Wednesday 31 August 2016

RUMOURS: Fabregas could make Milan loan

RUMOURS: Fabregas could make Milan loan
The Spain international has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and could make a surprise switch to Serie A for the rest of the season

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas could move on loan to AC Milan, according to a report from the Metro.
The Spain international star is not at the forefront of Antonio Conte’s plans at Stamford Bridge and is said to be open to a loan move until the end of the season.
The Serie A outfit will try to profit from this to bolster their creative options in the centre of the field, having already swooped for Mario Pasalic from the Blues late last week.

Transfer deadline day live

Roma agree Wilshere term
It's understood Jack Wilshere's representatives and Roma - led by transfer consultant Franco Baldini, who knows Wilshere from the England national team - have agreed the terms of a loan deal. Wilshere is thought to be enthusiastic on the move.
But this has to suit Arsenal (loan fee, terms etc) so it's certainly not done yet.
Palace and Bournemouth are still yet to receive and update today, so it's not looking good for them. But you never know as nothing has been finalised.

Ulloa off to West Brom?

 WBA Leonardo Ulloa an option after Slimani deal with #Leicester agreed. Allan Nyom likely to sign for #Baggies from #Watford #bbcfootballhttp://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/480/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/8/31/tweet-770956030561878016-2.jpg
Wilfried Bony

Thank You to all the MCFC fans for the support & hello to @stokecity fans I look forward to a great season together
David Melton: Ruddy to Sunderland. Short term gain John, Norwich will return to the EPL next season, with Sunderland going the other way.
Darren W: Premier league clubs mad. Not learnt from past. Just wasting millions of ££. Foreign clubs must laugh when English club calls
Kayleigh Millen: I want @JackWilshere to come to @Everton. Working with @RBarkley20 to make sure we kick butt in midfield in the World Cup!

DONE DEAL - Villa sign Adomah

Aston Villa chairman Tony Xia loves a tweet - and he's handily informed us that the Championship club have signed Middlesbrough winger Albert Adomah, 28.
No confirmation yet on the length of the deal. Sure we'll hear more in a few minutes...http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/480/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/8/31/tweet-770954951891705856-2.jpg

Welcome to Villa, Adomah! #UTV @AVFCOfficial

Breaking DONE DEALS - Forest complete double signinghttp://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/480/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/8/31/tweet-770954324679725056-2.jpg
Nottingham Forest FC
NFFC

#NFFC have completed the signings of Nicolao Dumitru and Mustapha Carayol.
34 - Wilfried Bony has been directly involved in 34 goals in 58 PL starts for both Swansea and Man City (28 goals, 6 assists). Handy.
Would Bony be a good signing for Stoke City?
What about today's other proposed moves? Let us know what you think at #bbcfootball.

BreakingDONE DEAL - Bony joins Stoke

First big signing by a Premier League club today as Wilfried Bony joins Stoke City from Manchester City on loan for the season.http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/480/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/8/31/tweet-770954382280101888-2.jpgBREAKING | #SCFC delighted to announce the season-long loan signing of @wilfriedbony from @ManCity

Caballero or Bravo?

While Joe Hart is mobbed by incredulous Torino fans following his shock loan move from Man City, many fantasy managers will be left counting the cost to their teams.
Having averaged 16 clean sheets over his last six seasons, Hart is doubtlessly a loss, one felt particularly by his 100,000 owners.
But his replacement, Claudio Bravo, comes in at the same starting price as Hart. While Bravo’s undoubted quality might eventually improve Man City as a defensive prospect, it’ll be a kick in the teeth for those fantasy managers who hoped to save money by investing in cheaper keeper option Willy Caballero who will now, inevitably, drop back to the City bench.

'Moyes misses out on Iborra

'It sounds like midfielder Vicente Iborra to Sunderland is off - did David Moyes do himself any favours by flagging up a relegation fight after only two games in charge?http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/8/31/fb108380-6977-45a6-8600-1e4e48cdbe30.png

Joe Joe Joe

Deadline Day
Already a fans favourite? Will Perry and David Ornstein discuss Joe Hart's arrival at Torino while the fans in the background shout the England No 1's name.

Chelsea’s Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi will not play in the Olympics

Chelsea’s Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi will not play in the Olympics
The duo are not expected to make the Dream Team VI list for the Rio 2016 football event, their top official has confirmed
Kenneth Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidid will not be selected in the Nigeria squad for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, a top source has confirmed to Goal.
Last week, John Obi Mikel and Daniel Akpeyi were picked as Nigeria’s two overage players but the duo will not be considered for selection due to club commitment.

"Omeruo wanted to play but he has not sorted his contract issue with Chelsea who has gotten a new Coach Antonio Conte,” a reliable source told Sportmasta.
“Wilfred issue is on his club coach wanting Siasia to make the player a starter in his team which Siasia believed was a mere excuse not to release the defender.”
The source also dismissed claims that coach Samson Siasia has announced his final squad for the competition.

"Coach Samson Siasia has not made any release concerning the Dream Team VI final 18 squad for the Rio Olympics in America,” he continue.
“In fact he was sad to read the report on the online media. He has pleaded that sports reporters should wait for the appropriate quarters which is the Nigeria Football Federation to make the release.”

Chelsea's Omeruo join Alanyaspor on loan

Chelsea's Omeruo join Alanyaspor on loan
The Nigeria international has moved for a second consecutive spell in the Turkish Super Lig
Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo has completed a season long loan move to Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor, just hours after extending his contract with the English Premier League side.
Omeruo, who arrived in Turkey on Tuesday night for his medical alongside Brazil forward, Vagner Love confirmed the move.
"The focus right now is to play regularly and establish myself here," Omeruo told BBC Sport of his move to the newly promoted side.
"I know what to expect joining a team with big ambitions - it means the bar has been raised even higher."
The move marks a return to Turkey for the Nigeria international who spent last season on loan at Kasimpasa where he made 26 appearances, although the club were unable to make the move permanent.
It is also unlikely the 22-year-old will stay with Alanyaspor beyond this season as his contract extension at Chelsea perhaps indicates there's a long term future for him in Antonio Conte's team.Omeruo's new contract will keep him on the books at the Stamford Bridge side till 2019.

Jack Wilshere's loan move is right decision for club and player

Jack Wilshere's loan move is right decision for club and player
Wilshere's decision to go out on loan is a brave move on his part but only if he goes outside his comfort zone - otherwise how much will he really benefit?
COMMENT
When Arsene Wenger said the last three days of the transfer window would be the busiest of them all he certainly wasn’t exaggerating. Arsenal have since confirmed two new arrivals for fees of £35m and £17m respectively, had several first team players linked with loan moves away from the club and even been touted to make an extremely unlikely deadline day signing.
The curious of all of those stories is Jack Wilshere’s decision to demand a loan move away from the club.
England midfielder Wilshere, who has been overlooked by new Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce due to his recent lack of game time for the Gunners, has fallen down the pecking order in midfield at Arsenal following the big-money arrival of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach. Added to the fact that Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin and even Mohamed Elneny are more likely to be picked than the 24-year-old right now, it is understandable as to why Wilshere has  been forced to look elsewhere, albeit temporarily.

A footballer leaving a club, whether it’s permanent or on loan, generally comes with negative connotations regarding the player’s condition, ability or mentality. Wilshere’s injury problems have become a burden to his own personal development over the years but the start of the 2016/17 season was enough reason to be optimistic for the player dubbed “the future of English football” by Barcelona legend Xavi. His pre-season ironically ended in injury but there were no real signs of him being substitute material for the opening few games.
If a player wants to leave, you shouldn’t stand in his way. That’s a philosophy Wenger has lived by throughout his managerial career and one that has helped him win the respect of many former players along the way. From Nicolas Anelka to Samir Nasri, the 66-year-old has a proven track record of selling and loaning players at the right time. In what could be Wenger’s final season of his 20-year reign as Arsenal boss, there remains a lingering disappointment that Wilshere hasn’t achieved what was expected of him when he first broke through into the Gunners senior squad.
Wenger will argue that he doesn’t have his favourites at Arsenal but Wilshere is someone who he has stuck by through thick and thin. From the two times he was photographed smoking (three if you count shisha) to hiding behind bins outside a London nightclub after another alleged incident, it’s fair to say that Wenger could have easily cut his losses and given up on the player when plenty other managers would have.
There has been much less of Wilshere on the front pages since he got engaged to Andriani Michael, perhaps a sign that the party boy Jack has started to mature. He has two kids with a previous partner and they will both be in his mind when making a decision on his whereabouts for the coming a season. With over 20 clubs interested in signing him on loan, it’s a decision making process which will be difficult and somewhat challenging to make in less than a day.

Crystal Palace are favourites to sign him due to their manager and location. Wilshere would walk straight into Palace’s midfield ahead of Joe Ledley but it could be argued that the former Bolton loanee would be better off going out of his comfort zone instead of staying in London. A season abroad, developing and immersing himself in a new footballing culture could benefit both Wilshere and Arsenal. The links with Italian giants Roma are genuine and they currently have Wilshere’s close friend and Arsenal team-mate Wojciech Szczesny on loan at the club which could play a huge part in a potential move, while fellow Serie A outfit Juventus are also interested.
Arsenal fans wanting Wilshere to stay at the club and fight for his place with near enough five midfielders in front of him should consider what that could mean. It would undoubtedly see an unhappy player become even more frustrated with his lack of game-time, something that could see him being restricted to cameo substitute appearances and rare starts in the EFL Cup. An injury free, season-long loan in a team where he's playing regular football can only go some way to rejuvenating a player who still has time to be the face of Arsenal and England over the next few years.
As Xavi said, “If Wilshere can put the injuries behind him, there is no reason why he still can't be one of the best midfield players in Europe.” Spain’s best still believes and with a little time away from Arsenal he won't be the only one.

OFFICIAL: Torino complete Hart swoop

OFFICIAL: Torino complete Hart swoop
The England goalkeeper will play in Serie A for the coming campaign, having been replaced by Claudio Bravo at the Etihad Stadium
Joe Hart has completed a season-long loan deal to join Torino after falling out of favour with new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The England international goalkeeper found himself second choice behind Willy Caballero for City's opening games of 2016-17, with Claudio Bravo's arrival from Barcelona seemingly demoting Hart to third choice.
Hart arrived in Turin on Tuesday, with the loan moved confirmed on transfer deadline day.
He was made captain for City's Champions League play-off game against Steaua Bucharest last week and bade an emotional farewell to the club's supporters.

The 29-year-old will now have a chance to prove himself again after a pair of high-profile errors on international duty with England at Euro 2016.
England and Hart, capped 63 times for his country, face Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday in what will be Sam Allardyce's first match in charge of the national team.
Hart could then make his Serie A debut for Torino at Atalanta on September 11.
He joined City in 2006 and has made 348 appearances for the club, with his honours including the 2011 FA Cup and Premier League titles in 2011-12 and 2013-14.

PSG want David Luiz replacement before sending him back to Chelsea

PSG want David Luiz replacement before sending him back to Chelsea
The Blues have made bid to bring the defender back just two years after selling him to the French side, but the move hinges on the latter's ability to find an alternative
David Luiz could be set for a sensational return to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea enter negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a £32 million transfer, Sportmasta understands.
Chelsea have been in talks with Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci since failing to secure the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
The 29-year-old is said to be open to a move and was a popular figure in his first spell at Chelsea after he originally joined the club from Benfica in January 2011 for £21m.

However, the move will hinge on whether PSG can secure a replacement defender first.
Luiz won the Champions League at Chelsea but was eventually sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £50m – the highest price ever paid for a defender – in 2014.
Meanwhile, Marcos Alonso is also on the verge of joining the west London club from Fiorentina and is expected to be formally announced tomorrow subject to a medical.

Your Says of the Day: Reds resigned on Deadline Day; Hart best ever?

Sakho and Sturridge: Appreciated moire by Liverpool fans
There is little optimism around on Deadline Day, with Liverpool, Arsenal and West Brom fans all having a moan. There’s excitement at Spurs, though…

Deadline Day despair

Anyone pulling a sickie? Got the fridge stocked full of ale for the no doubt exciting deadline day we’ve got in store? Or is it going to be much the same as any other with nothing happening apart from selling and loaning out squad players? I don’t even know why Sky send a reporter to Liverpool every year. It’s a complete waste of time. They stand outside all day with a cameraman and nothing exciting ever happens. Plus, the kids are off school, they’re all standing outside waiting for something to happen,and does it? Nah. ‘Nothing to see here’. Sorry, I know I sound miserable but I fear that we’re all set up for disappointment again. We all know where the squad needs an upgrade,we have been banging on about it all summer, and yet nothing has been done, and nothing will be done either. Oh,and if Sakho leaves,I’ll lose my s*** completely.
suarezsteeth

Joe Hart: Heading for City exit

Goodbye to City’s best ever?

Joe Hart leaving and listening to Blue Tuesday on Radio Manchester got me thinking who the best goalie Inever saw play for the blues… now I’m too young to remember Trautman and Swift. Corrigan was my idol in my youth (but not as good as Clemence or Shilton)… I loved TC (especially his clapping behind the back to certain songs) and who can forget the Weaver penalty save in 99… course there was James, Seaman and Schmeichel (all world class goalies)
Honestly though, I think Joe Hart is the best city keeper I have witnessed (even over Corrigan) – seen him make miraculous saves, single handily defy Barca, Madrid and Dortmund
Who’s yours ???
bluefen

West Brom woe

Oh well, here we are. just hours to go. Can’t believe Watford will sell Ighalo, at any price – Not on transfer deadline day. It’s going to be hard to persuade any club to sell one of their better players today. I really fear for us. Wickham was mentioned yesterday from Palace – Er, no thanks, not better than what we already have, and according to TP we won’t buy players just for the sake of it. But here’s the thing – come 5pm don’t be surprised when we are linked with all sorts of mediocre players.
sludgy

Moussa Sissoko: Left France camp on Wednesday

Sissoko to Spurs

Sissoko would be awesome. He was fantastic when we played Newcastle, as well as what he did at Euros!
If he comes, would rate our midfield options as the best in the league (or very close to it). Just would not feel there was a fear of injury as cover would be equally as good. This means good competition for places. It will push players to perform.
Think it will help Dele a bit also!
Wiltspur

Grumbling Gunners

Ludicrous, worst transfer window ever! I’m not defending Arsene but how can we expect to compete with the likes of Juventus who have signed Higuain for £76 million or Real Madrid who are expected to sign Aubameyang for £70million. We have failed in our bid for Manolas, rumours are Roma asking much more than £30million for him. Even £40million is not enough for Lacazette! I’m rather optimistic with our transfer signings of Mustafi and Perez but yes I expected more than that. I just hope they’ll be able to adapt well to the league and perform up to our expectations.
Arsenal_FC

Sakho and Sturridge sagas

It’s quite bizarre as Jurgen has said we need to trim the squad but aren’t we going to leave ourselves short if Sahko goes? It looks like Lucas will be cover for centre back. The rumours are that Sahko really wants to stay but Klopp has made his mind up. Rumours are the club are annoyed that he took a fat-burning substance without consulting the club. Might all be bulls***. If his attitude is wrong that the manager is right. I’ll be disappointed if he goes.
Sturridge is our best player. His goals per game record is unreal. It will be interesting to see if he starts the Leicester and Chelsea games. He will probably get injured on England duty…
You too can have your say here on any of our news and we will add it to our say of the day.

PSG ask Chelsea for £38m for David Luiz

PSG ask Chelsea for £38m for David Luiz
The Brazil international wants a return to Stamford Bridge, but the money on offer from the Blues is below the French champions' valuation
Paris Saint-Germain have told Chelsea that their initial offer for David Luiz is not enough and are demanding £38 million for him.
The Blues' bid of £32m fell short of the French champions' valuation of him and PSG won't sanction the sale until they find a replacement.
However, Les Parisiens have been looking into options from their shortlist since Tuesday night, but are yet to put in any formal offers on replacements with the transfer window due to close at 23:00 BST on Wednesday.

Brazil international Luiz left Chelsea just two years ago in a £50m transfer, but he is open to a move back to the club with whom he won the Champions League.
Chelsea have been in talks with Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci, who brought Luiz, Kenedy and Oscar to the club, after failing to secure the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and Alessio Romagnoli from AC Milan.
The deal won't have any effect on the imminent move signing of Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina to Chelsea.

Premier League spending tops £1bn mark for first time ever

Paul Pogba: Midfielder involved in long-running transfer saga
Premier League clubs have smashed through the £1billion spending barrier this summer – the first time the figure has ever been achieved in one window.
Bankrolled by the huge new television deal, worth an estimated £5.2bn over three years, Premier League clubs have bought freely this summer with no less than 11 teams smashing their transfer records.
Manchester United’s £89million world record signing of midfielder Paul Pogba remains easily the biggest fee of the window, but several of their rivals have not been afraid to spend big with rivals Manchester City capturing defender John Stones for £47.5m.
The figure is set to climb even further on Wednesday with the transfer window closing at 11pm BST.

Pogba interested in Sunderland and Hull

Pogba interested in Sunderland and Hull
The centre-back could follow the footsteps of brother Paul by making a switch to England, with two clubs seemingly hot on his heels
Florentin Pogba could be on his way to the Premier League in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Sportmasta understands that the Saint-Etienne centre-back, whose brother Paul made a world record move to Manchester United in the summer, is open to the idea of moving to England.
The north east looks his likeliest destination, with Sunderland eager to add the defender to their ranks as Lamine Kone nears a switch to Everton. Meanwhile, Hull City have reportedly tabled a bid worth €7.5 million for the former Sedan man as they aim to add numbers to their thin squad before the close of the transfer period.

If a move were to take place, it would offer the 26-year-old the opportunity to play against his younger brother for the first time in a competitive match.
Unlike Paul, who turns out for France, Florentin plays his international football for Guinea alongside his twin, Mathias.

Rooney: I’ve told Man Utd where I want to retire

Wayne Rooney: Man Utd skipper keen to finish at Old Trafford
Wayne Rooney says he has informed Manchester United of his desire to finish his career at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils forward confirmed his decision to stop playing for England after the World Cup in 2018 in a press conference yesterday as the squad turned up for their first training session under new Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce.
Rooney, who is just four goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton’s scoring record for United, has a contract until 2019 at Old Trafford and has told the club’s hierarchy that he wants to remain for the rest of his career.
“I’ve said to United I want to stay there, finish my career there. So it’s a case sitting down with United when the time’s right.
“I’ve still got three years left. When I speak to them, I’ll have a better idea. I hopefully want to finish my career at United.
“Going into the World Cup — hopefully we qualify! — the time will be right, it will be my 15th season playing for England, and in anyone’s terms it’s a long time, so I just felt the time would be right then.”
Rooney has ambitions to become a manager and is doing his badges in preparation for the end of his playing days.
“As a player, an experienced player, I know how to manage my body through training.
“I’m sure if I came here and said I felt a bit tired, I could have a day when I don’t have to train. Other players do it, so that wouldn’t be an issue.
“In the grand scheme of it, I love playing for my country, I feel I can still do it.
“I know if I stopped playing now, during this week I’d have two days at home, I’d be regretting it.
“The time will probably be right in two years, and hopefully I can enjoy the next two years, and do a bit better.
“I’d like to (go into management) of course. I’ve spent my whole life playing football and I think it would be a shame to walk away form it completely.
“I feel I’ve got a lot of experience behind me and when I do finish playing I would like to stay in the game at some level.
“I’m doing my badges – it’s a long time. But I’m doing it and I’m enjoying it. I’m just trying to get them done why I’m still playing really.”

Sissoko allowed to leave France camp amid Spurs rumours

Sissoko allowed to leave France camp amid Spurs rumours
Didier Deschamps has been given leave by Les Bleus to complete a deadline day transfer, with Tottenham reportedly close to his signature
Moussa Sissoko has been given permission to leave France's training base to conclude a transfer away from Newcastle United.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who featured as part of France's squad at Euro 2016, has been heavily touted for a move away from Newcastle since a string of impressive displays towards the end of the tournament.
Speculation linking Sissoko with a move to Real Madrid has since died down and Tottenham are reported to be the frontrunners for his signature.
The French national team's official Twitter feed confirmed on Wednesday that Sissoko had left their Clairefontaine headquarters with Deschamps' blessing.
Sissoko played 37 times as Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last season and he is yet to feature for Rafael Benitez's side in the Championship this term.
France will face Italy in a friendly on Thursday before beginning their World Cup qualifying campaign in Belarus on Tuesday.

Marc Albrighton commits to champions Leicester City

Marc Albrighton: New four-year Foxes deal
Marc Albrighton has signed a new four-year contract with Leicester City, the Premier League champions have confirmed.
The 26-year-old was a key performer in the Foxes’ title win last season and he has followed a number of his team-mates in committing his long-term future to the club.
The likes of Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez, Wes Morgan, Kasper Schmeichel and manager Claudio Ranieri have all done so, and now Albrighton has signed up until 2020.
“I just think there’s a really good feeling around the place,” he said.
“Everyone seems to want to stay at the club and I think that’s a massive credit to how far the club has come in the last few years.
“It’s exciting times for Leicester City Football Club and I want to be a part of that.”
Albrighton joined City from Aston Villa in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer which has proven to be an outstanding piece of business.
He has made 65 appearances for City, scoring four goals.

Man City clear-out continues as Bony arrives at Stoke City

Man City clear-out continues as Bony arrives at Stoke City
Joe Hart and Samir Nasri are set to finalise loan moves away from the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday and the Ivory Coast striker is also close to the exit door
Stoke City have jumped to the head of the queue in the race to sign Wilfried Bony from Manchester City, Sportmasta understands.
Bony arrived at Stoke's training ground on Wednesday in a bid to complete a move before the transfer deadline, although the two clubs are yet to agree on the finer points of the deal.
The Ivory Coast international is yet to feature in a matchday squad this season and City have been actively looking to find him a new home in recent weeks.
West Ham, despite bringing in Simone Zaza over the weekend, had retained an interest right up until Tuesday but have now dropped out of the running.
Stoke are in the market for a new striker and are set for a busy deadline day, with Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi joining Bony at the Potters' training ground.
Bony tweeted on Wednesday morning: "It’s a new day and I look forward to a new exciting challenge."
The 27-year-old is one of four senior City players expected to leave the club before Wednesday's deadline, alongside Samir Nasri, Joe Hart and Eliaquim Mangala.
Both Nasri and Hart are on the verge of clinching loan moves to Sevilla and Torino, respectively, though Mangala's future is less certain.
Porto had been interested in taking the France defender back to the Dragao and a number of Italian clubs were linked with a move, but it appears Valencia are now favourites.
Mangala rejected a move to Mestalla this time last year as City attempted to swap him for Nicolas Otamendi.

Gunner Chambers completes loan move to Middlesbrough

Calum Chambers: Spending the season at Boro
Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has completed his season-long loan move to Premier League rivals Middlesbrough.
The promising defender, 21, becomes the latest addition to Aitor Karanka’s squad having been dropped following Arsenal’s 4-3 defeat by Liverpool in their opening fixture of the season.
Spaniard Karanka built his reputation as a central defender, and he told their official club website: “I’m really pleased.
“It’s a position where we’ve been working towards bringing the right player in.
“We haven’t been in a hurry because Calum was the player we were waiting for, and he’s going to help us a lot.
“I’d like to say ‘Thank you’ to him because we know he had another offer, but he wanted to come here. That’s important and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Chambers, who joined Arsenal from Southampton for £16million in 2014, said: “(I’m) excited about the season ahead and can’t wait to get going.”

OFFICIAL: Kingsley Madu joins S.V. Zulte Waregem

OFFICIAL: Kingsley Madu joins S.V. Zulte Waregem
The Dream Team VI star has teamed up with the Belgian pro-league side from Slovakia’s AS Trencin
Nigeria international Kingsley Madu has joined S.V. Zulte Waregem on a three-year contract.
The player who played a role in the Dream Team VI’s Olympic bronze medal winning feat would be hoping to strengthen manager’s Francky Dury midfield.
"Kingsley Madu (20) has just signed a contract for three seasons with Essevee,” the club announced on their website.
"The 20- year-old Nigerian left winger joins from Slovakia's AS Trencin.  Madu with Nigeria won the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Brazil.”
Having completed this move to the Belgian outfit placed sixth on the topflight log, he is expected to join the Super Eagles in Uyo on Wednesday ahead Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.

Nigeria's Yakubu nets five goals in Minsk's 9-0 Champions League win

Nigeria's Yakubu nets five goals in Minsk's 9-0 Champions League win
The Falconet was in dashing form as her team tore apart the Macedonia's outfit in a Uefa Women's Champions League qualifier match played on Sunday
Nigeria’s Aminat Yakubu scored five goals as Minsk defeated Dragon 9-0 in a Uefa Women's Champions League qualifier game played on Sunday.
Aside Yakubu, compatriots Onome Ebi, Emueje Ogbiagbevha and captain Gift Otuwe netted a goal for the Belarusian champions against their Macedonia foes at the Cibalia Vinkovci in Croatia.
The Dragon's clash was inconsequential after Yuuy Maleev's side already sealed their place in the round of 32 after they earlier recorded victories against Standard Liege and Osijek.
Making her debut appearance after coming on twice as substitute, Yakubu netted the opener in the third minute before she doubled in the 13th minute with Emueje making it 3-0 in the 19th minute.
The Falconets star looked unstoppable as she netted her third and side's fourth in the 25th minute and assisted captain Otuwe grabbed ruthless Minsk's fourth in the 33rd minute.
In the second half, the former Sunshine Queens forward grabbed her fourth of the day in the 61st minute after the humiliated Dragons were reduced to 10-player in the 53rd minute.
Yakubu, however left it late till the 90th minute to nick her fifth after Yuliya Duben scored in the 71st minute. while defender Ebi got on the score sheet from the spot in added time.
Minsk completed the nine teams that came through the qualifying round and will join 23 others on byes to the knockout stage.

Wenger ‘looking to future’ after sealing £35m Mustafi deal

Shkodran Mustafi: Poses in his new shirt
Arsenal have completed the signing of defender Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia for a fee of £35million.
The 24-year-old defender has been with the Spanish club for two seasons, making 64 league appearances. He began his senior career by coming through the academy at Everton before spending two years with Sampdoria in Serie A.
Shkodran, who is currently on international duty with Germany, becomes Arsenal’s sixth signing of the summer. Lucas Perez, Granit Xhaka, and the young trio of Rob Holding, Takuma Asano and Kelechi Nwakali have all recently joined.
Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website: “He is at the right age. He has good experience. He is a very focused player who can play with the ball as well. We have taken a great player but have prepared well for the future.”

Gernot Rohr begins Nigeria reign with training for Tanzania game


Gernot Rohr begins Nigeria reign with training for Tanzania gameMikel Obi, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho were among some of the stars in training as the German officially took over from Sunday Oliseh
Gernot Rohr took charge of his first training as Nigeria coach ahead of Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.
The team had a light workout at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium football pitch overseen by the technical crew including assistant coaches Everson Ferreira, Jean-Luc Royer and Nabil Trabelsi.
However, 20 of 23 players were available to the coach on Tuesday evening during the team’s first training.

Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa, Watford’s Odion Ighalo and Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho made the session.
Others were Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Daniel, Ikechukwu Ezenwa,  Musa Muhammed, Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Jamiu Alimi, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Elderson Echiejile, Wilfred Ndidi , Nosa Igiebor and Victor Osimhen.
The team will have their second training on Wednesday morning.
Moses Simon and Kingsley Madu are expected on Wednesday same day as the Tanzania national team with the match officials expected on Thursday.

Spurs end Zaha interest as Palace stand by £25m valuation

Wilfried Zaha: Will stay at Selhurst Park
Tottenham have ended their interest in signing Wilfried Zaha this summer after Crystal Palace reportedly refusd to budge on their £25million asking price.
Spurs made an opening offer worth an initial £12million last week but Palace rejected the bid and were adamant Zaha is not for sale.
It is understood Spurs will not be going back in for the 23-year-old and have now moved on to other targets. It was reported earlier on Tuesday that the Eagles were refusing to accept anything less than £25million for the winger having sold Yannick Bolasie to Everton for a similar fee earlier in the window.
Instead, Marseille winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is expected finally to complete his £11million switch to White Hart Lane after agreeing personal terms last month.
Nkoudou has even been training at Hotspur Way while the two clubs finalise details of the transfer, which has been held up by a change of presidency at Marseille. Spurs forward Clinton Njie is likely to move on loan in the opposite direction.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring in another attacking midfielder as well as Nkoudou, however, and is wary of being left short after the recent sales of Nacer Chadli, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason.
Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko is one option being considered but Spurs want Newcastle to lower their £35million asking price.
Zaha was viewed as more in tune with the club’s transfer policy of buying players under 25 but Palace have made it clear they will not entertain offers so late in the transfer window.
The forward even held a meeting with Alan Pardew at the club’s training ground last Thursday and told the Eagles boss he wanted to join Pochettino’s side.
But Palace chairman Steve Parish described Tottenham’s approach as “ridiculous” and Zaha has since been informed he will be staying put.

Man City midfielder Nasri set to deadline day move to Sevilla

Samir Nasri: Likely to leave Man City for Spain
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri will join Sevilla on loan before the transfer deadline shuts, according to reports.
The Frenchman appeared to have no future at the Etihad over the summer after returning to the club overweight, but earned praise from boss Pep Guardiola following City’s 3-1 win over West Ham.
However, it seems that has not been enough to earn him a reprieve, with Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claiming he will complete a deadline day loan switch to the La Liga side.
The report claims that Man City will retain a large chunk of his wages and there is no automatic option to buy.

Wilshere choice revealed; Man Utd outcast snubs move

Jack Wilshere: Set to announce loan club
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is poised to announce the club he wants to join on loan, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has ‘angered’ Jose Mourinho by rejecting a free transfer move away from Manchester United, according to Wednesday’s papers.

WILSHERE POISED TO PICK PALACE

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere looks set to choose Crystal Palace over Watford and Bournemouth following talks with Eagles manager Alan Pardew.
The Gunners caused a major shock on Tuesday when it was revealed the player would be allowed to leave the club on loan – and the Daily Mirror claims the England midfielder received 22 offers in one day alone.
However, having already had a chat with Pardew, Wilshere looks likely to accept a move there, despite rival Premier League enquiries from Bournemouth, Watford, and interest from abroad in the shape of Roma and Valencia.

Wilshere, who has two years left on his current contract, wants to move to get regular football after being axed from the England squad.
Palace appeals as it is still in London, near his family and children, while his dad Andy also believes a move to Selhurst Park would offer a fresh start.
Arsenal do want a sizeable loan fee and for clubs to meet his £80,000-a-week wages, but Palace — who have signed Liverpool’s Christian Benteke, fellow striker Loic Remy from Chelsea and Newcastle’s England winger Andros Townsend this summer — are confident of getting a deal done.

SCHWEINSTEIGER SAYS NO TO SPORTING TRANSFER

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Tipped to find best form by Louis van Gaal
Manchester United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger has left Jose Mourinho “seething” after refusing to join Sporting Lisbon on a free transfer, according to an exclusive in the Daily Star.
The paper claims Manchester United even agreed to pay part of the German midfielder’s £190,000-a-week wages in Portugal.
But the 32-year-old World Cup winner dug in his heels and told Mourinho he would not go.
The angry United boss has vowed not to play the midfielder again despite Schweinsteiger claiming he is still determined to forced his way back into the picture.
Mourinho has already axed him from his first-team squad and suggested he would rather pick hopefuls out of the youth team to play in midfield.
Schweinsteiger, who calls time on his international career tonight in a friendly against Finland, has two years left on the contract he signed after arriving from Bayern Munich in 2015.
The 32-year-old could earn around £18m just by sitting tight until his deal runs out in June 2018.
But quotes from the player on Tuesday suggested he believes he can get Mourinho to change his mind about his Manchester United future.

AND THE REST

Odion Ighalo: Linked with WBA

Tottenham will keep Heung-Min Son after rejecting Wolfsburg’s £24m offer for the South Korea forward (The Sun)
Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli is poised for a move to Nice that will end his Anfield career (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham have submitted a cut-price offer for wantaway Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko (Daily Mirror)
Wayne Rooney wants to be England boss when he hangs up his international boots after the 2018 World Cup (Daily Star)
Arsenal have made an approach to sign Lanus midfielder Miguel Almiron, the player’s agent has confirmed (Daily Star)
West Brom manager Tony Pulis has launched an audacious £21m bid for Portugal’s Euro 2016 star William Carvalho (Daily Express)
Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Marcelo Brozovic from Internazionale (The Independent)
Chelsea will complete a £23m move for Fiorentina’s Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso, 25, and will look to the loan market for another central defender (Daily Telegraph)
Isco has been told to leave Real Madrid and has a straight choice between Tottenham and former club Malaga (AS)
Burnley are poised to sign Derby County midfielder Jeff Hendrick, 24. The Republic of Ireland international will cost the Clarets a club record fee in excess of £10m (Daily Mail)
Valencia have made an offer to sign Manchester United’s Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, 26, on loan (Squawka)
West Brom will bid £32m for Watford’s Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo, 27. Manager Tony Pulis will use the sale of English striker Saido Berahino, 23 – set to move to Stoke – to part-fund the purchase (Daily Mirror)
Sunderland could break their transfer record for £17m-rated Lorient and Gabon midfielder Didier Ndong, 22 (Sunderland Echo)
Sunderland boss David Moyes is eyeing a deal for Paul Pogba’s brother, Guinea international Florentin, 26. Moyes will offer £6.5m for the St Etienne defender (The Sun)
Everton’s hopes of signing Ivory Coast defender Lamine Kone, 27, could rest on Sunderland’s interest in Liverpool’s out-of-favour France centre-half Mamadou Sakho, 26 (Liverpool Echo)
Stoke City are closing in on signing Dutch international Bruno Martins Indi, 24, on loan from Porto (Stoke Sentinel)
Crystal Palace are close to signing Venezuela midfielder Tomas Rincon, 28, from Genoa (Croydon Advertsier)

Conte vs Mourinho: How Chelsea compare this season to last

Chelsea stats under Conte
Chelsea have made a 100% start to the new Premier League season – here Sportmasta take a closer look at what Antonio Conte is doing differently to former manager Jose Mourinho.
With the first international break of the season now upon us, the early title favourites have established themselves at the summit of the Premier League. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are three for three as August draws to a close, with the trio’s new managers working wonders already. Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have each impressed in their early weeks at their respective helms, with the three teams topping England’s top tier.
While City and United were expected to challenge early on given the sheer level of investment this summer, Chelsea’s rise to the top has been less expected. The Blues required late goals to secure maximum points against West Ham and Watford before ending the month on a high with victory over Burnley. It’s a vast improvement on the four points Chelsea gained from the opening three league games last season, when it took nine games for the Blues to secure their third win of the campaign.
The poor start to the catastrophic title defence ultimately cost Jose Mourinho his job, though he was somewhat unfortunate. 2015 Player of the Season Eden Hazard was suffering with injuries, with Mourinho unable to maximise his attacking qualities. As a result, the Blues suffered, but after ending the previous campaign strongly, the Belgian has made a superb start to life under Conte. Only Curtis Davies (8.49) has gained a better WhoScored.com rating than Hazard (8.25) in the Premier League this season, with his 17 successful dribbles better than any other player.
His influence in the final third is having the desired effect for Chelsea, who are averaging far more shots per game this season (17) than they managed after three games under Mourinho last term (12). Indeed, with Hazard seamlessly breaking through the opposition defence, the Blues have averaged more key passes per game (12.3) than at the same stage last term (9.3). Not only has Hazard’s impact been vital, but the return to form of Diego Costa has provided the crucial focal point to help in Conte’s 4-1-4-1 formation.
Diego Costa: Pined for Atletico return
In the early stages of last season, Costa would often pull to the wings and while this is a requirement when operating as a lone frontman, that Chelsea had no players in the opposition box to finish off chances meant the Blues were lacking in the penalty area. Indeed, Conte has now demanded Costa remain more central to allow the wide men – Hazard and Willian – free reign to provide the attacking width.
As a result, Chelsea have benefited, with no player directly involved in more goals than Costa (3) in the Premier League this season. While there has been a hint of good fortune – he should arguably have been red carded against West Ham before netting the winner late on and missed the subsequent victory over Watford, or received his marching orders before his late strike in the latter win – he’s enjoying a far more profitable third season in London than he did second. The arrival of Michy Batshuayi has evidently had the desired effect on Costa’s improvements, with the Belgian a better back-up than Loic Remy, Alexandre Pato and Falcao.
Despite just 32 minutes of action, Batshuayi has been directly involved in two goals, providing the vital assist for Costa’s winner against West Ham before bagging the equaliser against Watford. Importantly, though, is that with Conte able to utilise Batshuayi from the bench, the Italian can re-shuffle his side to move from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-2-4 formation, with the pair quickly striking up an understanding when the Belgian is introduced.
A key component in that regard, though, has been N’Golo Kante. While Nemanja Matic was vital in Chelsea’s title win, the Serb lost his way a little, shirking his defensive responsibilities last season. In Kante, however, Conte has his midfield general to shield the back line. “Eat grass,” was the manager’s maxim at Juventus; Kante absolutely devours the stuff. He is averaging the second most tackles (2.7) and interceptions (1.7) of all Chelsea players and impresses when on the ball, with his pass success rate (95.1%) the third best of all Premier League players to make at least one start this season.
Antonio Conte: Challenges Chelsea to continue good start
Chelsea are averaging more possession under Conte (58.9%) than they managed at this stage under Mourinho (53%) yet are averaging the same number of tackles (15). If anything, this only accentuates Kante’s efficiency in the middle of the park, with the France international ensuring there is as little pressure on the Chelsea goal as possible. It’s allowed the Blues to concede the fewest shots per game (6.3) in the Premier League so far this season – a huge dip on the 16.7 after three games last term.
Of course the differing quality between the three teams Chelsea met this season compared to last is staggering. The Blues faced tough away days at Manchester City and West Brom, whereas Conte’s only away trip has been to a Watford side still finding their feet under Walter Mazzarri. However, you can only beat what is in front of you and Chelsea have done just that so far this season. The defence needs investment before the transfer deadline, but there are positive signs of improvement under Conte, with the new signings and primary attackers each having an influential role that has helped Chelsea to a 100% record.

Chelsea ‘in talks over £32m deal to re-sign David Luiz’

David Luiz: Could be heading back to Chelsea

David Luiz: Could be heading back to Chelsea


Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with David Luiz amid claims in France that PSG have accepted their £32million bid to bring the defender back to Stamford Bridge.
The Brazil international left for Paris Saint-Germain in June 2014 for £50million – a world record fee for a defender – yet he is ready to return to London in a surprise transfer.
The return of their former player, however, would be a huge surprise given the criticism he has received for his performances in the Premier League, though the player remains a popular figure among Chelsea supporters.
It is claimed the Blues turned to David Luiz after growing increasingly frustrated in their search for a new centre-half after seeing bids turned down for Alessio Romagnoli at AC Milan and Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
Terry & Luiz: Defenders team-mates for three years
They were also rebuffed after making initial enquiries to bring in Luiz’s PSG team-mate Marquinhos last week but were instead told that they could sign Luiz if interested – and it’s claimed the deal has been sanctioned by new boss Antonio Conte.
The eccentric 29-year-old came in for criticism last week after giving away a penalty in PSG’s defeat to Monaco and was taken off by coach Unai Emery, who had subsequently told the player he would be made available for sale should the right offer come in.
It’s claimed the player would welcome a return to Stamford Bridge with the deal possibly going through on Wednesday.

Transfer Deadline Day live – all the deals as they happen

Deadline Day: David Luiz, Wilshere, Sakho and Sissoko on the move?
Follow Sportmasta’s live Deadline Day blog as we bring you all the done deals as they happen.
Teams have until 11pm BST on Wednesday to finalise their squads for the 2016/17 campaign and Premier League clubs have not been afraid to splash the cash this summer, with spending soaring through the £1billion barrier for the first time one window.
You can join the discussion by adding your thoughts on the day’s business in the story comments box at the bottom of this article.

9.19am: Man City outcast Wilfried Bony is heading for Stoke….
9.12am: Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi has just arrived at Stoke’straining ground and met technical director Mark Cartwright.
9.01am: The FFF has confirmed that Sissoko has been given permission to leave their squad to discuss a possible deadline day transfer.
8.53am: Wilfried Bony is likely to be a man on the move today – and he’s already laying the bait if this tweet is to be believed….
8.32am: Reports claim Spurs have submitted a £16million bid for Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko – not quite the £35million they were asking for…. We’re also hearing Everton could make a move.
Moussa Sissoko: Hopes to quit Newcastle this summer
8.23am: Interest line coming out of West Brom and their hopes of a £53m double deal on deadline day
8.12am: Newcastle forward Emmanuel Riviere is poised to join Osasuna on loan, according to reports in Spain.
The Frenchman, who has scored just three goals in 31 outings for Newcastle, will complete his temporary move once he passes his medical, claims Marca.

8.08am: Sky sources are claiming Derby midfielder Jeff Hendrick has arrived at Burnley for his medical ahead of a club record £10million move.

7.56am: Today’s busiest club? Let us know….

Which team will be busiest on Transfer Deadline Day?

  • Chelsea
  • Crystal Palace
  • Tottenham
  • West Brom
  • Stoke
  • Sunderland
  • Other

7.48am: Paper Talk is out – and there’s more news on Jack Wilshere’s next club and Bastian Schweinsteiger rejecting a free move to Sporting Lisbon.
7.27am: You know what we’re going to miss today? Harry Redknapp hanging out a car window of course! Guess we’ll have to make do with Tony Pulis, instead 🙁
Harry Redknapp: Transfer Deadline Day
7.10am: Spurs’ hopes of signing Isco on loan may have taken a nosedive after the player was spotted ‘liking’ a tweet on social media suggesting he was returning to former club Malaga.

Isco social media likes
7am: Good morning and welcome to our live blog. It look like being a busy day of spending for quite a few clubs, while the future of frozen-out England duo Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere is sure to dominate a few headlines. Chelsea’s pursuit of former defender David Luiz certainly looks to be an eye-catcher too….