Am Not Considering Exit - Isco

Real Madrid star Isco insists he is not looking to leave the Spanish Giant in January despite failing to win into starting eleven under new coach Santiago Solari.

Isco last started a LaLiga match in the 5-1 Clasico humiliation by Barcelona on October 28, Julen Lopetegui's final game in charge.

Since then, Isco has made Madrid's starting XI just twice; the 6-1 Copa del Rey thrashing of minnows Melilla and a shock 3-0 home defeat to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

Solari has consistently insisted he has no problem with Isco and continues to rate him highly.

Still, the situation has unsurprisingly led to speculation suggesting the player will seek a move if things do not improve soon, though he has dismissed such reports in the media.

"I'm not thinking about leaving in the winter market," the Spain international told Deportes Cuatro on Sunday.

"I'm very happy, my goal is to win many titles at Real Madrid."

Madrid are next in action against Villarreal on Thursday as LaLiga resumes following a mid-season break.

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Solskjaer Does Not Want Lukaku Playing 'Target Man' Role

Manchester United interim Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinted Romelu Lukaku will not play in a "target man" role as long as he is in charge.

Lukaku endured a difficult first half of the season, struggling for form and fitness after claiming he had been negatively impacted by building up too much muscle during the World Cup.

The 25-year-old striker was granted compassionate leave over Christmas and, as such, is further behind than the majority of his team-mates with respect to match sharpness.

But, in Sunday's 4-1 hammering of Bournemouth, Lukaku came on as a second-half substitute for the impressive Marcus Rashford and scored United's final goal, beating Asmir Begovic after latching on to Paul Pogba's pass.

It was the first time Lukaku had featured since former boss Jose Mourinho with whom the Belgian was said to have a close bond was replaced by Solskjaer, and the new man at the helm is excited by the prospect of the former Everton man being fully fit.

"At times he's a good target man, but if you tell him to be a target man he'll never face the goal," Solskjaer told reporters. "Today [Sunday] he was side-on and he's got the attributes of a top, top striker.

"We need to work on his fitness, but I'm delighted. Even though he was half a yard offside [for his goal], it was a good finish."

Bournemouth lost their goalscorer and defender Nathan Ake to injury late in the game, but manager Eddie Howe was unsure about the severity of the suspected hamstring issue.

"I don't know the latest on Nathan Ake," Howe said. "I'll need to speak to him and the medical team, but it looked like a hamstring complaint."

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Van Dijk Lauds Trio, Moh Salah, Firmino And Mane

Anfield star Virgil van Dijk has heaped praises on "scary" attacking trio Moh Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane as the Reds top the Premier League table.

Salah, Firmino and Mane combined to lead high-flying Liverpool to a 5-1 demolition of Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.

Firmino scored a hat-trick, while Salah and Mane were also on target as centre-back Van Dijk lauded the deadly trio ahead of Thursday's trip to second-placed Manchester City.

"We were almost perfect. We conceded the goal. That was the only thing," said Van Dijk. "But it was an important win. We have finished 2018 now pretty well, and hopefully we can keep that going.

"Confidence is definitely here, but it can change over a couple of games. We won't get carried away. We need to keep doing what we have been doing. There will be setbacks, as there always is in life, but it's how you react and so far we have been doing pretty well.

"At the beginning of the season, people were saying they [the front three] didn't click. They're fantastic. You see in this game as well and they can be undefendable. It's scary — and I'm happy to see that."

Liverpool hold a seven-point lead as they make the trip to reigning champions City, who ended a run of back-to-back defeats against Southampton on Sunday.

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Lloris Determines To Win Silverware With Tottenham

Tottenham Marshall and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is determined to end the club's wait for silverware this season.

Spurs have impressed under manager Mauricio Pochettino, however, Tottenham are without a trophy since winning the 2008 EFL Cup.

Tottenham are third in the Premier League this season and nine points behind leaders Liverpool, while Spurs are in the Champions League last 16 and EFL Cup semi-finals against Chelsea.

A World Cup winner with France at Russia 2018, Lloris said: "This [winning silverware] is what we work for.

"We know we are in the Premier League and there are a lot of contenders, big teams, big players, and that is why we are excited to be here.

"We are in the most competitive country, so we keep working with the same mentality and do our best.

"We have shown in the past that Tottenham is very competitive and we are reducing the gap with the best."

Following their shock 3-1 loss at home to Wolves, Tottenham will face Cardiff City on Tuesday.

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Manchester United Need To Entertain Fans

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reinterated that Manchester United have to entertain their fans as he showered praises on the team following their third successive victory.

Another entertaining game at Old Trafford, where Solskjaer's in-form United outclassed Bournemouth 4-1 on Sunday.

Paul Pogba scored twice and Marcus Rashford also starred as Solskjaer secured a third straight consecutive win since occupying Jose Mourinho seat in a caretaker position until the end of the season.

The Red devils sit sixth in the standings and have have gannered 12 goals and conceded three since club favourite Solskjaer returned to Manchester from Molde to fill the void left by Mourinho.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, the 45-year-old Norwegian who has brought attacking football back to the Theatre of Dreams said:
"You know, it's quite a few years since I was here but this is how it was.

"I've just gone about the job as I thought or as I experienced it when I was here as a player and as a young coach.

"We want to go attacking. We have been at home two games now and the crowd, we have to entertain them. We've got good players. I love working with good players. I love working with good people. They are good people the players. They want to learn, they want to improve.

"I just want to do my bit for the months I am here."

United, who are within three points of fifth-placed Arsenal, travel to Newcastle United on Wednesday.

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Carl Ikeme Calls It Quit

Wolves and Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football.

The 32-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2017 but confirmed last month he is in remission.

Following advice from medical experts, Ikeme has now decided to end his playing career.

Ikeme joined Wolves in 2000 as a 14-year-old and made 274 domestic career appearances in all competitions, 200 of which came for the Molineux club.

"Thank you for the support over the years," Ikeme wrote on Twitter.

"My last day as a footballer. But one I am happy and grateful for!!!

"Thanks to everyone to do with Wolves and everyone in football I have met."

Speaking to the club's official website, he went on to say: "I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body. He thinks it's what is best for me and I can't really risk trying to come back, my health is the priority.

"I want to be here for my children, family and friends. In the grand scheme of things with my life in danger, it's the minimum price I have to pay to spend the rest of my time with my family."

Wolves later tweeted a video of famous goalkeepers paying tribute to Ikeme, including David Seaman, Petr Cech, Joe Hart, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Iker Casillas.

Portugal international Rui Patricio is expected to be the club's number one next season, having joined the club from Sporting CP last month.

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Alex Iwobi Close To New Arsenal Contract - Unai Emery

Alex Iwobi, the Nigerian International is close to agreeing a new contract with Arsenal, head coach Unai Emery has confirmed.

Iwobi, whose contract runs to 2020, made 26 appearances in the Premier League last season.

And the Nigeria international will soon renew his contract to commit his future to Arsenal, Emery told reporters ahead of an International Champions Cup meeting with former club Paris Saint-Germain.

Iwobi played no part in the 3-1 penalty shoot-out defeat to Atletico Madrid, having only just returned from a break following his exertions for Nigeria at the World Cup.

"I have the information – he's near," Emery said. "First, I want to work with every player, and they are coming.

"Mesut [Ozil], Iwobi, [Mohamed] Elneny are starting to work with us, the first week is very good. My information is he is going to sign and continue with us."

Emery's squad has been boosted by five new arrivals, with Lucas Torreira, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Bernd Leno and Matteo Guendouzi joining since last season.

The Gunners have been linked with further signings ahead of August's deadline, but Emery is content with the group at his disposal.

"I believe in these players," Emery added. "Now, I am very happy with the players. On Monday, other players come with us after the World Cup.

"If there is a possibility to sign a player, it isn't very important now, but while the window is open, we can."

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Pope Injury Looks Serious – Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche said he was "really disappointed" to have lost goalkeeper Nick Pope to injury in Burnley's 1-1 Europa League draw against Aberdeen, admitting the problem looks serious.

Pope was withdrawn after just 14 minutes at Pittodrie, receiving a knock to his shoulder and forcing Dyche to send on Anders Lindegaard in his place.

Lindegaard was on the field for just five minutes before Gary Mackay-Steven gave Aberdeen the lead from the penalty spot, but Sam Vokes rescued Burnley with a goal 10 minutes from time to level the tie at 1-1 going into the second leg.

Dyche gave a negative assessment of Pope's injury, saying: "We are waiting to find out more news.

"Nick has gone to hospital with an injury to his shoulder and it certainly looks more serious than not serious at this stage, so we are really disappointed in that.

"It was a bit of a needless challenge when Nick looked like he was just going to catch it, and then [after the ball lands] I think it's the second challenge.

"When he responds to stop the ball going in I think the lad has caught his arm and knocked it back, so we'll just have to wait and see."

The news is a particular blow to Burnley given Tom Heaton is yet to return to action following the dislocated shoulder he suffered last September.

They host Aberdeen at Turf Moor next Thursday and begin their Premier League campaign against Southampton on August 12.

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MO Salah Can Build On Record Breaking Season - James Milner

James Milner insists Mohamed Salah is not a one-season wonder, with the Liverpool veteran confident his star team-mate can enjoy another record-breaking campaign.

Liverpool forward Salah took Anfield by storm last season, scoring 44 goals in all competitions and 32 in the Premier League following his arrival from Roma.

Salah – who suffered a shoulder injury in Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid – walked away with the Premier League's Golden Boot and Player of the Year among other individual honours.

After enjoying a goalscoring return in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the International Champions Cup on Wednesday, Milner believes the Egyptian sensation can build on his 2017-18 exploits.

"The best players in the world aren't known because they just did it in one season, they do it over and over again. He is more than capable of doing that," Milner said.

"I think obviously there is pressure when you've had one good year to deliver again. I think he's a top player, he's shown that and he's going to keep improving.

"We need to keep improving as a side with him as well and make sure that all the pressure is not on his shoulders to deliver goals and get us out of tough situations.

"It's down to all of us to help him be the best player he can and do that as part of a team."

Salah's performances alerted some of Europe's giants, with Champions League holders Madrid linked to the 26-year-old.

However, Salah signed a new five-year contract earlier in July to pledge his future to Liverpool.

"I was never worried, personally," Milner said. "There's always going to be stories when players do well. You saw how well he played last season, improving, and he seems happy so I don't see any reason why he'd want to go.

"That's what happens when you have good players. That's a positive thing for us that when there's speculation about your players it means that they are playing well and performing, and he obviously has."

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No Concrete Offers For Gonzalo Higuain – Marotta

"Nothing concrete" from Chelsea and AC Milan regarding Gonzalo Higuain, Guissepe Marotta said, though the Juventus chief executive admitted the striker could be sold following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ginzalo Higuain has been heavily linked with a reunion with former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri at Premier League side Chelsea, while the Argentina international's name has emerged as a possible makeweight in a deal for AC Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci.

Marotta revealed the Serie A champions are weighing up their options after Ronaldo's high-profile arrival from Real Madrid left Juve inundated with forwards.

"I won't deny that with the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo we've got a quality attacking department that's a bit crowded," Marotta Sky Italia.

"We'll evaluate things with Higuain, but nothing concrete has arrived from Chelsea and Milan."

Higuain arrived from Italian rivals Napoli for €90million in 2016 and the 30-year-old has helped Juve to back-to-back Serie A and Coppa Italia titles.

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I Have Never Been Out Of Shape – Luke Shaw

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw said he has never been out of shape as he likened his build to former captain Wayne Rooney, while the Englishman has the backing of Jose Mourinho heading into a make-or-break season.

Shaw has struggled to establish himself under the United manager Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese replaced Louis van Gaal in 2016, the former Southampton full-back limited to just eight Premier League starts last season.

Perceived weight issues and a poor diet have emerged as possible reasons behind Shaw's failure to win over Mourinho at Old Trafford, with make-shift full-back Ashley Young preferred in the starting XI.

However, the 23-year-old – who is in the final year of his deal – defended his physique and insisted he is ready to win a new contract following a gruelling personal pre-season training routine in Dubai.

"People think because of the way I'm naturally built I'm bigger than I am," Shaw said. "People can say I'm fat but I know my own body. Of course I always look big because I'm bigger built. You could say a Wayne Rooney type of body.

"But of course I worked hard and not just for them [the critics], I wanted to for myself, get in the best shape and that wasn't my best shape. It was a good shape to start the season off, the preseason, but now I'm working harder than ever and first game of the season I want to look 10 times better than I did in that picture.

"I'm working towards that and with the games and training we're doing here. Obviously we've got a new fitness coach and he's working us all hard and that's what I need."

Shaw, who does not want to sign a contract right now as he fights to prove his worth, added: "I guess you've just got to take it [criticism] because there is always going to be negative criticism and positive but I think both of them can make you stronger. And I think I've been unlucky because I've had a few ups and downs with different managers but I would say I've never been out of shape I've just, I don't know, sometimes people don't think I'm fitter than I am but that's all in the past.

"And, honestly, I feel really good and I'm raring to go. The minutes are only going to help me become fitter. That's what I need: minutes and hard work in training."

Mourinho has been critical of Shaw during his tenure at Old Trafford, but the latter insisted he has the backing of his boss heading into a defining 2018-19 season.

"I spoke with the manager about a week after the holidays. I was in Dubai and he texted me and we had a really good chat, it made me feel really confident about the upcoming season and that's why I worked really hard. I want to prove to him as well that I can be here, as well in this team," Shaw said.

Asked if he doubted his future after he was substituted at half-time of United's FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion last season, Shaw replied: "Not doubts, but there has been emotion. I was very upset but he only does stuff like that because he knows what I can do.

"We've had this conversation. It was literally like two days after. I hadn't spoken to him since. I was very upset. We were training and he spoke with me afterwards and he said: 'It's frustrating to see you like that when I know you can do this.' It's all positive and it's down to me to prove it to him. He said that he knows I can be the best, but he sometimes feels frustrated that I'm not doing that. He knows what I can do. That was one of the texts he sent me in the offseason. 'I know what you can do - you can be the best but you've just got to work on a couple of things.' That's why it pushes me on more.

"He says these things because he knows I can do it. He knows I can be a top player. He knows I can play for Manchester United. It's horrible at times because people only see those things he says [in public]. That's fine because I'm a grown man and I can take stuff like that. I'm used to it. But the stuff inside the training ground, no one sees apart from me. It still gives me confidence."

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Moussa Sissoko Dismisses Tottenham Critics

Moussa Sissoko is unconcerned by criticism from Tottenham supporters and has set his sights on a repeat of last season's success.

Sissoko became Tottenham's record signing when he joined for £31.5million from Newcastle United in August 2016 but he fell out of favour with boss Mauricio Pochettino in his first season at the club.

Reports surfaced linking the former Toulouse player with a move away but Sissoko went on to have a much-improved season in his second campaign for Spurs, making 33 Premier League appearances and scoring one goal.

Sissoko accepts he had a difficult start to life at Tottenham but is not worried about the response from some supporters, who booed the 28-year-old during a draw with Southampton last term.

"I came late, I didn't have pre-season and it was a new challenge for me. But last year I played a lot of games and I did well - like the team. This year is going to be the same.

"I will try to play more and I will try to do better and better. I'm happy with everyone here. The staff are always happy with me so I'll try to keep going."

Despite finding his feet under Pochettino, Sissoko missed out on a place in the France squad for the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps opted to leave the midfielder behind and his side went on to lift the trophy without Sissoko, who remains positive about his chances of adding to 53 Les Bleus caps.

"This is life sometimes," he said. "I wanted to be part of this team but the manager decided to leave me out. This is football.

"I was very happy for them. They deserve it. Now I'm looking forward and we will see what will happen.

"My ambition is the same as always: to try to be better and better, to try to improve, to try to help the team to finish higher up the league, try to go far in the Champions League. Try to perform."

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Neymar Jnr Will Bounce Back From World Cup Dissmal Says Thomas Tuchel

Neymar Jnr is a champion who will bounce back from Brazil's disappointing World Cup, according to new PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.

After missing the last two months of the Ligue 1 season with a fractured foot, Neymar returned for Russia 2018 but could not inspire Tite's side to glory.

Neymar scored twice at the World Cup but drew a blank in the quarter-final as five-time winners Brazil suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at the hands of Belgium.

The forward was subsequently the biggest name left off the shortlist for FIFA's Best awards despite being the most expensive player in football history.

Neymar described Brazil's World Cup exit as the "saddest moment of my career" but Tuchel thinks PSG's star man will recover quickly from that setback.

"Everything impacts everything. I don't think he needed this to be extra motivated," Tuchel told reporters on Friday.

"Of course, the whole Brazilian team expected more. Of course, it affects your approach to the players. Everybody in the squad and the club we want to help them feel very good soon so that they can approach their next goals and not worry about what happened at the World Cup.

"He is a big player. He knows how to handle victories and he knows how to handle losses. In sport, you have challenges to bounce back. He will bounce back. He is a champion."

Neymar is yet to return to PSG duty and will not be available for their next pre-season game, an International Champions Cup clash against former head coach Unai Emery's new club Arsenal in Singapore on Saturday.

"Players will return on a day to day basis. There is a possibility to explain why different approaches for different players when it comes to returning," Tuchel said.

"Every player has his own history, some are experienced, some played the whole season, some played the whole World Cup, some didn't not play for the whole season, some were injured and some were not injured. There is not one day for every player to arrive.

"We have the solution to manage every player and it's very complicated for us. There is a lot of travelling and have to be very smart and manage the player through the first weeks. For us, the season starts very well. We take care of everybody individually. Everybody is happy and eager to come back.

"We believe everybody needs a certain time for rejuvenation after the demands of the season especially players who played several league games and World Cup without pause. Playing at that kind of level, we need to let the player rest."

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Hector Bellerin Rejects 'Crazy' Transfer Links

Hector Bellerin has attempted to call time on "crazy" rumours linking him with a move away from the Emirates as he prepares for Unai Emery's first season in charge.

Bellerin, 23, joined the Gunners in 2011 as a teenager having come through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.

After a loan spell at Watford he broke into the Arsene Wenger's first team in 2014, making 20 Premier League appearances as a 19-year-old.

He has persistently been linked with a return to Barca in subsequent years, and the arrival of Stephan Lichtsteiner earlier in the transfer window has led to further speculation involving Juventus and Manchester United.

However, speaking to reporters in Singapore at the launch of Arsenal's third kit on Friday, the Spain international looked to end the transfer talk.

"It is crazy that people ask me these questions all the time," Bellerin said.

"A few years ago I signed a very long-term contract. I have never said that I have wanted to be anywhere else.

"I am very happy in London. I am very happy at this club.

"The club have made me who I am and gave me the chance to be the footballer I am today. So I don't want to be anywhere else."

Emery took charge of his second game this pre-season as the Gunners lost on penalties to Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup on Thursday.

And Bellerin recognised the importance of giving the new head coach time to impose his philosophy.

"At all the teams that he's been at, it's all about being very competitive and really tight at the back," said the defender.

"The important thing at the start is to allow everyone to get in sync with the new coaches and staff. If we do that, everything is going to work and we can challenge for very big things in the future."

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Miralem Pjanic Cool On Links With Barcelona And Chelsea

Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic has distanced himself from reports suggesting he could be the next big signing for Barcelona or Chelsea, insisting he wants to continue his impressive progress in Turin.

While Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ruled out a move for the Bosnia-Herzegovina international, he continues to attract attention from the Premier League and LaLiga.

Pjanic has been an integral part of Massimiliano Allegri's midfield since his arrival from Roma for €32million in 2016, scoring 10 goals in 61 Serie A appearances as he helped Juventus to consecutive league titles.

His good form, coupled with the €100m addition of Cristiano Ronaldo to Allegri's ranks, fuelled speculation over a move to Camp Nou or Stamford Bridge, but the 28-year-old remains focused on Juve.

"I listen to a lot of things that are not true," Pjanic told ESPN. "I'm cool. I'm preparing my new season. That's what's the most important.

"What I did the last two seasons for Juventus was really great, and I am happy what I'm doing here."

Pjanic expressed his excitement about lining up alongside Ronaldo, highlighting the Portugal forward's impeccable track record at Real Madrid and Manchester United as he looked forward to seeing him in black and white.

"We are happy that he's there," said Pjanic.

"I think Juve made a big signing, and the team are happy, he's happy, so I think he will do what he did also in the past, what he did at Man United and Real Madrid.

"He won a lot of titles. He did big and great things, and I think he will continue like that.

"He's a great player, and I think he can help his new club a lot. I think he will give a lot to Juventus."

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