Bayern in for Di Maria, Rafa wants Sterling at Real, Ancelotti 'would jump at the chance' to manage Liverpool...
Man United could move for Karim Benzema, leaving Arsenal to
nab £3million Gerard Moreno. And Stoke are set to sign Yevhen
Konoplyanka...
Liverpool to go Klopp-less but target Monaco pair, and Morgan Schneiderlin to reject Spurs for Arsenal (yes, that again)...
BAYERN IN FOR DI MARIA Well, well. Until now it had been
supposed that Paris St Germain were Angel Di Maria's only hope of
getting out of his Manchester nightmare. After all, that's the club he
quite obviously wanted to join last summer, only for FFP to get in the
way.
However, the Daily Mirror bring a different option to the table: Bayern
Munich. They claim that the German champions would also like to sign the
Argentinean, but may be put off by United's demands to claw back most
of the £59.7m they gave to Real Madrid last summer.
The Mirror claim that United are not actively looking to sell Di Maria,
but would take an offer around the price they paid for him. Given how
spectacularly unarsed he has looked in recent months, that seems like an
obvious move.
We still think Bayern are more likely to sign Kevin De Bruyne for close to half the price, mind.
RAFA WANTS STERLING IN MADRID It might just be classic 2 +
2 = 4 stuff from the Daily Mirror, but they claim that Rafael Benitez
wants to make Raheem Sterling his first signing as Real Madrid coach.
After Unai Emery's performance with Sevilla, Rafa better make sure he's
got the job first.
To be honest, it all seems a little wishy washy, but John Cross does
seem to have the inside track on Aidy Ward's clients. Hence the number
of stories he has written about Saido Berahino in the last few months.
The main piece of evidence seems to be a respect that Sterling has for
Benitez from their time together at Liverpool. It's worth pointing out
that their time at the club only overlapped for three months.
ANCELOTTI WOULD LOVE LIVERPOOL Carlo Ancelotti has
repeatedly stated that he would take a sabbatical after his sacking as
Real Madrid coach, but that doesn't stop the papers from linking him to
jobs around Europe.
"My future is clear in my head. I will continue here at Real Madrid or I
will stop for a year. I think we are going to meet next week to clarify
the future of the club," Ancelotti said prior to losing his job. Has
that now changed?
It's The Sun that take the big plunge claiming that the Italian 'would
jump at the chance to manage at Anfield'. Ancelotti doesn't seem the
jumping type to us.
Yesterday, Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Liverpool had made an
approach to Ancelotti. That is equally likely to be Grade A baloney.
AND THE REST Arsenal and Manchester United will miss out
on Palermo striker Paulo Dybala, after he agreed to join Champions
League finalists Juventus... Slavisa Jokanovic was offered just a
£1,000-a-week pay rise for guiding Watford to a £130m promotion...
Sunderland could launch a bold bid to land former Everton and Manchester
United boss David Moyes although Real Madrid's number two Paul Clement
remains an option... Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle is a £6m target
for Bournemouth... Marseille want Chelsea legend Didier Drogba to
rejoin them as a player and adviser... Arsenal will make Carl Jenkinson
available on loan next season following talks with Arsene Wenger...
Sunderland could compete with Newcastle for the services of Steve
McClaren after Dick Advocaat turned down the chance to a permanent role
at the Stadium of Light... West Ham could face another blow in their bid
for a new manager as Marseille try to tie Marcelo Bielsa to a new
two-year contract.
Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood says he has no plans to sell star
striker Christian Benteke and wants the Belgian to be at the club for
'many years to come'.
Bournemouth have completed their third signing of the week after agreeing a deal with Blackburn striker Joshua King.
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke ce
Benteke, who has scored 12 goals in his last 12 games, is
reportedly a summer transfer target for Liverpool and Arsenal, but
Sherwood claims he has received no offers for the forward.
The
24-year-old, who joined Villa from Genk in August 2012, is expected to
lead the line when Villa face Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley on
Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the clash with
Arsenal, Sherwood shot down the rumours about Benteke leaving, saying:
"We have no offers for Christian and it's not worth talking about until
we do.
"We are happy with him here and we hope he is here for many years to come."
Benteke
spearheaded Villa's recovery under Sherwood as they avoided
relegation from the Premier League and scored a vital goal in the 2-1
semi-final win over Liverpool which helped Villa reach their first FA
Cup final for 15 years.
Blowing bubbles no more: Cole has been released by West Ham
Carlton Cole is among the names released by West Ham United following the end of the season.
The
club has announced their retained list, which doesn't include Cole,
bringing to an end a nine-year association with the Hammers.
He
initially left West Ham at the end of the 2012-13 season, but after they
struggled to attract a replacement, they approached him to return.
Cole
has scored 68 times in 293 appearances during his time in the East End,
14 of which came in their promotion from the Championship in 2011-12.
Guy Demel, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Nene have also been released, and will be searching for new clubs during the summer. In pictures: Newcastle 2-0 West Ham
VIEW GALLERY
West Ham's statement said: "West Ham United have issued their Retain List of players at the end of the 2014/15 season.
"The Hammers have confirmed that senior professionals Carlton Cole, Guy Demel, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Nene will all leave the Club at the end of their contracts on 30 June.
"Young
professionals Kieran Bywater, Sean Maguire, Paul McCallum and Dan Potts
will also depart the Boleyn Ground after not being offered new
contracts.
"Scholars Jerry Amoo and Kieran Bailey have been released, while Taylor Tombides will also be moving on.
Richard Heathcote
Moved on: The Hammers are also looking for a new manager
"Meanwhile, youngsters Kyle Knoyle, Djair Parfitt-Williams
and Alex Pike have agreed their first professional deals with the club
and will sign contracts from 1 July.
"The club would like to thank all the departing players for their efforts and wish them well in their future careers."
The Irons are also on the lookout for a new manager, after deciding not to renew the contract of Sam Allardyce following the conclusion of the season.
QPR have
completed the signing of highly-rated Swindon youngster Ben Gladwin who
was playing non-league football just two years ago.
The news will come as a huge boost
to newly appointed head coach Chris Ramsey, who had to fight off stiff
competition from Premier League duo Aston Villa and West Brom.
QPR's new signing Ben Gladwin joins the Loftus Road club from Swindon Town
Here's what Sportsmail's Martin Keown thinks about Arsenal target Christian Benteke ahead of the FA Cup final.
'Benteke is a better all-round footballer than people give him credit
for. He’s one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League but
he is excellent on the deck too. He’s coming back from a very bad
injury but he doesn’t seem to have lost any of his spring or pace.'
QPR have made
their first signing of the summer with the capture of highly-rated
Swindon midfielder Massimo Luongo for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old, who made 93
appearances for the Robins during his time at the club, joins the west
London side on a three-year deal.
The news will come as a huge coup to
newly appointed head coach Chris Ramsey, who fought off stiff
competition from Premier League outfit Aston Villa to land the
Australian international.
Massimo Luongo joins QPR from Swindon Town
Bournemouth are hoping to make their third signing since
winning promotion to the Premier League as the Cherries are keen on
Blackburn's Josh King.
Eddie Howe, who has already purchased Artur Boruc and Adam Federici,
is hopeful of concluding a deal for the former Manchester United
starlet.
The Norway international is available on a free transfer this summer
but Bournemouth would have to pay a compensation fee as King is 23.
Carlton Cole has announced that he has been released by West Ham for the second time in two years.
The striker was let
go by the Hammers in the summer of 2013 but rejoined the club on a
short-term deal five months later before penning an 18-month contract in
January 2014.
'Looking forward to
my next adventure,' he said. 'I have spoken to West Ham United and it
has been decide(d) not to extend my contract.
'I wish West Ham United all the best and I will look out for their progress in the future.
'Thanks for a great 9 years. it's been emotional.'
Liverpool's Oshoala Wins BBC Footballer Of The Year
Asisat Oshoala Wins BBC Women's Footballer Of The Year
Nigeria and Liverpool's Asisat Oshoala has won BBC Women's Footballer of the Year.
Oshoala beat Spain's Veronica Boquete, Germany's Nadine Kessler,
Scotland's Kim Little and Brazilian forward Marta for the award it was
announced today.
Oshoala has been the shining light in Nigerian football over the past
year, starring in every tournament, and for every team she has played
for.
Man City Pose Twitter Question To Kelechi Iheanacho And Chidebere Nwakali
Man City's official twitter account has challenged Flying Eagles
players Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidebere Nwakali to beat Sergio Aguero's
six goals at the 2007 edition of the U20 World Cup.
Flying Eagles duo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidebere Nwakali, who both
helped Nigeria lift the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2013 have been asked a
twitter question by Manchester City as both youngsters prepare to
represent Nigeria at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup which is scheduled to
start on Saturday May 30,2015 in New Zealand.
Kelechi Iheanacho looks to be in fine form as he has scored six goals
in his last seven games for City’s youth teams and Chidebere Nwakali,
who is on loan at Spanish club Malaga, will both be monitored by the
Citizens at the U20 World Cup.
The English Premier League club, Manchester City has asked on Twitter
if Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidebere Nwakali will follow in Sergio Agüero
footsteps?
The Tweet reads: "Will @Rony10Lopes or @67Kelechi & Nwakali follow in @aguerosergiokun's footsteps
Bright Dike Features For Toronto In Loss To Manchester City
Dethroned
English champions Manchester City started heir post - season tour with a
win against MLS side Toronto FC in a friendly that finished on Thursday
morning at BMO Field.
First half substitute Bright Dike would
have grabbed a late equalizer for the Canadian club deep in injury time
but he somehow contrived to miss a free header which went of goal.
The game’s only goal came in the 85th minute from Manchester City substitute George Evans.
Super Eagles attacker Bright Dike started from the bench but replaced Sebastian Giovinco in the 28th minute.
He has scored one goal in four matches for San Antonio Scorpions in the NASL.
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
PRESIDENT JONATHAN WITH ALL MINISTERS AS THEY HAD THEIR LAST FEC MEETING TODAY.
WHO DOES YOUR WISHES GO TO?.
SOLANKE AND ALUKO REWARDED solanke andf Aluko have been rewarded by the CHELSEA following their impressive displays in the outgoing season
.The Anglo Nigerian Eniola Aluko has been named Chelsea Ladies Women Player of the Year.
The forward who was among the six contenders for the Professional
Footballer's Association (PFA) Women’s Player of the Year dusted
teammate Ji So-yun to the award.
Aluko in the season under review helped Chelsea Ladies top the Women’s Super League and the final of the FA Women’s Cup.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old striker Dominic Solanke was named the Blues Academy Player of the Year.
He scored 41 goals at youth level this season and also made his
first-team debut against Maribor as well as scoring in each round of our
victorious FA Youth Cup and Uefa Youth League campaigns.
“It’s been an amazing achievement throughout the whole season,” noted Solanke at the award ceremony.
“I like to work hard and do what I can for the team, and obviously
the position I play I try to score as many goals as I can. I have to
keep working hard and see how far I can go,” he conclude
Top FIFA officials arrested in corruption case
Swiss authorities have confirmed the arrest of some top FIFA
officials over corruption charges on the eve of fresh elections set to
be conducted by the world football governing body.
While current President, Sepp Blatter, was not part of the six men
picked up by the Swiss Police, Vice-president Jeffrey Webb from the
Cayman Islands was arrested, according to the Press Association.
As reported by Sky Sports, authorities in Zurich launched an early
morning operation to detain the officials on corruption charges
amounting to as much as $100m, and extradite them to the United States.
It was reported that as much as a dozen plain-clothed Swiss police
officers arrived unannounced at the Baur au Lac hotel where the
officials were lodged.
The police officers took the room keys from the reception and headed
to the room of the officials to effect the arrest. The New York Times
said the operation was carried out peacefully.
The identity of some of those arrested has been given by the BBC to
include Jeffrey Webb – head of the confederation for North and Central
America and the Caribbean.
Others are Costa Rica’s Eduardo Li, who was due to join Fifa’s
executive committee on Friday, Uruguay’s Eugenio Figueredo, president of
South American football governing body Conmebol and Brazil’s Jose Maria
Marin, a member of Fifa’s club committee.
Presently, officials from 209-member nations including Nigeria are
gathering in Zurich for the FIFA Congress where incumbent Blatter faces a
challenge from Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein in a presidential
election on Friday.
FIFA has overtime has been at the center of myriad of corruption
accusations and this may prove to be the final straw that would break
the multibillion dollar organization.
Transfer Gossip
Liverpool to go Klopp-less but target Monaco pair, and Morgan Schneiderlin to reject Spurs for Arsenal (yes, that again)...
Rickie Lambert to be used as 'bait' for Christian Benteke, Gundogan and Navas for United, Ancelotti for Hammers?
Arsenal agree deal for Vidal, Di Maria to PSG on loan with view to £50m move, Otamendi to United (for £36m?)...
SCHNEIDERLIN EDGES TOWARDS MOVE The future of Southampton
midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin was one of the transfer rumours which
dominated the back pages last summer. Would he join the Saints exodus or
seal his move to Arsenal or Spurs. He eventually stayed, but it always
seemed a temporary solution to the problem.
Schneiderlin never hid his dream of playing in the Champions League, and
quotes emerging from France late on Monday confirm it's one he still
holds. "I think my decision is made," he told radio station RMC. "The
goal is to stay in England. If I leave Southampton it will be for a club
in the Champions League."
So then, the Schneiderlin checklist is: a) he wants to stay in England,
and b) he wants to play in the Champions League. The only update here is
that he hasn't changed his mind.
Just in case you haven't worked it out, all signs point to Arsenal. Now
they just need a keeper and a striker and that Premier League challenge
doesn't look so far away...
KLOPP NOT GOING TO LIVERPOOL ...and he still isn't going to West Ham, either. Although the Reds appear to have given Brendan Rodgers the dreaded vote of confidence, massive question marks remain over the Northern Irishman.
Of all the replacements, outgoing Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp
seems perfect. Right man, right time, as it were. But reports from
Germany may take any potential decision out of the Liverpool hierarchy's
hands anyway. Bild report that the loveable German will take a
'sabbatical' after departing Dortmund this summer.
The German paper claims that the 47-year-old will take a break "at least
until 2016". A stay of execution for Rodgers, perhaps? It seems certain
that even Rafael Benitez won't be replacing him, so let's see if Brodge can get a summer right.
KONDOGBIA ONE OF THREE FOR REDS So let's conclude with our
Brendan. Liverpool need reinforcements this summer to say the least, but
Rodgers' track record in transfers won't provide much hope for the
Anfield faithful. Pretty much every position needs strengthening, so
where will Brendan look first?
According to French newspaper L'Equipe, he'll take inspiration from the signing of Divock Origi
and search in Ligue 1. A double deal could be on the cards, as the
outlet claim that Monaco pair Geoffrey Kondogbia and Aymen Abdennour.
With the principality club under pressure to adhere to FFP regulations
with the imminent return of Radamel Falcao('s wages), player sales are
inevitable, say L'Equipe.
At just 22, central midfielder Kondogbia fits the bill of a young and
promising player, but he would certainly help solidify the Reds'
midfield. He'd be a massive risk at £25million, but it might be one
Liverpool have to take.
As for Abdennour, the 25-year-old has looked impressive in France, an
arena in which Dejan Lovren's performances for Lyon were
heavily-criticised not long ago. He'd provide competition for the
Skrtels, Sakhos and Toures of this world, but could Liverpool be looking
a little higher?
BEST OF THE REST Newcastle are eyeing a shock move to make
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink their new manager...Tottenham have put Burnley's
right-back Kieran Trippier on their shopping list...Defender Michael
Dawson, 31, insists he will not leave relegated Hull City this
summer...Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa wants the West Ham manager's
job...Swansea are close to completing the signing of Heerenveen keeper
Kristoffer Nordfeldt...Everton defender Sylvain Distin is set to snub a
move to Premier League new boys Bournemouth to return to
France...Crystal Palace will listen to offers for striker Dwight
Gayle...AC Milan want to keep on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marco van
Ginkel, 22, for another season...Didier Drogba has set his sights on MLS
after revealing he could never play for another English club...Paris
Saint-Germain are ready to step up their interest in Angel Di Maria by
offering right-back Gregory van der Wiel in a cash plus player
deal...Real Mardrid have rejected the chance to sign Manchester United
striker Javier Hernandez, 26, on a permanent deal...Aston Villa have
made a £4m move for Swindon's Massimo Luongo and Ben Gladwin...Crystal
Palace are set to listen to offers for captain Mile Jedinak.
United are expected to move for a striker this summer after
Radamel Falcao's loan ended and the Frenchman is reportedly at the top
of their list
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Louis van Gaal is expected to bolster his frontline this summer as his side return to the Champions League.
United
have opted against making Radamel Falcao's loan move a permanent one
while Robin van Persie has struggled for fitness over the course of the
campaign.
And according to the Sun, Benzema is at the top of Van Gaal's wishlist.
It
is claimed United are ready to pay £40million for the French striker,
who was a target for Sir Alex Ferguson before his move to the Bernabeu.
Benzema joined Real from Lyon in 2009 and just last summer signed a new five-year deal with the Spanish giants.
However
it is unclear if he fits into next season's plans, with Rafael Benitez
expected to be appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor. Benitez is reportedly ready to build his team around Gareth Bale and with Cristiano Ronaldo also taking centre stage, Benzema's future could well be in doubt.
Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez has returned to Old Trafford after his loan spell with Madrid came to an end.
The
26-year-old, who was Benzema's understudy for the large part of the
campaign, is not part of Van Gaal's first-team plans and will be told to
find a new club.
Tottenham are said to be keen while West Ham, Everton and La Liga side Valencia have also been linked. Christian aid: Benteke has been linked with a move to Anfield
Brendan Rodgers will remain firmly in charge of directing Liverpool’s recruitment policy, despite the uncertainty about his future.
And that will see the Reds
boss step up his long-standing interest in Christian Benteke with a
firm and committed approach after the Belgium striker leads Aston Villa
into this weekend’s FA Cup final.
The Irishman faces a robust
review of his performance this season over the next fortnight, as he
meets with the club’s American owners to determine the direction all
football matters will make.
But with directors and principle
shareholders John Henry, Mike Gordon and Tom Werner making it clear
Rodgers retains their confidence for time being, he has been told to
continue with his summer plans.
His most pressing need is for a
striker who can deliver goals – and he has told his employers in no
uncertain terms they must invest heavily in a centre forward who can
take the load off the fragile frame of Daniel Sturridge.
Dave Thompson
Under pressure: Rodgers oversaw a 6-1 loss last weekend
The American owners have indicated they WILL take their
manager’s advice and invest heavily in the big money striker Rodgers
feels he desperately needed this season; and whose absence cost a top
four place.
Benteke is now the number one target, and the Reds
will step up a pursuit of the Belgium international that has quietly
proceeded over the past two seasons.
After a deal for QPR’s Loic
Remy fell through, Rodgers even considered a bid for the Villa man last
summer, despite the player carrying a long term injury that kept him out
until Christmas.
Liverpool have maintained that interest though,
and sources suggests they will make a bid soon after the cup final for
the 24 year old who went on a goals rampage in the last two months of
the season.
Jan Kruger
MIA: Daniel Sturridge's season was blighted by injuries
Rodgers doesn’t want to stop there, even if his future is not
entirely certain. He wants at least five new faces in the summer – and
would dearly love more –and is also looking to offload upwards of seven
players from his squad who are surplus to requirements.
That
process of rebuilding began in earnest yesterday, with the club
determined to hit the ground running this summer, as Rodgers handed new
deals to young defender Andre Wisdom, and veteran Kolo Toure.
The
Irishman is hoping Martin Skrtel will follow suit in joining the likes
of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Jordon Ibe
in commiting their long term futures to the club...and hasn’t lost all
hope of Raheem Sterling doing the game.
@LFC
New deal: Jordon Ibe has committed his future to the club
He also spoke with several players at the end of the season
to tell them they are not in his plans and can leave the club if
suitable offers come in.
Most immediately, Fabio Borini and Jose
Enrique have been told to start looking at offers, but several more will
have the same conversation in the coming weeks as Rodgers clears the
decks.
Glen Johnson and Brad Jones will not have contracts
renewed, while he is also likely to allow Mario Balotelli, Rickie
Lambert, Javier Manquillo and even Lucas to leave, in addition to
selling current on loan players like Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto.
Kolo Toure and Andre Wisdom have signed contract extensions at Anfield
AND Alan Shearer slams Brendan Rodgers' poor record in the transfer
market
Hitman: Mario Mandzukic is on Brendan Rodgers' wish list
Mourinho can be a comedian
Jose Mourinho has used Chelsea’s end of season awards dinner to
deliver a tongue-in-cheek speech mocking the critics of his side’s style
of play and to poke fun at his Premier League rivals.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho talks to the crowd during the club's Premier Leagu
The Blues won the Premier League title with three matches to
spare and the Portuguese has previously admitted he opted for more of a
substance over style approach as his side homed in on the trophy.
On
Tuesday night he told a story about three other teams whose kits bore
something of a resemblance to that of Manchester United's, Manchester
City's and Arsenal's.
Before that, however, he fired a shot at those who criticised his side, before addressing his players.
Mourinho said: "I don't think my players got the respect that they deserve after what they did from day one till the last day.
"And these are words that I really feel, serious words."
Following
the speech, Mourinho added: "The end of the story is just simple. We
have to start believing that they learned the lesson and next season
will be much, much more difficult for us. We have to be ready for that."
Mourinho's
story was accompanied by graphics at the end of season dinner, where
players celebrated a season in which they won the Premier League title
and Capital One Cup.
"This is a football pitch with two
goals, one ball, but there is one team that would like to play without
goals," he said, of the plain red-shirted team, or Manchester United.
"That
team plays really well and the ball goes and goes and goes and the
quality of the ball possession is really beautiful, but no goals.
"And
they ask the international board of FIFA to play like this, but they
were told that it was not possible, that the bigger percentage of ball
possession doesn't win matches and they were not champions.”
Mourinho then moved on to Manchester City, who finished eight points behind Chelsea in second.
He
said: "After that there was another team (wearing sky blue shirts) that
were less radical and they asked to play only with one goal.
"They
were fantastic and they scored a lot of goals and the goals were coming
from every position and they score and they score and they score, but
they never conceded goals, because no goal.
“Again, the international board told them 'I'm sorry, you can't be champions because football is with two goals'.”
Speaking
of Arsenal, Mourinho said: "The third team (red shirts, white sleeves)
was almost there, because they wanted to play with two goals.
"They
were scoring some, they were also conceding some. They were fantastic.
They scored really beautiful goals, they concede some goals too and they
were almost there.
"But they asked the international board to play only between January and April. And they told 'no chance, no chance'.
"You have to play between August and May, so they couldn't be champions.”
Lastly,
of his own Chelsea side, Mourinho said: “Finally come another team
(blue shirts). They wanted to play with the normal rules and they know
that to win matches they had to score one more goal than the opponent.
"How can you do this? By scoring a lot of goals or not conceding and scoring one.
"And they did it both ways. Scoring a lot, conceding some. Scoring one goal and conceding no goals.
"That was the option and lots of goals were conceding, they played from August till May and sometimes they brought the bus.”
Ogu proud to have been called again.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva midfielder John Ugochukwu Ogu has spoken of his delight at earning another call-up to the Super Eagles.
The 27-year-old has been in outstanding form for his Israeli club and
helped them to the final of the Israeli Cup, before eventually losing
out.
He says he's delighted to have been deemed good enough to represent the former African champions again.
"I'm delighted to be called to the national team again, like I always am," he said.
"It is always a great honour and privilege to play for my country and I am proud to have been called again."
The former Academica de Coimbra, of Portugal, ace returned to the Super
Eagles setting in March, when the Nigerians played two friendly games
against Uganda and South Africa, after almost two years out.
Speaking ahead of the game against Chad, Ogu says they must take the Chadians very seriously.
"We have to take them seriously. We must take any team we play seriously because there are no small teams anymore.
"We will prepare for them like we do for any other team and I am confident things will go well for us," he stated.
The midfielder, along with the 14 other invited overseas based players
aren't expected to report to camp until June 2, as they've been given a
week off to rest after a long season in Europe.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
FOCUS ON MY ACHIEVEMENTS, LEAVE THE HUGE DEBTS
Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola has called on
Lagosians to excuse the huge debt he’s leaving behind and instead focus
on the achievements of his administration, during the past eight years.
Fashola made the comment during an interview session with Punch
newspaper, when asked about the N418bn debt his administration is
leaving behind.
He said, ”I have answered this question many times and it seems
people just dwell on debt, but in the context of debt, let us look at
the assets too. I am leaving behind hundreds of kilometres of roads,
bridges, schools, hospitals, courtrooms, social services, skill centres,
streetlights and traffic lights.”
Governor Fashola added that “I am leaving behind also people who
now have jobs, who did not have jobs seven years ago. I am leaving
behind a stronger security force; a stronger LASTMA, a stronger KAI.
That is where the money went. I am leaving behind a rail system. I am
leaving behind so many assets for the continuity of life. I am also
leaving behind a bigger workforce – a better equipped workforce. I think
we should talk less about debt and more about development.”
He spoke on the potentials of the state generating revenue to cater
for its expenditures as well ”Lagos State Government still has to
continue to raise more money and this takes me to the Internally
Generated Revenue that you are talking about. The IGR – standing on its
own – is averagely N20 billion. Let us do the math. Some months it is
more than that, some months it drops. The monthly allocation from the
Federation Account is averagely N10 billion; sometimes it goes up to N11
billion, sometimes it drops to N9 billion. Let us use an average of N10
billion, even though in the last few months it dropped to six and half
(N6.5 billion). If we have averagely N30 billion, do the math, divide it
by 21 million people. You will get one thousand four hundred and
something naira per person in Lagos. It is easy then to say let us
collect the IGR you think is big but you are seeing the IGR alone and
not seeing the responsibilities.
”Our population has also grown by forced migration in terms of the
Internally Displaced Persons across Nigeria. I just sent a team to
somewhere in Apapa where there are people displaced from the North-East
of Nigeria in camps. We have to go and intervene; we cannot leave them
there without help.
“The sanitary condition there is horrendous. If we want a
government that only deals with what is available, then every month is
the government going to tell everybody, ‘go and take your N1,400; go and
build your roads, go and build your schools, go and build your
hospitals, manage your security?’ But we have to be futuristic, we have
to think ahead. The IGR that you also talked about does not come as N20
billion to us. It comes when somebody pays N1 million for land today,
somebody pays for his vehicle registration tomorrow,
and somebody pays his ground (land) rent. It is because we are
accountable that we always announce at the end of the month, ‘this is
what we got.’ If we wait for 30 days for the money to accrue, it means
we won’t do any work.
”People should understand that we won’t do any work because the
money has not accrued. What do we do? We borrow against it. The banks
which we collect it from know that we will pay because the money (IGR)
comes through them. So, we take a loan. But we don’t borrow to pay
salaries; we don’t borrow for recurrent expenditure, we borrow for
capital investments.
“I cannot go and tell the person who is waiting to take his child
to the hospital and there is no hospital space; that they should ‘wait, I
am waiting to collect money.’ If I give you the contract to build a
hospital, I cannot tell you ‘take one naira today, I am waiting for two
naira tomorrow.’
It is not a way to plan construction. You must gather your building
materials and you must move men to the site. We borrow from the banks.
When the monies come, the banks deduct them.”
”The borrowing you are even talking about, measure it against the
assets. We took N275bn bond over eight years. The first thing we had to
do was to repay the old bond of N15 billion because the Lagos State
Government drew N15 billion out of the N25 billion bond. We had to repay
that so that we could take the full benefit of what we were planning to
do, which was going to be issued in series. And we did all these in
public.
Fashola went ahead to justify the spending “What did we use these
monies to finance? We used them to finance infrastructure. As the
monthly IGR is coming, we are returning 15 per cent of the IGR into a
consolidated debt service account. We can’t touch it. Take out 15 per
cent of N20bn. We have over a N100 billion in that account to pay the
debts. Those who are saying we owe, the system for paying bond is
secured. We just paid the second bond, which was the first that I took.
We paid it last year. The next bond will be due in 2017 and it is about
N60 billion or N70 billion but we have N100 billion in the account. In
any event, we have over-secured our liabilities as far as the bonds are
concerned. As far as the local short-term loans from banks are
concerned, we were able to pay.
”If we don’t want a life of debt, then Lagosians must agree that we
reduce our budget to what we earn. We have a budget of about N489
billion. Let us use our IGR as an example: N30 billion multiplied by 12
months is N360 billion. We are already in a hole of about N119bn. If
Lagosians want us to reduce it, then will Lagosians agree to stop
demanding more services? Certainly, no! Thus, this is the context. And
when you look at the countries we aspire to be like: America owes $16
trillion – they owe the whole world – but they have the best space
ships, aircraft and army, and they can decide what our military does
with the debt they owe the world.
CAF Bans Warri Wolves Keeper For One Year
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a
12-month ban on Warri Wolves reserve goalkeeper, Rhiogbere Tejiri, for
acts for indiscipline.
The governing body said the suspension was placed on Tejiri
following a row during Warri Wolves’ 3-0 Confederation Cup first leg
defeat to AFC Leopards in Congo.
Completesportsnigeria.com reports that the decision was one of several taken by CAF during its disciplinary board meeting on Sunday in Cairo, Egypt.
Tejiri was accused of spitting at the assistant referee as the
goalkeeper, who was not in action, was apparently unhappy with some of
the calls during the match.
CAF stated on its website that the one-year ban “will be communicated to FIFA, who may extend it internationally.”
Wolves hosted Leopards in the return leg of their play-off tie this
weekend with the winners reaching the group phase of Africa’s
second-tier club competition.
The Warri side is the only Nigerian club left on the continent following the early exit of Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Dolphins.
ANCELLOTTI OUT...GUESS WHO IS IN.
KLOPP, BENITEZ, ZIDANE..
Carlo
Ancelotti was sacked as Real Madrid manager on Monday night as
Florentino Perez wielded his axe for the ninth time in 12 years as club
president.
But who is set to replace the 55-year-old at the Bernabeu? Here, we look at five contenders.
+6
Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as Real Madrid manager on Monday night after a trophyless season
The
Galactico is already part of the coaching staff at the Bernabeu and is
highly thought of by president Florentino Perez. But it could be a
gamble for his first job in management to come with the 10-time European
champions.
+6
Zinedine Zidane is already part of the coaching staff at the Bernabeu and manages Real Madrid's B-team
RAFAEL BENITEZ
The
former Liverpool manager is out of contract after two years at Napoli.
He began his coaching career at Real and is not short of confidence. He
may not be a popular appointment, but he did well at Chelsea when an
unwelcome interim boss.
+6
Rafa Benitez is out of contract after two years at Napoli and is among the favourites to replace Ancelotti
JURGEN KLOPP
The
German leaves Borussia Dortmund this summer after a hugely successful
seven-year spell. His signature will be coveted, with Liverpool a
possible destination should they part ways with Brendan Rodgers, but
Real would surely match his ambition.
+6
Jurgen Klopp leaves Borussia Dortmund this summer and has been linked with the Madrid job
JORGE JESUS
Should
Real opt for another Portuguese, after Jose Mourinho, they may go for
Jesus. He has impressed in leading Benfica to back-to-back Portuguese
Liga titles and would likely welcome the opportunity to test himself in
Madrid.
+6
Jorge Jesus won back-to-back Portuguese Liga titles and would welcome the move to the Madrid club
UNAI EMERY
The
Spaniard could yet lead Sevilla to a second successive Europa League
title and, with it, qualification for the 2015/16 Champions League.
Emery has been linked with a move to AC Milan, but Madrid would surely
appeal more.
TRANSFER GOSSIP
P
Loanee: Real Madrid will opt against signing Javier Hernandez on a permanent basis
Hull were relegated, Liverpool humiliated and Chelsea were crowned champions on the final day of the Premier League season.
The next couple of weeks will be for reflection - painful for some, enjoyable for others.
But
the real issue on everyone's minds now is how to improve on what
they've got. Will Arsenal bring in a 'top quality' striker, will
Liverpool shore up that defence?
The rumours keep on coming. With the transfer window just over a month away, what are your club up to?
Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
Falcao wants Chelsea move
Radamel Falcao is willing to take a massive pay cut to join Chelsea.
Mirror Sport revealed in March the Colombian wants to stay in the Premier League and ideally wants a club in London.
Falcao’s representatives have already sounded out Chelsea after Manchester Uniteddecided not to take up the option to sign him permanently.
They have made it clear they are willing to scale back his huge £265,000-a-week wages from his parent club Monaco if it makes a deal happen.
Arsenal
were keen last August but have seen him flop at Old Trafford while
Tottenham are likely to baulk at the finances involved. Valencia and
Liverpool have also shown an interest. READ MORE.
Reuters
Chelsea bound? Radamel Falcao wants to move to west London
Pellegrini to stay at City
Manuel Pellegrini has been given the thumbs up to carry on as Manchester City boss.
The Chilean landed in Canada tonight for the start of City’s North America tour, knowing he will be in charge next season.
He
received the green light during talks on Sunday with chairman Khaldoon
Al Mubarak when they reviewed the campaign and discussed plans for next
season.
It’s believed City are sticking with Pellegrini, despite City’s trophyless campaign, because they could not land top target Pep Guardiola.
They
feel continuing with him is their next-best option, rather than going
for Carlo Ancelotti or Jurgen Klopp – and will review the manager’s
situation again before the end of next season. READ MORE.
Shaun Botterill
Safe: Manuel Pellegrini will stay at Manchester City
Bielsa wants West Ham job
Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa wants the West Ham job.
The former Chile and Athletic Bilbao coach is understood to have rejected interest from Italian club Sampdoria.
Bielsa has made it clear to the Hammers that he would rather move to the Premier League to succeed Sam Allardyce.
It is a boost for the East Londoners, who had already had the 59-year-old, currently learning English, on their shortlist.
With their move to the Olympic Stadium just 12 months away, West Ham want a big name capable of taking them to the next level. READ MORE.
Jasper Juinen
Keen: Marcelo Bielsa wants to move to the Premier League
Drogba eyes MLS move
Didier Drogba has set his sights on the MLS after revealing he could never play for another English club. Chelsea legend Drogba, 37, a target for New York City, is leaving Stamford Bridgeafter getting a hero’s send-off following their title triumph.
Drogba
has had offers and is determined to carry on playing for another year
but says he could never copy Frank Lampard, who went to Manchester City,
while Petr Cech could go to Arsenal.
When asked if he would like
to go to the MLS, Drogba said: “Yeah of course, but I am going to take a
few days, few weeks to think about what is good for me next. But all I
want to do is play. READ MORE.
Ben Hoskins
Loyal: Didier Drogba says he could never move to another English club
Schneiderlin hints at Arsenal move
Morgan Schneiderlin has ruled out a move to Tottenham and paved the way for a summer switch to north London neighbours Arsenal.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino remains keen on signing Schneiderlin after narrowly failing to land the Southampton ace last August.
But £25m-rated Schneiderlin says he will not leave St Mary’s for a club outside the Champions League.
France
World Cup star Schneiderlin, 25, said: “I think my decision is made. If
I leave Southampton it is for a club that plays better than Europa
League." READ MORE.
Action Images
Snub: Morgan Schneiderlin does not want to move to a Europa League club
AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi wants to keep on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel at the club for another season.
Southampton's on-loan defender Toby Alderweireld hopes his future can be resolved quickly.
Inzaghi wants to keep Van Ginkel at Mila
The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder impressed in Sunday's 3-0
win over Torino but has been limited by injuries for much of the
campaign, and Inzaghi believes he can make a huge difference if he gets
the chance to return.
"Unfortunately he is not our player," Inzaghi said of Van Ginkel on his club's official website. "But he has grown a lot.
"He has played seven or eight games in a row and we are starting to see a great player.
"He does really well in training.
"Chelsea have great midfielders and he is need of playing.
"My will would be if possible to keep him because he can give us a big hand."
Ankle
injuries have limited the Holland international to just 16 appearances
all season, but he has started their last 11 Serie A matches after
returning to action in March.
Van Ginkel joined Chelsea from
Vitesse Arnhem for £8m in July 2013, but has made just four appearances
for the Blues. He remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until June
2018. Jurgen Klopp will take a six-month sabbatical, therefore ruling himself out of the Liverpool job. (Bild)
Real Madrid have rejected the chance to sign Manchester United's Javier Hernandez on a permanent basis. (Express)
West Ham have switched their attention to David Moyes and Unai Emery after their main target - Carlo Ancelotti - ruled himself out of the job. (Guardian) Michael Laudrup is interested in a return to the Premier League and has set his sights on either West Ham or Newcastle. (Daily Mail)
Tottenham are set to beat Liverpool to the signing of Burnley right-back Kieran Trippier in a £3.5m deal. (Telegraph)
Southampton will offload Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Ramirez this summer after his disappointing loan spell at relegated Hull City. (talkSPORT)
Lampard, Gerrard for England?
Roy Hodgson wants Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to be part of the England coaching staff when they retire from playing.
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard: Midfield duo play their final Premier League g
Lampard and Gerrard play their final Premier League games this weekend before going to play in the United States.
Seventeen
years after making his debut, Gerrard will turn out for Liverpool for
the final time at Stoke City and Lampard's two decades in the top-flight
end with Manchester City's home game against Southampton.
Hodgson
admits the Reds and Lampard’s former club Chelsea will be in pole
position for the pair’s coaching services but hopes they could be
involved with England in the same way Gary Neville has been.
"Probably, yes," Hodgson said when asked if they could form part of the England backroom staff in the future.
"Before
that, I'm sure the first people who will try to get hold of them when
they return will be Liverpool and Chelsea. I'm pretty sure of that.
"But
who's to say they can't be members in an English set-up as well? They
certainly know England. They've both had 100 caps. But it's not only
their playing ability. It's their leadership qualities. They're both
leaders."
Gerrard and Lampard are both doing their coaching
badges and Hodgson believes the pair have real potential to be
successful managers.
"Both of them have the same ability to
do that," he said. "I wouldn't want to put a cigarette paper between
them in that respect.
"Their effect on English football has been quite incredible. But I'd rather speak personally.
"What
they've done for me during my time as England manager has been quite
fantastic not only on the field as players and in training as players,
but also as leaders and characters, they've both been outstanding and I
want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
"They've
been real role models for the rest of the players, they've had a natural
authority due to the fact they are such good players but they have used
their authority in the right way to encourage the younger players to
make certain that their strong ethos, which as a coaching staff we
share, is spread out amongst all the players.
"I can't
thank them enough for what they've done. I really hope they enjoy their
American adventures and they will come back even stronger individuals
and leaders than they already are.
"We will see an awful
lot of benefits going forward with those two players. I can't imagine a
long-term future in English football without major contributions from
Gerrard and Lampard."
QPR's new signing Ben Gladwin joins the Loftus Road club from Swindon Town
Arsenal target Christian Benteke
Massimo Luongo joins QPR from Swindon Town
Josh King linked with Blackburn move
Two Premier League clubs are interested in Monchi (right)
Swansea City close in on Franck Tabanou from Saint-Etienne