Goal Zone

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Martino concerned over Argentina consistency

Coach Gerardo Martino has admitted that he is worried about Argentina even after this morning's 1-0 win over Uruguay in Copa America.

Sergio Aguero's goal on 56 minutes was enough as Martino's men edged out their Uruguayan counterparts, having drawn 2-2 with Paraguay in their opener.

"What I saw basically was 70 minutes similar to the game against Paraguay," he told reporters.

"We had the ball, we tried to create chances, break down Uruguay's scheme, playing between the lines and attacking on the wings. But after that we lost mobility in our passing and therefore we lost the ball.

"It causes us a lot of harm when we don't have control of the match. And if there is one thing to look out for it is the fact that we weren't able to maintain our rhythm for 90 minutes in either of the games."

Argentina, who sit top with Paraguay after two games, conclude Group B by facing Jamaica in Vina del Mar on Saturday

2015/16 Barclays Premier League fixtures released

The fixture list for the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season has been released.

All kick-off times are 3pm, unless stated.

Please note these fixtures are subject to change.

8 August 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa #BOUAVL

Arsenal v West Ham United #ARSWHU

Chelsea v Swansea City #CHESWA

Everton v Watford #EVEWAT

Leicester City v Sunderland #LEISUN

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur #MUNTOT

Newcastle United v Southampton #NEWSOU

Norwich City v Crystal Palace #NORCRY

Stoke City v Liverpool #STKLIV

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City #WBAMCI

15 August 2015

Aston Villa v Manchester United #AVLMUN

Crystal Palace v Arsenal #CRYARS

Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth #LIVBOU

Manchester City v Chelsea #MCICHE

Southampton v Everton #SOUEVE

Sunderland v Norwich City #SUNNOR

Swansea City v Newcastle United #SWANEW

Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City #TOTSTK

Watford v West Bromwich Albion #WATWBA

West Ham United v Leicester City #WHULEI

22 August 2015

Arsenal v Liverpool #ARSLIV

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa #CRYAVL

Everton v Manchester City #EVEMCI

Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur #LEITOT

Manchester United v Newcastle United #MUNNEW

Norwich City v Stoke City #NORSTK

Sunderland v Swansea City #SUNSWA

Watford v Southampton #WATSOU

West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea #WBACHE

West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth #WHUBOU

29 August 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City #BOULEI

Aston Villa v Sunderland #AVLSUN

Chelsea v Crystal Palace #CHECRY

Liverpool v West Ham United #LIVWHU

Manchester City v Watford #MCIWAT

Newcastle United v Arsenal #NEWARS

Southampton v Norwich City #SOUNOR

Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion #STKWBA

Swansea City v Manchester United #SWAMUN

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton #TOTEVE

12 September 2015

Arsenal v Stoke City #ARSSTK

Crystal Palace v Manchester City #CRYMCI

Everton v Chelsea #EVECHE

Leicester City v Aston Villa #LEIAVL

Manchester United v Liverpool #MUNLIV

Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth #NORBOU

Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur #SUNTOT

Watford v Swansea City #WATSWA

West Bromwich Albion v Southampton #WBASOU

West Ham United v Newcastle United #WHUNEW

19 September 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Sunderland #BOUSUN

Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion #AVLWBA

Chelsea v Arsenal #CHEARS

Liverpool v Norwich City #LIVNOR

Manchester City v West Ham United #MCIWHU

Newcastle United v Watford #NEWWAT

Southampton v Manchester United #SOUMUN

Stoke City v Leicester City #STKLEI

Swansea City v Everton #SWAEVE

Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace #TOTCRY

26 September 2015

Leicester City v Arsenal #LEIARS

Liverpool v Aston Villa #LIVAVL

Manchester United v Sunderland #MUNSUN

Newcastle United v Chelsea #NEWCHE

Southampton v Swansea City #SOUSWA

Stoke City v AFC Bournemouth #STKBOU

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City #TOTMCI

Watford v Crystal Palace #WATCRY

West Bromwich Albion v Everton #WBAEVE

West Ham United v Norwich City #WHUNOR

3 October 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Watford #BOUWAT

Arsenal v Manchester United #ARSMUN

Aston Villa v Stoke City #AVLSTK

Chelsea v Southampton #CHESOU

Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion #CRYWBA

Everton v Liverpool #EVELIV

Manchester City v Newcastle United #MCINEW

Norwich City v Leicester City #NORLEI

Sunderland v West Ham United #SUNWHU

Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur #SWATOT

17 October 2015

Chelsea v Aston Villa #CHEAVL

Crystal Palace v West Ham United #CRYWHU

Everton v Manchester United #EVEMUN

Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth #MCIBOU

Newcastle United v Norwich City #NEWNOR

Southampton v Leicester City #SOULEI

Swansea City v Stoke City #SWASTK

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool #TOTLIV

Watford v Arsenal #WATARS

West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland #WBASUN

24 October 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur #BOUTOT

Arsenal v Everton #ARSEVE

Aston Villa v Swansea City #AVLSWA

Leicester City v Crystal Palace #LEICRY

Liverpool v Southampton #LIVSOU

Manchester United v Manchester City #MUNMCI

Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion #NORWBA

Stoke City v Watford #STKWAT

Sunderland v Newcastle United #SUNNEW

West Ham United v Chelsea #WHUCHE

31 October 2015

Chelsea v Liverpool #CHELIV

Crystal Palace v Manchester United #CRYMUN

Everton v Sunderland #EVESUN

Manchester City v Norwich City #MCINOR

Newcastle United v Stoke City #NEWSTK

Southampton v AFC Bournemouth #SOUBOU

Swansea City v Arsenal #SWAARS

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa #TOTAVL

Watford v West Ham United #WATWHU

West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City #WBALEI

7 November 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United #BOUNEW

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur #ARSTOT

Aston Villa v Manchester City #AVLMCI

Leicester City v Watford #LEIWAT

Liverpool v Crystal Palace #LIVCRY

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion #MUNWBA

Norwich City v Swansea City #NORSWA

Stoke City v Chelsea #STKCHE

Sunderland v Southampton #SUNSOU

West Ham United v Everton #WHUEVE

21 November 2015

Chelsea v Norwich City #CHENOR

Crystal Palace v Sunderland #CRYSUN

Everton v Aston Villa #EVEAVL

Manchester City v Liverpool #MCILIV

Newcastle United v Leicester City #NEWLEI

Southampton v Stoke City #SOUSTK

Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth #SWABOU

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United #TOTWHU

Watford v Manchester United #WATMUN

West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal #WBAARS

28 November 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Everton #BOUEVE

Aston Villa v Watford #AVLWAT

Crystal Palace v Newcastle United #CRYNEW

Leicester City v Manchester United #LEIMUN

Liverpool v Swansea City #LIVSWA

Manchester City v Southampton #MCISOU

Norwich City v Arsenal #NORARS

Sunderland v Stoke City #SUNSTK

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea #TOTCHE

West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion #WHUWBA

5 December 2015

Arsenal v Sunderland #ARSSUN

Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth #CHEBOU

Everton v Crystal Palace #EVECRY

Manchester United v West Ham United #MUNWHU

Newcastle United v Liverpool #NEWLIV

Southampton v Aston Villa #SOUAVL

Stoke City v Manchester City #STKMCI

Swansea City v Leicester City #SWALEI

Watford v Norwich City #WATNOR

West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur #WBATOT

12 December 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United #BOUMUN

Aston Villa v Arsenal #AVLARS

Crystal Palace v Southampton #CRYSOU

Leicester City v Chelsea #LEICHE

Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion #LIVWBA

Manchester City v Swansea City #MCISWA

Norwich City v Everton #NOREVE

Sunderland v Watford #SUNWAT

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United #TOTNEW

West Ham United v Stoke City #WHUSTK

19 December 2015

Arsenal v Manchester City #ARSMCI

Chelsea v Sunderland #CHESUN

Everton v Leicester City #EVELEI

Manchester United v Norwich City #MUNNOR

Newcastle United v Aston Villa #NEWAVL

Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur #SOUTOT

Stoke City v Crystal Palace #STKCRY

Swansea City v West Ham United #SWAWHU

Watford v Liverpool #WATLIV

West Bromwich Albion v AFC Bournemouth #WBABOU

26 December 2015

AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace #BOUCRY

Aston Villa v West Ham United #AVLWHU

Chelsea v Watford #CHEWAT

Liverpool v Leicester City #LIVLEI

Manchester City v Sunderland #MCISUN

Newcastle United v Everton #NEWEVE

Southampton v Arsenal #SOUARS

Stoke City v Manchester United #STKMUN

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion #SWAWBA

Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City #TOTNOR

28 December 2015

Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth #ARSBOU

Crystal Palace v Swansea City #CRYSWA

Everton v Stoke City #EVESTK

Leicester City v Manchester City #LEIMCI

Manchester United v Chelsea #MUNCHE

Norwich City v Aston Villa #NORAVL

Sunderland v Liverpool #SUNLIV

Watford v Tottenham Hotspur #WATTOT

West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United #WBANEW

West Ham United v Southampton #WHUSOU

2 January 2016

Arsenal v Newcastle United #ARSNEW

Crystal Palace v Chelsea #CRYCHE

Everton v Tottenham Hotspur #EVETOT

Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth #LEIBOU

Manchester United v Swansea City #MUNSWA

Norwich City v Southampton #NORSOU

Sunderland v Aston Villa #SUNAVL

Watford v Manchester City #WATMCI

West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City #WBASTK

West Ham United v Liverpool #WHULIV

12 January 2016

7.45pm kick-offs unless stated

AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United #BOUWHU

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace #AVLCRY

8pm Liverpool v Arsenal #LIVARS

Swansea City v Sunderland #SWASUN

13 January 2016

7.45pm kick-offs unless stated

Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion #CHEWBA

Manchester City v Everton #MCIEVE

Newcastle United v Manchester United #NEWMUN

Southampton v Watford #SOUWAT

Stoke City v Norwich City #STKNOR

8pm Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City #TOTLEI

16 January 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Norwich City #BOUNOR

Aston Villa v Leicester City #AVLLEI

Chelsea v Everton #CHEEVE

Liverpool v Manchester United #LIVMUN

Manchester City v Crystal Palace #MCICRY

Newcastle United v West Ham United #NEWWHU

Southampton v West Bromwich Albion #SOUWBA

Stoke City v Arsenal #STKARS

Swansea City v Watford #SWAWAT

Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland #TOTSUN

23 January 2016

Arsenal v Chelsea #ARSCHE

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur #CRYTOT

Everton v Swansea City #EVESWA

Leicester City v Stoke City #LEISTK

Manchester United v Southampton #MUNSOU

Norwich City v Liverpool #NORLIV

Sunderland v AFC Bournemouth #SUNBOU

Watford v Newcastle United #WATNEW

West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa #WBAAVL

West Ham United v Manchester City #WHUMCI

2 February 2016

7.45pm kick-offs unless stated

Arsenal v Southampton #ARSSOU

8pm Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth #CRYBOU

Leicester City v Liverpool #LEILIV

8pm Manchester United v Stoke City #MUNSTK

Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur #NORTOT

Sunderland v Manchester City #SUNMCI

Watford v Chelsea #WATCHE

8pm West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City #WBASWA

West Ham United v Aston Villa #WHUAVL

3 February 2016

7.45pm Everton v Newcastle United #EVENEW

6 February 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal #BOUARS

Aston Villa v Norwich City #AVLNOR

Chelsea v Manchester United #CHEMUN

Liverpool v Sunderland #LIVSUN

Manchester City v Leicester City #MCILEI

Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion #NEWWBA

Southampton v West Ham United #SOUWHU

Stoke City v Everton #STKEVE

Swansea City v Crystal Palace #SWACRY

Tottenham Hotspur v Watford #TOTWAT

13 February 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Stoke City #BOUSTK

Arsenal v Leicester City #ARSLEI

Aston Villa v Liverpool #AVLLIV

Chelsea v Newcastle United #CHENEW

Crystal Palace v Watford #CRYWAT

Everton v West Bromwich Albion #EVEWBA

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur #MCITOT

Norwich City v West Ham United #NORWHU

Sunderland v Manchester United #SUNMUN

Swansea City v Southampton #SWASOU

27 February 2016

Leicester City v Norwich City #LEINOR

Liverpool v Everton #LIVEVE

Manchester United v Arsenal #MUNARS

Newcastle United v Manchester City #NEWMCI

Southampton v Chelsea #SOUCHE

Stoke City v Aston Villa #STKAVL

Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City #TOTSWA

Watford v AFC Bournemouth #WATBOU

West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace #WBACRY

West Ham United v Sunderland #WHUSUN

1 March 2016

7.45pm kick-offs unless stated

AFC Bournemouth v Southampton #BOUSOU

Arsenal v Swansea City #ARSSWA

Aston Villa v Everton #AVLEVE

Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion #LEIWBA

8pm Liverpool v Manchester City #LIVMCI

8pm Manchester United v Watford #MUNWAT

Norwich City v Chelsea #NORCHE

Sunderland v Crystal Palace #SUNCRY

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur #WHUTOT

2 March 2016

7.45pm Stoke City v Newcastle United #STKNEW

5 March 2016

Chelsea v Stoke City #CHESTK

Crystal Palace v Liverpool #CRYLIV

Everton v West Ham United #EVEWHU

Manchester City v Aston Villa #MCIAVL

Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth #NEWBOU

Southampton v Sunderland #SOUSUN

Swansea City v Norwich City #SWANOR

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal #TOTARS

Watford v Leicester City #WATLEI

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United #WBAMUN

12 March 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Swansea City #BOUSWA

Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion #ARSWBA

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur #AVLTOT

Leicester City v Newcastle United #LEINEW

Liverpool v Chelsea #LIVCHE

Manchester United v Crystal Palace #MUNCRY

Norwich City v Manchester City #NORMCI

Stoke City v Southampton #STKSOU

Sunderland v Everton #SUNEVE

West Ham United v Watford #WHUWAT

19 March 2016

Chelsea v West Ham United #CHEWHU

Crystal Palace v Leicester City #CRYLEI

Everton v Arsenal #EVEARS

Manchester City v Manchester United #MCIMUN

Newcastle United v Sunderland #NEWSUN

Southampton v Liverpool #SOULIV

Swansea City v Aston Villa #SWAAVL

Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth #TOTBOU

Watford v Stoke City #WATSTK

West Bromwich Albion v Norwich City #WBANOR

2 April 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City #BOUMCI

Arsenal v Watford #ARSWAT

Aston Villa v Chelsea #AVLCHE

Leicester City v Southampton #LEISOU

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur #LIVTOT

Manchester United v Everton #MUNEVE

Norwich City v Newcastle United #NORNEW

Stoke City v Swansea City #STKSWA

Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion #SUNWBA

West Ham United v Crystal Palace #WHUCRY

9 April 2016

Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth #AVLBOU

Crystal Palace v Norwich City #CRYNOR

Liverpool v Stoke City #LIVSTK

Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion #MCIWBA

Southampton v Newcastle United #SOUNEW

Sunderland v Leicester City #SUNLEI

Swansea City v Chelsea #SWACHE

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United #TOTMUN

Watford v Everton #WATEVE

West Ham United v Arsenal #WHUARS

16 April 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool #BOULIV

Arsenal v Crystal Palace #ARSCRY

Chelsea v Manchester City #CHEMCI

Everton v Southampton #EVESOU

Leicester City v West Ham United #LEIWHU

Manchester United v Aston Villa #MUNAVL

Newcastle United v Swansea City #NEWSWA

Norwich City v Sunderland #NORSUN

Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur #STKTOT

West Bromwich Albion v Watford #WBAWAT

23 April 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea #BOUCHE

Aston Villa v Southampton #AVLSOU

Crystal Palace v Everton #CRYEVE

Leicester City v Swansea City #LEISWA

Liverpool v Newcastle United #LIVNEW

Manchester City v Stoke City #MCISTK

Norwich City v Watford #NORWAT

Sunderland v Arsenal #SUNARS

Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion #TOTWBA

West Ham United v Manchester United #WHUMUN

30 April 2016

Arsenal v Norwich City #ARSNOR

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur #CHETOT

Everton v AFC Bournemouth #EVEBOU

Manchester United v Leicester City #MUNLEI

Newcastle United v Crystal Palace #NEWCRY

Southampton v Manchester City #SOUMCI

Stoke City v Sunderland #STKSUN

Swansea City v Liverpool #SWALIV

Watford v Aston Villa #WATAVL

West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United #WBAWHU

7 May 2016

AFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion #BOUWBA

Aston Villa v Newcastle United #AVLNEW

Crystal Palace v Stoke City #CRYSTK

Leicester City v Everton #LEIEVE

Liverpool v Watford #LIVWAT

Manchester City v Arsenal #MCIARS

Norwich City v Manchester United #NORMUN

Sunderland v Chelsea #SUNCHE

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton #TOTSOU

West Ham United v Swansea City #WHUSWA

15 May 2016

Arsenal v Aston Villa #ARSAVL

Chelsea v Leicester City #CHELEI

Everton v Norwich City #EVENOR

Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth #MUNBOU

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur #NEWTOT

Southampton v Crystal Palace #SOUCRY

Stoke City v West Ham United #STKWHU

Swansea City v Manchester City #SWAMCI

Watford v Sunderland #WATSUN

West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool #WBALIV

Juventus star Arturo Vidal 'arrested for drink-driving following car crash'

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has reportedly been arrested for drink-driving after he and his wife were involved in a car crash.

The 28-year-old, who is currently competing for Chile in the Copa America, is believed to have been behind the wheel when his Ferrari collided with another vehicle on the motorway in Santiago.

Both he and his wife Maria Teresa Matus were taken to hospital, but neither are thought to have suffered any serious injuries.

Now, numerous reports in Chile have claimed that Vidal was arrested after alcohol was found in his system and spent the night in a jail cell.

"The driver of the red vehicle was under the influence of alcohol," ESPN quotes colonel Ricardo Gonzalez as saying.

Vidal provided an update on Twitter by writing: "Unfortunately I was involved in a traffic accident. Luckily we are all well and calm. Thanks for worrying."

Rumours also suggest that the midfielder, who is due in court today, could be excluded from Chile's squad for this Friday's Copa America clash against Bolivia.

Real Madrid to rival Manchester United for Nicolas Otamendi

Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race to sign Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi.

The Argentina international has been linked with a £35m move to Premier League side Manchester United in recent weeks.

However, according to Spanish publication Superdeporte, Madrid are also keen to recruit the 27-year-old.

The report adds that Otamendi's agent Eugenio Lopez has already discussed a potential move to the Bernabeu with Madrid president Florentino Perez.

It is believed that Otamendi will make a final decision over his future once he returns from the Copa America.

Galatasaray confirms: 'We want Robin van Persie'

Galatasaray have confirmed an interest in signing Manchester United striker Robin van Persie this summer.

Speculation has mounted that the Dutchman, 31, will leave the Premier League after struggling to recapture his talismanic form under Louis van Gaal last season.

His agent has reportedly held talks with a member of the Turkish club's hierarchy recently, and Gala coach Hamza Hamzaoglu hopes that a move can materialise.

"We want to sign players who will both improve the squad and excite our fans. No manager would be able to say no to Van Persie," he told reporters.

"However, we cannot spend beyond our means. We hope to come to an agreement with him."

Van Persie, who turns 32 in August, is out of contract with the Red Devils next summer. He scored 10 Premier League goals in 27 appearances last term.

Liverpool tell Manchester City to pay cash up front for Raheem Sterling

Liverpool will reportedly refuse to sell Raheem Sterling to Manchester City unless the former Premier League champions offer cash up front.

The England international is believed to have recently attracted a £25m plus £5m add-ons offer from City, but the Reds swiftly rejected it.

According to the Daily Mail, City are expected to increase their bid this week, but they have been warned by Liverpool that only a straight cash deal upwards of £45m will force the Merseyside outfit to consider selling.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is believed to be confident that his team can survive without the 20-year-old, but only if he is allowed to use the cash to reinvest in the squad.

Sterling, who rejected a new contract offer worth £100,000 a week from the Reds earlier this year, has two years remaining on his current deal.

Lothar Matthaus: 'Bastian Schweinsteiger should join Manchester United'

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has said that he believes Bastian Schweinsteiger should leave the club to join Manchester United.

The 30-year-old midfielder made 28 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit last season, with injuries interrupting his campaign.

Matthaus says that the Germany international has slipped down the pecking order under Bayern boss Pep Guardiola, and he thinks that Schweinsteiger should move to Old Trafford if United's rumoured interest is true.

"I can understand that Schweinsteiger is wondering about his future," Matthaus told Sport Bild. "Bastian announced that he wants to play football on the highest level until 2018. But in the way he was used at Bayern recently, I think this is impossible.

"There is no doubt he is intelligent enough and has the right overview to further take over the role as a conductor in the holding midfield.

"If the rumours are true that Louis van Gaal wants to bring him to Manchester United, Schweinsteiger should think about that carefully. If Van Gaal wants him, he will let him play where his strengths are."

Schweinsteiger has made 500 appearances for Bayern since making his debut in 2002.

Manchester United switch attention to Monaco's Fabinho

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly made Fabinho his number one right-back target.

The Red Devils have been linked with a host of players in that position over recent weeks, including Dani Alves, Nathaniel Clyne and Gregory van der Wiel.

However, according to L'Equipe, Van Gaal has identified 21-year-old Monaco defender Fabinho as the ideal candidate to fill the void at Old Trafford.

The report adds that United would be willing to part with around £10m to sign the defender, who is a member of the Brazil squad at the ongoing Copa America.

Fabinho initially joined his Ligue 1 employers on loan in 2013, before he made the move a permanent one earlier this year.

Manchester City launch second bid for Liverpool's Raheem Sterling

Manchester City have reportedly tabled an improved bid for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

The England international is said to have recently attracted an offer worth £30m from City, which the Merseysiders rejected.

The 20-year-old has been linked with an exit from Anfield after his agent claimed that he had no intention of signing a new contract with the Reds.

According to Sky Sports News, Liverpool have received a second bid from City for Sterling which is in the region of £40m.

Sterling has two years remaining on his current deal at Liverpool.

Arsene Wenger holds talks with Kondogbia

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly held talks with Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia as the speculation surrounding his future continues.

Kondogbia has been repeatedly linked with a move to North London in recent weeks, and it has been suggested that the Gunners were willing to pay £18m to secure his services this summer.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Wenger recently met with the 22-year-old in an attempt to persuade him to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium, but a deal has not yet been agreed between the two clubs.

Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also been linked with Kondogbia.

West Ham United in pole position to sign Queens Park Rangers' Charlie Austin

West Ham United have reportedly become the favourites to sign Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin this summer.

Newcastle United were thought to be leading the chase following the arrival of new manager Steve McClaren.

However, according to the Daily Star, Austin is leaning towards the Hammers as new boss Slaven Bilic has argued that the future move to the Olympic Stadium indicates how the club is growing.

Reports have claimed that QPR are holding out for a bid in the region of £15m for Austin, who has also been linked to Southampton, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Juan Cuadrado hints at Chelsea move for Radamel Falcao

Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado has suggested that Radamel Falcao is close to sealing a move to Stamford Bridge.

The striker is believed to have agreed a loan switch to the Blues from Monaco.

The pair are currently representing Colombia at the Copa America in Chile.

"It's important to have a teammate like him at the club but now I'm concentrating on the Copa America and will talk about it later," the Daily Mail quotes Cuadrado as saying.

Falcao spent last season on loan at Manchester United, where he scored four goals in 29 appearances.

Southampton agree Idrissa Gueye deal

Southampton have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Idrissa Gueye from Lille for £7m.

For the second summer in a row Morgan Schneiderlin has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the club, and both Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Frenchman.

Ronald Koeman is believed to be planning for a future without Schneiderlin, and France Football claims that the Saints will complete the signing of Gueye when he is eventually sold.

Arsenal and Marseille were both believed to be interested in Gueye, but Southampton have moved first to agree a fee with Lille for the 25-year-old.

Southampton confirmed the arrival of Juanmi as their first signing of the summer on Tuesday.

Chelsea agree Radamel Falcao deal

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal to bring Radamel Falcao to Stamford Bridge from AS Monaco.

The Colombia international has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions after failing to secure a permanent deal with Manchester United following a loan spell at Old Trafford.

Sky Sports News reports that the Ligue 1 side have come to an agreement with the London club to take the striker on loan, although it is yet to be confirmed by either team.

Falcao scored four goals in 29 appearances for Louis van Gaal's side last season.

UEFA Champions League Final: Juventus VS Barcelona Preview

Berlin hosts the Champions League final for the first time this Saturday as the European season comes to a conclusion at the Olympiastadion with a battle between the champions of Italy and Spain.

Both Juventus and Barcelona have already done the domestic league-and-cup double and will be hoping to complete a memorable treble in the German capital.

Juventus

The Old Lady have been the dominant side in Serie A for four seasons, this year winning the league by 17 points - the same margin they had to Roma a year ago. However, until this term they have disappointed on the European stage in recent years. This is their first Champions League final for 12 years since the defeat to AC Milan at Old Trafford in 2003. They haven't won Europe's elite competition since 1996 when they beat Ajax on penalties in Rome. That was their second victory in the competition and if they triumph on Saturday they will become the ninth side with at least three European titles.

In all competitions and the Champions League, Masimilliano Allegri's side are unbeaten in nine games and they are desperately hoping not to become the first team to lose in the final of the European Cup/Champions League six times. Their route to the final has included victories in the knockout stages over Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and, most notably, last year's winners Real Madrid in the semi-finals. A Barca-Real El Clasico showdown was expected in Berlin, but Allegri's side upset the odds with a 3-2 aggregate victory against Los Blancos. In fact, the Old Lady will have played all of Spain's big three in this year's competition after being drawn with Atletico Madrid in the group stage.

Four of Juve's squad - Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan 2003, 2007), Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez (Manchester United 2008) and Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid 2014) - have Champions League final-winning experience. Talismanic goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the sole survivor of their last final appearance in 2003, when Pirlo was on the opposing side.

Recent Champions League form: WWWDWD

Recent form (all competitions): DDWWWD

Barcelona

Barca wrapped up their fifth La Liga title in seven years by finishing two clear of Clasico rivals Real this season. Last Saturday they added the Copa del Rey with a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. They are appearing in their first final since 2011 with arguably the greatest ever club squad and perhaps the best player to ever kick a football.

Lionel Messi's solo effort to open the scoring on Saturday was arguably the finest goal of his career. A goal for the Argentinian wizard this weekend would take him above Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time Champions League scoring charts - they are currently both on 77. He would also become the first player to score in three separate finals if he finds the net after bagging goals in the 2009 and 2011 victories over Man United.

The Catalans' deadly front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have scored a whopping 120 goals between them in all competitions this term, surpassing the 118 Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain managed for Real in 2011-12. Barca are in the final following victories over Manchester City (3-1), Paris Saint-Germain (5-1) and Bayern Munich (5-3) in the knockout stages. After a sensational 3-0 win over Bayern in the first leg, Barca lost the second leg 3-2 and that put an end to a nine-game winning streak in Europe. Still, they will enter the match as favourites.

Like opposite number Allegri, Enrique is trying to complete the treble in his first season in charge.

Recent Champions League form: WWWWWL

Recent form (all competitions): WWLWDW

Team News The big news that emerged on Thursday is that Juve centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will not be fit for Saturday's showpiece and a reunion with Suarez after the Uruguayan bit him at last year's World Cup. The warrior-like centre-back hasn't recovered in time from a calf injury and his absence will be a huge blow to Allegri, who is already without Martin Caceres and might also be unable to call upon Andrea Barzagli. The latter returned to training yesterday but is not 100% fit and the Turin side will either have to risk the 34-year-old, or instead opt for Angelo Ogbonna, who has played just once in the Champions League this season, in Chiellini's place. Allegri has no worries further forward and is likely to start Alvaro Morata with Carlos Tevez in attack after the former scored in both legs of the semi-final against former club Real.

As for Barca, Enrique will probably name the same XI that started both legs of the semi-final against Bayern. They have eight survivors from their 2011 winning squad and it is likely that six of them - Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets and Messi - will start. Xavi and Pedro are the other two. Xavi will make his 767th and final appearance for the club if he plays, but a start seems unlikely for the Spanish veteran who has predominantly come off the bench in Europe this season.

Juventus possible starting lineup: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal; Morata, Tevez

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi

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Referee: Cuneyt Cakir

‎Kick Off Time : 19:45HRS

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Head To Head The duo's only previous Champions League meeting was in the 2003 quarter-finals, when Juve won in extra time at the Camp Nou thanks to a 114th-minute goal from Marcelo Zalayeta before going on to lose to Milan in the final. They have met on eight total occasions in European competition.

Juve lead the head-to-head record with four wins to two (D2). If Juve win on Saturday they will join an illustrious list of treble winners - Celtic (1967), Ajax (1972), PSV Eindhoven (1988), Manchester United (1999), Barcelona (2009), Inter Milan (2010) and Bayern Munich (2013).

A Barca victory, meanwhile, would be the first time in European club history that a team has done the league, cup and European treble on more than one occasion.

Both sides will appear in their eighth Champions League final, with Juve winning just two of their previous seven and Barca claiming victory in four.

In fact, Barca have won their last three finals in 2006, 2009 and 2011 - all against English opposition (Arsenal once and Manchester United twice) - while Juve have lost their last three finals.

Italian and Spanish sides have met in the final on seven occasions before, with the Spaniards winning five of those meetings. The last was in 1998 when Juve fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real in Amsterdam.

This is the first time that the final has been held in June.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Saturday, June 06, 2015