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Showing posts from July, 2017

SALIHAMIDZIC BACK AT BAYERN

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Bayern Munich have named former midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic as the club's new sporting director. The 40-year-old Bosnian's appointment on a three-year deal was announced in a press conference on Monday. Salihamidzic made over 350 appearances for Bayern during a nine-year spell, winning six Bundesliga titles and one Champions League. The German champions have not had a sporting director since Matthias Sammer left the club last summer.

WHAT NEXT FOR COUTINHO?

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But what impact will Neymar's future have on Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho ? Well, in the past hour, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reiterated the player is going nowhere. The German said: “He is not available for sale. There is no other interpretation of that.”  come after reports in Catalan newspaper  claimed the Brazilian was almost certain to move to the Nou Camp, with Barcelona confident £89m would get their man. It’s a viewed mirrored by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who claims a deal with Coutinho's representatives has already been agreed.

Man utd is delighted to announce the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea on a three-year contract.

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Here’s what Manchester United’s latest summer signing has had to say after completing his switch to Old Trafford... "I am delighted to have joined Manchester United,” the 28-year-old Serbian said. “To work with Jose Mourinho once again was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. "I have enjoyed my time at Chelsea and would like to thank the club and the fans for their support. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and to start training with them. "This is a very exciting time for the club and I am looking forward to playing my part in creating more history for this great club.

ARSENAL 1-2 SEVILLA - SAMI MOKBEL AT THE EMIRATES:

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 Not for the first time at the Emirates Stadium, a Frenchman stole the show. Unfortunately for Arsenal, it was Steven N’Zonzi. Alexandre Lacazette scored on his first start at his new home following his club record £52million arrival from Lyon. But the forward was upstaged by N’Zonzi, who scored an exquisite winner to inflict defeat on the Gunners in their final pre-season clash before next week’ s Community Shield against champions Chelsea. Ridiculously, Arsenal still won the Emirates Cup on goals scored even though Sevilla won both games over the weekend after Saturday's victory over RB Leipzig

Marouane Fellaini (right) was pictured with a strapped toe

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Marouane Fellaini (right) was pictured with a strapped toe as Manchester United's players landed back home in the early hours of this morning. United - back from their latest pre-season victory over Valerenga in Norway - now have just one more friendly left, against Sampdoria in Dublin on Wednesday. They play Real Madrid in the Super Cup next Tuesday before starting their Premier League campaign against West Ham

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT:

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 Muhammad al-Maghrabi, 41, was shot dead in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Monday after being convicted of raping and murdering a three-year-old girl. Maghrabi was brought to the main city square in an armoured van before being escorted by soldiers through a crowd of thousands of onlookers. He was laid on the floor being being shot through the back with an AK-style weapon as people filmed on their phones.

'STURRIDGE LIKE TWO NEW SIGNINGS

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' "World class"  Daniel Sturridge  will be like two new signings for  Liverpool  if he can stay fit, says Adam Lallana. "Studge has been absolutely brilliant in pre-season so far," Lallana told the  Telegraph . "You couldn't put a price on him. "He is a world class player. He has come back from the summer looking absolutely brilliant, so fit. He is going to be a massive player for us this season. I can feel it. "He is looking really sharp and to have him firing on all cylinders would be like having two new signings if we can keep on the pitch and get him scoring goals."

NEYMAR'S DOMINO EFFECT

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Neymar's potential world record transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain has the world talking - but should the deal go through, it could have a significant impact in the Premier League, too. We imagine how the switch could shape nine summer deals involving Premier League clubs and players. Our transfer chain is hypothetical but it either involves players the clubs named have previously bid for or is based on reports by Sky Sports or national newspapers. So what links Neymar to Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer?

Captain Alexander Akopov (inset) who works for the Turkish company, AtlasGlobal, has been awarded

Captain Alexander Akopov (inset) who works for the Turkish company, AtlasGlobal, has been awarded an 'Order For Courage' after landing the hail-damaged passenger plane (top right and left) at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport during a fierce storm on Thursday. He saved the lives of 121 passengers and 6 crew members by landing the Airbus A320 after unforgiving winds, rain and hail pummelled the dented nose of the jet. A video (left) emerged today of the speedy landing showing the red and white jet bouncing down the runway as the pilot rushes to get his passengers safely on the ground.

Kabul attack: Gun battle and suicide bombing in Afghan capital

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Afghan security forces are battling gunmen following a suicide attack outside the Iraqi embassy in the capital, Kabul. Four attackers targeted the complex in the central Shar-e-Naw neighbourhood, the Afghan interior ministry said. A bomber blew himself up at the gate of the embassy, and three others entered the compound. No information has been provided about casualties. So-called Islamic State (IS) said it carried out the attack. Kabul has seen a number of deadly assaults this year blamed on either IS or the Taliban Correspondents say this is the first attack on the city's Iraqi embassy. It comes two weeks celebrations were held there to mark All embassy employees were evacuated from the complex, the Afghan interior ministry."Our forces are inside and a clearance operation is underway," said spokesman Najib Danish.

West Brom are keen on signing Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen.

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 West Brom are keen on signing Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgium international left Arsenal for the Nou Camp in 2014 but has endured three years of injury problems – including during a loan spell at Roma last season. Vermaelen, 31, still has two years left on his Barcelona contract and has also reportedly attracted interest from Crystal Palace.

Australia police 'foil terror plot to bring down plane'

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Counter-terrorism police in Australia have stopped a suspected plot to bring down an aeroplane, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said. He was speaking after four people were arrested in raids across Sydney. Investigators said they had seized materials in the raids that could have been used to make an improvised explosive device. Mr Turnbull said the raids had been a "major joint counter-terrorism operation". He said extra security was in place at domestic and international airports. The raids took place in the Sydney suburbs of Surry Hills, Lakemba, Wiley Park and Punchbowl, Australian broadcaster ABC reported. Australia's national terror threat level remains at "probable". Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the four men arrested were allegedly linked to a Islamist-inspired plot. "In recent days, law enforcement has become aware of information that suggested some people in Sydney were planning to commit a terrorist a

BEHRAMI TO LEAVE WATFORD

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Watford  boss Marco Silva expects  Valon Behrami  to leave the club before the summer transfer window closes. "Valon is working on the training ground but he's one player who won't stay with us," Silva said after the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday. "It's time for him to find other solutions for his career, and we will see where he will play, but he will not stay in our squad."

UNITED IN FOR DENDONCKER?

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Manchester United will have to pay up to £31m if they want to tempt Anderlecht to sell Leander Dendoncker , according to the . The 22-year-old Belgian scored against United in the quarter-final of the Europa League last season, and Anderlecht sporting director Herman van Holsbeeck has said they could sell Dendoncker for around £30m. He told Het Belang van Limburg: “We want to cherish him, but if a club is willing to pay between €25m and €35m, we have a problem.”

Manchester United are close to signing midfielder Nemanja Matic

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 Manchester United are close to signing midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea.  The deal should be done in the next few days after Juventus gave up on signing the 28-year-old.  Our colleagues in Italy are reporting Juventus are now targeting PSG’s Blaise Matuidi, Sevilla’s and Steven N’Zonzi.  We understand the fee for Nemanja Matic's move to Manchester United will be around £40m.  Chelsea are letting him join United as a goodwill gesture because of his contribution to two titles in three years. They would have preferred to sell him to Juventus, but the Serb wants to go to United. Working again with Jose Mourinho again was a big factor in his decision. Matic has been training at Cobham and if all goes to plan he could be in United squad for Super Cup game v Real Madrid on August 8.

GALA 'TO SIGN' FEGHOULI, FERNANDO

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Galatasaray  sporting director Cenk Ergun the club ‘will sign’  West Ham ’s  Sofiane Feghouli  and  Man City  midfielder  Fernando  in the near future.  With the signings of Bafetimbi Gomis, Younès Belhanda and Mariano already wrapped up, the 20-time Super Lig winners are keen to take the title for the first time since 2015 and the Premier League imports will no doubt strengthen their bid.  Ergun also told the club’s official site that Gala are monitoring the situation of  Marouane Fellaini  and had proposed a transfer for  PSG’ s  Hatem Ben Arfa .  “We asked about Ben Arfa and Fellaini. Fellaini is still on our radar,” he added. “We are talking to [Jason] Denayer’s club. We have not made an approach for Arda [Turan].  “I hope to make a transfer that will surprise. A surprising name for a surprise position.”

'NO CONTACT ON PERISIC

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"Until now, there hasn't been any important contact," he said in quotes carried by the  Mirror .  "There was something you already know about at the beginning of the window [but] there was no follow-up and so, for me, the topic is over. "It's true as time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult to replace him with another player. I will strongly oppose the sale of Perisic if an offer comes."

'More than 40' killed in battle with Boko Haram in Nigeria

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More than 40 people have died in north-east Nigeria during an attempt to free people who had been ambushed in a convoy by militant Islamist group Boko Haram, sources have told the BBC. At least five members of an oil exploration team were killed and soldiers also died. Army chiefs have now been ordered to relocate to the affected area. The high number of casualties will be a blow for the government, which insists the insurgency is all but defeated. At least 20,000 people have been killed and thousands more abducted since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in the city of Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria, in 2009. In the most notorious abduction case, it seized 276 girls from a boarding school in the north-eastern town of Chibok in 2014. It has since freed more than 100 of the girls, in exchange for the release of its fighters detained by Nigeria's security forces. 'Death toll mounting' Details of what happened on Tuesday remain unclear, with initial reports fro

Across Ghana, the irreversible effects of child malnutrition can be seen among thousands of children affected during their critical first 1,000 days of life.

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Across Ghana, the irreversible effects of child malnutrition can be seen among thousands of children affected during their critical first 1,000 days of life. This is the time in a child's life that will determine their health as adults, their ability to learn in school and to perform in future jobs. A group of photographers and researchers organised by Ubelong went to Ghana to uncover the complex stories behind this problem. While at home with her mother, Kate tells the story of how one of her daughters died aged two. Ever since her husband died, a decade ago, she has struggled to find work and take care of her four children. They are malnourished and often get sick as they eat only banku, a Ghanaian dish of fermented corn and cassava dough. "God took my two-year old daughter. She was not feeling well, so I put her to bed. Later that evening, there was a bad storm," she says. "The sky was loud and angry. I heard an explosion in the clouds. When I went

Hamburg supermarket attacker 'was known Islamist'

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The man who killed one person and injured six in a supermarket knife attack in Hamburg was a "known Islamist", police say. "He was known as an Islamist but not a jihadist," police spokesman Andy Grote said, noting that the suspect also suffered from "psychological" issues. The man, a failed asylum seeker born in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), attacked customers at random on Friday. Police said he acted alone and he was overpowered by passers-by. The 26-year-old man, identified as Ahmad A, is a Palestinian from the UAE who is registered on an Islamist database, Mr Grote said on Saturday. The attacker, who arrived in Germany in 2015 but could not be deported because he had no identification papers, was also suffering from mental health problems, officials said. Police have carried out a search of the shelter in Hamburg where the man was living but said there was no evidence that he had accomplices or was part of a terror organisation. It is

INIESTA WANTS NEYMAR 'PEACE'

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We consider him a fundamental piece of the team and aside from that, for the whole situation [want] all this noise to be clarified by the player himself or from the club," the club captain said. "We [as players] just want peace which will benefit everyone - the players, the club and everything surrounding it."

North Korea has hailed as a success its latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), describing it as a "stern warning" for the US.

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North Korea has hailed as a success its latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), describing it as a "stern warning" for the US. North Korea has hailed as a success its latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), describing it as a "stern warning" for the US. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the test proved that the entire US was within striking range, state media reported. However, experts say many of North Korea's missiles cannot accurately hit targets. The launch came three weeks after North Korea's first ICBM test. The Pentagon said the latest missile was launched at 23:41 (15:41 GMT) from an arms plant in Jagang province in the north of the country. North Korea said the ICBM flew for just over 47 minutes and reached an altitude of 3,724km (2,300 miles). It is unusual for North Korea to launch a missile at night - the significance is as yet unclear. This is the first missile fired from Jagang province

Newcastle sign Mikel Merino on season-long loan deal

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Newcastle have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino on a season-long loan deal. The Spain U21 international, who played nine times for Dortmund last season, is Newcastle's fifth summer signing ahead of their return to the Premier League.He arrives on the back of a run to the final of this summer's European U21 Championship in Poland "It feels good and I'm very happy to be here," Merino told the club website. "I'm looking forward to touching the ball, meeting my new team-mates and starting to play football."I know it's a great club and a really nice city. I had different options but I think this is the right place for me to play."Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez said: "Mikel is a midfielder with talent. He's a good size, has quality on the ball and he's very, very focused and professional.

UNITED'S MIDFIELD OPTIONS

We are told United have made a £40m bid for Eric Dier , but that has not been confirmed by either club. Tottenham are in a very strong position as they don't want to sell and Dier signed a new five-year contract last September. Marco Verratti was not on United's list of summer targets, but that might have changed. The PSG midfielder has switched agents and signed up with Mino Raiola. Renato Sanches was not on United's original list either. He's been told he can leave Bayern Munich for £42m and has the same agent as Jose Mourinho in Jorge Mendes. Nemanja Matic is available and Chelsea are willing to sell him to United. But we are told clubs in Italy - like Juventus - want him more than United at the moment. Another midfielder United have looked at is Roma's Radja Nainggolan . We reported in May that talks had been held about signing him. But at the moment he is much more likely to sign a new contract at Roma

Romelu Lukaku at the "perfect time".

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'PERFECT TIME' FOR LUKAKU Manchester United great Ruud van Nistelrooy thinks his old club have signed Romelu Lukaku at the "perfect time". Lukaku has joined on a five-year deal from Everton, and Van Nistelrooy says: "His challenge now is to make another step up and to prove himself at his new club as well. "It's different playing at United to playing at Everton, so it will be a mental step, too. The pressure is different so, if he's capable of dealing with that, I can't see any problems. "I also think having better players around him will help and I think he'll fit in really well. I expect he'll start hitting his peak now. "From the club's point of view, it's the perfect time to sign him. Over the next six, seven or eight years, United will hopefully have a great centre-forward in Romelu Lukaku."

Jose Mourinho says Manchester United are struggling to get their transfer business done in this summer's "difficult market".

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We always want more," he said. "We always feel there is room to improve, and I cannot say that I am happy with our transfer window. "What I can also say is that it is a difficult transfer window and I don't blame anyone - it is just a reality of things. The market is going in such a direction that many players are difficult to get, not to say impossible."What I will say is that, a long time ago, we thought about four players to strengthen our squad, but it is really hard to do it. If we do the third and forget the fourth, I would be quite happy with that because I know it is difficult. "The market ends on August 31 so there is plenty of time, but obviously the objective for me as manager is always to have the players as soon as possible and try to coach them in the team and develop the team with them.

'RIGHT TIME FOR LUKAKU'

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'RIGHT TIME FOR LUKAKU' Marcus Rashford is keen to form a formidable striking partnership with Romelu Lukaku and says the Belgian has joined Manchester United at the right time in his career. "He's gone through a phase in his career now and he's coming up to his prime years and he has been scoring a lot of goals for the last three or four years," Rashford said. "I think he is in a good place in his career and he has probably come here at the right time."

Alvaro Morata to Chelsea: Can he really replace Diego Costa?

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Chelsea are bringing in Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid to replace Diego Costa but is he up to the job? Adam Bate assesses Morata's record. Finally, Chelsea have their replacement. Diego Costa has spearheaded each of Chelsea's last two Premier League title triumphs, but now the Blues have turned to someone else to lead their line. That man is Alvaro Morata, the £68m signing from Real Madrid. The question that now needs answering is whether or not the Spaniard can cope with the challenges ahead.Concerns are understandable. Costa scored 20 goals in both of those league wins. Morata is yet to find the net more than 15 times in a top-flight season. It was only last time out that he reached double figures for the first time in his career. Naturally, this raises doubts about more than just the fee. Morata must embrace the responsibility of being the main man.Clearly, he has pedigree. Morata has shown that at Real Madrid and Juventus. Moreover, there are clues there i

PSG TO POUNCE FOR NEYMAR?

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PSG TO POUNCE FOR NEYMAR? Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to capitalise on uncertainty surrounding Neymar ’s future at Barcelona , according to Marca. The Ligue 1 side are prepared to trigger the Brazilian’s €222m (£196.7m) release clause – but only if they are given the green light the the player wants to move to the Parc des Princes. The 25-year-old reportedly wants to be the star of a team and, despite rejecting a move to France last summer, could now feel he is ready to take that step.

Chelsea have “serious and strong interest” in signing Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero

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After missing out on Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea have turned their attention to Sergio Aguero . However, we understand it will be very difficult for Chelsea to sign Aguero. Since they were bought by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, City have never sold a player they don’t want to sell. When asked if Aguero was staying, Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Absolutely. There’s never been a doubt about that. I’ve read a lot of the speculation on this and it’s ridiculous. “Sergio Aguero is one of the best players in the world. We are a team that aspires to win every competition we compete in. “Having Sergio Aguero as part of the squad is an absolute must. It has never been in doubt.

AC Milan are in talks to sign midfielder Renato Sanches from Bayern Munich

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AC Milan are in talks to sign midfielder Renato Sanches from Bayern Munich, The Serie A side are offering to sign Sanches on a loan deal, with a €40m option to buy. The 19-year-old Sanches was one of the hottest properties in European football last summer, when Bayern signed him from Benfica for €35m  He was subsequently named best young player at Euro 2016 after helping Portugal to victory but   However, at 19, he remains one of the brightest young talents in the game and big spending Milan are keen to bring him to the San Siro. AC Milan have been on a stunning spending spree this summer and have already signed  Lucas Biglia , Andre Silva, Ricardo Rodriguez, Hakan Calhanoglu, Andrea Conti, Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie, Fabio Borini and the Juventus great Leonardo Bonucci.

Sergio Romero has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester United.

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Sergio Romero has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester United. Romero's deal also contains an option to extend his stay at Old Trafford by a further year. The 30-year-old goalkeeper joined Manchester United from Sampdoria in 2015 and has made 28 appearances for the club to date. The Argentina international featured 12 times for United in the Europa League last season including  the 2-0 win over Ajax in the final.   "I am delighted to have signed a new contract," Romero told United's official website.

Hart set for Hammers medical

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Joe Hart is on the verge of joining West Ham Joe Hart is set for a medical on Monday ahead of his planned loan move to West Ham, according to Sky sources Hart is set to join the Hammers on loan from Manchester City, although it is understood the Londoners will have an option to buy the England international next summer. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City following the arrival of manager Pep Guardiola.

British Grand Prix F1 LIVE: Lewis Hamilton targets home victory from pole in bid to boost title hopes Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-4699620/british-grand-prix-live-race.html#ixzz4mzqs06Zu Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Lewis Hamilton will aim to get his championship hopes back on track as he bids to win the British Grand Prix from pole position. The Mercedes star trails Sebastian Vettel by 20 points in the drivers' title battle but has a chance to narrow the gap after qualifying on pole in front of Kimi Raikkonen and the German on Saturday. Follow Sportsmail's coverage of all the Silverstone action as it happens.

A 29-year-old has died after robbing a Co-op store with a friend in Ashby

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A 29-year-old has died after robbing a Co-op store with a friend in Ashby, Leicestershire at about 10pm on Thursday. As passersby held down the suspected robber, his friend mounted the sidewalk in his Audi in an attempt to get the group away from the man. Leicestershire police said that when officers arrived to arrest the man who had been captured by passersby, he had 'taken ill' and was rushed to hospital. The man's condition was initially described as 'critical' following his admission on Thursday - but he later died in hospital on Saturday morning. A 24-year-old man, thought to be one of the onlookers who foiled the suspected raider's getaway was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.    

LA Galaxy 2-5 Manchester United: Marcus Rashford excels as Jose Mourinho's side get US tour off to comfortable start despite conceding two late goals Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4700376/LA-Galaxy-2-5-Manchester-United.html#ixzz4mzlubXSd Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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CHRIS WHEELER IN LOS ANGELES: All the noise has been around Romelu Lukaku here in Los Angeles, and not always with the approval of his neighbours who resorted to calling the police on Manchester United's new £75million signing. But Marcus Rashford provided a timely reminder that there is more than one striker at Old Trafford capable of leading the line and scoring goals for Jose Mourinho's team this season. Mourinho suggested in the build-up to United's first game on tour that he needed 'a target man, a clear No.9, which is not Rashford'. The teenager responded by scoring twice inside the opening 20 minutes as United breezed past a poor LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center in Carson.

Alexis Sanchez has told Chilean media that he wants to play in the Champions League and a decision over his future rests with Arsenal.

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Alexis Sanchez has told Chilean media that he wants to play in the Champions League and a decision over his future rests with Arsenal. The 28-year-old's future has been in doubt, with Manchester City   while discussions over a new Arsenal contract have become protracted. Manager Arsene Wenger believes Sanchez will stay and said on Saturday he had held "positive" talks with the player, who is currently in his hometown of Tocopilla in Chile on his post-season holiday, via text message.  But Sanchez has been quoted by Chile's Radio sport  stating: "I have made my decision, but now the decision has to be taken by Arsenal.

Conor McGregor says he will change the face of boxing by knocking out Floyd Mayweather.

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Conor McGregor has told Sky Sports News HQ he will change the face of boxing by beating Floyd Mayweather. The Mixed Martial Arts supremo was in a confident and cheerful mood in front of a full SSE Wembley Arena on Friday evening, on the last leg of the World Press Tour for their August 26 fight. McGregor, who was celebrating his 29th birthday, had the crowd behind him and made it clear that he will not only beat Mayweather but replace him as the sport's biggest star.

Chelsea have completed the signing of Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, making him their second-most expensive acquisition.

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Chelsea have completed the signing of Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, making him their second-most expensive acquisition. Tiemoue Bakayoko completes £40m Chelsea move from Monaco    Bakayoko - an athletic central-midfield player - has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will join up with France international team-mate NGolo Kante.  Bakayoko said: "I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood. "I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach (Antonio Conte) and alongside so many great team-mates." Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo said: "Tiemoue was outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe's best sides last season and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea. "Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed in the latter stages of the Champions League,

Trump's softness on Russia is the mystery of his presidency

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Trump's softness on Russia is the mystery of his presidencyA Trump White House is easier to manipulate and less willing to criticise over alleged election interference. Donald Trump's interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network is the President's first with an outlet that is not Fox News in more than two months. His last non-Fox interview was with NBC in which he revealed that Russia was a motivation in his decision to fire FBI Director James Comey. CBN is viewed as sympathetic to Mr Trump. He gave the Christian station an interview early on in his presidency and he has chosen them again in the midst of the latest and most damning Russia related controversy. Mr Trump told the interviewer he gets along "very, very well" with Vladimir Putin adding that he thinks the Russian leader would have preferred to have Hillary Clinton in the White House because he is the one who wants to beef up America's military. The US President i

Liverpool's pursuit of Naby Keita could see fresh bid for RB Leipzig midfielder

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Liverpool are expected to make a new bid for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita next week. Keita wants a move to Liverpool and, although Leipzig do not want to sell, the Bundesliga side could decide there is no point keeping a player who wants to leave. The Guinea international has a £48m release clause in his contract, although that does not become active until next summer. Leipzig have already rejected an offer from Liverpool worth more than £57m for Keita, according to Sky in Germany. Inter Milan have also emerged as being interested in Keita but they would reportedly prefer to wait until next summer. There are also unconfirmed reports that Manchester City have contacted Keita's representatives. Leipzig sporting director Ralph Rangnick is trying to convince Keita to sign a new contract and recently said the club, which has qualified for the Champions League for the first time, would not be selling any of its key players.

Brentford have announced the signing of France U21 international striker Neal Maupay from Saint-Etienne.

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Brentford have announced the signing of France U21 international striker Neal Maupay from Saint-Etienne. the 20-year-old, who has signed a four year contract, has cost the Bees £1.6m.with hopes that Ollie Watkins will also join from Exeter.Maupay completed a medical on Friday and will join up with Brentford's pre-season training on Monday, after the first team return from a training camp in France. They play Swiss side Lausanne on Saturday. Brentford claim a number of other clubs tried to sign Maupay but the player honoured an agreement to move to Griffin Park. Co-director of football Phil Giles said: "There were many clubs both in England and overseas that were interested in signing Neal this summer. I am very proud of the team effort from everyone at Brentford who contributed to selling our club and our ambition to Neal. He is a good player and a good man.Having made the decision to join Brentford he honoured that agreement despite having other clubs interested

Inter Milan have asked Manchester United about taking Anthony Martial as part of a deal for Ivan Perisic to move to Old Trafford, according to Sky in Italy.

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Inter Milan have asked Manchester United about taking Anthony Martial as part of a deal for Ivan Perisic to move to Old Trafford, according to  Italy Manchester United are getting closer to reaching a deal, but Inter are sticking to their £48m asking price and they have asked about Martial as a part of the deal. The France international forward was in and out of Mourinho's team last season, making 18 Premier League starts and scoring just eight goals e moved to United from Monaco in a £36m deal in 2015 that could rise to £58m  Talks continue over the deal and  Sky Sports News HQ  understands United will need to increase their offer to around £45m to secure Perisic, who has three years left on his current contract.

LAZIO AGREE £5M LUCAS FEE

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Lazio  have agreed a fee of £5m with Liverpool  for Brazilian midfielder  Lucas Leiva ,  Sky sources  understand. The 30-year-old must now agree personal terms and pass a medical before a deal can be completed.

BARCA MAKE DOUBLE SWOOP

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BARCA MAKE DOUBLE SWOOP Gerard Deulofeu  has officially completed his move back to  Barcelona  from  Everton on a day which also saw the Catalans capture right-back  Nelson Semedo . Deulofeu, 23, passed a medical on Friday morning before signing a two-year contract tying him to the Catalans until June 30, 2019. On a busy Friday for Barca, the La Liga club also unveiled Portugal defender Semedo. The 23-year-old passed a medical before completing a reported €30m transfer from  Benfica.