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Khel Now Footballday Blog: UEFA Champions League Final build-up and latest transfer news Live

Published at :June 1, 2017 at 12:00 PM
Modified at :June 1, 2017 at 12:00 PM
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Sourav Neogi


Keep up with the latest news from across the football world throughout the day right here on Khel Now...

That is all from us tonight guys. We will be back with UEFA Champions League commentary tonight, so long until then. See you later.

21:00 Ian Wright speaks up about Eric Bailly and his performances.

Bailly has been one of United's most consistent players this season

Ian Wright has praised Eric Bailly’s impact at Manchester United and admits he’s ‘jealous’ that Arsenal were unable to sign a defender as good as the Ivorian.

The 23-year-old was Jose Mourinho’s first signing for United last summer after joining from Villarreal in a £30 million deal.

‘You look at how good he is, everything,’ Rush told beIN Sports.

‘Pace, athletic ability, defending, reading, strength, you think to yourself: ‘yeah, you can see him being at United for the rest of his career’.

‘And if he does leave United it’ll be Barcelona or Real Madrid. He’s that kind of player.

‘You just have to think to yourself: ‘my god, what a find’.

‘He’s one of those who make me quite jealous that Arsenal couldn’t find someone like him. It makes me jealous.’

20:40 On this day 20 years ago, Roberto Carlos did this!

20:20 Steven Gerrard out of Michael Carrick's testimonial game.

Gerrard picked up a hamstring injury against Hashtag United

The former England captain played in a BT Sport team against Hashtag United yesterday and damaged his hamstring whilst scoring a goal.

"We actually lost the game 12-9," he said on BT Sport.

"I managed to score a couple of goals, one of the lucky ones I hit I managed unfortunately to do my hamstring as I hit that one," Gerrard said.

"I'm going to be out for two to three weeks unfortunately," he added.

"I'm gutted, I love playing with Michael. He's a fantastic guy and an ex-team-mate of mine, but unfortunately I'm not going to be able to play in his testimonial at the weekend," he concluded.

20:00 Watch Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush highlighting significance of Champions League final in Cardiff

That was subtle!

19:40 Shaqiri says Stoke City can win the Premier League.

Shaqiri played for Bayern Munich and Inter Milan before

The Swiss international has urged the club to further strengthen their squad after they confirmed the signing of midfielder Darren Fletcher from West Brom.

"I'm trying to get the club to the top as leader. But I also want to play for titles again and be in the Champions League," Shaqiri said to The Sun.

"We were up and down as a team this season. Now we want to attack again in the summer. The board must strengthen, other clubs will also be doing it," he added.

"Can Stoke do a Leicester? Yes, I think this is possible," the winger said when asked if the Potters can replicate Leicester's Premier League winning campaign.

Shaqiri has scored seven goals in 54 appearances in all competitions for Stoke City.

19:20 Watch Real Madrid training in Cardiff ahead of the CL Final.

 

Is that La Duodecima in the air folks?

19:00 Watch Juventus training in Cardiff ahead of the CL Final.

 

The Bianconeri sure looks alive in the pitch training, don't they? 

18:40 Hugo Lloris creates history with France National Team.

Lloris surpassed Fabien Barthez to be the most capped French goalkeeper

France National Team and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris became the most capped goalkeeper in France's history after Les Blues' game against Paraguay.

The iconic goalkeeper now have been capped 88 times by the France National Team and have surpassed another French great, Fabien Barthez to become the most capped goalkeeper in the country's football history.

18:20 Zlatan Ibrahimovic doubtful to get a contract extension at Old Trafford.

The big Swede had been a force to reckon with in the last season

According to reports in England, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be handed a contract extension in the coming weeks, based solely on financial reasons.

Ibrahimovic was injured in Manchester United's UEFA Europa League clash against Anderlecht and has not played since. United was ready to trigger a clause in the Swedish striker’s deal for a second season because he had been a huge success following his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 28 goals in 46 appearances and helping the club to win the FA Community Shield and EFL Cup.

However, The Express reports that the club feels it would now be a financial madness to extend the deal of a player who is earning £367,000 a week – £19m a year – when he is not expected to play for at least the first half of the season. He will become a free agent at the end of the month.

United have already made up their mind however with Jose Mourinho making it his transfer priority to sign a replacement striker with Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Andrea Belotti all on his hit list.

Thanks Uttiyo and hello folks. This is your host Sourav Neogi for the evening, let's take a look at what football news we have in this beautiful evening.

This is all from me today guys. My colleague Sourav Neogi will replace me as your host for the rest of the evening. Over to you Sourav!

18:00 Gary Linekar Heaps Praise On Gareth Bale Ahead Of CL Final

Bale is still among World's best reckons Linekar despite an injury-ravaged season

Gary Linekar has heaped praise on Gareth Bale, calling him as among the elite football players in the world right now.

The Welsh Winger is currently preparing for the Champions League final where he'd be making a homecoming and despite being pegged back by Injuries this season, he's still a massive threat to Juventus.

Linekar truly believes that Bale is still one of the best players in the world, as he spoke to BBC where he said: "I'd put him right up there,"

"He has certainly got to be in the top 10."

He further added: "[Bale's] won a lot of things, helped Wales be more successful than they have been in a long time, and he is playing for one of the giants of world football, so he is right up there and still in his prime.

"I have always loved him as a player. He is a wonderfully gifted footballer. I am sure he really wants to be part of this final, in his home town.

"He has had his share of injuries this season, which is a shame. But overall at Real Madrid he has proven himself as a world-class player.

"This game is not going to define him one way or the other, but it could add to [his reputation]."

17:40 Chelsea Target Juventus' Dani Alves In The Summer

Alves has been a revelation for Juve this season

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Juventus full-back Dani Alves in the summer according to the Daily Mail.

The 34-year old is looking to win the Champions League title for the 4th time with Juventus, later on, today, but is open to a switch to another side at the end of the season. Manchester City and Tottenham had already made their intentions clear of signing the Brazilian, but Chelsea are also very interested in him now.

Antonio Conte is apparently a big fan of the marauding full-back and wants to replace Victor Moses with Alves next season, which can also give a big boost to Chelsea's Champions League aspirations next season. Alves has a lot of option in his hands now, but Chelsea is by far the more lucrative one for him if he wishes to come to the Premier League!

17:20 Andrea Pirlo Confident Of Juventus "Getting It Right" When It Matters In CL Final

Despite their sorrows in 2015, Pirlo believes his former side will lift the trophy tonight

Former Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is confident of his side going all the way to lift the Uefa Champions League later today, as he knows that Juventus always get's it right when it matters.

Even though Juventus faltered to Barcelona in the final two years ago, Pirlo is confident that they will have a better outing this time and have a great squad this time as well.

Writing to La Stampa ahead of the final, The Italian stated on that disastrous final: "Every now and then I think back to that night two years ago in Berlin, because when you lose a final, it comes back into your thoughts and you'd love to play it again," 

"Unfortunately for me, I can't do that, but I am happy for them."

He also wrote his happiness for Gigi Buffon, giving his thoughts on a Ballon D'Or win for the Goalkeeper as he further wrote: "And I am happy for Gianluigi Buffon. He's been waiting a lifetime to lift this cup. I hope he wins it, after coming so close at other times. I say this as a friend and a former team-mate, someone who knows him well. He deserves it, it's the only thing he's missing.

"I read that he could win the Ballon d'Or; he hasn't surprised me, not even in this extraordinary season, because when he truly believes in something and has that objective in his head, he'll do anything to reach it."

Finally, he wrote about the final and his confidence on Juve: "Similarly, I was not surprised by Juve, even if it's not easy to win everything, as I knew this season they were targeting the Champions League. I expected nothing other than this.

"I remember in December, when I went back to Turin and had dinner with Gigi, chatting to other former team-mates too, they were convinced they had a great squad and could go all the way

"There was that confidence and hunger, which I too have known. A final is not yet the end and Real are a great team; there's reason to fear, but that's true of all opponents at this level.

"If Juve face this test the way they know how, they've got a big chance of winning. At the end of the day, this season they never got it wrong in the games that matter."

17:00 Arsene Wenger Admits Admiration For Leicester Wantaway Winger Riyad Mahrez

Wenger was keen on Mahrez last summer and could go back for him this time

Arsene Wenger seems to be a man on a mission after getting a new two-year deal at Arsenal, as the Frenchman allegedly launched a massive bid for Monaco star Kylian Mbappe a few days ago.

Now Wenger has also spoken about an interest for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez, who has voiced his intentions on leaving the Foxes in the summer. Talking to beIN Sports, Wenger admitted his liking for Mahrez and intentions on signing him.

He said: “We have not made a bid, but personally, I like the player, yes. I think he made a huge impact when they won the championship,” 

"Like everybody else at Leicester, this season has been more challenging, but it doesn’t take away from his qualities."

But he was cautious as ever, as he further added: “Have we made a bid for him? No. Not yet. No, we have not.

"When I say, ‘not yet’, it means it could happen. It might not happen.”

16:40 Barcelona Set To Sign Benfica's Nelsen Semedo

Semedo looks set to become Valverde's first signing of the summer

Barcelona are set to pip Manchester United to Benfica's highly rated right back Nelsen Semedo according to Portuguese outlet Record.

It was reported earlier on about Semedo being part of a mega-sale to the Red Devils of around  £95 million, but it appears that new coach Ernesto Valverde is keen on signing a new right back for Barcelona. 

Record are reporting that Barcelona will sign Semedo for around  £43 million, which is much less than his release clause of  £69million. 

16:20 Eden Hazard Believes New Signings Can Help Chelsea Make A Big Impact In The Champions League

Hazard was crucial to Chelsea's success this season

Chelsea winger Eden Hazard says that new signings in the summer can help the club make a big impression in the Uefa Champions League next season.

The Blues are back in the top tier of European Football after a short hiatus and Hazard is excited for the competition, despite the football piling pressure on Chelsea's fixture list.

He spoke to Chelsea's official website and said: "The Champions League is a very difficult competition with many good teams who are capable of reaching the semi-finals and the final,"

"You never know, but if we continue with the way we've been playing this season we can go far.

"Maybe with a couple of new players to take the level even higher we can do well, but it's not just about quality, you also need a bit of luck."

16:00 Football Fan Anurag Saha with a tribute to Michael Carrick - and a brilliant one at that!

The Manchester United midfielder is the best English deep lying playmaker in two decades

Full article: Growing up with Michael Carrick: A fan’s perspective on the midfielder's career before his testimonial

15:40 Bayern Munich growing increasingly confident they'll sign Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez this summer

Arturo Vidal has been trying to persuade his Chilean pal in Bavaria - and Bayern are growing in confidence

 

Bayern Munich are growing increasingly confident of signing Alexis Sanchez.

The German giants have held lengthy negotiations with Sanchez’s representatives and are ready to make a huge offer for the Arsenal forward.

Sanchez, 28, has one year left on his Arsenal contract, they have offered him in excess of £275,000-a-week to stay and yet they face a desperate battle to keep him.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested but Arsenal would be desperate not to sell to a Premier League rival.

15:20 Man Utd Exclusive: Zlatan Ibrahimovic told he won't be offered new deal at Old Trafford

Zlatan is currently nursing an ACL injury and is expected to be out till New Year

Ibrahimovic, who will be 36 in October, is not expected to play again before the New Year after rupturing knee ligaments during Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final win over Anderlecht in April.

Before the injury, United were ready to trigger a clause in the striker’s deal for a second season because he had been a huge success following his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 28 goals in 46 appearances and helping the club to win the FA Community Shield and EFL Cup.

But sources close to United say it would now be a financial madness to extend the deal of a player who is earning £367,000 a week – £19m a year – when he is not expected to play for at least the first half of the season. He will become a free agent at the end of the month.

And although he is described as something of a physical freak and even videoed himself kicking a ball again in his back garden this week, there is no certainty at this stage that Ibrahimovic will come back the same player as before his injury.

15:00 Chelsea consider shock move for Juventus star Dani Alves after Antonio Conte is told of his availability

 Chelsea are weighing up a shock swoop for Dani Alves after being offered the Juventus defender

The 34-year-old is preparing for the Champions League final in Cardiff, where victory would secure a historic treble in his first season at the Serie A giants.

But despite being just one win away from landing his fourth Champions League winner's medal, Alves has an uncertain future in Turin.

Sportsmail understands Alves is interesting Blues manager Antonio Conte after being made aware of the former Barcelona man's potential availability this summer.

Manchester City and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on any movement regarding Alves's future.

Conte wants competition for Victor Moses at right wing-back — a role Alves knows well from working with Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus.

14:40 Eden Hazard rules out leaving Chelsea for 'two more years'

Real Madrid are prepared to break the £100million barrier to sign Hazard but Chelsea's Player of the Year is not interested in leaving quite yet.

 

14:20 Real Madrid open to negotiating with Manchester United over Gareth Bale summer transfer

Sources in Spain and Manchester have said that Real are willing to listen to offers from United for the Welsh forward

Real Madrid are open to negotiating with Manchester United over a possible Gareth Bale transfer this summer, as they seek to free funds and space in their squad to sign one of Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe or Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

While Real president Florentino Perez remains a huge fan of Bale, having pushed for what was then a world-record £86m signing from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, the run to the Champions League final has seen Spanish playmaker Isco leap ahead of the injured Welsh star and fostered discussion about how Zinedine Zidane’s team is more cohesive without him. 

That has led to influential members of the Bernabeu boardroom arguing that Bale could well be the high-profile player to leave this summer, if they do want to follow their usual policy of signing a 'Galactico'. 

14:20 Thanks Mrunal. Let's start with Manchester United and Real Madrid, two clubs involved in historical transfers. Are they keen on it again?

14:00 That's all from me for the day. But here to take you through the next ciuple of hours is my colleague Punit. All yours mate.

13:40 Madrid have 'appointment with history' says Ramos

The Galacticos could become the first team to retain their crown in Champions League history

Real Madrid have an "appointment with history" when they face Juventus in the Champions League final in Cardiff on Saturday, says captain Sergio Ramos.

Eleven-time champions Real are aiming to become the first team since AC Milan in 1989 and 1990 to retain the trophy.

"We never dreamed of this opportunity but the stats are there," said Spain international defender Ramos.

"It is a wonderful chance to take the cup home, then history speaks for itself. We are extremely excited about the chance to have two successive Champions League trophies.

"We have been very solid. Every time we have had the chance to fight for a trophy, we have done that. We are going to be extremely focused, very concentrated so we make as few mistakes as possible."

13:20 Zidane says no extra pressure on defending champions Real

The Galacticos' tactician says his team are taking tonight's big match in their stride

Real Madrid will feel no additional pressure as they attempt to retain the Champions League for the first time in the modern era, says head coach Zinedine Zidane.

There's not any pressure," Zidane told a news conference. "I think Real Madrid knows how to feed from pressure.

"We always live under this pressure. I've seen it as a player, I've seen it as a coach.

"You know what this club is and you know that everyone says we're favourites but there are no favourites in football. In a final there are no favourites, in one game many things can happen.

"Really in the long run we're not favourite, Juventus are not favourite. It's 50-50. 

"But we're here and we're going to try to do everything possible to win."

13:00 Alba in Valverde praise

The full-back is looking forward to the start of a new era

Jordi Alba is sure he will enjoy a better time under new Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde after growing frustrated during Luis Enrique's spell.

"I'm very happy with the arrival of Valverde; I think he is a brave coach," Alba said via Marca.

"He likes to play the right way with the ball. I've spoken to friends about him and they all spoke well of him.

"I'm sure that I can do better than I did with Luis Enrique because last season, I didn't have the minutes that I wanted and I want to be better.

"Next season will be exciting and I'm already looking forward to it. I'm convinced that we are going to do very well."

12:40 Juventus better than 2015 warns Allegri

The Italian tactician has underlined that the Old Lady are more motivated than two years ago

Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus are a different beast to the one who stumbled in the Champions League final two years ago and he will accept nothing but victory against Real Madrid on Saturday.

He told a news conference: "In 2015 we got to the final but at the same time we were not strongly motivated, we were not confident enough because we had lots of years of struggle in the Champions League.

"We certainly didn't end up in the final by chance but we didn't expect to win.

"This year is different. Last year, we had a good season in the Champions League, lost to Bayern Munich [in the round of 16] just one minute before the end of the game and we have been growing gradually.

"Now it's completely different, Juventus has improved a lot."

Dominant domestically once again, Allegri hopes Juventus can draw strength from pummelling their league.

"All I can say is we worked for a year and all the trophies and wins we've had this year have been training for tomorrow," he said.

"Tomorrow we have to win. It's a final, it's one game. 

"So like all one-game finals, you have to play in a certain way. You have to analyse when you need to attack and when you need to defend.

"If we can do that, with a bit of luck, we shall have a possibility but we need to be convinced and confident."

12:20 Sanchez and Ozil will not leave the club says Arsenal boss

The duo have been linked with movves away from Emirates Stadium

Arsene Wenger is adamant that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will not be allowed to leave Arsenal in the transfer window.

"This summer, first of all they will stay at the club and hopefully we can extend their contract," Wenger told beIN SPORTS  when asked about Sanchez and Ozil's futures.

I believe, at the moment, we're not on that front. We're focused on keeping the team together and to see how we can strengthen the team.

"When you sign a contract somewhere, you commit to give your best until the end of the last day of that contract. I would say 'why should they not give their best?'.

"The interest of any player is always to play football and well, even more so at the end of your contact. If you're a winner, you want to win the game you're playing."

 

12:05pm hello everyone, its Mrunal here. Its good to be with you again. Its the big game day. The UEFA Champions League Final is live in the wee hours of tomorrow morning and we'll get you all the build-up from Cardiff as Juventus take on Real Madrid. We'll also bring you all the latest transfer news as it breaks across Europe.

This is all from us today guys. The Khel Now Live Footballday Blog will return tomorrow and you know when and where to find us. Good night!

20:00 pm Mino Raiola claims '11 top clubs' are interested in Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The young goalkeeping sensation is being monitored by several European giants

The AC Milan goalkeeper is being hailed as the next Buffon while his agent Mino Raiola revealed that 11 big teams around Europe are interested in his client.

"There are 11 top clubs which are interested in him," said Raiola to Corriere dello Sport.

"Gigio is the Maradona of goalkeepers. He can only grow and he has to be left alone to grow in peace. He's not a slave, nor a robot," he continued.

"If you ask me: 'is there a chance Donnarumma will sign with Milan again?' then the answer is yes," Raiola answered before adding, "If you ask me: 'is there a chance Donnarumma will leave Milan?' the answer is yes."

19:40 pm Jorge Sampaoli held talks with Lionel Messi after being appointed Argentina manager.

Sampaoli left Sevilla after a season at helm to become the new Argentina manager

New Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli says getting the best out of Lionel Messi and reaching the 2018 World Cup are his greatest challenges in the role.

"I spoke with Leo and we're both excited," said Sampaoli. "It's a boost for us to see how excited he is with this new stage," he added.

Talking about the South American World Cup qualifiers the newly appointed manager said, "The South American qualifiers are very complicated," before adding, "there are some very good teams trying to do the same thing as us."

19:20 pm Dani Alves feels he was disrespected by the board of directors at Barcelona.

Alves spent 8 years of his career at Camp Nou

Ahead of this year's UEFA Champions League final, Dani Alves opened up about his last days at Barcelona when he wrote exclusively for the Player's Tribue website.

“Was I disrespected by the board of directors before I left the club last summer? Absolutely,” he said. “That is simply how I feel and you can never tell me any different. But you cannot play for a club for eight years and achieve everything that we did and not have that club in your heart for ever. Managers, players and board members come and go but Barça will never go away."

“That is simply how I feel and you can never tell me any different. But you cannot play for a club for eight years and achieve everything that we did and not have that club in your heart for ever. Managers, players and board members come and go but Barça will never go away," he added.

“ Before I went to Juventus, I made a final promise to the board at Barcelona. I said: ‘You’re going to miss me.’ I didn’t mean as a player. Barça have plenty of incredible players. What I meant was they were going to miss my spirit. They were going to miss the care I had for the dressing room. They were going to miss the blood I spilled every time I put on the shirt,” he revealed.

The Brazilian full-back has also revealed that he felt heartbroken after defeating Barcelona in the Champions League this year, "When we beat Barcelona in the Champions League I walked up to my brother Neymar and gave him a hug." "He was crying and a part of me felt like crying too," he further added.

19:00 pm Eden Hazard tops key passes chart.

Hazard has been a threat to reckon with donning Chelsea colours this season

The Belgian playmaker has made most key passes (84) in the last season in Europe's top 5 leagues. Prolific! 

18:40 pm Monaco rejects Arsenal's Mbappe bid.

Arsenal's bid worth €100million was rejected by the french champions.

Monaco has rejected Arsenal’s offer of €100million euro (£87million) bid for Kylian Mbappe, reported by English newspaper The Telegraph.

The offer is the third turned down already this summer by the French champions, including a world-record fee of €120million (£105million) made by Real Madrid.

Monaco are determined to keep Mbappe during this transfer window but given three huge offers have been made already – with the possibility of higher bids to come – they face a fight. However given they have flatly rejected such extraordinary bids already it shows their resolve is genuine. They also hope to end the interest by agreeing a new contract with the striker. Monaco insist they will not sell Mbappe now.

Monaco are braced for a number of bids for their young players but want to ensure they do not sell too many this summer. They have sold play-maker Bernardo Silva to City for £43million, with Pep Guardiola also wanting full-back Benjamin Mendy although no agreement has yet been reached. Chelsea are in talks to acquire midfielder Tieomoue Bakayoko who is also wanted by other clubs, reports the English daily.

18:20 pm Arsene Wenger failed to sign me - Buffon.

Buffon says he always wanted to stay loyal to Juventus

Ahead of the UEFA Champions Champions League final clash against Real Madrid in Cardiff, Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that Premier League greats such as Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign the Juventus shot-stopper.

“From what I know, there have been three serious times when English clubs made an approach for me," said Buffon to The Mirror.

“From what I know, there have been three serious times when English clubs made an approach for me," he added.

He also revealed, "There are many reasons why none of the deals happened. Even though the Premier League is a special league, I have always wanted to stay loyal to Juventus."

“I have always been very successful here. I would not have changed anything," he concluded.

Thank you Uttiyo. Hello guys, this is your host Sourav Neogi and I will be with you during this evening.

Well, That's all from me today folks! My colleague Sourav will now take over and bring you the latest footballing news this evening. Over to you, Sourav!

18:00 pm Manchester United Legend Bryan Robson Tips Paul Pogba To Be Next Captain

Pogba has been tipped to be United's next leader by Robson

Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson believes that Paul Pogba is the ideal man to be the captain of the Red Devils next season with Wayne Rooney's future uncertain at the club.

Rooney is expected to leave in the summer after failing to gain a starting spot at Jose Mourinho's team and Robson believes that Pogba could be the perfect leader for United. He talked to Mirror about Rooney, Pogba and how important the captaincy means at the club.

Robson said: 'I would like Wayne to stay. He hasn't had a great season but he still has unbelievable ability.

'It comes down to how much desire he has got and how much he wants to break more records and keep going at United. Only Wayne can make that kind of decision.'

He later added on Pogba: 'I think Paul Pogba could be a captain for Manchester United, where he leads by example.

'I've got to say I've liked Ander Herrera's attitude. I think he's took it all board, trying to organise people and gee them up and gee the fans up when things haven't been going so well. Antonio Valencia has got that determination about him too.

'But with Paul, I still think that he has improved us — and I feel like he's going to improve again next year.'

17:40 pm Nice Slam The Door Shut On Borussia Dortmund For Lucien Favre

Nice are adamant at keeping Favre as their manager next season

Ligue 1 side OGC Nice have announced that they will not let coach Lucien Favre become the manager of Borussia Dortmund after reports emerged of Favre being Thomas Tuchel's successor at the club.

Favre has already spent some years in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach, as his dynamic style of attacking football is something which attracted Dortmund to sign him as their new manager. But Nice, who appointed Favre as their manager only a year ago, have responded strongly to this claiming that "the chapter is now closed" on the deal.

A statement released by the club earlier today read:  "While the media circus around the interest from Borussia Dortmund for Lucien Favre intensified this week after the departure of Thomas Tuchel, OGC Nice wants to announce its position - publicly and once and for all.

"It is logical that a coach of his caliber, at the end of such a season [as he had] in Nice, arouses covetous glances of the biggest European clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, quarter-finalist of the last Champions League.

"It is equally legitimate that this opportunity may arouse the interest of Lucien Favre. OGC Nice has no difficulty in understanding this."

They also added: "However, in view of the proximity of the resumption of training (June 19), the club does not wish to follow up any negotiations concerning a transfer of its coach, under contract until June 2019.

"The sporting interest prevails on the financial side, as the Nice management has always asserted.

"This decision is firm and unequivocal. It was fully heard by the leaders of BVB and, of course, also by Lucien Favre, who perfectly understood and accepted it.

"Once opened, the chapter is already closed. So, with a pleasure identical to the one he has always testified, he will continue his mission at the head of the Nice team in 2017/18." as it seems like Dortmund will have to stay in the hunt for another manager.

17:20 pm Zinedine Zidane Names Son Enzo In Final Squad For Champions League Final

Enzo can win his first Uefa Champions League medal on Saturday

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has named his son Enzo as part of the 25-man squad traveling to Cardiff to play the Champions League final on Saturday.

Enzo has been extremely impressive at Madrid's youth system, which has impressed Zidane enough to name him in the squad for the final as both father and son look to lift that trophy aloft on Saturday. Absentees in Gareth Bale and Pepe have also been named in the squad, although it can be interesting to see whether they get into the line-up or not.

Zidane takes a strong squad to Cardiff

Here's the 25 man squad:

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, K.Castilla, Ruben Yanez

Defenders: Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Coentrao, Danilo.

Midfielders: Kroos, James, Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric, Asensio, Isco, Enzo, 

Forwards: Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale, Morata, Mariano, Lucas Vasquez.

17:00 pm UEFA To Grant Francesco Totti With The 2017 UEFA President's Award!

Totti will be honored with this prestigious award later this year

Francesco Totti will be the recipient of the 2017 UEFA President's Award after the Roma legend left the club after spending 25 years with them.

Totti will be the 17th recipient of the award, which has been previously given to football legends such as Franz Beckenbauer, John Cruyff, Bobby Charlton and Paolo Maldini.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin will hand out his first President's Award to Totti and expressed his delight at doing so, as he said in a statement: "The President's Award recognizes outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities.

"These attributes are personified by Francesco Totti – a man who has given around a quarter of a century of his life playing for his beloved AS Roma.

"Congratulations, Francesco, for a fantastic career and for your extraordinary loyalty and dedication to Roma and to football."

16:40 pm Tony Adams Criticises Arsenal's Decision To Renew Wenger's Contract

Arsene Wenger has been heavily criticized by Adams this year

Tony Adams has kept on his criticism of Arsene Wenger, stating that he will not win the Premier League in the next two years and could "crumble" under pressure.

The former Granada manager does not seem pleased at Wenger getting a new 2-year contract at the club and continued slamming his former manager after some heated comments made last month.

Adams told Sky Sports: I believe this squad is not going to win the league in the next two years,"

"It could possibly all crumble around him and I think that would be very sad.

"From one human being to another human being, I hope it doesn't. 

"I really prayed that he would get out after the FA Cup, say, 'enough is enough' and find someone else to replace him. I don't know who that is." 

He also added: "I don't know the legacy of Arsene. Maybe in the next two years he will have a legacy and he will get a transition of new coaches coming through. If he's doing that I say: 'Fantastic Arsene, wonderful.'

"I just think he's been the most successful Arsenal manager of all time. I don't want that spoiled and I see signs that he's incredibly addicted to football. I don't see that he's got a life outside of it.

"I just don't want him to go on too long and for it to crumble and end in tears, and all of us don't like Arsene. It would be so sad."

16:20 pm Manchester United Strongly Interested In Signing Raphael Varane

Varane is the kind of player Mourinho loves in his team

Manchester United have upped their interest for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, with the Red Devils making their intentions of signing the French Defender according to Sky Sports sources.

There have been rumors of Jose Mourinho wanting to bring the defender to United in the summer and he seems to be making some moves to make it possible. But with Real Madrid are very unlikely to sell their impeccable defender, it could be extremely difficult for the Red Devils to pull it off.

16:00 pm Thanks, Mrunal! Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, Let's get right into the lates news from around the World of Football today!

16:00pm That's all from me today. Here to be with you through the early evening is my colleague Uttiyo. All yours mate.

15:40pm Mbappe latest

No Arsenal move for starlet

BBC Sport's David Ornstein says there's nothing in the stories linking Arsenal to an £87m bid for Kylian Mbappe.

The London Evening Standard are reporting the Gunners' offer has been rejected by Monaco.

The French champions rejected a £105m bid for the 18-year-old wonderkid from Real Madrid last month.

15:20 pm Dortmund set to appoint new manager?

The former Dutch international look set to take the reigns of the German oufit

Some interesting managerial shenanigans on the continent.

Apparently Borussia Dortmund are set to appoint former Rangers and Arsenal full-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst as new coach in the wake of Thomas Tuchel's departure.

Van Bronckhorst led Feyenoord to their first Dutch title since 1999 this season.

Lucien Favre, who guided Nice to a third-place finish in Ligue 1 this season, was also thought to be in the running.

15:00 pm Ronaldo wants James stay

The winger ha been widely linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo hopes James Rodriguez remains at the Santiago Bernabeu but would understand if the Colombian departed.

With regular football hard to come by under head coach Zinedine Zidane, James has been tipped to leave Madrid during the off-season.

"James has his reasons [to leave] and we have to respect them," Ronaldo told La Sexta ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus in Cardiff.

"If he doesn't feel happy and if he wants more, then he should look for the best thing for him.

"If he asked my opinion, I would tell him to stay.

"Obviously he has his complaints and the best thing would be that he plays more, but these are very personal things."

"He has the potential to play for Real Madrid, but he has his reasons and we must respect them,"

14:40 PM Kruse attracts English interest amidst striker crunch in market

The Werder Bremen striker ended the Bundesliga season well and is one of a number of alternatives United are considering

Max Kruse is among Manchester United’s list of potential striker targets after his late-season form with Werder Bremen piqued the interest of Jose Mourinho.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg front man netted 15 goals in 23 appearances for the Weserstadion side in 2016-17, including a run of 11 in 11 games between March and May. And Goal understands it is a run which has made Mourinho sit up and take notice.

The United manager explained after the Europa League final win over Ajax that executive vice-chair Ed Woodward is well aware of the players Mourinho would like to see at Old Trafford.

“Ed Woodward has my list, what I want, what I would like for more than two months. So now it’s up to him and the owners,” the Portuguese told BT Sport .

nd while the likes of Alvaro Morata and Andrea Belotti are thought to rank high on Mourinho’s wanted list, sources close to the situation say Kruse is considered among possible fall-back options should the club not get their way in the summer transfer market.

Kruse is now 29, putting him at the higher end of the age range Mourinho is thought to be targeting, but his improved form during the spring put him in contention for the Germany squad at this summer’s Confederations Cup before national boss Joachim Low eventually chose an inexperienced group to travel to Russia. He has previously played 14 times for his country, scoring four times.

14:20 PM Tammy Abraham closes in on Newcastle United on loan for an year

Tammy Abraham impressed last season, scoring 26 goals on loan at Bristol City

Tammy Abraham is on the verge of joining Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United on a season-long loan.

Chelsea initially wanted Abraham to be promoted to their first-team squad, but owing to Benitez’s close relationship with the Blues’ technical director Michael Emenalo, Newcastle have secured a loan deal for the forward. 

Leicester and Brighton were keen to sign the 19-year-old, who scored 26 goals on loan at Bristol City last season.  

Chelsea doesn't want to lose the England Under 21 international permanently but recognise a season of starting in the Premier League is necessary for his development. The deal is expected to be tied up this weekend. 

It will be a significant coup for Benitez, who needs to rebuild the squad which won the Championship to make it competitive in the Premier League. The Spanish manager went to St George's Park on his wedding anniversary to convince Abraham to move.

Although owner Mike Ashley has promised transfer funds, there will still be limits on spending so bringing him a player for a limited fee and the cost of his wages means that Newcastle's summer recruitment is started well.

14:00 PM Yaya Toure signs a contract extension, to remain at Manchester City

We thought it would be Ederson..but the big news surrounds Yaya Toure

The Ivorian has signed a new contract at the Etihad.

He appeared to be on his way out this summer but became a key player under Pep Guardiola.

Toure has signed a one-year extension.

13:40 PM Jose Mourinho is set to make a move for £50million striker Alexandre Lacazette

The Manchester United boss is switching his attention from £87m Antoine Griezmann to Lyon striker Lacazette in the wake of Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban this summer

The FIFA punishment for signing under-age players means Atletico club will refuse to sell Griezmann, while they will be blocked from capturing Lacazette, who was lined up as his replacement.

Arsenal have Lacazette on their wanted-list too, but he said recently he would only play for a team in the Champions League.

The France international scored 37 goals this season, after totalling 23 and 31 in his previous two campaigns, at a strike rate of almost a goal a game.

Liverpool have also expressed an interest in the striker, but United have the financial muscle to not only easily meet the asking price, but outbid any rivals in terms of wages.

13:20 PM Southampton slap huge £70m price tag on Manchester City and Chelsea target Virgil van Dijk

City are reported to be ready to make a £50m bid but Saints want at least £20m more as they play hardball

SOUTHAMPTON have slapped a whopping SEVENTY MILLION pound price tag on sought-after skipper Virgil van Dijk.

But Saints are ready to play hardball to keep the former Celtic ace, who only signed a new six-year contract last summer.

Dutch international Van Dijk is currently rehabilitating after missing the final four months of the season with an ankle injury.

The centre back, 25, is understood to be relaxed about the situation and is in no hurry to leave the club.

Saints have become a selling club in recent summers – a tag owner Katharina Liebherr is keen to shake off.

They believe Van Dijk’s value will only increase the longer he stays.

Speaking last month, chairman Ralph Krueger said: “We do not need to sell any players.

“Whether the ownership changes or not it is not going to change our strategic position.

“We have the backing of Katharina and/or any potential change which we as a management team feel extremely comfortable with.

“We have a strategy which is being fine-tuned but the base is in place.

“We are pre-positioned for the transfer window and we do not have to sell any player.

“That will be our decision and whether it is in the best interests of the club or not.”

13:00 PM Manchester United make Romelu Lukaku their new top transfer target for the summer

MANCHESTER UNITED have made Romelu Lukaku their No. 1 summer transfer target after pulling the plug on a move for Antoine Griezmann

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knee injury, which is likely to keep him out until the New Year has, has changed Jose Mourinho’s summer transfer priorities.

 

And it is understood from sources close to the club that Lukaku is now the man Mourinho wants to spearhead his United attack.

 

He originally wanted the diminutive but pacy Griezmann to play off Ibrahimovic but now the Swede is out of the equation the priority is to find a new, out and out No 9.

And Everton star Lukaku, who has scored over 100 goals in the last four seasons, is the player at the top of United's list even though they face stiff competition from Chelsea.

Torino’s Andrea Belotti and Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata also fit the profile for United while they could attempt to hijack Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s proposed move from Borussia Dortmund to Paris Saint-Germain.

Golden Boot winner Harry Kane is hugely admired at Old Trafford but is out of the equation because Tottenham simply will not sell their star striker.

Mourinho has always liked to play with a traditional target man. He had Didier Drogba in his first spell at Chelsea, Ibrahimovic and Diego Milito at Inter Milan, Karim Benzema at Real Madrid, Diego Costa in his second Chelsea spell before his re-union with Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford last summer.

The Swedish veteran struck 28 goals until his season was cut short when he ruptured the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee during the Europa League quarter-final, second leg against Anderlecht at Old Trafford on April 20.

Mourinho had set his sights on signing long-target Griezmann from Atletico Madrid and United were ready to trigger the £87m release clause in his contract to bring the France international to Old Trafford.

But spending big money on a new No 9 is now the priority. 

Sources say United retain an interest in Griezmann and could make a move for him in the future but it will not happen this summer.

12:40 PM Liverpool reach agreement with Mohamed Salah’s agent as Roma demand £30.4m

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Roma midfielder Mohamed Salah, according to reports in Italy

Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the 24-year-old’s agent is in England and has already reached an agreement with Liverpool and it’s now up to Roma whether to sell.

The report also claims that Salah has told friends that he has the chance to return to the Premier League.

Liverpool’s main issue is now to settle on a transfer fee with Roma. The Serie A club are demanding €35 million (£30.4m) but are open to selling the winger as his contract expires in 2019 and a renewal this summer would prove costly.

Roma are also already lining up a replacement in Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp is desperate to improve his options in the wide attacking areas and Salah would fit the bill following his impressive season in Italy.

The Egypt international scored 15 goals and registered 11 assists to help Roma finish second in Serie A.

12:20 PM Mesut Ozil set to sign new deal at Arsenal

Wenger signed a new two-year deal at the club this week then spoke of how the aim next season is to win the Premier League

MESUT OZIL is ready to sign a new deal with Arsenal.

The German playmaker, whose contract runs out next year, has been offered a £280,000-a-week salary to remain at the Emirates.

Ozil was holding out for £350,000 A WEEK, but he is prepared to cut a deal this summer with the Gunners.

The former Real Madrid star does not have a serious offer from another major club.

And boss Arsene Wenger is now hopeful Ozil, 28, who cost £42.5million from Real Madrid four years ago, will stay on a new long-term deal.

The Chilean, 28, wants a similar weekly amount to Ozil, but is still looking for a massive offer to move elsewhere.

Manchester City and Chelsea both want him, but Wenger has already insisted he will not let him move to another Premier League club.

Bayern Munich, who are offering around £40m, are preparing to step up their efforts to sign Sanchez and now believe they are in pole position.

Sanchez arrived from Barcelona for £33m in 2014 and Arsenal now believe they will struggle to keep hold of the player even though he has indicated he could see out the last 12 months of his contract.

12:00 PM Following AIFF President's reply, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal officials to attend AFC meeting

The meeting will be held on 7th June at Kuala Lumpur

According to IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguli, Praful Patel has 'responded to the points raised' in the letter sent on behalf of the Kolkata clubs.

The All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel has replied to the letter sent by Indian Football Association (IFA) Secretary Utpal Ganguli on Thursday.Writing on behalf of the 'big two' Kolkata clubs (Mohun Bagan and East Bengal), Ganguli raised the issue of the AIFF President failing to honour his promise of delivering a revised roadmap for the future of Indian football by 25th May, which incidentally was also the deadline for the submission of bid documents for the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).Officials of both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal vehemently opposed the idea of joining ISL, alleging that there was no clarity with respect to the status of I-League and ISL and questioned the meeting scheduled in Malaysia on June 7th with various stakeholders including AFC. However, Praful Patel reverted back to the IFA Secretary with respect to the letter sent on Monday.Ganguli revealed to Goal, "Yes he has replied today. We (IFA and the Kolkata clubs) will meet in the next two-three days to discuss the contents of the reply."He added, "He (Patel) has responded to the points I had raised in it. We have to discuss with the clubs and then decide what is to be done further. He also requested me to persuade the clubs to attend the meeting and put their points of view across. He has also assured that if need be, he will certainly meet the clubs again."With just a week remaining for the all-important meeting for the future of Indian football, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal officials have already applied for their Malaysian visas and are now expected to attend the meeting in Kuala Lumpur after evaluating Patel's reply.The meeting, mooted by Praful Patel during the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Dato Windsor's visit to New Delhi on 24th May, will be chaired by the AFC supremo himself.

12:00 PM Good noon, folks. Hope you're having a good day. Let's start with a striking news on Indian football, something which can actually ruffle the current dimensions. This is your friend, Punit. 

09:00 PM Well, That's all from us today folks! We'll be back with more news from around the World of Football tomorrow. Same time and you know where to find us! Good Night.

08:40 PM Borussia Dortmund Deny Any Offers For Aubameyang

There are no offers for Aubameyang, claims Micheal Zorc

In a stunning turn of events, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Micheal Zorc has denied receiving any €70 million offer from Paris-Saint Germain for their star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

PSG are keen on signing some quality players and boosting their attack after losing out the Ligue 1 title to Monaco last season and many reputed sources confirmed that Aubameyang was heading to Paris. But Zorc states that he hasn't received any offer for the Gabonian International.

"As of now, we have not received any offers from any club across the world," he told Ruhr Nachrichten. It will be interesting to see how PSG respond to this statement, as Unai Emery will want to wrap up this signing as soon as possible and move on to signing more targets.

08:20 PM Zenit Officially Appoint Roberto Mancini As Their Manager

Mancini joins the Russian club on a two-year deal

Zenit St Petersburg have confirmed that Roberto Mancini as their new manager, with the Italian signing a two-year deal with the club.

Former manager Mircea Lucescu left the club last month after finishing 3rd in the Russian Premier League and getting eliminated in the Round of 32 stages of the Europa League, with Zenit focused on bringing a manager who can take the club further in European competitions. 

Since being sacked by Manchester City in 2013, Mancini has gone on to manage Galatasaray and returned to Inter Milan. He takes over at the Russian club with aspirations of making an impact in Europe with them as well as prove the world that he is still a winner through and through.

08:00 PM "I Want To Make Even Better"- Ernesto Valverde On His Barcelona Unveiling

Valverde was confident in his first press conference as Barca boss

Ernesto Valverde faced the media for the first time as Barcelona manager earlier today, but he was really calm and composed and voicing out his plans at the club from next season onwards.

Valverde replaces Luis Enrique at the club and aims to help his players become even better in the future years, as he spoke a lot about his ambitions at the club.

He started off with: "Just walking around the museum, I am aware of the demands of this club," Valverde said. "I know the importance of the Barca style and I want to dig deep to see what I can add to that. From [Lionel] Messi to [Andres] Iniesta, passing by all the other players, I want to create a team spirit and to excite our fans."

When asked about his feelings on working with Lionel Messi, the former Bilbao manager said: "It's a unique experience to be able to coach Messi. He is the best player I have ever seen on a football pitch. I know it seems like he is at his peak, but every day he surprises you and the next day he is even better.

"I hope to enjoy his play and my idea is to help him to get even better if there is anything to improve on... I want to enjoy the experience of being with him."

Valverde also spoke on the team's philosophy as well as his admiration for Andres Iniesta, saying: "I have to adapt to the style and the play of the club,"

"I know the style passes by having a great collective game and great handling of the ball in the midfield." But he added: "Barca have a tradition of playing 4-3-3, also 3-4-3 more recently, but I don't consider that so important. Formations have to be moved, the idea is to have control of the ball."

Finally, he ended with: "We are going to try and win as many trophies as we can,"

07:40 PM Del Piero Backs Juventus To Break Finals Curse on Saturday

Del Piero is confident of Juventus completing the Treble on Saturday

Juventus Legend Alessandro Del Rio has backed his former side to break their curse of losing in their last 4 European Finals behind them on Saturday when they take on Real Madrid.

The Bianconeri has last won a European Final in 1996 and has lost the past 4 matches at the grandest stage of the Champions League since then. But Del Piero is adament that curses don't exist, as he talked about his former side's chances against Madrid in an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport. 

He said: “Curses don’t exist for players, not for anyone who will go onto that pitch,

“In Berlin, all of us were coming off disappointments, finals lost on penalties or in the last minute, but no-one thought about that. You just think about winning, that it’s your time. And I really hope it will be.”

Speaking on Juventus recent Champions League final loss to Barcelona and how similar the opposition in Real are in this final, he said: “In my opinion they aren’t more or less strong. That Juventus had a midfield on Barcelona’s level which spoke for itself: [Andrea] Pirlo, [Arturo] Vidal, [Claudio] Marchisio, [Paul] Pogba,

“The point is the level of maturity, how aware they are of their strength and how they can use it on the pitch. I think today Juve are more mature and more aware. They play a very ‘European’ game, a way of being on the pitch which every player feels is his. In short, they believe.

“As for Real, I don’t think they’re inferior to that Barcelona, they’re a very strong team and for that reason it will be hard."

 07:20 PM Real Madrid €60m Bid For David De Gea Rejected By Man Utd

The Galacticos' ambitious bid was rejected straight away by United

Manchester United have rejected a bid of €60million made by Real Madrid for their star goalkeeper David De Gea according to Sky Sports News.

The former Atletico Madrid man has been a long-term target for Real Madrid, who are determined at signing him in the summer and put out a big bid for the goalkeeper. But Manchester United do not want to sell their star man and showed their intention at keeping De Gea by rejecting this bid without any thoughts.

It'll definitely be interesting to see how this saga transpires as the summer wears on, but with De Gea himself not forcing a move out of the club which did ensure Champions League Football next season, this could be a tricky situation for Madrid to negotiate themselves out of.

07:00 PM Nike Unveil Official Ball For The 2017/18 Premier League

The Nike Ordem V will be used in the Premier League Next Season

Nike introduced the official ball which will be used for the 2017/18 Premier League season earlier today. 

The Nike Ordem V is the 17th ball to be manufactured for the Premier League by Nike ever since taking over from Mitre as the competition's official match ball provider in 2001.

A statement on the Premier League's official website read:  "Extensively tested by some of the world’s leading players in its development phase, the Ordem V is a performance-orientated piece of design.

"A unique construction distributes pressure evenly across the ball to ensure an accurate strike while Aerotrac grooves in the surface help ensure a stable flight through the air."

06:40 PM Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Completes Return To Ajax

Huntelaar spent two glorious years at Ajax before moving to the big leagues

Ajax have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who joins the club on a free transfer.

Huntelaar had previously played for Ajax from 2006 to 2008, scoring 76 goals in 92 appearances and is delighted to have returned to "his club". After becoming a free-agent after his Schalke contract expired, Huntelaar was determined to come back to his old hunting ground.

He spoke about his return upon his signing and said: "It's no secret that Ajax are my club, so I am incredibly happy with my return," Huntelaar commented on his move.

"My role is pretty clear, but I did not come here just to take it easy and retire here. Ajax played nearly 60 games last season and you need more than one striker for that. I have no doubt about it that I will get plenty of playing time."

He further added: "I am in great shape physically and I am already looking forward to the start of pre-season.

"The goal is win the Eredivisie title next season."

06:20 PM Sampdoria President has revealed that Patrick Schick has been signed by Seria A rivals Juventus!

The 21-year-old striker has scored 11 goals in 14 games this season

06:00 PM Crystal Palace make contact with ex-Liverpool No2 Mauricio Pellegrino in hunt for Sam Allardyce replacement

The Argentinian — a good friend of Tottenham chief Mauricio Pochettino — resigned from the Alaves hot seat on Monday

CRYSTAL PALACE have contacted ex-Liverpool No 2 Mauricio Pellegrino about replacing Sam Allardyce.

The Argentinian — a good friend of Tottenham chief Mauricio Pochettino— resigned from the hot seat on Monday.

He had guided the newly-promoted side to an impressive ninth in La Liga and a Spanish Cup final.

Allardyce stepped down as Palace boss last week, just five months after he joined the Selhurst Park club.

And Spain sources say the Eagles have approached Pellegrino, 45, having been alerted by the fact has expressed his desire to manage in England.  Leicester have also sounded out the manager.

Pellegrino — who was assistant to Rafa Benitez at both Liverpool and Inter Milan — has been heralded in Spain this season after no one gave Alaves a chance of staying in La Liga.

05:40 PM Southampton and Everton are dealing in a right-back.

Ronald Koeman signed the right-back when he was Saints manager in 2015

Everton are on the brink of completing their first summer signing, Cuco Martina from Southampton.

Ronald Koeman wants a new right-back given Seamus Coleman’s long recovery from a broken leg and the extra weight of Europa League games that Everton will have to play next season.

Everton have identified Martina, who Koeman signed for Southampton in 2015, as the ideal addition on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old Curacao international can provide extra experience and competition for Mason Holgate at right-back. 20-year-old Holgate impressed last season, especially after Coleman’s injury, starting 16 Premier League games.

Martina leaves Southampton after two seasons at St Mary’s. He made 14 starts for Koeman in the 2015-16 season after joining from FC Twente, scoring a famous long-range curling goal against Arsenal in December 2015.

Last season, under Claude Puel, he started 15 games but was allowed to leave at the end of his two-year contract.

05:20 PM Captain Fantastic at it again! 

 

Sunil Chhetri celebrated his return from injury with a superb strike to send Bengaluru FC to knockout stages of AFC Cup for the third season running

Match Report: Bengaluru FC 1-0 Maziya

05:00 PM Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang agrees £61million deal to leave Borussia Dortmund

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed off for Dortmund with a German Cup winner's medal

According to various reports, the 27-year-old striker will join the French giants this summer after signing up to £8.75m-per-year wages and a £5m signing-on fee.

A Gabon international, Aubameyang has been linked with Europe's biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Man United and Real Madrid, but the French Cup and French League Cup holders appear to have secured his signing.

Aubameyang scored 40 goals in all competitions last season, including the winner in the German Cup final, and clinched the Bundesliga Golden Boot with 31 goals, taking his tally to 120 goals in 189 matches in four seasons in Germany.

04:40 Manchester United want Lindelof

The defender has been watched by the Red Devils for some time now

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira is expected to arrive in Manchester on Thursday to negotiate with Manchester United regarding potential moves for Nelson Semedo and Victor Lindelof.

The Lisbon outfit managed to hold on to centre-back Lindelof in the January transfer window despite notable interest from United, with the Swede even going on to extend his contract until the summer of 2021 after striking a deal in March.

But United are still keen to tie up a transfer for Lindelof despite his renewed contract driving up his market value to around £50 million, and right-back Semedo is also a target after impressing United scouts on their regular trips to the Estadio da Luz.

And now Goal understands that Vieira is due to land in Manchester on Thursday to accelerate talks between the two clubs, with United keen on tying up all transfer business ahead of their summer tour of the United States which begins with a friendly match against Los Angeles Galaxy on July 15.

 

04:20 Mbappe wants Madrid move

The young striker has taken Europe by storm this season

Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe is intent on joining Real Madrid despite interest from Manchester City, according to Marca .

The 18-year-old has been linked with a move to Man City with Pep Guardiola ready to put Mbappe straight into the first team. However, the France international is keen on a switch to Madrid and will reject City's advances.

04:00 City complete Ederson signing

The shot-stopper becomes the second most expensive keeper in the world

Manchester City have made Benfica goalkeeper Ederson their second signing of the summer after completing the second-most expensive goalkeeper deal in history.

The 23-year-old - who is yet to make his debut for Brazil - signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, with the move completed on Thursday.

Ederson will cost City £35 million, making him - in pound sterling - the most expensive goalkeeper in history, surpassing the £33m Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001.

However, City are keen to stress that it's not a world record as the amount in Euros, which is how they paid Benfica (€40m), is lower than how much Juve paid for Buffon (€53m) in 2001.

03:40 Keown calls for Arsenal to resolve future of star duos

Both players have a year left on their current deals

Former Arsenal captain Martin Keown believes the club should sell star players Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, as he believes the pair have become "overindulged". 

"If they have to say cheerio to those two players, then that is the right decision," Keown told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Ederson's secret weapon will boost City attack

"They have been overindulged at times this season and they let Arsenal down in the period when they lost twice to Bayern Munich, conceding 10 goals. That is the level of the problem.

"The manager needs to make some really tough decisions now. Sanchez's contract needs to get 100% secured. Is that going to happen? Will Ozil leave?

"I am sure both players want to go elsewhere because they want to win the Champions League, win the Premier League and maybe they do not feel it can be done at Arsenal. The club is bigger than two individuals."

03:20 Atletico Madrid's transfer ban upheld

The Spanish giants cannot register new players until January 2018

Atletico Madrid have lost an appeal to the CourtUnited is also in dobt. of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against a transfer ban imposed by FIFA, meaning they cannot register players until January 2018. What this essentially means is that impending moves for strikers Diego Costa and Alexandre Lacazette have been shelved while Antoine Griezmann's move to Manchester United is also in doubt.

03:00 Hello everyone its good to be with you again. Some breaking news in a bit.

This is all from me today guys. My friend Mrunal Nakashe will be your host for the rest of the afternoon. Over to you Mrunal

02:55 Gary Lineker thinks Gareth Bale is 'one of the best British footballers of all time'.

Bale has been a prolific scorer at Real Madrid since joining

Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale is one of the "best British players of all time", says former England striker Gary Lineker.

"I'd put him right up there," said former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona striker Lineker. "He has certainly got to be in the top 10."

"(Bale has) won a lot of things, helped Wales be more successful than they have been in a long time, and he is playing for one of the giants of world football, so he is right up there and still in his prime," he added.

Lineker also said, "I have always loved him as a player. He is a wonderfully gifted footballer. I am sure he really wants to be part of this final, in his hometown.

"He has had his share of injuries this season, which is a shame. But overall at Real Madrid he has proven himself as a world-class player," he concluded.

02:30 Rafinha reveals shocking truth about Pep Guardiola.

The full-back feels Ancelotti is a better man-manager than Pep Guardiola

Rafinha has revealed that the Bayern Munich players are more comfortable working with Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti than working under former Bayern manager Pep Guardiola.

"Guardiola is a younger trainer," Rafinha told Spor TV before adding, "Bayern was the second club in his career. He would change tactics at night, call the player at night, say 'let's do this tomorrow.

"In the tactical aspect, he is completely crazy. He studies football 24 hours a day. He has his way of dealing with people, with players," he said.

The Spanish full-back also said, "Ancelotti is more experienced, more passive. He is managing our group very well. Not so fascinated by tactics. We did a lot of repetition with Pep in training. It was a very automatic thing, we knew what to do. With Ancelotti, it's quieter, but with the same intensity. He's a calmer, more familiar trainer."

"The team is now looser. With Pep, we had more than 1,000 passes per game, it was an absurd requirement. Ancelotti is a much quieter guy. The players are more comfortable, even by style, because he is older," he further revealed.

02:10 New FIFA rankings ensure Poland best ever ranking.

Poland now occupies the 10th place in the FIFA rankings

Poland has secured a top 10 place in the latest FIFA rankings, published earlier today. They Poles are now occupying the 10th place in the rankings, which is their best ever FIFA ranking in their history.

On other ranking changes, Brazil has maintained the lead position once again, followed by arch-rivals Argentina in the second place.

The FIFA twitter handle also confirmed that the biggest climbers in the latest rankings, climbing up 17 positions to the 95th place.

01:50 Liverpool negotiating personal terms with Mohamed Salah's agent.

Salah has been a force to reckon with in the last season in Serie A

According to reports in England, AS Roma's prolific winger Mohamed Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas, is reportedly in London to discuss personal terms with Premier League side Liverpool.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Salah’s agent went to London to negotiate personal terms with Liverpool, claiming that an agreement has already been reached and now it is up for Roma to decide whether to sell the player or not. The Egyptian winger still has two years left on his contract with AS Roma and reports have indicated the Italian side wants €30-35 million to sell the player to the Merseysiders.

01:30 Roma's Antonio Rudiger speaks up about racism in Serie A.

Rudiger feels racism is a 'serious issue' in Italy

The AS Roma defender has pleaded with Fifa to act after another season featuring several high-profile incidents of racism in Serie A. The former Stuttgart footballer was racially abused by Lazio fans during an Italian Cup game in March.

“I take this very seriously because I cannot and must not ignore something like this. I am part of this too. Racism is a serious issue here," said Rudiger to Sport Bild.

“Incidents like the ones with Benatia and me simply happen too often in this country and that is why something must happen now. When the Italian FA is not doing anything then Fifa must act. It is easy to come up with the ‘No to racism’ campaign but when you don’t do anything concrete then that does not help,” he added.

“It is easy for people from the outside, who do not have the same skin colour as we do, to say ‘stay calm, don’t listen’. But the thing is, that way things will not change," he further said.

01:10 Michael Carrick confirms squad for his testimonial match.

Revealed by Carrick himself, 65000 tickets have already sold out for the testimonial

The match will see the likes of former Red Devils such as Micheal Silvestre, Edwin Van Der Sar, Ji-Sung Park and Dimitar Berbatov as well as rival players such as Jamie Carragher, Frank Lampard, Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard.

So, did you get your tickets too?

12:50 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opens up about teammate Mesut Ozil.

Oxlade dubbed Ozil as 'the coolest guy' 

“Mes is like the silent assassin, he goes about his business quietly," Chamberlain told Arsenal Player. “If you want to engage in a bit of banter with Mesut, he is up for it, but if you don’t he's not bothered.

"He will just go through his game, leave training, live the life at home and then come back to training," he added.

“He’s the coolest guy ever, he’s one of those guys who will have a spare flight somewhere and will say: ‘Do you want to come on holiday with me? I’ve got you’. You’re like: ‘Yeah, I’d love to’ - and off he takes you," he concluded.

12:30 Revenge time for Khedira?

The German midfielder joined Juventus on 2015 on a free transfer from Real Madrid

Injury often hindered Khedira's progress in the Spanish capital and, although he has nothing but praise for Madrid's coaching staff, he felt he was undervalued on the terraces.

"In Madrid, I was appreciated by my coaches and 100 percent fair, but I did not have this recognition in public," he told Kicker.

"If I did 10 good games, that was self-evident. If the 11th was not so good, it was asked whether or not I was good enough for the club," he revealed.

12:10 Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Real Madrid fans.

Ronaldo feels the mentality at Manchester United was different than it is at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been subject to being whistled at in the last season, playing in several home games of Real Madrid.

Although the demanding Estadio Santiago Bernabeu crowd have repeatedly expressed their unease regarding the Los Blancos superstar's performances, Ronaldo expressed his objection towards such actions, mentioning that nothing like that ever happened to him while playing for Manchester United.

"I have a lot of patience, but I don't like it," he said on La Sexta show Jugones, reported Marca.

"Being criticised in my stadium isn't normal and when I give one hundred percent and things do not come out, they are whistling," he revealed.

"In Manchester, it never happened to me, as the mentality is different," he added.

"I am delighted in Spain but I have Manchester in my memory," he concluded.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

12:00 Hello guys, Khel Now Live Footballday Blog is back! This is your host Sourav Neogi and I will be with you during the first part of the day.

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