Liverpool Announce The Signing of Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool have finally won the race to sign Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk after agreeing a world record £75 million fee for a defender.

Liverpool have broken the world record for a defender by ousting Manchester City to wrap up the signing of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in a £75 million.

The centre-back, who has remained Jurgen Klopp’s priority target since the summer and opted to move to Anfield back then as well, will officially join the Anfield side on January 1.

Negotiations speedily progressed between the sides after a long process of the Reds repairing the relationship with their counterparts following up a tapping-up saga in June.

The two clubs have again been in discreet negotiations in recent days following the acrimonious breakdown of a potential deal last summer and have today reached agreement on the transfer.

Manchester City and Chelsea are both also interested and have made inquiries at different stages of the past six months but, barring any late super-bid from another club, Van Dijk will get his move to Liverpool.

Liverpool did not ultimately make a formal offer to Southampton last summer but were ready to pay around £60 million after it became clear that Van Dijk wanted to join them. Southampton were furious at the leak of information before a fee had been agreed and their complaint to the Premier League prompted an apology from Liverpool and an agreement not to pursue the deal.

That position held throughout the summer transfer window, with Southampton also turning down a large offer from Chelsea. Van Dijk then missed the start of the season amid concern at his focus before being reintegrated back into the team under new manager Mauricio Pellegrino. He has since been left out of the recent games against Chelsea, Huddersfield Town and Tottenham Hotspur.

Premier League leaders Manchester City are also keen and were preparing a £60 million opening bid but the situation has moved on quickly in recent days and Southampton are now extremely close to an agreement with Liverpool.

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Reds Mount More Woes On Swansea

Liverpool moved back into the top four as they ran riot against bottom rock table Swansea with a 5-0 victory at Anfield on Boxing Day.

Match Summary

Jurgen Klopp's side were in front as early as the sixth minute with a quality strike from Philippe Coutinho, although they failed to capitalise further on their first-half dominance.

The second half was a different matter, though, as Firmino (brace), Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all got on the scoresheet to seal a comprehensive win. 

Full Report

The hosts got off to a perfect start when Coutinho curled a shot into the right corner of the net from 20 yards out in the sixth minute after Firmino won the ball back off Jordan Ayew and fed his compatriot.

Andrew Robertson wasn't far away from doubling their lead five minutes later as he ran onto Mohamed Salah's cutback from the right byline and sliced an effort narrowly wide of the left post from 19 yards out.

Emre Can fired tamely at Lukasz Fabianski from just outside the box after being allowed to advance on goal midway through the first half, and Oxlade-Chamberlain blazed well over the crossbar from 22 yards out on 26 minutes.

The Reds should have put the game to bed before half-time, but Firmino pushed his shot wide of the left post from 22 yards out in the 31st minute, while he missed an even better chance in added time as he dragged an effort inches past the upright from 12 yards out, after Roque Mesa had given the ball straight to Salah, who played the Brazilian in on goal.

Ayew looked to get the Swans back into the contest after the restart, but his ambitious strike from long range was easily gathered by Simon Mignolet in the 49th minute.

Salah went close at the other end moments later as he cut inside from Firmino's pass on the right, although his shot was too close to Fabianski. However, the home fans were celebrating on 52 minutes when Firmino volleyed home at the back post from Coutinho's free-kick on the left.

Salah missed another glorious opportunity on 57 minutes after being picked out by Coutinho's low free-kick, with the Egyptian flashing his shot inches wide of the right post from 12 yards out.

Leroy Fer should have done better when he connected with Wayne Routledge's cross from the right on the hour mark, but he guided the ball well wide of the near post.

It was 3-0 on 65 minutes as Alexander-Arnold arrived to meet a clearance from a cross on the left, with his rising shot from 12 yards out flying into the roof of the net, and Firmino bagged his second goal a minute later from a simple tap-in from six yards out having being teed up by Salah.

Oxlade-Chamberlain completed the rout seven minutes from time with a dinked effort into the left corner of the goal from 14 yards out following good work from the England international to bring the ball under control.

Substitute Dominic Solanke went close on two occasions late on, with Fabianski denying him from close range on 86 minutes before he volleyed wide of the far post two minutes later after connecting with Coutinho's clipped cross.

Mignolet preserved his clean sheet with the final action of the match as he tipped over substitute Tammy Abraham's header in stoppage time.

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Baggies' Winless Run Continues

West Brom boss Alan Pardew is still searching for his first win after the Boxing Day clash with Everton finished goalless at the Hawthorns.West Brom 0 Everton 0Rondon misses early chance for AlbionDawson off target with two headersPickford denies Brunt before HTFoster keeps out Niasse at the death

Match Summary

The Baggies had chances to end their alarming winless run which now stands at 18 games, but Salomon Rondon and Craig Dawson failed to deliver in front of goal against a Toffees team who remain unbeaten under Sam Allardyce.

Full Report

The hosts should have taken the lead with their first chance on six minutes when Jay Rodriguez's cross from the left picked out Rondon, but the striker missed the target from inside the six-yard box.

Rodriguez then failed to trouble Jordan Pickford with a shot that he dragged wide of the near post on 11 minutes, while Dawson sent a header over from six yards out after getting on the end of Matt Phillips' cross eight minutes later.

Dawson was off target with another header on 36 minutes from Chris Brunt's cross on the right, and the Northern Ireland international finally tested Pickford two minutes before half-time with a strike that he kept out at full stretch.

Albion were on top in the first half and they continued the push for the opener after the break as Rondon beat Mason Holgate with a sharp turn before blasting high and wide on 50 minutes.

The Toffees had a rare chance a minute later when Ashley Williams met Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick, but his looping header was gathered by Ben Foster.

Rodriguez wasted another opportunity for WBA as he headed wide of the mark on 64 minutes, while at the other end Tom Davies latched onto a clearance from a free-kick and curled a shot over the crossbar five minutes later.

Dawson did get a header on target in the 78th minute, but Pickford made a routine save, before Phillips lashed an effort way over the goal six minutes from time.

Kieran Gibbs sliced wide of goal moments later when Brunt's cross from the right fell at his feet, and the Merseysiders almost made them pay in the final minute as Omar Niasse was denied twice in succession by Foster after breaking into the box from the left.

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Hornets Hard Fought Against Foxes to End Winless Run

Watford came from behind to end a seven-game winless run and beat Leicester City 2-1 in their English Premier League clash at Vicarage Road on Boxing.

Match summary

Two late first-half goals from Riyadh Mahrez and former Leicester defender Molla Wague set up a tense second-half fixture.

However, it was a Kasper Schmeichel own-goal in the 65th minute that settled the game as Watford ended their miserable run without a win.

Full report

Watford welcomed an in-form Leicester side high on confidence after earning a point at Old Trafford with ten-men on Saturday.

The Foxes were unbeaten in seven successive away matches in the Premier League and already secured three points more on the road than in the entirety of last season.

While Marco Silva's surprise package of the season suffered four straight defeats in the league and were in danger of dropping into the bottom half of the table.

However, as displayed since Silva's arrival, the Hornets showed the fighting spirit once again that made them one of the most exciting sides in the division.

After a scrappy start to the encounter with a few clear-cut chances, the game sprung into life just before the half-time whistle.

First Mahrez netted a rare headed goal in the 37th minute after meeting a Marc Albrighton cross at the far post to beat goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Then on 45 minutes, former Foxes loanee Molla Wague found a timely equaliser against Claude Puel's side. The Mali international defender who was earning his first start of the season, scored a simple tap-in from close range as the visitors made a hash of clearing a defensive corner.

Exciting forward Richarlison nearly put the home side ahead before the end of the half, but his fierce effort shuddered off the post with Schmeichel beaten.

And in the second-half, Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was having a poor game by his standards, forced a winner to end his side's barren run.

Tom Cleverley's free-kick deep from midfield found the Frenchman at the back-post and somehow he managed to head the ball into the area from the tightest of angles - before ricocheting into the net off Schmeichel's body.

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Drama at The Death in Six-goal Thriller

Bournemouth and West Ham shares the spoil in a fascinating six-goal thriller at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day.

Match summary

Bournemouth were delighted to record a point against West Ham as Callum Wilson scored in the 93rd minute after a trilling encounter with six-goals, penalty appeals and end-to-end action throughout.

Full report

Bournemouth were quickest out of the blocks with a couple of early set-pieces, but weren't able to capatalise before James Collins headed home after just seven minutes. Simon Francis had missed his header at the other end moments earlier, and he wasn't able to stop West Ham from taking the lead as Collins connected to an Aaron Cresswell corner.

Adrian did well to deny a poked effort from Wilson following Pablo Zabaleta's poor clearance from a Ryan Fraser delivery with 15 minutes played.

While, Josh King really should have equalised two minutes later but slipped when connecting with a good Wilson delivery from the right to slice his effort wide.

Arthur Masuaku then sliced his shot wide at the other end, before King was again off target while Adrian made a great save to keep out Adam Smith as Bournemouth eyed an equaliser.

And with 30 minutes gone, the hosts were level as a Fraser free-kick into the box fell to Dan Gosling who found a shot through a raft of bodies.

Francis was lucky not to see red for a boot in the face of Cheikhou Kouyate just after the 30 minute mark, ahead of a slightly more subdued end to the first half that saw Manuel Lanzini fire a late shot just wide.

Asmir Begovic collected well from an Arnautovic delivery at the start of the second period before Wilson fired off target after being fed by King following a deflected clearance from Pedro Obiang.

Lanzini was again close with another effort that was just inches off target from a good Arnautovic delivery from the left before Bournemouth took the lead with 57 minutes on the clock. Nathan Ake was well placed to sweep home after West Ham failed to clear a Lewis Cook cross after a neat short corner.

Adrian then denied Gosling a second as he was played in by Cook, while Ake found the side-netting with a 64th minute header.

Bournemouth's shout for a 66th minute penalty for a handball on Collins was waved away by referee Bobby Madley before Adrian was called into action again, a minute later, to stop Jordan Ibe from smashing in a third.

Both sides continued to attack, as Arnautovic poked wide on 70 minute before Fraser then also flashed an effort just wide.

It was end to end stuff as both sides battled ferociously for all three points, and Adrian did well to stop Benik Afobe at his near post, while also saving the rebound.

But no one really could have predicted how the final 10 or so minutes would play out, as first Arnautovic drew West Ham level on 82 minutes after a horrible mistake from Begovic as he slip in the rain and gifted the ball to the striker - before the striker scored again. Another poor clearance from Begovic allowed Arnautovic to slot home.

But West Ham somehow let the three points slip as an Ake header across the face of goal made it' way into the goal off Wilson's head and possibly arm, with the player having also initially been flagged for offside.

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Sobhi Denies Terriers Full Points To Share The Spoils

Huddersfield were unable to hold onto their early lead at the John Smith's Stadium as Stoke battled back for a 1-1 draw on Boxing day. 

Ince nets his first goal of season and Sobhi equalises on the hour mark, Potters concede 40th goal in 2017/18

Match Summary

The Terriers failed to capitalise on their early advantage from Tom Ince's 10th-minute goal as Ramadan Sobhi found an equaliser in the second half.

The Egyptian winger's second goal in as many games arrived in the 60th minute as the two teams shared the spoils.

Full Report

The Potters got off the worst possible start as the hosts took an early lead through mercurial winger Ince, who finally broke his duck for the campaign.

Fellow forward Collin Quaner did well to cut the ball back into the area after a surging run and Ince met the ball with a neat side-footed finish beyond Jack Butland. It was the 40th goal conceded by the leaky Stoke defence.

Just before the half-hour mark, the Terriers somehow managed to keep the score at 1-0, with Ryan Shawcross and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting seeing their efforts cleared off the line by goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

David Wagner's side managed to stay ahead at the the half-time whistle and enjoyed a lively start to the second half.

But their resilience was soon ended when Sobhi levelled matters. Joe Allen played a one-two with Choupo-Moting from a quickly taken set-piece and found himself wide of the area before finding Sobhi at the back post for a simple tap-in.

Neither club was able to find the winner but on the basis of the form guide, the Potters went home the happier with a crucial point to move away from the drop zone.

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Lingard Double Saves Woeful United

Super Sub Jesse Lingard rescue woeful Manchester United with a brace as they came from behind to draw 2-2 with Burnley at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Barnes gives visitors early lead and Defour free-kick makes it 2.

Lingard backheel reduce the deficit and scores late equaliser

Match Summary

Jose Mourinho's side found themselves trailing 2-0 at the interval after Ashley Barnes broke the deadlock in the third minute, before Steven Defour doubled the Clarets' lead with a superb free-kick on 36 minutes.

But Lingard, who was brought on at half-time along with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, pulled one back with a cheeky backheel and struck again in stoppage time to earn a share of the spoils.

Full Report

The visitors made a dream start after Marcos Rojo was booked in the second minute for a foul on Johann-Berg Gudmundsson, whose free-kick was lashed home at the far post by Barnes after United failed to clear their lines.

Scott Arfield was inches away from doubling their lead on 12 minutes when he steered Gudmundsson's cross from the right just over the crossbar and onto the roof of the net.

The Red Devils had a couple of half-chances before Luke Shaw went close in the 17th minute as space opened up for him on the left, but his driven effort from 22 yards out was parred away by Nick Pope.

The Burnley keeper pulled off an even better save four minutes later when he clawed away Paul Pogba's header from a corner, and it proved crucial as his team went 2-0 up on 36 minutes. David De Gea had no answer to Defour's curling free-kick which found the top-left corner of the net from 25 yards out.

The hosts almost halved the deficit two minutes later from Pogba's exquisite diagonal ball that found Rashford on the left, with the forward cutting inside and beating Pope but Ben Mee was there to clear off the line.

Pogba then came close two minutes before half-time with a curling shot from 20 yards out that flew narrowly past the right post, although the Clarets were deserved leaders at the break.

United were quickly on the attack after the restart with Pogba flashing a shot a few feet over the bar from 25 yards out in the 46th minute, while half-time substitute Lingard somehow failed to score five minutes later when he steered Ashley Young's cross from the right against Pope's face and onto the bar from two yards out.

But he struck just two minutes later with a sublime finish from another Young cross, which was flicked into the bottom-left corner of the net off his heel.

Pogba looked to replicate Defour's feat on 70 minutes as he curled a free-kick just over the bar from an almost identical position to the opener, before Mkhitaryan steered a header well off target from Young's cross on the right 10 minutes later.

Just when it looked like Burnley would record a rare win at the Theatre of Dreams, Lingard popped up at the death to fire home from 16 yards out after Juan Mata's free-kick dropped at his feet.

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Aubameyang Tempting Atletico

28-year-old Dortmond striker Aubameyang has made his intentions clear in the past about wanting to further his career elsewhere as he continues his incredible goalscoring form for the Bundesliga club.

Atletico's transfer ban has officially come to an end and they are currently in the market for an attacker to partner Diego Costa with Antoine Griezmann expected to leave the Spanish capital.

Aubameyang denied claims he has signed a new deal with BVB and suggested an exit may be on the cards.

Everyone knows that Atletico Madrid are looking for players around the world," the Gabon international told Ouest-France.

"I think that [Antoine] Griezmann could leave and many things could happen, everything could happen.

"I have not signed [a contract renewal at Dortmund], that's not true. The market is open, also for me."

Despite Dortmund's struggles this season, Aubameyang has netted 21 times in 23 games across all competitions.

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I'm Not Bothered With Man City Approach

Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong says he is not ready for the demands required to make a sensational switch to Manchester City.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League leaders after some eye-catching displays in the Dutch top flight.

Despite only making his first-team breakthrough at the Amsterdam Arena this season, the Netherlands youth international has impressed due to his versatility of playing central midfield, defensive midfield and at centre-back.

Along with his incredible work-rate and stamina, the Willem II academy graduate has shown improvements in his technical ability - providing eight assists in 15 league fixtures.

However, with the recent rumours of a departure, De Joden quickly offered De Jong a new five-year deal which he signed last week.

"I've read it too (laughs)," he told reporters about the interest from Pep Guardiola's side. "I do not think I'm ready to play at the first team at Manchester City or something like that.

"Right now I really just want to develop here at Ajax and become a solid starting player. Especially in midfield. Then we'll see further."

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Harry Kane Trebble Destroy Saints

Harry Kane scored a second consecutive hat-trick to leap-frog a long-standing Premier League record set by Alan Shearer as Tottenham show no mercy by destroying Southampton 5-2 at Wembley on Boxing Day.

Kane bagged another hat-trick, Alli and Son also on target for Spurs while Boufal and Tadic reduce deficit as a consolation. Kane breaks Shearer record

Match Summary

Kane scored twice in the first half to put Mauricio Pochettino's side in command at the break and striker completed his three-goal haul in the second half, with Dele Alli and Son Heung-min also getting on target against the Saints, who replied through Sofiane Boufal and Dusan Tadic.

Full Report

The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Christian Eriksen whipped in a free-kick from the edge of the box to pick out an unmarked Kane two yards out to head home with ease and reach 37 Premier League goals in 2017, breaking Alan Shearer's 22-year-old record for goals in a calendar year.

A few minutes later, the hosts almost gifted the Saints an equaliser. An initial shot from Boufal was parried by Hugo Lloris and Danny Rose attempted to play it back to the keeper, but the header was too high for the Frenchman to comfortably collect and he had to scramble to keep it from crossing the goalline.

Spurs were clearly in the ascendancy throughout the first half and doubled their lead in the 39th minute with some attractive passing and movement that cut the visitors open. Alli and Son combined brilliantly before the South Korean set up Kane for a tap in from four yards out. The finish saw the England striker surpass Lionel Messi for most goals in 2017 for club and country with 55.

Mauricio Pellegrino's men were rather fortunate not to give away a penalty just before the break. Son went down in the box after what appeared to be a push in the back from Jack Stephens, but the referee waved away appeals.

Shortly after the break Mario Lemina went agonisingly close to pulling one back, but his powerful shot from the edge of the area hit the bar.

It was only a brief respite for the Saints as Spurs went three goals clear in the 49th minute. Alli curled a precise low shot past Fraser Forster to find the far-bottom corner of the goal after sharp interplay with Son.

Only two minutes later it was Son who found the back of the net as the north Londoners stormed to a 4-0 lead. A mistake by the Southampton defence gifted Alli with the ball and he fed Son, who produced a confident finish.

The south-coast club were given the faintest of glimmers in the 64th minute as Boufal reduced the deficit to three with a strong shot beating Lloris at his near post.

However, their celebrations were short-lived. In the 67th minute, Kane was put through on goal and showed a great touch to clip the ball over Forster to complete his hat-trick.

The Saints netted in the last few minutes as the goal-fest continued. Substitute Tadic chipped a shot from a corner and managed to get the better of Lloris, who got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out.

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At 80 I Will Still Be Happy To Play

39-year-old Gianluigi Buffon has been at the Bianconeri since 2001 and has made 638 appearances for the club across all competitions, keeping 300 clean sheets.

Buffon's current contract at the Serie A champions is due to expire at the end of the season, which has prompted questions from the media regarding his potential retirement.

"I just don't know how to answer these (retirement) questions," said the Italian, according to Goal.

"Will I stop? Will I not stop? I feel like a soldier in the service of my club and my country. The big picture was always more important to me than my own. That's how I see my work.

"I am very likely to stop, but I am still available for Juventus and the national team.

"Even at 80, if suddenly no goalkeeper would be there, they should call me I would train briefly and then jump in." 

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Still On The Matching Runs

Heynckes took over from Carlo Ancelotti at Die Roten in October and has since led them to 15 wins in 16 games across all competitions, lifting them to top spot in the Bundesliga.

In his previous spell at Bayern Heynckes won the treble, claiming the 2013 UEFA Champions League title, Bundesliga title, and DFB-Pokal.

"We've rarely been able to celebrate Christmas in as relaxed a mood as this year," Rummenigge wrote in his end-of-year letter to club members and fans. 

"We can be very satisfied with 2017. Last summer we won a fifth Bundesliga title in a row – that's an historic achievement! Even the so-called golden 70s failed to produce such sheer Bavarian dominance, and our team is well on course to extend this streak. 

"We're top of the table at the halfway stage of the season for the seventh time in a row, with an 11-point lead over our rivals. I think that's remarkable! We're also on track in the Champions League and DFB Cup.

"Special thanks go to Jupp Heynckes and his coaching staff. Jupp has made a wonderful comeback. We've won 15 of our 16 matches since he returned, and I'm convinced he'll continue to help the team develop after the winter break, even though the mid-season training period is very short this time. 

"And I'd also like to thank Carlo Ancelotti, who led us to the aforementioned fifth league title last summer."

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At My Age You Always Consider Retirement

33-year-old Andre Iniesta has ended speculation over his future at the Catalans in November as he penned a new contract with the club, and is expected to see out his career at Barca.

However, the Spaniard is aware that he has entered the twilight of his career and could hang up his boots in the near future. 

“It's not that I considered leaving Barcelona," he told Marca.

“I’m just in a position where I now try and enjoy each day.

“I’m aware that I'm at an age where every year I need some time for myself, to make a decision on the future.

“I am honest with myself and this club has given me everything, so I am grateful.”

Iniesta came through the Barcelona youth system before making his senior debut in 2002. He has made 643 appearances for the Blaugrana in all competitions.

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Fatigue Not a Problem For Citizens

The Citizens thrashed Bournemouth 4-0 on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the standings to 13 points, and will face Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Watford between December 27 and January 2.

However, Guardiola believes he has the players to maintain City's high level of performance even when he makes wholesale changes to his starting XI.

"Fatigue, I don't think so. It may happen but we've a good enough squad," the Spaniard revealed, according to Goal.

"Gabriel [Jesus] didn't play against Bournemouth – he played 120 minutes against Leicester and he's the biggest fighter in high pressing I've seen in my life. He helps us a lot with our intensity.

"Danilo, Bernardo [Silva], [Ilkay] Gundogan all helped us against Bournemouth. We have Yaya [Toure]. Last game, [Oleksandr] Zinchenko was man of the match and he was not in the squad against Bournemouth.

"Of course we will rotate in this period. We have a game every four days. Everyone that has played in the past is going to play in the future."

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Harry Kane On Verge To Break Shearer's Record

Tottenham striker Harry Kane can beat Alan Shearer’s record for most Premier League goals in a calendar year in their Boxing Day clash against Southampton.

Kane’s hat trick against Burnley last weekend took him level with Shearer on 36 goals for 2017, which can be broken against the Saints at Wembley.

"I'm the striker, so a lot of the time I get the praise and get spoken about, but it's so important that the team does well," Kane said.

"But now, obviously equal, yeah I'm full of confidence going into Tuesday. But most importantly for me it's the wins that matter and Southampton's going to be another tough game."

Meanwhile, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino believes Kane still has room to improve as he chases the club’s all-time leading scorer: Teddy Sheringham.

"Of course the record of Alan is fantastic," Pochettino said. "He was a fantastic player, but Harry is doing so well.

"I think Alan was consistently scoring for 10 years. You need to show massive respect, it was amazing what he did.

"Harry is doing well - to have a player like Harry Kane is fantastic, I hope and I wish that every season he scores 50 or more than 50 [goals]."

"I think he still can improve. At 24 I think the player arrives at their best at 27, 28 or 29 depending on how professional you are.

"But with Harry Kane, if he keeps that mentality and keeps working hard every day in training sessions and never change that mentality, then he can play until he wants to play."

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Conte Hails Chelsea Character And Effort

The Blues played out a 0-0 draw with the Toffees at Goodison Park on Saturday, seeing them fall 16 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.

"When you see a team use this big effort, and we must be disappointed for the result because we drew a game when usually you win this type of game, but I am not worried because the players played very well. It was a good performance and I liked the attitude and the effort of my players," Conte was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"You know very well that this league is not simple. You have to fight to win the league, you have to fight for the Champions League, you have to fight for the Europa League places. We have to do our best and then at the end we will see where we are."

"My task is to bring an important motivation in every game and to this point, my players they always gave me great responses. Sometimes it can happen you drop points. We dropped points against Everton, a good team, it is not simple to play away against them but we dropped points in a fair way."

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Swansea To Be Tested By Reds

The Swans remain rock-bottom of the Premier League standings while the Reds are unbeaten in their last 10 league matches, with 41 goals scored compared to Swansea’s 11.

"They are a team that are in a rich vein of form," Britton said. "You look at their front players and the amount of goals they score, it is right up there with the best forward lines in the Premier League.

"It is very tough when you go up to Anfield, I've experienced it as a player. It is a tough place to go - the way they play their football, the way they press, the high intensity that they work at.

"It will be a very difficult test for us going up there but the players have got to relish that and look forward to it. It is a test and as a player you want to be tested."

The Swans claimed a 3-2 win on their last visit to Anfield, a result that boosted their subsequent league form, and that is exactly what Britton hopes to repeat.

"It was a huge turning point," he added. "When you go to one of the so-called bigger clubs and perform like that and get the result - especially in the position we were in, with the confidence low.

"All of a sudden you go to those places, whether it is Anfield, Manchester United, Manchester City, and win. Straight away the confidence is up. It had a big effect. It really kick-started our season."

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Spurs Can't Fight On Two Fronts

Spurs beat Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to top spot in their group, but are fifth in the league standings ahead of their Boxing Day clash with the Saints at Wembley.

"The main problem is that they are competing in the Champions League," said Pellegrino. "You have to spend a lot of energy, a lot of strength in this competition.

"When you are playing in European competition, it is a big change. You have to live this over a lot of years to keep the level, especially mentally. It is not easy for the players to play not just one competition, but two, or three or four."

Pellegrino also blamed heightened expectations, pointing to attacking midfielder Dele Alli as an example of a player unable to consistently overperform.

"When the expectation is really high, people can be disappointed," Pellegrino added. "Before nobody expected too much from Dele Alli and everybody talked about what a spectacular player he is.

"Now the expectations are high, people are disappointed. Always, it is like this. It is proportional.

"He is an amazing player and obviously still very young. Nobody is consistent 365 days of the year. Human beings play football, not machines. Everyone has the same trouble."

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Spurs Can't Fight On Two Fronts

Spurs beat Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to top spot in their group, but are fifth in the league standings ahead of their Boxing Day clash with the Saints at Wembley.

"The main problem is that they are competing in the Champions League," said Pellegrino. "You have to spend a lot of energy, a lot of strength in this competition.

"When you are playing in European competition, it is a big change. You have to live this over a lot of years to keep the level, especially mentally. It is not easy for the players to play not just one competition, but two, or three or four."

Pellegrino also blamed heightened expectations, pointing to attacking midfielder Dele Alli as an example of a player unable to consistently overperform.

"When the expectation is really high, people can be disappointed," Pellegrino added. "Before nobody expected too much from Dele Alli and everybody talked about what a spectacular player he is.

"Now the expectations are high, people are disappointed. Always, it is like this. It is proportional.

"He is an amazing player and obviously still very young. Nobody is consistent 365 days of the year. Human beings play football, not machines. Everyone has the same trouble."

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Dyche Can Lead Burnley to Europe - Jose Maurinho

Jose Maurinho at it again with a mind game on Dyche,zali Burnley Manager, The clarets are seventh on the log behind Arsenal and Tottenham despite losing 3-0 to the latter last weekend, but Mourinho lauded their no-nonsense approach.

"If survival was the objective, I think the objective is in the pocket, it's totally under control," Mourinho told Sky Sports News.

"If the objective is to finish top 10, they will do it. If the objective is to fight for European positions, they are there so they have the right to fight, so it'll be a difficult opponent.

"If you compare what they are doing with the initial objectives, it's a very good season.

"They conceded three in the last one but before that they were really amazing so they defend very, very well.

"Everybody knows the way they play, if you expect them to play creative beautiful football, they don't do that.

"But if you talk about direct objective, pragmatic and play with their strength, I think they are very, very good."

Meanwhile, United are second only to their neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League standings, trailing Pep Guardiola’s side by 13 points but three ahead of third-placed Chelsea.

"They still look like a high-quality group of players to me," Dyche said of Mourinho's United side.

"I was there recently when they had to dig in and get a win against a Brighton side that played very well.

"The main thing I like about Jose Mourinho and the work he does with his players is they find different ways of winning.

"Man Utd, as much as the questions are coming in about their indifference, are still a very strong side. They are a very strong unit, very strong in talent and they certainly have a manager who understands the division."

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Top Four Our Realistic Target

Jurgen Klopp has said that Liverpool must improve if they are to finish in the top four qualify for the next season’s Champions League.

The German all but admitted Liverpool's title challenge is over as they currently trail top of the table Manchester City by 20 points.

But he said that there was still plenty for Liverpool to fight for and that there was no room for complacency.

Speaking ahead of their Boxing Day game with bottom-club Swansea at Anfield, Klopp said:

"We have to qualify for the Champions League. We have to finish as high as possible.”

"It looks like we could be second, third or fourth this year, that's a fantastic situation. Not the dream, but a fantastic situation.

"That's what we are working on and for this we have to improve in all departments.

"This year, I don't think that anyone apart from Manchester City and maybe Manchester United are thinking too much about how they can win the league.

"In a very difficult league, performance-wise we are really consistent so far. If we stay consistent and avoid our mistakes, mistakes like in the 3-3 draw with Arsenal, we will win much more games than we lose or draw.

"As it was and so it will be against Swansea, we have to perform first of all and then we have to see how the other team can react."

Klopp also warned his players not to underestimate their opponents despite the Welsh club’s lowly position.

"They are under pressure and that's clear because they fight for the league, 100 percent, and that will not change before Boxing Day," he added.

"But we will be ready and we will perform, if possible, like against Arsenal but avoid the mistakes we made.

"I don't really remember the game from last year, to be honest. I remember that we lost it. But that's not the plan!"

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Trapp Wants January Exit

Trapp, the Germany international was a first-team regular in his first two seasons at Parc des Princes following his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2015.

But the emergence of PSG youth product Alphonse Areola this term has seen Trapp manage just three appearances in all competitions, leading to speculation that he could be on the move next month.

The 24-year-old has been linked with Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Liverpool, with his representative saying they are open to a potential transfer.

"If there's a chance in the winter, Kevin wants to leave Paris," Jorg Neubauer told Sport 1.

Reports in France claim that PSG would be willing to part with Trapp for a fee of around €15 million - €5m more than what they paid the Eagles for his services 18 months ago.

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James Rodriguez Happy At Bayern

After struggling to establish himself with Spanish giant Real Madrid, 26-year-old James Rodriguez made the temporary switch to the Allianz Arena as Bayern's marquee signing.

However, since the return of manager Jupp Heynckes as a replacement for the sacked Carlo Ancelotti, James become a key component in attack for the Bavarian giants.

"I'm very pleased with my first six months," the Colombia international told Sport1. "We can go into the holidays with a good feeling after the last few weeks and we hope to be successful next year as well.

"Bayern are like Real Madrid a club at the highest level. They always want to win titles and are used to always having to win.

"Without question, Bayern are a top club. It's a new life for me, but I've settled well. I'm really happy here."

James has scored twice and registered three assists in seven Bundesliga starts this term.

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Pastore Denies PSG Exit Rumour

Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are vying for PSG Pastore, the Argentina international has been subject to transfers in top european clubs as the January transfer window looms.

And due to the fierce competition for an attacking role in Unai Emery's side, French media claimed Pastore was keen on leaving Parc des Princes.

But the 28-year-old told Mundo Deportivo: "It's a lie to say that I have said goodbye to my team-mates. I've always thought about playing for this club and doing the best I can every time.

"In recent games, I've played a lot and I'm happy. I still have a year-and-a-half contract, and I'm very calm.

"I was looking for more playing time, it's true. The coach makes the decisions and I have to make sure to keep improving to get some PSG playing time."

Pastore has scored four goals in 13 league games for the Ligue 1 leaders this season.

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Eden Hazard In Advanced Negotiations' With Real Madrid

Eden Hazard is in advanced negotiations with Los Blancos and the move could materialize for the La Liga giants following the 2018 World Cup.

Reports from Spain claims that the Blues' star man is No 1 target for Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane this summer which could pave way for Marco Asensio's exit.

Diario Gol write that Asensio has issued the club an ultimatum, informing them that if Hazard joins he will end his association with the Spanish side.

Asensio is supremely talented and would surely have a number of top clubs lining up for his signature, but it is widely acknowledged that Hazard's arrival would see him warming a place on the Real Madrid bench.

Zidane is a huge fan of the Belgian and would be delighted to bring him to Spain as Real Madrid look to keep pace at the top of La Liga.

The Spanish report notes that negotiations between Real Madrid and Hazard are at advanced stage and everything points to the player arriving after the World Cup.

The 26-year-old, who has netted eight times for Chelsea this season, is heading to Russia with his country in the summer.

Asensio is also likely to be there with Spain, but whether he heads back to Madrid after the tournament as yet remains to be seen.

Diario Gol write that he favours a move to Manchester City if he is to leave the Bernabeu, with Pep Guardiola keen on him.

Asensio is said to be monitoring how the situation pans out with Hazard before he commits to any move away from the club.

SOURCE: All Football

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Messi Is World Best But Ronaldo Deserved Ballon d'Or

Rivaldo picks Lionel Messi as the world's best. The Brazilian International has had his say ahead of El Clasico this weekend in one of the biggest rivalries in world football.

Former Barcelona midfielder Rivaldo believes Lionel Messi is the best player in the world but has praised Real Madrid hitman Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of this weekend's El Clasico clash.

The two powers of Spanish football will lock horns on Saturday afternoon in another chapter of one of the world's most iconic sporting rivalries, with Barca playing catch up in the overall head-to-head rankings.

Real have come out on top in 72 of their 174 La Liga meetings with Barca and have a greater trophy collection than the Catalan outfit, though trail Ernesto Valverde's side in the table this term.

The tie will also see Messi and Ronaldo square up once again in what has now become a story within the tale of the Clasico.

Questioned on the pair - arguably the two finest players to have ever played the game - Rivaldo, who won two Liga titles whilst playing for Barca, admits that one is a cut above the other.

"I would like to play with Messi, it would be amazing. He is the best of the world, the one who makes more differences," Rivaldo told Betfair.

"Ronaldo? He is the most dangerous player at Real.

"It is hard to stop him, like Messi, because both score a lot of goals and you never know what is going to be the next thing they will invent for scoring."

Ronaldo collected his fifth Ballon d'Or trophy earlier this month, equalling a record previously set by Messi.

The rivalry has been a common sub-plot in previous Clasico derbies and a number of bodies associated with Barcelona have publically backed Messi as the best in the world following Ronaldo winning the award.

And while Rivaldo recognises the Portugal international's success, he believes that he may not have won the award if he was playing during the time of the Brazilian's peak.

"If Ronaldo won is because he deserved it," Rivaldo added. "In my time there were more players than today challenging for being the best in the world.

" I remember Figo, Del Piero or Totti, now you always hear about the same players and I am pretty sure I could challenge with Messi and Ronaldo because football was harder in my times.

"I am not here for controversy, I'll just say that both are very good players. However, in my time you could find more quality players than today, in which you only hear about Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar."

Pushed on picking a winner ahead of the weekend, he added: "In a Clasico there are no favourites, because Real have shown they are able to win at Camp Nou, while Barca know how to do that at Bernabeu

SOURCE: All Football

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Basics Has Really Worked For Us - Wayne Rooney

Rooney scored from the spot after missing an earlier penalty to seal a 3-1 victory at Goodison Park on Monday night.

Leroy Fer opened the scoring for the Swans before Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted in the rebound from Rooney’s missed spot kick.

Gylfi Sigurdsson and Rooney then netted as Everton sealed a fourth win in five league games since Sam Allardyce took over from Ronald Koeman.

After moving up to ninth in the table, Rooney praised his new boss for turning things around.

"We showed great character to come back - four weeks ago we would have lost that game.

"We're moving in the right direction and hopefully over Christmas we can pick up some more points.

"I think the manager has got us back to basics.

"There were small things we were doing wrong in the first part of the season. If we went behind, we had a feeling we couldn't get back into it.

"[We are] staying solid, staying in the game, then trying to express ourselves. That's what we've worked on at the training ground."

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Toffees Improving In Every Game - Sigurdsson

Leroy Fer had put the Swans ahead at Goodison Park after 35 minutes, and after Wayne Rooney's penalty, on the stroke of half-time, was well saved by Lukasz Fabianski, Dominic Calvert-Lewin followed up for the equaliser.

Sigurdsson then gave the Toffees the lead on 64 minutes with a sensational strike, before Rooney stepped up and netted a 73rd minute penalty to ultimately seal the win.

The club head into the busy Christmas schedule on a six-match unbeaten run, and face Chelsea, West Brom, Bournemouth and Manchester United all in the next two weeks.

But after netting his third goal of the season, the Icelandic playmaker says Everton improving game by game, and showed their character after a slow start against the Swans.

After the game, the former Swansea man said: "We were really flat in the first half, there was not enough energy about us but I thought second half we got on the front foot.

"Obviously it was nice to get the second goal, it gave us confidence going into the last 30 minutes. I thought we controlled it after going 2-1 up.

“We knew they would keep the ball really well because they always do but it was more down to us being poor in the first 40 minutes, not like ourselves but we raised it in the second half and I thought we deserved it in the end. 

“We are defending better as a team, all the way from the front. We knew that if we won a couple of games the confidence would come back and that’s happened. Now we’re looking forward to the Christmas period and to continue to improve.”

He added: "It was a strange feeling playing against (my former club) but it’s good for us, puts us in ninth and it was an important three points after an important few weeks.”

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We Will Keep Pushing Till The End - Clement

Swansea were beaten 3-1 away at Goodison Park despite taking the lead through Leroy Fer in the 35th minute. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Gylfi Sigurdsson, and Wayne Rooney all found the back of the visitors' net to keep Swansea at the bottom of the standings.

City have won only once in their last 10 games, against West Brom at home, and lost eight. During the poor run they fell from 13th in the standings to rock bottom. The pressure has continued to build on Clement due to the disappointing results, but he is prepared to fight until the bitter end.

“It’s a difficult job being a manager of any team and at any level. You want to win, you want to play well, every game," the Englishman was quoted as saying by The Guardian. 

"It’s certainly not something I’ve been used to in my career. Even here last year, we were winning more games and playing better. As an assistant I was losing one in 10 and winning nine. It’s the opposite now. 

"It’s not a very nice experience, I’m learning a lot from it, learning a lot about myself, and I will keep fighting. I will keep working hard. I worked very hard to get to this position and I’m not going to give up on it. I will keep going.”

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Hegazi Signs For West Brom

The 26-year-old Egyptian international Hegazi signs for WBA. The centre-back has been rewarded for his assured displays during a difficult season for the club with a contract until 2022.

A former Ismaily and Fiorentina player, who also spent time on loan with Perugia, Hegazi joined the Albion at the beginning of the season on a year-long loan deal from Egyptian Premier League Champions Al Ahly.

Part of a statement from the club's official website read: "The Club decided to activate the option it retained on the World Cup-bound 26-year-old following his loan signing from Al Ahly in July.

"The deal has been concluded for an undisclosed fee with Ahmed signing a contract which commits him to The Hawthorns until the summer of 2022.

"The Baggies opted to activate the permanent transfer in recognition of the defender's impressive form in his debut Premier League season."

Baggies head coach Alan Pardew adding his delight, by saying: "This is great news for the Club - Ahmed has been absolutely terrific for me since I arrived and I am sure there is even more to come from him in the future.

"He is one of the players we can build around on the road ahead. He has a big role to play and it is good for the player and the Club to remove any doubts and make the transfer permanent.

"I'm sure it is something the supporters will also welcome."

And the player himself said: "I am very happy with the Club and very happy to be part of this group of players.

"I know the results are not what we would want at the moment. But there is great spirit here and I am sure that we will turn the results in our favour before long."

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January Arrivals Unlikely - Emery

The Ligue 1 leaders currently hold a nine-point gap over second-placed AS Monaco after 18 rounds and impressed during their Champions League group stage matches - edging Bayern Munich to top-spot in Group B.

After scoring 25 goals in the six group games, PSG have been tipped as favorites for the elite club competition due to their attacking force of Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar, although without veteran Thiago Motta due to injury Les Parisien have lacked cover in the defensive midfield role.

However, 21-year-old midfielder Giovani Lo Celso stepped in with good effect with a composed display alongside Julian Draxler and Marco Verratti in the 4-1 victory over in-form AS Rennes on Saturday, 

"When a player like Thiago Motta is absent, a pure defensive midfielder, well perhaps that's a position where we could improve," he told the club's website after failing to secure a clean sheet for the fifth successive fixture. "I say that even if those who have filled in have done well, like Giovani Lo Celso on Saturday.

"For now we have no reason to sign anybody in the winter window. We have seven midfielders and in recent weeks when Thiago Motta and Adrien Rabiot have been hurt, Giovani Lo Celso has performed well."

PSG have been strongly linked with Wendel of Fluminense over the last two months but their sporting director Antero Henrique reiterated Emery's comments in an interview posted in Le Parisien on Monday.

"Wendel is a player we know very well, but he won't come in January. If we decide to conclude the transfer it will be for July."

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Sam Allardyce Hails Genius Sigurdsson

Sam Alladyce has hailed Sigurdsson. After Leroy Fer had put the visitors to Goodison Park ahead with 35 minutes played, Dominic Calvert-Lewin reacted quickest to a saved Wayne Rooney penalty on the stroke of half-time for a timely equaliser.

Sigurdsson then fired the Toffees into the lead with a excellent effort on 64 minutes before Rooney made sure from the spot at the second time of asking, with 74 minutes played.

Speaking after the game, a delighted Allardyce, who remains unbeaten in his five games in charge of Everton, told the club's official website: "Anybody watching would have seen that we were below par for a performance that we wanted in the first half here.

"It was a case of us being too negative with our passing. I think when you become negative in your passing, it encourages the opposition to come and shut you down."

He added: "Then we changed the way we played, pushing Tom Davies on and Siggy...wow...it’s just what you need, isn’t it? He changes the game. We needed a bit of genius, a bit of brilliant piece of work from a player in your squad that can change the game when it’s in the balance. 

“That’s what you need and that’s what we got. That’s what it’s all about. That [goal] took us on to win the game comfortably in the end and we played a lot better in the second half."

Allardyce said that with Yannick Bolasie, Ross Barkley and Leighton Baines all coming back from injury soon, he is uncertain as to whether or not to dip into the January transfer market.

"We've got a number of players out injured that will come back and that will make us so much better as a squad," he told Sky Sports.

"Those players have a huge amount of Premier League experience that you can put in when they're ready with all the games coming up. The quicker we get the squad into place, the more I can look at the market and say 'how much do I really need?'

"Yes, a frontman, if there's another goalscorer. I'm hugely pleased with what Dominic has done this season, and if there is a striker around in January who is good enough for Everton is another matter."

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Messi Eyes Three Points Over Real Madrid

Argentina attacker Lionel Messi received the Pichchi and Di Stefano awards at a gala in Barcelona on Monday night, but was already looking ahead to the league clash with Los Merengues at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Barca have already opened up an 11-point lead over Real Madrid in the race for the Spanish Primera Division title, but Messi wants to make it 14 points and send the Blaugrana to their Christmas celebrations on a high.

"It would be important to win for what it means, it's always a special game," said Messi, as quoted by the Daily Star.

"Real Madrid, their stadium... winning is an important advantage.

"There would still be a lot of league games left, but it would be nice to be able to end the year with a victory and spend a happy Christmas."

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Mikel Obi Dismisses Everton Reports

Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi who is widely regarded as one of the best  Nigerian players of his generation, has been playing in China for Tianjin TEDA since January after leaving the Blues.

Everton have been linked with the Super Eagles captain, who has since dismissed the claims, saying he is happy in China.

Mikel told Tianjin TV: "I don't know from where such a rumour could come, but this story is untrue. 

"I want to stay in the CSL and play for Teda. I'm sure there will be lots of speculation about me as the transfer window nears but it is a false rumour. 

"The CSL lags behind the Premier League, but their level is still quite high. I believe more matches will help me get in shape for the 2018 World Cup. 

"I just hope to stay injury free next year and have an amazing season with Teda."

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Defeat Can't Move Us - Mauro Icardi

Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi believes his side will bounce back and maintain their title challenge after suffering a first Serie A defeat to Udinese on Saturday.

Kevin Lasagna opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Icardi leveled the scoring a minute later as the two sides went into the break with the score at 1-1.

But a Rodrigo de Paul penalty after the hour-mark and a 77th-minute strike from towering midfielder Antonin Barak, inflicted the first league defeat this season for Inter after 17 games under manager Luciano Spalletti.

With the slip up from the Nerazzurri at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Napoli and Juventus moved ahead of Inter, into first and second respectively.

"It was a very weird game since we aren't used to losing," Icardi told Mediaset Premium. "We have been doing great things this year so this was a bit weird. We played a very good first half against Udinese as we shot close to 20 times I think. 

"Even so, there is no excuse for our second-half performance. Udinese deserve credit as they came out very strong and we made a lot of mistakes too. We now can't say anything and we have to respond in the right way, right away.

"We have to keep on fighting hard. We now have to understand what we did wrong against Udinese so that we can try to fix it quickly. We have to be positive since this season has been very positive so far."

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Rooney's Comment Confirms Giroud's Move

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud could be on his way to join Everton in January in order to increase his chances of making the France squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Giroud was said to be close to securing a move to the Toffees in the off-season as a direct replacement for Romelu Lukaku but rejected the transfer at the last minute.

Ronald Koeman suggested that the club's poor form at the start of the season that culminated to his eventual dismissal was down to the failed deal for the towering striker.

However, with Giroud only starting one Premier League game for the Gunners this season, the former Montpellier forward seems open for the second round of negotiations with the Merseyside club.

"I have the World Cup at the back of my mind weekly, almost daily." he told reporters last month "Each time I go onto the pitch, it’s to be more clinical and keep on track for the World Cup."

Wayne Rooney, who has been in scintillating form with 10 league goals so far this season has spoken of his admiration of the 31-year-old when asked about his possible arrival.

"I think we could do with another striker in," Rooney told TalkSport. "The one player for me who has to start is Olivier Giroud. He scores goals and every time he comes on he scores, he's a handful and hard to play against.

"For me, if he starts games for Arsenal they are a better team."

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Chelsea v Bournemouth Will Be Interesting

Chelsea v Bournemouth can be decisive. The hosts have enjoyed an excellent run of form in recent weeks. They have won seven out of their last 10 games in all competitions, losing only once. The Blues went down 1-0 to West Ham United in the Premier League before beating Huddersfield Town 3-1 and Southampton 1-0.

In their last Carabao Cup clash, Antonio Conte's men beat Everton 2-1 with a number of second-string players earning starting positions. Michy Batshuayi, Charly Musonda, Kenedy, Danny Drinkwater, Davide Zappacosta, and Ethan Ampadu all made the starting XI and are expected to get another chance.

"I want to continue to give the chance to players that are not playing with regularity," Conte told Chelsea TV.

"I want to continue this way, but at the same time we want to reach the semi-final."

Meanwhile, the Cherries will be eager to put their recent defeats behind them with a strong performance against the Premier League champions. Eddie Howe's charges lost 1-0 to Manchester United before a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool on Sunday.

Bournemouth also haven't won in their last six games, drawing three. The cup may be the ideal opportunity for them to find some form heading into a busy Christmas schedule.

"Naturally our focus goes to the next game on Wednesday against Chelsea," said Howe, according to Sky Sports.

"It is a really tough draw for us but we are looking to break fresh ground for the club.

"We've never been into a semi-final of a major cup competition and that is a great carrot for us.

"To try and achieve that would be fantastic so we go into this game desperately trying to win."

Chelsea are likely to be without centre-back David Luiz due to a knee injury.

Bournemouth are still missing defenders Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith.

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Borussia Monchengladbach Looking Good - Bonhof

Borussia Monchegladbach are sixth in the Bundesliga standings at the halfway mark, level on points with third-placed Borussia Dortmund and only a further two points adrift of second-placed FC Schalke.

Bonhof has been impressed by what he has seen from the Borussians thus far, especially considering their injury troubles, and believes they are on track to meet their campaign targets.

"If we just look at the points tally and where we are in the table, we’re definitely on target for our goals. If you look at things more closely, I think our record so far is even better reading," he told the club's official website.

"Because we are only two points off of second place in the table. Because we are on the same amount of points as the third-placed side. Because we, in a league that is tighter than it has been for many years, have taken the intensified competition in our stride and put ourselves in a good position. 

"And because we have achieved all of that whilst having numerous players out with injuries. We have had to deal with at least five absentees for every matchday, at one point, the number of absentees was as high as nine."

Gladbach last defeated Hamburger SV, 3-1 on Friday, to end a run of three games without victory. Up next for Andre Schubert's side is a home tie with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

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I Can Manage Any Team In The World

The Irons have been on the up in recent weeks, putting an eight-game winless run in the Premier League behind them to go three matches unbeaten, of which they won two.

Moyes's side shocked defending champions Chelsea 1-0 before a goalless draw with Arsenal and a 3-0 thrashing of Stoke on Saturday. The results have seen them jump out of the relegation zone and up to 15th under the Scot's guidance.

"I have to come here and show I can do it," Moyes was quoted as saying by ESPN. "If you're any player you have to come and show what you can do. Your reputation doesn't stand for anything.

"You have to come here and try to get up and show you're capable of doing the job. I think I'm capable of doing the job at any club in the world so I'm sure I can do it at West Ham."

Their next fixture is an EFL Cup quarter-final clash with the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Has Massive Potential - Klopp

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain has got what it takes to push the reds through to the top. The England international signed for the Reds from Arsenal on transfer deadline day and has started to find more regular games after a slow start.

Chambo has made 18 appearances for Klopp's side so far this season, contributing one goal and making two assists. The German coach believes he has the ability to be more prolific in the final third if he shows more decisiveness.

"He is on a very good way. I like it, but he has so much potential it's unbelievable, what he still not shows," Klopp told the club's official website.

"It's only just the beginning and I really like it, I really like it. He's like a wonderful package, I can only say.

"Hopefully he stays fit, that's the most important thing. He can be much more decisive in a few moments.

"[He's sometimes a] little bit too much of a midfielder instead of a striker - there are a lot of things he can improve, but I'm really happy about the status quo."

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Florian Kohfeldt Continues at Bremen helm

35-year-old Florian Kohfeldt becomes the sixth head coach in the german bundesliga below age 40 and has since impressed in his seven games since taking over from Alexander Nouri, who was sacked in October.

Initially appointed on an interim basis, Bremen have won three out of seven fixtures, which includes crucial victories over Hannover and Borussia Dortmund.

While they still languish in 16th place, sporting director Frank Baumann admitted the club's hierarchy have been pleased with the improved level of performances and style of play under Kohfeldt.

"Regardless of the outcome of our DFB Cup match against Freiburg, we've seen the desired improvement in the side and want to give Florian Kohfeldt the opportunity to continue his work," Baumann told the Bundesliga website.

"Our objective has to be to avoid relegation and to keep developing the team next season."

A delighted Kohfeldt added: "Our team's got the potential to stay in the Bundesliga and we want to show that consistently in the second half of the season.

"I'm very happy to be able to continue working with the players, my coaching staff and all the colleagues who help the team."

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I'm Unaware Of David Luiz Exit

David Luiz has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after a disagreement with Conte in October following a 3-0 defeat to Roma in the UEFA Champions League.

With Luiz having made just one appearance since the incident, he has been linked with a surprise move to London rivals Arsenal during the January transfer window.

Despite being unavailable for the visit of Bournemouth in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday due to a knee injury, the 30-year-old defender was still a topic of discussion in Conte's pre-match press conference. 

"I don't read [the speculation] and I [therefore] solve the problem," said the Italian when asked about the talk surrounding Luiz's future.

"I don't read so I don't have information about this topic. As a person I am very realistic, I like to tell the truth."

Conte added that the South American will be sidelined for the festive fixtures, saying: "Yeah, he's injured. Maybe three weeks."

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Lanzini To Miss EFL Emirates Meeting And Newcastle

The Football Association retrospectively charged the Lanzini on Monday for deceiving a match official during the Irons' 3-0 win at Stoke this past weekend.

Referee Graham Scott pointed to the spot in the 18th minute when Lanzini went to ground under a challenge from Potters defender Eric Pieters, with Mark Noble converting the resulting penalty to give David Moyes' side the lead.

Under-pressure Stoke boss Mark Hughes said afterwards that Scott had been conned, although Moyes expressed surprise at the FA's ruling on Monday and decided to lodge an appeal, which was rejected by an independent regulatory commission on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old will now be unavailable for the short trip to Arsenal in the EFL Cup quarter-finals in midweek and the Premier League visit of Newcastle on Saturday.

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Troy Deeney Fails On Red-card Appeal

Watford 29-year-old striker Troy Deeney was sent off in the 33rd minute at Vicarage Road on Saturday for a late challenge on Terriers forward Collin Quaner from behind.

David Wagner's side were 2-0 up at the time of the dismissal and they went on to record a 4-1 sounding victory though both teams finished the game with 10 men after Jonathan Hogg received his marching orders on 61st minute for a second yellow card.

Deeney, who has already served a three-match ban earlier this season for violent conduct following an altercation with Stoke midfielder Joe Allen, contested the sending-off which was upheld by the Football Association on Tuesday,

Hornets head coach Marco Silva must do without his skipper for the games against Brighton, Swansea, Leicester and Manchester City.

The club confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: "#watfordfc has learned from The Football Association that its appeal lodged against Troy Deeney's red card on Saturday (Dec 16 v Huddersfield Town) has been unsuccessful.

"Troy will therefore serve a four-match ban covering the games Dec 23, Dec 26, Dec 30 & Jan 2."

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Nobody Bored in Atalanta-Lazio Draw - Inzaghi

Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi lauded the spectacle as his side drew 3-3 with Atalanta in Sunday’s Serie A clash at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

Mattia Caldara and Josip Ilicic scored for the hosts while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto earned a points for the Romans.

"It was a good response in a very difficult situation. I knew we could suffer here, but we recovered from a quick one-two that would’ve sent anyone to the mat," Inzaghi told Mediaset Premium.

"I don’t think anyone was bored tonight. I’ve been saying for a while that Milinkovic-Savic has immense quality for a 22-year-old and on top of that he works so hard. He can become even stronger.

"Atalanta impressed me the most in terms of tempo this season. They are a few points behind, mainly due to the added Europa League commitments, but they are doing very well this season too.

"I am glad that tonight we proved we never give up and want to stay close to the leading pack."

The win leaves Lazio fifth in the standings, while Atalanta are nine points below them in seventh.

"I am satisfied anyway, as Lazio are an excellent team," added Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini. "We emerge stronger from this game, as we played the kind of football I like.

"We played at a high tempo and only had a moment of difficulty towards half-time. Of course, Lazio have technically-gifted players and were able to make the most of it.

"I must say there was still a sense of disappointment at the final whistle, because with a win we could’ve really climbed up the table. It remains a very balanced campaign and we played a very strong team, but gained the knowledge we can fight it out with the best of them."

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