Marchisio: Italy will overcome off-field drama

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio is adamant the recent match-fixing allegations will not affect his side during Euro 2012.

Italian football has been rocked by reports of match-fixing in recent months, just six years after the Calciopoli scandal ended and numerous clubs received punishments, including Juventus being stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated to Serie B.

Marchisio, who plays for Juventus, admitted Italy’s squad for Euro 2012 had been talking about the ongoing scandal, but said it would not distract them from the European Championships, which start on Saturday.

“It was impossible not to talk about the match-fixing scandal,” Marchisio said.

“It was on every newspaper, so we talked about the matter and what annoys us in particular is that it is not the whole football world that is portrayed by the scandal.

“We’ll wait for the sentences and it’s fair that those who committed the crimes will pay for that.

“The only thing we can do is wait and trust that justice will give them stiff sentences, so that it will be harder to have the same situation again in Italian football.

“Aside from this, we are all great professionals and we all want to play an excellent European Championship.”

Marchisio also urged calm following the 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia, which was Italy’s only warm-up match before Euro 2012 starts in Poland and Ukraine.

“We obviously analysed the game and there were positives aspects,” Marchisio said.

“After two great years and with our excellent qualifying campaigns, such a defeat right before the beginning of the cup needs to be analysed carefully.

“But we need to remain calm, because we are strong, we are a close-knit group, and we know what needs to be improved and we also know what we have to do in order to achieve that.”

Reports have suggested Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will play a three-man defence at Euro 2012.

Marchisio said the players would handle whatever tactics Prandelli chooses.

“Some players are used to playing with a three-man defence and five in the midfield and others have never played with such a system,” the 26-year-old midfielder said.

“But it’s up to the coach to make that decision and the team will have to follow him in any decision he makes.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/marchisio-italy-will-overcome-off-field-drama/95878/

Report: Hughton out of WBA race World Soccer Shop

Chris Hughton is reportedly no longer in the running for the vacant manager's position at West Brom, according to reports.

Hughton: Reportedly out of the running

The Birmingham boss was thought to be on the shortlist of candidates to replace Roy Hodgson, but the Baggies have decided not to follow up their interest in the former Newcastle manager.

It is unclear why West Brom have decided against a move for Hughton, although the fact that the Blues were looking for £2million in compensation for the 53-year-old may have been a factor.

The bookmakers' favourite for the vacancy is former Schalke and Stuttgart boss Ralf Rangnick, but the club's decision not to appoint Hughton does not mean the German is a certainty for the position and other candidates may be pursued.

Rangnick first met with Albion officials when a guest of the club for the final game of Hodgson's reign on May 13, when the midlands club lost 3-2 to Arsenal.

It is clear to see why the 53-year-old is a potential option for the club.

Compensation would not be an issue as Rangnick has been without a club since leaving Schalke eight months ago because of exhaustion, and he previously led the Bundesliga club to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2010-11.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17760/report__hughton_out_of_wba_race

Mackay committed to Cardiff World Soccer Shop

Malky Mackay claims to be 'flattered' by reports linking him with the vacant post at Norwich but says he is committed to Cardiff "long-term".

Mackay: Happy at Cardiff

The former Canaries defender was quickly installed as a strong favourite for the Carrow Road post once Paul Lambert took the decision to take the reins at Aston Villa.

Mackay spent six years with Norwich during his playing days and admits the club still holds a special place in his heart.

He is, however, keen to distance himself from the rumours suggesting he could be about to return to Norfolk.

Having only been appointed Cardiff manager in the summer of 2011, and having led them to the Championship play-offs during his first season, Mackay is determined to 'finish the exciting project' he has undertaken in South Wales.

In an exclusive statement passed to Sky Sports News HD, he said: "I'm very flattered to be linked with Norwich as it's a club close to my heart from my playing days there.

"I have very good friends within the club and greatly respect Delia Smith and her fellow majority shareholder Michael Wynn Jones.

"Norwich are moving in the right direction but I want to finish the exciting project I've started at Cardiff where we've a structure in place geared to long-term success.

"I've a great relationship with our chief executive Alan Whiteley and the club's owner Vincent Tan is committed to major investment in Cardiff more of which will become apparent later this week.

"I too am fully committed to our football club and I'm ready for the challenges ahead."

Mackay may not have been a prominent target for Norwich after chief executive David McNally revealed the club are looking for a manager with "top league" experience.

McNally insists the position is an attractive one and has revealed that the club will scour Europe in the hope of finding a new manager who can continue Lambert's good work at Carrow Road.

"The search is certainly a European search," McNally told the Eastern Daily Press.

"We are looking for somebody who has got top-league experience.

"I don't think the candidate necessarily has to have Premier League experience - but they have to have top-league experience.

"If, for example, you have managed in Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga, they are some of the toughest leagues in the world too.

"So why on earth if there is a candidate in one of those leagues who was available and we felt was right for us should we say no to them just because they haven't managed in the Premier League?"

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17749/mackay_committed_to_cardiff

Chelsea close in on signings World Soccer Shop

Chelsea's summer recruitment drive may have gathered pace on Monday amid reports they were closing in on the signings of Eden Hazard and Hulk.

Hazard: Likely to complete Chelsea move

Belgium playmaker Hazard was said to be preparing for a medical ahead of an expected move from Lille, while it was suggested Porto forward Hulk had agreed terms with the European champions on a four-year contract.

Brazil star Hulk, who has been valued at £38million, has certainly seemed to pave the way for a potential transfer by hinting the time could be right for him to leave Portugal.

Asked what the future held for him, the 25-year-old told Lancenet: "I will always continue to work hard and keep my feet on the ground, regardless of whether I stay at Porto.

"I have won many titles in the past four years at Porto, and I think that I have a great relationship with everyone.

"If the time has come to move on, I'll do so with a good feeling. I have enjoyed a great time here.

"I'm sure that they will understand the motives behind my decision if I leave."

Hulk, who is contracted to Porto until 2016, added: "The club and its fans will forever have a place in my heart.

"I can only thank them for all the affection they've shown me."

Hulk would fill the void left in Chelsea's squad by Champions League hero Didier Drogba, while Hazard would take the place of Salomon Kalou, who is out of contract this summer.

It is almost a week since Hazard announced he had decided to join the Blues, who reportedly beat off competition from both Manchester United and Manchester City by offering the 21-year-old a reported £170,000-a-week, five-year contract.

Chelsea also look certain to attempt to sign a new right-back after allowing Jose Bosingwa to leave, with Ajax star Gregory van der Wiel having long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he would be tempted by an offer from the European champions, the Holland international told Sky Sports News: "Yeah, of course. It would be a beautiful club (to join).

"I watch a lot of football - English football, Spanish football - and they did not have the best season but still won the Champions League and that was a great performance."

Van der Wiel insisted he had yet to hear of a firm offer for his services.

He said: "I didn't hear anything from my manager, so they're just rumours, I think, and we will see in the future what comes."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17739/chelsea_close_in_on_signings

Barca continue Alba chase

Valencia are resigned to losing Jordi Alba as Barcelona continue to chase the impressive left back, according to reports.

Despite initially being determined to hold onto the 23-year-old, Valencia have now supposedly accepted the player’s departure is inevitable.

Valencia sporting director Braulio Vazquez said he was aware Barcelona were eager to sign Alba.

“I suppose Barcelona want him because he’s Catalan and plays on the left wing,” he told Radio Galega.

“We are obviously talking about an excellent player, and it’s only normal that Barcelona are keen to sign him.”

Alba has a contract with Mauricio Pellegrino’s side until 2013, but they are ready to see him leave for a fee in the region of 15 million euros.

Barca have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the defender, but are yet to table an official offer.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/barca-continue-alba-chase/95578/

Report: Clarets accept Jay bid World Soccer Shop

Burnley have accepted a bid in the region of £7million from Southampton for striker Jay Rodriguez, according to various reports.

Rodriguez: Could be on his way to Saints

Nigel Adkins' Premier League newcomers had an offer rejected for the 22-year-old 12 months ago but are understood to have come closest to matching the Clarets' £8million valuation.

Rodriguez enjoyed a blistering campaign last term, netting 21 goals despite having his contribution limited from early March by hip and groin problems.

The former England Under-21 international is currently out of the country and is yet to meet with Saints officials to discuss personal terms.

Should the deal go through, it is set to surpass the £6.5million recouped by Burnley for the sale of Scotland striker Steve Fletcher to Wolves two years ago.

Burnley declined to comment on the story when contacted.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17362/report__clarets_accept_jay_bid

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/

Swans buck Rodgers' Reds link World Soccer Shop

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins says reports that Brendan Rodgers will meet Liverpool to talk about the vacancy at Anfield are "pure speculation".

Rodgers: Swans claim talk is 'pure speculation'

Although Rodgers had previously stated his intention to remain with the Swans, having already turned down the chance to speak with Liverpool, it appears the Reds have not given up on the hope of talking to the Northern Irishman.

Reports have suggested the Reds are set to contact him this week but Jenkins told BBC Sport that was just "pure speculation".

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17300/swans_buck_rodgers__reds_link

Bhoys open talks with Hooper World Soccer Shop

Celtic have opened talks over an improved contract for Gary Hooper, amid reports that Southampton are keen to bring him to the Premier League.

Hooper: In talks over new deal

Manager Neil Lennon revealed Celtic had begun moves to keep hold of the 24-year-old Englishman, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League newcomers after hitting 29 goals last season.

Lennon told STV: "We had a preliminary meeting with his agent last week and it was very cordial.

"It went very well and we made it clear that we want Gary to stay.

"Gary likes it here and he's happy here. He's had such a good season and he's such a good player that no doubt there'll be clubs in for him, but we'll try and resist all offers that come our way."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16935/bhoys_open_talks_with_hooper

Toffees 'sweet on Richardson' World Soccer Shop

Everton have enquired with Sunderland about the possibility of signing Kieran Richardson this summer, according to reports on Tuesday.

Richardson: Attracting interest from Everton

The 27-year-old had been a loan target for Arsenal in January but Arsene Wenger's attempt to lure the versatile midfielder was blocked.

West Ham are also set to enter the race for Richardson but it is Toffees chief David Moyes who has made the first contact about the midfielder who has 12 months to run on his contract.

Moyes is a long-time admirer of the England international and believes his ability to play in a number of positions will make him a valuable addition to the first-team squad.

Richardson is keen to embark on a new challenge and would welcome the chance to play for a club that regularly challenges for the European football places.

The former Manchester United starlet, who has eight caps for England, has not given up hope of playing for his country again having memorably scored a brace on his debut against the United States in 2005.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16926/toffees__sweet_on_richardson