http://gty.im/465171838 Arsenal are ready to sign Hakan Calhanoglu this summer and will offer Lukas Podolski as part of the deal. Calhanoglu has been attracted interest from a whole host of European clubs this season after some fine performances for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal have led in terms of interest with the latter having sent scouts to watch the German-born Turkish international. And, it is understood and reported in Monday’s Daily Star that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is now ready to make a summer move and offer Podolski in exchange. Podolski is currently on loan at…
Author: Staff Writer
http://gty.im/465587198 Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has claimed Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling would cost the champions a world record fee. Sterling’s contract negotiations with the Merseyside club continue to stall with the England international’s representatives said to be holding out for a bigger deal than offered. The winger has been linked with a move away from Anfield since, having received interest from Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona and fellow English side Man City. And, City boss Pellegrini has claimed that any such deal to bring the former Queens Park Rangers to the Etihad stadium would cost £100m. The former Real…
http://gty.im/464733568 Martin Atkinson will referee Sunday’s Premier League encounter between Liverpool and Manchester United. The decision from the Premier League comes just a month after Atkinson was heavily criticised for his performance during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Burnley on February 23. The official was subject to much debate after he failed to spot a high challenge on Nemanja Matic and later sent of the Serbian midfielder for his reaction to the tackle. Former referees’ chief Keith Hackett branded Atkinson’s performance at Stamford Bridge “incompetent” and he was dropped from Premier League fixtures for the following round. United travel to Anfield hoping…
http://gty.im/466393940 Dutch side FC Twente turned down the chance to sign Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid in 2009, according to Studio Voetbal. The Brazilian-born Spanish international joined Atletico in 2006 from Portuguese side Braga but failed to make his mark during his early time in the Spanish capital. Having been loaned out to Rayo Valladolid, Costa was hauled back into the Atleti side under Diego Simeone and went on to help the Vicente Calderon outfit to a La Liga title and Champions League runners-up place. However, things could have been different had he joined Twente in 2009 but the Dutch…
http://gty.im/452746134 Keeper Ben Amos has revealed that he will be leaving Manchester United this summer on a free transfer. The 24-year-old has made just seven first team appearances, despite being at the club since the age of 11 when he joined from Crewe Alexandra. Amos, who is currently enjoying a loan spell with Championship side Bolton Wanderers, expects to find a new side before the season ends and his contract expires at Old Trafford. “Being 24, I can leave on a Bosman so that gives me a little bit more flexibility of where I can go,” Amos told the Manchester…
http://gty.im/466388200 Alongside his side’s title aspirations Diego Costa is continuing his own personal battle for the Golden Boot, with rivals Sergio Agüero and England duo Harry Kane and Charlie Austin closely behind. His goal against Southampton yesterday was his 18th of the season, yet surprisingly his first in the league since a brace in January against Swansea. Although a recent goal drought in all competitions has seen the Chelsea forward in the spotlight, he answered his critics with some good movement in the box and a well-taken header. You feel his goal-scoring form will be crucial to Chelsea getting over…
http://gty.im/466217856 It was confirmed today that Sunderland have parted company with Head Coach Gus Poyet, with the Black Cats sitting just one point above the drop zone. Where did it all go wrong for the flamboyant Uruguayan? From guiding Sunderland to an unlikely cup final, to forgetting to put eleven players on the pitch for the second half at home to Aston Villa. It has been a mighty fall for Gus Poyet at Sunderland. The problems start with the lack of goals at Sunderland this season, they have drawn seven matches 0-0 this season. No other team has had more than four in…
http://gty.im/466189174 Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has criticised Manchester United for ‘damaging’ winger Wilfried Zaha. The 22-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing as United manager but was forced to go out on loan to Cardiff City after making just three first-team appearances under David Moyes last season. Zaha has since rejoined Palace, first on a loan deal, moved to a permanent move in February, but Pardew feels the player is still suffering from a lack of confidence, developed during his time at United. “There are two things with him; firstly, I don’t see him smiling enough and secondly, he…
http://gty.im/466412130 Juan Mata has thanked Manchester United supporters for their ‘love’ during the Tottenham Hotspur win on Sunday afternoon. The Spaniard has struggled to find consistency this season but was handed his first start in two months against Spurs on Sunday as Angel di Maria was suspended. United’s 3-0 win hands them a six-point lead over those chasing for the final Champions League place and Mata has touched on the victory. “It was a very important victory in order to finish in the top four, since Tottenham is also in the same race,” he wrote in his blog on juanmata8.com.…
http://gty.im/466412242 Celtic boss Ronny Deila is dreaming of a famous treble after his side beat Dundee United 2-0 in the Scottish League Cup final. The Hoops clinched their first trophy under manager Deila with goals from Kris Commons and James Forrest on Sunday afternoon. Celtic are currently three points clear in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand and face United again in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup on Wednesday evening. “[Winning the treble] is the dream,” Deila told BBC Sport “It’s a great feeling. I’m happy for the boys and proud of the boys for the job they did…