Football News

The Spain striker looks set to complete a move to Chelsea after passing a medical on Wednesday and the former Blues playmaker has tipped him to be a success Juan Mata believes his Spain team-mate Diego Costa will "thrive" in the Premier League as he looks set to complete a move to Chelsea. The striker is expected to join Jose Mourinho's side in a €43 million move from Atletico Madrid in the near future after he passed a medical with the Premier League giants on Wednesday. As the move looks imminent, the Manchester United player is sure Costa has what it takes to shine in the English top flight. "I wish him the best," Mata told reporters. "He is a forward who is very well suited to English football because of his power and strength. He is the type of player that thrives there, but at the moment he is still an Atletico player." Mata was then asked about the World Cup and he says he is elated to be part of the Spain squad again heading into another major

Arsenal fans have given a mixed reaction to the latest leaked kit image, this time for the new 2014/15 third shirt made by Puma. The design features a light blue base colour and navy blue diagonal stripes running across the front. It is completed with a polo neck collar and light green cuffs.

Ryan Giggs has revealed how he wept in his car the day he feared he was saying goodbye to Manchester United for the last time. Giggs spent the last four games of last season as United’s interim manager in the wake of the sacking of David Moyes. The 40-year-old Old Trafford legend has subsequently been invited on to new manager Louis van Gaal’s coaching staff and will remain at the club, even though his playing days are now over. 

Gerard Pique let the cat out of the bag regarding Cesc Fabregas's transfer to Chelsea. The Barcelona defender was speaking to Spain manager Vicente del Bosque at a promotional event and even though they covered their mouths their voices were picked up by an active microphone. Both TVE and AStv managed to pick up the conversation. Read more at: http://www.sport.net/cesc-fabregas-is-going-for-33m-euros-have-gerard-pique-and-vicente-del-bosque-lifted-lid-on-chelsea-move_196401

A couple of hours after our own Jordan Beck wrote a spectacular article discussing some potential midfield targets for next season, it appears that Barça's front office read his piece and decided to take action. Whether or not that's true, there's a solid feeling amongst the Blaugrana that one of those potential targets is closer than ever to a deal that would bring him to the Camp Nou. That would be Sevilla's Ivan Rakitic, according to a report from Diario Sport. It's said that the negotiations between the two clubs and the Croatian have advanced a lot over the last few days, and both teams seem to be accelerating the process so they can have a done deal before the World Cup, which starts next week. The rumors also suggest that the early Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid talks were not serious, and only Barcelona is going after Rakitic from the start. New Barça manager Luís Enrique likes Ivan a lot, and could use him as a long-term replacement for Xavi. Now comes the

The cash bonanza from the Premier League’s new TV deals is going where everyone expected - the players’ pockets - with experts Deloitte saying the total wage bills for the 20 clubs rose over £2BILLION last season. When costs for non-playing staff are removed that works out at something likely to be slightly more than £2.5m per season per man. And as the rich get richer, the gap to the rest of football has got bigger, with Championship clubs suffering a double whammy of lower income and higher wage costs at the same time, meaning bigger losses. 

The France international midfielder has been in good form in 2013-14 but a ligament tear in his knee is set to keep him out for up to eight weeks, disappointing the Chilean coach Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says that the absence of Samir Nasri with an injury will be a big blow for his side. The midfielder has been ruled out for up to eight weeks after suffering a partial ligament tear in his left knee following a challenge from Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in City's 2-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday. The Frenchman has played a key part in City's good form, which has seen them go 10 matches unbeaten in the Premier League to be within a point of leaders Arsenal, and Pellegrini knows that Nasri will be missed. "He is a very important player for us," the Chilean told the press. "He was also playing in a very good moment so we hope he can come back as soon as possible but I think that less than six or seven weeks would be difficult." The City boss was speaking ahe

  Chelsea frontman Eden Hazard has revealed he will wear the No 10 shirt for the Blues next season. The Belgium international - who is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain - will change from the No 17 shirt which he has worn since signing for the Stamford Bridge club from Lille two years ago. Speaking to the club's official website, Hazard said: 'I am very pleased to be able to wear the number 10 for Chelsea.

Uruguay's star striker Luiz Suarez is 'evolving well' says the national team doctor on Monday following knee surgery last week. Suarez is believed to have picked up the knock in Liverpool's last league game of the season and had an operation last Thursday. In the spotlight: Luis Suarez is mobbed by fans as he leaves hospital following knee surgery.

Luis Suarez is now the third most valuable footballer in the world according to an authoritative new report, published today, that rates the Liverpool striker as worth £79 million - at least. Only Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, with a ‘starting price’ of £161.5m and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, worth at least £85.2m, are valued more highly in the study, compiled by a Swiss-based expert ‘think tank’. The CIES Football Observatory has detailed knowledge of actual prices paid in thousands of transfers to ‘Big 5’ divisions over recent years, and have now published their annual review of players - including ‘market values’. 

It's been a big week or so for Frank Lampard. This weekend saw him bag a brace in a comfortable 3-0 victory for Chelsea at Upton Park, defeating his former club West Ham United in the process. Before that, he had been on international duty with England, being presented with a special cap ahead of the Three Lions' clash with Chile to mark his 100th appearance for his country. Lampard captained England that night, too, ensuring it would be one to remember for him. Indeed, there have been many moments throughout his international career that he will struggle to forget—some of them good, while others equally painful. Bleacher Report takes a look at the highs and lows of Lampard's time playing for England. 

Liverpool winger Luis Alberto is returning to Spain to join Malaga on loan. The 21-year-old signed for Liverpool for £7m from Sevilla last summer. Disappoinjtment: Liverpool's Luis Alberto is set for a return to Spain after failing to make a breakthrough Liverpool remain in talks with Sevilla for left-back Alberto Moreno. Adam Lallana has told Southampton he wants to join Liverpool as the clubs haggle over the structure of a £30m fee. Unsettled: Liverpool target Adam Lallana has told Southampton he wants to move Emre Can of Bayer Leverkusen also wants to join Liverpool in a £10m deal but has yet to agree wages.

Chelsea could live to regret allowing Frank Lampard to leave Stamford Bridge after 13 years and a club-record 211 goals, according to Harry Redknapp. Lampard confirmed on Monday evening that he will quit the Blues this summer, with the 35-year-old widely tipped to join Sheikh Mansour’s new Major League Soccer franchise New York City FC. And QPR boss Redknapp, speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, felt the Blues may rue deciding to let his nephew go.

Gary Lineker thinks Roy Hodgson should seriously consider dropping Wayne Rooney from England's starting line-up in Brazil. The former Barcelona and Tottenham striker, who scored 48 times in 80 appearances for England, said that Hodgson shouldn't be afraid to leave Rooney out of the side. Lineker, who tweeted a picture of him with Frank De Boer on a beach, wants Daniel Sturridge to play as the most advanced striker for England in Brazil. Smile for the camera: Gary Lineker tweeted this picture of him with Frank De Boer.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp says Chelsea could regret allowing veteran midfielder Frank Lampard to leave the club after 13 seasons at Stamford Bridge. The 35-year-old, Chelsea's all-time record goalscorer, has confirmed he will leave the club and has been linked with a move to new MLS franchise New York City FC. "Absolutely I would keep him at Chelsea," Redknapp said of his nephew, who is continuing his World Cup preparations in Miami as part of England's 23-man squad. "He's worth his weight in gold just to be around the place. "I think Roy Hodgson feels the same. You need good characters around whether it is England or your football club. "You've got Steven Gerrard and Lampard with England - proper guys that the youngsters can look up to." Redknapp played in the MLS himself with a three-year stint with the Seattle Sounders in the late 1970s, and he said he could understand why his nephew could be attracted by the prospect of a move to the Unit

The boringness of James Milner has taken on something of a life of its own. It has its own Twitter account with a quarter of a million followers and is starting to dictate the emotions of the crowd at England games. When Milner appeared as a substitute against Peru at  Wembley on Friday a slight groan rippled around the arena. Nothing too nasty but, for some England fans, an appearance from the Manchester City midfielder reflects Roy Hodgson’s natural caution as a coach. If he starts ahead of Raheem Sterling, for example, in the World Cup opener against Italy, Hodgson will be accused of opting for containment at the expense of flair. Full of running: James Milner appeared as a substitute during England's 3-0 win over Peru at Wembley   Milner shrugs it off. This is all part of it. He is so incredibly sensible, the model professional, who does as he is told, eats and drinks exactly what he ought to, runs an average of about 13 kilometres per game and is seldom distracted by the glitz

Romelu Lukaku insists he is hoping to stay at Chelsea next season, despite uncertainty surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge. The Belgian striker joined the Blues in 2011 but has spent the last two seasons on loan - with West Brom and Everton respectively - and Chelsea are reportedly prepared to sell to anyone willing to meet their £25million valuation. However, the 21-year-old is determined to fight for his place at a club where he has only started a single Premier League game and is yet to score a goal. Scroll down for videos... Uncertainty: Romelu Lukaku hopes to be playing at Chelsea next season despite unrest over his future.

Arsenal have been offered the chance to bring Mario Balotelli back to England. AC Milan are prepared to sell the 23-year-old to fund an overhaul of their squad and want around £30million. Balotelli has scored 30 goals in 54 games for Milan but the fallen Italian giants are strapped for cash and are struggling to finance even smaller deals such as Adel Taarabt’s £5m move from QPR.

Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen returns with the latest installment of his weekly column for MailOnline Sport. The Barnet boss does not hold back with his views on current issues in football.   RICKIE LAMBERT GOT ME THE SACK I'm so pleased for Rickie Lambert, getting a dream move to his hometown club Liverpool. What a remarkable story going from the lower leagues to playing in a World Cup and the Champions League aged 32.

Tottenham's interest in Victor Wanyama will be compounded by statistics collated from his defensive midfield performances at Southampton. Mauricio Pochettino is looking at bringing in the big Kenyan over the summer after utilising him as a defensive screen while at St Mary’s. Tottenham had the ninth best defensive record in the Premier League and the new coach recognises that will have to improve if he is to make an impression on the Champions League qualifying places.

Chelsea target Diego Costa is hopeful of playing in Spain’s friendly against El Salvador on Saturday as he battles to be fit for the World Cup. The Atletico Madrid striker, who limped out of his side’s 4-1 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid, has been struggling with muscle problems for two months but was included in coach Vicente del Bosque’s 23-man squad on Saturday. Costa said: ‘I hope to have some minutes next week against El Salvador in Washington. Hopeful: Diego Costa hopes to play in Spain's friendly against El Salvador on Saturday.

Manchester City are looking to complete the £14.5million transfer of Porto midfielder Fernando later this week. The 26-year-old was the subject of a failed bid by City in January and subsequently signed a new contract. However, City have made an increased offer from five months ago and the Brazilian is heading for Manchester. Etihad bound: Manchester City hope to wrap up a transfer for Porto's Fernando.

Liverpool are leading the chase to sign £30million-rated Cesc Fabregas who is determined to return to England after Barcelona made it clear they are willing to sell him. The relatively low fee for the 27-year-old midfielder, who was confirmed as part of Spain’s World Cup squad on Saturday, will tempt several Premier League clubs, but the Anfield side have a real chance of signing him because they are in the Champions League next season. Fabregas’s availability will also test the willingness of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has a £100million transfer kitty, to return for his former captain.

The Italy boss says he will take time to assess the squad on Sunday before finalising his World Cup party after the AC Milan man and Alberto Aquilani suffered injuries Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli admits the team is reeling from the injury suffered by Riccardo Montolivo against Republic of Ireland on Saturday. The AC Milan captain was stretchered off after just eight minutes with what was later confirmed as a broken leg, ruling him out of the World Cup, while his replacement Alberto Aquilani also picked up a knock. Prandelli says the squad have been left hurt by the incidents at Craven Cottage, where the game finished 0-0, and suggested he could wait until Monday's deadline before finalising his 23-man party for Brazil "Unfortunately this match was marked by injuries," he was quoted as saying by La Repubblica after the match. "We were playing pretty well at the beginning of the game, but when two team-mates suffer injuries, it is difficult to speak about pattern

Carlos Marchena's solitary goal against Real Jaen ensures the Galician side return to Spain's top flight at the first time of asking Deportivo La Coruna sealed an immediate return to La Liga on Saturday as a 1-0 win over Real Jaen earned promotion back to the top flight. Following their relegation last season, Deportivo have wasted little time in bouncing straight back, with Carlos Marchena's 29th-minute strike proving enough to secure second place in the Segunda Division with one game to go. Fernando Vazquez's men went into the weekend six points clear of rivals Las Palmas and Sporting Gijon, but with no wins in their previous five matches concerns were beginning to build at the Riazor. Marchena's strike just before the half hour broke the deadlock, and as news from elsewhere began to filter through it was clear they were up. Deportivo's match finished before their rivals but the news that Las Palmas had lost to Mallorca and Gijon had drawn with Real Zaragoza m

There was much more than one title at stake in Lisbon. Winning the Champions League opens the door to two more pieces of silverware. Only the kings of Europe can play in the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. In the case of Sergio Ramos, Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, these are the two final frontiers in their bid to win every single big trophy for club and country. The 'Décima' gives Ramos, Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso the chance to go for the Grand Slam and enter a select group of players who have won the World Cup, European Championship, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, 'La Liga', 'Copa del Rey' and the Spanish Super Cup - eight great titles and a feat within the reach of very few footballers over the course of history. The members of the Spain team who won the World Cup and the Euros were given the opportunity to conquer the Grand Slam. With the most difficult part completed - winning such a prestigious double - the challenge then lies in ticking off the boxes at cl

The Dutchman claims he is grateful for the support of the club's fans as Filippo Inzaghi is lined up to replace him as head coach AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf says he has had no contact from the club as speculation mounts about his future. Seedorf's future at the club has been shrouded in doubt for some weeks and the Milan hierarchy have lined up Primavera coach Filippo Inzaghi as his replacement for this summer. And the Dutchman has confirmed he is in the dark over whether he will take charge of the team next season, though he admits he appreciates the support of the Rossoneri faithful. "I'm reading everything, just like you," he told Sport Mediaset. "I have had no communication from the club. "I'm well, I've been spending some time with my family and friends. The affection of all the fans I've been bumping into has really pleased me. "I can say 'Forza Milan' because Milan will always be there, like the fans." Seedorf, w

Liverpool and Manchester United would have both received more than £70million extra in Premier League TV money had the cash been distributed based on audience. Brendan Rodgers' side collected £97.5m in television money last season, the most in the Premier League, but they would have been in line for £172.3m if the distribution was based on the number of TV viewers - a difference of £74.8m. Manchester United would have received £159.5m if the Premier League split their money more evenly based on UK audience. As it was, United picked up £89.1m, more than £70m less. 

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is not sure where he will be playing football next season after his one-year loan spell with Napoli in Italy ended. Reina, who is currently training with Spain ahead of the World Cup, is still a Liverpool player with two years left on his current contract at Anfield. The 31-year-old doesn't appear to be in Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' long term plans and has been linked with a return to La Liga after a solid campaign with Napoli, but Reina is keeping his focus on the World Cup. "Right now I'm only thinking of La Roja (Spain's national team)," Reina said. "With regards to a new club, I will first have to speak to Liverpool. "My season on loan at Napoli has been very positive and I thank the Napoli people and the club. "With Barcelona there is nothing, they have just acquired (German goalkeeper) Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, hence they have that role covered. "I haven't had any contact either with Atletico M

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is not sure where he will be playing football next season after his one-year loan spell with Napoli in Italy ended. Reina, who is currently training with Spain ahead of the World Cup, is still a Liverpool player with two years left on his current contract at Anfield. The 31-year-old doesn't appear to be in Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' long term plans and has been linked with a return to La Liga after a solid campaign with Napoli, but Reina is keeping his focus on the World Cup. "Right now I'm only thinking of La Roja (Spain's national team)," Reina said. "With regards to a new club, I will first have to speak to Liverpool. "My season on loan at Napoli has been very positive and I thank the Napoli people and the club. "With Barcelona there is nothing, they have just acquired (German goalkeeper) Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, hence they have that role covered. "I haven't had any contact either with Atletico M

After the great performance against Valladolid, there will be no more league matches at the Santiago Bernabéu until next year - to be precise, the sixth of January, when Real Madrid will face Celta in the last match of the first half of the league programme. Until then, the Real Madrid players will have to pack their bags and play away in the two remaining league games of December, at two grounds which are not going to be easy for them - at Pamplona against Osasuna on 14th, and then at Mestalla against Valencia on 21st. These are two clashes which will be highly significant for Real Madrid's league aspirations. Besides these league trips, Real Madrid will also have to travel to Xativa in the King's Cup, and to Copenhagen in the Champions League. These two trips look quite easy, and will serve to give outings to some of the other squad members, and let the first team men rest. In the cup match, Real should not have any problems winning against Olimpic de Xativa, from the Spanish

Mauricio Pochettino is ready to speak in English at White Hart Lane after Tottenham made the Argentinian their new head coach. The 42-year-old was handed a five-year deal as Spurs boss on Tuesday after resigning from his post at Southampton, where he spent 17 months and made great strides. Pochettino used a translator during Saints press conferences despite his time in the Premier League, but footage shows him speaking fluent English.

Brendan Rodgers has signed a new long-term contract after Liverpool’s owners promised he will be given every help to make the club champions. Rodgers, who was named LMA Manager of the Year after he took Liverpool to within two points of the title last season, completed the formalities of signing a deal on Monday and the improved terms, which are believed to run to 2018, reflect his outstanding work. Personal gain, however, is not his motivation and the main crux of negotiations with Fenway Sports Group – who described Rodgers as a 'hugely talented individual' – stemmed around boosting a squad that will have the added demands next year of a Champions League campaign.

How Dortmund structure pre-season training Dortmund - While the majority of the footballing community may be relishing the prospect of high-quality games aplenty in the month long fiesta that will be the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, spare a thought for the Bundesliga clubs who face a logistical headache in planning for the 2014/15 season with their players dotted around the globe in differing states of fitness. So how do the clubs avoid their preparations descending into chaos? Easily enough with a bit of forethought, as Borussia Dortmund’s chief fitness coach Dr. Andreas Schlumberger told bvb.de. Four groups The Bundesliga runners-up are scheduled to begin their pre-season training on 5 July, but in the meantime the club has equipped each player with an individually-tailored programme. As to the intensity of said plans, Dortmund divided up their senior squad into four distinct groups. The first band of players includes those who will participate in the World Cup, such as Marco Reus

The 76-year-old has urged the Old Lady to make a move for the Chile international and rebuild their squad this summer Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi believes the Serie A champions should make the signing of Barcelona attacker Alexis Sanchez their main priority this summer if they want to be competitive again in Europe. The Chile international has been strongly linked with a return to Serie A after three seasons at Barcelona and Moggi feels the winger is exactly what Juventus need, while also urging the Turin giants to further rebuild their squad ahead of next season. "Juventus' main priority this summer should be the signing of Alexis Sanchez," Moggi was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "He has already shown in the past that he can add something extra in Serie A during his time at Udinese. "From there one, you will have to be ready to sell important players and replace them with even better alternatives. Back in 2001, we sold Zinedine Zidane and got back

Manchester City star Yaya Toure has told France Football that he could not rule out a possible move to Paris Saint-Germain. Toure's future has become subject to heated speculation after his agent suggested the Ivory Coast midfielder was underappreciated and disrespected at City. Toure backed his agent's comments and he himself admitted he would like the chance to return to former club Barcelona at some point in the future. Now Toure, who is currently with the Ivorian squad ahead of the World Cup finals which begin next month, has refused to rule out a possible future switch to PSG - who have been linked in recent days. Talking to France Football and asked about the possibility of moving to the Parc des Princes, he is quoted as saying: "Considering the objectives in Paris, how could you not be attracted by such a club? Player Profile 42. Yaya Toure Appearances 50 (2) Goals 24 Assists 11 Yellows 11 Reds 0 Current Season "PSG has become one (of the) strongholds in Europe

Manchester United's players will be worked into the ground during 'enormously intense' 75-minute bursts by Louis van Gaal when the Dutchman takes charge in July. That is the message from Robin van Persie, who expects the Holland coach to repair the damage left behind by David Moyes during a disastrous campaign in charge. United finished seventh in the Premier League and failed to win any major silverware under the Scot. And their under-performing flops will be strenuously put through their paces when Van Gaal rocks up at Carrington.

2013/14 season review: Hertha Berlin Munich - Ostensibly, an eleventh-placed finish is far from disastrous for a newly-promoted club, but it was also the very least Hertha Berlin fans would have expected after their team flew out of the traps at the beginning of 2013/14. The Old Lady were touted by many as possible European contenders following a highly impressive Hinrunde, but a disastrous second half of the season saw Jos Luhukay’s charges drop like a stone, and despite finishing in a healthy mid-table position, the Dutchman will be looking for a marked improvement from his side next term. bundesliga.com looks back on the capital club’s campaign… Season overview Hertha could hardly have wished for a better start to the 2013/14 season. A comprehensive 6-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, who had finished the previous campaign in sixth, certainly got pulses racing at the Olympiastadion, and fans’ expectations duly skyrocketed. A 1-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 9 saw

Goal collected some of the best photos of the Santiago Bernabeu side's celebrations in the wake of their dramatic triumph in Lisbon Real Madrid's 4-1 win after extra time over city rivals Atletico in Saturday's Champions League final meant Los Blancos' wait for La Decima came to an end 12 years after beating Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 tournament decider. The Madrid fans were understandably delighted with their team's success and came out in numbers to celebrate at the Plaza de Cibeles as Carlo Ancelotti's men showed 'the cup with the big ears' to their loyal supporters.

The England international burst onto the scene as a promising frontman at Manchester City, but took the opportunity to run down his contract the Etihad Stadium and move to Chelsea in 2009. An initial lack of opportunities forced him out on loan, with a spell at Bolton Wanderers showing that he could get goals at a Premier League level. Chelsea remained reluctant to deploy Sturridge down the middle, though, and he soon grew disillusioned with life on the flanks. A switch to Anfield in January 2013 offered him a clean slate, and the 24-year-old has responded with 35 goals in 49 games - a return he always believed he was capable of providing. Sturridge said in the Daily Telegraph ahead of his involvement at this summer's World Cup: "I've just been given the opportunity, and that's what I've asked for in the past. "That's what I've said, 'Give me that opportunity and then I can try to show what I can do'. "I think that it's down to the clu

Fresh from helping Real Madrid to UEFA Champions League glory, Clement's future has again fallen under the spotlight. He has now worked alongside Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real, but harbours ambitions of one day stepping out on his own. Clement was heavily linked with a role at West Bromwich Albion following their dismissal of Steve Clarke, and is said to once again figure prominently on the Baggies' wish list as they look for a successor to Pepe Mel. A return to England could be on the cards for a man who has been coaching since the age of 23, although he admits he will find it difficult to tear himself away from life at one of world football's most iconic clubs. Asked if the time is right for him to become a boss in his own right, Clement said: "I think soon, it will be soon. "A few opportunities have come my way but this is a difficult place to leave. "It's a great club, a great city, a great tradition and it gives you an oppo

The Germany playmaker received plenty of criticism during his first season in England but his international team-mate says that he needs a top-class forward to play behind EXCLUSIVE By Thomas Unsworth Philipp Lahm is confident that Mesut Ozil will be "devastating" for Arsenal next season - if the club can sign the right striker this summer. Ozil lifted his first silverware as a Gunners player on Saturday when his side beat Hull City in the FA Cup final at Wembley but his debut season in English football was marked by widespread criticism. Following some below-par displays over Christmas and into the New Year, the €50 million signing was accused of lacking fight in some quarters but Bayern Munich utility man Lahm says that the playmaker's talent is obvious and just needs to be properly exploited. "Anybody who has played with Mesut will tell you how intelligent he is as a player," Lahm told Goal. "His vision is probably the best I have ever seen and that is w

\ The Welshman scored in extra-time as Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico 4-1 after 120 minutes at Estadio da Luz and could not hide his delight after the game.

Louis Van Gaal's Holland squad are taking a relaxed approach to their preparations for this summer's World Cup. AC milan midfielder Nigel De Jong, sat opposite Robin van Persie, posted a photo of the Netherlands squad sat together on Twitter and tweeted: 'Relaxation at lunch with the boys.' Manchester United frontman Van Persie, who is expected to captain the Dutch in Brazil, smiled for the camera as Swansea stars Michel Vorm and Jonathan de Guzman, sat next to each other, also posed for the snap. Relaxation with the boys: Nigel de Jong posted a picture of the Holland squad enjoying lunch on Saturday.

Iker Casillas: C- Atlético took the lead thanks to Casillas. It's cruel but that's just what happened. He looked hesitant all night long and almost gave Atleti another goal in overtime. Sadly, it's not like he was required to do a lot. Thankfully, he was up there in the end to lift the Décima. Dani Carvajal: B Great first half by Dani. He looked shaky at times, especially on defense, but he was all over the place and looked like his energy just wasn't going to run out. Raphael Varane: A The French looked really solid all night long. He was a brilliant replacement for Pepe. Great on the aerial game as well. Sergio Ramos: A+ What else can you say about Sergio? The guy was our MVP in the final stretch of the season and he was the hero of the day once again. He destroyed Bayern and gave Atlético a devastating blow to keep Madrid alive when we needed him the most. Never die, Sergio. You are the man. Fábio Coentrao: B+ He was replaced not because he wasn't good. He was so

Already it has become the defining image of the title race: the slip, the desperate scramble to get upright and the despairing chase as Demba Ba closes in on goal to score for Chelsea. It encapsulated everything that has made the Premier League a compelling global spectacle. There was genuine pathos in seeing a player of Steven Gerrard’s stature close to a title that no one had ever imagined him winning, only to see it fall away in the final games of the season, in part as a result of his own mistake. It was almost irrelevant that title races are not decided in single moments, that a combination of events over nine months determines the outcome and that, in that Chelsea match, there was still time for  Liverpool to recover. Such rationality is obscured by the power of a 10-second video clip that seemingly changed Gerrard’s destiny.

The coach was devastated that his Atletico were defeated in extra-time by Real Madrid, while he avoided criticising the referee or Raphael Varane despite a late clash Diego Simeone stressed he was "bitter, but not sad" after Atletico Madrid were defeated 4-1 in the Champions League final by Real Madrid on Saturday. The coach was fuming on the sidelines over the five added minutes in the second half in which Sergio Ramos scored his dramatic equaliser after Diego Godin's opener to send the match into extra-time. Having remonstrated with the referee after 105 minutes had been played, Simeone then stormed on to the pitch after becoming riled by Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who seemed to provoke the Atletico bench by kicking a ball into the dugout following Cristiano Ronaldo's late penalty. "I don't feel sad," the Argentine told reporters after the match. "It's bitterness that I feel for not reaching my goal. Now the calmness is stronger and it ha

Remy joined QPR in January 2013 from Marseille, but has spent the past season on loan at Newcastle United following his parent club's relegation to the Championship. The France international has scored 14 goals in 26 Premier League appearances for Newcastle and is wanted on a permanent basis at St James' Park. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew stated earlier this month that he was not resigned to missing out on Remy, but there is strong competition for his signature. Arsenal have been regularly linked with a bid for Remy and last month Arsene Wenger refused to rule out a summer offer for the 27-year-old. The FA Cup winners are now understood to have made an enquiry for Remy, who attended Arsenal's 1-0 home win over West Brom at the start of May. Liverpool are also thought to be interested in Remy as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to add quality to his squad ahead of the club's return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Republic of Ireland international only moved to Goodison Park on deadline day on September 2 last year when he followed Roberto Martinez from Wigan. He played a starring role in his debut campaign as Everton claimed fifth place in the Premier League to secure qualification for the Europa League. McCarthy's role in Everton's terrific season has not gone unnoticed and, although Louis van Gaal is being linked with a string of foreign signings as an overhaul of United's squad is widely anticipated, one of his key signings could be from a North-West rival. Everton are keen to open talks with the 23-year-old over a new deal, but news that United could be ready to make a move may scupper that idea. Sources have confirmed to Sky Sports that United may even try to offer Tom Cleverley in exchange as Martinez is known to be fan of the England midfielder and it appears he could be one of a number of Old Trafford regulars allowed to leave this summer.

Toure's future at the Etihad Stadium has been brought into sharp focus this week following claims by the player's agent of signs of disrespect regarding the lack of acknowledgement of his recent birthday. The Ivory Coast international, who was a key figure in City's Premier League title triumph, has also conceded that he is open concerning his future at the club. His representative Dimitry Seluk subsequently told Sky Sports News on Thursday that Toure wants a role at City when he retires and that the player 'must feel happy'. Silva, who joined City in 2010 in the same summer as Toure, has stated that he has not spotted any signs that the former Barcelona midfielder is unhappy. "I've been playing with the guy for years and I've always thought he was okay," Silva told the Daily Mirror. "So I don't understand why anyone would necessarily think he was unhappy, he's always seemed fine to me." Regarding his own future, Silva has no inte