Serie A

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer target Douglas Costa available for just £18m after Juventus boss Pirlo tells him he’s not in his plans

      by

      MANCHESTER United target Douglas Costa is available for just £18million, according to reports.
      The injury-plagued Brazilian spent much of last season on the treatment table and managed just three goals in 29 appearances.

      1

      Juventus are reportedly willing to sell Douglas Costa for a cut-price £18m which could alert Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      With two years left on his current deal at Juventus, new boss Andrea Pirlo has told the winger he is not part of his plans.
      And Tuttosport report that Manchester United remain interested in Costa.
      The 29-year-old was bought by Juve for around £36m in 2018 and was the subject of interest from United last year, with reports of an offer of around £54m.
      But the Old Lady rebuffed the Red Devils’ approach, believing he could kick on to become an integral part of the side for many years.

      However, his constant injury problems and the fresh approach from Pirlo mean he could be sold on the cheap instead.
      And that could spell good news for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      The Old Trafford boss still has Jadon Sancho as his No1 transfer target as he looks to bring in a new winger.

      There was even a suggestion Costa and Alex Sandro could be used as makeweights in a deal for Paul Pogba to return to Juventus.
      As well as Costa, though, United have identified Bournemouth star David Brooks as another alternative if they cannot land Sancho.
      However, Barcelona duo Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati look to be off the cards.

      David Brooks transfer will cost £40million as Solskjaer identifies Jadon Sancho alternative More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      South Korea’s investigation into Cristiano Ronaldo ‘no show’ in Juventus friendly put on hold as police await data

      by

      AN INVESTIGATION into Cristiano Ronaldo’s failure to play in a friendly in South Korea last year has been put on hold.
      South Korean officials began to look into allegations of fraud after complaints over Juventus’ decision not to play the winger against K-League All Stars.

      2

      Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench for the July 2019 as the sides drew 3-3Credit: AFP or licensors

      2

      Thousands of fans turned out in the South Korean capital just to see the superstar strikerCredit: AFP or licensors
      It is alleged that the promoter behind the match, The Fasta Inc, had obliged the Serie A giants to play Ronaldo for at least 45 minutes
      Instead, the veteran star sat out the entirety of the pre-season fixture on Juve’s tour of Asia in July 2019.
      A muscle injury was blamed at the time with Ronaldo subjected to chants of “Messi, Messi” from furious local fans.
      The Portuguese forward also suffered an online backlash, as well as the anger of the 65,000 paying fans in Seoul.

      A lawsuit and criminal investigation were launched before prosecutors had to shelve their inquiries.
      According to KBS, Seoul officials announced on Thursday the pause is down to a request to Italian authorities for corresponding data on the episode.
      GOING NOWHERE FASTA
      The investigation into both Juventus and The Fasta is on hold until the Italian data, reportedly requested earlier in the year, arrives.
      Kick-off in the ill-fated friendly was also delayed by an hour and fans have been awarded compensation for the no-show.

      Two South Korean fans were each paid £237 after a district court in Incheon deemed they had suffered “mental anguish” from the saga.
      Several other attendees are said to have pushed ahead with court action, with Myungan attorney Kim Hun-ki telling AFP that as many as 2,000 fans had been in contact with him after the friendly.

      I spoke to Andrea Agnelli and Ronaldo before the game and we concluded that it’d be best to rest him.
      Maurizio Sarri

      Kim said: “Many purchased tickets to see Ronaldo. The Fasta publicised that the company had a deal with Juventus which stipulated Ronaldo would play for at least 45 minutes and that Ronaldo would hold a fan signing event.
      “Normally in such cases the plaintiffs will be refunded the price of the tickets, but I put this under a special case since the company, through false advertising, took advantage of the football star’s fans.”
      The Fasta CEO Robin Chang declared at the time that she had complained to Juve chief Pavel Nedved, with then-coach Maurizio Sarri admitting the decision to rest Ronaldo was taken pre-game.

      She said: “When I went to argue with Nedved, the vice president of Juventus, all he said was ‘I also wish Ronaldo ran, but he doesn’t want to. Sorry, there’s nothing I can do’. I was so frustrated.”
      Sarri said: “I spoke to Andrea Agnelli and Ronaldo before the game and we concluded that it’d be best to rest him.”
      The Fasta are also reportedly in hot water over overseas gambling companies advertisements displayed during the game, contrary to local law.

      Cristiano Ronaldo no longer ‘untouchable’ at Juventus and could be sold for £54m with Paris Saint-Germain considering shock transfer More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Felipe Anderson seeking transfer away from West Ham after being sidelined by David Moyes

      by

      FELIPE ANDERSON is considering his future at West Ham over fears that he is going to be sidelined by David Moyes.
      The £41million Brazilian winger has barely featured since Moyes replaced Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium in December.

      1

      Felipe Anderson is considering his West Ham future
      And he is open to the possibility of a return to former club Lazio if he is not going to figure in the manager’s plans for the new season.
      Lazio are in the market for a new playmaker after David Silva changed his mind about joining them in favour of a move to Real Sociedad this week.
      But the Italians do not want to repay more than half of the fee they received from West Ham when Anderson moved to the London Stadium in what was then a club record deal in July 2018.

      And West Ham are in no position to take a major hit on the 27-year-old forward who still has two years to run on his contract.

      Anderson became an instant fans’ favourite after signing for Pellegrini, scoring ten goals in his debut season and helping the club to a top ten finish.

      But he lost his way last term, scoring just once and only starting four League games under Moyes as West Ham struggled to avoid relegation.
      He was not helped by a persistent hamstring injury but even when he was fit and available generally found himself playing second fiddle to Michael Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals.
      Now Moyes is open to his departure at the right price, with clubs in Italy, France and Spain all being made aware of his availability.

      David Silva wears Real Sociedad shirt for first time More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Five Man Utd ‘rejects’ play in Champions League and Europa finals this week… SunSport looks at the ones who got away

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED do not feature in a Euro final this weekend — but some of their old boys do. 
      Here SunSport explores the ones who got away from Old Trafford to make  a name elsewhere.

      12

      Former Manchester United pair Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young at Inter Milan

      12

      PSG’s Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera are former United players
      ANDER HERRERA
      United wrestled Herrera out of Athletic Bilbao for £28.8million in 2014.
      A five-year stint saw him scoop the club’s Player of the Year  in 2016-17, the same season they won the League Cup and the Europa League — where he was also man of the match in the final.
      But the summer 2017 arrival of Nemanja Matic meant fewer starts and  Herrera, now 31, joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free in July 2019.

      12

      United wrestled Herrera out of Athletic Bilbao for £28.8million in 2014Credit: Getty Images

      12

      Herrera joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free in July 2019Credit: Getty Images
      ANGEL DI MARIA
      Much was expected when Louis van Gaal paid Real Madrid £59.7m for the Argie star in 2014. 

      It started well, scoring a few goals early on — including a superb chip in a 5-3 loss at Leicester.
      He struggled to settle in the North West and his early form fell away, with one goal in the second half of the season — at Yeovil in the FA Cup.
      That July he did not board United’s pre-season flight to the US and joined PSG days later. 

      12

      Much was expected when Louis van Gaal paid Real Madrid £59.7m for Di Maria in 2014Credit: Getty Images

      12

      In July 2015 Di Maria did not board United’s pre-season flight to the US and joined PSG days laterCredit: Getty Images
      ROMELU LUKAKU
      United sprang a surprise in summer 2017 when they pipped Chelsea to the £75m signing of Lukaku from Everton. 
      Ten goals in his first nine games broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record. 
      The Belgian went on to rack up 27 overall  in his first season  but after Jose Mourinho’s axe in December 2018 he never really won over Ole  Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Lukaku, 27, joined Inter Milan for £73m last summer and has scored 33 goals for them so far.

      12

      United sprang a surprise in summer 2017 when they pipped Chelsea to the £75m signing of Lukaku from EvertonCredit: Getty Images

      12

      Lukaku joined Inter Milan for £73m last  summer and has scored 33 goals for them so farCredit: Getty Images
      ASHLEY YOUNG
      Joined from Aston Villa for a fee of around £16m in 2011.
      He was one of Alex Ferguson’s last buys, playing his part in his last title win in 2013 and converting to a left-back along the way. 
      Inter came in last  January and, after more than eight years  and 260-plus appearances, the club let him go.
      Young, 35, has four goals and four assists for the Italians.

      12

      Young spent more than eight years  and made 260-plus appearances for United Credit: Getty Images

      12

      Inter came in last January and signed Young Credit: Getty Images

      ALEXIS SANCHEZ
      The Old Trafford club  signed the striker  in January 2018, giving him the No 7 shirt and wages around   £500,000   per   week. 
      Yet boss Jose Mourinho struggled to get a tune out of him and it was no better with Ole.
      He scored just three Premier League goals before leaving for Inter on loan last August and completing a permanent deal this month.

      12

      Alexis Sanchez scored just three Premier League goals before  leaving for Inter on loanCredit: Getty Images

      12

      Sanchez completed a permanent deal this month

      Man Utd wage bill revealed with Dean Henderson set to take home same amount as Bruno Fernandes after new contract More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez could link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus after Barcelona put him on transfer list

      by

      LUIS SUAREZ could link up with Cristiano Ronaldo as Juventus are reportedly interested in signing him.
      The Catalans are planning a major overhaul after their humiliating Champions League exit and the Uruguayan is one of the stars they would be happy to let go.

      2

      Juventus are interested in signing Luis Suarez from Barcelona

      2

      He could link up with Juve superstar Cristiano Ronaldo if he makes the move
      The 33-year-old has one season left on his contract but has a clause which automatically triggers a year extension if he plays 60 per cent of Barca’s games next campaign.
      But Juventus are planning on moving for him this summer, according to Italian outlet TuttoMercato.
      Ex-Arsenal star Marc Overmars is also said to be working hard to bring Suarez back to his old club Ajax.

      And David Beckham’s Inter Miami have also been linked.

      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Keep an eye on Luis Suarez situation.
      “He has not been mentioned by the president Bartomeu between the ‘untouchables’ and Barça would be ready to sell him if they’ll receive an ‘important bid’.”
      Despite the interest, Suarez wants to stay at the Nou Camp for another year, according to Ovacion.
      Barca were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich last Friday night as they crashed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

      Quique Setien was sacked and has already been replaced with Ronald Koeman.
      And Lionel Messi reportedly demanded a transfer away from Barcelona this summer.
      A mass exodus is now planned after the rout highlighted deep rooted issues at the Nou Camp.
      It is said the Barca hierarchy consider Inter star Lautaro Martinez as a suitable replacement to Suarez – and he would also be cheaper.
      Only seven “untouchables” are said to be safe from the planned cull this summer.
      Messi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet, Nelson Semedo, Frenkie De Jong, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele are not for sale.

      While future talents Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig are also said to be off limits to other clubs.
      Club legend Gerard Pique has offered to leave for the good of the club.
      Suarez finished the 2019/20 campaign with 21 goals and 12 assists in 36 games in all competitions.

      PSG boss Tuchel rows with RB Leipzig coach after ‘f***ing pussy’ jibe during Champions League clash More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal outcast Sokratis wanted in Roma transfer as Italians look at alternatives to Man Utd defender Chris Smalling

      by

      ROMA are considering a move for Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, according to reports.
      Italian media have named the Greek defender as a possible alternative to Chris Smalling, who remains the Serie A side’s primary target this summer.

      2

      Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been stuck on the Arsenal bench under Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      2

      Chris Smalling is wanted for a permanent stay in the Italian capitalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Stumping up the £20million fee for Manchester United loanee Smalling is proving tough for Roma, requiring them to look elsewhere.
      And the Giallorossi are drawn to Sokratis, according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness.
      Mikel Arteta has dropped the Greek centre-back down his pecking order since arriving in North London.
      Sokratis has been afforded just one Premier League start under the coach, as a makeshift right-back in the March victory over West Ham.

      And, at 32 with just a year left on his contract, a sale may be tempting for Arsenal.
      Recently purchased by American billionaire Daniel Friedkin, Roma are still thought to be pushing for United man Smalling.

      The 30-year-old starred in a loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico this season and reportedly wants to remain in Italy.
      Inter Milan and Newcastle are also understood to be monitoring his situation.

      But, a surprise reprieve at Old Trafford is not off the table with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talking up the Englishman’s “value” to United earlier in the summer.

      The manager stated: “I think Chris has shown over his Manchester United career how valuable he is at Manchester United.
      “This season was about him being a regular and going to Roma and showing how good a centre-back he is, I wanted to give Harry [Maguire], Victor [Lindelof] and maybe Axel [Tuanzebe] a chance.
      “It was best for him to go and play for a year in Roma and he has shown he will be valuable, I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout. I’ve been delighted with his season.”

      Chris Smalling says he has no regrets about joining Roma More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City set to land Kalidou Koulibaly after ‘launching £63m transfer bid’ as Napoli line up Arsenal target Gabriel

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly closing in on the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for £63million.
      And it has been claimed that the Serie A side are now desperate to land Lille centre-back Gabriel Magelhaes to replace Koulibaly.

      2

      Napoli centre-back is believed to be close to joining Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Napoli have had a £22m bid accepted from the Ligue 1 outfit for the Brazilian, with the player to now decide between joining them or Arsenal.

      The Italian side are desperate to cash in on Koulibaly, despite the 29-year-old having three years left to run on his contract.
      This is because they need to offload the Senegal international before they can press ahead with closing the deal for Gabriel.
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via CalcioNapoli24, Koulibaly’s time in Naples has come to an end after six years.

      They state that a £63m fee is close to being agreed after Napoli lowered their demands.
      It has been reported that an agreement could even materialise on Wednesday.
      News of Koulibaly’s imminent arrival at the Etihad will be alarming for Gunners supporters as they hoped to seal a swift move for Gabriel.

      2

      Napoli are keen to sign Lille defender Gabriel Magelhaes to replace Koulibaly

      But Sky Sport Italia journalist Mario Giunta has revealed that Arsenal remain in pole position to land him.

      He tweeted: “Gabriel situation: Napoli have asked the player to wait a few more days to see if he can close Koulibaly at City.
      “But the defender is pressing hard on Arsenal as they advance to seek a total settlement. At the moment the Gunners seem to be ahead.”

      Real Sociedad announce shock David Silva signing with odd mannequin reveal video More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo spent quarantine at Madeira villa with rooftop pool and ocean view as coronavirus hit Juventus squad

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO holed up in a luxury villa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean during the coronavirus lockdown.
      The star’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez offered glimpses of the stunning Madeira hideaway where they are sat out the coronavirus pandemic.

      6

      Ronaldo’s amazing apartment in Madeira has a rooftop poolCredit: Instagram @georginagio

      6

      Ocean views can be seen through the windows as he waits out the coronavirusCredit: Instagram @georginagio

      6

      Ronaldo was with his two sisters and brother after his mother Dolores Aveiro recently suffered a strokeCredit: Instagram @katiaaveirooficial
      Cristiano’s Juventus teammate Daniele Rugani, who the 35-year-old shared a dressing room with when his team beat Inter Milan 2-0 behind closed doors, was the first to test positive for coronavirus.
      The Serie A side confirmed it subsequently “activated all the isolation procedures required by law, including those who have had contact with him”.
      But it was then revealed on March 17 that another team-mate – Blaise Matuidi – had also tested positive for coronavirus.
      That forced Juve to confirm that the former Real Madrid striker had stayed put and not returned to Italy, adding: “Cristiano Ronaldo has not trained and remains in Madeira awaiting developments with the current health crisis.”

      Cristiano was thought to be staying on the top two floors of the seven-storey house he purchased recently in Funchal.
      His mum Dolores Aveiro, who was in hospital after a stroke as the pandemic began, and brother Hugo reportedly lived on the lower floors.

      6

      Ronaldo with his young familyCredit: Instagram @Cristiano

      6

      Girlfriend Georgina posted the snaps of the villa to her millions of followersCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Georgina posted a stunning picture of the rooftop pool after jetting to Madeira, showing Ronaldo’s eldest son Cristiano Jr looking out to sea.
      And she later posted a new photo showing the couple’s daughter Alana relaxing on a sofa by a window offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

      She wrote alongside the photo: “After mummy told her off, she punished me with her little face of an angry doll.”
      Ronaldo was seen out and about since arriving in Madeira – before his team-mate tested positive for coronavirus.

      The winger then enjoyed a trip to the Madeira Botanical Garden in the capital Funchal with his family.
      He also visited his mum in hospital, although he is said to have worn protective clothes including gloves and a face mask when allowed into her room at Dr Nelio Mendonca Hospital.
      His sister Katia, who travelled back from Brazil to be by her mum’s side after she suffered a stroke, also posted a picture of her with Cristiano and their siblings Elma and Hugo.
      She did not identify the place where the picture was taken.

      6

      Ronaldo flew back to Madeira to visit his mother after she suffered a strokeCredit: Reuters

      Watch as Cristiano Ronaldo air-fives no one amid coronavirus fears ahead of Serie A clash vs Inter Milan More