Sports Category
Sports news, commentary and scores with wit and added value. We compare and contrast the best and worst sports reporting in the mainstream press, blogs, TV and online. We love the English Premier League (Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester United and Manchester City) and all things football but we cover cricket, rugby, the Olympics, tennis, golf, F1 and highlights of the sporting year.
New Spurs ground makes Arsenal look like Number 2s
Spurs have unveiled plans for a big new ground. The ground will also stage two American football matches a season for ten years. To some, the stadium’s design resembles a giant bed pan. One single tier home stand will have enough seating for 17,000 fans. It will be a “wall of sound”, says the club. But if Spurs fail to win, that sound will be the rattle of seats popping up. After all, as Spurs fan know, if you can’t win the match at least win the journey home.
At full capcity the ground will hold more fans than Araenal’s Emirates and Chelsea’s reworked Stamford Bridge.
Spurs will be the biggest team in London. Well, in terms of ground size, they will.
The Daily Telegraph says the new ground gives Spurs bragging rights over their London rivals:
Arsenal’s ground has a max capacity of 60,432, which means at 61,000, the new Spurs ground will be exactly 0.9398993910510988% bigger. Now this might not sound like a lot, but football is a game of small margins. Matches can be won and lost by fractions of a centimetre – those extra seats will make a difference.
If bigger grounds mean bigger success, can Tom explain why Newcastle United win less cups than Chelsea?
Transfer Balls: Arsenal’s £43m bid for Higuain that wasn’t
Transfer Balls: The Daily Star says Arsenal have made a £43m bid for Goncalo Higuain. He’s the player the Sun says Arsenal bought in July 2o13.
Big money. But what is the Star’s source?
According to the Metro, the Gunners tabled a stunning offer but it has been immediately turned down by the Italian outfit.
Over to the Metro:
Arsenal have reportedly made a £43.3million transfer offer for Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain. However, Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis rejected the speculative bid from the Gunners, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
No link to the source. But the Sport does report that De Laurentiis says:
‘Higuain is not for sale.’
And:
Arsenal – 60 million not enough for Higuain
The paper makes not a single mention of Arsenal haviong offered £43m for Higuain. The paper reports that Higuain is not for sale but, er, if he was then the fee would be much more than €60m. The Metro is wrong to say that Arsenal have bid £43m for the player.
The Star and Metro’s reports are utter balls.
Posted: 9th, July 2015 | In: Arsenal, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Liverpool fans branded racist by Raheem Sterling’s people
Time to catch up with Liverpool and England footballer Raheem Sterling. What’s he been up to this summer? How’s the agent? How are the kids and the balloons?
The Sun: “Pack yer bags, Sterling”
LIVERPOOL have told Raheem Sterling he MUST go on the club’s pre-season tour. The Kop rebel missed training yesterday, claiming he was ill, after informing boss Brendan Rodgers he did not want to be considered for the trip to Asia and Australia.
The problem with calling in sick is that if you do it and only secure one day off, you look like a skiver.
Liverpool were set to send a doctor to give Sterling a check-up and the wantaway winger, 20, faces a massive fine if he does not turn up for the four-game trip. He could also be left sweating on a move to Manchester City, who are the only club to make offers for him.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted: 9th, July 2015 | In: Liverpool, Manchester City, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Raheem Sterling cries off training as suitable treatment sought for mystery illness
Raheem Sterling is still on Liverpool’s books. He won’t be for very much longer. HE doesn’t even want to train with the Reds, failing to attend training with Liverpool this morning after, as the Times says, “informing the club that he is unwell only 24 hours following his request to be omitted from their pre-season tour to Australia and the Far East.”
Get well soon, Raheem.
In keeping with club protocol, Liverpool will despatch a doctor to Sterling’s home address in Birkdale where the 20-year-old will be examined and, if necessary, prescribed suitable treatment.
Maybe a spot of sun in, say, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium will sort him out?
Regardless of his desire to leave, Liverpool maintain that Sterling will continue to be treated in accordance with his contract and expect him to return to training as soon as he is well enough to do so and to make himself for their forthcoming pre-season tour.
If they really expect that, we wonder what are they smoking at Liverpool?
Transfer Balls: Angel Di Maria to Arsenal and Manchester United to the bank
Transfer Balls: The Evening Standard reports: “Arsenal want Manchester United’s Di Maria.”
Having read yesterday’s ridiculous multi-newspaper story on how Manchester United were swapping Di Maria for tens of millions of Bayern Munich cash plus two of FC Hollywood’s star turns, Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller, we read on with interest:
Manchester United, who moved quickly to sign Memphis Depay, could offload record signing Angel di Maria, with Arsenal reportedly interested in taking the Argentine from Old Trafford, while Louis van Gaal closes in on Matteo Darmian.
We are given a link to the Daily Mail:
The South American’s future is unclear at Old Trafford after a difficult first season at the club following his £59.7m switch from Real Madrid. United would be reluctant to sell to a direct rival, while his reported £280,000-per-week wages would be beyond them.
Arsenal’s top earners are Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez, both on £140,000 a week. On what planet are Arsenal going to invest double that a week on a player who has faailed to settle in the Premier League?
Nevertheless, if Di Maria is obtainable, the Gunners would be interested provided a deal would fit into their financial framework.
If. Maybe.
Utter balls, of course, but enough for the Daily Express and Daily Telegraph to repeat as fact:
Such are the facts.
Posted: 8th, July 2015 | In: Arsenal, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Spurs sign Toby Alderweireld – Southampton don’t
Transfer balls: Spurs have signed Toby Alderweireld from Atlético Madrid.
On June 5, the Telegraph said Chelsea and Spurs wanted Alderweireld. The clubs are “forced” to pay £14m for the player:
June 7 and Spurs don’t pay £14m for the player:
Of course, the Belgian signed for Arsenal in 2014:
Arsenal never bid for the player.
Such are the facts.
Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling worth £35m, Manchester United lose £10m on Luke Shaw and Arsenal overpay for Chambers
According to Soccerex Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling is the most valuable young player in Europe. The 20-year-old, linked with a move to Manchester City, heads the ‘Soccerex 20 Football Value Index’, which ranks players under 21 in Europe according to a whole list of factors including age, position, club, contract length, injuries, technical quality, tattoos, hair gel and shaggability (only some of those have been made up).
Players are given a projected value, with chart-topper Sterling given a £34.5million figure, some way below the £50million Liverpool are asking for.
Nine Premier League players overall make the list with Man Utd’s Luke Shaw (signed for £27m in 2014) and new-boy Memphis Depay, Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma, Liverpool’s Emre Can and loanee Divock Origi, Everton’s John Stones and the Arsenal duo of Callum Chambers (signed by Arsenal last summer for £16m) and Hector Bellerin joining Sterling in the countdown.
But where’s Harry Kane?!
Here’s the top 20. Make of it what you will…
Posted: 8th, July 2015 | In: Arsenal, Liverpool, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Liverpool fan Arda Turan moves to and from Manchester United in a week
Transfer Balls: Remember when Arda Turan signed for Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea? Does anyone remember what the trusty newspaper reported? Let’s take a look:
Feb 27: Arda Turan dreams of playing for Liverpool, says the Daily Express:
July 1: The Metro says “Arda Turan has agreed terms to sign for Manchester United from Atletico Madrid”
That done deal soon changed, however.
July 2: Turan will join Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea, says Colin Harvey in the Daily Star.
July 2: “Arda Turan revelation gives Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal a huge boost – ARDA TURAN has confirmed that talks of a deal with Barcelona are completely false,” states the Daily Express.
July 3: Turan wants to play for Chelsea, says the Independent:
July 3: Turan agrees to play for Man United, says the Express:
And then…
July 6: Arda Turan signs for Barcelona:
Such are the facts…
Posted: 7th, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
The real story of Manchester United’s deal to swap Angel Di Maria for Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and Cash
Transfer Balls: Are Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben heading to Manchester United? Is Angel Di Maria off to play for Bayern Munich? Are the British newspapers full of bilge?
Let’s see what those papers say:
Daily Telegraph: “Bayern Munich will offer Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben AND CASH in exchange for Manchester United midfielder Angel di Maria. German newspaper Bild suggests Pep Guardiola is ready to sanction the incredible deal to land the 27 year-old as Bayern look to rebuild”
Wow! Muller is a great player. Robben is a supremely skilled irritant. Man United must be delighted. Toss in €20m ‘CASH’ and the chance to get shot of Di Maria you’ve got the deal of the decade.
But can one report be believed? Is Bild correct? What do other sources say?
BBC: “Bayern Munich are ready to offer Manchester United 25-year-old Thomas Muller, 31-year-old Arjen Robben and cash in exchange for Angel Di Maria – Bild”
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted: 7th, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Reviews, Sports | Comment
Transfer balls: Manchester United get Jan Oblak before De Gea leaves
Transfer Balls: The Star says Manchester United are to offer £32m for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Daily Mail says Manchester United will “only sell David de Gea to Real Madrid if they can tie up a deal” for Oblak.
That would mean Manchester United having De Gea, Oblak and Victor Valdes on the books. And given that Valdes has just rejected a move to Valencia, the whole thing is ridiculous.
As for Oblak, the 22-year-old moved to the Vicente Calderon last summer on a six-year deal as a replacement for the Chelsea-bound Thibaout Courtois but struggled to nail down a regular starting berth. However, Oblak impressed for the Rojiblancos in the Champions’ League, with his performances catching the eye of a number of Europe’s top clubs.
And as for the fee, on June 13 the Mirror said Atletico were “demanding” £25m for Oblak.
Such are the facts.
Posted: 7th, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Chelsea invade Arsenal and Spurs turf and move to Wembley Stadium
Chelsea have made a move to rent Wembley Stadium. The Blues have offered £11 million a year to use Wembley as a temporary home while Stamford Bridge is rebuilt.
If approved, Chelsea will play home matches at Wembley for two seasons from 2017.
This is bad news for Spurs, who are redeveloping their White Hart Lane ground. They have offered Wembley about £8 million a year.
Spurs’ fans are local to Wembley. That moves makes sense. But Chelsea based in north London is odd? The Blues did petition the Rugby Football Union about using Twickenham, a move that would keep Chelsea in touch with its fanbase. But that ran into problems with local residents, crowd management and council planners.
Of course, it could be argued that Wembley has been a second home for Chelsea in recent years. No longer do the club’s fans need orienteering skills and tissues to stem a nosebleed as they head north on the Metropolitan line. Spurs, however, well at least they have their memories and a ‘Tottingham’ song:
Posted: 7th, July 2015 | In: Chelsea, Reviews, Sports, Spurs | Comment
Transfer balls: De Gea stops dreaming as Ramos ‘agrees’ Manchester United pay cut
Transfer Balls: A look at Manchester United David De Gea in the news. The papers are reading his mind.
The Sun says De Gea’s “dream move to Real Madrid came a big step closer as Iker Casillas agreed to leave for Porto”.
Keeper De Gea’s fears of a dressing-room power-battle with the Bernabeu legend held up his exit from Manchester United.
No. They didn’t. De Gea’s fears have had no impact on any of it. What’s delaying the transfer is not what De Gea fears and dreams of (and when did the Sun become mind readers?). It’s the fee:
But Casillas’ departure will clear the way for Real to nab De Gea — if they get nearer United’s £25million price tag.
And as for Casillas’s “agreed” move to Porto, well reading on the Sun says the Spanish goalkeeper hasn’t agreeed to move anywhere.
Casillas’ agent Carlo Cutropia confirmed: “Iker is interested in Porto and Porto are interested in Iker.”
The Manchester Evening News says “United are maintaining their resolute attitude that keeper De Gea and Real Madrid defender Ramos will not both be at the Bernabeu next season.”
Indeed, the Metro says Ramos has “already agreed a bumper four-year deal with the Old Trafford club worth £150,000-a-week. The 29-year-old looks certain to leave the Bernabeu this summer and now all that needs to be agreed is a fee for the defender.”
But the Express says Real Madrid have offered Ramos £200,000 to stay.
So much for Ramos facts.
But what about the fee for De Gea? The Sun says Man United want £25m:
The Reds £20m buy from Atletico Madrid in 2011 has remained tight-lipped about his future all summer and the club want a world record fee of £33m-plus for a keeper to even consider allowing him to return to his home city.
The Mirror also focuses on De Gea’s mind:
David De Gea told to put Real Madrid out of his mind and focus on Manchester United’s pre-season
And on that fee?
United are adamant he will not be sold unless the Spanish club are willing to pay a world record fee of £35million for a keeper.
Such are the facts…
Posted: 7th, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Benzema heads to Liverpool for £38m and to Arsenal for much less?
Transfer Balls: the summer is here and with comes the return of the story that Arsenal and Liverpool are to sign Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.
The Daily Star tells its readers (and we can see your lips moving):
Arsenal step up attempts to sign Karim Benzema with £17.8m bid
So the Gunners have made a bid for Benzema?
Spanish daily AS are reporting that Arsenal have upped their attempts to sign the French striker after being alerted about his availability. AS say Arsene Wenger is a big fan of Benzema and would love to bring him to England for around £17.8m.
No. Arsenal have not made a bid for Benzema. But if they do it will be for £17.8m. Maybe.
It is unclear at the moment how much Real are demanding for Benzema.
In other words: the player is not on sale. That £17.8m is a guess.
It all smells of utter balls, but to The Metro it means:
Arsenal ‘closing in on Karim Benzema transfer’
The Metro then adds:
Manchester United are also thought to be interested in Benzema
Thought by whom, the Metro doesn’t say.
We’ve been here before, of course:
Daily Express, June 5: “Arsenal set to make Karim Benzema a MASSIVE offer to fend off Man United and Liverpool”
Is £17.8m massive?
ITV, May 26: “Arsenal launch £35m bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema”
That’s bigger. But no bid has been made.
Daily Mirror, Jan 7: “Benzema wants Anfield switch”
Words from Benzema: none.
Daily Star, October 4 2014: “Liverpool AGREE £38m deal for Arsenal target Karim Benzema”
No. They didn’t.
Looks like Arsenal are getting a £17.8m bargain.
Such are the facts.
Posted: 6th, July 2015 | In: Arsenal, Liverpool, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Morgan Schneiderlin ‘signed’ for Manchester United but wants to play for Arsenal
Transfer Balls: No, Southampton midfielder Morgan Sneiderlin has not yet signed for Manchester United. The papers were wrong.
And now the Sunday Times says the footballer wants to play for Arsenal:
…the Frenchman has told friends that he would prefer to work with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal than sign for Van Gaal at United.
Schneiderlin feels that Arsenal’s more settled style of play is a better suit to his game, and is attracted to the idea of remaining in the South of England.
The only problem with that plan is that Arsenal have not bid for the Frenchman. But can we believe the mainstream media?
June 25, Daily Express: “Man Utd, Arsenal and Spurs target Morgan Schneiderlin AGREES £24m Southampton exit”
June 27, The Metro: “Manchester United agree transfer deal to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin”
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted: 5th, July 2015 | In: Arsenal, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Robin Van Persie’s inner child demands £12m from Manchester United and love in Fenerbahce
Transfer Balls: The Guardian says it’s a Permier League farewell to Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie who has agreed personal terms with Turkish club Fenerbahce.
It was only on June 14 that the Mirror reported: “Robin van Persie will fight for his Manchester United future.”
But not that determined.
According to the Guardian, Van Persie and his agent Kees Vos have “reached an agreement in principle” with Fenerbahce, with both the 31-year-old Dutchman’s personal terms and a four-year contract now ready to be signed off. Only the transfer fee is up for negotiation.
But United will hardly be asking the earth for the ageing, talented crock who costs them £250,000-a-week.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted: 5th, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Liverpool ‘accept’ £45m for Sterling because Manchester City are desperate to spend £191m?
Transfer Balls: The Star says Manchester City will bid £45m for Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling as part of a “£191m City spree”.
The Sun says:
MANCHESTER CITY have been given the green light by Uefa for a £150million spree.
ESPN says that spree will be £100m.
Where does the Star conjure £191m from? It fails to say.
And if City have so much money to spend, then surely Liverpool will hold out for the £50m they want for Sterling.
The Star adds:
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini will land Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling at the third attempt – for £45million.
The Star’s “story”, labelled as an “exclusive”, contains not a single source, named or otherwise.
Such are the facts.
Transfer balls: Arda Turan skewers Chelsea, loves Barcelona but tomorrow it’s Arsenal
Transfer Balls: The story of Arda Turan’s move from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea or Barcelona features on the cover of Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo.
The paper say the two clubs won’t announce if Turan is moving to Barcelona until Monday.
Looks like the trusty Daily Star was wrong in saying Turan would announce his next move ‘tomorrow’, which is now today. But, then, the other British papers did say Turan was heading to Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United:
The Metro, June 30: “Arda Turan has agreed terms to sign for Manchester United from Atletico Madrid”
He’s on his way to Man United.
ES (Spain) July 1: “Barelona has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Arda Turan”
He’s on his way to Barcelona.
Daily Mail, July 1: “Chelsea favourites to sign £29m Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid with Turkish star preferring London move over Barcelona”
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted: 4th, July 2015 | In: Arsenal, Chelsea, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer balls: Manchester City miss out on Pogba and £45m bid for Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling
Transfer Balls: a look at today’s news on Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and his move to Manchester City.
The Sun: “Sterling… spend it! And Raheem won’t be the only deal after Uefa lift FFP cap”
MANCHESTER CITY have been given the green light by Uefa for a £150million spree.
ESPN says that spree will be £100m. But, still, it’s a huge number.
Part of that spree is the likely purchase of Raheem Sterling, who, says the Sun, will cost City £45m.
The Times reports:
City’s second offer of up to £40 million for the England forward [Sterling] was rejected, but the club will be in a stronger position to raise their bid closer to Liverpool’s asking price of £50 million. Manuel Pellegrini is also confident of being able to sign Kevin de Bruyne, who is likely to cost £35 million, despite Wolfsburg wanting to offer their Belgium midfielder a new contract. The City manager has not given up hope of bringing in Paul Pogba, the Juventus midfielder.
Last season City were hit with a £49m fine and forced to submit a reduced Champions League squad of 21 players after breaching Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations. Those barriers to recruitments have now been removed. A Uefa statement read:
“We have lifted a number of restrictions on transfer activity, employee expenses and number of players in Uefa club competitions imposed on Manchester City.
“This is after the club reached certain targets towards break-even compliance as part of the ongoing monitoring of their settlement agreement.
“The lifting of restrictions is subject to ongoing additional controls and audits. The club remains under strict monitoring and has still to meet break-even targets and is therefore subject to some limitations in 2016.”
All media sources agree that City will Paul Pogba, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph.
But the Manchester Evening News says Pogba as “agreed” to join Barcelona.
Juventus have told Barcelona that they will not sell Paul Pogba until next summer in what appears to be a blow to City’s hopes.
And in a meeting between officials of the two giant clubs in Italy, it is also reported that Barca made it plain that they will launch a bid for the player ahead of the 2015-16 season.
That clearly paves a way for a deal between the two giant European clubs for the France midfielder, who is the Blues’ main target in this transfer window.
Barca are under a transfer ban this summer after being found guilty by Fifa of breaching rules regarding the purchase of players aged under 18.
As for De Bruyne, who has a contract with Wolfsburg until 2019, the Indy reports:
Speaking to Sport1 earlier this week, Wolfsburg’s sporting director Klaus Allofs said: “Kevin has a contract until 2019, so the signal has already been sent out. He will stay with us. We’ve said we will look at his contract.
De Bruyne lifts the German Cup at the end of last season De Bruyne lifts the German Cup at the end of last season “The aim is to take into account financially Kevin’s extraordinary development. The best players should earn the best wages. We will make an offer to him and I think we will reach an agreement here very quickly.”
Surely there is no way Wolfsburg can beat super-rich City’s offer. Given news of City’s huge transfer kitty, the German club will know they can ask top dollar of any player.
Posted: 4th, July 2015 | In: Liverpool, Manchester City, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Ramos uses Manchester United to win new Real pay deal as De Gea leaves
Transfer Balls: The Sun says Real Madrid are “ready to offer Sergio Ramos £200,000 a week to keep him away from Manchester United”.
That’s what he wanted. Ramos was agitating for a pay rise. In the changing room, wages sets the hierarchy.
The offer would put the defender on the same scale as Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu.
Ramos stays!
Oh, come on. Of course he’s going to stay at Real. Only the most monocular Manchester United thinks Ramos would stand more chance of winning the Champions’ League at Old Trafford.
The media narrative has been to link Ramos to David De Gea’s transfer to Real Madrid. On that, TalkSport says:
Manchester United target Sergio Ramos does want to leave Real Madrid…
The defender is not just after a monster pay rise, instead he has become frustrated with the constant criticism from Real’s fans and life under the spotlight in the Spanish capital as a Galactico.
Balls.
TalkSPORT’s transfer guru, Warren Haughton, joins Hawksbee and Jacobs to round up all the very latest rumours and gossip.
It’s a great show punctuated by a few minutes of utter drivel. Why do they do it?
He brings us the latest on David De Gea’s protracted move to Real Madrid, claiming Manchester United will not sell the Spanish goalkeeper unless they are allowed a fair run at Sergio Ramos.
More rubbish. De Gea has one year left on his current Manchester United contract. He wants to leave. Are we supposed to accept the idea that United will wave away £20m-£30m for De Gea, happy to see him leave for Real on a free next summer? When United bought Robin Van Persie, Arsenal fans hoped the Gunners would force their captain to see out the remaining year of his contract. A mere £24m later he was at United.
De Gea is off to Real Madrid. It’s all about getting the best price for him.
This one will run and run…
Posted: 3rd, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Manchester United want to sell Angel di Maria for £35m – any takers?
Transfer Balls: Are Bayern Munich are looking to hire Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria?
The Evening Standard cites a report on Germany’s Bild saying that Bayern are unwilling to meet United’s £35million price-tag, even though it would see the Red Devils take a huge hit on the £59.7million they originally paid for the 27-year-old last summer.
It looks like Manchester United want shot of the player.
But Bayern Manager Pep Guardioloa says he’s not intersted. The Indy reports:
“I don’t have to watch Argentina games, because I know him and his style of playing very well,” Guardiola told reporters.
“United did not pay so much money for nothing, he is a great player. Although such transfer fees are sometimes really crazy.” Angel Di Maria was on the double for Argentina Di Maria scored twice to help Argentina reach the final of the Copa America
When asked if he was interested in signing Di Maria, Guardiola replied: “No.”
Does Di Maria want to leave?
It was only on June 24 that the Daily Mail said “Angel di Maria vowed to stay at Manchester United and make a success of his British record £59.7million transfer”. That ‘vow’ echoed the Daily Telegprah’s report on June 5.
And if you believe the Daily Mirror Di Maria has no truck with Bayern, the paper reporting on June 2: “Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria RULES OUT transfer to Barcelona or Bayern Munich”.
But also on June 2, the Daily Express said Di Maria did want to play for PSG: “Angel Di Maria demands Manchester United exit for £42.5m Paris Saint-Germain switch.”
Is is staying or going?
Posted: 3rd, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Manchester United winners in Sergio Ramos poll
Transfer Balls: a look at today’s reporting on Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, apparently wanted by Manchester United.
Daily Express: “Real Madrid fans turn on Sergio Ramos and want him sold to Man United this summer”
Why do Real Madrid fans wants Ramos sold to Manchester United instead of, say, to a team they won’t face in the Champions’ League, like Spurs?
…a fan poll in Madrid has revealed almost 60 per cent of supporters believe Ramos should now be sold.
The Metro: “Real Madrid fans turn on Manchester United target Sergio Ramos with 55% voting to sell the defender”
..a poll in Spanish newspaper AS has revealed how 55% of the 25,000 Madrid fans who voted would rather the club discarded of Ramos this summer.
They just want rid of him. The fans don’t care if he goes to Man United or Leeds United.
Let’s look at the poll.
As reported by AS, Madrid are asking for €90 million for Ramos and this is the line users have been taking in our poll, with more than 22 per cent saying that Madrid should not sell Ramos for less than €60 million.
It’s not that the fans want to get shot of Real’s vice captain; it’s that Real fans think €90 million is a good price for a 29-year-old.
The MEN wonders about the fans who would respond to a poll in AS:
Of the Madrid sport dailies, AS have shown the most sympathy towards Ramos, however the result of their poll indicates the club’s following is behind president Florentino Perez.
So much for the poll.
The Guardian: “How the relationship between Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid turned ugly”
While they have not yet said anything publicly (and nor has Ramos), Madrid’s position remains that any interested clubs would have to pay the full buy-out clause, €180m, in other words the player is not for sale. And nor have they received a bid, the line goes. Meanwhile the posturing continues via third parties.
And on it goes…
Posted: 3rd, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Arda Turan signs for Manchester United, wants Chelsea and ‘dreams’ of Liverpool
Transfer Balls: Chelsea are in for Arda Turan. But he’s agreed to join Manchester United. And Barcelona. And Arsenal want him. Well, so we read in the papers:
Daily Mail, June 30: “Arda Turan keen on £29m Chelsea transfer as Turkey midfielder says he wants to leave Atletico Madrid”
He’s on his way to Chelsea.
The Metro, June 30: “Arda Turan has agreed terms to sign for Manchester United from Atletico Madrid”
He’s on his way to Man United.
ES (Spain) July 1: “Barelona has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Arda Turan”
He’s on his way to Barcelona.
Daily Mail, July 1: “Chelsea favourites to sign £29m Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid with Turkish star preferring London move over Barcelona”
Come on you Blues!
Daily Mail July 2: “Barcelona set to beat Chelsea to the £25m signing of Arda Turan”
Daily Express, July 2: “Arda Turan revelation gives Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal a huge boost – ARDA TURAN has confirmed that talks of a deal with Barcelona are completely false”
Can Arsenal get him? Do they want him?
But the Daily Star says it will all be sorted out today:
Arda Turan to decide whether to join Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United tomorrow – ARDA TURAN will announce which Premier League side he is going to join tomorrow.
Number of words in any of those stories from the player or Chelsea: nil.
But one paper has quoted the player.
Daily Express, February 27: “Arda Turan: Liverpool is my DREAM team and I want to play for them!”
Such are the facts.
Posted: 3rd, July 2015 | In: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, manchester united, Sports | Comment
Samuel Eto’o’s copy and paste ‘Dear John’ letter to Everton and Sampdoria fans
Welcome to Turkish club Antalyaspor, Samuel Eto’o. It’s been a wrench for the star player to leave Sampdoria. So sad is it that Samuel has written the club’s fans a letter:
Dear Blucerchiati,
I’ve been bless to spend these past few months with you.
To my pleasure, I have discovered here a crowd of warm, passionate, affectionate and supportive fans… It’s time for me to leave, but wherever I go, I will always remember what it is to be in a place where football is not only a passion but a way to keep a family together.
You will always be in my heart.
Yours Sincerely,
Samuel Eto’o.
Eto’o is Mr Sincerity – just as he was when he left Everton. It was wwrnech to leve EVerton.
Dear Toffees,
I’ve been blessed to spend these past few months with you.
To my pleasure, I have discovered here a crowd of warm, passionate, affectionate and supportive fans… It’s time for me to leave, but wherever I go, I will bring with me all the memories we’ve built together.
You will always be in my heart.
Yours Sincerely,
Samuel Eto’o.
Sincerely, Samuel ‘Dear John’ Eto’o.
Transfer Balls: Manchester United target and Arsenal fan Bastian Schweinsteiger wants to play for Chelsea?
Transfer Balls: a look at Manchester United targert and apparent Arsenal fan Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The Guardian reports today: “Bastian Schweinsteiger can choose whether to leave Bayern Munich”
Bastian Schweinsteiger will be given the choice of whether to stay or leave Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola has said…
“If Schweinsteiger wants to stay here then that’s perfect. He’s a top player,” Guardiola, the Bayern coach, said. “Of course I am planning to work with Basti next season. Basti has to decide. Basti has managed a great career. He must decide what he does alone. I told him, the future depends on you.”
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Posted: 2nd, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
Transfer Balls: Manchester United’s £120m For Thomas Muller (but not Toni Kroos)
Transfer Balls: The Daily Express says Manchester United have offered a package worth £120m for Bayern Munich’ Thomas Muller. But it wasn’t enough. Muller, says the Express, has “snubbed” Man United. The news:
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Louis van Gaal is bracing himself for more transfer frustration after making a £50million bid to sign Thomas Muller.
They did?
When asked about United making an offer for him, Muller – who was introduced to the Bayern team by Van Gaal – told Sport Bild he was flattered but then suggested he wanted to stay with the German giants. “When you get an offer you consider it automatically,” he said. “A request by a big club is an honour and appreciation that your output was good. But I feel fine at Bayern and my contract runs until 2019. There is nothing more to say about this speculation.”
Nothing more to say. But the Express says plenty. In January 2015, the Express reported:
MANCHESTER UNITED are on red alert after Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller was offered to Real Madrid for £45m.
He was?
…reports in Spain suggest that Muller is now open to a change of scenery, and it isclaimed that the player’s agent has been in touch with Real.
Sources cited: none. Quotes from agent: none.
…it is thought that the Spanish outfit are Muller’s first choice when it comes to a new club…
So. Manchester United were on “red alert” for a player who was not for sale and who wanted to play in Spain?
But United could yet try and get in on the action if Muller is genuinely available.
Or as Muller said:
“I had just renewed my contract [until 2019], and Bayern were clear that they saw my future here. The decision for me was an easy one.”
And there was the Metro, which reported in May 2014:
Thomas Muller ‘wants to join Louis van Gaal at Manchester United’
Alsop in May 2014, the trusty Express reported:
MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for attacker Toni Kroos
That was utter balls. But the tabloids never bothered to check the facts, preferring to amplify the nonsense. The Manchester Evening News yelled “Kroos deal done” and the Daily Mirror reported “United have agreed deal in principle with Bayern for midfielder Toni Kroos”. And ther was the Mail, which trilled:
Informed sources in Germany have revealed that Muller is the name at the top of Val Gaal’s wanted list and that he is the one manager the Germany striker would leave his home club for.
Muller never did leave Bayern. He still hasn’t. He’s not going to. Get over it.
Posted: 2nd, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports | Comment
