₦airaland Forum

Bayer Leverkusen forward Javier Hernandez has reportedly emerged as a surprise transfer target for Chelsea.

On Thursday, it was claimed that Manchester United were likely to beat Chelsea in the race to sign Everton forward Romelu Lukaku, with a £75m deal allegedly being agreed.

However, according to The Mirror, the Blues have wasted little time in adding another name to their growing list of alternatives for the Belgian international.
It has been suggested that they are considering a move for Hernandez, who has also been linked with a transfer to West Ham United ahead of next season.

In his two years at Leverkusen, the Mexican striker has scored 39 goals in 76 appearances in all competitions, but he has a release clause of just £13m in his contract.

Any move could depend on how much first-team football Hernandez would receive after he spent much of his previous time in England with Manchester United on the bench.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/07/07/chelsea-target-javier-hernandez-move/

Ex-Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has vowed to give everything for his new club after joining the Greek champions, Olympiakos from Fernabache.

The 30-year-old signed a two-year deal worth €2 million a year (about N800 million) with an option of an extra year he impresses his new employers.

Speaking on Wednesday after completing what passes as one of the high-profile moves by Nigerian players this summer, Emenike said he is in Greece to give his best and he assured fans he would not disappoint.
“I want to say to our fans that I’m here. I’m here to play and I will always give my best. When I’m on the field, I will give my best, for the club and for the fans,” Emenike vowed after he passed his medical.

While he hopes to hit the ground running, Emenike is now expected to join up with his new teammates who flew out Wednesday morning to Belgium for the second part of their pre-season build-up.
Olympiakos are to play friendlies against Lokeren as well as Dutch club AZ Alkmaar before they return to base on July 16.

Henry Onyekuru, Victor Anichebe and Efe Ambrose among others top the list of Nigerians that have sealed new club deals this summer.
Read More Sports News:https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/07/06/emmanuel-emenike-completes-olympiakos-move-vows-give-greek-champions/

Dani Alves said he does not “play for money” when confirming his exit from Juventus ahead of a prospective move to Manchester City.

Juve chief executive Giuseppe Marotta last week announced Alves’ contract in Turin would be terminated, despite his deal having another season to run, with the right-back set on departing.

The 34-year-old is expected to be reunited with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, under whom he won three LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.

After missing out on a treble with defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final, Alves bade farewell to Juve and expressed how much he enjoyed the 2016-17 campaign in Italy.
“I would like to thank all the Juventus fans for the year I experienced, the team-mates for welcoming me like the professionals that they are, for a club that wins and reaches finals,” he wrote in an Instagram post, insisting money played no part in his decision.

“I think that my respect for this club and its supporters was my dedication, my passion and all the efforts to make this club a greater club every single day.”I apologise to the Juventus fans if sometimes they thought I had done something to offend them. This was never my intention, I just have a very spontaneous approach to life that few understand… although it appears that I am not perfect, however, my heart is pure.
“Today ends our professional relationship and I will take with me all of those who with love and true heart make Juve a great club. As everyone knows, I always say what I think and feel…

“I feel that I should say thank you to Mr Marotta for the opportunity he gave me, he’s a great professional and someone who loves his job like few others…
“I don’t play football for money, I play football because I love the profession and those who are part of it. I leave it up to you to judge what I have done and worked for.

“I love football and money will never keep me in any place.”
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/28/dont-play-money-alves-says-farewell-juve-man-city-move-looms/

Cristiano Ronaldo is angry and hurt but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes the star forward will stay at the club.

Ronaldo has been linked with moves to former club Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain amid accusations – which the player has denied – that he defrauded Spanish tax authorities out of €14.7million.

The 32-year-old star has helped Portugal into the Confederations Cup semi-finals, as they prepare for a clash against Chile on Wednesday.
Perez insists he is unconcerned amid reports linking Ronaldo, who is contracted until 2021, with an exit despite admitting the forward was hurt.

“Cristiano has a contract with Madrid,” he told esRadio on Tuesday.

“What we know is that he told a colleague that he is angry and it was published in A Bola. I haven’t spoken with him.

“I do not give it the importance that is given [in the media]. The only thing that has to be done is to wait and talk after the Confederations Cup.
“He is angry. He is a man of integrity and has fulfilled with his duties. There are many people who have wanted to hurt him with taxes and other topics and he feels it.

“We are delighted that he is in Madrid. If you believe that you will continue on this radio [show] I believe that Cristiano will also stay. I have spoken with [Ronaldo’s agent Jorge] Mendes about him.”
Ronaldo has spent eight seasons at Madrid, winning the Champions League three times and LaLiga twice.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/28/ronaldo-angry-will-stay-madrid-says-perez/

Juventus defender Dani Alves dropped a massive hint that he is set to join Manchester City by praising manager Pep Guardiola.

Alves worked with Guardiola during the City boss’ highly successful four seasons in charge of Barcelona, winning the Champions League twice in that span.

Reports suggest he has agreed a two-year deal move to the Premier League side once he has negotiated his exit from Juve and he did little to dampen that speculation when providing an update on his future.
“Everyone knows my admiration for Pep Guardiola – he is a great coach,” Alves told Brazilian TV show Conversa com Bial when asked if City would be his next team.

Alves also discussed his situation at Juventus after club CEO Giuseppe Marotta suggested he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer despite still having a year left on his contract.

The Brazilian continued: “I don’t know what is happening. I have left the work to my agents in Italy and they have said they would talk to me once they find a resolution on the contract.
“If I go, it will be without any conflicts, without any problems, as opposed to what is being said.”

If confirmed, City’s swoop for Alves will add to the signings of Bernardo Silva and Ederson.

Guardiola was keen to add another right-back to his squad following the exits of out-of-contract duo Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta.

Alves has only spent one year at Juventus, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia, while the club lost out to Real Madrid in the Champions League final this month.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/23/dani-alves-drops-massive-man-city-transfer-hint/

Spain’s public prosecutor has agreed to substitute Lionel Messi’s suspended 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud with a fine.

The Barcelona superstar was given the jail term last July after being found guilty – alongside his father Jorge – of three counts of tax fraud.

It was ruled that Messi, between 2007 and 2009, defrauded Spain of €4.1million relating to earnings from image rights.
An appeal against the sentence was rejected by the Spanish Supreme Court in May.

However, Spanish news agency EFE reports that the public prosecutor has agreed to substitute the sentence for a fine of €255,000.

During the initial trial in 2016, Messi consistently denied any involvement, insisting his focus was only ever on playing football.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/23/messis-prison-sentence-swapped-fine/

Chelsea should forget about signing Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco and give Nathaniel Chalobah a chance, according to Ray Wilkins.

Bakayoko was an integral part of Monaco’s midfield as they claimed the Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League semi-finals, making 51 appearances in all competitions.

His impressive displays earned a first senior France cap in a friendly against Spain last March.

With reports Premier League champions Chelsea are circling and willing to pay in excess of £30million for Bakayoko, Wilkins expressed his dismay that Chalobah continues to be overlooked.
“I was really disappointed to read they are looking at Bakayoko from Monaco,” Wilkins told talkSPORT.

“He is 22 years of age, French and doesn’t get near the national side, but it was quoted Chelsea might be paying £32million.

“Well, in Nathaniel they have got a footballer that can play exactly the same but just needs an opportunity to get in there and play.”
Referencing the European Under-21 Championship where Chalobah is currently representing England, Wilkins said: “You have seen already in the two games he has played up to now he looks a class act in and amongst people of his own age.

“Playing with the top-quality players that they have at Chelsea, he can only improve week to week.”

A product of the Chelsea academy, Chalobah spent spells on loan at Watford, Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading and Napoli before making his Premier League debut for the Blues last season.
The 22-year-old was on the fringes of Antonio Conte’s squad, though, making 15 appearances in all competitions, 10 of which came as a substitute.
Read more Sports News:https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/23/chelsea-forget-bakayoko-give-chalobah-chance-wilkins/

Bayern Munich have released a statement to deny suggestions that star striker Robert Lewandowski is on his way out of the club, while warning potential suitors off making an approach this summer.

The Poland international is one of the most coveted forwards on the planet, having racked up 30 league goals in successive campaigns since controversially joining Bayern from rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Lewandowski’s future at the Allianz Arena has been drawn into question in recent days, however, as agent Maik Barthel suggested that his client has recently grown unhappy.

Reports then emerged in Lewandowski’s homeland claiming that Manchester United and Chelsea are prepared to pounce, with Stamford Bridge his favoured destination for a summer switch.

Bayern have now responded to these claims, stressing that the former Dortmund ace will not be allowed to leave while he still has time to run on his recently-renewed contract.
“Robert Lewandowski is under contract at Bayern and only recently renewed his deal until 2021,” a club statement, released to Sky Deutschland, read. “Bayern Munich waste no thought on a Lewandowski move.

“There are no talks with other clubs, and there won’t be any. If other clubs negotiate with players who are under long-term contracts, they risk FIFA punishment. The agent also confirmed to us that he has not held any contract talks.”
Lewandowski managed 43 goals in 47 appearances overall for Bayern last term, taking his tally to 136 for club and country in the past three years.
Read More Stpotr News: [url][/url]

Spain Under-21s have moved to the brink of qualification for the Under-21 Euro 2017 semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Portugal Under-21s in Group B.

Goals from Saul Niguez and Sandro Ramirez gave their side a two-goal advantage and although Bruma’s stunning volley halved the deficit, Inaki Williams scored a late third to all but confirm Spain’s place in the semi-finals.

During the opening stages, Portugal controlled the pace of the game and had a number of opportunities to take an early lead but after Bruno Fernandes had volleyed over from distance, Daniel Podence struck the inside of the post from 20 yards.

However, slowly but surely, Spain began to assert themselves and midway through the first half, they went ahead through Saul who saw his deflected effort find the bottom corner after he had brilliantly moved past four Portugal players.
Despite falling behind, it was Portugal who continued to impress but long-range attempts from Goncalo Guedes and Fernandes did not trouble Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Spain goal.

Once the game was past the half-hour mark, Spain came back into the match with Gerard Deulofeu curling over from the corner of the area and Hector Bellerin being denied by a smart save from Bruno Varela.

Five minutes before the break, Ramirez – a summer target for Everton – found himself in time and space on the edge of the penalty area but his half-volley went wide of the post.

During the opening moments of the second half, Fernandes had two openings to get Portugal back on level terms but after driving a shot straight at Arrizabalaga, he curled another effort wide of the far post after cutting into the penalty area.
Up the other end, Portugal were equally fortunate to remain just the one goal behind when Marco Asensio’s shot beat Varela, only to see Edgar Ie make a stunning intervention on the line.

Portugal went past the hour mark having the better of proceedings but on 64 minutes, Spain doubled their lead when Ramirez converted from close range after getting on the end of Deulofeu’s low cross.

The goal effectively left Portugal needing three goals to stay in the tournament but they managed to halve the deficit with 13 minutes left through an outrageous effort from Bruma, who found the corner with a volley from 25 yards out after getting on the end of Hector Bellerin’s headed clearance.
Portugal needed to remain on the attack, but that also led to more space in their own penalty area and Denis Suarez exploited that with a shot which just missed the far corner.

With the last kick of the game, Spain made sure of the points with a third through Williams, who ran half of the length of the pitch before finding the bottom corner from just inside the penalty area.

It leaves Spain needing just a point from their game with Serbia to guarantee a place in the last four but given their superior goal difference, only a heavy defeat will prevent them from moving closer to the trophy they last won in 2013.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/21/result-spain-21s-hold-beat-portugal-21s/

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly keen to bring Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta to the Etihad Stadium.

The Spaniard has been a pivotal figure in the Catalan club’s success over the years having spent his entire career so far at the La Liga outfit

Iniesta has a packed trophy cabinet, which includes eight league titles and four Champions League trophies, but according to Calciomercato, Guardiola wants to lure him away from the Camp Nou.
The Italian media outlet claims that the City manager, who worked with the midfielder across a four-year spell at Barcelona, has contacted the 33-year-old in an attempt to persuade him to move to the Premier League.

Iniesta, who broke into Barca’s first team in 2002, has one year left on his current contract.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/21/manchester-city-swoop-barcelona-star-andres-iniesta/

Cristiano Ronaldo will appear in court on July 31 following allegations of tax evasion from Spanish prosecutors, according to reports.

The Spanish media have claimed the Real Madrid star must be in the courtroom in Pozuelo at 11am local time for the beginning of the case.

Ronaldo has been accused by prosecutors of defrauding Spanish tax authorities out of €14.7million, a claim he has strenuously denied.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner is alleged to have created a “business structure” in 2010 to conceal his earnings from image rights between 2011 and 2014.

The allegations have led to uncertainty about the 32-year-old’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Manchester United linked as a possible destination should he opt to leave Spain.

Madrid president Florentino Perez defended the superstar on Monday and insisted he would not be letting his prized asset leave unless a club can meet his €1billion buyout clause.
Read More Sports News:https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/20/ronaldo-set-july-court-date-tax-fraud-case-reports/

Arsene Wenger is adamant Olivier Giroud still has a part to play for Arsenal next season despite a frustrating 2016-17 campaign at the Emirates Stadium.

Giroud only started 17 games in all competitions for the Gunners last season but was still able to contribute an impressive 16 goals.

Injuries played a big part in his lack of action, Giroud suffering groin and foot problems over the course of the campaign.
Reports have suggested the France international could leave the FA Cup winners ahead of 2017-18 – with West Ham heavily linked with a bid – but Wenger insists the 30-year-old can play an important role going forward.

“It has been a frustrating season for him because he has not played a lot,” Wenger is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

“And when he has played well, he has not always played the next match.
“He has won us a lot of points when he has come on because he has scored lots of times. He has qualities that our team need.”
Read More Sports News:https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/20/wenger-arsenal-still-need-girouds-qualities/

Diego Maradona would have liked to see Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo line up alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina’s national side, although he is adamant he still prefers the Barcelona forward.

Maradona is full of praise for Ronaldo, but he would still take Messi over the Portugal superstar regardless of his inability to deliver Argentina the world title.

“Cristiano is an animal,” Maradona told TyC Sports. “I wish he was Argentine.
“But I still prefer Messi. He is enjoying playing football and goes by opponents with ease.

“Leo cannot deliver the World Cup on his own. Even if he does not win a World Cup, we will still remember him.”
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/19/maradona-wish-ronaldo-argentine/

Antonio Conte‘s Chelsea future is reportedly in doubt as he stalls on signing a new contract due to ongoing frustrations with the way the club is being run ahead of next season.

The Italian tactician does not currently see his squad as capable of retaining their Premier League title whilst also competing for the Champions League, and is demanding substantial changes to the setup.

Conte only joined Chelsea last summer after success with Juventus and the Italian national team, and guided the Blues to the Premier League title and FA Cup final in his first campaign in charge.
However, things appear to be turning sour as the 47-year-old is unhappy with four key areas of the club’s running, mostly in relation to their activity in the transfer market.

According to the Daily Record, Conte is said to be demanding a direct line of communication to Abramovich and influential transfer chief Marina Granovskaia as one of his priorities.

Conte is also keen to revamp his coaching staff, the whole of Chelsea’s academy, and feels owed improved financial terms after his immediate success at Stamford Bridge.
The former Juve boss’ current contract runs until 2019 but it was claimed at the end of the season that an extension to that deal was looking imminent.

However, that is yet to be announced by Chelsea and they now fear they could face the embarrassment of losing their manager early, with former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel already being considered as a potential replacement.
The champions do have reason to fear Conte’s willingness to walk away from the club is genuine, as he made decisions to leave both Juventus and Italy relatively suddenly, with his situation in Turin not dissimilar to the one now unfolding in west London.

Previous Chelsea managers Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti have also seemed to struggle to forge a strong and effective working relationship with owner Abramovich despite delivering title success.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/16/chelsea-line-thomas-tuchel-antonio-conte-replacement-fears-losing-italian/

Juventus have expressed their condolences after it was confirmed a fan that was injured during a stampede at a Champions League final fan zone in Turin has died.

It was reported that over 1,500 fans were hurt after a stampede was triggered by a crowd watching the Bianconeri’s 4-1 loss to Real Madrid on June 3.

The releasing of firecrackers sparked panic as supporters watched the showpiece on giant screens in the Piazza San Carlo in the city, and it was confirmed on Thursday that fan Erika Pioletti has passed away.
And Juve paid their respects via a statement on the club’s official website.

“Juventus Football Club would like to express its sincere condolences for the death of Erika,” the Italian champions said in a statement.

“The events that took place in Turin and the city’s victims of the tragedy on 3 June remain in the hearts and minds of all involved with the club.”
Video footage emerged showing fans rushing forward and leaping over railings to escape an incident that occurred further back in the square.

It has been claimed that many became frightened that the loud bangs could have been as a result of a terrorist attack in the square.

It has also been reported that a railing at the top of a stairwell leading to an underground car park gave way, causing people to run to safety.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/16/juve-express-condolences-fan-dies-following-champions-league-stampede/

Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio believes there is no room for even Lionel Messi at the European champions.

Asensio, 21, has been linked with a move away from the LaLiga giants, but is expected to sign a new deal with Madrid.

Several players from Zinedine Zidane’s star-studded squad are linked with switches to get more game time, including James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata.
But Asensio is happy with the Madrid squad as is, saying not even Barcelona and Argentina star Messi could be added.

“Not right now,” he told Marca when asked if Messi would fit at Madrid.

“The squad is very good as it is. If we stay as we are, it’s perfect.”

Asensio made 23 league appearances for Madrid in 2016-17, scoring three goals.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/16/messi-wouldnt-fit-real-madrid-asensio/

There is no doubt that Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will retain the Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi, according to former team-mate Hugo Almeida.

It was another memorable season for four-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who helped Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League glory.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions – 25 coming in LaLiga as Madrid were crowned champions of Spain for the first time since 2012 after dethroning Barcelona.

He netted 12 in Europe – including a match-winning brace in the 4-1 Champions League final victory against Juventus – to seal the competition’s top scorer award for a record fifth successive season and the sixth time in his career as Madrid became the first side to retain the trophy under its current guise.
Barca’s Messi netted 54 during the 2016-17 campaign but Almeida – who played alongside Ronaldo for Portugal and scored 19 goals in 57 caps – has backed his former international colleague to clinch a record-equalling fifth Ballon d’Or.

“Of course he will win the Ballon d’Or,” Almeida – now playing for AEK in Greece – told Omnisport.

“He won LaLiga and the Champions League what more can you want?
“In the final stages of the Champions League, he scored 10 goals against the biggest teams – Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.

“No doubt that he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

Despite his exploits in 2016-17, Ronaldo was still heavily scrutinised by his own fans in Madrid.

Madrid’s all-time leading scorer – who has now recorded 600 career goals – was the target of boos and whistles at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldo has publicly voiced his frustration over the treatment and Almeida said it is unwarranted.

“It’s unfair. He doesn’t have to prove anything to nobody,” Almeida continued.

“Every year he does something great, makes records. People think he will go down but he is not. He is coming and coming more stronger.

“He is the best in the world… he is a machine.”
Read More Sorts News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/16/real-madrid-machine-ronaldo-will-win-ballon-dor-almeida/

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho tops the list of Manchester City £130million players clear-out as the Citizens try to fund half of their huge summer transfer spree, claims Manchester Evening News.

The Blues are prepared to spend up to £300million this summer to rebuild Pep Guardiola ‘s squad – and have already shelled out £78million to land Bernardo Silva and Ederson .

But with Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy also in their sights, as well as a centre back – and possibly a big-name striker like Alexis Sanchez or Kylian Mbappe – the Blues are heading for the biggest spend in their history.
This summer they are gearing up for a big sale, led by Kelechi Iheanacho and Joe Hart, for whom the Blues aim to get £25million each.

The club is planning to avoid the policy of loaning out star names who are surplus to requirements and will instead try to shift them off the books.

That means that the four former first-teamers who spent last season on loan are all available for a cut price. As well as Hart, Eliaquim Mangala (£18m) Samir Nasri (£10m), and Wilfried Bony (£10m) could all be shipped out.
The Blues plan to almost double the fee they paid for Fabian Delph by getting £15m, with Stoke and West Brom both interested.

And they aim to make a small profit on Nolito, having already told interested Sevilla there will be no loan and the price is £15million.

And with Enes Unal already sold to Villarreal for £12.5million despite never being involved in the City first team squad, and free agents Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Willy Caballero all off the wage bill, the Blues are off to a good start.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/15/kelechi-iheanacho-tops-list-manchester-city-130million-players-clear/

Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben has acknowledged he is slowly nearing the end of his career and he is already thinking about life after football.

The Netherlands international recently signed a new deal with the Bundesliga champions that will keep him at the Allianz Arena until 2018.

He has yet to make a final decision on whether he will keep playing at that point, but the attacker is aware that he is approaching retirement.
“I am approaching the end of my career, that is the reality,” Robben told Kicker.

“More and more, I am starting to look forward to whatever is coming my way after my career.

“I am very relaxed, I am not worried too much about what will happen in 2018. I am just focusing on the here and now.

“The one thing I know for sure is that I will return to Netherlands after my career, to Groningen. I still have close ties with my boyhood club. I might be able to do something there.
“But I want six months away from the game first and just don’t do anything at all.”

The 33-year-old scored 13 goals in 26 Bundesliga outings in 2016-17.
Read More Sports News:https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/15/robben-feels-approaching-end-career/

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes Paul Pogba proved a point to his detractors with his performance in Tuesday’s friendly win over England.

The Manchester United midfielder produced a superb display as Didier Deschamps’ side recorded a 3-2 win in Paris, despite having been reduced to 10 men following Raphael Varane’s red card.

Pogba has been accused in some quarters of failing to justify United’s decision to pay a world-record fee of £89million to sign him from Juventus last year, although he did finish 2016-17 with winners’ medals in the EFL Cup and Europa League.
But Tottenham captain Lloris expects the 24-year-old to show continued improvement next season and beyond.

“Maybe he had some things to prove, because he belongs to one of the best clubs in the world and he plays in the Premier League, and he has to show his level,” said Lloris.

“Against England, he was fantastic and as a midfielder he helped the team a lot to manage the ball. I have no doubt that he will get better and better.”
Lloris went on to suggest that he has been trying to convince Thomas Lemar to join him at Spurs.

The 21-year-old Monaco star has been linked with a move to England’s top flight in recent weeks, and when asked if he had encouraged him to consider Spurs, Lloris answered: “You’re right to ask the question, but I cannot reply!”

He continued: “The Premier League is very exciting. All the Premier League clubs have the capacity and the ability to sign the best players in the world.
“In France, we used to have a lot of talented players and it’s true that the new generation are fantastic, but we need to give them time to get the right maturity. But, as they showed this week, they are ready to compete at the best level. Let’s see what will happen in the Premier League.”
Read More Sport News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/15/pogba-proved-point-england-says-lloris/

Lorenzo Insigne has been linked with a move to Chelsea but his priority remains Napoli, according to the Italy international’s agent.

The Premier League champions are reported to be considering a £45million bid to buy Insigne, who signed a new Napoli contract until 2022 in April.

Insigne hit 18 league goals as Maurizio Sarri’s side finished third in Serie A and was also on target in Italy’s 5-0 demolition of Liechtenstein on Sunday.
The 26-year-old’s representative Franco della Monica accepted there has been interested in his client but suggested Insigne would stay at Napoli, with a bid of £45m insufficient to secure his services.

“I would start by saying the offer reported in The Sun would be low and he has always been in the sights of many clubs,” Della Monica told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“The priority for Lorenzo, though, is to be wearing the Napoli shirt and to be rewarded in an important way by his team. Now he has both and he is happy as well.”
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/14/45m-chelsea-bid-low-napoli-star-insigne/

The omens look good for Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger after the Premier League’s fixture computer released an interesting card for the first matchday of 2017-18.

Wednesday’s announcement saw promoted Brighton and Hove Albion handed a home opener against Guardiola’s Manchester City, while Newcastle United take on last season’s runners-up Tottenham.

Holders Chelsea are up against Burnley, Arsenal play Leicester City, Manchester United take on West Ham and Liverpool are at Watford.

With the clock now ticking for the new season, we pick out some of the best Opta statistics for the opening weekend:



Arsenal v Leicester City

– Leicester is on a 21-game winless run against Arsenal in the Premier League (D7 L14), with their only win against the Gunners coming in their first ever Premier League encounter in 1994.
– Arsenal has won each of their last 10 league home encounters with Leicester City; their joint-longest winning streak at home against a single opponent.
– Arsenal lost to West Ham and Liverpool in their last two opening-day games, but have not lost three in a row since 1960.

Brighton v Manchester City

– Manchester City have won each of their last six opening day contests in the Premier League, the best current run in the competition.
– Sergio Aguero has five goals in six previous opening day matches for Manchester City.

– Brighton have won just one of their last five opening fixtures to a league season (D1 L3).

Chelsea v Burnley

– Just one of the previous 25 reigning Premier League champions have lost their opening game in the following season – Leicester City v Hull City in 2016 (W20 D4 L1).
– Chelsea have won more points on the opening day than any other Premier League club (54).
– Burnley have lost all three Premier League opening-day fixtures, scoring just one goal in those three games.

Manchester United v West Ham

– Jose Mourinho has won seven of his previous eight opening-day Premier League fixtures as a manager (D1).
– West Ham have lost more opening-day fixtures than any other Premier League club (10).

– United are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home games with West Ham (W7 D2 L0) – their last league defeat against the Hammers at Old Trafford was in 2007.
Newcastle United v Tottenham

– Rafael Benitez has not lost any of his previous eight Premier League home games as a manager against Spurs (W5 D3 L0).
– This is the seventh successive Premier League season that Tottenham will play their opening Premier League game away from home.

– Harry Kane has never scored a Premier League goal in August (10 games).

Watford v Liverpool

– Liverpool have won each of their last four opening day Premier League matches, after failing to win any of the previous four.
– Watford have lost their last three Premier League meetings with Liverpool, with an aggregate score of 1-9 in the Reds’ favour.

– Watford are yet to record an opening day Premier League win, losing twice and drawing twice.
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/14/magnificent-mourinho-good-omens-wenger-premier-league-opening-day-opta-numbers/

Cristiano Ronaldo’s representatives have strongly denied an accusation that the Real Madrid forward concealed earnings and defrauded the Spanish tax authorities out of €14.7million.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prosecutors in Madrid filed a complaint to a court in Pozuelo de Alarcon that accused the four-time Ballon d’Or winner of a “voluntary” and “conscious” breach of his tax obligations.

The complaint suggested Ronaldo had created a “business structure” in 2010 to conceal earnings from image rights between 2011 and 2014.

However, Gestifute – the company owned by the 32-year-old’s agent Jorge Mendes – issued a statement detailing their client’s arrangements for payments related to his image rights and insisted “there has never been concealment, or the slightest intention to conceal”.
Gestifute said the company, Tollin, does not amount to an offshore structure for evading taxes and was established in 2004 when Ronaldo signed for Manchester United.

“The Public Prosecutor has filed today a complaint against Cristiano Ronaldo and not a claim, which implies a substantial change,” the statement read.

“The Public Prosecutor understands that CR [Ronaldo] is participating in an offshore structure, similar to that of other players, when most of the revenues were obtained directly by the player, without the participation of any of his societies.

“The rest of his revenues were paid to the player and declared in Spain according to the terms that the player’s advisors considered applicable.
“There is no offshore structure for evading taxes. Tollin is 100 per cent owned by Cristiano Ronaldo since its foundation in 2004. It was founded when the player arrived at Manchester United, six years before his signing for Real Madrid and the net profits were €12.753.685,28 euros.”

Gestifute then detailed Tollin’s distribution of taxes during his time in England before insisting no altered arrangements were put in place when Ronaldo made a then-world record move to Madrid in 2009.

The statement continued: “When Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid, he maintained the same structure he had in the UK. No other structure was created at that moment.
“Throughout all of the above mentioned years, CR never had a tax problem, contrary to what the Spanish Prosecutors insinuate. All contractual modifications to [the] structure have been made to guarantee that the incomes fully observe the Spanish tax regulation.”

The statement went on to detail Ronaldo’s previous co-operation with the Spanish tax authorities and concluded: “The declared amount can be discussed, but it is clear that the football player did not try to evade taxes.”
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/14/ronaldo-denies-tax-fraud-complaint/

Monaco star Kylian Mbappe revealed Real Madrid had been chasing him since he was 14 as speculation continues over his future.

Mbappe, 18, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Ligue 1 champions, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.

The teenager is contracted until 2019 at the Stade Louis II, but Madrid is among the clubs linked to the forward.

Speaking after France’s 3-2 win over England in a friendly on Tuesday, Mbappe said he was unsure what his future held.
“We’re going to go away with the family and we’ll think about what’s going to happen,” he said.

“We have to sort it out, see what happens with the club too because I’m under contract with a club. I’m not free. We’ll see what’s happening.

“Real Madrid? They have been trying to recruit me since I was 14.”

Mbappe set up the winner for a 10-man France in Paris with his pass to Ousmane Dembele for a 78th-minute goal.
Read More Sport News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/14/mbappe-madrid-wanted-14/

Having dominated their respective continents just a year ago, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez will take on the best from around the world at the Confederations Cup.

Ronaldo dragged Portugal to the final of Euro 2016, where they sealed glory despite the Real Madrid star’s injury, while Sanchez and Chile tasted Copa America glory for a second year in a row.

World Cup champions Germany have selected an experimental squad as they look ahead to defending their crown in Russia next year, so A Seleccao and La Roja are bringing the star quality.

But which of the stellar attackers is best set to shine this year? With Opta data, we analyse Ronaldo and Sanchez’s campaigns at Real Madrid and Arsenal respectively…

THE TROPHY HAULS

Ronaldo: LaLiga, Champions League, Club World Cup

Sanchez: FA Cup

Arsenal’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could prompt Sanchez’s departure, despite their impressive FA Cup final win over Chelsea. Sanchez scored a contentious opener at Wembley, but staying at Arsenal will mean no place at Europe’s top table for the Chilean, after Arsene Wenger’s side finished fifth in the Premier League.
While continental success is beyond the Gunners, it is becoming routine for Los Blancos to lift ‘Big Ears’. A third Champions League in four years was secured with a 4-1 win over Juventus in Cardiff – Ronaldo scoring twice in a dominant display. Ronaldo also contributed to Madrid’s first league crown in five years, including a goal in their title-clinching win at Malaga.

THE STATS

Ronaldo in LaLiga:

Games: 29
Goals: 25
Assists: 6
Mins per goal: 101.76

Shot conversion %: 15.43

Sanchez in the Premier League:
Games: 38
Goals: 24
Assists: 10
Mins per goal: 134.29

Shot conversion %: 18.6

Ronaldo in the Champions League:

Games: 13
Goals: 12
Assists: 5
Mins per goal: 100

Shot conversion %: 16.44

Sanchez in the Champions League:

Games: 8
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Mins per goal: 221.33

Shot conversion %: 20

ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE

Both players started the season having enjoyed crowning glories with their countries, but it hasn’t been the same for both since then.

Ronaldo has scored a blistering 12 goals in just six games for Portugal since the Euro 2016 final, helping Fernando Santos’ side keep pace with Switzerland in World Cup qualifying after losing to them in the Madrid star’s absence.

On the other hand, Sanchez has only managed to score in two of his eight Chile appearances following Copa America glory. La Roja remain mired in a tangle of nations above Argentina – who occupy CONMEBOL’s play-off spot – hoping to keep their heads above water in the race to Russia.
HOW MUCH LEFT IN THE TANK?

International success after long domestic seasons often comes down to who can keep their players freshest and Portugal may benefit from Zinedine Zidane’s decision to rest Ronaldo for a number of their games late in the Liga season as Madrid sought a double.

Ronaldo ended 2016-17 with 4,634 minutes under his belt for club and country.

Sanchez on the other hand, clocked up 4,888 minutes for Arsenal and Chile, three games’ worth more fixtures. Ronaldo’s season also started later than Sanchez’s as he recovered from the knee ligament injury sustained in the Euro 2016 final.
Read More Sport News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/14/cristiano-ronaldo-alexis-sanchez-set-dominate-confederations-cup/

Antoine Griezmann will sign a new five-year contract with Atletico Madrid that will retain his €100million release clause, according to the club’s president.

The France international has confirmed his desire to stay at the club despite heavy speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The 26-year-old said it would be wrong of him to force an exit in the wake of the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to uphold the transfer ban imposed on the club by FIFA.
Griezmann has since agreed to a new deal that will reportedly double his wages but not see an increase in his release clause, which is understood to be set at €100m.

When asked about the contract by Cadena SER, Enrique Cerezo said: “Yes, it’s one more year and the release clause will remain the same.

“The issue of the money is a private one. We have maintained a confidentiality agreement with respect to the money.
“I said many times that Griezmann would not leave. After months and months of reporting, time has proved me right.”

Atleti are banned from registering new players before January of next year after FIFA found them guilty of breaching regulations over the transfer of minors.

Diego Simeone’s side are nonetheless being linked with a number of possible reinforcements, including Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who says he has been told by manager Antonio Conte that he can leave.
“He is the one that has to say and decide,” Cerezo said of Costa. “Costa is a Chelsea player and we can’t even say that we are interested. What I can say is that we are in a situation where we are working for the future.”
Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/13/new-griezmann-contract-will-keep-e100m-release-clause-cerezo/

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has insisted that he will not alter the aggressive side of his game despite questions over his temperament.

Alli has already served a couple of bans for disciplinary transgressions during his relatively short career, most notably a three-game suspension for punching West Bromwich Albion midfielder Claudio Yacob last year.

The 21-year-old was also criticised for a rash challenge on Gent’s Brecht Dejaegere which earned him a straight red card during his side’s Europa League clash, but Alli believes that his aggressive streak is an important part of his game.
“I know there are mixed opinions about it but that’s the player I am and it’s been in my game ever since I was a youngster. It’s not something I am looking to change to be honest. Obviously I have made a few mistakes and hopefully you can tell that I have learnt from them but, like I say, it’s not something that I am worried about,” he told the Daily Mail.

“After the West Brom game I regretted that straight away. It was one of those moments that I have learnt from and I’ve not done anything like that again. There was also the challenge in the Europa League. I know it looked really bad and it was a really bad tackle but I know, myself, that I would never go out to hurt someone. It was just a poorly timed tackle and I apologised to the guy straight away.

“To be doing a challenge like that on someone is horrible. Horrible for me as well to think about it. I apologised and felt sorry and I’ve learnt from it, it was a mistake. But maybe if I didn’t have that in my game I wouldn’t have achieved as much as I have done so far at this age. Like I say, I am going to keep doing what I do and keep looking to improve. You have to make mistakes to learn from them and I have learnt from every one so far.”
Alli is currently on international duty with England and featured in his side’s 2-2 draw with Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/12/will-not-change-playing-style-dele-alli/

Yes You guys are good and you're doing great, but It will be more honourable and a thing of pride to represent your country and to be part of it success story in the world of football.

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has claimed that speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona is “complicated”.

The Spanish giants are thought to be keen on bringing the Brazilian playmaker to the Camp Nou this summer following a season which saw him score a career-best 13 league goals.

However, Coutinho only signed a new five-year deal at Anfield in January, and he insists that he is solely focused on his current international duties with Brazil.

“Talking about this [transfer speculation] is complicated. I have a contract with my club and it is long. So my focus is on the present and the national team. My focus is here,” the 25-year-old told reporters.

Coutinho is set to captain Brazil for the first time on Tuesday when they take on Australia at the MCG.

Read More Sports News: https://www.sportlineng.com/2017/06/12/barcelona-speculation-complicated-philippe-coutinho/

I believe chelsea will carry the day today and i just can't wait for the blues to lift the trophy immediately after their match against westbrom.