Injury scare for Balotelli

Italy forward Mario Balotelli was forced to leave Monday’s training session with a fitness problem.

The Manchester City man reportedly complained of slight discomfort in his right knee and was given permission by Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli to leave the session early.

According to the Italian team’s medical staff, Balotelli has suffered a minor muscle overload and is expected to resume full training on Tuesday.

The news comes on the same day that Italy found out Andrea Barzagli could spend up to 20 days on the sidelines because of a calf problem.

Prandelli’s men will begin their Euro campaign on Sunday against Spain before taking on Croatia and Republic of Ireland.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/injury-scare-for-balotelli/95858/

Chevrolet drive deal with United World Soccer Shop

Manchester United have confirmed a five-year partnership with US car giant Chevrolet to become the club's official automotive partner.

United: Five-year partnership with Chevrolet

Club officials flew into Shanghai on Wednesday and will unveil the deal later on Thursday.

Although no figure is being placed on the partnership it is believed United have secured a significant increase on their previous deal with Audi, which has now expired.

Despite losing their status as Premier League champions Manchester City and missing out on the signing of Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard, United believe they remain at the forefront of the world game.

And, after announcing earlier this week that they had 659 million fans worldwide, they are keen to maintain their commercial power, especially as media revenues will be affected in the Champions League.

This season United were knocked out in the group stages for only the second time, whilst next season, their percentage of the English 'pot' will be reduced due to a combination of City's title win and Chelsea's Champions League success.

"With 659 million United fans and followers around the world, the commitment that Chevrolet is making to football and its plans to bring these fans closer to our club is very exciting for us," said United commercial director Richard Arnold. "This is also the first time we have teamed up with a US automotive partner and with the growing popularity of the club and English football in America, we are hoping the relationship will allow us to further expand our fan base in the country."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17520/chevrolet_drive_deal_with_united

Bayern launch assault on Dzeko

Bayern Munich are weighing up a move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, according to Bild.

The Bavarians were linked with Olivier Giroud, Luuk de Jong and Matias Suarez soon after they started the search for a new forward, but they eventually opted to sign Claudio Pizarro on a free transfer from Werder.

However, the German giants are looking to add another quality striker to the squad and Bild claims they have set their sights on Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko.

Bayern already have a world-class striker in Mario Gomez and the Bosnian is not the sort of player who is interested in playing second fiddle to anyone, but the German newspaper reveals that coach Jupp Heynckes plans to play the two forwards together.

The Bosnian is not entirely satisfied with his status at Manchester City, after falling behind Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Kun Aguero in the pecking order and he could jump at the opportunity to return to Bundesliga.

Dzeko currently earns around €7 million per campaign at Etihad and Bayern are prepared to offer him the same amount in order to lure him to Alianz Arena.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/bayern-launch-assault-on-dzeko/95564/

United near to Kagawa swoop World Soccer Shop

Borussia Dortmund insist they are still to finalise a deal with Manchester United for Shinji Kagawa - though the switch should go through soon.

Kagawa: Closing on move away from Dortmund

It is widely reported that the two clubs are set to agree terms on a deal worth an initial £12million rising to £17million.

Kagawa himself is also yet to agree personal terms, but that looks unlikely to be a barrier to the 23-year-old Japanese midfielder sealing a move to Old Trafford.

The move is expected to be completed in the coming days, but Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc said: "There are some details still to be confirmed."

Kagawa, who has emerged a key figure for Dortmund in their recent successes, has just a year left on his current deal and he has already told the club he will not be extending his deal.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17474/united_near_to_kagawa_swoop

Mancini rules out Ibra bid

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has ruled out a move for AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer.

The Italian led his side to a maiden Premier League title this term with a last-gasp victory over QPR on the final day of the season.

And City have since been strongly linked with a move for the Sweden international as they look to retain their crown next term.

However, the 47-year-old boss insists a forward line of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli is strong enough.

“Ibrahimovic is a champion,” Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“But I already have four very strong strikers. I just need them to compete in the Champions League. We are okay up front.”

The 30-year-old striker scored 35 goals in 44 appearances for the Milan outfit last term, as they finished second in Serie A and reached the last eight of the Champions League.

He is set to captain Sweden at Euro 2012 this summer, who have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Ukraine and England.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/mancini-rules-out-ibra-bid/95531/

Will Leighton Baines move to Manchester United this summer?

Everton and England full-back Leighton Baines is being linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

The Everton star is currently away on international duty with the England squad and has stated he is focused on his national team for now.

Consistent

Leighton Baines has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League for a few years now.

The ex-Wigan man was a crucial part of Everton’s attacking play last season as he got forward and supported the teams attack.

Baines contributed four goals and numerous assists as Everton finished seventh in the Premier League. His defending has also improved in the last year or so as he has matured.

Second

Leighton Baines is now considered the second best left-back in the Premier League, after England teammate Ashley Cole. Baines is seen as Cole’s successor for the England national team but is just four years younger than the Chelsea man.

He is rather unfortunate to have came along at the same time as Cole, as England have lacked talented left-footed full-backs in the past. Like buses though, none come along for ages and then two come along at once.

Competition

It now seems that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to sign the full-back to provide competition for temporary-captain Patrice Evra. The French full-back didn’t have the best of campaigns last season and Baines is considered the perfect alternative to Evra.

Flattered

Baines told Sky Sports: “The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club. But I’m at a great club as well, a club that I love.

“The focus now is all on the tournament. There’s not much time to let other things seep in. It’s about getting your head on this job for the next six weeks and trying to do the best you can.”

He continued: “Would it be hard to turn United down? I’m not letting my focus shift to that while I am in camp. I’m focused on what I’m doing at the moment.

“Would it be hard to leave Everton? Yes, obviously. You know what it means. I’ve been there for five years myself but also know first-hand what it means to a lot of people so, yes it would be.”

Money

Although Leighton Baines is one of Everton’s key players the Toffees are in need of finances to strengthen their squad. A fee of £15million has been mooted and that sort of money would be hard to turn down for the hard up Toffee’s.

Everton boss David Moyes is unlikely to be able to bring in any new signings without players leaving the club. The Scot really is in a catch 22 situation, sell one of his best players and bring in some fresh faces or stick with the squad of players he already has.

Loyalty

Baines seems to have a strong loyalty to Everton but as we have seen in the past clubs like Manchester united can turn players heads. Wayne Rooney headed to Old Trafford from Merseyside to win trophies. Baines isn’t likely to win any trophies staying at Everton.

As a Everton fan I really wouldn’t want Baines to leave the club but as this story gathers momentum it really does look like Leighton Baines exit is inevitable.

Will Leighton Baines move to Manchester United this summer?

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/will-leighton-baines-move-to-manchester-united-this-summer/95502/

United claim increased fanbase World Soccer Shop

Manchester United have claimed that almost 10% of the world's entire population support Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

Manchester United: Best supported club in the world

United on Tuesday announced new research showing they have doubled their number of supporters worldwide over the last five years.

The survey conducted on behalf of the club said they have an estimated 659million followers worldwide - nearly a 10th of the 7billion global population.

Their nearest rivals are Barcelona but United enjoy twice the support in Asia, seen as the key market for the future, as the Catalan giants according to the survey.

Market research firm Kantar gathered responses from 54,000 people across 39 countries online and face to face, and asked interviewees which "team or teams they followed" - more than one club could be named.

Richard Arnold, the club's commercial director, said the depth of support had helped United's commercial income soar - it has risen by at least 10% every year since 2007.

"Our family of followers has doubled in five years and across the world this represents a very, very important asset and relationship for the club," said Arnold.

He added that 88% of United's support was in emerging markets which are seen as the most important areas for potential growth, including 108million fans in China, 55million in Indonesia, 35million in India and 26million in Vietnam.

North and central America is also a growing area for fans, with 24million in Mexico and 34million in North America.

The research was carried out between June and August last year, after United had won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, but Arnold rejected suggestions that the club's relatively unsuccessful season this year would have led to any significant drop in global support.

"It is one of the huge myths that fans are fickle," he said.

"Research by Barclays globally showed that 85% never change the team they support - think of that in terms of the divorce rate. It changes less often than who you are married to.

"If you have been to China or New York and seen the Beatles effect at airports and hotels then it becomes very easy to appreciate the way people feel."

Arnold said the support had contributed to United's commercial success - their training kit sponsored by DHL is now the fourth-highest selling kit worldwide, while 10,000 United branded Honda motorcycles that went on sale in Thailand sold out in two weeks.

United's groundbreaking 13-year sponsorship deal with Nike that was done in 2002 expires in 2015 and Arnold said it was unlikely for such a long-term deal to be done again, especially given the pace of technological developments.

"Five years ago no one had a tablet [such as an ipad]. Five years is forever," he said.

United are carrying out major improvements to their Carrington training ground but Arnold said there was no intention to try to sell naming rights for the development.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17392/united_claim_increased_fanbase

Welbeck, Johnson selected for England

Injured duo Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson have been included in England’s 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

Manchester United forward Welbeck has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained in a challenge from Nigel de Jong in the Manchester derby towards the end of last season while Johnson has sat out training recently with an infected toe.

In attack Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe and Welbeck will fight over the forward positions in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney for the opening two games in Group D.

Roy Hodgson’s team kick-off their campaign on June 8 against France.

Full England squad:-

Goalkeepers – Joe Hart (Manchester City) Robert Green (West Ham) Jack Butland (Birmingham)

Defenders – Glen Johnson (Liverpool) Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), John Terry (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton) Phil Jones (Manchester United) Joleon Lescott (Manchester City) Phil Jagielka (Everton)

Midfielders – Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) Theo Walcott (Arsenal) Frank Lampard (Chelsea) Ashley Young (Manchester United) James Milner (Manchester City) Scott Parker (Tottenham) Stewart Downing (Liverpool) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

Attackers – Andy Carroll (Liverpool) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/welbeck-johnson-selected-for-england/95445/

Aguero to stay at City

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has dismissed reports of a move to Real Madrid, insisting he will see out his contract in England.

The Argentine, 23, he remains committed to the club he joined from Atletico Madrid last summer and is looking to win more silverware at City.

“My future is at Manchester City,” Aguero told The Times.

“I want to stay here. My contract has four years left to run and I see myself being here at least as long as that.

“There are always rumours, but there is no truth in them. I am not thinking about moving to Real Madrid or anywhere else.

“City have treated me very well from the very first day I arrived, I’m settled at the club and my family are happy in Manchester, and I want to stay.

“I can win everything that I want to win here. We have won one title now and we can go on to win more. Once you have one, you are desperate for the second, the third, the fourth, and it will be the same with us.

“We won the Premier League this season. Why shouldn’t we believe we can win it in years to come, too?

“We will be even better next season, I am certain of that. We had a lot of new players getting to know each other this year. We want to keep going.”

His first trophy was last season’s Premier League title, with Aguero’s 23 league goals helping City secure their first top flight crown in 44 years.

He made his name in his homeland with Independiente, before moving to Spain in 2006 to start a four-year spell at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Aguero then linked up with compatriot Carlos Tevez at City in July 2011 and netted 30 goals in all, including the title-winner against QPR.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/aguero-to-stay-at-city/95413/

Kompany keen on England chances World Soccer Shop

Vincent Kompany believes England are dark horses for Euro 2012, but has warned Belgium are ready to ruin the Three Lions' preparations.

Kompany: Hoping to unsettle England

The Manchester City captain is expected to be in his nation's starting XI on Saturday at Wembley and he will be team-mates with a host of rising stars.

Eden Hazard, Moussa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini and Jan Vertonghen are among Belgium's threats to England in their final pre-Euros friendly.

And although Premier League winner Kompany thinks Roy Hodgson's unfancied team could go far in Poland and Ukraine, the centre-back hopes they receive an upset at the weekend.

Kompany said: "I'm looking forward to this game. If we can win, it would cap the season for me.

"I know I won't be going to the Euros but we have such high ambitions for the World Cup.

"This is an important start for us preparing. This game is just as important for us as it is for England.

"They are definitely my pick of the bunch as the surprise team at the Euros."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17297/kompany_keen_on_england_chances

Jones: United will bounce back

Manchester United defender Phil Jones is hoping to bounce back from narrowly losing the Premier League title race by regaining the trophy.

The 20-year-old felt United had done enough to win the title in dramatic fashion before Manchester City’s late comeback to beat Queens Park Rangers saw them finish first, and the youngster is looking to build on the experience.

“It was mixed feelings at the final whistle,” Jones said on Tuesday.

“I thought we’d pulled off the impossible at first, we thought QPR had done us a massive favour with a difficult task of going to the Etihad (Stadium).

“But then City scored two goals in quick succession and that killed us.

“I’ll take that on board with what I’ve learned this season. It’s been a massive learning curve for me and I’ve played a lot of games this season and I’ve really enjoyed playing.”

The former Blackburn defender conceded dramatic turnarounds are a part of the game and also believes he has improved as a player during his debut season at Old Trafford.

“Of course, that’s football. Things like that can happen and we’ve perhaps been a bit unfortunate this season but so be it. City have won it this year but hopefully we’ll be back next season, fighting and ready to go again,” Jones said.

“It’s been a whirlwind season for me. We’ve been unfortunate with injuries this season which has probably enabled me to play more games than I expected.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and I feel like I’ve really progressed and come on as a player. It’s a massive learning curve for me. Being at United in my first season has really given me an insight into the passion and drive the club has.

“The history speaks for itself and we’ll do it the United way, we’ll bounce back and we’ll go again next season.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/jones-united-will-bounce-back/95098/

Hargreaves released by City

Midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been released by Manchester City after just one season with the club.

The former England international moved to Etihad Stadium in August last year after his contract at rivals Manchester United expired.

Hargreaves, 31, made just one English Premier League appearance for the newly-crowned champions in the whole of the campaign.

Having struggled for fitness throughout the season, the club confirmed on Tuesday the former Bayern Munich midfielder was leaving.

Hargreaves has struggled for fitness over the last few seasons, having been an integral part of Manchester United’s Premier League and Champions League winning campaign of 2007/08.

The Canadian-born Hargreaves was forced to visit a knee specialist in the United States in early 2010 in a bid to cure him of persistent tendonitis problems.

Following surgery, Hargreaves made his first Premier League appearance in nearly two years as a late substitute against Sunderland, but further injury problems curtailed his comeback.

He played once more for United in a Carling Cup clash against Wolves at Old Trafford in November 2010, but was forced off early with a hamstring complaint.

The midfielder, who has won 42 caps for England, made the switch to City after being released by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/hargreaves-released-by-city/95096/

Roy set for first England session World Soccer Shop

Roy Hodgson will start working with the bulk of the England squad for the first time when they report to their Manchester base on Wednesday.

Hodgson: Preparing for first training session as England boss

Hodgson has had to wait three weeks since becoming manager to link up with new skipper Steven Gerrard and the majority of the players chosen to play at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

The conclusion of the Premier League season and the need for players to take a short break before the summer exertions has delayed Hodgson's involvement with the squad.

It leaves the former West Brom boss just 19 days and two friendly internationals against Norway and Belgium to hone his plans before the Euro 2012 opener with France on June 11.

The players will undergo their first training sessions with Hodgson on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday before flying out to Oslo on Friday for the game with Norway the following day.

It is the first time they have been together since the 3-2 defeat by Holland at Wembley in late February - and it will be next week before a full compliment of players is at Hodgson's disposal.

The Chelsea contingent of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill - plus stand-by player Daniel Sturridge - have been given extra time off after the club's Champions League heroics.

They will not report for duty until next Tuesday when England link-up at their accustomed Hertfordshire base ahead of the home clash with Belgium at Wembley on June 2.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is also working to the same schedule after playing with a minor injury during the latter part of the campaign.

But in any case Rooney is suspended for England's opening two Euro games and his first chance to be involved in the tournament will be against Ukraine on June 19.

Hodgson has still to decide whether Rooney will play against Belgium given that he has to make alternative plans against France and then Sweden. Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe and Danny Welbeck are the other striking options in the squad.

The main injury concern of the players reporting tomorrow continues to be Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker.

Parker, who skippered his country against Holland, was troubled by an Achilles injury during the latter part of the domestic campaign and he will be assessed by the England medical team.

Hodgson was optimistic about his chances when he announced his squad a week ago but will not make a final decision until May 29 - the date the final Euro squad needs to be submitted.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is on stand-by should Parker be ruled out.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16922/roy_set_for_first_england_session