More stories

  • in

    Sami Khedira eyes Prem transfer and admits he’s in touch with Tottenham and Everton bosses Mourinho and Ancelotti

    SAMI KHEDIRA revealed he is contact with Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti as he admitted the Premier League is ‘an option’.
    The midfielder looks set to leave Juventus next summer after falling out of favour under the management of Andrea Pirlo.

    Sami Khedira has won five Serie A titles since he arrived at Juventus Credit: Getty – Contributor

    The 33-year-old has not made a single appearance for the Italian giants this season after being frozen out of the squad.
    But he has been in touch with Tottenham boss Mourinho and Everton manager Ancelotti – who both managed him at Real Madrid.
    Khedira told German TV channel ZDF: “When I leave, I want the Juve fans to remember me as a great player.
    “The current situation is not because of Andrea Pirlo, and I am not angry about it.

    “I understand the way he wants to play football.
    “A January exit will certainly not happen. I aim to respect my contract to the summer of 2021.
    “If the opportunity arises, the Premier League could be an option. I am a big fan of the Premier League.
    “There is dialogue with Ancelotti and Mourinho, as we never really lost contact after our time together at Real Madrid.”

    Jose Mourinho worked with Sami Khedira at the Bernabeu Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    It has been reported that the Toffees are leading the race for Khedira’s signature.
    But a number of other clubs including Manchester United and West Ham are said to be monitoring his situation in Turin.
    Speaking about his ties to Mourinho and Ancelotti, Khedira told told Sky Germany: “I really enjoyed working with Jose Mourinho but there are many coaches who I would like to work with.
    “I would never say no again to Mourinho but he is not the only guy who I would say I would like to work with again.
    “There are many coaches, even in the Premier League that I respect a lot.

    Carlo Ancelotti’s side are seventh in the Premier League table this seasonCredit: EPA
    “Ancelotti is doing a great job at the moment and is a great personality. He is one of the coaches who impressed me as well.”
    The midfielder has helped Juve to win five Serie A titles since he arrived in 2015 from Real Madrid.
    As well as enjoying an illustrious club career, Khedira was part of the Germany team that won the World Cup in 2014.

    Sami Khedira’s incredible career

    Here’s what the midfielder has won throughout his career so far…

    World Cup – 2014
    Champions League – 2013-14
    Spanish Cup – 2010-11, 2013-14
    Spanish Super Cup – 2012-13
    Bundesliga – 2006-07
    Serie A – 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20
    Italian Cup – 2015-16, 2016-27, 2017-18
    Italian Super Cup – 2018-19
    Fifa Club World Cup – 2014, 2015

    Sami Khedira shows off his goal scoring skills in Juventus training More

  • in

    Georgina Rodriguez sets pulses racing with cheeky twerking video as Cristiano Ronaldo misses Juventus’ draw at Benevento

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ has yet again treated her fans to a saucy upload after sharing a clip of herself twerking.
    The 26-year-old – who recently posed in a skimpy one-piece on board her and boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo’s yacht – shared the clip to her 21.9 Instagram followers.

    Georgina Rodriguez uploaded a video of her twerking much to the delight of her Instagram followers

    Spanish model Rodriguez regularly treats her fans to saucy snaps of herself

    Dressed in a red sports bra and matching sweatpants, the Spanish model told her followers of a sale clothing brand Aloyoga are having.
    She said: “@aloyogo NEVER has a sale and everything sitewide is now 20% off!!!”
    Rodriguez’s post – released on Saturday – has incredibly been watched over almost five million times already.
    Commenting on the upload, one user quipped: “I’m glad that I lived to see this.”

    Another messaged: “Now I understand why CR7 is the best in the world.”
    A third added: “Ronaldo is the GOAT.”
    One simply stated: “Lucky Cristiano.”
    However Ronaldo’s Juventus side wasn’t lucky on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Benevento.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was rested for the clash ahead of the Old Lady’s Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday.
    Juventus now languish in fifth spot following the draw, as they sit three points behind AC Milan who have a game in hand.
    Boss Andrea Pirlo has defended his decision not to include Ronaldo in the squad that faced Benevento.
    He told Sky Italia: “He had a slight problem midweek and wanted to play in the Champions League anyway.
    “After international duty, it was natural he’d need some rest. Ronaldo is an added value, but we must try to play our game even in his absence.
    “It happens when you have a lot of players on international duty and also play the Champions League. We’re hardly the only club in this situation.”

    Georgina Rodriguez stays fit in home gym workout as she posts loved-up snap of her and Cristiano Ronaldo More

  • in

    Lautaro Martinez demands Inter Milan QUADRUPLE his wages to £150k-a-week as Man City eye record £98m transfer

    INTER MILAN will have to quadruple Lautaro Martinez’s wages to kill off interest from Manchester City.
    The crack Argentine striker is on Pep Guardiola’s hit list as he seeks a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero, despite a £98million release clause.

    Lautaro Martinez wants Inter Milan hike his wages if they want to keep himCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    He still has three years on his contract, yet Inter want to tie him to two more on top – and have already offered to double his £38,000-a-week salary.
    But Martinez, 23, wants over four times his current terms before he will commit to staying at the San Siro.
    And Guardiola is keeping a close eye on the situation, as he has been tracking the highly-rated hitman for the best part of a year.
    Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keen, yet will struggle to outbid City in the present climate.

    Talks between Martinez and Inter have so far hit a stalemate, but further meetings are planned over the next month.
    Although the forward, who averages better than a goal every other start for Inter, is happy at the club, he is unhappy at being one of the lower paid senior stars at Milan.
    Martinez is ironically now Argentina’s spearhead striker – ahead of Aguero – with 11 goals in 21 internationals.
    Now he could find himself doing the same at the Etihad, even though City’s all-time leading scorer has been told he will get an extension beyond next summer if his fitness holds up.

    Martinez is a target for Manchester City despite his £98million price tagCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Martinez has been in fine form for Inter so far this term netting five goals in nine Serie A appearances. 
    And the striker’s team, who are second behind rivals AC Milan, will take on Bologna in Italy’s top tier.
    Their tenth Serie A game will follow after their Champions League clash with Monchengladbach.

    Christian Eriksen shows off his goal scoring skills in Inter Milan training More

  • in

    Georgina Rodriguez sets pulses racing with cheeky twerking clip as Cristiano Ronaldo misses Juventus’ draw at Benevento

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ has yet again treated her fans to a saucy upload after sharing a clip of herself twerking.
    The 26-year-old – who recently posed in a skimpy one-piece on board her and boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo’s yacht – shared the clip to her 21.9 Instagram followers.

    Georgina Rodriguez uploaded a video of her twerking much to the delight of her Instagram followers

    Spanish model Rodriguez regularly treats her fans to saucy snaps of herself

    Dressed in a red sports bra and matching sweatpants, the Spanish model told her followers of a sale clothing brand Aloyoga are having.
    She said: “@aloyogo NEVER has a sale and everything sitewide is now 20% off!!!”
    Rodriguez’s post – released on Saturday – has incredibly been watched over almost five million times already.
    Commenting on the upload, one user quipped: “I’m glad that I lived to see this.”

    Another messaged: “Now I understand why CR7 is the best in the world.”
    A third added: “Ronaldo is the GOAT.”
    One simply stated: “Lucky Cristiano.”
    However Ronaldo’s Juventus side wasn’t lucky on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Benevento.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was rested for the clash ahead of the Old Lady’s Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday.
    Juventus now languish in fifth spot following the draw, as they sit three points behind AC Milan who have a game in hand.
    Boss Andrea Pirlo has defended his decision not to include Ronaldo in the squad that faced Benevento.
    He told Sky Italia: “He had a slight problem midweek and wanted to play in the Champions League anyway.
    “After international duty, it was natural he’d need some rest. Ronaldo is an added value, but we must try to play our game even in his absence.
    “It happens when you have a lot of players on international duty and also play the Champions League. We’re hardly the only club in this situation.”

    Georgina Rodriguez stays fit in home gym workout as she posts loved-up snap of her and Cristiano Ronaldo More

  • in

    Benevento 1 Juventus 1 LIVE REACTION: Alvaro Morata’s early goal cancelled out by equaliser – latest updates

    JUVENTUS drew 1-1 with Benevento and missed the chance to close the gap on AC Milan at the top of Serie A.
    Score: Benevento 1-1 Juventus
    TV/Live stream: LiveScore
    Benevento XI: Montipo, Letizia, Gilk, Caldirola, Barba, Hetemaj, Schiattarella, Improta, Ionita, Caprari, Lapadula
    Juventus XI: Szczesny, Frabotta, De Ligt, Danilo, Cuadrado, Athur, Rabiot, Chiesa, Ramsey, Dybala, Morata
    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

    THAT’S ALL FROM BENEVENTO
    Juventus struggled without Cristiano Ronaldo against Filippo Inzaghi’s minnows Benevento.
    The hosts’ spirited performance led to a famous point at the Ciro Vigorito.
    Alvaro Morata put the visitors in front with a beautiful finish following a brilliant assist by Federico Chiesa.
    But Gaetano Letizia equalised with a wonderful finish just before half-time.
    Juventus weren’t clinical in the second half and will have to show more in the next few weeks if they wish to avoid a tough title defence.

    INZ-TANT SUCCESS
    Benevento manager Filippo Inzaghi is pleased with the result as well as his players’ performance against his former club.
    Inzaghi even believes his team deserved more and would be worthy winners against Juventus.
    He said: “In a year and a half they have given me things that I have no more words for.
    “Today I put [Riccardo] Improta, a striker, as a full-back. This tells you the spirit, the desire.
    ” I think that even if we were better at restarting we could have won it. . It’s a business, I’m happy for them.
    “They deserve to live these evenings “.

    FT: BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    Juventus have picked their fifth Serie A draw of the season and dropped to fifth place behind AC Milan, Inter Milan, Sassulo and Roma.
    A marvellous result for Filippo Inzaghi’s Benevento, which put together a spirited performance against a depleted Juve.

    FT: BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    A depleted Juventus drop some important points at Benevento with a 1-1 draw.
    Juve opened the scoring with Alvaro Morata following a marvellous cross by Federico Chiesa after 21 minutes.
    But a vibrant Benevento managed to equalise just before half-time with Gaetano Letizia.
    Juventus failed to inspire dominance in the second half and saw Morata getting sent off at the end.
    One must wonder whether Andrea Pirlo is willing to rest Cristiano Ronaldo against Dynamo Kiev next week

    FULL TIME
    And the referee blows for full-time!

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    90+7. And it’s a red card for Alvaro Morata at the closing stages of the match!
    Juventus have failed to score a winner and are dropping points at Benevento as the referee is getting ready to blow his whistle one last time

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    90+5. Riccardo Improta becomes the fourth player to be booked following a hard challenge.
    Tensions are running high, will Juventus or Benevento manage to score the winner?

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    90+5. Gianluca Frabotta comes close for Juventus shortly after Dejan Kulusevski.
    Frabotta gets the ball in the centre of the box but his shot is once against saved by Lorenzo Montipo.
    Juve are pushing for a late goal!

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    90+2. Dejan Kulusevski’s shot is saved by Lorenzo Montipo as we come close to full time.
    Kulusevski fires the ball from outside the box in what seems like an easy save for Montipo.

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    90. Referee gives six minutes of stoppage time following seven substitutions.
    Plenty of time for Juventus to pick up a late winner, just like they did against Ferencvaros.
    But plenty of time for Benevento to steal one…

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    89. Juventus are besting Benevento in every way possible on the pitch.
    Juve dominate possession, shots, passes, accuracy and aerial duels.
    But the visitors have been unable to produce enough, Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence is very evident.
    Will Andrea Pirlo also rest him against Dynamo Kiev after today’s performance?

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    86. Benevento’s Federico Barba is the next to see a yellow card following a bad foul.
    The hosts continue to press and find spaces to shock Juventus and pick up a famous point.

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    86. So close for Juventus!
    Juve find themselves just a whisker away from scoring the winner with Paulo Dybala.
    Federico Bernardeschi runs from the left and produces a beautiful pass that finds Dybala.
    The Argentine’s shot is then barely saved by Lorenzo Montipo who keeps Benevento alive

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    84. Benevento miss another chance!
    Benevento move the ball with such ease in Juventus’ half and Roberto Insigne finds Marco Sau.
    Sau shoots immediately with plenty of space at his disposal but Matthijs de Ligt blocks it.
    The hosts are still finding plenty of space

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    82. Pasqualle Schiattarella follows suit following Juan Cuadrado’s booking.
    Schiattarella also sees yellow after a hard challenge on Paulo Dybala with his elbow.
    Dybala claims his opponent’s elbow was too high when he hit him in the face.
    Referee shows him a yellow card and the midfielder is set to miss the next game.

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    80. Juan Cuadrado is booked with a yellow card following a small altercation with Gaetano Letizia.
    Frustrations are starting to run high as both teams are looking for an opening to win the game.
    10 minutes to go

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    78. Juventus are struggling to find their footing on the pitch.
    Even Wojciech Szczesny challenges his luck with a clumsy dribble at the back that almost saw him losing the ball.
    Juve haven’t managed to be creative enough on the pitch and are making it easy for Benevento, who would be happy with a draw

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    74. Juventus have had 12 shots, three on target, throughout today’s outing.
    However, Juve haven’t been able to be clinical enough against Benevento, whose primary goal is to avoid relegation this season.
    Can we see something different as we approach full-time?

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    72. Benevento manager Filippo Inzaghi shakes things up with a triple substitution.
    Andres Tello replaces Artur Ionita because of an injury he suffered earlier on.
    Alessandro Tuia takes Gianluca Caprari’s place and Marco Sau replaces Gianluca Lapadula

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    69. Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo opts for another substitution as he brings Federico Bernardeschi into the fold.
    Bernardeschi replaces the impressive Federico Chiesa, whose incredible cross led to the visitors’ first goal.
    Can Bernardeschi make the difference?

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    66. Juventus barely hold on to possession but there are gaps within the lines which allow Benevento to push forward.
    That is why Andrea Pirlo opted for Arthur and Aaron Ramsey to come off but Juve will still have to do better.
    As time goes by Benevento’s confidence rises.

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    62. Andrea Pirlo makes a double substitution for Juventus, who are pushing for a second goal.
    Rodrigo Bentancur replaces Arthur and Dejan Kulusevski takes Aaron Ramsey’s place.
    Arthur and Ramsey haven’t managed to leave their mark throughout the match.

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    61. Alvaro Morata comes close to a second goal but his right-footed shot doesn’t hit the mark.
    Morata picked up a pass by Aaron Ramsey just outside the box but his shot goes out for a goal kick

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    58. Benevento’s Christian Maggio picks up the first yellow card of the match following a poor challenge on Alvaro Morata.
    Maggio then is immediately substituted for Roberto Insigne.
    Reminding that Maggio came in during the first half to replace the injured captain Luca Caldirola

    BENEVENTO 1-1 JUVENTUS
    54. A sense of urgency emerges from the Juventus camp as the fans need a second goal in the second half to climb up the Serie A table.
    Juve have struggled to dominate much of the game without their star man Cristiano Ronaldo, who is being rested.
    The Italian champions are also missing key defenders and thus Benevento are able to create chances.

    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Chelsea keeping tabs on Napoli financial problems with Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens eyed in cheap transfers

    CHELSEA reportedly have their eye on Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens with Napoli reportedly facing a cashflow crisis. 
    Italian football journalist Ciro Venerato claims staff and players at the Naples giants have not received any pay since July. 

    Dries Mertens and Kalidou Koulibaly are both linked with a move to ChelseaCredit: AFP or licensors

    Gennaro Gattuso’s side, who are currently sixth in Serie A, are among the division’s teams whose finances have taken a hit following the Covid crisis. 
    And earlier this year it is thought the Napoli boss took a wage reduction in order to help Napoli save the jobs of club staff.
    Football.London believes Napoli, who will play Roma on Sunday, could look to shift some players off their wage bill, should Venerato’s claims prove true. 

    Kalidou Koulibaly (right) is also thought to be a target for Manchester and LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And it is thought Chelsea, who strengthened their backline with the summer signing of veteran Thiago Silva, could consider a swoop for Koulibaly – if Napoli are open to a cut-price sale. 

    Koulibaly, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Prem champions Liverpool, was reportedly a top target for Frank Lampard’s side with the player valued around £63million. 
    And club director Marina Granovskaia reportedly made previous contact with the defender’s agent over a possible summer switch.
    The Serie A star, 29, is widely seen as one of Europe’s best central defenders. 
    With Silva turning 37 next year, the Blues could look to revive their interest in the Senegal international. 

    Reports suggest Chelsea, who face Tottenham next in the league, could also be in the market for an older winger as back up to their promising young attackers. 
    It is thought Mertens, 33,  who has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven Serie A games this term, could fit the bill following Pedro’s and Willian’s departures.
    The club came close to adding Belgium ace Mertens to their ranks in the summer until the winger reportedly decided to turn his back on a move.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

    Chelsea fans in hysterics as Joe Cole tells Frank Lampard to give players a ‘smacked bum’ at half-time vs Rennes More

  • in

    Juventus vs Benevento paused after 10 minutes to pay tribute to Serie A icon Diego Maradona with minute’s applause

    JUVENTUS and Benevento players paused after ten minutes of their Serie A clash to pay tribute to Diego Maradona.
    The Argentina legend, who led Napoli to two Scudetti during a prestigious career, died on Tuesday from heart failure.

    Juventus and Benevento players paused to honour the life of Diego MaradonaCredit: AFP

    The teams applauded the Argentine’s achievements in the first-half of Saturday’s gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Ahead of Saturday night’s Serie A clash, both teams took part in a minute’s silence in honour of the icon.
    And, ten minutes into the game, they applauded the career of a superstar who wore the No10 shirt.
    A graphic in the blue of Napoli was overlaid onto the empty Stadio Ciro Vigorito stands, featuring the phrase ‘AD10S DIEGO’.
    Juventus went toe-to-toe with Maradona throughout his seven years in Italy.

    It was the Bianconeri who finished just three points behind the midfielder’s Napoli in 1987 as he led the Partenopei to their first-ever Serie A title.
    On Wednesday, Juventus posted a clip of Maradona scoring a stunning indirect free-kick against them.

    Football fans worldwide have come together to commemorate the life of the special talent, who died at the age of 60.
    Emotional scenes in Buenos Aires saw thousands of well-wishers line the streets ahead of Maradona’s funeral on Friday.

    On Saturday, Juve missed the chance to make up serious ground on leaders AC Milan with a 1-1 draw at Benevento.
    Alvaro Morata put Andrea Pirlo’s side ahead before a Gaetano Letizia leveller in first-half stoppage time.

    Before the game, both teams held a moment’s silence for the legendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for the trip to Campania after his boss described the veteran winger as ‘tired’.
    Morata was sent off late on and the defending champions sit fifth in Serie A, three points back from Milan ahead of their encounter with Fiorentina.
    Since Pirlo took over, Juventus have drawn five of their nine league games – but remain undefeated.

    Napoli fans bid farewell to Diego Maradona with incredible ‘train’ of fire as they light flares in honour of their greatest ever player More

  • in

    Christian Eriksen will ask to leave Inter Milan in January if he’s still frozen out, admits Serie A club chief

    INTER MILAN admit Christian Eriksen is “almost sure” to ask for a January transfer unless he regains his place.
    The Italian giants reportedly offered the Denmark midfielder to Arsenal but are said to value him at £27million, £10m more than they paid Tottenham for the 28-year-old 11 months ago.

    Prem clubs have reportedly been alerted to the availability of ex-Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen, who could be heading out of Inter Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Christian Eriksen only came on for the last five minutes as Inter Milan won 3-0 at Sassuolo in Serie A on Saturday afternoonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And Inter CEO Beppe Marotta gave a stark assessment of Eriksen’s situation under manager Antonio Conte.
    Marotta told Sky Sports Italia: “If he’ll not play until January, it’s almost sure that he’ll ask to leave the club.
    “We decided to sign him one year ago for €20m. It was a good deal – possible he’s not fit with our way of playing.”
    “The important term is ‘functional’. Football is full of these situations, where players are signed who are then not functional to the tactical system or team that they’re placed into.

    “Naturally the coach has to make his evaluations and has the right to choose his players.
    “If we reach January and the player does not play regularly, and asks to be sold, we will deal with the situation… without the slightest bit of controversy.
    “Naturally, we always try to improve and make the most of opportunities on the transfer market.

    “But the problem is finding players who fit the team and genuinely would improve us.”

    Ex-Ajax hero Eriksen has yet to notch a goal or assist for Inter this term and was just an 85th-minute sub in Saturday’s 3-0 Serie A win at Sassuolo.
    But the title challengers would still expect a sizeable fee for the 103-cap star as he arrived in January on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

    Christian Eriksen shows off his goal scoring skills in Inter Milan training More