in the world and I am training one of the best clubs in the world.

"Therefore, I appreciate the compliments, but my future is in Dortmund."

Klopp has won five trophies, including two Bundesliga titles, since being appointed by Dortmund in 2008.

Luke Shaw to miss six weeks

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is reportedly facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

The 19-year-old, who became the most expensive teenager in world football when he joined the Red Devils in the summer, limped off after just 16 minutes of his side's 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend.

It is claimed by the Daily Star that Shaw could now miss the remainder of the year having damaging his ankle ligaments, which will see him sit out as many as eight United games in that time.

Louis van Gaal's side has been decimated by injury problems in recent weeks, although Marcos Rojo's recent return to training has given the Dutchman a welcome boost.

Fellow defender Jonny Evans is also available for selection once again, with United playing host to Hull City this weekend.

Arsenal 'in advanced Paulo Dybala talks'

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks with Serie A side Palermo in a bid to sign striker Paulo Dybala.

The 21-year-old has earned rave reviews after netting five goals in 13 matches this term for the Sicilian outfit.

Fichajes claims that the Gunners are closing in on a deal for the £31m-rated frontman, with negotiations having already started with the Italian side.

However, the Daily Star suggests that any deal is not likely to be concluded until the end of the season.

Arsenal qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Inter Milan 'eyeing Robin van Persie swoop'

Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini is looking to lure Manchester United striker Robin van Persie to Serie A, according to reports.

The Daily Telegraph claims that the Nerazzurri boss is again keen on the Dutchman, having missed out a deal to sign the ex-Arsenal forward before his switch to Old Trafford in 2012.

However, any move from Inter is likely to happen at the end of the season, when Van Persie enters the final year of his contract with the Red Devils.

Mancini's bid to sign the United frontman could be further hampered by the £10m loyalty bonus that 31-year-old is rumoured to be entitled to if he stays at club for the duration of his current deal.

Van Persie has scored three goals since Louis van Gaal took over at United.

Lionel Messi 'considering summer Chelsea switch'

Lionel Messi could be set for a move to Chelsea next summer after reportedly becoming embroiled in a cash dispute with Barcelona.

The Argentine forward, who came through the Catalan club's youth ranks, broke Raul's Champions League goal-scoring record in the 4-0 win over APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.

However, despite the Blaugrana putting a £200m price tag on their star, the Daily Express claims that sportswear manufacturer Adidas may help broker a deal to see Messi join the West London outfit.

Chelsea's quest to lure the player to the Premier League could be boosted by reports that Messi has been studying English and is rumoured to believe that his son Thiago would receive a better education in London.

The Argentina captain is thought to be on a contract worth £16m-a-year at te Camp Nou.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'No contact from clubs for Lukas Podolski'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that he has not received any contact from clubs around Europe regarding the sale of Lukas Podolski.

Recent reports have claimed that the German forward could move to Italy after dropping down the pecking order at the Emirates.

Podolski himself has urged Wenger to give him a "fair chance", and despite the player suggesting that he may look for a new club, Wenger has told reporters that he expects him to still be at the club after January.

"I have had no enquiries from anybody," Wenger said in today's press conference. "He faces big competition. He has an outstanding attitude and he works very hard."

The 29-year-old has been an Arsenal player since 2012.