Goal Zone

Saturday, July 04, 2015

Tottenham Hostpur ready to beat Chelsea to Aleksandar Mitrovic

Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has emerged as a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports.

The 20-year-old, who has scored 44 goals in 90 appearances for the Belgian side, has been linked with Chelsea recently.

However, Spurs are ready to beat their London rivals to the Serbian international's signature, according to the Daily Star.

Mitrovic, who has 13 caps for his country, joined Anderlecht from Partizan Belgrade in 2013 for £3.5m.

Mauricio Pochettino also faces competition for his signature from Roma, the newspaper adds.

Gerardo Martini backs experienced Argentina to overcome Chile

Gerardo Martino has backed his experienced Argentina side to overcome tournament hosts Chile in the final of the Copa America on Saturday.

Argentina are preparing themselves for their second major final in over a year, after they were beaten 1-0 by Germany in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.

However, Martino says that the past experience of reaching the World Cup final will help them overcome the host nation and secure their first trophy in 22 years.

"We have been treated wonderfully here. But this is football. We have to play with the ball and try to win the game," Martino said in a press conference.

"There's an emotional aspect here but the players know all about that because they played in the World Cup final. They know exactly what they are going to face.

"In these cases, the importance of the prize tends to divert the attention away from the match, so I think the best thing we can do is to ensure we play like the team we are usually."

Chile have only beaten Argentina once in their last 14 meetings and are yet to win the Copa America.

Copa America Final: Chile VS Argentina

Chile are one win away from their first Copa America success and face 2015 favourites Argentina in Saturday's final in Santiago.

The hosts might not have as much talent across the board as their South American neighbours, but they will hope that a fervent home crowd can help them to victory.

Chile

Not only are La Roja chasing a first Copa title, they have also never won a major international tournament in their history.

They have come close, though. They have hosted the World Cup and Copa America on seven occasions and never not reached the semi-finals on their own turf.

The Chileans have also been runners-up at the Copa on four occasions, the last of which came in 1987 when they fell to Uruguay in the final.

Chile are this year's top scorers with 13 goals in five games and they possess the top marksman in Eduardo Vargas, who has netted four times, including a match-winning brace in the semi-final.

The forward, who was on loan at Queens Park Rangers last season, sealed the win for Chile against Peru with a dipping long-range effort in the 64th minute.

Before that, they had finished top of Group B with two wins and a draw and edged out defending champions Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

Recent Copa America form: WDWWW

Recent form (all competitions): WWDWWW

Argentina

Like Chile, Argentina drew one game in the group stage to finish top of Group B, setting up a quarter-final with Colombia.

After a goalless 120 minutes, La Albiceleste ousted Los Cafeteros 5-4 on penalties to book a last-four match with surprise package Paraguay, who had toppled Brazil on penalties in the quarters.

Paraguay couldn't match the highest-ranked team at the Copa as Argentina romped to a 6-1 triumph, with Angel di Maria netting two as Lionel Messi, who has one goal in the tournament, went scoreless.

La Albiceleste have won the Copa 14 times and victory on Saturday would see them match Uruguay as the competition's most successful ever country.

Their record in Copas hosted in Chile is also superb - they have never failed to reach the final, winning it four times and finishing as runner-up on two occasions.

They are, however, without a major competition win since the 1993 Copa in Ecuador, losing last year's World Cup final to Germany in extra time.

Recent Copa America form: DWWWW

Recent form (all competitions): WDWWWW

Team News

Chile, ironically managed by an Argentine in Jorge Sampaoli, could go with the same XI that started against Peru.

However, Gonzalo Jara will be hoping to return in defence after missing out against Peru in the semis. Stars Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez will be the backbone of the team.

The likes of Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi all started on the bench for Argentina in their semi-final win over Paraguay, but former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has little reason to change things after the 6-1 demolition of La Albirroja.

Still, a frontline of Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Messi is not one to be sniffed at.

Chile possible starting lineup:

Bravo; Isla, Medel, Rojas, Jara; Diaz, Aranguiz, Vidal; Valdivia; Sanchez, Vargas

Argentina possible starting lineup:

Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Otamendi, Rojo; Biglia, Mascherano, Pastore; Messi, Aguero, Di Maria

Head To Head

Chile have beaten Argentina just once in the two countries' last 14 meetings - a run stretching back to 1959.

Their last encounter was at the same stadium as Saturday's final in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, and two first-half goals in three minutes from Messi and Gonzalo Higuain were enough for a 2-1 victory.

Neither side has lost a competitive game since their respective World Cup losses at the quarter-final and final stages to Brazil and Germany.

Kick Off Time - 20:00HRS

Barcelona make Angel di Maria enquiry

Barcelona have reportedly made an approach to Manchester United to sign Angel Di Maria.

The Argentina international moved to Old Trafford from Real Madrid last summer but has struggled to make an impact in English football.

United boss Louis van Gaal is said to be open to bids for the midfielder, who cost the Red Devils a club-record £59.7m fee. According to Sport, Barcelona have held initial talks with Di Maria and his representatives but are not in full negotiations with United yet.

The 27-year-old is thought to be willing to move on from Old Trafford after less than a year with United. Di Maria scored four goals in 32 appearances for United last term.

Liverpool confirm Roberto Firmino signing

Liverpool have completed the signing of Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, subject to a medical.

The Brazil international has agreed a long-term deal with the Anfield club. Liverpool have confirmed that a medical will take place as soon as Firmino's participation in the Copa America is over.

The 23-year-old becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer, following the captures of Danny Ings, James Milner, Adam Bodgan and Joe Gomez. Firmino scored 47 times in 151 appearances for Hoffenheim after joining them from Figueirense in 2010.

The transfer fee paid to the Bundesliga outfit has not been disclosed.

Steven Gerrard: Real Madrid snub behind Liverpool exit

Steven Gerrard has admitted that being left on the bench for the Champions League trip to Real Madrid made him think that he should end his career with Liverpool.

The former Reds captain was named among the substitutes for the clash in November and only played the final 20 minutes as Liverpool lost 1-0 at Santiago Bernabeu.

Gerrard has said that the decision to start him on the bench signalled the end of his 17-year career with his boyhood club. "This was round about the time when I was doing a lot of thinking about what's next for me because I'd had a couple of initial chats with Brendan saying to me, 'I'm going to start managing your games and I have to look after you and I want you to be fresh and I don't want you to be playing three games in a week because you may be tired' and stuff like that," the 35-year-old told BT Sport. "But this situation was a bit unique because it was Real Madrid and I wanted to play. "I sat on that bench devastated because I wanted to play, so it is one of those situations.

It sort of pushed me into making a decision to move on and try something different." Gerrard has left Anfield to join LA Galaxy.

Manuel Pellegrini: Jose Mourinho wants to take credit for everything

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has taken a swipe at Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho by claiming that his Portuguese counterpart regularly tries to steal the limelight.

City lost their grip on the Premier League title last season as the Blues took the crown with an eight-point advantage over the North-West outfit.

During an interview with El Mercurio, Pellegrini opened up about the differences between the two, but has insisted that he does not have an issue with Mourinho. "When he wins, Mourinho wants to take credit for everything - I don't do that," Pellegrini told the Chilean daily. "When I won the Premier League, I didn't say a word. "I don't have any problem with him, he's not my enemy and there isn't any conflict with him but I differ from Mourinho on all fronts. I have no interest in analysing him as a person."

In last season's league meetings, City and Chelsea recorded 1-1 draws at the Etihad Stadium and Stamford Bridge.

Jackson Martinez agent confirms Atletico Madrid move

Jackson Martinez has joined Atletico Madrid from Porto, according to his agent.

The player's representative Luiz Henrique Pompeo told Spanish newspaper AS that the deal was completed on Tuesday. "It was sealed today," said Pompeo. "Atletico is a very big club which has had a lot of success in its league and in Europe and Jackson is going there full of desire to do great things."

Atletico were in the market for a striker following Croatia international Mario Mandzukic's move to Juventus earlier this week.
The La Liga side are said to have paid €35m (£24m) to meet the buyout clause in Martinez's contract.

Napoli complete Pepe Reina signing

Napoli have announced that they have re-signed goalkeeper Pepe Reina on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich.

The 32-year-old spent the 2013-14 season on loan at the Stadio San Paolo from Liverpool, before moving to Bayern last summer to act as Manuel Neuer's understudy.

Napoli have confirmed that Reina has rejoined them following a successful medical. "Pepe Reina is a player of Napoli," the Serie A club said on their official website. "The Spanish goalkeeper had a medical at Villa Stuart this morning, accompanied by team doctor Dr De Nicola, and then signed the contract with President [Aurelio] De Laurentiis."

The details of Reina's transfer have not been disclosed.

Southampton refuse to compromise Clyne valuation for Liverpool

Southampton are reportedly refusing to bring down their valuation of Nathaniel Clyne, despite pressure from Liverpool.

The Merseyside outfit are said to be keen to strike a deal for the England international after their initial £10m bid was rejected.

According to the Daily Echo, the Saints are prepared to sell Clyne if he decides against signing a new deal at St Mary's, but they are unwilling to drop their £15m price tag.

Liverpool are believed to be open to negotiating an improved fee from their last bid, but are currently against meeting Southampton's valuation.
Clyne, who has also been linked to Manchester United, has one year remaining on his contract.

Arsenal agree £10.9m fee with Chelsea for Petr Cech

Arsenal have agreed a fee of £10.9m with Chelsea to bring goalkeeper Petr Cech to the Emirates Stadium, according to reports.

The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to North London after losing his position as first-choice stopper at Stamford Bridge to Thibaut Courtois.

According to Sky Sports News, the Premier League rivals have agreed on a price for the Czech Republic international, paving the way for him to move to the Emirates.
Cech signed for Chelsea in 2004 from French outfit Rennes.

Real Madrid want new manager Rafa Benitez to lose weight

Benitez has often been taunted with 'fat' jibes from opposition fans and president Florentino Perez had reservations about appointing him

Real Madrid reportedly want boss Rafa Benitez to lose weight ahead of the season.

The ex-Liverpool chief was named as Carlo Ancelotti's successor earlier this month, agreeing a three-year deal at the Bernabeu.

However according to AS, Real president Florentino Perez has reservations about appointing the Spaniard - because of his public image.

Benitez has often been taunted with 'fat' jibes from opposition fans, during spells in both England and Italy.

After controversially being appointed at Chelsea, he was even mocked by Blues supporters for his weight as they called for his departure.

Benitez was also linked with the Sampdoria post earlier this year, although president Massimo Ferrero said he would need to "see a dietician" before being appointed.

Reports suggest he is planning double training sessions to get his players ready for the new campaign, following a trophyless season under Ancelotti.

Plans to improve Gareth Bale's effectiveness are already underway too, with the Welshman set to return to his favoured left-wing role after a dismal season on the right.

And Jamie Carragher, who played under Benitez at Anfield, is confident his ex-boss will be a success in the Spanish capital.

"At every club he has been at he has won titles," Carragher said. "At Napoli he won the Super Cup and Italian Cup, at Liverpool the Champions League… I think he won a couple of trophies at Inter.

"He always wins titles but at Madrid the pressure is huge and he arrives just after Barça has won the treble.

"Now Madrid need to respond with trophies and Benítez is a coach who always wins something."

Manchester United legend urges Louis van Gaal to splash the cash on Gareth Bale

Former Manchester United man Dwight Yorke has urged Louis van Gaal to sign Gareth Bale this summer.

Bale has been repeated linked with a move to Old Trafford, and Yorke believes the Welshman is the man who bring back the glory days for Van Gaal's men.

"I would get Gareth Bale in, that's what United need ... a player who will just take the ball and run," he told the Sun on Sunday.

"He's British, he's exciting, he's quick, fast, he goes past people and that will lift everyone going forward. That would excite everybody.

"And he will be loved here, he will be far more appreciated because the people here know what to expect.

"The Spanish are hard people, they are used to the likes of Romario and Ronaldo — the dribblers with the silky skills.

"In all fairness Bale is not silky — he is a powerhouse with great pace and that's best for England.

"When he is in full flow he is one of the best in the world.

"That's why Madrid paid all the money for him. If I was signing one player for United this summer, it would be him."

Jackson Martinez issues 'come and get me' plea to Arsenal

Jackson Martinez admits he's waiting to see if Arsenal make an offer for his services.

The Colombian hitman, who is currently on international duty in Chile for the Copa America, has already revealed he will leave Porto in the summer.

Recent reports have suggested AC Milan are winning the race for his signature, but the 28-year-old is yet to make his mind up.

Martinez admits he would consider a move to Arsenal should they trigger his £25million release clause at Porto.

On the Gunners' interest, the striker said: "It's a big club in one of the best leagues in the world. We have to see if an offer will become a reality or not.

Jackson Martinez admits he's waiting to see if Arsenal trigger his £25m release clause

"The day we'll know where my future goes is near. I still haven't decided, as I'm focused on the Copa America right now.

"Every footballer dreams of enjoying football. If that's in England, Italy or Spain, the important thing is that it feels good."

Manchester United's move for Cillessen set to be blocked

Manchester United target Jasper Cillessen admits Ajax will block his move to Old Trafford.

United are keen to sign the shot-stopper to replace David De Gea who is expected to make the move to Real Madrid this summer.

However, however the 26-year-old says the club are determined to stop him from joining the Premier League giants.

“The Ajax management are going to make it really difficult when the interest becomes concrete," he told the Sunday Mirror.

If I had planned to leave, I would not have signed a new contract until 2018.

“My old contract was expiring in the summer of 2016 and in that case this summer would have been the perfect moment to leave.

“[Ajax coach] Frank de Boer has been very clear when he received questions about my transfer – he wants to block it."