International friendly preview: France v Estonia

France will complete their Euro 2012 preparations with a friendly game against Estonia in Le Mans on Tuesday.

Should France avoid defeat at the MMArena, as is widely expected, they will head into the European Championships unbeaten in 21 matches.

Laurent Blanc’s side have won 14 of their last 20 games, overcoming the likes of England, Brazil and Germany in the process.

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Chelsea’s Florent Malouda scored inside the opening 16 minutes as France outclassed Serbia 2-0 in their most recent outing last week.

Blanc, who is leading France into a major tournament for the first time, is likely to persist with Ribery, Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema up front against Estonia.

“We’re looking for perfection, but that doesn’t exist,” Blanc told TF1.

“We were in better physical shape (against Serbia), but we’re not yet ready.

“We knew the three attackers – Ribery, Nasri and Benzema – had the technical and the individual quality, but they had to prove they could play together.

“They showed they can. They showed the right attitude and I hope it continues.

“Physically, we’ll be in even better condition against Estonia in our third and final preparation match.”

France face England, Sweden and hosts Ukraine in Group D at Euro 2012, with their opening match against Roy Hodgson’s men in Donetsk on June 11.

Estonia, 54th in the FIFA rankings, head to Le Mans on the back of outings against Finland and Lithuania in the biannual Baltic Cup last weekend.

Tarmo Ruutli’s men were defeated 2-1 by Finland on Friday before overcoming Lithuania 1-0 on Sunday.

Striker Vladimir Voskoboinikov, who netted in the win over Lithuania, is likely to be a threat, but France should be too strong as they look to continue their excellent run of form.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendly-preview-france-v-estonia/95884/

Maduro agrees to Sevilla switch

Sevilla have announced that Hedwiges Maduro will complete a transfer from Valencia on Tuesday, subject to a medical.

The Netherlands international has agreed to ply his trade at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan until 2015 after agreeing terms La Liga club.

Maduro explained that he had been offered the opportunity to extend his stay at Mestalla but was ultimately persuaded to move to Sevilla by coach Michel.

“I am, of course, very happy with my new club,” the 27-year-old Dutchman told Voetbal International.

“I could have signed for another two years at Valencia, but my feelings told me that I should not do so. And (Michel) even came to Amsterdam especially for me. That says a lot.”

Maduro, who has been capped 18 times by his country, joined Valencia from Ajax in 2008 but featured only sporadically for the club last season.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/maduro-agrees-to-sevilla-switch/95863/

Final warm-ups for Euro 2012 trio World Soccer Shop

Ukraine meet Turkey in a Euro 2012 warm-up match in Ingolstadt on Tuesday, France host Estonia in Le Mans and Sweden face Serbia in Stockholm.

Shevchenko: Gearing up for Euro 2012

Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko believes the national team can go all the way to the final of Euro 2012 as they prepare for their last game before the tournament kicks off.

The 35-year-old has 107 international caps and is arguably the most well-known Ukrainian footballer of all time.

The final of the European Championships will be held at Kiev's Olympic Stadium on July 1, and Shevchenko reckons Oleh Blokhin's side can get there.

"If we show our quality and have a bit of luck, we can reach the final," he said. "I understand that will be extremely difficult, but you only get one chance to make history."

The former AC Milan and Chelsea forward revealed the thought of participating in a major European competition on home soil has kept him playing for longer than he expected - even if he now knows his own limitations.

He said: "For the last five years, I've hardly thought about anything but the European Championships that will be held in my country. It's fair to say this has extended my career. It's my dream.

"I need more time for rehabilitation. That's natural. If I'm not completely fit, I don't want to play and let down the fans. I want to do what's best for the side."

Turkey v Ukraine kicks off at 7pm BST at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt.

France face Estonia in their final match before they open their tournament against England next Monday, but former Les Bleus star Christophe Dugarry believes manager and former team-mate Laurent Blanc has his work cut out to achieve success in Poland and Ukraine.

"Today picking the France team is still very complicated," the Euro 2000 winner told L'Equipe. "When you see who is absent, the players who had an average season and those few who have had a good season and are 100% mentally and physically - if there are 10, that is the maximum.

"Laurent Blanc, is a coach, not a magician - he does what he can."

Kick-off at the MMArena in Le Mans is at 8pm BST.

Meanwhile, France's Group D opponents Sweden host Serbia in their final warm-up game and head coach Erik Hamren has claimed a number of his squad are struggling with fatigue.

"Swedish football should stop and think if what they are doing is the right thing," he said.

"And if this is the way you want to run things, then you are giving your players very little chance to win. This, for me as national-team coach, is unacceptable."

Sweden's national league runs between March and November and therefore will take a break for the duration of the Championships.

Their talismanic captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed winning the tournament would eclipse anything he achieves with club side AC Milan.

He said: "For me, perhaps, winning the European Championship would be of more value than all the titles I have won to date."

"Winning with one's own country is special. It is an honour to play for one's national team. It would be fantastic to win with this shirt and then return home to celebrate with the fans."

Kick-off at the Rasunda Stadium is at 6pm BST.

Elsewhere, Austria host Romania and Kazakhstan travel to Armenia.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17758/final_warm_ups_for_euro_2012_trio

Five-star Republic sink Tuscan XI World Soccer Shop

Discarded defender Kevin Foley played 45 minutes of the Republic of Ireland's 5-0 friendly win against a Tuscan XI on Tuesday night.

Keane: Made it 2-0

Just hours after being told he would not be going to Euro 2012 the Wolves defender was introduced as a half-time substitute in the victory over a Serie C and D representative side put together by Giovanni Trapattoni's former players, Ennio Pellegrini and Aldo Firicano.

Skipper Robbie Keane's first-half double either side of Simon Cox's strike eased the Republic out of sight by the break, and substitutes Shane Long and Jon Walters struck after it to complete the scoring on a night when the result was largely immaterial.

Foley's participation came after he had been told he was being left out of the final 23 for Poland and Ukraine despite clearly being fit with Paul McShane, who joined up last week as defensive cover, getting the nod instead.

The game, the proceeds from which were being donated to charity in memory of the late Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini, kicked off after the two teams observed a minute's silent in memory of the victims of Tuesday morning's earthquake, tremors from which were felt on Montecatini, at the Stadio Menali.

Keane set the ball rolling when he capitalised on an error by central defender Federico Settepassi to smash home a rising 18th-minute drive, and he might have made it 2-0 three minutes later after Corrado Colombo, his former Inter Milan team-mate, had hit the post at the other end, but miskicked in front of goal.

James McClean saw a 24th-minute shot beaten away by Francesco Gaffino, who produced a fine save to keep out Cox's effort from Stephen Hunt's cross, only for the striker to fire home the rebound.

Keane did help himself to a second goal after a slick build-up between Paul Green and Cox 14 minutes before the break.

Keane, McClean, Richard Dunne and Keiren Westwood made way at half-time for Long, Walters, Foley and David Forde, and the West Brom frontman hit the bar within three minutes of his arrival.

Forde had to get down well to keep out a 54th-minute strike from Gianluca Bugelli, but Long made it 4-0 after beating the offside trap 10 minutes later.

Green smashed a long-range 80th-minute shot wide after exchanging passes with Long, but Walters completed the scoring four minutes later after Foley's free-kick had been parried by substitute goalkeeper Tomasso Strambi.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17405/five_star_republic_sink_tuscan_xi

Trani delighted as Reds march on

Adelaide United assistant coach Luciano Trani could not hide his delight on Tuesday night.

A Jon McKain first half goal and a series of match-winning saves from captain and goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic secured Adelaide’s progress to the final eight of the AFC Champions League for the second time in four years with a 1-0 victory over Nagoya Grampus.

Galekovic thwarted the visitors’ attack with an array of near-impossible stops, including a speculative diving one-handed effort to deny Nagoya and Socceroo target man Josh Kennedy.

McKain’s effort to force a loose ball in from point-blank range in the 40th minute after Reds defender Iain Fyfe’s set-piece header had ensured a goalmouth scramble was enough to set up a two-legged quarter-final on September 19 and October 2-3 with a yet-to-be announced opponent.

Trani said the feeling following the win was ‘indescribable’ and would be a moment to savour for a long time as the Reds get set for a five week break before returning to prepare for the business end of the ACL and the 2012-13 A-League season.

‘What this win means for the club is indescribable really. It’s something we are very proud of,” Trani said.

“This particular tournament required high standards of performances, we have achieved that, got into the quarter-finals and can now enjoy this moment.

“We have some time from (now to) when we do play the quarter-finals to prepare, but it will give us the extra motivation through pre-season to able to continue on the success of the team and move forward for the forthcoming (A-League) season.

“Our players have become smarter and wiser for the experience in Asia, and we going to be a lot better for it.”

Trani gave honourable mentions to goalscorer McKain and his defensive partner Nigel Boogaard but reserved special praise for Galekovic.

“Eugene’s performance was outstanding alongside our two centre-back defenders in Nigel Boogaard and Jon McKain through their ability to read the situation,” Trani said.

“But Eugene obviously gave a match-winning performance.”

Nagoya coach Dragan Stojkovic also paid testament to Galekovic’s ‘match-winning performance’ but bemoaned his side’s inability to find the back of the net.

“Galekovic was absolutely fantastic today, the most valuable player and hero of the game – his saves were incredible,” Stojkovic said.

“We tried really hard to play good football and to get a result, but obviously we were not good enough up front.

“We didn’t use our chances and paid the price for not scoring goals, and the now the ACL is finished for us.

“We must find a solution as we turn our focus to the J.League.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/trani-delighted-as-reds-march-on/95474/

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

Loew names final Euro squad

Coach Joachim Loew has announced his final Germany squad for Euro 2012.

Loew has made four cuts, trimming his initial 27-man squad to 23 ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Julian Draxler, who made their debuts in Saturday’s 5-3 loss to Switzerland, have been cut, along with midfielder Sven Bender and striker Cacau.

The cuts mean that Manuel Neuer, Tim Wiese and Ron-Robert Zieler will be Loew’s goalkeepers, while only one Bender twin (Lars) will be available for selection.

Cacau’s omission leaves Loew with only Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez as established strikers, with Marco Reus an option.

Germany kick-off their Euro 2012 campaign on June 9, against Portugal.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover).

Defenders: Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng (both Bayern Munich), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Marcel Schmelzer (Dortmund).

Midfielders: Lars Bender (Leverkusen), Mario Gotze, Ilkay Gundogan (both Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich).

Strikers: Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller (both Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Lukas Podolski (Koln), Marco Reus (Monchengladbach), Andre Schurrle (Leverkusen).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/loew-names-final-euro-squad/95410/

Whelan: Martinez must hurry up World Soccer Shop

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan wants a decision on Roberto Martinez's future by Thursday as Liverpool continue to deliberate over managers.

Martinez: Speaking with Liverpool on Tuesday

Martinez is due to have further talks with the Merseyside club's owners on Tuesday, but Whelan is trying to force the issue by bringing forward the date he wants a decision from his manager.

Last week, Whelan said he would give the Spaniard until June 5 to make up his mind, with the Spaniard returning from his holidays on Tuesday. However, Whelan has now said he wants to know by this Thursday what Martinez's plans are.

"Roberto has told me he is speaking with Liverpool again on Tuesday," Whelan told ESPN.

"I have now made it clear that I want this sorted out by Thursday at the latest as we have to get on preparing for next season."

Doubts remain as to whether Martinez wants to work under a sporting director in a new set-up at Anfield, and it had been suggested at the weekend that the 38-year-old would hold a press conference on Tuesday to reveal his plans but the idea that will happen has been dismissed by Wigan.

Whelan, who confirmed Liverpool's approach almost a fortnight ago and then, last Thursday, said Martinez had met with Reds' principal owner John Henry, is keen to push the process along quickly, Fenway Sports Group are not.

That is why Martinez may not be able to meet Whelan's Thursday deadline as Liverpool's American owners are still keen to speak to other potential candidates.

Reports emerged suggesting they were keen to speak to Swansea's Brendan Rodgers despite him turning down their initial approach two weeks ago and it is believed Henry and Liverpool chairman Tom Werner may be travelling to England this week to finalise the selection process.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins dismissed those claims as "pure speculation" but the club were moved to issue a statement re-iterating their - and Rodgers' - position.

"We would like to clarify the speculation in the press surrounding our manager Brendan Rodgers," it said.

"We would like to confirm that there has been no contact from Liverpool and nothing has changed since our previous statement on the issue."

Ten days ago, the south Wales club confirmed they had received an official approach from Liverpool to speak to Rodgers but that it had been turned down by their manager.

"The club is pleased to confirm that Brendan has declined the current opportunity to speak to the Anfield club about the vacant position," said their initial statement.

"The Swansea manager is currently working hard to strengthen the squad in readiness for the new Barclays Premier League campaign."

Whelan, however, has used the speculation surrounding Rodgers' potential re-involvement in the process to criticise Liverpool's handling of their recruitment.

"If it is true that Liverpool want to speak with Brendan Rodgers it proves they don't know who they want as manager," added the Latics chairman, who insists he wants to keep Martinez at the DW Stadium but will not stand in the way of him leaving for a bigger club.

"I hope they choose Brendan Rodgers."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17314/whelan__martinez_must_hurry_up

Azzurri try to focus on friendly World Soccer Shop

Italy host Luxembourg in a Euro 2012 warm-up friendly match in Parma on Tuesday night with the country gripped by a new match-fixing scandal.

Albertini: Addresses press on Monday

Police showed up at Italy's training ground in Coverciano on Monday morning to question Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito, who is under investigation for alleged match-fixing and sport fraud.

In mid-afternoon, the former Genoa star was among six players to be cut by Italy.

"These are things that we would not like to have had to go through," Italy football federation vice-president Demetrio Albertini said. "You can understand the bitterness in the changing room.

"The players were shocked by what has happened.

"Criscito has received a lot of support from his national team-mates considering the terrible time he is going through."

Albertini believes the latest scandal, which has seen former Italy international and current Lazio captain Stefano Mauri arrested on Monday as part of the investigation, will not hinder the Azzurri.

Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite the huge distraction of a match-fixing scandal.

"I am not worried about the European Championship," Albertini said. "I wasn't before and I am not now.

"I already went through the one of 2006.

"I only hope that it brings good luck just as it did back then.

"We have a solid squad made of genuine people.

"I know the players will be able to manage situation as this one."

Coach Cesare Prandelli, who will name his final Euro 2012 squad on Tuesday, is set to hand AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano a place in the starting XI against Luxembourg at the Ennio Tardini stadium.

Cassano will lead Italy's attack alongside Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli has returned to the squad after being left out of a friendly against the United States in February as punishment for a four-game suspension for violent conduct while on club duty.

Rivals Luxembourg travel to Italy looking to pick up where they left off in their 2-1 friendly triumph over FYR Macedonia back in February.

Elvesberg striker Maurice Deville, who struck twice in that game, will make his third appearance for his country.

Luc Holtz is set to hand midfielder Rene Peters his 87th cap to equal Carlo Weis' record of most appearances for the national team.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17313/azzurri_try_to_focus_on_friendly

Prandelli reduces squad by seven

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has cut seven players from his provisional Euro 2012 squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Luxembourg.

It had been announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Monday that Zenit left-back Domenico Criscito would not be travelling to Poland and Ukraine after his room had been searched by police that morning as part of the investigation into the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal.

Prandelli subsequently confirmed Criscito’s defensive colleagues Davide Astori and Salvatore Bocchetti had also been axed, though for football reasons.

Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has also missed out, with Prandelli naming Morgan De Sanctis and Salvatore Sirigu to provide cover for captain Gianluigi Buffon.

In midfield, Atalanta duo Luca Cigarini and Ezequiel Schelotto have both been axed, as has Pescara starlet Marco Verratti, whose inclusion in the provisional panel had been something of a surprise.

Prandelli has not dropped any strikers, seemingly increasing the likelihood that he will retain all six of the forwards he named in his original 32-strong list when he announces his final squad on Tuesday.

Italy’s 25-man squad: Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini (all Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter).

Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Emanuele Giaccherini, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus).

Strikers: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Fabio Borini (Roma), Antonio Cassano (AC Milan), Mattia Destro (Siena), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-reduces-squad-by-seven/95403/

Sepahan claim bragging rights in Iran

Sepahan coach Zlatko Kranjcar was proud of his players after eliminating compatriots Esteghlal from the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Sepahan won 2-0 in their all-Iranian Round of 16 clash in Isfahan thanks to first-half goals from Bruno Cesar and Mohsen Bengar as the Blues again disappointed in Asia.

“We proved that we are the best team in Iran,” Kranjcar said.

“As well as proving that we were the dominant and better side, we also showed that we can play good football against a strong team like Esteghlal.

“I congratulate the players and our supporters for the win, and I am confident that we can get this team to an even higher level.

“We may not have played nicely in some of our recent games but we have the ability to improve day by day. Today we played good tactical football and followed all of our plans for the game.”

Meanwhile, defeated Esteghlal boss Parviz Mazloumi admitted his side failed to perform.

“The game was not in our favour and we didn’t play well,” he said.

“We had planned to control the game in the first half but their early goal unbalanced our plans. We didn’t create goalscoring opportunities.

“Sepahan were rewarded for their strong effort and determination. Their players ran a lot and all of their tactical plans were well performed.

“We didn’t have anything to lose in the second half that’s why I added more forwards, but Sepahan played well and achieved what they had wanted.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/sepahan-claim-bragging-rights-in-iran/95121/

AFC Champions League wrap: Al Ahli, Sepahan progress

Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Sepahan of Iran advanced to the last eight of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Al Ahli eliminated the United Arab Emirates’ Al Jazira 4-2 on penalties in Abu Dhabi while Sepahan accounted for Esteghlal 2-0 in an all-Iranian affair.

Ricardo Oliveira scored on 114 minutes to give Al Jazira a 3-2 lead in extra-time before Victor Simoes hit a stunning equaliser two minutes from time.

Simoes then struck the winning spot-kick to condemn Al Jazira to their first loss in Asia’s premier club competition this season.

Al Jazira had dropped just two points in the group stage with former AC Milan and Valencia striker Oliveira the top scorer in the tournament.

The visiting Al Ahli, who recently won Saudi Arabia’s Kings Cup, took the lead midway through the first half as Marcelo Camacho capitalised on some poor defending to rifle a finish into the top corner.

However, the home side replied soon after through Oliveira, who levelled with an acrobatic header.

Al Jazira went ahead just after the hour when Argentine Matias Delgado flicked in a cross before Amad Al Hosni responded with a deft chip on 75 minutes to force extra time.

Oliveira grabbed his 12th goal of the tournament but had little time to celebrate as Simoes smashed in a long-range equaliser to force a penalty shootout.

Newly-crowned Iranian champions Sepahan clinched their spot in the quarter-finals for a second consecutive season courtesy of goals from Bruno Correa and Mohsen Bengar.

Albanian striker Xhevahir Sukaj was outstanding for the home side, who grabbed the lead through Correa after eight minutes.

Central defender Bengar doubled the advantage in the 35th minute as Sepahan controlled possession in front of a capacity Foolad Shahr Stadium crowd.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/afc-champions-league-wrap-al-ahli-sepahan-progress/95105/

Successful knee surgery for Wilshere

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere had surgery on his left knee in Sweden on Tuesday, with the club confirming the operation was a success.

The 20-year-old will return to England to continue his rehabilitation with the

English Premier League side, and is expected to be training before the start of

next season.

Wilshere established himself as a key member of Arsene Wenger’s side during the

2010/11 campaign, scoring three times in 49 appearances.

However, he missed the whole of the following season with an injury to his

right ankle and suffered a number of setbacks.

Wilshere’s chances of featuring in England’s Euro 2012 squad or Team GB’s

Olympic squad were dashed by his injury setbacks.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/successful-knee-surgery-for-wilshere/95104/

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

Mourinho extends Real Madrid stay

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until 2016, it was announced on Tuesday.

Mourinho’s previous agreement was due to expire in 2014, and the Portuguese tactician has ended speculation about his future by inking a two-year extension.

A statement from the club read: “Real Madrid CF and Jose Mourinho have reached an agreement to extend the latter’s contract with the club until 30 June 2016.”

Mourinho joined Madrid from Inter Milan in 2010, guiding the La Liga giants to Copa del Rey glory in his first season in charge.

The former Porto and Chelsea coach steered Madrid to their first league title since 2007/08 this term as they collected a record-breaking 100 points from 38 games to dethrone rivals Barcelona.

Mourinho is the first coach in history to win league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/mourinho-extends-real-madrid-stay/95092/