Goal Zone

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Real Madrid 'looking to re-sign Alvaro Negredo'

Real Madrid are reportedly considering a bid to bring back their former striker, Alvaro Negredo, from Manchester City before the end of the transfer window.

The People claims that Los Blancos will ask the Premier League champions whether they can take him on a permanent basis or even an initial loan deal for the remainder of this season.

Furthermore, the European Cup winners are said to be willing to pay all of Negredo's wages for the current campaign, if he returns to the Santiago Bernabeu on a temporary deal.

However, a stumbling block may be the valuation of the Spanish international with Real happier to pay £15m and City keen to recoup £20m.

Negredo is said to be unhappy with the notion that he will be behind Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spaniard is currently sidelined with a fractured metatarsal.

AS Monaco 1-1 Lille : Dimitar Berbatov strike ensures Monaco take a point at home to Lille

Dimitar Berbatov's second-half strike rescued a point for Monaco as they drew 1-1 at home to Lille this afternoon.

Nolan Roux put the visitors ahead against the run of play with virtually their first attack of the game in the 18th minute.

A Monaco side lacking Radamel Falcao often looked to Joao Moutinho to reduce the deficit and the Portuguese midfielder came close with a number of efforts in the first half.

However, the best chance of the half fell to Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, but the Belgian midfielder rolled his shot wide of the target when one on one.

Half-time substitute Anthony Martial forced Vincent Enyeama into a save shortly after the break but in the 61st minute, Berbatov came to Monaco's rescue with an assured finish to level the scores.

Inter Milan 'reject Valencia Fredy Guarin bid'

Inter Milan have reportedly rejected an offer from Valencia to take Colombian winger Fredy Guarin on-loan.

The midfielder has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Zenit St Peterburg in recent weeks, but it appears that Los Che are now showing an interest in the 28-year-old.

Sky Sport Italia claims that the Nerazzuri immediately turned down the La Liga side's bid to take Guarin for a season, with a view to a future permanent move and Inter are said to be wanting a higher offer.

It is also thought that the Italian giants would be willing to part company with the midfielder, but only if their price tag of €18m (£14.24m).

Guarin scored four times for Inter, last term.

Manuel Pellegrini disappointed with defeat

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed his disappointment following his sides's 1-0 defeat against Stoke City this afternoon.

A second-half goal from former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf inflicted a first defeat of the season for the Premier League champions.

"It's a surprising defeat because we don't expect to lose against Stoke but these games sometimes happen," BBC Sport quotes Pellegrini as saying. "We tried from everywhere and really we are not very creative we did not find the space and that is credit to Stoke.

"The Yaya Toure penalty appeal was just one play during the game. Everyone that saw it told me it was a clear penalty but it was one play in 90 minutes.

"I am more worried about the goal they scored because it was too easy."

Today's defeat for City ended a run of 11 home league wins.

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger returns to Brondby

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has rejoined Brondby.

The 29-year-old started his career with the Danish club, whom he left to join the Reds in January 2006.

However, after nine years at Anfield, he has now secured a return to the Brondby Stadium.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Agger has revealed that he turned down numerous other clubs to re-sign for Drengene Fra Vestegnen.

"Liverpool have been such a big part of my life and my family's lives for so long, that leaving is extremely difficult," said the centre-back. "The opportunity arose for me to return home to Brondby and at this stage of my career it felt like the right decision for me.

"I wouldn't leave here to go anywhere else and that has been proven by my actions in recent seasons. I have turned down many offers to move to other Premier League and European clubs.

"I would like to thank the Liverpool supporters for the incredible backing they have given me in my time here and the warmth and generosity of spirit displayed to my family.

Agger made a total of 232 appearances for Liverpool.

Radamel Falcao denies real Madrid tweet

The Colombian had apparently tweeted that he was set to join the European Champions, saying it was a "dream come true" but he has since insisted the picture was fake

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao has dismissed claims that he is leaving to join Real Madrid, claiming picture of a tweet saying a move was imminent was fake.

The Colombian triggered suggestions he was imminetly leaving Stade Louis II when he was inexplicably left out of Leonardo Jardim's matchday squad for their 1-1 draw with Lille on Saturday.

Reports were rife about where the ex-Atletico Madrid man might be departing Ligue 1 for, with Manchester City, Juventus, Arsenal and Real Madrid all named as contenders in the chase for the 28-year-old.

But Falcao looked like he had ended speculation over his future by declaring his loyalties to Carlo Ancelotti's men, as a picture of a tweet in which he had declared that the move to the Santiago Bernabeu a "dream come true" started to spread through social media. The tweet had supposedly been posted and then quickly deleted by the attacker.

However, the striker took to social media to declare that the tweet was false.

"I have to refute a story about a tweet I have not done, that is photoshopped."

Monaco are yet to comment about whether Falcao is leaving the club after just a single full season with the club, while Real Madrid have similarly kept quiet on the rumours regarding the forward.

Daley Blind arrival fails to excite Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes has admitted to being uninspired by Manchester United's capture of Daley Blind.

The Red Devils confirmed this morning that they had reached an agreement with Ajax to sign the 24-year-old, who can play in either defence or midfield.

However, United legend Scholes believes that the club should have pursued "proper central midfielders", rather than "taking risks" on a player such as Blind.

"Is he a defensive midfielder? I think he can play left wing-back, but can he play left centre-half? I'm not sure. I think the only place he is going to play is midfield. We've got a few of these left-footed players now," Scholes told BT Sport.

"I'm not too sure what position he's going to play in. I don't think he's strong enough for a left-back in England. The only place where we can seem to get him into the team is central midfield. He's a very good footballer, don't get me wrong, but is he the answer centrally? We'll have to wait and see.

"We don't really know what position he is. I don't think United are in a position to be taking risks on people - is he a left-back? Is he a central midfield player? I think they need proper central midfielders. There's been a few on the market and they obviously haven't fancied them or not been able to get them, and now they've got someone who's maybe a bit-part central midfield player."

Blind is expected to arrive in Manchester this afternoon, where he will undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.

AC Milan VS Lazio Preview

AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi will be hoping that his team can show immediate improvements at the start of the domestic season after a dismal pre-season campaign.

I Rossoneri suffered defeats in their final four friendlies as they look to better their eighth-place effort in Serie A last year.

Summer signings Diego Lopez, Pablo Armero and Adil Rami could feature in the starting lineup at the San Siro.

It has been a summer of change at Lazio after Stefano Pioli was installed as the club's new manager, with Edoardo Reja only leading the Rome-based side to ninth place last season.

Pioli is likely to hand starts to a number of his team's new additions, with Stefan de Vrij, Dusan Basta and Marco Parolo all likely to feature in Milan.

Lazio prepared for the start of Serie A with a 7-0 victory over Bassono Virtus in the Coppa Italia.

Recent form

AC Milan: WLLLL

Lazio: WLWDW

Possible starting lineups

AC Milan: Diego Lopez, Bonera, Rami, Abate, Albertazzi, Muntari, Honda, Poli, Essien, Pazzini, El Shaarawy

Lazio: Berisha, Basta, Radu, De Vrij, Cana, Ledesma, Lulic, Parolo, Felipe Anderson, Dordevic, Keita

Kick-Off time : 17:00HRS

Manchester United confirm Daley Blind agreement

Manchester United have revealed that they are on the verge of signing Daley Blind from Ajax.

Recent speculation had claimed that the two clubs had agreed a fee with the 24-year-old, who is expected to arrive in England later today.

BREAKING: #mufc has reached agreement with Ajax to sign Daley Blind, subject to a medical and personal terms. pic.twitter.com/2l1l7I2Aow

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2014

It is believed that the versatile Dutch international will cost United £15m.

Sam Allardyce criticises own players, referee after West Ham United defeat

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has criticised both his players and match referee Mike Dean after losing 3-1 to Southampton in today's Premier League clash at Upton Park.

A Morgan Schneiderlin brace and a Graziano Pelle strike undid the Hammers in front of their own fans, with Mark Noble's goal proving no more than a consolation.

Allardyce told reporters after the game: "We weren't good enough. Southampton taught us a lesson, we weren't sharp enough and didn't retain the ball as well as they did, close down as well as they did and gifted them two goals.

"The big problem I had with the corner [for the second goal] was that it was a goal-kick of course. I've had a look at it on the laptop and can the referee see it?

"Having looked at it from Mike Dean's position he's got it horribly wrong when we don't need it to go against us."

West Ham currently occupy 10th place in the Premier League.

Swansea City 3-0 West Brom : Nathan Dyer brace leads Swansea City to win

Nathan Dyer scored twice as Swansea City cruised to a 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this afternoon.

Swansea were ahead just two minutes into the tie when Gylfi Sigurdsson set up Dyer to round Ben Foster before guiding the ball into the back of the net.

Wilfried Bony had a couple of chances to double the advantage, firing just high shortly after the opener, before blasting the ball later in the half.

However, the hosts did manage to extend the lead midway through the period, with Wayne Routledge controlling a high ball into the box before hitting it on the volley.

Swansea could have had a third when Jonas Olsson mis-timed a header, nodding the ball into his own crossbar.

Bony was involved again at the start of the second half as the striker picked up the ball from Dyer just a couple of minutes after the restart, but he could not tap in.

The Welsh side wanted a penalty when Andre Wisdom cleared a Bony effort of the line, with the hosts claiming that the on-loan midfielder used his hand, but the referee waved away their appeal.

It did not matter though, as Swansea did score a third a few minutes later, with Dyer firing a powerful low effort past Foster to complete his brace.

West Brom finished the match strongly as they sought a late consolation goal, but Saido Berahino just missed the target, while Lukasz Fabianski pulled off a late save.

The result leaves Swansea at the top of the Premier League table, while West Brom sit 17th.

Queens Park Rangers 1-0 Sunderland : Charlie Austin strikes gives Queens Park Rangers first win of season

Queens Park Rangers have secured their first win of the new Premier League season after beating Sunderland 1-0 this afternoon.

Both teams looked for an early goal, with Connor Wickham trying to get the ball into the box for the visitors before Joey Barton tried to set up Charlie Austin for QPR.

Rob Green had to make a save a few minutes later as Steven Fletcher unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, but the Hoops' keeper directed it over.

Summer signing Leroy Fer hit the crossbar with a 25-yard effort as he tried to break the deadlock for QPR, but Sunderland were able to clear from the rebound.

Harry Redknapp's side continued to press heading into stoppage time in first half, and finally managed to edge ahead when Austin fired through a crowded penalty area.

Jack Rodwell tried to get Sunderland back on level terms at the start of the second half, but sent his shot straight at Green.

Fletcher was also involved early in the second period as he tried to set up Santiago Vergini, but the defender's shot also went straight into the hands of the keeper.

Green has to remain alert as full time approached, but he kept out a late Jozy Altidore effort to ensure that the hosts held on for the victory.

Newcastle United 3-3 Crystal Palace : Wilfried Zaha rescues late point for Crystal Palace

Wilfried Zaha came off the bench to secure Crystal Palace a point in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Newcastle United at St James' Park this afternoon.

Palace led inside one minute when Dwight Gayle, who scored a hat-trick against Walsall in the League Cup during the week, converted from close range after Tim Krul had denied Marouane Chamakh.

Jason Puncheon came close to making it 2-0 after 10 minutes, but the midfielder could only fire high and wide of the crossbar following bright work from Yannick Bolasie.

Emmanuel Riviere had a half-chance for Newcastle mid-way through the first period after strong play from Siem de Jong, but Scott Dann just beat the forward to the cross.

Moussa Sissoko was next to come close for the home team, but his effort was deflected over the crossbar during a dominant period for the Magpies.

Opportunities continued to arrive late in the half, but it was Daryl Janmaat that poked home Newcastle's equaliser from close range after 37 minutes.

Palace were back in front in the early stages of the second half, however, when Puncheon found the back of the net following bright work from Bolasie.

The away side should have had a third just before the hour mark when Martin Kelly dribbled into the Newcastle box before arrowing one towards the bottom corner, but Krul was on hand to make a brilliant save.

Newcastle were down the other end with Yoan Gouffran after 63 minutes, but Dann came across to deny the Frenchman with a diving challenge.

The home side were level after 73 minutes, however, when Rolando Aarons headed home from close range.

Zaha, who joined Palace on loan from Manchester United last week, had two good opportunities to win it for Palace late on, but was denied by the diving Krul on both occasions.

Aarons then had a chance for the home side after finding some space inside the box, but the teenager curled his effort just wide of the post in what was a stunning cameo.

Aarons was also involved in Newcastle's third when his effort smashed the post and Williamson was on hand to finish from close range, but Palace secured a point in stoppage time when Zaha finished past Krul.

Manchester City 0-1 Stoke City : Mame Biram Diouf hands Stoke City shock win at the Etihad

Former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf scored the only goal of the match as Stoke City picked up a shock win over Manchester City at the Etihad this afternoon.

City's first half-chance arrived after five minutes when Yaya Toure threatened to meet a header from Vincent Kompany, but the Ivorian could not make contact inside a crowded penalty box and the danger was cleared.

City were next to come close after 12 minutes when Bacary Sagna found Samir Nasri inside the box, but the Frenchman's effort was straight at Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The away side had a big penalty shout after 20 minutes when Aleksandar Kolarov appeared to fell Diouf inside the box, but referee Lee Mason was not interested despite contact being made.

Peter Crouch threatened for Stoke just past the 30-minute mark, but his effort from the edge of the box was straight into the arms of England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The home side continued to dominate possession late in the half, but were unable to make the breakthrough, with Toure striking the crossbar in stoppage time.

City had a series of half-chances in the early moments of the second period, but it was Stoke that took the lead just before the hour mark when Diouf raced the length of the field before finishing under Hart, who could not collect.

Stoke had another chance moments later, but Peter Odemwingie could not find the run of Diouf, who would have had a tap-in.

Edin Dzeko came close for City 20 minutes from time, but the forward could not keep his header down. Crouch did keep his header down for Stoke moments later, but his effort was straight at Hart.

City continued to force the issue in the latter stages - and had a couple of penalty appeals - but the champions could not make the breakthrough as Stoke held on for a shock win.

Raheem Sterling: 'Mario Balotelli can replace Luis Suarez'

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has tipped Mario Balotelli to fill the void left by Luis Suarez's exit.

The Italy international joined the Reds from AC Milan for around £16m on Monday, and the 19-year-old thinks that the former Manchester City star can help compensate for Suarez's £75m switch to Barcelona.

He told FourFourTwo: "He's a massive player. The manager has brought him in and it's exciting times for Liverpool. This is a step forward after losing Luis at the start of the season.

"[Balotelli] has come in to try and fill the void left by Luis and I think he has the qualities to do so. I'm looking forward to working with him and I think he can be an important player for the club.

"Obviously we lost a goalscorer in Luis so it's something we're going to need to replace. He'll also bring a presence on the pitch, especially up front, as part of our attack."

Liverpool travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.