Atletico comprehensively beat Chelsea

Chelsea were comprehensively beaten in the Super Cup as Radamel Falcao scored a hat-trick to inspire Atletico Madrid to victory in Monaco.

Falcao struck a shot against the crossbar before beautifully dinking in his first past keeper Petr Cech.
He curled in a shot with Chelsea in disarray and ended a counter attack with a left-foot finish for his third.
Miranda slotted in a ruthless Atletico's fourth, while Gary Cahill lashed in a shot for the Blues.

In a match pitting European champions Chelsea against the Europa League winners, it was the latter who deservedly came out on top with Falcao in irresistible form.
Super Cup record

The Colombian, who scored 24 La Liga goals and 12 in Europe last season, came into the game on the back of a hat-trick and quickly took advantage of a lethargic Chelsea defence.

Having seen an early shot come back off the crossbar, he expertly lifted the ball over the on-rushing Cech when played through on goal.

A stunned Chelsea were being overrun and another incisive move ended with Falcao curling a left-foot shot into the top corner from just inside the box.

Roberto Di Matteo's side were exposed time and again, the scale of their defeat coming as a surprise given they had gone into the game leading the Premier League after three straight wins.

But Atletico had an intensity and urgency missing from Chelsea's play, and Falcao was again denied by the woodwork when he headed against the post.

However, he did not have long to wait to complete his hat-trick as Atletico countered, Chelsea backtracked and Falcao latched on to an Arda Turan pass before slotting past Cech.

Chelsea's lacklustre play was epitomised by their lazy response to a free-kick as Mario Suarez diverted the set-piece to Miranda, who steered home a shot.

Cahill scored a late goal for Chelsea but it did nothing to disguise the dominance of Atletico.
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Maicon now a Manc!

Manchester City have signed Brazil international right-back Maicon from Inter Milan for an undisclosed fee.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini managed the 31-year-old Brazilian right back for two seasons between 2006 and 2008 when in charge of Inter.

The Brazilian defender began his career at Cruziero and had a spell in France at Monaco, before moving to Serie A giants Inter Milan and made 235 appearances for the Italian side.

Maicon will join up with his new teammates after the international break.

A right-back renowned for his attacking instincts, he scored 20 goals for Inter and has nearly 70 caps for Brazil.

Maicon will now join winger Scott Sinclair, who signed from Swansea, and goalkeeper Richard Wright, Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia and Fiorentina defender Matija Nastasic who have all joined current Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad.
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Shaqiri makes big impression

Shaqiri was behind many headlines last season during Basel's UEFA Champions League run. Yet even his biggest admirers doubted he could make an immediate impact after his switch to Bayern München in the summer. However, the 20-year-old Swiss international's pre-season with the German giants suggested that he would make an immediate impact.

For Bayern it has been an age since their last league title, with the club playing second fiddle to the current Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund for the past two campaigns. Though, Shaqiri has the Bavarian faithful believing they may have found the answer to their domestic problems.

Last season Bayern were accused of being unable to break down teams who sat deep and defended. Despite having some of Europe's most creative talents, such as Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery, in their ranks, Bundesliga opponents would often find a way to frustrate the eventual UEFA Champions League runners-up.

Shaqiri's performance in Bayern's 4-0 German Cup win against second-tier SSV Jahn Regensburg hinted that the young Swiss sensation may hold the key to unlocking well organized German defenses. During the German Cup match Shaqiri was introduced at the interval, shortly after he's introduction he scored a trademark free-kick before pulling the strings to set up two more.

"After Shaqiri came on, we played much more confidently," said coach Jupp Heynckes. "With him, we were more effective and better than before. I pushed the Shaqiri transfer and everyone who knows my opinion of him knows there is no danger of him sinking into obscurity. He has everything a footballer needs and shows it on a daily basis.

A reported transfer fee of €11.6m did not gain much currency with the rest of the Bayern squad; Shaqiri has earned his status on merit. "In the beginning you could see that the others did not have that much respect for me," he said. "'Okay, there is the little Swiss, is how it came across but this has changed now."

Many thought this would be a transitional season for the young Swiss starlet, with appearances from the bench. Yet there is such a buzz around the youngster that he started Bayern's first league game yesterday against Greuther Fürth.

Bayern so the game comfortably after goals from Müller, Mandzukic as well as an own goal.



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Rooney out for Four weeks with thigh injury

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will miss four weeks after suffering a gash on his thigh during his sides 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford yesterday.

Rooney was injured when he blocked a free kick and Fulham's Hugo Rodallega landed on Rooney's thigh. Rooney was carried off on a stretcher and will now miss two of England's World Cup qualifiers.

Ferguson said the Rooney was whisked off immediately to hospital and he admitted it looked like a bad one.

Rooney had started the game on the bench and came on in the 68th moinute to replace United new boy Shinji Kagawa, though, he lasted less then 25 minuted before being forced off due to the gash in his thigh.

The 26 year old England striker will miss England's qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine, as well as three league games against Southampton, Wigan and Liverpool.
Without Rooney, Ferguson will have to rely heavily on Robin van Persie who scored his first goal for the club yesterday.

Nuri Sahin joins Liverpool on loan

Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin has completed his move to Liverpool on a season long loan deal, after Arsenal ended their interest in the player.

The deal for the talented Turkish international was swung in Liverpool's favor after the Anfield club offered to pay a larger portion of Sahin's £115,000 a week wages.

Sahin, who has been capped by Turkey 31 times, passed his medical yesterday ahead of today's game against the Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Turkish international was expected to join Arsenal after he privately expressed a preference for the Gunners. However, the deal stalled after Real and Arsenal failed to agree a £14 million option to buy the player at the end of the loan deal. Liverpool and Real then agreed a deal, with Sahin's agent meeting Liverpool officials earlier this week to agree terms.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho had given Sahin the go ahead to move to the Premier League after the playmaker failed to make an impression at the Bernabeu since his move from the Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund last summer.

Sahin signed at six year deal with the current La Liga champions Real Madrid, but made just 11 appearances for the last season. In an interview on Liverpool's website, Sahin revealed he was at the Ataturk stadium when Liverpool came from 3-0 behind to beat AC Milan on penalties to win the 2005 Champions League.

Liverpool have acquired a player who is extremely talented, he's got great technique and motivation and will fit in perfectly in Brendan Rodgers playing model.

A new era at The Bridge

Stamford bridge is reshaping to be the fortress it once was, with a squad of youthful talent. Owner Roman Abramovich's spending spree has sent a clear message out to the Manchester clubs as well as the rest of Europe's elite that he wants The Blues to once again challenge for top honours domestically as well as retain their title of European champions.

Signings like Oscar, Kevin De Bruyn, Marko Marin and brothers Eden and Thorgan Hazard, not forgetting the youth that Chelsea already possess such as Daniel Sturridge, Lucas Piazon, Romeu, Ryan Bertrand, Romelu Lukaku with signings like Victor Moses and Cesar Azpilicueta still on the cards for Chelsea, it has been a busy transfer period for the Blues.

Chelsea also have a squad of settled players with the likes of David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Juan Mata and Ramires who will surely be there for the long term. The Blues will be looking to revive the legacy that Jose Mourinho left before he departed and manager Roberto Di Mitteo will have a host of incredibly talented youngsters at his disposal this season although De Bruyn and Lukaku have been sent out on loan for experience to Werder Bremen and West Brom respectively on season long loan deals.

With the players that Chelsea have its a great foundation for a squad that could only grow from strength to strength, clinching many titles on the way. Roman Abramovich will be hoping with all the money he has vested in the blues squad they would be able to emulate the achievements of last season in the champions league, his so called "holy grail".

The squad has been reshaped and revived with players who are more creative and attack minded, the talent in this squad could be compared to the likes of players in clubs such Real Madrid and Barcelona whom have some of the greatest talents that football has to offer.

The intentions of Chelsea have been made clear, we already see Eden Hazard although only two games into the season showing his quality, Oscar an undoubtedly talented youngster who has so much to offer and his fellow Brazilian Lucas Piazon, whom many haven't heard of, is brilliant on the ball. The stars that Chelsea have acquired have five star ratings and will definitely help this team progress and once again be challenging for top honors domestically and in Europe.


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Miralles turn down Gunners for Everton

Everton new boy Kevin Miralles has said that he turned down a move to Arsenal to sign for David Moyes's Everton in a £6 million move from Greek side Olympiakos.

The Belgian striker, who missed Everton's 1-0 win at Goodison Park against Manchester United due too him signing too late to be registered, is likely to make his debut at the weekend.

"Discussions were at quite an advanced stage with Arsenal," said Mirallas.
"[But] I think I had a possibility of playing in more games, for longer periods, with Everton."

Arsenal have signed strikers Lukas Podolski from Cologne and Olivier Giroud form French Ligue 1 champions Montpellier and saw Robin Van Persie leave in a £24 million move to Manchester United. And Kevin Miralles believes he made the right decision to join the Toffees. "It was always clear that it was going to be totally down to me to make the decision [about who to join]," he said.
"What's important for me at this stage in my Premiership career, just about to embark in a new league, is to get plenty of time on the field."

Kevin Miralles has scored 7 times for Belgium and helped Olympiakos to a 39th league title last season. Miralles was introduced to the Everton fans before Monday's victory over United, when his when his fellow countryman Marouane Fellaini scored a second half winner, and he hopes to make his Everton debut at Aston Villa on Saturday.

"It was important to get a big game and a big result under our belt," said Mirallas, who admits the presence of fellow Belgian Fellaini in the Everton team was also an influencing factor in him moving to Goodison Park.
"We now need to build on that. Hopefully I will be able to take part in Saturday's game."

Miralles joins a host of other Belgian talents in the Premier League including Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal); Eden and Thorgan Hazard (Chelsea); Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea); Moussa Dembele (Fulham); Vincent Kompany (Man City); Simon Mignolet (Sunderland); and Marouane Fellaini (Everton).

Fergie rues goal threat!

Fergie rues goal threat!


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that his team failed to get the best out of Dutch striker Robin Van Persie during their defeat against Everton at Goodison Park.

Everton's Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini got Everton's winner in the second half to beat a United side missing four defenders, including Rio Ferdinand, due to injury. Due to the defensive deficiencies Michael Carrick filled in at centre back with winger Antonio Valencia starting at right back. Dutch striker Robin Van Persie, who signed from Arsenal for £24 million, came on in the second half after Fellaini's goal to make his United debut, though, he didn't get a shot on target.

"We played around him too much. We didn't show enough penetration," said Ferguson.
"With Robin in your team, you know you want to use his ability against centre-backs in situations he is very good at, but we didn't use him enough."

Although most fans were looking forward to last seasons top scorer's Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie starting for United, Fergie opted to pair Rooney and Danny Welbeck upfront due to Van Persie's lack of match fitness. Though, Van Persie did make his debut when he came on for Welbeck in the 68th minute. United, however, failed to break down an Everton side who had a fantastic first half and defended excellently in the second half and ended up losing their opening fixture for the first time in eight years.

Ferguson admitted his side failed to cope with Toffees forward Fellaini, adding: "Fellaini is a handful. He is a big, tall, gangly lad and they just lumped the ball forward to him. That's all they did. They worked from that base all the time and they got a goal from him, so it's justified."

Fergie was missing four defenders for the trip to Goodison with Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling all injured, though, he had no criticism of Michael Carrick's performance at centre back. David De Gea had an excellent game in goals and denied Everton a host of chances to take the lead.

Disappointing start for United, the problems at centre back need to solved and the issues in midfield need to be sorted out. Although, United failed to get the three points it's not the end of the world as it's a long season ahead and 10 days left in the transfer window for United to solve their obvious issues in midfield.

The Song's over for Arsenal

Arsenal's Alex Song is close to completing his move to Barcelona after the two clubs agreed a fee for the midfielder.

The 24 year old Cameroonian midfielder, who was not included in Arsenal's 0-0 draw against Sunderland yesterday, is set for contract talks and a medical ahead of the completion of the deal. Though, Arsene Wenger is lining up Real Madrid's 23 year old Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin as a replacement on a season long loan deal.

Wenger said: "It's always frustrating losing good players, but we have plenty of players in midfield,"

"We could bring in further players, Nuri Sahin is on [of the names we are chasing]."

Sahin could join Arsenal on a season long loan deal, though Liverpool have also been linked with the former Borussia Dortmund playmaker.

Song, who had two years left on his contract, joined Arsenal as a 17 year old from French side Bastia in 2005. He arrived on an initial loan deal with a £2.75 million fee agreed to make the move permanent.

Since then Song has gone on to make over 200 appearances for Arsenal, which included 34 last season.

Arsenal do have cover in that area with Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky close to a return to full match fitness, and Wenger is happy with the options he has.

Wenger has also brought it strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, though, their top scorer and captian Robin Van Persie has joined Manchester United.

And so it begins!

Today the greatest show on earth begins again, the Barclays Premier League.

So I thought I'd put up a few predictions for this season.

Top 3:

1. United
2. City
3. Chelsea

Champions League:

Spurs/Newcastle

Europa League:

Liverpool

Relegated:

18. Swansea
19. Southampton/Wigan
20. Reading

What's your predictions for this season's Premier League?

Robin Van Persie completes United move

Fergie's got his man!

Robin Van Persie has completed his £24 million move to Manchester United from Arsenal.

The 29 year old Dutch striker signed a £250 000 a week four year deal at Old Trafford and looks set to make his debut at Everton on Monday.

Van Persie said: "Its an honor to sign for Manchester United. I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can't wait to get started."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Robin is a world class striker with a proven record in England and in European football. His talents need no introduction to our fans. He has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club, his movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding."

United now boast one of the most formidable strike forces in England and Europe, with two of last seasons tops scorers (Robing Van Persie and Wayne Rooney).

Ferguson has even gone as far as to say that his current strike force of Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and Javier Hernandez is close to his 1999 treble wining strike force of Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester City will have to fight tooth and nail to retain their Premier League title from the Red half of Manchester!

Robin Van Persie on the way to United

All smiles as United agree deal for Van Persie

The RVP saga is finally drawing to a close after Manchester United and Arsenal agreed a fee for the Dutch striker.

United have beaten of competition from the current Premier League champions Manchester City and Serie A champions Juventus to sign last season's top scorer who fired an incredible 30 goals in the Premier League for Arsenal. RVP will travel to Manchester on Thursday to agree personal terms and undergo a medical.

The 29 year old Dutch striker, who will become the first player to leave Arsenal for Manchester United since Viv Anderson in the 1980's, has been the centre of the summer's most high profile transfer saga after the striker went public with his announcement that he would not sign a new deal at the Emirates.

The fee is rumored to be in the region of £22 million pounds after add-ons. Van Persie is likely to partner Wayne Rooney upfront in a formidable United attack. Rooney finished behind Van Persie with 27 goals last season.

Sir Alex Ferguson has finally got his marquee signing of the summer, which will leave United looking a lot stronger after the acquisitions of Crewe youngster Nick Powell, Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa and Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez.

Muamba hangs up his boots

Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba has announced his retirement from football.
 The decision was made on the recommendations of his medical team, after extensive consultations with leading cardiologists in the UK and Europe. Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during and FA cup match against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in March. Muamba's heart stopped for 78 minutes after he collapsed. Millions of people around the world watched as the medical teams of both clubs as well as a heart specialist rushed to the pitch to keep the Bolton star alive.  Muamba said: "Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again. "As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. "But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football. "Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities."Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level. "While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for."I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me." Fabrice Muamba and his family fled a war torn Democratic Republic of Congo to seek asylum in England. And despite Muamba arriving in London at the age of 11 and unable to speak English, he went on to achieve 10 GCSE's (General Certificate of Secondary Education, which is an academic qualification for a specified subject) and 3 A levels.
He then joined Arsenal's youth academy in 2002 and later signed professional terms with the North London club. He moved to Birmingham in 2006 on loan and in 2007 made his loan deal permanent. And in 2008 he signed for Bolton Wanderers. Sad to see such a young and talented player with a bright future ahead of him retire.

United beat City to the signing of Henriquez!

Years of work has paid off for Sir Alex Ferguson as the teenage Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez sticks to his agreement to move Old Trafford despite interest from City.

Fergie convinced the teenage sensation to join Manchester United in whirlwind talks after City made an attempt to hijack the deal. Yesterday the young Chilean striker flew to Manchester for his medical after he decided to stick with United, who have had an agreement set up for him for months, despite Manchester City being ready to pay more for the Chilean.

It is said that Henriquez revealed that his "heart" is still with United - who have courted the young Chilean for years and have even had him over for a visit in his early teens - who he had already came to an agreement two months ago.

                               Henriquez leaving after passing his medical


United had decided to take up the option with Henriquez's club Universidad de Chile to avoid their noisy neighbors out bidding them and taking Henriquez to the Etihad. United will now try to secure a work permit for the Chilean starlet.

Henriquez loved up to his youthful promise after scoring a burst of goals in Universidad's first team. Both Manchester clubs had also been scouting him over the weekend during a tournament in Holland, and his agent was set to meet both clubs.

Though, Henriquez made the decision for himself and headed straight for Old Trafford. With this signing it would seem that Fergie is getting ready to rebuild the team once again. Angelo Henriquez is another good young player with huge potential, this coming after the signings of Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell two other young players that look set to shine at Old Trafford. Is Van Persie next??

Premier League big boys on alert as Alonso looks to leave Madrid

Waving goodbye to the Bernabeu?

The all conquering Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso looks set to turn down a new two contract extension at Real Madrid in order to leave the Bernabeu next summer.

The former Liverpool midfielder - who has won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, the World Cup in 2010, a Champions League with Liverpool and the La Liga title with Real Madrid last season - will see his contract expire in two years.

Alonso is now 30 years old and his value will be depreciating rapidly and with Madrid not short of midfield options they could be willing to let one of their prized assets leave.

The Premier League's big boys are on alert and Alonso's former club Liverpool would be interested in bringing him back to Anfield after selling him to Madrid in 2009. Both Manchester clubs as well as Arsenal would also be tempted to make a bid for the exceptional midfielder.

City make first summer signing

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell for a fee of £12 million.

The 21 year old English midfielder joins the Premier League champions on a five year deal and the fee could rise to £17 million.

Rodwell completed a medical on Sunday before signing a deal to become Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini's first summer signing. Rodwell told www.mcfc.co.uk. : "Man City are a massive club, the league champions, so its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Its a dream come true,".

Rodwell now joins up with England for their friendly on Wednesday against Italy but will be available for Manchester City's opening game of the Premier League season against newly promoted Southampton.

Rodwell rose through the ranks at Everton after joining the club at the age of seven. He also represented England at four different junior levels and made his senior debut in a friendly win against Spain in November 2011. Three days later he started his first full international, playing against Sweden.

He also said that he would like to thank everyone at Everton. He continued to say that David Moyes was brilliant and helped to make him the player he is today.

Jack Rodwell is City's only high profile arrival this summer, though the Premier League champions have also been linked with Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie and Liverpool defender Daniel Agger.

Rodwell will add depth to City's midfield, with Gareth Barry being out with hip injury and Nigel de Jong stalling over a new deal at the Etihad stadium.

Chelsea close to signing Moses

Chelsea have gotten a step closer to signing Wigan's Victor Moses after the clubs held talks concerning the move.

On Tuesday Wigan chairman Dave Whelan met with Chelsea's chief executive Ron Gourlay as the clubs attempted to agree a deal for the 21 year old forward.

Chelsea have been told by Wigan to either match their £8.5 million valuation of the 21 year old or walk away. Chelsea are hoping to seal the deal before Sunday so they can include him in the squad for the Community Shield match against the Premier League champions, Manchester City.

Having started some way apart in terms of their valuations of Victor Moses, the clubs seem to be close to agreeing a deal. Wigan initially wanted £10 million for the forward but have now dropped their asking price to a figure that Chelsea think is more reasonable.

Chelsea bos Roberto Di Matteo is said to be keen to bring the former England Under-21 player to Stamford Bridge, though the final decision will lie with Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.

Victor Moses will be Chelsea's fifth signing after Marko Marin joined from Werder Bremen, Eden Hazard from Lille, Thorgan Hazard from Lens and most recently Oscar from Internacional.

United's RVP deal stalls

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United's bid for Robin Van Persie has stalled.

Van Persie has 11 months left on his contract and has already said that he does not want to sign a new contract at the Emirates.

Ferguson said: "We've made a bid, they [Arsenal] have been trying to negotiate with other clubs,".
He continued to say: "I don't have a gut feeling about it. We can't get a breakthrough with Arsenal."

Ferguson first revealed that United made a bid for the 29 year old Dutch striker on the 20th of July. Though, it is not known whether United have increased their initial bid, said to be around £15 million, but Ferguson has admitted that United might not be successful in their pursuit of Van Persie. Arsenal seem unlikely to enter into formal negotiations unless their £20 million valuation of the Dutch striker is met.

After United's preseason friendly against Barcelona in Gothenburg Ferguson said that its difficult to say why Arsenal are operating in the manner that they are but that the club will just have to persevere in their quest to bring Van Persie to Old Trafford.

Last season Van Persie won the Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' Association player of the year awards. He also scored 41 goals in 53 appearances for club and country.

Juventus are said to still be interested in Van Persie. Though, the Premier League champions Manchester City are out of the hunt for the striker after Roberto Mancini revealed the news a few days ago.

Meanwhile, Ferguson also spoke about Lucas Moura's deal to PSG. He said that he finds it quite amazing that the mega rich French club have spent €45 million on the 19 year old Brazilian starlet.

West Ham end their pursuit of Andy Carroll

I'm staying!

West Ham United have accepted defeat in their bid to lure Andy Carroll from Liverpool. Although the clubs agreed a £2 million loan deal for Andy Carroll, the 23 year old England striker has told the Hammers that he has no intention of moving to Upton Park.

Carroll's former club Newcastle United have retained an interest in him, though, they will not pay over the odds for Carroll, who they sold to Liverpool in 2011 for a huge fee of £35 million.

As the start of the new Premier League season approaches, Carroll's future at Liverpool seems unclear. Carroll has continued to train with the squad as he looks to overcome a groin injury. Though, it remains to be seen whether the England international will play any part in Liverpool's home leg of their Europa League qualifier against FC Gomel, who they beat 1-0 in the first leg.

And due to UEFA's rule that a player can play for one club during qualifiers and another in the group stages, it means that Carroll would be able to play for Liverpool in their qualifier on Thursday and represent Newcastle if he makes the move back to Tyneside.

Newcastle still remain confident that should Carroll leave Anfield, he will only be interested in a move back to the Tyneside club.

No Man City switch for RVP!

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has come out and said that he does not expect Robin Van Persie to make the switch to Manchester City this summer.

Van Persie's current contract expires next summer and he has already stated that he will not be signing a new contract with Arsenal.

Manchester United, Manchester City as well as the Serie A champions Juventus have all made bids which have failed to meet Arsenal's asking price for the 29 year old Dutch striker. And in an interview Roberto Mancini said: "Van Persie? No, I don't think he will come here."

Van Persie has been included in the Arsenal squad which will travel for the club's preseason training camp this week in Germany. Though, it remains to be seen if he will be in the team to play Cologne on Sunday.

Even though City, United and Juventus have all made bids it is unlikely that Arsenal will let their captain leave for anything less than £25 million. City appear to have given up the chase for the Dutchman, though, United and Juventus are still on the pursuit for the striker but have not increased their opening bids.

Although the move to the Premier League champions would be tempting, it is understood that Van Persie has "expressed a preference for the prestige and tradition of United and Juventus."

Last season Van Persie won the Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' Association player of the year awards due to his 36 goals for the Gunners last season. Arsenal definitely look set to lose Van Persie, though, they are on the verge of sealing a permanent deal for Malaga's Santi Cazorla as well as a season long loan deal for Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin.

Arsenal look set to lose their captain as well as talisman and either United or Juventus look set to gain an exceptional striker who has the knack for scoring some truly spectacular and important goals. Though, whatever the outcome it would be great to finally put this RVP situation to bed.

The Matadors of La Liga!

As the start of all of Europe's major leagues approach the hottest topic in world football will once again be debated! Who is better: Ronaldo or Messi?

Ronaldo's pace and ability to run at the opposition is one of his greatest attributes. However, with Lionel Messi his burst of pace in any area of the park and ability to weave through a multitude of defenders is sheer delight and the end result of all of this is some truly stunning goals.

Ronaldo in my opinion scores some truly spectacular goals, though, they are more direct and in most cases he will be at the receiving end of a fantastic pass from a team mate and there is definitely no better poacher in world football as he can get behind defenders and stick the ball in the back of the net before defenders even have time to think. His goals this season for Real Madrid were a large part of their La Liga success.

On the other hand Messi was outstanding for Barcelona last season and became the club's all time leading scorer at the age of 24 along with breaking Gerd Muller's 39 year old record for the most goals scored in a single European season with a total of 73 goals. Remarkably, Ronaldo tends to match Messi's ability to score goals and can also be considered as one of the greatest goalscorers of all time alongside Messi. Messi's work ethic and his low profile social life has endeared him to the public. Ronaldo on the other hand has a more public social life and is always followed by a camera.

Messi's overall ability and goalscoring can not be ignored, though, it must be noted that at Barcelona a lot of his goals come through his partnership with Spain's midfield maestro's Xavi and Iniesta. This can clearly be seen when Messi plays for his national team, Argentina, where he struggles to reproduce the same form and only recently, during a friendly against Brazil where he scored three spectacular goals, has he shown glimpses of the performances that he puts in week in and week out for Barcelona.

Other factors that could go against Messi is the fact that he has only played for one team from age twelve, though, he has won almost everything in world football from La Liga titles and FIFA Club World Cup titles to a gold medal with Argentina at the Olympics as well as breaking every World an European records.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, has played for three different clubs including Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United. Starting his career at Sporting Lisbon then making a move to Manchester United, where he won a total of nine titles (including a memorable Champions League title in 2008) and, under Sir Alex Ferguson, matured into one the worlds best players.

Ronaldo has sometimes had to accept life in the shadow of Lionel Messi, which for someone of Ronaldo's talent, must be extremely frustrating. However, there is no doubting that since Ronaldo's move to Spain, the gap has grown ever smaller between these two great players and now, in terms of goals at least, you could say that the two players are on par with each other, or perhaps, that Ronaldo has even overtaken Messi.

Whatever your stance there is no doubting that Ronaldo and Messi are arguably the two best players in the world and are way ahead of everybody else, and will probably go down in history as two of the greatest players ever!!

What's your opinion???

Conte facing ban!

The Italian football authorities are seeking a 15 month ban for Juventus manager Antonio Conte after he failed to report match fixing that occurred during his time as manager of Siena.

In a plea bargain, Conte's lawyer agreed a three month ban with the prosecutor Stefano Palazzi, though it was deemed insufficient by an Italian football federation.

Talks have now broken down and Conte seems like he will be facing a full sporting trial, and Siena will have a points deduction of six points for the new Serie A campaign.

Some of the matches which are at the centre of the match fixing allegations are a 2-2 draw with Novara as well as a 1-0 defeat by Albinoleffe in May 2011. Both these games were Serie B games.

The Italian Football Federation have said that they are aiming to reach a verdict on Conte's case by the 10th of August.

Though in total there are 13 clubs and 45 players and training staff which face some form of disciplinary action as part of a larger investigation into the match fixing in Italian football.

Antonio Conte led Juventus to Serie A glory last season and at first denied allegations of match fixing before he decided to change tack and seek a plea bargain.

Hopefully Italian football authorities can get to the bottom of this match fixing scandal and finally rid Italian football of this match fixing which has plagued Serie A and Serie B over the past few years.

Ferdinand denies charge of improper conduct!

Rio Ferdinand has contested the FA's charge of improper conduct in relation to certain comments that the player posted on Twitter.

The Manchester United and England defender has denied that he was being racist after he responded to a tweet which referred to Ashley Cole as a "choc ice". Ferdinand said a tweet he was sent about Cole was "classic". Though, Ashley Cole's lawyers have said that he would not be complaining about the comments.

Ferdinand has now requested a personal hearing with the FA. In the context that the term was used it relates to the black and white nature of the confectionery, when a person is black on the outside and white on the inside.

Ashley Cole's lawyers released a statement which said that Cole had been made aware of the discussion and that he wants to make it clear that him and Rio Ferdinand are good friends and that Cole has no intentions of making a complaint of any sort. It also said that Cole appreciates the fact that tweeting is so quick and that it can often be misunderstood and can result in stray comments.

Rio Ferdinand initially received a tweet which which said: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him."

Ferdinand then responded to the tweet by saying: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic! hahahahahahha!!"

John Terry, who was cleared of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a match between Chelsea and QPR last October, was charged by th FA for, in their words, using "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour". Liverpool's Luiz Suarez was also charged by the FA and received an eight match ban as well as a £40,000 fine for racially abusing Patrice Evra during a game between Liverpool and Manchester United last season.

Muamba plays again

Fabrice Muamba reveled that he played football again, just two months after he collapsed during a game.

Muamba collapsed on the pitch due to a heart attack during an FA Cup match against Tottenham in March.

The Bolton Wanderers player has now revealed that he has played football again during his holiday in Dubai in May. Muamba said: "I was on holiday and I was staying in a hotel and there were quite a few footballers in the hotel as well. The staff usually play against the visitors so I was by the pool and I heard they were playing football..."

He continued to say that he told everyone that he wants to play and that he played for about 20 - 25 minutes. He also said that it was just like normal and that he felt great and really enjoyed it.

Although it wasn't anything serious its great to hear that Fabrice Muamba has played some sort of football again and it would be great to see him playing in the Premier League again in the near future!
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Lille have refused to sell Debuchy to Newcastle unless the £6m fee is met

Lille president Michel Seydoux has told Newcastle United to forget about signing French full back Mathieu Debuchy after rejecting the Tyneside club's latest offer.

It was reported that Newcastle had tabled a new bid for the 27 year old full back after chasing the player for the last few months.

However, the French club who sold Yohan Cabaye for a bargain basement price, of £4.8 million, to the Tyneside club have refused to budge on their valuation on the France full back and have now attempted to draw a line under the matter.

Alan Pardew made the right back one of his main targets this summer and is hoping that Newcastle's latest offer will be enough to bring Debuchy to Tyneside.

Mathieu Debuchy, who is an international team mate of Yohan Cabaye, has indicated his desire follow his compatriot, but after seeing Cabaye's valuation increase significatly since making his £4.8 million switch, Lille are holding out for £6 million (which they think Debuchy is worth).

Pardew has waited patiently for a breakthrough regarding one of his major transfer targets, which include FC Twente defender Douglas and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, while he has also added to his development squad with the acquisitions of Roman Amalfitano, Gael Bigirimana and Cutis Good.

However, with the new season approaching as well as a the challenge of the Europa League Pardew will need to also strengthen his senior squad as well.

Kevin de Bruyne loaned to Werder Bremen

Chelsea's Belgian winger Kevin de Bruyne had joined German club Werder Bremen on a season long loan deal.

The 21 year old winger hasn't yet made his debut for Chelsea.

He joined the Stamford Bridge club in January for an undisclosed fee from Belgium club Genk and was immediately loaned back to his former side.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo made the decision to send the player out on loan after watching him play in two of Chelsea's preseason games against Seattle and Paris Saint-Germain in America.

This is a great move for the player as he needs regular playing time to develop and gain some experience and would most probably slot straight into the team as a replacement for former Werder Bremen winger Marko Marin who joined Chelsea earlier this summer.

Gunners hoping to seal deals for Santi Cazorla and Nuri Sahin

Arsenal are currently working on signing Malaga midfielder Santi Cazorla on a permanent deal and Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin on a season long loan deal.

Santi Cazorla's deal is complicated due to Malaga's financial problems but the 27 year old Spanish midfielder is expected to have a medical at the Emirates some time this week.

Nuri Sahin, the 23 year old Turkish international, will join the North London club on a season long loan deal if the clubs and player reach an agreement. Though, Arsenal are hopeful of completing both deals before they kick of their Premier League campaign on the 18th of August at the Emirates against Sunderland.

The Gunners have already completed two big deals for German forward Lukas Podolski from German club Cologne as well as French striker Olivier Giroud from Ligue 1 champions Montpellier.

Though, the club still have major doubts over the future of their captain Robin Van Persie, who's contract expires in 2013, has already said that he won't be extending his stay at the club and has been heavily linked with both Manchester club's.

The signings of Santi Cazorla and Nuri Sahin are not related to Robin Van Persie's situation but has been accelerated by the news that Jack Wilshere will be unavailable until October as he continues on the road to recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him out for some time.

Cazorla joined Malaga from Villarreal last summer and was part of the Spain squads that won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Nuri Sahin was signed by La Liga champions Real Madrid in 2011, after having an excellent spell at Borussia Dortmund, on a six year deal but struggled to make an impact last season at the Bernabeu due to injury and Madrid boss Jose Mourinho said he would allow the Turkish midfielder to leave on loan.

Both these signings would be excellent for Arsenal and would add depth, quality, great passing as well as goals to a midfield that plays some fantastic football.

Villa captain's leukaemia in remission

Aston Villa have announced today that the club's captain Stiliyan Petrov is winning his battle against leukaemia and is currently in remission.

An official statement from the club read: "It is with great delight that we can confirm on behalf of our long-standing captain, Stiliyan Petrov, that Stan's acute leukaemia is in remission,"

The statement continued to read: " Stan's fight is not over. There will be further battles to overcome in the days, weeks and months ahead. But he would like to share with you this tremendous news now."

Petrov has undergone four long months of chemotherapy and was first diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March, and was kept in the role of club captain by new Villa manager Paul Lambert who took over as manager earlier this summer.

Petrov's latest medical tests have brought the 33 year old Bulgarian his happiest news yet and expressed his gratitude to the medical staff who have been there for him over these past four months.

He continued to place on record his appreciation for all the love and support that the Aston Villa fans, players, colleagues and all the football fans around the world.

Wishing Stiliyan Petrov a speedy recovery!

Allen set to join former Swan's manager at Anfield

It seems that Liverpool have agreed terms with Swansea midfielder Joe Allen and that he is on the verge of signing for the Liverpool.

The midfielder has, for some time, been tipped to re-unite with Brendan Rodgers who made the same move to Anfield earlier this summer to replace Kenny Dalglish.

Swansea are still holding out for a fee close to £15 million which would activate a release clause in Joe Allen's contract, but Liverpool have only offered a fee of £12.5 million as well as Jonjo Shelvey on a season long loan deal.

The Liverpool Daily Post reported that Swansea would reject the offer but that Allen would still complete his transfer to Liverpool. Allen has his heart set on a move to Anfield, but new Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has insisted that the clubs haven't completed any deal.

Liverpool have already made a move to free up some space in their midfield with a deal for Anfield flop Alberto Aquilani to join Serie A side Fiorentina nearing completion.

Though, Spurs have retained an interest in the talented midfielder after having signed his former team-mate Gylfi Sigurdsson earlier this summer.

Though, the Team GB star's future is unlikely to be resolved while he is still involved in the Olympic Games but what we do know is that Joe Allen is definitely an extremely talented player with great ability and a bright future ahead (probably at Anfield).

Pienaar rejoins The Toffees

South African midfielder, Steven Pienaar, has rejoined Everton after an unhappy spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

Pienaar has completed a £4.5 million deal that sees him rejoin Everton, 18 months after he joined Tottenham in a deal worth £3 million.

The midfielder joined Everton from German club Borussia Dortmund in 2007 and spent three extremely successful seasons with the Toffees before making the switch to White Hart Lane.

The South African midfielder, who is now 30, has signed a four year deal at Goodison Park after a hugely successful loan spell during the second half of the season.

Pienaar said: "It took a few weeks to sort out but I am delighted to be back and excited to play for Everton,".

He continued to say that he had no doubts that he would be back at Everton and that he had told the manager how he felt and that he is happy that he's back at the club.

Last season Pienaar played only five Premier League games for Tottenham before he moved back to Everton on loan, where he played 14 Premier League games.

Everton manager David Moyes made the move to bolster his attacking options after Tim Cahill completed his move last week to MLS side New York Red Bulls.
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Newcastle retain the services of Ba

Staying on Tyneside

Newcastle United's Senegalese striker Demba Ba is set to stay on Tyneside after the deadline to activate his release clause in his contract passed.

The Senegal international had repeatedly expressed his desire to stay at the club, that took a chance on him when everyone had doubts due to his knee problems, and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was confident that the club would retain the services of the 27 year old.

Though, there was speculation that the striker would leave St James Park before the 31 July cut-off with interest from the Premier League runner-ups Manchester United as well as Tottenham Hotspur.

It was understood that the release clause in his contract would have been activated by a bid of £7.5 million.

Ba finished last season as the club's top scorer with a total of 16 goals, three more than his compatriot Papiss Cisse, who was a sensational after his arrival in January from German club Freiburg.

One of Cisse's finest goals came in a 2-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where he scored an absolutely stunning volley that will be remembered for seasons to come.

All but one of Ba's goals last season came before he went to the African Cup of Nations in January.