On Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain recorded their third-straight pre-season victory and their second of the International Champions Cup as they beat Real Madrid 3-1 in Colombus, Ohio.

Unai Emery’s men were impressive, especially during the first half, scoring all three goals before the 41st minute and ruling out any chance of a comeback from the Spanish side.

Emery told the press after the game:

We are very happy about the results. Even if that’s not the most important thing, but it’s very good for team confidence. I’m happy from a tactical point of view, because the players followed my instructions. They’re following on from what we’re practicing in training and that’s a good thing. Those who have played in matches so far have done a good job.

On the face of it, the result is another step in the right direction for the Spanish coach. His defence coped well with the early injury to Thiago Silva, young players like Lorenzo Callegari and Jonathan Ikone continued to impress and he has three full-backs taking part in some sort of best-goal competition.

The opening goal came from Ikone, and you have to praise the youngster. He may have had the rub of the green as the ball seemed to be destined for his right foot after a couple of ricochets, but when he was clear on goal, he showed great composure to put his side 1-0 up.

However, there is a worry. Something that could put a huge question mark over PSG’s season is the continued poor form of Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan striker started in the No. 9 role he has craved since joining the Parisian club. One of four changes Emery made from the win over Inter Milan. Hatem Ben Arfa dropped to the bench, and Ikone and Lucas Moura were positioned either side of Cavani.

Three main chances stood out in what was a forgettable performance from the former Napoli forward. Following on from his poor return at the Copa America, it must be a great concern for the new boss.

New signing Thomas Meunier would come on for Silva, and it was his good ball from the right that set up Cavani’s first chance. El Matador had done well to get in front of his marker, but for some reason, he decided to try to take the chance with the outside of his left boot—letting the ball come across his body—rather than taking it with his more natural right.

It takes skill to make the right contact with your right foot in that position, but there is a higher possibility you will find the angle to test the goalkeeper.

In the second half, there was a delightful ball over the top by Angel Di Maria, but Cavani’s touch/shot lacked conviction and belief. He failed to make enough contact and it was an easy ball for Kiko Casilla.

His best chance came later in the second half, Meunier again was the creator. His bursting run down the right made space for the forward, the Belgian full-back played the square ball across and Cavani smashed his shot wide of the near post.

His effort was full of power and menace, just like it has been time and again, but it lacked accuracy. He cut the figure of a frustrated player, and that was evident in his effort and his overall performance.

It leaves Emery with a dilemma. PSG need someone that can lead this attack, and right now, Cavani looks like a liability. Yes, he will score goals in Ligue 1, there is no doubt about that. He will be given enough chances on goal to put two or three away.

The problem comes, as it always has, when he is called upon in the Champions League. Opportunities are at a premium, and if you are wasting them, your team will be punished.

PSG could jump into the market, spend a ridiculous amount of money on a centre-forward and relegate Cavani to the bench, but that feels like the wrong move. What the Uruguayan needs is competition. A threat, someone who is going to make him play better, knowing that his place is under fire but not that he is confined to the bench.

Cavani needs someone who is on equal ground with him and someone he can play beside, if Emery’s tactics allow for it. Ben Arfa played as the No. 9 against Inter, but that’s not the answer the club are looking for.

It could be someone like Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, who has previously been linked with a move to Paris by the Guardian, or Alexandre Lacazette, who was recently the subject of a €35 million bid by Arsenal. Someone like that, who knows the league inside-out, wants to excel in Europe and can also play in a two-man attack, would be ideal.

Lyon may be unwilling to do business with their league rivals, and just like in Italy and Germany, it would take away a huge spark of competition in the division, but that’s not PSG’s problem. They want a squad that can lift the Champions League, or at least challenge for a place in the last four.

Right now, they have Cavani up front and only Jean-Kevin Augustin—despite his potential, as previously discussed in this column—as back-up. PSG are a long way from being once again regarded as one of Europe’s best sides.

PSG need to open the bank account and do everything they can to add competition to the forward line and give Cavani a real threat of not playing. Without that, they will lift the Ligue 1 title but will be found short when it comes to the Champions League.

Elsewhere, Emery would have been delighted by Meunier‘s debut. He was a constant threat down the right-flank, provided some excellent balls into the box and scored an outstanding goal.

It wasn’t just the left-foot shot from outside the box that impressed, but his reading of the game, to come inside and intercept some slack Real play, was excellent; it was made even better by his sweet strike.

“I had a good start to my match when I came on and I’m very happy to have scored two goals,” a happy Meunier told the PSG website after the game. “But I know we can still do better defensively. We controlled the game in the second half, we stayed in our positions and they weren’t able to create many chances. It was a very serious performance from us.”

His two goals, added to a double from Serge Aurier and Layvin Kurzawa’s free-kick, means that full-backs have scored five of PSG’s six goals during the International Champions Cup. Perhaps Emery should dump Cavani and go with an attack full of defenders.

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On Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain recorded their third-straight pre-season victory and their second of the International Champions Cup as they beat Real Madrid 3-1 in Colombus, Ohio.

Unai Emery’s men were impressive, especially during the first half, scoring all three goals before the 41st minute and ruling out any chance of a comeback from the Spanish side.

Emery told the press after the game:

We are very happy about the results. Even if that’s not the most important thing, but it’s very good for team confidence. I’m happy from a tactical point of view, because the players followed my instructions. They’re following on from what we’re practicing in training and that’s a good thing. Those who have played in matches so far have done a good job.

On the face of it, the result is another step in the right direction for the Spanish coach. His defence coped well with the early injury to Thiago Silva, young players like Lorenzo Callegari and Jonathan Ikone continued to impress and he has three full-backs taking part in some sort of best-goal competition.

The opening goal came from Ikone, and you have to praise the youngster. He may have had the rub of the green as the ball seemed to be destined for his right foot after a couple of ricochets, but when he was clear on goal, he showed great composure to put his side 1-0 up.

However, there is a worry. Something that could put a huge question mark over PSG’s season is the continued poor form of Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan striker started in the No. 9 role he has craved since joining the Parisian club. One of four changes Emery made from the win over Inter Milan. Hatem Ben Arfa dropped to the bench, and Ikone and Lucas Moura were positioned either side of Cavani.

Three main chances stood out in what was a forgettable performance from the former Napoli forward. Following on from his poor return at the Copa America, it must be a great concern for the new boss.

New signing Thomas Meunier would come on for Silva, and it was his good ball from the right that set up Cavani’s first chance. El Matador had done well to get in front of his marker, but for some reason, he decided to try to take the chance with the outside of his left boot—letting the ball come across his body—rather than taking it with his more natural right.

It takes skill to make the right contact with your right foot in that position, but there is a higher possibility you will find the angle to test the goalkeeper.

In the second half, there was a delightful ball over the top by Angel Di Maria, but Cavani’s touch/shot lacked conviction and belief. He failed to make enough contact and it was an easy ball for Kiko Casilla.

His best chance came later in the second half, Meunier again was the creator. His bursting run down the right made space for the forward, the Belgian full-back played the square ball across and Cavani smashed his shot wide of the near post.

His effort was full of power and menace, just like it has been time and again, but it lacked accuracy. He cut the figure of a frustrated player, and that was evident in his effort and his overall performance.

It leaves Emery with a dilemma. PSG need someone that can lead this attack, and right now, Cavani looks like a liability. Yes, he will score goals in Ligue 1, there is no doubt about that. He will be given enough chances on goal to put two or three away.

The problem comes, as it always has, when he is called upon in the Champions League. Opportunities are at a premium, and if you are wasting them, your team will be punished.

PSG could jump into the market, spend a ridiculous amount of money on a centre-forward and relegate Cavani to the bench, but that feels like the wrong move. What the Uruguayan needs is competition. A threat, someone who is going to make him play better, knowing that his place is under fire but not that he is confined to the bench.

Cavani needs someone who is on equal ground with him and someone he can play beside, if Emery’s tactics allow for it. Ben Arfa played as the No. 9 against Inter, but that’s not the answer the club are looking for.

It could be someone like Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, who has previously been linked with a move to Paris by the Guardian, or Alexandre Lacazette, who was recently the subject of a €35 million bid by Arsenal. Someone like that, who knows the league inside-out, wants to excel in Europe and can also play in a two-man attack, would be ideal.

Lyon may be unwilling to do business with their league rivals, and just like in Italy and Germany, it would take away a huge spark of competition in the division, but that’s not PSG’s problem. They want a squad that can lift the Champions League, or at least challenge for a place in the last four.

Right now, they have Cavani up front and only Jean-Kevin Augustin—despite his potential, as previously discussed in this column—as back-up. PSG are a long way from being once again regarded as one of Europe’s best sides.

PSG need to open the bank account and do everything they can to add competition to the forward line and give Cavani a real threat of not playing. Without that, they will lift the Ligue 1 title but will be found short when it comes to the Champions League.

Elsewhere, Emery would have been delighted by Meunier‘s debut. He was a constant threat down the right-flank, provided some excellent balls into the box and scored an outstanding goal.

It wasn’t just the left-foot shot from outside the box that impressed, but his reading of the game, to come inside and intercept some slack Real play, was excellent; it was made even better by his sweet strike.

“I had a good start to my match when I came on and I’m very happy to have scored two goals,” a happy Meunier told the PSG website after the game. “But I know we can still do better defensively. We controlled the game in the second half, we stayed in our positions and they weren’t able to create many chances. It was a very serious performance from us.”

His two goals, added to a double from Serge Aurier and Layvin Kurzawa’s free-kick, means that full-backs have scored five of PSG’s six goals during the International Champions Cup. Perhaps Emery should dump Cavani and go with an attack full of defenders.

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

On Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain recorded their third-straight pre-season victory and their second of the International Champions Cup as they beat Real Madrid 3-1 in Colombus, Ohio.

Unai Emery’s men were impressive, especially during the first half, scoring all three goals before the 41st minute and ruling out any chance of a comeback from the Spanish side.

Emery told the press after the game:

We are very happy about the results. Even if that’s not the most important thing, but it’s very good for team confidence. I’m happy from a tactical point of view, because the players followed my instructions. They’re following on from what we’re practicing in training and that’s a good thing. Those who have played in matches so far have done a good job.

On the face of it, the result is another step in the right direction for the Spanish coach. His defence coped well with the early injury to Thiago Silva, young players like Lorenzo Callegari and Jonathan Ikone continued to impress and he has three full-backs taking part in some sort of best-goal competition.

The opening goal came from Ikone, and you have to praise the youngster. He may have had the rub of the green as the ball seemed to be destined for his right foot after a couple of ricochets, but when he was clear on goal, he showed great composure to put his side 1-0 up.

However, there is a worry. Something that could put a huge question mark over PSG’s season is the continued poor form of Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan striker started in the No. 9 role he has craved since joining the Parisian club. One of four changes Emery made from the win over Inter Milan. Hatem Ben Arfa dropped to the bench, and Ikone and Lucas Moura were positioned either side of Cavani.

Three main chances stood out in what was a forgettable performance from the former Napoli forward. Following on from his poor return at the Copa America, it must be a great concern for the new boss.

New signing Thomas Meunier would come on for Silva, and it was his good ball from the right that set up Cavani’s first chance. El Matador had done well to get in front of his marker, but for some reason, he decided to try to take the chance with the outside of his left boot—letting the ball come across his body—rather than taking it with his more natural right.

It takes skill to make the right contact with your right foot in that position, but there is a higher possibility you will find the angle to test the goalkeeper.

In the second half, there was a delightful ball over the top by Angel Di Maria, but Cavani’s touch/shot lacked conviction and belief. He failed to make enough contact and it was an easy ball for Kiko Casilla.

His best chance came later in the second half, Meunier again was the creator. His bursting run down the right made space for the forward, the Belgian full-back played the square ball across and Cavani smashed his shot wide of the near post.

His effort was full of power and menace, just like it has been time and again, but it lacked accuracy. He cut the figure of a frustrated player, and that was evident in his effort and his overall performance.

It leaves Emery with a dilemma. PSG need someone that can lead this attack, and right now, Cavani looks like a liability. Yes, he will score goals in Ligue 1, there is no doubt about that. He will be given enough chances on goal to put two or three away.

The problem comes, as it always has, when he is called upon in the Champions League. Opportunities are at a premium, and if you are wasting them, your team will be punished.

PSG could jump into the market, spend a ridiculous amount of money on a centre-forward and relegate Cavani to the bench, but that feels like the wrong move. What the Uruguayan needs is competition. A threat, someone who is going to make him play better, knowing that his place is under fire but not that he is confined to the bench.

Cavani needs someone who is on equal ground with him and someone he can play beside, if Emery’s tactics allow for it. Ben Arfa played as the No. 9 against Inter, but that’s not the answer the club are looking for.

It could be someone like Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, who has previously been linked with a move to Paris by the Guardian, or Alexandre Lacazette, who was recently the subject of a €35 million bid by Arsenal. Someone like that, who knows the league inside-out, wants to excel in Europe and can also play in a two-man attack, would be ideal.

Lyon may be unwilling to do business with their league rivals, and just like in Italy and Germany, it would take away a huge spark of competition in the division, but that’s not PSG’s problem. They want a squad that can lift the Champions League, or at least challenge for a place in the last four.

Right now, they have Cavani up front and only Jean-Kevin Augustin—despite his potential, as previously discussed in this column—as back-up. PSG are a long way from being once again regarded as one of Europe’s best sides.

PSG need to open the bank account and do everything they can to add competition to the forward line and give Cavani a real threat of not playing. Without that, they will lift the Ligue 1 title but will be found short when it comes to the Champions League.

Elsewhere, Emery would have been delighted by Meunier‘s debut. He was a constant threat down the right-flank, provided some excellent balls into the box and scored an outstanding goal.

It wasn’t just the left-foot shot from outside the box that impressed, but his reading of the game, to come inside and intercept some slack Real play, was excellent; it was made even better by his sweet strike.

“I had a good start to my match when I came on and I’m very happy to have scored two goals,” a happy Meunier told the PSG website after the game. “But I know we can still do better defensively. We controlled the game in the second half, we stayed in our positions and they weren’t able to create many chances. It was a very serious performance from us.”

His two goals, added to a double from Serge Aurier and Layvin Kurzawa’s free-kick, means that full-backs have scored five of PSG’s six goals during the International Champions Cup. Perhaps Emery should dump Cavani and go with an attack full of defenders.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that the Reds may not make any more summer signings during the transfer window but hinted that there could still be some departures from Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit have been busy in the window so far, signing Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan while selling the likes of Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel, Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith.

Ahead of his first full season in charge at Liverpool, Klopp was evasive when asked whether more players would be brought in, but he did suggest that it was more likely the squad would be trimmed further, per ESPN FC:

If I had to guess I would say rather no, but I don’t know actually because it’s a long time until the 31st of August and I have no idea [if more signings will be made]. [The] 31st of August we have a few friendlies of course and few test games and then we have, one, two, maybe three—I’m not sure—Premier League games.

So we will see. We will see how the players react on my decisions again because we will have more players than 11 for sure, and then you have to accept a few decisions and you have to take it as an opportunity.

To develop a team never ends so, you have only result, result, result, but then you will have to again decide. That’s how it is. So we will see. I don’t think we’ll have a lot. But of course everyone knows about it maybe on the outgoing side will happen a little bit … yeah I have no idea in the moment. 

It was always expected that Klopp would make a major overhaul of his squad during the summer given that the group he worked with in the 2015-16 season he largely inherited from predecessor Brendan Rodgers.

The defence was a key area of concern last term but the signings of goalkeeper Karius and centre-backs Matip and Klavan have gone a long way to solving the problems in the back line.

The German’s squad is far from perfect, though, and there remain concerns at left-back and in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

The latest reports indicate that Liverpool are still trying to bolster their engine room but have had a bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon midfielder and Portuguese Euro 2016-winner Joao Mario.

Per Portuguese outlet Record (via Richard Amofa in the Telegraph), Kia Joorabchian, Mario’s agent, revealed that a number of bids have been turned down by Sporting for the 23-year-old, including one from Liverpool:

A European champion must be rewarded. From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club.

Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids. 

Meanwhile, it seems the Reds are also still trying to address their full-back issues, with L’Equipe reporting the Merseyside outfit are interested in Lyon defender Jordy Gaspar, via Amofa.

Per French football writer Andrew Gibney, were Liverpool to snap up Gaspar, 19, they would hardly be signing a proven player, although he is versatile:

Arguably what Liverpool need is an experienced left-back who can be relied upon defensively, as Alberto Moreno is somewhat inconsistent in the position.

However, Klopp’s comments suggest he currently has no firm targets in mind, and he may even take on the 2016-17 season with the squad he already has.   

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that the Reds may not make any more summer signings during the transfer window but hinted that there could still be some departures from Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit have been busy in the window so far, signing Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan while selling the likes of Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel, Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith.

Ahead of his first full season in charge at Liverpool, Klopp was evasive when asked whether more players would be brought in, but he did suggest that it was more likely the squad would be trimmed further, per ESPN FC:

If I had to guess I would say rather no, but I don’t know actually because it’s a long time until the 31st of August and I have no idea [if more signings will be made]. [The] 31st of August we have a few friendlies of course and few test games and then we have, one, two, maybe three—I’m not sure—Premier League games.

So we will see. We will see how the players react on my decisions again because we will have more players than 11 for sure, and then you have to accept a few decisions and you have to take it as an opportunity.

To develop a team never ends so, you have only result, result, result, but then you will have to again decide. That’s how it is. So we will see. I don’t think we’ll have a lot. But of course everyone knows about it maybe on the outgoing side will happen a little bit … yeah I have no idea in the moment. 

It was always expected that Klopp would make a major overhaul of his squad during the summer given that the group he worked with in the 2015-16 season he largely inherited from predecessor Brendan Rodgers.

The defence was a key area of concern last term but the signings of goalkeeper Karius and centre-backs Matip and Klavan have gone a long way to solving the problems in the back line.

The German’s squad is far from perfect, though, and there remain concerns at left-back and in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

The latest reports indicate that Liverpool are still trying to bolster their engine room but have had a bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon midfielder and Portuguese Euro 2016-winner Joao Mario.

Per Portuguese outlet Record (via Richard Amofa in the Telegraph), Kia Joorabchian, Mario’s agent, revealed that a number of bids have been turned down by Sporting for the 23-year-old, including one from Liverpool:

A European champion must be rewarded. From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club.

Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids. 

Meanwhile, it seems the Reds are also still trying to address their full-back issues, with L’Equipe reporting the Merseyside outfit are interested in Lyon defender Jordy Gaspar, via Amofa.

Per French football writer Andrew Gibney, were Liverpool to snap up Gaspar, 19, they would hardly be signing a proven player, although he is versatile:

Arguably what Liverpool need is an experienced left-back who can be relied upon defensively, as Alberto Moreno is somewhat inconsistent in the position.

However, Klopp’s comments suggest he currently has no firm targets in mind, and he may even take on the 2016-17 season with the squad he already has.   

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2afIIrR
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that the Reds may not make any more summer signings during the transfer window but hinted that there could still be some departures from Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit have been busy in the window so far, signing Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan while selling the likes of Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel, Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith.

Ahead of his first full season in charge at Liverpool, Klopp was evasive when asked whether more players would be brought in, but he did suggest that it was more likely the squad would be trimmed further, per ESPN FC:

If I had to guess I would say rather no, but I don’t know actually because it’s a long time until the 31st of August and I have no idea [if more signings will be made]. [The] 31st of August we have a few friendlies of course and few test games and then we have, one, two, maybe three—I’m not sure—Premier League games.

So we will see. We will see how the players react on my decisions again because we will have more players than 11 for sure, and then you have to accept a few decisions and you have to take it as an opportunity.

To develop a team never ends so, you have only result, result, result, but then you will have to again decide. That’s how it is. So we will see. I don’t think we’ll have a lot. But of course everyone knows about it maybe on the outgoing side will happen a little bit … yeah I have no idea in the moment. 

It was always expected that Klopp would make a major overhaul of his squad during the summer given that the group he worked with in the 2015-16 season he largely inherited from predecessor Brendan Rodgers.

The defence was a key area of concern last term but the signings of goalkeeper Karius and centre-backs Matip and Klavan have gone a long way to solving the problems in the back line.

The German’s squad is far from perfect, though, and there remain concerns at left-back and in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

The latest reports indicate that Liverpool are still trying to bolster their engine room but have had a bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon midfielder and Portuguese Euro 2016-winner Joao Mario.

Per Portuguese outlet Record (via Richard Amofa in the Telegraph), Kia Joorabchian, Mario’s agent, revealed that a number of bids have been turned down by Sporting for the 23-year-old, including one from Liverpool:

A European champion must be rewarded. From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club.

Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids. 

Meanwhile, it seems the Reds are also still trying to address their full-back issues, with L’Equipe reporting the Merseyside outfit are interested in Lyon defender Jordy Gaspar, via Amofa.

Per French football writer Andrew Gibney, were Liverpool to snap up Gaspar, 19, they would hardly be signing a proven player, although he is versatile:

Arguably what Liverpool need is an experienced left-back who can be relied upon defensively, as Alberto Moreno is somewhat inconsistent in the position.

However, Klopp’s comments suggest he currently has no firm targets in mind, and he may even take on the 2016-17 season with the squad he already has.   

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2afIIrR
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that the Reds may not make any more summer signings during the transfer window but hinted that there could still be some departures from Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit have been busy in the window so far, signing Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan while selling the likes of Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel, Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith.

Ahead of his first full season in charge at Liverpool, Klopp was evasive when asked whether more players would be brought in, but he did suggest that it was more likely the squad would be trimmed further, per ESPN FC:

If I had to guess I would say rather no, but I don’t know actually because it’s a long time until the 31st of August and I have no idea [if more signings will be made]. [The] 31st of August we have a few friendlies of course and few test games and then we have, one, two, maybe three—I’m not sure—Premier League games.

So we will see. We will see how the players react on my decisions again because we will have more players than 11 for sure, and then you have to accept a few decisions and you have to take it as an opportunity.

To develop a team never ends so, you have only result, result, result, but then you will have to again decide. That’s how it is. So we will see. I don’t think we’ll have a lot. But of course everyone knows about it maybe on the outgoing side will happen a little bit … yeah I have no idea in the moment. 

It was always expected that Klopp would make a major overhaul of his squad during the summer given that the group he worked with in the 2015-16 season he largely inherited from predecessor Brendan Rodgers.

The defence was a key area of concern last term but the signings of goalkeeper Karius and centre-backs Matip and Klavan have gone a long way to solving the problems in the back line.

The German’s squad is far from perfect, though, and there remain concerns at left-back and in central midfield, per Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

The latest reports indicate that Liverpool are still trying to bolster their engine room but have had a bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon midfielder and Portuguese Euro 2016-winner Joao Mario.

Per Portuguese outlet Record (via Richard Amofa in the Telegraph), Kia Joorabchian, Mario’s agent, revealed that a number of bids have been turned down by Sporting for the 23-year-old, including one from Liverpool:

A European champion must be rewarded. From now on, we either discuss a new contract or the sale to another club.

Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids. 

Meanwhile, it seems the Reds are also still trying to address their full-back issues, with L’Equipe reporting the Merseyside outfit are interested in Lyon defender Jordy Gaspar, via Amofa.

Per French football writer Andrew Gibney, were Liverpool to snap up Gaspar, 19, they would hardly be signing a proven player, although he is versatile:

Arguably what Liverpool need is an experienced left-back who can be relied upon defensively, as Alberto Moreno is somewhat inconsistent in the position.

However, Klopp’s comments suggest he currently has no firm targets in mind, and he may even take on the 2016-17 season with the squad he already has.   

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2axp7Jd
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2axp7Jd
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Liverpool have had a €40 million (£33 million) bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star Joao Mario turned down by his club.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias (h/t Richard Amofa of the Telegraph), the 23-year-old’s father has spoken out about interest in his son and admitted he could be tempted by a bigger club after bids from the Reds and Inter Milan:

Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me.

They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president.

I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35 million plus €10 million in bonuses from Inter and to €40 million from Liverpool

Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.

Mario featured for Portugal as they swept to the Euro 2016 title and his stock has risen since the end of last season.

The player moved from Porto to Sporting to further his education as a youth talent, and he has not looked back since becoming a first-team regular.

Mario is a versatile individual who can play across the spectrum of midfield roles and would be a huge asset to Jurgen Klopp if he arrives on Merseyside.

The player featured in 33 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Sporting last term, also adding six goals to his contribution, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video of Mario in action:

According to Pilar Lopez of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United have been monitoring the dynamo, whom Chelsea also desire.

Claudio Colla of TransferMarketWeb previously reported the midfielder has a £51 million release clause but could be available at £34 million—close to Liverpool’s recent bid.

Bleacher Report UK’s Sam Tighe has said he appreciates the skill Mario brings to a match:

In other news, Brazilian starlet Allan Rodrigues de Souza is set for a loan move to Hertha Berlin, according to Amofa.

The Telegraph writer reported the teenage talent will make the temporary switch to Germany to further his career and opportunities.

The 19-year-old joined Klopp‘s revolution in a £500,000 deal from Internacional in 2015 after impressing the club’s coaches at the Frenz International Cup.

However, Allan has been unable to feature for the first team due to work-permit issues. A season-long loan is now expected, and the midfielder is training with his new club.

Mario would be a quality purchase by Klopp if the German can revisit his bid and tempt Sporting to part with one of their best players.

The Merseyside giants are in need of a world-class player in the centre, and Mario has the capability to grow into the role.

Klopp will want to take his side to the next level after an inconsistent first 12 months at the helm, and the addition of top players is essential before the beginning of the season.

However, Liverpool will not be the only team after the midfielder. Mario also meets the needs of United and Chelsea, and both teams will chase the player if he emerges onto the market.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2axp7Jd
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J