Fabregas: Mourinho put my transfer before his family

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas revealed how Jose Mourinho puting the Spaniard's transfer ahead of his son's match convinced him to join.The former Arsenal captain wasn't convinced about joining London rivals Chelsea when Barcelona agreed to sell him.

But any doubts over the move were gone when Mourinho visisted Catalonia, even though he had family commitments back in England.Fabregas spoke about the deal saying: "When I knew Chelsea wanted to buy me, I studied the situation well and talked things over with my family.

"But then I spoke to the boss, on the day Jose came to see me."I remember it was a Sunday afternoon, and he flew out, missing his son's final game of the season."For him to do that was to make a great effort, to tell me how much he wanted me to sign for Chelsea. That gave me a real lift."

Chelse announced the £27m move at the start of the World Cup, and along with fellow new signings Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, have now met up with the rest of the squad for pre-season traning in Austria.

Fabregas is aware he will receive backlash from the Arsenal faithful even though Arsene Wenger passed up the first opportunity to re-sign the Barca man and he added: "When Jose came to see me, he made me believe that he wanted me in a very good way.
"When we spoke together, I became sure it was the best option for me.
"Now I want to win absolutely everything.
"I know Jose's teams are always very difficult to bear and to play against. Tactically they are very well-composed and they have discipline. He gets the best out of his players."(soccerheatbase)

Manchester United set to make monstrous offer for Arturo Vidal

Manchester United are poised to make a colossal bid for Chile International Arturo Vidal as they look to finally sign the Juventus midfielder. Vidal has been seen as a crucial assett that Van Gaal must bring to Old Trafford this summer, but Juventus have warned the veteran manager against making anymore bids. However, according to several reports, United are set to make a £42.5 million bid for the Chilean in the coming days.

Juventus will do everything in their power to keep one of their most vital figures at the club this summer, but accorsing to reports in Italy Juventus may be forced to sell the player if Vidal puts pressure on the Turin club to sell. United are also willing to put Luis Nani and Javier Hernandez in part of the deal if push comes to shove.

Van Gaal has been promised a large amount of transfer funds to bring in the midfielder to Old Trafford, despite the club already spending a significant amount of money on Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw who have already signed for the Premier League club. (soccerheatbase)

Chelsea put price-tag on Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea have put a £31million price-tag on the head of striker Romelu Lukaku, which has all-but ended Juventus' interest in the Belgium international.The Serie A champions were keen on signing the 21-year-old from the Premier League side after they look set to sell him permanently this Summer after sending him out on loan in the two previous campaigns.

However, Jose Mourinho has now asked for at least £31m for the striker, and that price-tag has put off Juve, who are in the market to sign a new striker, despite having Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez.Juventus have also recently signed Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, but the Spaniard suffered a knee injury in his first training session with his new club.

Due to the high price-tag, the Italian outfit may now look into signing Liverpool's Fabio Borini, who is a £14m target of Sunderland, who had him on loan last season.
Borini is not keen on a permanent move to Sunderland, but would be interested in a return to his homeland if an offer comes in.(soccerheatbase)

What Brendan Rodgers really thinks about Suarez exit

Suarez secured a £75million move to Barcelona this summer, despite being banned for his THIRD biting offence.But Rodgers has lamented losing Suarez, praising the Uruguayan striker despite his problems off the field.

"No, not at all," Rodgers said when asked if he felt Suarez had let him down."Luis, in my two years at the club, has been sensational in his game."Of course there's been issues which is well documented but it's in the past. He was a brilliant player for us, for me I'll always see him as a good man and a good friend.

"He gave everything to Liverpool and he left Liverpool after his time as a world-class talent. It's obviously a shame he is not here but Liverpool is a club that is bigger than any individual."He's a fantastic player but we will move forward and there's real excitement going into this season.

"We've qualified for the Champions League, we went close in the title. I'm really excited by the player's we've brought in - young players with great profile who play how we want to play and that will allow us to go on and hopefully continue to progress."(soccerheatbase)

Liverpool target eyes Juventus move

Bayern Munich winger Xherden Shaqiri has dealt Premier League side Liverpool a huge transfer blow by revealing interest in a move to Juventus.The Switzerland international has been linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena all Summer, and Liverpool have been widely speculated as his likely destination, but after an impressive World Cup in Brazil, more clubs have shown interest in the winger, in particular, Serie A champions Juventus.

A move to Anfield in a £15million deal was on the cards, but after talks broke down between Brendan Rodgers and Shaqiri's representatives, Juve sparked interest in the 22-year-old, and in a recent interview, the Swiss winger admitted it would be tough to say no to them."Juventus would definitely be a nice option," Shaqiri told Tuttosport.

"Juventus are a big club, who wouldn't want to play for them... I don't think Juventus would be a step back in my career."But I am on holiday at the moment. My brother is occupying himself with my future."I don't know whether Juventus have been in touch with Bayern. I have not heard anything about it from Juventus or Bayern."(soccerheatbase)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants the Club to dominate the EPL for the next Decade

The Chelsea Boss splashed out around £80million to bring the player he needed to Stamford Bridge from La Liga, where Fabregas had been deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona and Filipe Luis and Diego Costa had just led Atletico Madrid to the league title.

‘A team which has been a winning team for ten seasons is changing step by step, we've bought new players and we are trying to build for the next decade,’ said Mourinho, in a press conference at Chelsea’s hotel in Velden, Austria, on Tuesday.

‘Last year we reached the semi-finals and it was a transitional season,’ he added. ‘We had a very young team at the time but, even so, we reached the semi-finals and were playing to win the competition.

‘This season we think we are going to be stronger, the younger players are more experienced, they are stable and better adapted to fighting for titles.’
Despite acknowledging the competitiveness of the English top flight, the 51-year-old said he would not be at Stamford Bridge if he did not think Chelsea could win the Premier League next season.
‘If I didn't think that way I would go home and let somebody else take charge of the team(soccerheatbase)

Liverpool hope to hijack Vidal's move to Manchester United

The Chile international looked set for a move to Manchester United recently, with Van Gaal launching a huge bid to prize him from Turin.

However, Liverpool are prepared to enter the frey, and bid for the highly rated midfielder, who enjoyed a superb World Cup with Chile. Chile national newspaper El Mercurio claim that Real Madrid are also keen, however the Spanish La Liga giants do not currently have the funds after signing James Rodriguez from Monaco for 85 million euro.

This leaves both United and Liverpool to battle out, with Liverpool able to offer him Champions League football of course. (soccerheatbase)

Cavani unlikely to secure Premier League move

Uruguay forward Edison Cavani expects to stay in France next season, despite hopes of securing a move to the Premier League this summer.

The player has been unhappy with his playing role at PSG, after being used mostly on the right hand side to allow Ibrahimovic to lead the line for the Ligue 1 winners last season. The tactics worked - PSG won the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de la Ligue - but now Blanc is set to change his approach.

Cavani has publically said that he is after a move to England, with Manchester United and Chelsea being favoured by the striker.However there have been no progression between his agent and another club, so it seems likely that the hitman will stay at PSG next season.

Cavani said: "There was a discussion with Laurent Blanc before the end of the season and I think there will be a new tactical scheme this season.”PSG paid £50m to sign Cavani from Napoli last summer.(soccerheatbase)

Van Gaal tips Giggs for the top

New Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has voiced his praise and admiration for the way his assistant coach Ryan Giggs is handling his role at the club.

Giggs took caretaker charge of United for four games of last season after manager David Moyes was sacked.There was speculation Giggs could be in the running for the big job on a full time basis but the club's hierarchy opted for the vast experience and disciplinarian style of Van Gaal. 

But, Giggs seems to be comfortable with his new role and has exceeded Van Gaal's expectations already, and has compared the former-player to Jose Mourinho.Van Gaal said: "First of all, we have my assistant manager Ryan Giggs and I'm very pleased with him.

"I talked with him before I signed. Your first impression is always important and that was very good, and now the impression is still improving because I know him better.
"Also, he's working very hard, as are all my assistants. It's important that they don't have a job that's 9-5."You have to work very hard when you're my assistant - it's not always a pleasant job. But he's doing very well and I'm happy he's on my staff." (soccerheatbase)

Shaw: Why I picked United over Chelsea

Luke Shaw became the most expensive teenager in the history of football when he moved from Southampton to Manchester United for £27m.The 19 year-old also attracted interest from Chelsea, whom he supported as a boy.
Most of Shaw's family are Blues fans too, but the left back, who only made his first Premier League appearance in November 2012, is certain that choosing United was the right option.

The defender said: "Manchester United is the biggest club and it will push me to do my best.
"I signed a contract here because I know what the club is capable of. And I know I will improve at the club."Just three weeks after his arrival at Old Trafford, United sold veteran defender Patrice Evra to Juventus event hough he had been the club's first choice left-back for 8 years.

Shaw added: "I don't feel any pressure to come in for Evra."He has been great for the club for the last 10 years and I hope I can carry that on."I will just try to focus on my own game, what I do on the pitch."I'm looking forward to trying to impress the new gaffer."(soccerheatbase)

Rodgers wants to strengthen his side in £135million spending spree

Brendan Rodgers is ready to spend every penny of the £75million Liverpool bank for Luis Suarez – and then some, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People.The Kop boss wants a further six players that could take his spending this summer to a whopping £135m – eclipsing the transfer frenzy Spurs went on last year after getting £86m from Real Madrid for Gareth Bale.

And Rodgers will go back to Southampton, from where he plucked Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana earlier in the summer, for one of the incoming six – striker Jay Rodriguez.Rodgers has also targeted Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno and Swansea’s Ben Davies – with a £20million move for Benfica’s Lazar Markovic almost completed.

And centre-back Dejan Lovren could be the fourth Saint to sign for the Reds with talks well under way.Swansea keeper Michel Vorm’s £6m price tag has not put off Rodgers and the Dutchman is likely to be another heading to Merseyside this summer.The spree will go some way to calming the fears of Liverpool fans, worried that Suarez’s move to ­Barcelona will rule out a title challenge.
But it mirrors the spend-spend-spend policy last year of Spurs, who wasted all the cash they got for Bale on a string of flops like £26m forward Roberto Soldado and midfielder Erik Lamela, who cost the same

Tottenham were supposed to mount an assault on the title with their new-look, expensively-assembled team, but Denmark star Christian Eriksen was the only success as they finished way off the pace. Just as Spurs spent far more than the cash they got for Bale, the six Kop targets will cost more than the Reds banked for Suarez.
But Rodgers has already been given the green light to bring Lambert, Lallana and Emre Can to Anfield and he is confident that the club’s American ­owners will ­bankroll another splash.(soccerheatbase)

Suarez thanks Liverpool after agreeing Barca deal

Luis Suarez has released a letter to Liverpool fans thanking them for their support and explaining his reasoning for joining the Catalan club.Both clubs had announced on Friday that they agreed a deal for the forward and £70m was the fee subject to a medical and the signing of a five year contract.

Suarez was keen to explain the reasons for his move insisting that he enjoyed his time at Merseyside and that living in Spain with his wife's family "is a lifelong dream and ambition".The letter wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain.

Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city.But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife's family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.

I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I'm sure will be successful again next season.I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.
Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You'll Never Walk Alone."He was a contraversial figure in the premier League but he was a prolific goalscorer and Liverpool fans have thanked him for his services.(soccerheatbase)

 

Manchester United are to bid £65 million for Rodriguez.Manchester United are set to launch a bid for Monaco winger James Rodriguez. This has come after his very impressive world cup performances for his native Columbia. The 22 year old has become one of the hottest names in football and his 6 goals has mafde him the top goal scorer of the competition. He only moved to Monaco last summer but United are hoping Monaco will agree to part with the player for a quick profit.

 

The fee is rumoured to be in the region of £65 million, however with bonuses it can rise to £90 million. However any move will depend on how keen Rodriguez is for the move. Monaco are a very rich club and are not pressured to sell, although selling Rodriguez would help with their financial fair play regulations.(soccerheatbase)

Di Maria heading to old Trafford

 

Di Maria looks set to join for Manchester United after the World Cup, despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.The Argentina international has been linked with a move away from Madrid after another fine season at the Champions League winners, scoring 11 goals and assisting 26 in all competitions. 

 

And reports in Spain claim that his agent, Jorge Mendes, expects Di Maria to join Old Trafford as Real edge closer to signing Monaco's James Rodriguez.Madrid president Florentino Perez is understood to be open offers in the region of £40m, with his performances at the World Cup increasing his valuation.

United have wasted no time at all in the transfer market as new boss Louis Van Gaal prepares to take the club back into Europe, splashing in excess of £60m on Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera already.
i Maria looks set to become the third after reportedly feeling undervalued at the Bernabeu and has previously revealed that he will make a decision after the World Cup.

"For now, I’m just thinking the World Cup. We'll see what happens with Madrid and if they want to continue, he said."Honestly, I know that there are offers and interested clubs."Arsenal, who broke their transfer record with the signing of Mesut Ozil from Madrid last season, are also interested in Di Maria's services, while Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen on a Stamford Bridge reunion with the winger.(soccerheatbase)

Vidic says he should have left years ago

 

Serbian centre back claims he should have joined a Serie A side years agoSerbian centre back Nemanja Vidic was full of praise for new club Inter Milan, as he was unveiled to the media today after joining the club as a free agent.

 

The defender, 32, who left Manchester United after eight years at the club, and won a Champions League and five Premier League titles to name just a few of his accolades, was full of praise for his new side, where he joins the likes of Samir Handanovic, Diego Milito and Fredy Guarin.

'I should have arrived to Italy many years ago, finally I have the opportunity to play here. Italian football suits my game well and, as I said, I have joined one of the big European clubs'.
Vidic has signed a 3 year contract at the Italian club, with reports indicating that he may be handed the captain's armband.(soccerheatbase)

Vidal set to join united

 

Juventus box-to-box midfielder Arturo Vidal to link up with Herrera at Old Trafford?Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal looks set to join Manchester United, after the Northern club have reportedly met Juventus's 40m asking price for the player.

 

The Chilean, 27, has shone for the Turin side since signing from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011, and is reportedly looking for a new challenge in the Premier League.Vidal could link up with new signing Ander Herrera in midfield for United next season, and new boss Louis van Gaal will hope that he can blast United back to the top of the Premier League next season.

The Manchester club look likely to continue their heavy spending this Summer, with Atletico Madrid centre back Miranda and Feyenoord defenders Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins-Indi supposedly potential targets.(soccerheatbase)

Arsenw Wenger should spend big

 

Ex-Gunner Perry Groves insists that Wenger needs to change his transfer policy to sign his targets

Arsene Wenger will need to be prepared to spend big if he wants to secure his top targets this summer, according to ex-Arsenal man Perry Groves. The Gunners boss is still to do any business in this transfer window but he is hopeful of securing deals for Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy when the World Cup is over.

Out-of-favour Barca man Bojan is also set to make the move to the Emirates according to recent reports. But Groves has warned that the Frenchman may need to become more flexible with regards to his transfer policy. He told TalkSport:

"Arsenal need to change their transfer policy slightly. Currently, Wenger has a figure that he thinks a player is worth and refuses to go above that. Sometimes though, you have to. If you have to spend £3-4m more than you thought, but the player is that important to the team, then you have to spend it.
"Arsenal at the moment are a very cash rich club, sometimes they have to spend a little bit more than what Wenger thinks the player is worth."(soccerheatbase)

Kroos admited he has not agreed to join any club

The Bayern Munich midfielder insists he has not made a decision on his future and will wait until after the World Cup amid reports of a €25m deal to move to Santiago BernabeuToni Kroos has denied reaching an agreement to sign for Real Madrid and insists his future will not be resolved until after the World Cup.

Reports in Spain have claimed the Bayern Munich midfielder has agreed to €25 million switch to the European champions on a five-year contract.Kroos has just one year left on his Bayern contract but, speaking at the Maracana ahead of Germany's World Cup quarter-final clash with France, claimed there have been no developments on his future.

Kroos said: "I can't help you. There is nothing more I can tell you. I can't comment on every article in the newspapers."I've said all along I will not make a decision on my future during the World Cup. "As soon as the tournament is over, I will make a decision and something will be announced. But it will not happen while I'm here and I haven't signed anything."(soccerheatbase)

Icon Di Stefano suffers cardiac arrest

The 88-year-old is in a serious condition in hospital after being taken ill upon leaving a restaurant in the Spanish capital.Former Real Madrid striker Alfredo di Stefano is in a serious condition in hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack.

The club's honorary president, who turned 88 this week, was reportedly taken ill after leaving a restaurant in Calle Juan Ramon Jimenez in the Spanish capital, and was rushed to the Gregorio Maranon hospital after being treated by paramedics.

It is understood the former striker suffered cardiac arrest and is now in intensive care.A source from Madrid emergency services unit Samur told EFE: "A cardiac arrest was attended by Samur staff and they immediately transferred the patient to the Gregorio Maranon hospital."

Argentina-born Di Stefano won eight Primera Liga titles and five European Cups in a sensational decade at Santiago Bernabeu, in which time he scored over 300 goals in 396 appearances.The former Spain international, who was made honorary president of the Spanish giants in 2000, suffered a minor heart attack in December 2005.(soccerheatbase)

Benzema has been smashed about his poor performance

The forward performed poorly as France were knocked out of the World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the quarter-final at the Maracana on Friday.When Karim Benzema smashed two goals against Honduras in France’s World Cup opener, it looked like he had answered the many critics who questioned before the tournament whether he should even start for the national team.

He followed it up with a goal against Switzerland and it felt as though the striker was finally reproducing on the big stage the club form that saw him score 24 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid in 2013-14.

But as les Blues were knocked out of the World Cup by Germany at the quarter-final stage here, Benzema went into hiding.It's one thing doing it against relative minnows, but quite another to lead an attack against world-class opposition. Benzema could not as Mat Hummels' first-half header booked Germany their fourth World Cup semi-final place in a row.

His performance also summed up why Real Madrid are pushing ahead with a deal to sign Radamel Falcao.As Barcelona close in on a top quality striker with an €88 million deal for Luis Suarez, their great rivals need to respond in kind.(soccerheatbase)

Brazilian legend tells James he should join Real Madrid

The Brazil legend is confident the Colombia star would be the perfect signing for his former club, should Carlo Ancelotti opt to pursue a move for the Monaco manJames Rodriguez and Real Madrid would be "a great combination" according to Brazil icon Ronaldo.The Monaco playmaker has been in sensational form at the World Cup, and scored his sixth goal of the tournament as Colombia were knocked out of the quarter-finals 2-1 by Brazil on Friday.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a potential switch to Spain as a result of his performances and confessed he would prefer a move to Santiago Bernabeu, although Monaco have made it clear they will not entertain offers for the player.Ronaldo, however, believes James would be an ideal signing for Carlo Ancelotti's side should they be able to persuade the Ligue 1 club to part with one of their prized assets.

"I've heard nothing about Real Madrid's interest in James. Let's see what happens. All the players are focused on the World Cup, maybe something will be announced after the Brazil game," the former Madrid star told Marca."I believe he would be a great signing for Real Madrid, which for me is the greatest team in the world. It would be a great combination."(soccerheatbase)

Costa Rica afraid of Robben diving

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto says Netherlands winger Arjen Robben must be punished if he dives during Saturday's World Cup quarter-final in Salvador.Robben, 30, apologised for diving in the last-16 win over Mexico."I would like to ask Fifa and the referees to watch Robben," said Pinto. "We're really worried about his diving. He has admitted doing it." 

Asked if Robben should be sent off if he dives, Pinto said: "That may be the most logical solution."
He added: "Maybe he would have to leave the field because he gets two yellow cards for diving."
The Netherlands scored twice in the last three minutes to beat Mexico 2-1 in the last 16 of the 2014 Fifa World Cup, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scoring the winner from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Robben was fouled by Rafael Marquez.Robben said: "I have to apologise. In the first half I took a dive. The one at the end was a penalty."Fifa took no action against Robben because it said no rules were broken.

Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan will referee the last-eight clash at Arena Fonte Nova, the winners of which will meet Argentina or Belgium in the semi-finals.Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says his players will not take anything for granted against Costa Rica despite being favourites to progress.
"I am positive there will be no underestimating Costa Rica by my players," Van Gaal said."To get as far as they can in this tournament is what they want to achieve. They believe that this is the highest podium in world football and they are seeking to stand on it. They won't be underestimating any opponent."(soccerheatbase)

Neymar out of World cup

Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken bone in his back sustained in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia.He fractured a vertebra in his spine when kneed in the back by Juan Zuniga in a challenge that went unpunished. 

Neymar, 22, was in tears when he was carried off on a stretcher before being taken to hospital in Fortaleza.Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "Neymar was going to be hunted. For three matches that has been happening." 

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told Brazil's SportTV: "Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to play. He is very, very sad."It's not serious in the sense that it doesn't need surgery, but he'll need to immobilise it to recover."

Lasmar added that he expected the recovery period to take at least a few weeks. Neymar recovered from thigh and knee injuries sustained in the second-round win over Chile to play against Colombia.The Barcelona forward has featured in all five of Brazil's matches at the 2014 Fifa World Cup and is their top scorer with four goals(soccerheatbase)

Man Utd might land Di Maria

According to Angel Di Maria's agent, the Argentinian is heading to Manchester United despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. The winger has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid after a fine campaign last season, because of the Galacticos move for James Rodriguez.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is believed to be open to offers in the region of £40m, but because of his World Cup performances, his value is expected to rise. Now, Man United look set to make an offer for the player.

According to Spanish reports, Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, believes Di Maria will join the Old Trafford side this summer. New boss Louis Van Gaal hasn't wasted much time adding to the squad, with two deals for Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw completed already for a combined £60m.The 26-year old is feeling undervalued at Real and he has previously revealed that he will make a decision on his future after the World Cup. Arsenal and Chelsea were both interested as well, but if his agent is correct, then Di Maria will reject those two clubs and sign on for the Red Devils.(soccerheatbase)

Atletico want Lukaku on load

Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku looks set to reject the advances of Tottenham and Everton by joining Atletico madrid on loan. Reports from Spain claim that a deal is already in place and that an announcement will be made when Belgium's part in the World Cup is over.

It is still unclear whether Diego Simeone was given first refusal on the Belgian due to the Blues capture of Diego Costa earlier this week. It would explain the U-Turn from Mourinho who, according to several newspapers, would not send the 21-year old out on another loan deal.

The news of a potential move to La Liga will come as a crushing blow for Everton, who were keen admirers of the forward after his performances for them last season when he was on loan the club. The Toffees were even prepared to potentially offer up to £25m for the striker, but it appears a move to Goodison is now unliekly to happen.Spurs also became interested because of the lack of top striking power at White Hart lane - Soldado hasn't had the desired impact, while Adebayor and Harry Kane aren't the best of strikers. However, a move to them also looks unlikely now.(soccerheatbase)

Roma are close to signing Cole

Roma look set to acquire the signature of former England fullback Ashley Cole, this will come as good news to Roma fans as they aim to bolster their squad ahead of another title push next season. The club from the capital who finished second in the Serie A last season conceded an impressive 25 goals in 38 games. Therefore Cole will be adding his experience to an already well put together back line as well as his threat in attack as he likes to get forward from left back.

This deal could turn out to be a great piece of business by Roma as in Cole they are signing a fullback who fully recognises his defensive role but also who can get forward and contribute to the teams attack. Roma who won 26 of their league games last season finished a surprising 17 points behind Juventus. This is mainly due to Roma not being able to see out games as they drew 7 games last term, 4 more draws than Juventus. They also had 3 more losses than the team from Turin which meant the title was not heading to the capital.

Cole is no stranger to title pushes after competing at the top level for both Arsenal and Chelsea during his time in the Premier League and winning the title twice with Arsenal and once with Chelsea. Cole would bring with his Champions League experience to the Stadio Olimpico after a number of season playing in the competition with both Arsenal and Chelsea, the fullback has also won the Champions League with Chelsea back in 2012 along with a Europa League crown a year later.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea man will help adress this problem as with his experience he won't take any chances when it comes to seeing out the game and ensuring Roma take all three points. Also with his attacking intent Cole will help improve a team that scored 72 goals in the Serie A last season, the fullback has a good left foot and can swing a teasing cross that can trouble defences. With this added attacking and defensive quality Roma could do really well next season and maybe put up a bigger fight when it comes to the title.(soccerheatbase)

Its revealed why Chelsea paid 32 million pounds for Costa

Atletico Madrid insisted that Chelsea meet Diego Costa's release clause and pay £32million for the striker- because they knew they would only recieve half of that.Negotiations for the Brazilian were dragged out as Chelsea have been interested in the player for months. The negotiations took longer because of the fact that Atletico held out for Chelsea to offer Coasta's release clause of £32million. This happened because Atletico will only pocket £16million of the fee.

Reports in Spain suggest that agent Jorge Mendes will pocket 10% of the amount, while Portuguese club Sporting Braga, Costa's club before Atletico, are entitled to 20%. Finally, Investment Fund Quality held a stake in the player, but they have now been bought out by Chelsea, meaning The Blues got 20% of the fee they paid back.(soccerheatbase)

United are willing to sell Fellaini

The form of Fellaini during the World Cup has literally turned into a Premier League audition as Van Gaal tells Ed Woodward to sell the midfielder before the start of the new season. United will be looking to recoup the £27 million that David Moyes paid Everton for the midfielder last September. Allthough that looks highly unlikely after a disastrous debut season in a United shirt.

Van Gaal has made it very clear that he isn't interested in keeping the midfielder and wants to create funds to purchase the players he wants to work with at Old Trafford next season. The news looks set to start as mass exodus of under performing players at United as the new boss wants to improve on last seasons disapointing 7th place finish.

David Moyes has always defended his choice to pay so much for the Belgian by previously saying that the 26 year old 'was the stand-out player whenever he went to watch them play.' However Fellaini can not seem to produce any sort of form when wearing a Manchester United shirt. It looks as if the Belgian will have to continue his form in the World Cup if he is get a move to a decent Premier League side.

With Belgium through to the Quarter Finals where a meeting with Argentina and inparticular Messi awaits it seems that the midfielder will not be joing his United team mates on their pre season tour of America, which begins on July 21st and concludes two weeks later. Therefore Fellaini will not have a chance to impress Van Gaal up close to try and change the Dutchman's mind. Therefore it seems highly likely Fellaini will depart, but to where remains to be seen.(soccerheatbase)

Arsenal are after Debuchy

Arsenal are negotiating with Newcastle for the signing of Mathieu Debuchy as they look to replace veteran full back Bacary Sagna who recently became a Manchester City player after his contract with the London based side expired.

Debuchy is currently in Brasil competing with the French national side and the 28 year old has been the first choice right-back for the majority of games. Because of this, it is unlikely that any developments will occur untill after the World Cup.

Debuchy signed for Newcastle for an un-disclosed fee back in January 2003 from French side lille, and since then he has emerged as one of the top full-backs in the league. Should Debuchy leave, it is belived that the magpies will put in a bid for Manchester Citys Micah Richards who is seemed to be surplus to requirements at the Etihad.

Debuchy has previously spoke of his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League and the Gunners can offer him that. With Arsenal's apparent interest in the Frenchman, it would seem that Wenger is not yet ready to promote the younger Carl Jenkinson who featured frequently for the gunners last term after Sagna's injuries.(soccerheatbase)

Frenchman Benzema has signed a new deal at Real Madrid

Arsenal target Karim Benzema has dashed the Premiership outfit's hopes of signing him after the forward has agreed to sign a contract extention at Champions League winners Real Madrid.
The Spanish outfit have avoided the 26 year old, Benzema leaving for free by agreeing an extension before his current deal runs out in 12 months. The Frenchman, who is preparing for a world cup quarter final against Germany, had previously stated his desire to stay at the bernabeu and now it seems he is going to get that.

Real were heavily linked with contrivaversial Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, but now it seems that fellow Spaniards Barcelona are front runners for the forward who has a four month ban.
Despite this, it is also rumored that the side are on the verge of signing Monaco forward Falcao.
Despite this, reports are that Benzema's long term future does indeed lie at the Spanish giants.(soccerheatbase)

Liverpool plan to steal Balotelli before Arsenal can sing him

Liverpool are eyeing a move for Arsenal target and AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli if they decide to get rid of Luis Suarez.Shamed Uruguayan Suarez is reportedly on the verge of signing for Spanish giants FC Barcelona, and according to Tuttosport, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes Balotelli could be the right man to fill Suarez’s boots.

Rodgers is in the hunt for a stronger squad going into the new season, a in-depth squad with the quality to deal with the demands of both the Premier League and the Champions League. The Irishman made his third signing of the summer on Tuesday by finalising the deal for Southampton captain Adam Lallana.

Balotelli, on the other hand, is one of the sought-after players in Europe. Arsenal, Tottenham, Napoli and Fiorentina are all chasing the 23-year-old. His agent, Mino Raiola, has hinted that his client wants to return to England.

He said: "Maybe it was a mistake to bring Mario back to Italy.
"For him it is essential to go where he is loved, and at AC Milan some people love him and some do not."Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has appeared to rule out any move for the Italian, indicating that all of the rumours going around are false,
"We cannot believe absolutely everything that is on the internet or in the papers," he said.
"Sometimes it is created by agents or by press who need news. But in this case, it’s not true.”
Suarez could end up leaving Anfield for a near world-record fee of £80million, meaning Liverpool could dish out £30million for Balotelli and still have plenty of funds to spare.(soccerheatbase)

The Blues plan to bid £51m to try and sign Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Tiago from the La Liga champions

Chelsea are set to £51m to try and sign the Atletico Madrid treble of Tiago, Filipe Luis and Diego Costa. The Blues are already very close to completing a deal for Costa, with the move likely to be confirmed in the coming days.

Jose Mourinho was publicly critical of his strikeforce last season and sees the Spanish forward as the answer to his problems in front of goal. However, Mourinho also wants Filipe Luis and Tiago to join him at Stamford Bridge according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Left-back Luis has already turned down a new deal at Atletico because he wants a Chelsea move. Reports suggest he has a £19m buy-out clause in his contract and he has asked the club to lower it to help push through a move to England. Tiago would also be happy to move as Filipe Luis is his best friend and he would like to follow him to London.

The midfielder has worked with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea before, back when the Special One was first in charge. He featured 34 times for the Blues, scoring 4, before making a £6.5m move to Lyon and he could now be on his way back to the Premier League.Mourinho is now hoping that £51m will be enough to secure the signature of this Atletico trio.(soccerheatbase)

Arsenal have received a boost for Khedira

Arsenal have been informed of promising signs in their quest to sign German midfielder Sami Khedira.The strong central defensive midfielder, who is thought to be a perfect partner for Mesut Ozil, rejected a new contract offer from the La Liga side back in September.

And according to Spanish reports from El Confidencial a new offer was not made while he was injured in the lead up to the World Cup.Real Madrid are now reportedly keen on signing Wolfsburg's Luiz Gustavo as a replacement for Khedira, who is likely to leave the Bernabeu this summer.

Should the European Champions be keen to pursue the Brazilian holding midfielder, Khedira would be free to join the Gunners and would provide adequate services for a side which suffered many injury problems last season.Despite these reports, any news regarding Khedira's future will be announced after the World Cup, in which he helped Germany beat Algeria 2-0 last night.(soccerheatbase)

Arteta's agent says he is not goin to Spain

Athletic Bilbao have suffered a blow in their attemps to sign a replacement for Ander Herrera as the agent of Mikel Arteta has rubished rumours that his client will quit The Emirates for a move to the Basque club.

Arteta's long term future has been up in the air as of late as the 32 year old midfielder is about to enter the final year of his Arsenal contract however his agent Inaki Ibanez has said the rumours linking Arteta to Bilbao are false. When Ibanez was asked about Bilbao's interet he replied with, 'This is totally false. Mikel has no interest in leaving Arsenal.'

San Sebastian born Arteta spent one season playing for Bilboa's rivals Real Sociedad before moving to Everton in 2004. Arteta has not held talks with Arsenal representatives over a new deal and Bilbao have targetted him as a cheap and effective way to replace Herrera. However if the words of Arteta's agent are true then Bilbao will have to look elsewhere.

Herrera's move has put Bilbao in a spot of bother as they had no desire to sell the 24 year old midfielder, they showed their intent to keep him by rejecting the offer from Manchester United even though they had activated his buy-out clause. Herrera then decided to buy out his contract himself making him free to sign for whoever he wanted to. Because of Herrera's desire to move Bilbao are seeking a midfielder to fill the void, however that midfielder will not be Mikel Arteta according to his agent.(soccerheatbase)

Diego Costa is close to signing for Chelsea

Jose Mourinho may have finally got his man as Atletico Madrid are ready to accept a £32 million bid from Chelsea that will see Diego Costa line up at Stamford Bridge from next season.There were fears that Atletico were looking to hold out for more money, however they are said to be ready to accept the fee after Chelsea met Costa's release clause.

Atletico are now turning their attentions to securing the signiture of Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo as a replacement for Diego Costa. Costa, who is Jose Mourinho's top summer transfer target, looks set for West London after Mourinho decided to match the forwards buy-out clause of £32 million, although Costa looked significantly poor and out of place at the World Cup, Mourinho has decided to go ahead and sign the striker due to his outstanding displays that helped Atletico Madrid on their way to winning La Liga and reaching the final of the Champions League last season.

There are still fears in the Chelsea camp that Atletico Madrid are stalling the move as they anticipate a bigger bid from another club.Atletico look set to depart with Costa as they have ramped up their interest in Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo, despite Negredo only scoring nine league goals last season, he managed 23 in all competitions proving that he is still as much of a goal threat as he was when playing for Sevilla in Spain.

Although Negredo only arrived at The Etihad last summer Atletico believe they can force City's hand by offering Negredo regular first team football, which would be hard to come by at Manchester City.
Chelsea are also interested in Atletico left back Filipe Luis, Mourinho see's Luis as an ideal replacement for Ashley Cole after the former Arsenal man left Stamford Bridge today as his contract has ran out. Luis will cost Chelsea in the region of £20 million.(soccerheatbase)

The Premier League duo are the favourites to land the player, with both set to table bids worth around £30 million or so.Barcelona chairman  Zubizarreta has stated that enquires from several top European clubs have been made for the 25 year old.

Sanchez himself enjoyed an impressive World Cup with Chile, and certainly put himself in the shop window, having been frozen outof the Barcelona squad.
"Regarding the future of Alexis Sanchez, there have been offers for the player," the 52-year-old said."But I do not know how it will all end - we are looking for a solution which will be best for everyone."

Barcelona have stated that they are willing to let Sanchez leave for £30 million in a swap deal involving disgraced striker Luis Suarez.(soccerheatbase)

Barcelona still want Suarez

Liverpool look set to lose their star striker as Barcelona prepare to bid for the Uruguayan, this comes after Barcelona's sporting director Adnoni Zubizarreta hailed the striker as 'honourable' for apologising to Georgio Chiellini after his latest bite constrovecy.

Suarez who has been seriously courted by Barcelona in the last couple of weeks recieved a four month ban from all football activity for his bite on the Italian defender when the two national sides met in their final group game on Tuesday 24th June. Although Suarez has not actually admitted that he did deliberately bite the defender he has aplogised via Twitter.

Adnoni Zubizarreta has praised Suarez for his apology, 'Suarez had the honour to come out and apologise for his actions and now it's time for him to start the start to begin the recovery process,' were the words of the Catalan club's sporting director.

With Liverpool apparently ready to sell Suarez after the third biting incident in his career, Barcelona look the likely destination for the Uruguayan hitman who bagged 31 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last season. It is believed by some that Suarez's aplogy was demanded by Barcelona before any transfer to take him from Anfield takes place.(soccerheatbase)

Chelsea take dig at Arsenal in Cole goodbye letter

The letter in full read.
"Chelsea Football Club today says goodbye to Ashley Cole, a player who contributed enormously to the highly successfully period in our history in which we were crowned champions of Europe and won the League and Cup double for the first time," the statement started
"His remarkably consistent high level of performance was always appreciated by the Chelsea support, who welcomed him to Stamford Bridge even though he joined from big London rivals Arsenal, with William Gallas moving the other way as part of a transfer-deadline-day deal in August 2006."Cole has had no reason to regret his switch across the capital, collecting winners' medals for the Champions League, the Premier League, the Europa League, the League Cup, the Community Shield and the FA Cup four times, taking him to his all-time record seven wins in that competition's long history. "Arsenal without Cole did not lift silverware until this year's FA Cup final a week after he played his final Chelsea game."(soccerheatbase)

Lallana completes move to Liverpool

Lallana has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after passing a medical at Melwood.
Lallana becomes Brendan Rodgers' second summer signing following the capture of Rickie Lambert, who has also joined from the Saints, while a deal has been agreed in principle for Bayer Leverkusen's Emre Can.

Upon completing his transfer to Liverpool, the midfielder said: "I'm so excited for the next chapter of my career, coming to a special club like Liverpool. I'm quite humbled and I just can't wait to get started.

"Hopefully I can settle in quickly, and I will give it my best throughout the whole time I'm here. I hope I can add something to the team and hopefully we can win trophies while I'm here, because that's why I'm here - for success."(soccerheatbase)

Vidal says he would prefer moving to united than Chelsea or Arsenal

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has exclaimed that if he were to leave Juventus he would like to go to Old Trafford.Antonio Conte is keen on improving his squad after a disappointing Champions League last season, if they were to get the believed sum of £48M for Vidal’s services they would use these funds to improve the squad.

Vidal who has just been knocked out of the World Cup at the last 16 also he had an impressive season with Italian giants Juventus as they wrapped up their 30th Serie A title has drew the attention of a host of top clubs.Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in bringing Vidal to England with Monaco and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation, along with Champions League winners Real Madrid.(soccerheatbase)

Pogba is not going anywere says agent

The French midfielder has been closely watched by Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as French side Paris Saint-Germain, and also Spanish duo FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, but his agent has revealed that he doesn't want to leave Juve just yet.

Reports broke over the weekend that Jose Mourinho's Chelsea were prepared to offer a whopping £60million for the 21-year-old, but Mino Raiola, his agent, has confirmed today that his client is happy in Italy and is not looking for a move away this Summer.

"We have decided not to speak of the transfer market with regards to Paul until after the World Cup," Pogba's agent Mino Raiola said to Italian TV station Rai Sport. "But I can calmly say that his future will still be at Juventus, where he feels very happy."

The former-United youth player currently still has two years left on his contract at Juve, and the Italian champions are keen to extend that to fend off any interest in the next few years.Pogba is a crucial part of Juventus' team, featuring 36 times last season, scoring seven, and assisting seven.(soccerheatbase)

Barcelona still want Suarez

Barca are pressing ahead with a move for the shamed Uruguay star and believe they can get him on the cheap.Despite not being able to play or train until the end of October after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, Barca still want Suarez.But Nou Camp chiefs are wary of the 27-year-old committing a similar offence again.

Barca are ready to offer Suarez a £160,000-a-week five-year deal.And the La Liga club are thought to be insistent on a 'bite clause' that would punish the striker should he misbehave on or off the pitch.Liverpool want £80million for Suarez but Barca will start talks by offering as little as £25m.
Chile star Alexis Sanchez could be used as a £25m makeweight in any deal, which Barca want to top at £50m.(soccerheatbase)

Di Mari wanted by four big clubs

Di Maria has attracted interest from all four clubs in the last few months or so, with Real willing to offload Di Maria in order to table bids for James Rodriquez or Luis Suarez. New Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal will be keen to strengthen his squad even further, after signing fullback Luke Shaw from Southampton, and Ander Herrera from Atletic Bilbao.

Meanwhile Liverpool, who could sell Luis Suarez to fund the deal, have already signed Rickie Lambert and Emre Can, with Adam Lallana on the way in.Arsenal are also keen, with Wenger a fan of the Argentine, who he almost signed last year, before moving for Mesut Ozil instead.(soccerheatbase)

If Vidal joins Manchester united or Arsenal Chelsea will miss out on Pogba

It seems Manchester United and Arsenal are leading the chase to sing Chilean star Vidal and if that happens Juventus will find it hard to let go of Pogba.Pogba, 21, is on Jose Mourinho's radar after another fine season in Italy, scoring nine goals and assisting 16 in all competitions.

Chelsea have already signed Cesc Fabregas and will have spent in excess of £60m when Diego Costa's move is confirmed, with Juventus wanting at least that amount again for Pogba alone. However, the Serie A giants may not let the Frenchman leave at all due to interest from Arsenal and United in fellow centre-midfielder Vidal.

The Chile international, who netted nine goals and set up 16 last season, is reportedly available for a fee of £44m, with Arsenal leading the chase for his services.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his admiration for the 27-year-old, which could end Chelsea's hopes of signing Pogba.

"Vidal is one of the best midfielders in the world," Wenger said. "He has everything. Incredible stamina, perfect timing. He's a marathon athlete who plays football."(soccerheatbase)

Shaw: I'm thrilled and excited

United today confirmed the news that the defender has signed a four-year deal at the club and he has now spoken for the first time about the big move. He said:

"I am thrilled and excited to be joining Manchester United. I have been at Southampton since I was eight years old and I would like to thank them and the fans for everything they have done for me.

"I want to continue to progress my career and joining United is the ideal place for me to do that. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and also looking forward to learning from the world class players and management at the club."Shaw has become the second signing for new boss Louis Van Gaal, with the Dutchman also securing a deal yesterday for Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.(soccerheatbase)

Uruguayan striker future uncertain

The center forward, who scored 31 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season, despite a 10 game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic last April, has been linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Liverpool also have the option to sack Suarez, who will be missing for 12 Premier League games, following the incident. 

Manager Brendan Rodgers is also mulling over two £80 million bids from both Real and Barcelona, with a move probably the best for both parties. The players lawyer, Alejandro Balbi stated to the waiting Media about the striker's near future.

“Tomorrow we will meet in Barcelona with Liverpool’s lawyers,” he told Cadena Cope. Interestingly, Balbi also claimed Pere Guardiola, the agent brother of former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, will also be present at the meeting – something which will fuel claims that Suárez could be set to move to the Nou Camp this summer.“Tomorrow we will talk with Pere Guardiola,” Balbi added when asked about a potential move for Suárez from Liverpool to Barcelona. (soccerheatbase)

Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini believes ban is too excessive

It was then announced yesterday that the Uruguayan and Liverpool striker would miss the next nine Uruguay matches and would also be banned from any football activity for four months, meaning he won't play or train until nearly November.

However, despite being bitten by Suarez, Chiellini believes FIFA have been too harsh on the 27-year-old, and has claimed the ban is too excessive.

“Now inside me there are no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident, which happened on the pitch and is done.“There only remains the anger and the disappointment about the match. At the moment, my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period. 

“I have always unequivocally considered the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe the proposed formula is excessive. “I sincerely hope he will be allowed to stay close to his teammates during the games, because such a ban is really alienating for a player.”

Uruguay are very dissapointed to hear that there main striker will  not complete the World cup.(soccerheatbase)

Agent reveals that Balotelli wants to move to Arsenal

Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has revealed that his client is ready to make a move to the Premier League and Arsenal.The striker wants to forget the bad memories his had in Brazil exiting the World cup in the group stages with only one goal from the striker,which is very poor for a striker of his quality.

And the ex-Inter star's representative Mino Raiola claims a move to the Gunners might be on the cards."Mario is sad, desperate. Only Galliani has defended him while the FIGC (Italian football federation) remains absolutely silent."I appreciate Galliani's comments but now I want to respond to Barbara Berlusconi.

"If for her Mario is replaceable, she should set up a meeting in the club's headquarters and we will find a solution, just as I am used to doing."I remember that Mario had other important offers. He (Balotelli) is at Milan because of his heart - her (Berlusconi), I don't know."(soccerheatbase)

Herrera happy with his move

told United's website: "Signing for Manchester United is a dream come true. I have played at Old Trafford for Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League and it was one of the highlights of my career so far."I have joined United to do all I can to help the team reach the club's objectives. Having arrived on Tuesday, I'm excited to now be living in Manchester and I can't wait for my first game in United's famous red shirt."I will never forget my time with Athletic Club and I'd like to thank the fans and staff for all their support and, above all, wish all my fantastic former team-mates all the best for the future."(soccerheatbase)

Official statement from FIFA regarding Luis Suarez

The statement read:
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has reached a decision in the case related to Luis Suárez of Uruguay following an incident that occurred during the FIFA World Cup™ match between Italy and Uruguay played on 24 June 2014.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided that:
The player Luis Suárez is regarded as having breached art. 48 par. 1 lit. d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) (assault), and art. 57 of the FDC (an act of unsporting behaviour towards another player).
The player Luis Suárez is to be suspended for nine (9) official matches. The first match of this suspension is to be served in the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ fixture between Colombia and Uruguay on 28 June 2014. The remaining match suspensions shall be served in Uruguay’s next FIFA World Cup match(es), as long as the team qualifies, and/or in the representative team’s subsequent official matches in accordance with art. 38 par. 2a) of the FDC.
The player Luis Suárez is banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) for a period of four (4) months in accordance with art. 22 of the FDC.
A stadium ban is pronounced against the player Luis Suárez in accordance with art. 21 of the FDC as follows: the player Luis Suárez is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium during the period of the ban (point 3). The player Luis Suárez is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium in which the representative team of Uruguay is playing while he has to serve the nine-match suspension (point 2).
The player Luis Suárez is ordered to pay a fine in the amount of CHF 100,000.The decision was notified to the player and the Uruguayan FA today.'Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field. The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suarez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon it is communicated,' said Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.(soccerheatbase)