Argentina captain Lionel Messi has stated that he would love to face Barcelona team-mate and Brazil international Neymar in the World Cup final this summer. Messi and Neymar linked up for the first time last season at Barcelona following the Brazilian forward’s move from Santos last summer and although things did not go according to plan at the Camp Nou last season, both have held a high admiration for each other. And, Messi, who will captain Argentina in Brazil has said that he would love to meet his team-mate in the final next month. “It would be a dream to…
Author: Staff Writer
Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has revealed that Arsenal are close to activating their buy-back clause for Carlos Vela. The Mexican international made a permanent move to Sociedad in 2012 after failing to make his mark in England with the Gunners, but his impressive performances at the San Sebastian have since seen a number of big clubs show interest. That has led Arsenal to look into the possibility of activating the buy-back clause which they included in his sale of £3.2m. And, whilst Sociedad would ideally like to keep their prolific forward, Aperribay admits that it is not down to…
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood is set to be announced as the new boss of West Bromwich Albion. Sherwood took over at White Hart Lane from Andre Villas-Boas last season and was handed an 18-month contract, however, the North London club decided to release him come the end of the season, despite a record of holding the highest win percentage for the club in England’s top flight. Former Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino has since took over, leaving Sherwood to look for another job in English football and it is understood that he will be announced as the new boss…
Football Express News understands that Loic Remy’s officials are doing all they can to try and convince Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to re-submit a bid for the French striker. Remy, had a good season on loan with Newcaslte United last term but returned to parent club Queens Park Rangers at the season’s close. The French striker is not keen on remaining with the London-based club but does want to stay in the English capital with either Tottenham Hotspur or Arsenal. And, despite reports that the striker has agreed terms with Spurs in recent weeks, it is understood that his constant…
Football Express News understand that after long negotiations, Barcelona and Sevilla have agreed on a deal that will see Ivan Rakitic move to the Camp Nou. The Croatian midfielder was arguably the most in-form midfielder in La Liga last season, helping Sevilla to a Europa League title success and being the only man in the Spanish top flight to score past the top three – Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid. And, his impressive performances for the Andalusian club had gained interest from a number of big spending European clubs, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and…
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that winger Marco Reus will be out of action until September after suffering an ankle injury. The German winger joined a list of household names who will not be going to the World Cup after he suffered a nasty ankle injury during his country’s warm-up game with Armenia. The 25-year-old has been in superb form of late and was a revelation for Dortmund last season, netting an impressive 23 goals in 43 games and it was those performances that had seen him linked with a summer move to either Manchester United or Barcelona. Barcelona are said…
Former Barcelona and Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff believes Argentina are the team to beat at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Host nation Brazil are the firm favourites heading into Thursday’s big World Cup kick-off after they won the Confederations Cup on home soil last summer, beating Spain in the final. But, Cruyff, who was writing in his column for Dutch media De Telegraaf, believes that Brazil’s bitter rivals Argentina will be the team to beat this summer. “The pressure on the squad is huge,” he wrote. “They have to watch out for Argentina. I think Spain will also be a…
Real Madrid’s interest in Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will be determined by the performance of the Uruguayan and French striker Karim Benzema. The Spanish capital side have held a long-term interest in Suarez and many media outlets have stated that a bid will be forthcoming in the near future. However, Suarez has claimed his happiness at Liverpool, whilst the English club have also stated that they would be unwilling to allow the former Ajax man to lave. But, with Madrid known to test the loyalties of players over the years, securing Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur last summer; Anfield officials…
French side Monaco have pulled out of their agreement with Victor Valdes and have decided against signing the Barcelona keeper. Valdes called time on his career with Barcelona at the beginning of this year, informing fans of the club his decision not to renew his current deal and leave on a free transfer. And, it was fully expected that the Spanish international stopper would arrive in Ligue 1 with Monaco after an agreement between both parties had been reached back in February. However, that pre-contract agreement has now been cancelled by Monaco, according to French press L’Equipe, who claim that…
Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has told Spanish radio station Cope that he is unsure whether or not the World Cup will be his last outing for the national team. The former Liverpool man is preparing for his sixth major international tournament with the Spanish national side and has been a big part of their recent successes – World Cup 2010 and European Championships in 2008 and 2012. However, injury problems have burdened the midfielder in recent times and with the likes of Atletico Madrid’s Koke and Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara coming through the ranks, both he and…