I never thought I'd be here - Brazil's new no.1 Weverton set for 'dream' Olympics

The Atletico PR man never expected to be called into the squad for the Rio games but will now go in search of gold as first choice in what could be the start of a late bloom

If Weverton could learn anything from Fernando Prass, it was that he should never give up – and never think it’s too late. 

---

Prass, 38, waited more than two decades for his first international call-up, only to have it snatched away from him in the cruellest of fashions as he injured an elbow in the warm-up ahead of what would have been his international debut.
But a chance lost for one is often one gained for another. Now Weverton, 10 years Prass’ junior, has his moment after yet another unexpected call-up to Brazil’s Olympic team was confirmed.
“I was on a plane landing back in Curitiba when the phone rang,” he said. “it was the fulfilment of everything I have worked for. I was so happy. I sent message in the family group and said, ‘Prepare a feast because today we party.'”

Rio Branco native Weverton Pereira da Silva, 28, is yet another whose career began after standing out at the prestigious Copa Sao Paulo youth tournament, with his performances for Acre-based Juventus earning him a move to Corinthians at just 16-years-old.
He graduated to the Timao first team after two years but failed to earn a starting berth and, after a series of loan moves, eventually established himself with Portuguesa – becoming a standout performer in the side that won the second division title in 2011.
The following year he moved on to Atletico Paranaense where he has since become something of a club legend, making over 200 league appearances for the club at which he now wears the captain’s armband.

He has also carved out a reputation as a penalty-saving specialist. There have been seven stopped kicks since he joined the club, three of which occurred last season (against Avai, Santos and Internacional).
Regardless, his call for Rio 2016 was a surprise, particularly with senior Brazil goalkeeper Alisson of Roma thought to have been set to come in after making the 35-man preliminary squad for the game.
“When I saw that Prass had been cut I had no idea I could be here because there was a list of 35 players,” Weverton told the press. "We know the importance that Prass had for the team, so we regret his absence, but everyone has to make their own history.”

The decision does not appear to be that of Olympic coach Rogerio Micale, which suggests his road to Rio could well be just a stopover on a long trip into international football.
Brazil senior coach Tite watched Weverton twice in recent weeks, including in his side’s win over Cruzeiro which saw a standout performance from the goalkeeper.
"It is the realization of a great dream,” Weverton told the Atletico PR website.

“Now, I have to get past the adrenaline and focus on working hard. It will be a tough task, with a lot of pressure. But for sure we will have a great Olympic campaign and go in search of this gold medal.”
And Weverton will play a major role after Micale confirmed that Weverton is now first choice goalkeeper at the Rio games.

This time next month, perhaps it will be Prass who will be looking to Weverton for advice.

Yearbook Battle: Bale's Class of 1989 v Ozil's Class of 1988

The Yearbook Battle pits the best players born in each year between 1981 and 1996 against each other in a tournament voted for by Sportmasta readers, and we're down to the last eight

Goal's Yearbook Battle continues with a high-quality quarter-final showdown between Gareth Bale's 1989 line-up and a 1988 side spearheaded by Sergio Aguero and Robert Lewandowski.

Bale's troops edged out Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. in the last 16 (51% - 49%) - no doubt thanks to their all-star attack, which also features Borussia Dortmund duo Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, their former BVB team-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Bayern Munich ace Thomas Muller.

However, the 1988 team are hardly short on firepower themselves, with Aguero and Lewandowski flanked by Arsenal pair Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, with Barcelona's Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic pulling the strings in midfield.

So, who do you think will come out on top in this sensational shootout? Vote below and then explain your selection in the comment box!

Schweinsteiger’s brother takes veiled dig at Mourinho treatment

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s brother has appeared to accuse Jose Mourinho of ‘lacking respect’ as his expected Manchester United exit threatened to turn acrimonious.
Mourinho told Schweinsteiger last week that he does not figure in his plans and is free to find another club this summer, with the former Bayern Munich player likely to be the most high-profile casualty of the Portuguese’s extensive clear-out.
But the situation has now taken a more dramatic development with Schweinsteiger forced to relocate to the reserve team’s dressing room, a huge embarrassment for the midfielder, who turned 32 on Monday, and the clearest sign yet of Mourinho’s uncompromising decision-making at United.
Schweinsteiger, who made just 13 starts of an injury-hit campaign, was on Tuesday linked with a move to Lazio, according to reports in the Italian press. PSG as well as a return to his homeland was also been mentioned for the player, who was one of the subjects of our ‘Sell or Stay – the arguments for and against Mourinho’s outcasts‘ feature last week.
However, his treatment by Mourinho has been apparently been criticised by the player’s brother, Tobi, who appeared to be targeting Mourinho when the recently retired footballer – now coach of Bayern Under-17s – cryptically tweeted “no respect” on Monday.
It followed an earlier tweet in which Tobi Schweinsteiger referred to his brother as a #baller and #boss after quoting a tweet from the German national team in which they marked the United midfielder’s birthday by posting a list of the all-time leading appearance makers in major tournaments.
Schweinsteiger was first, with 38 appearances in World Cup and European Championship finals, one more than compatriot Miroslav Klose.
Mourinho apparently feels Schweinsteiger doesn’t possess the mobility to play regular first-team football at United and is expected to be cast aside to make room for the imminent high-profile arrival of Paul Pogba.

Yearbook Battle: Pogba's Class of 1993 v Ribery's Class of 1983

The Yearbook Battle pits the best players born in each year between 1981 and 1996 against each other in a tournament voted for by Goal readers, and we're down to the last eight

Two of the most impressive winners from the opening round of Goal's Yearbook Battle go head to head in the quarter-finals, as Paul Pogba's Class of 1993 square up to Franck Ribery's 1983 line-up.

Pogba is backed up by a host of exciting young talents, including Paulo Dybala, Julian Draxler and Harry Kane, and they destroyed Raheem Sterling & Co. in the last 16 (92% to 8%).

However, the 1993 team will have their work cut out against an XI that boasts not only Ribery, but also proven performers of the calibre of Yaya Toure, Philipp Lahm and Pepe.

So, who will come out on top? Cast your vote below and then defend your selection in comment box!

Lyon hand Arsenal huge incentive in efforts to sign Lacazette

Lyon have admitted they would sell Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette if they received “an offer they couldn’t refuse”.
Lacazette, who only recently signed a new four-year deal at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, was the subject of a failed £29.3m (€35million) bid from the Gunners last week.
And with Arsene Wenger hinting they’re ready to make an improved bid, the Gunners appear to have been handed encouragement in their pursuit of the France international striker.
“He can leave if Lyon want him to,” said the French club’s manager Bruno Genesio.
“There are some offers that you cannot refuse. My desire as manager is that the best players stay and Lacazette is very important for the team.
“I have been assured by my president that we will keep the player. You never know what could happen right up until August 31.”
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has so far insisted the striker is not for sale at any price.
However, the French club are thought to value Lacazette at £40m and could be open to an offer from Arsenal if they are willing to meet this valuation.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to add to his squad ahead of the new Premier League season after already securing the signings of Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding.
The Gunners are also keen on a move for Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi and met with the Argentine’s agents on Monday.

Top 5: Premier League’s most expensive transfer mistakes

With Manchester United set to break the world transfer record for Paul Pogba, we name our five worst-ever big-money Premier League investments.
After a television deal worth £5.163billion, Premier League clubs have more money than ever before. With the influx of money into football, transfer prices are becoming inflated to the point that a once-ludicrous £20million is now seen as relatively modest.
Yet, as the old saying goes, money doesn’t always buy you happiness. Here we take a look at the times when a big money transfer hasn’t paid off.

5th: Robinho – £32.5m

Man City’s capture of Robinho in 2008 is still seen as a landmark moment for the club.  Beating off competition from Chelsea for the boy pegged as ‘the new Pele’, Manchester City shelled out £32.5million for the Real Madrid star, becoming the Premier League’s most expensive signing in the process. The Brazilian started brightly, but fell away rapidly, scoring just once in his second season against Scunthorpe, and blaming the league for crushing his style of play.

4th: Andriy Shevchenko – £30m

Shevchenko arrived in England with a glistening reputation in 2006, following a hugely successful spell at AC Milan. His price tag of £30million was a club and British record back then, and the 29-year-old was seen as one of the world’s top strikers. After scoring on his debut against Liverpool, however, the once-hailed striker found his goals few and far between, and the reputation he had built up in Italy crumbled. He scored 22 goals in 77 appearances at a cost of over £1million per goal and was eventually deemed surplus to requirements and sealing a return to Milan.

3rd: Juan Sebastian Veron – £28.1m

Another South American, another British transfer record. In 2001, £28.1million for a midfielder was an astronomical sum of money, and Veron was seen as the key playmaker in a Manchester United team in transition. However, he failed to establish himself in the team and, after averaging less than an assist every seven games, he was sold to Chelsea for £15million, where he fared equally as badly.

2nd: Andy Carroll – £35m

On 31 January 2011, Kenny Dalglish signed two new strikers to lead Liverpool’s strike force. One became a Liverpool legend and left for Barcelona after nearly guiding them to the title. The other was Andy Carroll; he cost Liverpool £35million from Newcastle and is still the second most expensive British footballer in history.
In two years at Anfield, he scored six Premier League goals for the Reds in 44 appearances at a cost of approximately £6million per goal. Injuries plagued his time at Anfield, and he left for West Ham in 2013.

1st: Fernando Torres – £50m

In arguably the Premier League’s most memorable transfer deadline day, Chelsea paid Liverpool £50million to sign Spain striker Torres and make him the sixth most expensive footballer ever. The rest is history – each of his 20 goals for the club cost £2.5million a piece and he became a laughing stock, going from one of the world’s best strikers to becoming the face of transfer flops. His struggle was epitomised at Old Trafford, where he rounded De Gea only to miss the open net.
However, the saving grace for Torres is that with transfer fees continuing to rise, it is likely that in a few years £50million may not look too expensive after all. For now he is king of the flops, but he will face stiff competition over the coming years for that prize.

RUMOURS: Arsenal bid for Mustafi rejected

The Gunners want the Germany international to provide cover for the injured Per Mertesacker, but their initial offer of €18 million has been knocked back by Valencia

Arsenal have seen their initial bid for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi rejected, according to Plaza Deportiva.

The Gunners are keen to bring in defensive reinforcements after a knee injury ruled Per Mertesacker out of the opening months of the season, and have made Mustafi their primary target.

But their offer of €18 million (£15m) has been turned down, with the Liga outfit holding out for a fee of between €25-30m (£21-25m).

Former favourite ‘highly unlikely’ to make return to Arsenal

Arsenal have refused to comment after reports in the Spanish media suggested former defender Thomas Vermaelen could make a shock return to Emirates Stadium.
Catalan daily Sport claimed the Gunners, along with West Ham, have sounded out Barcelona about the Belgium defender with the report going as far to suggest that Arsene Wenger had already held talks with the 30-year-old centre-half.
Vermaelen left Arsenal in a £15million deal two summers ago, but his time at the Nou Camp has been beset by injuries and he’s made just 21 appearances in all competitions for Luis Enrique’s side.
However, the London Evening Standard claim that, despite not making an official comment, the Gunners have ruled out a move for their former star.
Arsenal, however, have stepped up their search for a new central defender after Per Mertesacker was ruled out for up to five months.
Mertesacker will miss the start of the season with a knee injury and Wenger wants to sign some cover with Laurent Koscielny set to be ruled out of the first game of the season against Liverpool on August 14 after returning late after Euro 2016.
That leaves Gabriel, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding as the manager’s only centre-back options and the Arsenal boss has been forced into the market.

Tigres dismiss Gignac to Barcelona reports

The Mexican outfit have poured cold water over speculation claiming the Catalan giants have made formal contact over a move for the France international striker

Tigres have dismissed suggestions that Andre-Pierre Gignac is set to leave the club for Barcelona.
The Camp Nou side are believed to be keen on adding some fresh blood to their attack ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, but have so far failed in their search.
They were previously linked with Nolito, Luciano Vietto and Kevin Gameiro, but were understood to have turned their attention to Gignac after missing out on the aforementioned trio.
Nevertheless, Tigres are adamant Barcelona have not made a formal approach for the France international.
"Tigres are proud that a club of such international stature shows an interest in one of our players, but there has not been any formal contact regarding Barcelona's interest in Gignac for now," the Mexican side said in a statement on Twitter.

---

Gignac, 30, joined Tigres from Marseille in June 2015 and helped them to the Liga MX Apertura title in his first season at the club.

His contract with the San Nicolas de los Garza side runs until 2018.

Guardiola expects big things of £37million capture Sane

The 20-year-old has completed his long-awaited move from Schalke to the Etihad where he will link up with a manager who knows how to get the best out of left-footed attackers

---

There is something about the way Leroy Sane controls the ball, turns and dribbles that is reminiscent of a certain Argentine No.10 at Barcelona or even a Dutch No.10 at Bayern Munich. Both Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben, predominantly left-footed like the young German, make it look as though they are men playing in children's games when they take possession of the ball on the right wing and cut ruthlessly through a helpless back-line. The tightness of the control, the closeness of the touch, the impact of the pass or shot that comes after, these are individual skills quarried by Pep Guardiola to build the foundations of his teams at Barca and Bayern.
Guardiola favours passing football, no doubt, but it would be remiss to say he has not relied on the individual qualities of Messi or Robben to bring his plans to bear. That instinctive dribbling play is fundamental to Pep's philosophy, not counter to it.
That is not to accuse him of having taken an easy ride and being bailed out by some of the best in the world. Guardiola not only shaped the collective successes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he made Messi and Robben better too.


Since taking up his position at Manchester City, Guardiola has begun the difficult process of overhauling the squad. Ilkay Gundogan will be a starter in midfield - fitness permitting - while Spain star Nolito brings options all over the front line.
City boast perhaps the strongest attack in the Premier League - even more so with the addition of German football's most promising prospect. It is not only a good move for the club - who can now choose from Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Nolito, Raheem Sterling and now Sane - but also for the player himself.

---

No coach could better coax out the superstar in Sane than Guardiola. No coach can better straighten out his deficiencies than Guardiola. No coach can could best point out the whys and wherefores of why a certain pass must be made or a certain option should be taken. This player is going to the top but he needs refinement. 
Sane endured a rough patch during the middle part of the season with Schalke. Nothing was going right and he was on a long streak of games without a goal or assist. Schalke coach Andre Breitenreiter took him out of the starting line-up; dropped him for four games straight. The last straw appeared to have been his contribution in the 2-1 defeat to Mainz in February. At 1-1 and with Schalke desperately in need of three points, Sane tried one complicated turn after another, surrendering possession to Mainz. A few seconds later, with Sane claiming a non-existent foul, the ball was in the back of the Schalke net. They finished three points outside the Champions League places.


It was an uneven season by Schalke, totally normal by their standards, but their unpredictability was reflected in the play of their young prospect. There were plenty of dribbles, goals, assists and breathtaking through balls but there were also misplaced passes, poor touches and decisions, and too many attacks that broke down at his feet. But with the right infrastructure and the right coach there is no limit to his potential.

The fee looks right for a player of his ability - around £37 million - and although the European Championship didn't go his way there is a lot more to come. What has been proven is that Pep Guardiola needs a player like Leroy Sane and a player like Leroy Sane needs Pep Guardiola.

Why Sane was right to choose Pep and Man City

Manchester City have completed the signing of Schalke wideman Leroy Sane for an initial fee of around £37million.
The Germany international, who becomes City’s fifth signing of the summer, could cost City up to £42million including add-ons.
The 20-year-old will wear the No.19 shirt and he has signed a five-year deal which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2021.
“I feel really good, I’m happy to be here and happy that it has all worked out. Now I can settle here in Manchester and play for City,” Sane told the club’s website.
“One of the reasons I decided to join City was Pep Guardiola; he convinced me to come here and that I can continue to progress. I know I will learn a lot under him and now I can take the next step in my career.
“I followed Pep at Barcelona and at Bayern where he achieved a lot and worked really well with young players.
“I think he can make me a more complete player. I think I will need a bit of time to start with because it’s another league and there’s a different style of play but I think I can adapt very quickly.”
Sane, rated as one of Europe’s top emerging talents, has made rapid progress since his professional bow in April 2014 and and highlights include scoring in a Schalke win at Real Madrid. He made 42 appearances for the club last season, scoring nine goals.
He also broke into the Germany national side and was a member of their squad at Euro 2016.
City boss Guardiola said: “He is a special talent, and an exciting player that I think our supporters will enjoy watching.
“He has great technical ability, is comfortable on the ball and there is much to admire about the way he plays football. He is fast, enjoys creating chances for others, works hard for the team and scores goals, too. He also has a very positive attitude and will fit in well with our squad.
“At 20, he is still developing as a player but he is already a member of the German national side and I think he will be a fantastic asset to our Club. We are very happy he decided to join us.”

Liverpool target confirms ‘clubs have been in touch’

Reported Liverpool target Jetro Willems has further fuelled talk that he could be arriving at Anfield this month.
According to reports in Holland last month Klopp has made a £13million bid for the PSV defender to bring competition in the left-back slot for Alberto Moreno.
The 22-year-old, who is close friends with Georginio Wijnaldum, spoke about his future after PSV’s 1-0 win over Feyenoord in the Johan Cruyff Shield on Sunday and he refused to rule out a transfer.
“There are a number of clubs that have been in touch,” he told Fox Sports.
“We are looking at my options. I don’t know whether I will be gone by the time the Eredivisie season has started, but things will be alright, I am not overly worried about that.
“I am focused on PSV for now. We won another trophy today, silverware just keeps coming.”
Willems last month also told  Wijnaldum they will “see each other again soon”, after the former Newcastle forward, who like Willems is from Rotterdam, completed his move to Liverpool.
And Dutch international Willems is also believed to have posted a ‘photoshopped’ Snapcahat image with his head super-imposed on compatriot Wijnaldum signing his Kop contract.
The Sun claim the image was posted to Reddit and apparently came straight from the left-back’s account.

Willems added the caption: “hahaha” to the Snap.
Liverpool, who have sold left-back Brad Smith to Bournemouth in a £6million deal, have been linked with Leeds’ Charlie Taylor Jonas Hector of Cologne and failed with a move for Leicester starlet Ben Chilwell this summer.

Sevilla 'made a mistake' letting Coke leave, warns Monchi

The former La Liga midfielder says a desire for a new challenge was behind his decision to join the Bundesliga side, but the Spanish side fear they have made a mistake

Sevilla sporting director Monchi fears the club have made a grave error in allowing Coke to leave for Schalke.
Right-back Coke spent the past five years at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, bowing out in style as his two-goal salvo helped win a third Europa league title in as many seasons with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in Basel.
The former Rayo Vallecano man was a firm fans' favourite in Andalusia and his versatility to play in defence and midfield was clearly valued by former coach Unai Emery.
Monchi believes the club will lose a key part of its identity in the wake of Coke's departure, which follows the exits of Emery and Grzegorz Krychowiak to Paris Saint-Germain and Kevin Gameiro's switch to Atletico Madrid.
At Coke's farewell news conference, Monchi said: "Today is a difficult day. I have sold many players and many of the transfers cause doubt, but about this one I am sure that something isn't going well and we didn't get it right.

---

"I have a bad taste in my mouth because in this transfer we made a mistake, we have lost someone who is very important.
"We are not just losing a player, we are not losing a right-back, we are not losing a captain, we are losing the heart of the team, a player who always gave his all for the club."
Coke also expressed sadness at leaving Sevilla, but insisted his desire for a new challenge was too great to ignore.
"I have had a funny feeling over the past two days, my heart doesn't feel like it is in the right place," he said.
"As I have said, the career of a player is short. I feel that this is what I have to do, but it gives me great sadness to leave all this behind. I will always keep Sevilla close to my heart.
"The best moment was during the final in Basel, it is just an anecdote for me personally, but I will treasure it.

"But there were many times on the pitch during Europa League or La Liga in which we were really having a tough time. During that adversity, we fought through and turned our situations around. That fighting spirit is what I want Sevilla to hold on to."

Moyes admits interest in luring Januzaj and Fellaini to Sunderland

The Black Cats boss, who worked with the duo during his time as Manchester United manager, has revealed he is keen to work with them again at the Stadium of Light

David Moyes has confirmed his interest in staging a reunion with Manchester United duo Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini at Sunderland.
Januzaj was handed his United debut by Moyes in 2013, but fell out of favour under Louis van Gaal and also had a disappointing loan move to Borussia Dortmund cut short last term.
Fellaini is also very familiar with the new Sunderland manager, who signed the towering Belgian for Everton and again during his time at Old Trafford.
Having replaced England boss Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light just 21 days before Sunderland's Premier League opener against Manchester City, Moyes is aware of the need to move fast in the transfer market as he tries to improve the Wearsiders' fortunes.

Quizzed on Januzaj and Fellaini at his first media conference since being appointed, Moyes said: "If any of those good players want to join me I'd be happy to have them because they're excellent players. We're interested.

---

"It does take a bit of time. They [Sunderland] only avoided relegation late in the season, we've been getting things in place and we'll make things work.
"We've got offers in for players now and I hope we can get things to move quite quickly. It's a difficult window because of the prices.
"This is now a building job. I'm here for four years I want to bring stability to the club - it reminds me of Everton.
"When I took over, Everton had been in bottom six four of the previous five years when I came in so there's a lot of similarities in a lot of ways.

"You're not going to change it in one window and if we are late we'll do the best we can. We want the right players at the right prices. We want players to do the journey with us."

Sakho’s agent discusses Roma links and denies Klopp feud

Mamadou Sakho’s agent has played down rumours linking the player with a Liverpool exit and insists he hasn’t fallen out with Jurgen Klopp.
Sakho was sent home from the Reds’ pre-season tour of the United States last week due to poor behaviour and time-keeping.
Manager Klopp insisted that the Frenchman, only recently returned from a drugs ban, would not be sold by the club this summer.
Sakho’s Anfield future is expected to be discussed when the club return from America, with the 26-year-old currently training back at their Melwood base.
But amid reports in the Italian press that the player is a £20million target for Roma, agent Niakate Housseyni has spoken out on the recent speculation.
“I’ve not had any contact with Roma,” he told LaRoma24.it. “He’s a Liverpool player and I don’t think Roma have any chance [of signing him] at the moment.”
Housseyni also denied that Sakho had had “any argument with his boss Jurgen Klopp”.

Man Utd take Martis on trial, agent confirms

The youngster has been invited to spend time with the Red Devils after also gaining the attention of Premier League champions Leicester City while playing for Oldham Athletic

Curacao international forward Liandro Martis is on trial at Manchester United, the player’s agent has confirmed.
The 20-year-old was formerly on the books of Dutch side Feyenoord and recently caught the eye of both United and Premier League champions Leicester City while playing for Oldham Athletic.
Martis has since been pictured at United’s Carrington training ground, and his agent Mustafa Mehmood tweeted on Monday that the player is indeed spending some time with the Red Devils.

My client Liandro Martis is on trial with Manchester United. @ISM_Football #InspireSportsManagement #MUFC #LCFC https://t.co/ztbVcfetBv

— Mustafa Mehmood (@LawyerFifaAgent) August 1, 2016

The youngster is a left winger and was part of Willem II’s youth setup in 2015-16 before becoming unattached during the summer.
And while Leicester seemed keen to add Martis to their ranks, United could well be set to beat Claudio Ranieri’s side to the punch after inviting the wide man to spend time with them in Manchester.


“I went into Leicester for a day and felt comfortable and got an offer,” Martis told the Manchester Evening News. “Then I went into Manchester United for a week and received good feedback from Warren Joyce (Under-21 boss) and could have earned a deal had I waited, but I just want to get my career started.
“Oldham have offered me a deal and we have been in negotiations for two weeks. I am nearing a decision on my future and I want to make the right decision for the next stage of my career.”

Martis has represented Curacao at youth level on a number of occasions, and made a single senior appearance for his national side in a 2012 friendly defeat to Aruba.

Ambiguous Conte keeps Oscar guessing amid £30m Inter talk

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has refused to discuss Oscar’s future directly amid reports on Monday the Brazilian will be allowed to sign for Inter Milan for around £30m.
The Sun claims the Italian does not think the Brazilian, 24, works hard enough for the team and was lazy during the 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in Detroit on Saturday.
Asked if Oscar has a future at Chelsea, Conte refused to speak directly about the player, but did admit there would be departures from Stamford Bridge.
“All 29 players are Chelsea’s players at the moment. After this period I speak with my club,” he said.
“I agree after this tour to see all the players and then to take a decision. When we finish this period I will take the right decision for the player and for the club.
“There are players who will stay and others will go. This is football. It is important to be clear with all.
“My aim is to become a team on and off the pitch.
“To reach our target at the end of the season.
“My experience in my career as player and manager teaches me if you want to fight for the title you must be a team on and off the pitch. It’s very important.”
Inter and Juventus have been long-term admirers of the player, who rejected the chance to move to the Chinese Super League in January, although the Italian champions’ interest has waned to leave Roberto Mancini’s side as the frontrunners.

Your Says of the Day: Sacrifice Mahrez for Theo; Pogba ‘worth fee’

Our readers discuss why Arsenal should go all out to sign Riyad Mahrez and sell Theo Walcott, how Paul Pogba could be a £100m ‘bargain’ and why investment in youth is a thing of the past.
If you have anything to add on these, or any subject, join the debate right here.

Pogba worth the money

I think its entirely possible that within the first 7 days of the release of Pogba’s shirt Man United could recoup the money paid to Juve. And there’s Wenger scratching his head wondering why anyone could pay £100 mill. for a player. It’s all about maximising business opportunities. Real Madrid have been doing this for 20 odd years; Man United have just started to realise the prospects; Arsenal have yet to jump on the bandwagon.
concernedfan

All I’ll say is that Pogba is a fantastic player and has the potential to improve immensely. He is also a global marketing star for Adidas and hopefully United. Do we not remember that CR7’s shirt sales in the first season brought in over £100m?! Pogba and Zlatan will have enormous shirt sales. Don’t worry about the finances. We need the quality. And Pogba is quality. Reminds me of a more skilful Yaya!
imzino

Jose – The manager you love to hate

I absolutely despise Jose. It wouldn’t matter what club he was at, but I loved his meltdowns last season. After the Southampton loss, i just couldn’t listen to him anymore. I dont read anything about him, but I would love him if he was manager of my club as he is a winner. We all have players we loved who opposition fans absolutely hated. Chelsea have Costa, Liverpool had Suarez, United have young – you know what I mean.
Jose is not going to change. He will be still moaning every decision that doesn’t go his way and will ignore the calls his teams gets. He will do anything to win but he for me he is the best tactician in the game. The small details he thinks of that none of us fans would. Zouma on Fellaini always springs to mind when Liverpool/Spurs had been destroyed by Fellaini in previous weeks. He wins big games. His teams can play good attacking football and they can also play out games and win them 1-0.
I fancy United for the league as Jose wont burn his players out this time as they have no CL football. He knows the league inside out. He has got a bargain in mykhitaryan who I think is a much better signing then Pogba. This man is a pure footballer and will take the league by storm.
Sean the sailor

Sacrifice Walcott for Mahrez

I would love Mahrez at Arsenal. Imagine him, Ozil and Alexis together in tandem. Mouthwatering prospect….
To push it over the line, I would offer Walcott to Leicester. Maybe subsidize some of his wages for a while. He is on 120,000 a week apparently.
Walcott has no future at Arsenal. His form, confidence, popularity has dramatically gone downhill.
Time to move him on….
Jet 7

Costa to go

The Costa situation is a concern and it is questionable whether Atletico Madrid will pay circa £40m plus for Costa having bought Gameiro for £28m who has quite a similar style to Costa, and worryingly if Costa stays and his head is not right we may get the Costa from the first half of last season.
Even if Costa stays I think we are still a striker short. If we are going to play predominantly two up front we still need a centre back and a left back too with Baba going to Schalke.
I think it’s been a difficult window for everybody with crazy fees being asked for by the selling clubs, but at some point we are going to have to bite the bullet.
The next two weeks will be crucial with Conte back at Cobham after the Milan game on 4/08 and on record as saying that he will be advising the Board who should leave and who should be loaned, and hopefully things will progress from there in terms of incomings.
nine nine nine

My view on Costa situation is that its messy. With 2 weeks before the season kicks off we find ourselves similar position as last season; with neither a central defender or left back signed yet. The Costa situation is threatening to derail our season. If he has his heart elsewhere then we have no choice but to demand as much as we can. I would like it sorted before the season starts.
young_blue

Stones a risk worth taking?

The biggest concern I have with Stones is his confidence. We already have one damaged English player in Sterling which is hard enough. I still want him though because we simply need to do something, we can’t start with the same back four which were shambolic more often than not last season. I have little confidence in Mangala and Otamendi and all of our fullbacks are over the age of 30. Our defence really worries me.
maxweltmcfc

I think the Stones saga now is , first, City have rightly dug there heels in and given them our best offer. Is he worth it? Like most I am not convinced, however, Pep has a better football brain than me and I would guess he is looking at a player who he thinks would fit well into the plan he has, with some added coaching. Pep maybe right or wrong on this, we all have an opinion but he is seeing something I cannot at the moment. Last season when I saw him play I would have preferred Mangala!!!! We will know, all in good time and at a young 20’s it maybe a gamble worth taking for the future.
Brian blue

Karius injury not a problem

To me it’s no big deal that Karius has been injured. Mignolet, despite his occasional blunders, has 2 years experience playing for Liverpool in the Premiership, so no one can complain that we are weak in the goalkeeping department.
In fact Mignolet will strive to play even better knowing that Karius will be after his place when he comes back from injury, and he will certainly not give up his place without a fight. In a nutshell, competition breeds success, and may the best goalkeeper win. If they both perform to the best of their potential, it is Liverpool FC that will benefit.
The injuries to Matip and Skho are more concerning, as we now have only 2 fit centre-backs.
As for strikers, we will not sign any new striker, we are adequately staffed in this department and Klopp plays with one striker most of the time anyway.
Songman

Class of ’92 will never be repeated

Very few big clubs churn out youngsters at a regular rate who form part of their first team, or even squad players – most are sold on to make small profits so that they can get in bigger players; Barcelona and Bayern Munich are the only exceptions to this rule as they do have high quality youth systems, however the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, all English clubs, have one, maybe two regulars in their starting XI coming from the youth team. At United we have Lingard, Januzaj, Rashford, Fosu-Mensah, McNair, Borthwick Jackson, Periera and Wilson who have been in and out of the first team over the last few years, which isn’t bad at all.
People keep expecting to have a Class of ’92 coming through because that’s what we’re used to, but the truth is that no club in history has ever brought in so many youngsters into the first team and managed to succeed over a long period of time (not even Barca’s youth promotion of the likes of Xavi and Iniesta had so many youth team players). The promotion of youth at United is fine.
Sympathy for the Devils

The class of 92 was a dream, it will never be repeated. Nothing more appealing than seeing a academy filled team lift trophies driven by their love & pride for the club. Seems like the galactico way is our way now.
TafMkombo11

The class of ’92 was the last time our academy created world-class talent. We have never created world-class players since then and that’s a fact. Our famed youth system is a myth.
Januzaj will never become a world-class player, there I said it.
Lately we have seen some better youth products, but it remains to be seen if they can actually make it as world-class players. Funnily enough, our best youth product in recent years is Pogba and we are about to shatter the world transfer record to buy him back. Fosu-Mensah (LvG buy) and Rashford could become great players but they still have a long way to go.

The astonishing numbers behind Man Utd's mega deal for Pogba

The France international is set to return to Old Trafford from Serie A champions Juventus as a result of a transfer involving eye-watering figures

---

ANALYSIS

---

When it is finally completed after a saga lasting most of the summer, Paul Pogba’s transfer will represent a monumental pay-out by Manchester United. The fact Juventus will receive a world-record fee is just the start of the roll call of mind-boggling numbers involved in the Frenchman’s move.
The 23-year-old is set to become a United player again this week, just four years after leaving Old Trafford for a nominal compensation fee after the expiry of his contract in 2012. Having seen Pogba depart for Italy without a single first-team start to his name, the Red Devils surely can’t have foreseen forking out over £200 million for the midfielder to return to the north-west of England.
Because that is how much this deal will cost United when all is said and done. The £92m transfer fee, which surpasses the £86m Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013 as the most expensive ever, fails to cover even half of the total cost to Jose Mourinho’s outfit.


A large reason for the protracted nature of the deal was the wrangling over which club would be expected to pay a substantial fee to Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola. In a bid to force the transfer through, United eventually accepted that it is they who will fork out the £20m pay-off to the Italo-Dutch ‘super agent’, taking the overall fee to £112m.

And then, of course, there is the player’s wages. While Pogba currently earns around £4m at the Juventus Stadium, he is set to see his salary increase manifold at Old Trafford. His £400,000 per week pre-tax earnings will see him pocket £220,000 after deductions, costing United a total of £20.8m per season.

---

Over the course of his five-year contract Pogba will therefore command a total of £104m, taking United’s total potential expense during the course of his stay to at least £216m. As such, it sits high in the list of blockbuster deals to have been agreed over recent years, even when taking into account the extraordinary multi-layered packages involving the likes of Bale and Neymar.

Pogba left United four years ago as a young talent with a bright future ahead of him. He will return this week as a four-time Italian champion, one of the world’s best-paid players and the subject of the most expensive operation in Manchester United history.

Pogba fly to England’ to complete world-record deal

Paul Pogba is preparing to fly to England following his holiday in Las Vegas in order to complete a world-record move to Manchester United.
Pogba was joined on holiday by his France and Juventus team-mate Patrice Evra, and his agent Mino Raiola, who continued to work on the £100m deal.
The midfielder remained coy on his move to Old Trafford, which is nearing completion according to various sources and is expected to be completed before the start of the Premier League season.
When asked by Sky‘s Andy Burton whether the deal was close to being concluded, Pogba would only say “we’ll see”.
Sky Sports report that sources stated late on Sunday the deal is “virtual agreed” between the two clubs, with personal terms also almost done between Pogba and United.
Certain aspects of the deal – such as Raiola’s fee – are not quite yet decided, and negotiations to perfect the deal will continue this week.
Pogba spent the weekend in Las Vegas and is due to return to Miami, however it is unknown whether he will then travel to Turin or fly directly to Manchester from the United States, state Sky.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola again waded into the debate on Friday when he confirmed no deal between the two clubs was in place.
“Journalist = parrots. No deal done between clubs. It’s a game between Italy press and UK press who announce it first and who is worse,” he tweeted.

Chelsea star Willian flattered by Mourinho interest

The Brazil ace had been linked with a switch to Manchester United to reunite with his old manager, but he insists he was always going to remain at Stamford Bridge this summer

Willian has revealed he was left flattered by rumoured interest from Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, but insists his future always lied at Chelsea.
Mourinho signed Willian as Chelsea manager in 2013, with the pair going on to win the Premier League title together in 2014-15.
However, with Mourinho now at United, the Portuguese tactician was reportedly keen on luring Willian to Old Trafford for the upcoming season.
But Willian says he is happy at Chelsea, having only recently signed a new four-year deal to remain at Stamford Bridge.

---

"I have a great relationship with Jose, but I am Chelsea. Of course, when someone like him is interested in you then you are happy," Willian said.
"But I signed the contract because I like being a Chelsea player and I see good things here. I signed a new contract and that shows how much I want to stay here.
"But the simple thing is that I want to win titles. To win titles you have to improve and if we can do that then we have a great chance to win titles this season.

"We have the players to do this - and the manager."

OFFICIAL: Wolfsburg sign Blaszczykowski

The Poland international has become Die Wolfe's seventh summer signing ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign after inking a three-year deal at the Volkswagen Arena

Wolfsburg have announced the signing of Jakub Blaszczykowski from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

The Poland international has signed a three-year deal with the Bundesliga outfit, keeping him at the club until 2019.

Blaszczykowski, 30, spent last season on loan with Fiorentina and was deemed surplus to requirements on his return to Dortmund following the arrival of Andre Schurrle from Wolfsburg.

Also known as 'Kuba', the winger has become Wolfsburg's seventh signing of the summer following the earlier arrivals of Yannick Gerhardt, Jeffrey Bruma and Josip Brekalo.

Josuha Guilavogui and Daniel Didavi also joined Wolfsburg on permanent deals ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign, while Borja Mayoral has arrived on loan from Real Madrid.

“Jakub Blaszczykowski is a player that can do any team good – not just due to his footballing qualities, but also because he is a prime example of determination, willingness and passion, who always identifies with his clubs to 100 per cent,” Wolfsburg's sporting director Klaus Allofs told the club's official website.

“With that in mind, we are absolutely delighted that he will be wearing the VfL colours in the futur

---

Head coach Dieter Hecking added: "With him in the side, we increase our variability and penetrative power distinctly down the right flank.

“Jakub will also bring us further with his immense experience and help us to achieve our goals, such as qualifying for international football again. He is a massive win for us."

Blaszczykowski won two Bundesliga titles during his time with Dortmund.

Representatives of Icardi ‘fly to London’ to meet Arsenal

Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi’s representatives will travel to London to meet with Arsenal, who are looking to end their search for a striker by signing the Argentine.
Monday morning’s papers in Italy confirm that Arsenal will firm up their interest in the player as the Gunners look to compete with Napoli.
In order to do that, they have to find €70million (almost £60million) for the transfer fee and around €5million (over £4.2million) annually on wages for the 23-year-old.
The former Sampdoria man admitted that he hasn’t been kept in the loop much with regards to his future, possibly hinting nothing has changed.

“There have been a lot of rumours over recent days,” Icardi told reporters after the defeat to Bayern.
“The truth is that I have been a long way from home for a month, so I’m not very informed about what is happening.
“The criticism? People looking from the outside can think whatever they want, I am staying calm.”
Inter team-mate Stevan Jovetic, meanwhile, is eager to see his fellow forward remain at San Siro.
He told Premium Sport: “I would certainly be sorry to see Icardi leave because he is a great player.

“I have seen him look calm in recent days, so I don’t know anything about what is happening, but I truly hope he stays with us.”

Napoli present a serious obstacle to the North Londoners having just lost Gonzalo Higuain for €90million, meaning they have plenty of money to secure a new frontman.

La Nazione states president Aurelio De Laurentiis is willing to offer Inter an alternative option, in which they would take Icardi for €50m plus the transfer of Manolo Gabbiadini.

Sane in Manchester to complete City transfer

The Schalke winger is one of Pep Guardiola's top targets and is now closing in on a move to the Premier League after arriving in England to finalise terms with the club

Manchester City are on the verge of securing another one of Pep Guardiola’s summer transfer targets in Leroy Sane. Schalke winger Sane has been a long-term target for City, who have been locked in talks with the Bundesliga club over the past week with the discussions now close to reaching a positive conclusion
Markus Weinzierl's side gave City a Monday deadline to get the deal over the line, before the squad travel to Austria to continue their pre-season preparations.
But Sportmasta can confirm the transfer is now all but confirmed, with Sane, along with Ilkay Gundogan, posing for pictures with supporters in the Radisson Blu hotel in Manchester ahead of officially being announced as a City player later this week.

Wenger discusses Lacazette & Mahrez.

Arsene Wenger has refused to deny reports that the Gunners are lining up move for Alexandre Lacazette and Riyad Mahrez this summer.
Arsenal fans who want more additions this summer may be in luck as Arsene Wenger has admitted he is still looking for players to strengthen the Gunners’ squad ahead of the new season.
The North Londonders have signed three players so far this summer in Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding, but have been linked with far more big names.
“I buy players that I feel can strengthen our team,” Wenger told the club’s official website. “Today you have to be very strong inside the club when you are responsible, not just to buy [for the sake of buying].
“There’s always a wave of opinions. I must say people are better informed today – they know all the players. They tell you always that you should buy but when you ask them who to buy, they become much shorter.
“If you look at the market in Europe, there’s a lot of money available but not many players who really strengthen the teams. If you look at the teams that spend the most money in Europe, they’re not necessarily the teams that won the championships. The global investment of the clubs around us didn’t stop Leicester winning the championship.
“We are still on the market for players. [Be it] at the front or at the back – we are on the market. Unfortunately we are not alone.”
Arsenal have had a bid rejected for Lyon striker Lacazette this summer, while their interest in Leicester winger Mahrez has been documented.
On the links to both players, Wenger added: “The best way to conclude transfers is not to talk about them, which is very difficult in the press conference!
“We are on the market but I don’t want to talk specifically about any player because that makes it more difficult for me – and it’s difficult enough.”
The Gunners are understood to have had a £30m bid for Lacazette rejected during last week, and although Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas was not expecting Arsenal to return, Sportmasta are reporting a new offer is inbound