• IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here.

    The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.

☆ Barclays Premier League Season 2016-17 ☆

Pogba

Alfrescian
Loyal

Awkward! Pogba meets Man Utd fan who has copied his hairstyle


paul-pogba-manchester-united-southampton_1xp27x87lmvk1dl1s223cusa7.jpg


Stephen Darwin
Aug 24, 2016 10:02:33

The world's most expensive footballer has seemingly met his biggest fan, with the France international having posted an image of a supporter that has gone for the exact same look

So it turns out Jamie Vardy isn't the only footballer who has a lookalike, with Paul Pogba the latest to have had his appearance copied by a supporter.

The Manchester United midfielder, who joined the club for a world record £89.5 million fee in the summer, posted an image on Instagram after meeting a fan with the exact same hairstyle.

Pogba's face gives the impression he's not too impressed with his impersonator, adding the caption "that weird same haircut moment".

The France international is in line to make his second appearance since re-joining the club when United face Hull City on Saturday and, who knows, he may well have opted for a new look by then!

227682831fd36740738d306d21a0d4cd2a3d202d.jpg


 

Lukaku

Alfrescian
Loyal

No surgery for Ayew as West Ham target December return

andreayew-cropped_huoay2x9uo7p1x50uyhtwpeuv.jpg


David Manuca
Aug 24, 2016 10:33:03

The summer signing from Swansea City sustained a "rare" injury in his side's defeat to Chelsea, while Andy Carroll is set to miss the next month and a half of action

West Ham forward Andre Ayew will not undergo surgery as he looks to recover from a "rare" but serious thigh injury which will keep him out for three months.

Ayew, 26, suffered the injury in West Ham's Premier League opener against Chelsea on August 15.

The club confirmed the Ghanaian will not undergo surgery but is still on track for a December return.

"Andre Ayew suffered a rare but very serious thigh injury at Chelsea, which will take time to recover from," West Ham head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke said.

"Andre will not have surgery and we have started the rehab straight away, working two times a day.

"Andre is a highly professional athlete with a positive attitude that no doubt will affect the return to play date.

"It is early to put a timeline on the rehab, but we are positive to reintroduce him in December."

Vandenbroucke also offered an update on striker Andy Carroll, who is expected to miss the next month and a half of action.

"Unfortunately, Andy Carroll, after his first good pre-season in many years, injured his knee in the game against Astra Giurgiu in Romania last week," he said.

"It was an incident where he passed the ball and then slipped on a difficult playing surface, over-stretching his knee.

"Andy has been an example at the training ground this season, working hard on the pitch and in the gym, but the reality is that he will be out for 4-6 weeks.

"One should not underestimate the mental challenge that comes with a physical injury. Andy cannot wait to start going again and he will come back strong."



 

Ibrahimovic

Alfrescian
Loyal

Joe Hart photograph removed from outside Etihad Stadium

hd-joe-hart_1j3qsjzfqru3w17g40rk2ck7s7.jpg


Aug 24, 2016 18:36:07

The England goalkeeper's imposing figure no longer adorns the club's home ground, as Claudio Bravo prepares to join from Barcelona and become Pep's first-choice

Joe Hart's exit from Manchester City may not be confirmed, but the club's marketing staff are apparently already preparing for a new era between the posts.

The goalkeeper has been relegated to the bench for the start of the season, with Willy Caballero taking the No.1 spot in Pep Guardiola's opening games.

Claudio Bravo's expected arrival at the Etihad Stadium will push him further down the pecking order - and the ground itself is also ready to say goodbye.

A giant photograph of the England international in action has been removed from the outside of the stadium, as revealed on Twitter.

Man City have updated the pictures displayed outside the Etihad. Joe Hart has vanished. pic.twitter.com/fNWgYIAjDS
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) 24 de agosto de 2016

GOAL READ MORE | Pique: Pep is perfect for Stones

In its place is a timeline showing the City team - but with Hart conspicuously absent alongside his companions.

Has the shot-stopper been erased from the club already?


 

Jurgen

Alfrescian
Loyal

Everton fan bins free copies of The Sun at Glasgow Airport

319501_heroa.jpg


Matt Horsman
Aug 24, 2016 20:25:28

Footage shows a Toffees supporter disposing of free copies of the newspaper, which is universally loathed on Merseyside

Everton and Liverpool fans may be bitter football rivals in Merseyside, but there is one thing that both sets of fans are united on: Justice for the 96.

Following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 96 supporters at the FA Cup semi final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, The Sun wrote a defamatory article headlined 'The Truth' which falsely claimed that Reds fans pick-pocketed and urinated on the dead.

The article was met with outrage in Liverpool and prompted a boycott of the tabloid in the city that has lasted to this day.

The relationship between The Sun and Liverpool recently worsened after the newspaper publicised private details of Dejan Lovren's marital troubles during a time that he and his wife were attempting to reconcile and work through their problems.

One Liverpudlian allegedly an Everton fan, has got his own form of revenge by disposing of every last free copy of The Sun at Glasgow Airport.

13863439.jpg


 

Conte

Alfrescian
Loyal

Chelsea will struggle to reach season target, Conte admits


f77d8c37be7239e5b02b63901e01732f.jpg


Oliver Platt
Aug 26, 2016 19:27:58

The Italian coach appeared pessimistic about his side's ability to mount a genuine challenge for the Premier League title during a press conference on Friday

Antonio Conte has admitted he is pessimistic about Chelsea's ability to win the Premier League title this season.

The Italian is attempting to restore the Blues to the summit of the English top flight after they followed up their 2014-15 championship-winning season with a 10th-place finish.

But having been frustrated in the transfer market - with N'Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi their only arrivals so far - Conte is unsure he has the resources to mount a title challenge.

"I must be honest - I think we'll have a problem to reach our target," he said. "But we must think to work, to improve every day.

227737188658e08a82f56569b6780bead6d112f7.jpg


"Also, I hope, with this transfer market, to improve the squad, to improve the team with some new players. But we understand that our targets are very difficult to reach.

"We know that Chelsea is a great team and a great team must fight until the end for the title. But also we know that last season the players were 10th.

"Not fourth, fifth, or sixth - 10th. It's important - don't forget this."




 

Guardiola

Alfrescian
Loyal

Hart situation is a mess for Man City - but Bravo is worth the hassle

claudio-bravo-chile-copa-america-06262016_1hjg866ibz27z1psgkhb9deb4u.jpg


Sam Lee
Aug 26, 2016 16:25:53

The Premier League club are desperately trying to find a new home for the ousted England No.1, but Pep Guardiola will be happy to have found the perfect goalkeeper for his system

While Pep Guardiola has been anxious not to give too much away about the Joe Hart "situation" for the past few weeks, he has been happy to discuss exactly what he does want from a goalkeeper.

On the eve of Wednesday's Champions League play-off, likely to be Hart's final game for the club, Guardiola was asked if he could explain, in layman's terms, why his keepers must be good with their feet. He spoke for almost three minutes - a lifetime in press conference terms.

Because a good build-up helps create chances. A good build-up helps City win the ball back when they lose it. A good build-up "makes everything easier".

The goalkeeper essentially holds the key to the Guardiola philosophy. The Catalan has spelled it out as well as he possibly can in a second language - that's if playing Willy Caballero for the first three matches of the season was not clear enough.

It should come as no surprise to anybody by now that Guardiola does not believe Hart can fulfil this most important of roles.

Does new signing Claudio Bravo? You bet he does.

"He has experience, anticipation of situations not in the box, in front of the box," Pep said on Friday. "He is good in the build-up plays, quick under the posts, he is a good player for us."

The Chilean ticks all of the boxes. But any City fans still in the Hart camp - and judging by Wednesday night there are still many thousands of them - who believe their man is a better goalkeeper should drop their pretensions.

"He’s a goalkeeper with a lot of experience in Spain, and with the national team," the City boss added. "He played in Real Sociedad and after two years in Barcelona, and playing important games in the national team, helped his team-mates create something special in Chile."

Replacing Victor Valdes, the very prototype of a Guardiola keeper, at Barcelona was never going to be easy, but Bravo managed it. Valdes had provided a level of security that may only have been fully appreciated after he had gone, but the Chilean's smooth transition ensured - in the way Guardiola explained this week - that Barca's attacking trio of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi could wreak havoc.

But he is not "just a passer", as some City fans may fear. His saves have got Barca out of a number of scrapes in recent seasons and he was integral as Chile won the Copa America last summer - the first trophy in their history - and then defend it this year.

Bravo will be spared a baptism of fire against West Ham this weekend - although Andy Carroll is not around to extend him the same 'Welcome to England' that David De Gea received in his first season in Manchester - but even if there are errors as he adjusts to life in the Premier League, he has demonstrated the temperament to turn things around: he had a shocker in the group stage of this summer's Copa America but recovered to be named goalkeeper of the tournament.

And while City may have tried to sign Marc-Andre Ter Stegen earlier this summer, it does not mean Bravo is a panic buy.

Bravo worked with Xabier Mancisidor, the Manchester City goalkeeper coach, at Real Sociedad in the past and he will link up with him once again.

"Now, he's going be lucky again," Juanma Lillo, one of Guardiola's close friends, told Sky Sports this week. "He's going to work with the same goalkeeper coach I signed at Real Sociedad.

"He is the best goalkeeping coach in the world, I have never seen anyone like him."

Guardiola has established a four-man back-room team that has followed him to Munich and Manchester, but he has been happy to work with the goalkeeping coach already in situ at both clubs. Especially so in the case of Mancisidor, who was brought to the club by Manuel Pellegrini.

"When I came here Txiki [Begiristain, the director of footbal] spoke to me about Xabi, about how good he is," Guardiola said on Friday. "I spoke with good friends of mine who worked with Xabi Mancisidor before who also told me that he’s a real professional, good, and that’s why we decide, the club decide, I decide, to stay working with him."

One of those good friends was clearly Lillo, and it appears more and more obvious that Bravo would have been in City's thinking for months. They may have had to wait until the season has started but they have got their man.

All that now needs to be resolved is Hart's "situation", as both goalkeeper and coach have decided to call it. There appear to be two "solutions". Begiristain said on Thursday that City will try to find Hart a new club, a suggestion that the hierarchy have been taken aback by Guardiola's ruthlessness.

But there is currently a shortage of options and the other solution, as put forward by Guardiola on Friday, will be far less appealing to the England No.1.

"If all four [goalkeepers] stay here, the best solution is for everybody to be involved in our idea. They are going to be in rotation. So if Joe, Willy and Angus stay then it won’t be the same one who is always on the bench. Maybe they go into rotation to find a solution - the best for us and them."

Waiting for his chance to be named as first-choice back-up is most likely not what Hart had in mind when he reported for pre-season training. Guardiola finished by pointing out "the situation is not easy right now", and he is certainly right.

But that is the price to pay for signing a new goalkeeper that fits perfectly into the project. Guardiola clearly feels Bravo is worth the hassle.



 

Jurgen

Alfrescian
Loyal

Klopp targeting a trophy at Liverpool every year


26 August 2016

1137031header.jpg


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he wants to have a reason to celebrate every year as sets his targets at Anfield for the next six years.

Klopp signed a contract extension in July that will keep him in Liverpool until 2022.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss enjoyed a relatively fruitful first season at Anfield, reaching the final of both the Europa League and League Cup.

While Liverpool failed to take home any trophies, Klopp says he wants to win silverware in each of his next six seasons with the club.

"I would like to celebrate in six years, six times after six seasons, each time really celebrate something. That would be great," the German told the Premier League Show.

"Driving on a big bus through Liverpool, celebrating with 700,000 people. I'd love to do that. That would be nice."

On extending his contract by a further four years, Klopp said: "It was so easy to say yes.

"I've said it before, the club would have found another manager, I would have found another club. It's not about having no alternative, it's about thinking 'yes, let's do it'.

"It was around the Brexit decision so everyone was thinking what would happen, and I really liked giving a sign that we are still Europe. Whatever happens, we are still Europe. I live here, we are so similar.

"OK, we are quite different in a lot of things, especially what we eat, but we are so similar.

"I feel really good in this moment, and, hopefully, after six years, we will look back and think it wasn't a waste of time, it was good."



 

Conte

Alfrescian
Loyal

Conte unsure of Chelsea additions in ´crazy´ market


26 August 2016

1137224header.jpg


Antonio Conte admits it will be difficult for Chelsea to land their transfer targets before Wednesday's deadline due to a "crazy" market.

The Blues have brought in Michy Batshuayi, N'Golo Kante and goalkeeper Eduardo during the transfer window, but it is reported that manager Conte is in the market for defensive reinforcements.

Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly was rumoured to be a transfer target, while on Thursday AC Milan stated they had rejected a bid from Chelsea for Alessandro Romagnoli.

And Conte is unsure as to whether new additions will arrive before the window closes.

"I believe with this market it's very difficult to [do] something," he said ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture against Burnley.

"We have some targets and understand that some targets are very difficult to buy, but this market is very crazy, it's very difficult to reach targets for us.

"Now we have a game against Burnley that is more important than the transfer market. At the end of the market I hope to have some more players than now."

Asked if he feels Chelsea can compete if no additions are made, Conte replied: "It's very difficult to reply because I am working with these players only 40 days.

"We know that we can improve a lot with our work, but it is also important to have a right number of players in the squad to compete with the other teams."

Conte, who hopes to have Willian available after he sat out last weekend's 2-1 win over Watford with a calf injury, also insists that the arrival of Eduardo does not mean that back-up goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will be leaving Stamford Bridge.

"No, our situation is very clear, we have three goalkeepers now," he said.

"First Courtois, second Begovic, third is Eduardo. We needed a third goalkeeper because [Jamal] Blackman went out on loan. We are happy to have Eduardo with us."



 

Sturridge

Alfrescian
Loyal

Liverpool´s Coutinho could miss Tottenham clash


25 August 2016

1137033header.jpg


Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is a doubt for the club's Premier League clash with Tottenham on Saturday due to a hamstring complaint.

The Brazil international claimed he felt tightness in his hamstring following Liverpool's 2-0 loss away to Burnley last week.

Coutinho was left out of the squad that beat Burton Albion 5-0 in the League Cup midweek, and manager Jurgen Klopp insists no risks will be made in relation to the attacker ahead of the clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

"The muscle was a little stiff," the German said. "He felt something so we didn't want to take a risk [against Burton].

"We left him out of training until now. We have to make a decision on Friday with what we can do with him.

"It is not a situation to take any risk. We have to talk to the player.

"From the medical side, it is not a big issue, but it was big enough to leave him out of the squad for Burton."

However, Klopp is confident Liverpool have the depth in attack to deal with Coutinho's absence if he is deemed unfit to play.

"Yes, we still have options," Klopp added. "Adam Lallana can play there, Roberto Firmino can play there, Sadio Mane is back and he can play there...on the wing if you want!

"Usually, Sheyi Ojo could play there but he has not been fit for a few weeks.

"We have different players for that position but when two of them are not available you have a little bit of a problem.

"That is what football is. We are not allowed to have a squad of 28 players but we still have options."



 

Pogba

Alfrescian
Loyal

Full steam ahead Manchester derby! United & City shaping up for mammoth clash


manchester-city-west-ham-28082016_15y4igj1ynzkg1001j6zq6257x.jpg


Sam Lee
Aug 28, 2016 18:36:28

Both clubs are reflecting the virtues of their high-profile managers just three matches into the Premier League season and everything is set up for an Old Trafford classic

Full steam ahead the Manchester derby! Well, not quite, as there’s the small matter of a round of international fixtures to get out of the way first. But next month’s clash at Old Trafford is sure to be a cracker.

United looked like they have got back into the winning habit under Jose Mourinho with that last-gasp victory at Hull City on Saturday and City, despite a wobble after Michail Antonio’s goal, look like they are firmly getting to grips with Pep Guardiola’s footballing philosophy.

At times during the first half at the Etihad Stadium the Blues were playing some sublime stuff. Raheem Sterling’s opening goal came following a great move down the left, and on a couple of occasions they could have added to Fernandinho’s header with some goal-of-the-season contenders, only to fall at the final hurdle.

Guardiola says he needs time to get his players playing at the kind of level he expects but there are clear signs of progress already. It is true that the Hammers offered paltry opposition for the first 45 minutes but it was City’s slick passing and movement that exploited the spaces offered to them, much in the same way they dismantled Steaua Bucharest in Romania.

A number of City players got an earful from their manager even when things were going especially well; Pablo Zabaleta the most common recipient, although the sound of Guardiola slapping his thighs in frustration at one Sterling error was audible 20 rows back in the press box.

The Catalan, then, will have been concerned that his men lost their slick edge as soon as Antonio out-jumped Gael Clichy to head home a cross that Willy Caballero failed to deal with.

Guardiola said his side would immediately play with “soul” even if the finer points of his ideology would come later. In that respect, their fans can be happy they did not cave in, and although they were not playing the kind of football their manager aspires to for much of the second period, they were at least good enough by regular old Premier League standards.

They may have missed a couple of chances - Sergio Aguero and Sterling hitting the side netting, Samir Nasri missing a couple of one-on-ones and David Silva hitting the post - but Sterling was on hand in stoppage time to produce an impudent finish to put the game beyond any lingering doubt.

After the win at Stoke City last weekend Guardiola said he did not mind that his men could not control the full 90 minutes at the Potteries and he will say likewise here.

That, though, may not be enough in two weeks’ time. Mourinho and Guardiola have tried their best to stay out of each other's way since they arrived in Manchester earlier this summer but they will be thrown under the same spotlight at Old Trafford.

Both sides, in their own way, have looked impressive so far this season. United seem to have recovered their swagger and will to win, while City are playing with the type of hunger that is synonymous with Guardiola teams and that was so often missing last season.

City hope that by the time Guardiola’s third season rolls around they will be far and away the best team in England, and if they keep progressing at this pace it is easy to imagine.

But while they work towards that promised land there are bound to be hiccups and how Mourinho - and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - would love to inflict their first defeat, and one that would be City’s 250th of the Premier League era.

These two sides have been widely tipped to finish first and second in the league this season and, although Chelsea have also won their three matches so far, few would bet against the title ending up in Manchester come May.

It may be too early for any kind of serious predictions - City’s form this time last year is proof of that - and while the derby may not mean too much come the final reckoning, it will certainly shape the fledgling stages of the Mourinho and Guardiola eras.

It is early days but both clubs are already reflecting their managers best attributes. United are muscular and built to win at all costs, City are slick and designed to dominate.

Whether the first Jose-Pep meeting in nearly three years is enough to bring out their worst attributes, it will also provide one of the many sub-plots of the first derby of the season.

There is plenty to talk about and, with almost two long weeks to wait, plenty will be talked about. What we know for now is that both City and United are looking good and there is an awful lot to look forward to.



 

Baines

Alfrescian
Loyal

Aguero facing FA ban after Reid elbow


hd-sergio-aguero-manchester-city_10ohmnjmbkr3t1ooxy24qgjmux.jpg


Tom Maston
Aug 28, 2016 17:56:05

The Argentine's foul on the centre-back was missed by referee Andre Marriner, and a retrospective suspension would see him miss the Manchester derby next month

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could face a ban from the Football Association after elbowing West Ham defender Winston Reid.

Television replays showed the Argentina international aiming his arm towards the centre-back during Sunday's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium, though referee Andre Marriner missed the incident.

And the FA could now look to suspend the forward retrospectively once the evidence is reviewed from the match.

A suspension would see Aguero miss the derby with Manchester United on September 10, as well as potentially the Premier League clash with Bournemouth and the EFL Cup third round tie at Swansea City.



 

Moyes

Alfrescian
Loyal

Everton fan passes away after taking ill at Goodison Park


everton-cropped_xeapvv2m8aiw1nj59kw4lnug4.jpg


Patric Ridge
Aug 28, 2016 08:41:27

The supporter became ill during the Toffees' 1-0 victory on Sunday and was treated at the scene prior to being transferred to a nearby hospital, where he passed away

Everton have confirmed that a fan who took ill during their Premier League clash with Stoke City on Saturday has passed away.

The 51-year-old, who has not been named, was treated at the scene before being transferred immediately from Goodison Park to a nearby hospital.

In a short statement, the club said: "Everton is deeply saddened to report that the 51-year-old fan taken ill during today's game has passed away in hospital.

"The thoughts and prayers of everybody at the football club are with his family and friends.

"The fan, who was seated in the Sir Philip Carter Park Stand for the game, became unwell just after 4.15pm. Police officers, an off duty doctor and paramedics performed CPR on the supporter prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

"He was taken to Aintree Hospital where he passed away a short time later. The club will continue to provide all the support possible to the family."



 

Vardy

Alfrescian
Loyal

Schmeichel to undergo surgery


kasperschmeichel-cropped_1d0qe8q472e9w1gvp0asxb1e1i.jpg


Dejan Kalinic
Aug 28, 2016 08:57:23

The goalkeeper has a hernia and will now undergo an operation, though the Italian expects him to recover in time to face Liverpool after the international break

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel needs surgery, but Claudio Ranieri expects the shot-stopper to be ready for his side's next game.

Schmeichel was substituted during the second half of his team's 2-1 victory over Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday after sustaining an injury.

And Ranieri has revealed that the Dane is in need of an operation, but he expects the 29-year-old to face Liverpool after the international break.

"He has a little hernia and Monday he will have an operation," he said.

"It will take four of five days and he will be ready for the next match. He wanted to play today, but he felt something and wanted to change.

"The surgery was in the programme anyway."

The champions also have other injury worries, with summer recruit Nampalys Mendy sidelined with an ankle injury.

Ranieri lauded his replacement in midfield, Daniel Amartey, and admits that there is no way to replicate the displays of last season's star N'Golo Kante, now at Chelsea.

"He played very, very well. He knows very well the Premier League and I have one player more. I am very pleased with him. Solid and strong in the midfield," Ranieri said of Amartey.

"Kante is one player. There isn't another in the world. That is Amartey's best position. [Danny] Drinkwater played well too."



 

Fabregas

Alfrescian
Loyal

Mourinho: I'm very happy to win in 'Fergie Time'


manchester-united-fans-celebrating_f7phcqcoi1kr1wj32a0xou77b.jpg


Alex Young
Aug 28, 2016 10:25:32

Marcus Rashford slotted home from close range in injury time to maintain Manchester United's 100 per cent start to the season, much to the delight of the manager

Jose Mourinho has revelled in Manchester United's 'Fergie Time' win over Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to make his first Premier League appearance of the season and slotted home in the final minute of added time to maintain United's 100 per cent start with a 1-0 win.

Hull, managed by one of Sir Alex Ferguson's former assistants at Old Trafford in Mike Phelan, were resolute in defence and set up to frustrate Mourinho & Co. before young Rashford sparked reminiscent scenes of the Scot's tenure in charge of the Red Devils.

"[Sir Alex Ferguson is] such a legend in the club and I'm more than happy to say that we won in 'Fergie Time'," he told reporters.

"I'm more than happy with that."

He added: "I know when we score late people will speak about a bit of luck but the reality is we deserved it, especially in the second half.

"We were so dominant, so intense in our rhythm and our attacking wave and I always believed the goal would arrive."

United are next in action against rivals Manchester City on September 10 following the international break.


 

Jurgen

Alfrescian
Loyal

Hart to join Torino - agent

joehart-cropped_1t4o1llg2msk511xt9jtdfouvm.jpg


Jamie Smith
Aug 29, 2016 23:15:35

The England No.1 is set to depart England for his first stint abroad, after his representative confirmed Manchester City had agreed a deal with the Serie A side

Joe Hart's agent has confirmed the goalkeeper will join Torino as he nears his Manchester City exit.

Hart has been pushed down the pecking order at the Premier League side following the appointment of Pep Guardiola and the purchase of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona, leading him to seek an exit from the Etihad Stadium.

The England international experienced an emotional farewell when he was made captain for the Champions League play-off second leg against Steaua Bucharest.

Hart now looks set to leave City after 10 years at the club and representative Jonathan Barnett saying the 29-year-old has agreed to join Torino with a season-long loan expected.

"Yes, Joe Hart will play for Torino," Barnett told Tuttosport. "It is done. The goalkeeper said yes to the club and now Manchester City has given its green light."

Hart is on international duty with England, who face Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday, but manager Sam Allardyce plans to allow players time off to complete transfers ahead of Wednesday's deadline.

"I'm sure if there is anything in the pipeline that Joe will tell us that this may happen," Allardyce told a press conference on Monday. "We can get ready for it just in case it does.

"We'll address the players today that, for anything in that area, for us to know as quickly as possible and deal with it as quickly as we possibly can."


 

Lukaku

Alfrescian
Loyal

Ferdinand: I reached out to Wenger


1138965header.jpg


29 August 2016

Former Manchester United and England stalwart Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he contacted Arsene Wenger about potentially signing for Arsenal in 2014.

Ferdinand, now a TV pundit, ultimately joined QPR upon the expiry of his United contract before retiring at the end of the 2014-15 season having made just 11 appearances during his time in the capital.

However, the 37-year-old has now disclosed that he also reached out to Arsenal boss Wenger, though a move to the club that represented United's biggest rivals for much of Ferdinand's time at Old Trafford did not materialise.

In response to a poster claiming Ferdinand should have moved to Arsenal on social media site Twitter, the former West Ham and Leeds defender posted: "I did reach out to Mr Wenger!!"

22784527152beddb59e3376ff2cae3cad0e9852b.jpg
 

Jurgen

Alfrescian
Loyal

Transfer Deadline Day: Chelsea seal Alonso signing as done deals pile up


31 August 2016

1140453header.jpg


Chelsea have completed the signing of Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina, while Manchester City sent a further three players out on loan.

Reports linking Alonso to Chelsea had grown in the past week, but after initially denying a deal was close on Monday, Fiorentina announced the transfer on Wednesday.

The former Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland left-back's switch was quickly followed by confirmation from Chelsea, who revealed a five-year contract has been signed.

Alonso's arrival at Stamford Bridge may not be Chelsea's final move of the day, with a sensational return for Paris Saint-Germain defender David Luiz confirmed to be on the brink of completion.

The Blues have allowed Juan Cuadrado to leave for Juventus in a three-year loan deal with the Italians paying €5million per season, while Christian Cuevas and Kenneth Omeruo have been sent out to Sint-Truidense and Alanyaspor respectively.

After the loan of Joe Hart to Torino was confirmed earlier today, City have since announced temporary moves for Samir Nasri to Sevilla and Eliaquim Mangala to Valencia.

Wilfried Bony is the other big-name departure from City, and he has been joined at Stoke City by another one-season signing in the form of Porto and Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi.

Jack Wilshere is expected to be heading for the Emirates Stadium exit, with Bournemouth thought to be leading the race to take the Arsenal man on loan for one year.

The Federation of Algerian Football (FAF) confirmed Sporting CP striker Islam Slimani had been granted permission to leave the international camp to undertake a medical with Leicester City.

Slimani is expected to become Leicester's record signing with a fee of £30million heavily reported, while Sporting team-mate Adrien Silva is also believed to be a target.

A move for the Portugal international could be aided by the arrival of Corinthians midfielder Elias in Lisbon, though his move is yet to be made official.

Tottenham have completed the signing of Georges-Kevin N'Koudou from Marseille, with Clinton N'Jie going the other way on loan.

Moussa Sow has returned to Fenerbahce on loan from Al Ahli, while Galatasaray have agreed a two-year deal with Nigel de Jong.

Besiktas have taken Caner Erkin on loan from Inter, despite the Turkey international only moving to San Siro in June, and Gokhan Inler is expected to follow having completed his medical.

Wolves have snapped up Portugal international Ivan Cavaleiro from Monaco, who have also sent Elderson Echiejile on loan to Standard Liege, while Ligue 1 side Dijon have moved for Mehdi Abeid from Newcastle United.

Middlesbrough have agreed a deal to sign Adama Traore from Aston Villa, and Liverpool's Andre Wisdom will spend the remainder of the season at Red Bull Salzburg.

Alberto Bueno has swapped Porto for Granda in a loan deal, with Lica also leaving the Estadio do Dragao for a two-year contract at Nottingham Forest.




 

Moyes

Alfrescian
Loyal

David Luiz gets No.30 as Chelsea announce new squad numbers


gfx-david-luiz-chelsea_o8ogb01bln6a1q62guhw0o363.png


Matthew Judge
Sep 1, 2016 17:53:57

The Brazil international completed a return to Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day, while Marcos Alonso also moved to the Blues from Fiorentina

David Luiz has been handed the No.30 shirt after completing his return to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazil international moved to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday's transfer deadline day for £38 million, only two years after leaving the Blues to join the French champions.

Luiz held the No.4 shirt in his first spell at Chelsea but was unable to reclaim the same jersey, with Cesc Fabregas the current incumbent.

Marcos Alonso also joined the Blues from Fiorentina on the same day and the left-back has selected the No.3 shirt.

The 25-year-old, formerly of Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland, secured a return to the Premier League after Chelsea agreed a £23m deal with the Italian club.



 

Pogba

Alfrescian
Loyal

Man City hope to overturn Aguero FA charge


hd-sergio-aguero-manchester-city_10ohmnjmbkr3t1ooxy24qgjmux.jpg


Sep 1, 2016 19:09:14

The striker is facing a three-game ban if found guilty of elbowing West Ham defender Winston Reid but his club are hopeful they can get him off the hook

Manchester City will contest the Football Association's charge of violent conduct against Sergio Aguero.

Aguero had been cited for an alleged elbow on West Ham defender Winston Reid during Sunday's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

The striker could face a ban, likely to be three games, if found guilty by the governing body, but City hope to overturn the charge altogether.

If the club are successful then they will have the Argentine available for their next game, the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on September 10.

The outcome will be decided at a hearing on Friday. It is understood Aguero is not in danger of being banned for an extra game as a result of a "frivolous" appeal.

The FA outlined their decision making process in a statement on Tuesday.

"Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time by the match officials are referred to a panel of three former elite match officials.

"Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence.

"For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous."


 
Top