Manchester United are at last ready to seal their highly anticipated move for Dutch defender Daley Blind, with just three days to go before the summer transfer window draws to a close. Since the arrival of Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, the Red Devils have been the front-runners to sign the Netherlands international star, who played under Van Gaal in this summer’s World Cup tournament in Brazil. Blind, 24, has agreed personal terms with the Manchester club along with a fee reported to be in the region of £14m. The deal has been expected to materialise since the end…
Author: Staff Writer
Hull City boss Steve Bruce admitted his side fell far short of his expectations last night when they got dumped out of the Europa League tournament by Belgian side K.S.C. Lokeren. Bruce’s side were handed the opportunity to compete in the Europa League tournament last season when they reached the FA Cup final – which they lost to Arsenal at Wembley, in May. With their qualification via the FA Cup, the Tigers had a shot of achieving in Europe this season – something they have never done – but their lack of experience playing in such tournaments was apparent…
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dubbed his newly-signed young defender Calum Chambers for a bright future in the England squad, ahead of the international friendly match the 19-year-old will make his senior debut in next month. Chambers signed to Arsenal last month from south coasters Southampton and already has stepped up to the task for his new club. The youngster featured in the Gunners’ first two Premier League fixtures of the brand new season and has already impressed the Arsenal manager with his strength of character as well as his ability in defence. Chambers, who has played 18 times for…
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes his team are fully equipped to deal with the immense pressure of expectation that lays upon them to retain the Premier League title this season. The Chilean coach, who’s City boys secured a convincing home win over last season’s league runners-up Liverpool on Monday, believes the team’s assured performance and 3-1 result demonstrates their confidence and strength of squad and has set the standard for the season ahead. Pellegrini is fully aware spectators are placing high expectations upon his side as the current Champions and said the team will need to ensure they…
QPR’s no-nonsense boss Harry Redknapp has rubbished current rumours that imply his position at the west London club is in jeopardy and confirmed he will take the two-year contract extension offered by club owner, Tony Fernandes. The outspoken Londoner has been subject to speculation since losing the first two fixtures of QPR’s league run but appears to have the full backing of Fernandes, who wishes to secure Redknapp at the club until summer 2016. “It’s absolute rubbish (the speculation), we’ve played two games,” he told Setanta Sports. “Fernandes wants me to sign a two-year extension. He’s been asking me…
Chelsea already look like the team to beat in this year’s Premier League title race. On paper, the team looks the strongest both in depth and balance. But how far away is this Chelsea team from dominating? In my opinion, not too far away. My belief is Chelsea are only three players shy of dominating both domestically and in Europe for the next few years. Looking at the current crop of players, you would be hard-pressed to find a weakness. The midfield on paper is one of the best in Europe at the moment and their defence is statistically already…
Crystal Palace have held preliminary discussions with Manchester United over the possibility of signing their former player Wilfried Zaha on a season-long loan deal. The 21-year-old is one of a number of men set to leave Old Trafford before Monday’s transfer deadline and according to the BBC, Palace boss Neil Warnock is keen for a reunion with the England international winger, having previously managed him in his first spell in charge of Palace last decade. Zaha is a product of the Palace youth academy and made his transition into the first team in 2010 under Warnock. He signed for…
Aston Villa are set to make an £8m bid for Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley. According to The Telegraph, Villa boss Paul Lambert has given the swoop for Cleverley the green light as the midlands-based club look to pull off an ambitious move, but face competition from both Everton and Hull City for the England international’s signature. The 25-year-old has reportedly been told that he can leave United with Louis Van Gaal preferring a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer. Although the midfielder appears to have fallen down the pecking order a little for the time being, Val Gaal…
Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng has signed a new four-year deal with the Welsh club. The 25-year-old was on loan to Sunderland last season and has impressed Swans manager Gary Monk since his return. He has been rewarded with a new contract which will secure his position with Swansea until summer 2018. The South Korea international, who scored earlier this month on the Swans’ 2-1 Premier League victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, had one year left on his previous contract that was set to expire at the end of the 2014/2015 campaign. Ki, who joined Swansea from…
Wayne Rooney has been announced as the new captain of the England national team, replaced Steven Gerrard, who retired earlier this summer. After Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard retired from international duty following the World Cup finals in Brazil, Roy Hodgson has now named Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as his replacement. Rooney will now take the captaincy ahead of the upcoming game with Norway, which will signal his 96th cap at international level. Meanwhile, Jack Colback, Calum Chambers, Danny Rose and Fabian Delph have been included in a new-look 22-man party for next month’s friendly against Norway and European qualifier against…