After cruising to a fifth consecutive Bundesliga title, Bayern Munich’s star-studded squad are still involved in international action and clocking up the air miles. Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Thiago (Spain), David Alaba (Austria) and Kingsley Coman (France) all joined up with their countries for World Cup qualifiers. Rafinha and Douglas Costa returned to the Selecao as second-half substitutes in Brazil’s 1-0 friendly defeat against Argentina on Friday at the MCG, and Renato Sanches is part of Portugal’s under-21 squad for the European Championships in Poland. Defending World Cup winners Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels were all…
Author: David Folami
Laurent Koscielny has distanced himself from reports linking him with Marseille, saying he is happy at Arsenal. Speculation has emerged that Marseille, who finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season, are targeting Koscielny, 31, as they look to strengthen for next term. But the France international told Telefoot: “I have a contract with Arsenal, I even signed an extension last November until [June] 2020. I feel very good there. “I have always said that I was a Marseille fan when I was younger. When a mythical club like Marseille contact you, it is good. But will I sign for them?…
Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has called recent praise from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger “an honour” but says he has yet to receive an offer from the London side. Wenger suggested the Gunners could make an offer for the 2015-16 PFA Player of the Season, who announced his desire to leave Leicester last month. However, the 26-year-old Algeria international told Elheddaf Television that offer has yet to materialise. “It is an honour to receive compliments like this from such a big manager in world football,” Mahrez said. “But there is a big difference between words, speculation and an offer, so…
There’s no rest for the weary Tottenham Hotspur stars following a record-high league finish and points total. The squad travelled to Hong Kong for a lucrative postseason friendly five days after the season finale at Hull City, before 11 senior players joined their national teams. Harry Kane became the ninth Spurs player to captain England in the 2-2 draw with Scotland, while youngsters Kyle Walker-Peters and Joshua Onomah have already tasted glory this summer, playing key roles as England won the Under-20 World Cup in South Korea. Spurs are due back for preseason on 3 July but the club’s internationals…
Joshua Kimmich has told kicker he would play in goal if it guaranteed him regular first-team football at Bayern Munich. Kimmich, 22, made 39 Bayern appearances in all competitions last season, but 19 of those came as a substitute. Last month, he said he was “not happy with the season I’ve had,” as he struggled to hold down a spot under Carlo Ancelotti but did not want to leave. And asked about his preferred playing position, he said: “It’s not important which position, but whether I actually play. “If I had a choice between playing and watching, then I would…
In football’s hyper-inflationary transfer market, how much would you pay for a player who had beaten their previous best tallies for goals and assists in 2016-17, impressed in no less than five different positions, as well as playing in a couple more on top of that, and just to put themselves firmly in the shop window had scored for their country in a World Cup qualifier at the weekend? Arsenal already have such a player, and his name is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It is now vital that the club resist rumours of a move to a Premier League rival and tie…
Manchester City don’t seem to be sure whether or not they should be going out to secure the services of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk. The club recently announced they were pulling out of the race to sign the centre-back because of the Saints’ high asking price, believing they couldn’t justify the £60 million being asked of them. However, that was before Liverpool made themselves the laughing stock of the transfer window so far. They had looked in pole position to sign the defender, until Southampton reported them for an alleged illegal approach and Liverpool pulled out of the transfer,…
Arsenal are hoping to use the FA Cup title and Arsene Wenger’s new contract as a springboard for a productive summer, which will see the Gunners travel to both Australia and China for preseason games. Arsenal fly to Sydney for two games against local teams on July 12 and 15 before high-profile games against Bayern Munich in Shanghai (International Champions Cup) and Chelsea (friendly) in Beijing. Those are two familiar foes for Wenger’s team, having been routed by Bayern in the Champions League and beaten Chelsea in the FA Cup final this past season. It’s the first of two trips…
England manager Gareth Southgate is weighing up a surprise midfield move for John Stones. Speaking on the eve of his side’s season-ending friendly against France, Southgate confirmed Harry Kane would retain the captaincy and promised goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Jack Butland 45 minutes each in place of Joe Hart — while also announcing the latter was still his “No. 1.” But it was his revelation that Stones, Manchester City’s £50 million centre-half, was being considered for a switch into unfamiliar territory that piqued most interest. Stones was edged out of the team that drew 2-2 with Scotland on Saturday by…
If you threw open your dictionary and looked up the definition of scapegoat, there’d be a profile pic of the lad from Southampton staring back at you. Why? Because the more you dig into this farce, the more confusing it gets – and the motives of the main players become all the more baffling. But first, let’s start with Edwards. Y’know, the sports director who saw off RB Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven to convince Dominic Solanke to move north from Chelsea. Yeah, thatDominic Solanke, who’s just fired England to a first World Cup final (okay it’s the U20s) since ’66.…
Jurgen Klopp has made contact with Kylian Mbappe’s agents as Liverpool throw their name into the ring for Europe’s most in-demand teenager. Real Madrid lead the chase for the 18-year-old and are prepared to pay a fee beyond £100million for Mbappe, as they look to build on retaining the Champions League. Liverpool have chartered Mbappe’s progress for the past 12 months and after a dazzling season in which he helped Monaco win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals, Klopp has now held preliminary talks with his representatives. Mbappe may come face-to-face with England in Paris on Tuesday, with…
That is according to Italian football journalist Emanuele Giulianelli, who says the decision explains why Diego Costa revealed that he is on borrowed time at Stamford Bridge. Earlier this week, Costa claimed that Conte has told him he is not in his plans for next season. He looks set to be replaced by Everton star Lukaku, who Starsport understand has snubbed Manchester United for a return to Chelsea. And Giulianelli believes Conte has already been in discussions with the 24-year-old. Antonio Conte tells Romelu Lukaku he will be Chelsea’s No.1 striker – Emanuele Giulianelli ANTONIO CONTE has told Romelu Lukaku…
MANCHESTER UNITED are “on the brink of signing £40million midfielder Fabinho” from Monaco. Jose Mourinho has been keen to bring the highly-rated midfielder, 23, to Old Trafford for months now. According to reports in Portugal, the Special One may finally have his wish – while Fabinho‘s wife, Rebeca Tavares, also dropped a huge hint regarding the deal. O Jogo journalist Bruno Andrade originally claimed United were on the verge of landing the Ligue 1 champion midfielder. Following the announcement of Benfica star Victor Lindelof’s move to Manchester, he tweeted: “Nelson Semedo is another Benfica player Manchester United are interested in.…
IVAN PERISIC has told new Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti he wants to join Manchester United, according to reports in Italy. Jose Mourinho is a fan of the Croatian winger. Corriere dello Sport report the duo have already agreed personal terms over a £100,000-a-week contract — which is over double his earnings at Inter — and Perisic has told Spalletti he wants to go to Old Trafford. A disagreement over the fee is holding up the deal. The Nerazzurri are refusing to accept less than £44million, but United’s current bid is just £35m. However, Inter need to bring in £26m…
Chelsea have not given up hope of signing Alvaro Morata despite suggestions he will sign for Manchester United as early as this week, according to reports in Spain. The 24-year-old striker’s agent has spoken favourably of a move to Old Trafford this summer, describing the club as ‘great’, while United are believed to have already pencilled in a medical. But now Catalan newspaper Sport claim that Antonio Conte has made one final push to sign Morata ahead of rival boss Jose Mourinho. While United have agreed terms with the forward, they have yet to make a bid that satisfies Real…
At long last, D’banj premieres the visuals for his latest single, “It’s Not A Lie” featuring Wande Coal and Harrysong. The highly rated single is set to usher in D’banj’s next studio album titled, “King Don Come” slated for release later this month. The super fresh visuals was shot in the United States and was directed b
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Ayo Fayose for saying that the recently disbursed Paris Club refund will not be enough to pay wages. The party also alleged that Fayose wants to divert the funds meant for paying the workforce of Ekiti state. According to Daily Post, the Ekiti APC spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun said “Fayose hinted during the programme that what Ekiti got as refund from the Paris Club could barely pay a month salary because of deductions. “We challenge Governor Fayose over this false claim as the Paris refund is not subject to any deduction. It is…
Rafael Nadal coasted to a record 10th French Open title on Sunday, demolishing Stan Wawrinka in a brutally one-sided final which also earned the Spaniard a 15th Grand Slam crown. Nadal, 31, triumphed 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 to become the first man in history to win the same major 10 times. His collection of Slams now stands just three behind great rival Roger Federer, a staggering statistic coming just a year after he quit Roland Garros with a wrist injury. Playing in his 22nd Grand Slam final, Nadal triumphed in Paris without dropping a set for a third time. He also…
Marobuk releases new menswear collection with IK Ogbonna as face. The collection tagged ‘The Regal Man’ features trad modern sets in design variants including embellishments, color block, tunics, leather details, ‘dashiki’ and embellished ‘agbada’ and more also made way into the clean cut collection. The brand who debuted their first female collection at the recently concluded Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2017 previewed some of the pieces on the runway. “The collection exude designs that are classy, timeless and regal. What makes these pieces the ideal choice is that they are created from high quality fabrics, with embellishments at strategic points”…
Tonto Dikeh shows off bold styles in new photos she shared to mark her birthday. To mark her birthday today 9th June 2017, the Nollywood actress and mother of one took to Instagram to share new photos with pieces from Abuja based womenswear brand; Yutee Rone. Tonto Dike chose a embroidered sheer tulle detailed floor length piece complete with sheer and structured bodice mixed details. She pairs the look with glowing makeup and side coifed hair. For another image she chose a lace detailed dress with multiple pleat layers complete with soft glowing makeup and vibrant orange lips. She chose…