Plauseorminus

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both picked up "long-term injuries" during the recent international break.Smalling dropped out of the England squad last Friday and returned to his club carrying an unspecified injury, with Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson called into replace him. Prior to that, Smalling had inadvertently injured his club teammate Jones while with the national team, with reports suggesting the former Blackburn Rovers defender had suffered a toe injury in the training ground tackle. Despite claims suggesting Jones's injury was not as bad as first feared, Mourinho struck a bleak note when providing an update on the two during Friday's press conference. "They [Smalling and Jones] are long-term injuries," he said ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with West Brom. "The important ones are the ones who are ready to play. That is the way we have to think, we cannot b...

Patrick Vieira, who is currently manager of New York City FC, understands the struggles his former boss is currently facing at the Emirates Stadium but refused to nail his colours to the mast when pressed about whether Wenger should remain in the North London hotseat. Patrick Vieira criticised the current Gunners squad for "not giving everything to the club" and making Arsene Wenger is an "easy target". The former France international spoke in no uncertain terms about the Arsenal players, though, and has called on them to take responsibility and try to lift some of the pressure off Wenger, whose future remains far from certain. "It's not just about Arsene," Vieira told YouTube channel Copa 90. "It's about coaching in general because now I'm on the other side I understand how difficult it is. You're controlling the players, what's happening on the field, the decisions you're making. "But I think when players ...

Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed that Andreas Christensen will return to Chelsea at the end of the current season even though the Bundesliga side had previously expressed interest in securing the services of the promising centre-back on a permanent basis. Christensen made three appearances for Chelsea under former manager Jose Mourinho during the 2014-2015 campaign, having joined the Blues' academy from Brondby at the age of 16 as a prospect for the future. The Blues later agreed to send him on loan to Monchengladbach on a two-season loan in order to help him to complete his development. The 20-year-old has since impressed at the Bundesliga and during the last summer transfer window, reports in Spain claimed that even Barcelona had been attracted by his meteoric development. However, the Monchengladbach chief has now admitted a defeat in their bid to secure his services on permanent after the club also confirmed the departure of cove...

The Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday paid glowing tributes to former Nigeria player and coach, Paul Hamilton, who passed on same day in Lagos after a protracted illness. Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, NFF General Secretary, said: “We are in terrible shock. ‘Wonderboy’ Hamilton was a perfect gentleman in the real sense of the word, despite being a former international player for Nigeria and a Chief Coach of the senior national team. “He worked very hard and with his whole heart for Nigeria in all spheres, as a player, a coach and as an administrator. The Nigeria football family will miss him dearly.” Hamilton, who played for the senior national team in the 1960s and early 1970s, including featuring in the football tournament at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, died in the early hours of Thursday in Lagos. He was said to have been diagnosed of heart and kidney related health issues some months ago, and had his right leg amputated early this year. Nicknamed ‘Wonderboy’...

Traore left PSG by surprise in the summer of 2016 and a number of top European clubs have been monitoring the 16-year-old midfielder since his shock departure and Manchester United are reportedly on the cusp of finalising a move for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain starlet ahead of the summer transfer window. The Sun suggest Traore, who is being touted as a future France captain, has now agreed a deal to join up with the Red Devils. Traore massively impressed while on trial with United back in February and scored in the academy’s 7-0 thumping of Burnley. It’s understood both Manchester City and Juventus were also very keen on the highly-rated teenager but it appears Jose Mourinho’s United have landed their target. The Premier League giants are also being heavily linked with a move for American youngster Will Vint. Both Everton and Fulham have also handed the 15-year-old trials over recent months. Source: Metro

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has showered praises on Chelsea's powerful and never-tired midfielder N’Golo Kante for his extraordinary work rate. He still adores the midfielder. Antonio Conte brought Kante to Stamford Bridge for a fee of £32million last summer and the 26-year-old is a shoo-in to be named PFA Player of the Year off the back of a sensational debut season with the Blues. Eden Hazard recently suggested that Chelsea had basically signed ‘twins’ when they bought Kante and Vieira feels similarly about Conte’s incredible signing from Leicester City. ‘The man is not doing his job… he’s doing more than his job!’ New York City boss Vieira said in an interview with Copa90. Antonio Conte brought Kante to Stamford Bridge for a fee of £32million last summer and the 26-year-old is a shoo-in to be named PFA Player of the Year off the back of a sensational debut season with the Blues. Eden Hazard recently suggested that Chelsea had basically signed ‘twins’ when th...

Gilmour is touted alongside the likes of Celtic's Karamoko Dembele as being among the hottest young footballing prospects currently plying their trade north of the border after highlighting his significant potential with a series of impressive performances for Rangers' youth teams and the Scotland U16s and Chelsea have quickly put a deal in placeregarding the possible summer signing of Billy Gilmour. Already handed a squad number and invited to train with the first team, the temporary promotion of his development squad head coach to the role of caretaker manager following last month's controversial departure of Mark Warburton nearly led to the prodigy being handed a place in the senior matchday squad for the first time. Goal reported earlier this week that the Premier League leaders had seen off competition from Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, with Gilmour, said to have been convinced of his next move during a trip to the...

The Czech Republic stopper, who has been ever-present in the top flight this season, limped off during the defeat to West Bromwich Albion in the club's last domestic outing but has been unable to recover in time for the key top four clash. He will miss both the visit of Tony Pulis' men and the mid-week clash with West Ham United, but could return against Crystal Palace. Striker Lucas Perez will also miss the game with a thigh injury which kept him out of the 3-1 loss at The Hawthorns, while Santi Cazorla is out for the rest of the season as he continues to recover from two bouts of ankle surgery. The Spain international went under the knife in December but a setback in his recuperation has delayed his return. Mesut Ozil is also in contention with a combination of illness and injury keeping him out of Arsenal's last two league games. Kieran Gibbs remains sidelined. "We have lost Petr Cech and he will not be fit for Sunday," Wenger told reporters ahea...

La Repubblica claim that Jose Mourinho’s side have offered the Belgium international a deal worth £4 million per season after tax, including bonuses. It’s reported that United chiefs have met with Mertens’ representatives earlier this month to make the offer, although the 29-year-old’s decision has not yet been revealed. Mertens will have only one year remaining on his current contract with Napoli this summer, while the Serie A club’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis is refusing to budge from his offer of a deal worth £2.5m a year. Inter are also ready to rival United for Mertens but have not yet made an offer. Mertens has been in sublime form for Napoli this season, scoring 19 goals in 26 appearances in Serie A.

Uganda Cranes captain Geoffrey Massa has announced his retirement from international football. Massa, who recently led the Cranes to Afcon 2017 qualification for the first time since 1978 ending a 39-year jinx, revealed that it is the right time to call it quits after an illustrious career. “It is with immense pride that I announce my retirement from the national football team after representing the country for 12 years,” he stated in his letter to Fufa on Wednesday. “I have had an incredible career and I am thankful for each and every moment for my time with the Uganda Cranes.” Massa made his debut for Uganda in 2005 against the Ghana Black Stars in the FIFA 2006 World Cup qualifier in Kumasi. “As a teenager, I fulfilled my childhood dream after making my debut against Ghana on September 4th, 2005. I feel very fortunate in that my career thereafter took me on a journey I could only have dreamed of.” “Although I experienced a couple of low moments during my t...

Blackpool wonderkid Bright Osayi-Samuel is hoping to return to Madrid at the end of this season. Born in Nigeria, the exciting winger moved to Spain at a young age along with his parents and remained in the country until the age of 10 when he immigrated to England, and still has a couple of friends in the country. “I’d say my best holidays are in Madrid. I go there every summer and have loads of friends out there, ” Osayi-Samuel told the official website of Blackpool. When asked what he would buy if he had five pounds left to spend on one item, the number 21 replied : “An orange Lucozade, some chocolate cookies and I’d let them keep the change.” This season, the 19-year-old has 35 appearances for the Tangerines in all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists in the process.  Osayi-Samuel has committed his international future to Nigeria ahead of England.  Source: allnigeriasoccer

Arsene Wenger has ruled out the possibility of selling Alexis Sanchez to Chelsea and claims Arsenal do not need to sell their best players to their Premier League rivals anymore. Reports had emerged that Antonio Conte waskeen on signing the 28-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of next season. And the Chilean’s comments while on international duty seemed as if the forward was angling for a move to Stamford Bridge, which has brought up fans’ memories of selling Robin van Persie to Manchester United back in 2012. But Wenger believes the two situations are wholly different and that Arsenal will not sell Sanchez to Chelsea under any circumstances. ‘It’s true that it happened before when we were in positions where we had to sell our best players but that is not the case now. ‘He has one and a half year contract it’s not an immediate concern for Arsenal Football Club. ‘I think personally he’s happy here. It’s true we haven’t extended his contract here, you have to...

Antonio Conte outshines even Sir Alex Ferguson over the last decade in terms of win percentage, a study shows. The Chelsea manager has enjoyed an incredible start to life in the Premier League, with his team currently 10 points clear at the top of the table. How impressive he’s been are reflected in the numbers. Conte has a win percentage of 79% at Chelsea, a study by View From The Dugouthighlights. Over the last decade, former Manchester United boss Sir Alex gets the closest – but is still well short – at 74%. The Scot achieved that figure in 2008/09, 2011/12 and 2012/13 – all seasons in which Manchester United won the title. Ferguson’s overall win percentage over the last decade stands at 70.8%. In contrast, Conte’s fellow Premier League newcomer Pep Guardiola has failed to make the same impact. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has a win percentage of 61% from his 28 top-flight games so far. His two predecessors, Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, bot...

Harry Kane preparing for early return from ankle injury. The England international suffered ankle ligament damage during the FA Cup win over Millwall and fears were rife he could be sidelined for a large part of the rest of the season. But after Spurs adjudged the blow not to be as "severe" as the injury Kane suffered earlier in the term when he missed seven weeks, The Mirror reports the 23-year-old could return to action for the Premier League visit of AFC Bournemouth on 15 April. The clash comes a week before the north Londoners face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Kane is still likely to miss the upcoming league games with Burnley, Swansea City and Watfordbut news that Tottenham could yet have their top scorer - who has netted 24 times this season - available within a month could act as a major fillip for the club. Meanwhile, full-back Danny Rose remains on course to return from knee ligament damage in April. Tottenham have been non-committal ov...

Barcelona star Arda Turan is set to be out of action for around three weeks after suffering a groin injury on international duty. The Turkish star may now miss the Champions League double with Juventus, but should be back in time for El Clasico away to Real Madrid on 23 April. The 30-year-old versatile midfielder played the full 90 minutes during Turkey's 2-0 win over Finland last week. However, he withdrew from the squad for the following encounter against Moldova after the Turkish Football Federation revealed he had sustained a groin injury. Turan consequently returned to Barcelona to undergo further tests and the club have now confirmed the worst fears for manager Luis Enrique, ruling the Turkish star out for around three weeks. "Medical tests conducted this Wednesday morning have confirmed that first-team player Arda Turan has an injury to the adductor muscle in his right groin. He is expected to be unavailable for about three weeks," Barcelona confirme...

The Armenian joined the Red Devils in a £26million deal from Dortmund last summer and, despite a difficult start, he’s now thriving at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old’s scored seven times for Jose Mourinho’s side this term and got on the scoresheet for his country during Saturday’s 2-0 win against Kazakhstan. Mkhitaryan’s certainly impressed his team-mates since moving to the Theatre of Dreams and Carrick believes the Armenian will become the ‘perfect’ player under Mourinho. ‘I saw Mhitaryan for the first time during the pre-season training and I immediately thought he will become a perfect player,’ said Carrick. ‘I’ve told this to Ashley Young as well. ‘Mkhitaryan uses both feet, he is fast. He chooses a right position on the pitch. I like his playing style.’

Brazil have become the first side to qualify for the 2018 World Cup following their victory over Paraguay last night. They recorded a 3-0 win in which Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring, Neymar scored a stunning solo goal and Real Madrid’s Marcelo got on the scoresheet. Coupled with a shock defeat for Argentina and a loss for Uruguay, Brazil can now not finish below fourth in the South American qualifying group, meaning their place at next summer’s tournament in Russia is assured. Brazil have been in tremendous form during qualification, with the win over Paraguay their eighth straight victory under manager Tite. During that run they’ve scored 24 goals and conceded just two, playing the stylish brand of football one associates with the yellow, blue and white of the Brazilian national team. Russia are also certain to feature at the tournament due to their automatic qualification as hosts. They and Brazil will be among the total of 32 teams who will take ...

Kadiri Ikhana is a man of many record when it comes to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). He Kano Pillars to a back to back win of the NPFL title and at Enyimba he became the first coach to lead a Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League. Ikhana is also known to have been among the few coaches who have won the NPFL with different clubs and last Sunday, he created another minor first; being the first coach to lead Kano Pillars to a defeat by Abia Warriors. What shocked pundits perhaps was the margin of defeat which was a huge as 3-0 score line with chairman of Abia Warriors, Chief Emeka Inyama gloating that it would have been higher but for squandered opportunities. But Ikhana was forthright in admitting that his side had themselves to blame for the thrashing and attributed that defeat to carelessness on the side his players. Ikanna spoke to www.npfl.ng and also suggested that his players may have underrated Abia Warriors going into the game. "We l...

Coleman suffered a horrific double leg fracture during the Republic of Ireland's goalless draw with Wales in a World Cup qualifier on Friday and could miss up to a year with the injury. Seamus Coleman's wages will be paid by FIFA while he recovers from a double leg fracture suffered during international duty with Ireland. Coleman underwent a successful leg operation on Saturday following a wild challenge by Wales defender Neil Taylor, who was immediately dismissed during a goalless World Cup qualifier between the two sides last week. FIFA's Club Protection Programme means that teams can claim up to £112,731 per week of a player's wages if he is injured while on international duty - more than enough to cover Coleman's cost of £45,000 a week. The scheme was introduced in 2012 after increasing pressure from clubs who wanted insurance should a player pick up an injury while away with their country. An excess fee equivalent to the value of four weeks' wa...

Arsenal players must mirror the never-say-die attitude and work-rate of forward Alexis Sanchez if they hope to salvage their faltering campaign, according to former England defender Sol Campbell. The north London club were knocked out of the Champions League 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich and lost ground in the race to finish in the Premier League's top four after a run of four losses in five games left them sixth. "Arsenal need more Sanchez-type of mentality players, from defenders to upfront," Campbell, who won two league titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, told ESPN. "I think that for me they need more players like that on the pitch. He has everything. If you want to win things, you've got to have more guys like that." The 28-year-old Sanchez, who is reportedly stalling on a new deal with the club, has scored 22 goals this season but has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks due to Arsenal's failure to challenge for major honours...

A second excellent season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach has sparked reports the Germans want to make Christensen’s spell permanent. But Andreas Christensen has played down rumours he could be set for a summer switch away from Chelsea by insisting he will undergo pre-season with the Blues. But Chelsea are said to be uninterested in selling the promising centre-back and Christensen revealed his future is still at Stamford Bridge. ‘I really want to play finals, but it depends on what happens at club level,’ Christensen told Danish Paper BT. ‘I have not had a holiday in a really long time. ‘If I’m going back to England and I need to impress my new coach in pre-season. Antonio Conte has been playing three at the back this season to help fire Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League and within touching distance of the title. Christensen has missed just three league games for Monchengladbach and played in four of six of their Champions League games. Howev...

The Chelsea winger has long been linked with Real Madrid with talk of a world record bid in the region of £100million expected this summer. Hazard recently indicated that he is happy at Stamford Bridge, however Real Madrid believe they can turn his head. Huge wages, the prospect of working with Zinedine Zidane and the status of Galactico could all work inLos Blancos favour. To add fuel to the idea of Hazard swapping the Bridge for the Bernabeu, the Mirror claim the 26-year-old is learning Spanish. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will be desperate to retain Hazard’s services beyond this summer with the forward playing an instrumental role in taking Chelsea 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Nigeria Super Eagles' Skipper Ogenyi Onazi, who appeared to have suffered a severe injury in the match vs Senegal  last week Thursday participated fully at the training on Saturday morning. A smiling Onazi was so happy when he spoke to supersport's official after training “I am fine and I am very happy that it was not worse than I had feared”. The Trabzonspor of Turkey midfielder was hit in the back in a mid air collision with Mane Biram Diouf of Stoke City. “I don’t know why he was so aggressive considering it was a friendly but I thank God I am ok. It is football” the team’s skipper said. Even though prestige friendly between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Stallions of Burkina Faso has been called off the Nigerian team still came out to train on Saturday morning at the Hive stadium of Barnet Football club. Coach Geraht Rohr and his technical crew put the players through their paces and it was as competitive as their trainings have been since the team arrived Lo...

Nigeria's friendly against Burkina Faso in London next week has been cancelled because of visa issues affecting travelling players, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on Saturday. The NFF said that seven Burkinabe players failed to secure British entry visas, forcing Monday's match at Barnet in north London to be shelved. The Super Eagles were using the match as part of preparations for their remaining qualifiers for the World Cup 2018 and Africa Cup of Nations 2019. NFF official Chris Green said the cancellation was "no fault of either the organisers or the Nigeria Football Federation". "We will announce further plans for the Super Eagles' preparation for these two important qualifying campaigns in due course," he added. Burkina Faso officials were told of the visa issues late on Friday. On Thursday, Nigeria drew 1-1 with Senegal in the first of its two scheduled friendly matches in the British capital. Morocco beat Burkin...

Wenger, 66, has come under huge scrutiny in recent weeks and there have been calls for the Frenchman to step down at the end of the campaign. The Arsenal boss is out of contract in the summer and is under pressure to call it a day after six defeats in the Gunners’ last nine matches. Reports last week claimed Wenger had signed a new two-year deal but was waiting for the right moment to announce it and Monreal has confirmed the Frenchman has a deal on the table. Monreal admits it’s been a difficult period for the Gunners in the last few months but the Spanaird has revealed the three-time Premier League winner has been offered a new deal. ‘Well, it’s a complicated time. There is a section of the fanbase that is against the coach,’ Monreal told Goal. ‘Just a part of them, because it is not everybody. I think most of the fans are with him and support him. But there is a small part of the fans that does not agree, and are those who protest. ‘We, the players, are with Wenge...

Newly appointed Ivory Coast boss Marc Wilmots has made trying to persuade Yaya Toure out of international retirement one of his top priorities after taking over as coach of the former African champions this week. "I’ve seen the last two games that he played for Manchester City in a defensive midfield position. He's always great, he's so good physically,” Wilmots told reporters after signing a two-year contract in Abidjan. “I'll go see him, I'll talk with him." Toure has not played for his country since leading them to the Nations Cup title in 2015. In his absence this year, the Ivory Coast crashed out in the first round as they defended their title in Gabon in January. "...I know how important it is to have experienced players. It's not yet over for Toure, we’ve got to get him back. The Yaya Toure case will be one of my first missions." The 48-year-old Wilmots, who quit as Belgium coach after their quarterfinal exit to Wales at Eur...

CD Feirense attacking midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo, goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are in high spirits as they prepare for Thursday evening’s international friendly match with Senegal. The three players could not train with the Nigeria squad ahead of the game against the Teranga Lions because of a visa hitch which was finally sorted out. FC Ifeanyi Ubah netminder Ezenwa only arrived the Crowne Plaza Hotel yesterday evening and he was later joined in camp by Nigeria U23 star Etebo that same day. One of the two aforementioned African-based players will certainly be in goal today as Wolves star Carl Ikeme has been struck down with illness and unlikely to feature.  The Nigerian team beat Senegal 1-0 in the last encounter between the two countries back in 2006 at the African Cup of Nations. Source: allnigeriasoccer

Police in Peru have seized 1,417 kilograms of cocaine worth £68 million which was branded with Lionel Messi’s picture and logo. Lima’s anti-drug police unit confirmed the cocaine, which was found in a shipping container, was destined for Belgium. Along with Messi’s logo and face, some of the 288 packages discovered also had the king of Spain’s official seal on the front. It’s claimed that the use of Messi’s photo is to indicate the product’s quality and to stop people tampering with the packages. No arrests have been made while police have confirmed that the packages arrived from the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers Valley region, which is one of the biggest areas of cocaine production in Peru. The seize is the second largest recorded in Peru this year after two tons of cocaine were found hidden in packages of asparagus in January. Source / credit: Metro

Chippa United star Daniel Akpeyi has just landed in London, ahead of Thursday evening’s international friendly between Nigeria and Senegal. As at 7:33 hours local time, the goalkeeper was going through immigration, before joining the Super Eagles squad at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It should be noted that Daniel Akpeyi is not in London to make up the numbers as there are question marks surrounding the availability of first-choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, who suddenly fell ill. The South African based netminder was in between the pipes in the Super Eagles last match, a World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo in November 2016. The encounter between Nigeria and Senegal will kickoff at the Hive Stadium at 2000 hours. Source: allnigeriasoccer

Nigeria’s goalkeeping crisis has taken a new dimension as Tope Okeowo of non-league English side Peckham United has been called up to the Super Eagles for the international friendlies against Senegal and Burkina Faso. Visa hitches means South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi’s arrival at the camp was delayed as Ikechukwu Ezenwa is still expected in camp from Nigeria. Carl Ikeme was the only goalkeeper in training as on Monday and Tuesday and this prompted the handlers to hand a late call-up to the former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper. Okeowo told supersport.com that he is happy with the call-up even though it came as a huge surprise to him. “I’m short of words and I can’t really explain what this means to me. It is a honor to be called up to the Super Eagles. I almost didn’t believe it when I received the call,” he said. “This is not my first time playing for the national team. I was part of the 2003 Golden Eaglets squad to Finland 2003. “Coach Austin Eguavoen was the coach th...

Arsenal is the best club in the world – football is not just about winning trophies, says Arsene Wenger. Many Arsenal fans are calling for the 67-year-old to quit after the club once again fell out of the title race while also crashing out of Europe. The Frenchman is still believed to be considering his future, although some reports suggest Wenger has decided to remain at the club for at least another season. Wenger has not won the Premier League title since 2004 but the veteran has leaped to the defence of his record, stressing that he has helped build ‘the best club in the world’. ‘For me Arsenal is the best club in the world and what we have built is absolutely remarkable, not only on the results front but on the values that this club, what we have built,’ Wenger told beIN Sports. ‘Of course a football club is about winning, it’s as well about values. ‘Nobody talks about that anymore but sport is as well about values and I think integrity, respect, humility, toget...

Uefa have handed Italy a fourth qualification spot in the Champions League, but the extra Serie A side will have no affect on the Premier League’s places. There were genuine fears that England were in danger of losing their fourth place in the tournament after Premier League sides struggled to make an impact in the competition in the last five years. But Uefa have opted against a reshuffle of the status quo with Italy instead being given four places from the 2018/19 season alongside England, Spain and Germany. The English clubs will be relieved to hear the news, but are some way off the top five seeded clubs in the rankings. Leicester City are the only English side in this year’s quarter-finals with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City all going out. ‘Spain, Germany, England and Italy are confirmed as the top four associations regardless of what happens in the quarter-finals and beyond of the two club competitions,’ said Uefa in a statement. ‘And despite ending l...

The Barcelona midfielder has found life difficult at the Nou Camp since the club did all they could to ensure he arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2015. Arsenal are preparing for life after Mesut Ozil and have identified Turan as the perfect man to replace the German. Turan was almost unstoppable in his peak years at Atletico, but is facing the chop at Barcelona.  Both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are entering the final year of their contracts, and it seems that the Gunners are preparing for Ozil's exit by lining up his replacement. The Times report that Arsenal want to bring Barcelona's Arda Turan to the Emirates Stadium, and a £25million bid will be made in the summer in an attempt to lure him to London. Turan, 30, joined Barcelona in 2015 having starred for Atletico Madrid, and whilst he arrived with a big reputation, he has struggled to win a regular spot in Luis Enrique's midfield. Arsenal identify him as the preferred replacement for Ozil, with a £25...

The striker was heavily linked with a move back to his former club last summer after enduring a frustrating 2015/16 season as Chelsea failed miserably to defend their Premier League crown. And Diego Costa admits he tried to push through a move back to Atletico Madrid before eventually going to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte with his "tail between his legs".  The two clubs were reportedly in negotiations over the transfer but talks broke down, which meant Costa had to build bridges with Conte. Costa told El Larguero: "Atletico knows I have a special feeling for the team, I lived the best moment of my career there. El Cholo [Diego Simeone] knows it wasn't impossible for me to come back to Atletico. "The relationship with Conte didn't start well because when he arrived I told him I wanted to go to Atletico. Chelsea's fans love me a lot, even more than in Atletico, figure that!

According to reports, the Premier League leaders have tabled £32m to Monaco along with £5m in bonuses. The title-bound Blues want to steal a march on Manchester United, who are also interested, and Bakayoko’s camp are well aware that Chelsea have a lucrative salary package on offer. Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has targeted a move for Bakayoko, but opted against an approach in the January transfer window. Following reports the Blues had agreed terms with the 22-year-old, it was said their only objective to secure a deal was to pay more than their rivals this summer. It appears Chelsea are seriously working to see off the likes of United, with Bakayoko apparently interested in the switch. But Bakayoko favours a move to Stamford Bridge, particularly with the guarantee of Champions League football on offer, and his camp are aware of a lucrative offer from Chelsea, according to the Mirror. And Conte believes Bakayoko can form a formidable partnership with N’Golo Kant...

The defender was one of five defenders named in Gareth Southgate's squad ahead of their games against the Die Mannschaft and Lithuania and is expected to miss both the games. Jones suffered the injury during a training session following a collision with his Manchester United teammate Chris Smalling. Jones has been sent back to the club for further assessment of the injury that occurred from an 'innocuous tackle' according to the Three Lions manager. "I don't know who it was with. It was just a nothing sort of thing really. It is very unfortunate for him and a huge disappointment as he has been playing very well and has had some injury difficulties in the past," Southgate was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "We have respectfully sent him back to his club and we will know more once he has had scans and x-rays over the next 24-48 hours," he added.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is likely to take a pay cut to rejoin boyhood club Everton from Manchester United in the summer, according to a report. Citing sources close to Everton and United, the Independent says Rooney, who made his Premier League debut for the Toffees at the age of 16, is "likely" to return to Goodison Park in the summer. The Independent says Rooney would be willing to accept a deal in the region of £150,000 ($187,000) per week with Everton to stay in the Premier League – around half of what he is paid currently at United. Old Trafford sources said the club may even be willing to waive a transfer fee to make the move happen. The 31-year-old reportedly feels he can still deliver at Premier League level despite losing his first-team spot at United and also his place in the England squad that is preparing to face Germany in a friendly on 22 March. Everton boss Ronald Koeman said last month that he was interested in signing Rooney, say...

Just after handing a penalty to South Africa in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Senegal, the Senegalese Football Federation is delighted by referee Joseph Lamptey's life ban. FIFA has since banned the Ghanaian referee for life after what the global football authority believes was match manipulation. Although the West African referee is allowed to appeal the ban through FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, his future remains in jeopardy. Following his decision to hand Bafana Bafana the penalty, Bafana went on to win the encounter 2-1 last November. Lamptey penalised Kalidou Koulibaly for handball, but replays showed the ball hit his knee prompting FIFA to strike him off the referees roll. The win for South Africa left them in second place in the four-team group after two matches, with Senegal in third. Lamptey officiated at the Rio Olympics last year and the FSF, who made a complaint to FIFA over Lamptey, is happy with the decision.

Zulte Waregem wing-back Kingsley Madu and Watford loanee Uche Agbo are both doubtful for the international friendly games with Senegal and Burkina Faso as the players are yet to arrive to Super Eagles camp in Crowne Plaza Hotel in London. The Nigeria Football Federation have explained via their official webpage that Madu and Agbo have been delayed by a visa hitch. Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi, defenders Musa Mohammed and Elderson Echiejile were in the same boat as Madu and Agbo, but have now sorted out their paperwork. As for Oghenekaro Etebo, there is nothing new regarding his application for a visa at the British Embassy in Madrid.  Twenty four players are expected to prosecute the friendly matches, all things being equal, following the late withdrawal of Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses, who is being treated for an injury. Source: thenff / allnigeriasoccer

The withdrawal of Victor Moses from Nigeria’s squad has reportedly left Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr fuming. Nigeria are set to play international friendlies in the coming days, first against Senegal on Thursday, followed by a clash against Burkina Faso four days later. Both matches will be held at the Hive Stadium in London. Allnigeriasoccer.com reports that Rohr was visibly angry with the Chelsea player during talks held between the pair earlier in the week. Moses reported for duty at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in London, but only in order to prove to Nigeria’s medical staff that he is injured and will be unable to play in the upcoming matches. His withdrawal has since been confirmed. Moses picked up a calf injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup last week, but was fit enough to play for Chelsea in their win over Stoke City this past weekend. It’s a second major withdrawal in a row for Moses, who pulled out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Octobe...

Following Michael Essien’s move to Indonesian football earlier this month, Nigeria’s and former Stoke City and Westbrom striker Peter Odemwingie looks set to follow in his footsteps. Widespread reports claim that the former Super Eagles striker has signed a pre-contract with Madura United and will be unveiled later this week. The club’s manager, Haruna Soemitro, has confirmed Odemwingie's arrival: "Our search for a marquee player has been positive, we will bring Peter Odemwingie," he is quoted by GHANASoccernet. "He's a player who had a career with the national team of Nigeria and played in three editions of the World Cup, and the level of these players actually meets the criteria marquee player.” Ghana star Essien ended his long club-less spell by signing a deal with Persib Bandung earlier this month.

Former Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has been appointed to lead Ivory Coast’s World Cup qualifying bid, the country’s football authorities said on Tuesday. The 48-year-old has been out of football since his departure from the Red Devils after Euro 2016, having previously taken them to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Frenchman Dussuyer quit the Elephants after they exited the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage. Wilmots, who has signed a two-year contract with an option to renew, will get the chance to see his new charges in action almost immediately as Ivory Coast play two friendlies. However he will not be in charge of the team for those matches, against Russia on Friday in Krasnador and then Senegal three days later in Franceas, as Ibrahim Kamara will be in temporary control. Wilmots will have his first press conference as Ivory Coast boss on Wednesday, and then oversee his maiden game in charge two days later as they take on Russia on 24 March and Senegal ...

Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann, 29, the youngest head coach in Bundesliga history, has been named coach of 2016 in Germany. The German Football Association (DFB) award is just deserts for the work Nagelsmann did by keeping Hoffenheim up last season, then turning them into title challengers. He joins the likes of Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich's assistant coach Hermann Gerland, who were named Germany's coach of the year in times gone by. "This has come quickly, but that's typical of him," said Horst Hrubesch, the DFB's director of sport. "Julian Nagelsmann is a great example of some of the talented young coaches we have in Germany." Hoffenheim were the last team, in any of Europe's top leagues, to be beaten this season and under Nagelsmann's steerage they currently sit fourth and are challenging for a Champions League place for 2017/18. Eyebrows were raised in February 2016 when Nagelsmann, then ...

The Super Eagles, in London for the international week had their first training session on Tuesday at The Hive training ground of Barnet FC. The players were put through their paces in various light work by the technical crew led by Gernot Rohr. At a ridiculously cold weather for this time of the year the 16 players in camp as at the time of the training were full of banter and laughter. Carl Ikeme [below with pals] is the only goalkeeper at this point while new invitees Tyrone Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem and Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee looked to be integrating very well. These players have had long seasons already so there was not much physical exercises. Rohr and his team made sure most of the work done by the players was with the ball. Nigeria's 'Oyibo Wall' of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong loomed large with their sheer sizes. These players have had long seasons already so there was not much physical exercises.

Eden Hazard is expected to be out for up to 15 days, meaning he may only recover full fitness on the eve of Chelsea’s clash against Manchester City. Although Hazard missed Saturday’s win over Stoke with a calf problem, he was still included in Belgium’s squad for this week. But Belgium boss Roberto Martinez announced yesterday Hazard would play no part in the World Cup qualifier with Greece, nor the friendly with Russia. Martinez said Hazard would be sidelined for between 10-15 days, meaning he is in danger of missing the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on April 1. Any setback in his recovery could also force him to sit out the match against Pep Guardiola’s side at Stamford Bridge on April 5. Against Stoke, Willian, Diego Costa and Pedro filled the front‑three roles and coach Antonio Conte would probably stick with that attack in Hazard’s absence.  The Belgian has rediscovered his form this season, scoring 11 goals. Source: Standard