Airtel Rising Stars football talent hunt to get rolling this August

New Delhi: After a phenomenal response in its inaugural season, Airtel Rising Stars football talent hunt announced its second coming here on Tuesday. 

Addressing a joint press conference,  Airtel’s Mohit Beotra, and Manchester United’s Gary Pallister said that the club was “pleasantly surprised”  by its following in India, and reiterated the initiative’s commitment to provide platform to young football talent in India. 

The event, conducted in collaboration with Manchester United, looks to identify 11 under-16 talented footballers across 450 schools through a series of inter-school contests spread over three months. 

The event will be conducted in seven cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Guwahati),  and the winner school in each city will be presented with an Airtel Cup. 

The event is also open to individual players. Those interested may upload their video. Top 50 videos from each city will be called for live audition. 

 

 

 

Best three players from each city will be shortlisted. The final squad, consisting of 30 players including two best goal-keepers, will be trained by coaches from Manchester United Soccer School for five days.

The best 11 will then earn a chance to train in Manchester United Soccer School Academy, Manchester for a week. 

  

 

Ancelotti urges Real Madrid to reject Man City bid for Pepe

 

 Madrid: Real Madrid new coach Carlo Ancelotti doesn't want Pepe to be sold and he has informed Real officials that every bid for the defender should be rejected at that very moment.
The defender is a big money target for Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, with a 25 million euros offer already lodged. According to reports in Spain, Ancelotti has asked his board to resist all offers for Pepe, who he wants to keep for the coming season.
Pepe, for his part, is weighing up his options, having felt he'd lost the confidence of several of the club's powerbrokers last season. Pepe lost his spot in the playing XI after rift with the then coach Jose Mourinho.

The defender is a big money target for Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, with a 25 million euros offer lodged.

I will try to win everything in first season, says David Moyes

 

 London: The newly appointed manager of Manchester United, David Moyes is optimistic about the season and has vowed to 'try to win everything'.
The 50-year-old Moyes has won only one title in 2000 when he led Preston to Old Division title and now known as League One. However, he failed to lay hands on a single silverware in his 11 years at Everton.
More likely he will get his first when United play Wigan in the Comminity Shield on August 11 at Wembley.

The Manchester United manager is optimistic about the upcoming season and has vowed to 'try to win everything'.

Moyes said: "You have to do well in all competitions - not just the Premier League. When you are at Manchester United my thinking is you have to go for everything, you attempt to win everything.
"Maybe you miss out sometimes, but you have to try to win all the trophies. I've done it everywhere else I've been and I'll certainly do it here because I have a bigger squad, quality players and a club with the tradition of being used to winning things."
Moyes believes he being hand-picked by Alex Ferguson to be his successor will be respected by the players and a healthy dressing room atmosphere will prevail.
"I've talked to the players and told them I hope they respect his decision to pick me."
However, veteran United player Paul Scholes has temporarily turned down the offer of joining Moyes' coaching staff. But he is willing to grace the field as a player in order to raise money for his son's football team.
While Moyes insists that the offer for Scholes to join his staff still remains open. "Paul wants to spend time with his family, but we'll bring him in when he's ready," he said.

Wenger continues surprise bids; has Mario Gomez in mind

 

 After making a surprise bid for Liverpool's Luis Suarez which was eventually declined, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made an attempt of signing another striker - Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich.
Caughtoffside reports Gomez is Wenger's latest target after Munich had asked for a prize for the German striker. However, the exact bid is unknown as of now.
Continuing with his keen interest in adding strikers, the Frenchman had earlier speculated a move for Wayne Rooney to the Emirates and has Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain almost in his squad.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made an attempt of signing another striker, this time its Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich.

It is also being reported that the Gunners are pondering over as to how long it will take them to secure the services, and incase that doesn't work out, they are seeing in Gomez, a possible backup. Gomez, on the other hand has not been given too many chances in Bayern's starting line-up and coach Pep Guardiola has admitted in listening to offers.
Guardiola is flexible to the idea of selling Gomez considering a valuation at €20m is accepted by Wenger.

Liverpool reject shock Arsenal bid for Luis Suarez

 

 London: Liverpool have reportedly turned down a daring 30 million pounds bid from Arsenal for their star striker Luis Suarez. The Gunners are believed to have made the audacious offer for the unsettled Uruguayan at the end of last week but the club record bid was immediately rejected.
According to reports, Arsenal are still attempting to complete the signing of Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid and any offer for Suarez could be seen as an attempt to pressurise the Spanish side to finalise the deal.
The Uruguayan striker, who has already been heavily linked with Real Madrid, has previously stated that he is unsettled in England and wants to leave the country.

Liverpool have reportedly turned down a daring 30 million pounds bid from Arsenal for their star striker Luis Suarez

Arsenal were also liked to Wayne Rooney but Manchester United have clearly told the Gunners that English international is not for sale.

Atletico Madrid interested in Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud

 


 Madrid: Spanish side Atletico Madrid have identified Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud as an ideal replacement for Radamel Falcao, who moved to AS Monaco earlier this month.
According to reports in Spain, Atletico boss Diego Simeone is keen to bring 26 year old French international, who could perhaps be a player considering his future given the number of striking talents Arsenal are seemingly pursuing this summer.
The former Montepellier man had a decent first season at the Emirates Stadium, scoring 17 goals in all competitions but may feel that new Arsenal signings could lead to him being pushed down the Gunners pecking order.

Atletico Madrid have identified Olivier Giroud as an ideal replacement for Radamel Falcao, who moved to AS Monaco earlier this month.

If Arsenal do manage to complete the signing of Real Madrid ace Gonzalo Higuain it would seem likely that Arsene Wenger would then make the Argentine his first choice central striking option. Arsenal are also linked to Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney and Mario Gomez.

Napoli's Edinson Cavani to join PSG: reports

 

 Chelsea and Manchester City have lost out in the race to sign Edinson Cavani as he is reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Jose Mourinho would have been a disappointed man because Cavani was one of his top transfer target for his plans to reclaim the Premier League title this season.
According to French newspaper Le Parisien a series of meetings have happened between PSG and Napoli and it is believed that the deal is done.

Chelsea and Manchester City have lost out in the race to sign Edinson Cavani as he is reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG's director of football was in Rome on Thursday to meet with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. PSG have reportedly agreed to activate his £53.5m release clause and also ready to pay him £8m a year.

Liverpool sell Jonjo Shelvey to Swansea

 

 England: Liverpool have sold England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to fellow Premier League side Swansea for 5 million pounds ($7.6 million).
The 21-year-old Shelvey spent three years at Anfield following his move from Charlton but was never a first-team regular.
He did, though, make his senior England debut last year during a 5-0 win over San Marino.

Liverpool have sold England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to fellow Premier League side Swansea for 5 million pounds (USD7.6 million).

Shelvey agreed to a four-year contract and becomes Swansea's fourth signing this week, after Spanish trio Alejandro Pozuelo, Jose Canas and Jordi Amat.

Parma sign Antonio Cassano from Inter Milan

 

 Parma: Italy striker Antonio Cassano has signed for Parma from Inter Milan on undisclosed terms, sportinglife.com reports.
The 30-year-old former Roma, Real Madrid and Sampdoria striker, who will be unveiled in the Ducale city on Thursday, will wear the number 99 shirt at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
A statement published on fcparma.com read: "Parma can announce the signing of Antonio Cassano from Inter with some satisfaction and officially welcome the player into the Gialloblu family."

The 30-year-old former AC Milan, Roma, Real Madrid and Sampdoria striker will wear the number 99 shirt for Parma.

Parma's Algeria-born striker Ishak Belfodil is expected to move to San Siro as part of the deal, although the Nerazzurri are yet to confirm any exchange deal.
Cassano, who has signed a reported three-year contract, scored eight goals in all competitions for Inter during the 2012-13 Serie A campaign after switching allegiances from AC Milan in August.
The Bari-born forward has played 35 times for Italy, scoring 10 goals, and underwent minor heart surgery in 2011.

Striker Dwight Gayle joins Crystal Palace from Peterborough United

 

 London: Crystal Palace have completed the signing of striker Dwight Gayle from Peterborough United for £4.5m, skysports.com reports.
The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Palace and is looking forward to working with boss Ian Holloway.
He told the club's official website: "I'm ecstatic really. I just want to get pre-season started now.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Crystal Palace and is looking forward to working with boss Ian Holloway.

"The chance came and I had to grab it because I might not get another chance. To be playing in the Premier League from where I've come from is a big achievement really.
"I'm just really looking forward to it and hopefully I can take the opportunity with both hands and do well.
"Ian Holloway is a good manager and for him to point out my talent and my ability is a good feeling. I just hope I can repay him with goals for the club and help them stay in the Premier League.
"He's built a very attacking side, which is what you need really. You need to score goals to win games to keep you up and to win trophies, which he proved last season."
Gayle originally joined Peterborough on loan from Dagenham and Redbridge in November 2012 before making the move permanent for a fee of £500,000 during the January transfer window.
He made a big impact at London Road with 13 goals in 29 appearances but was not able to prevent their relegation to League One.
The transfer to Palace could reportedly be worth up to £8.5m to Peterborough when add-ons are included, while the Daggers stand to net a windfall after inserting a 20 per cent sell-on clause when Gayle moved to Posh.
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony tweeted: "Just want to wish Dwight Gayle all the best in scaring the life out of Prem League defenders for Crystal Palace. What a signing for them!
"Also want to say that Palace & their Chairman were different class to deal with & incredibly professional. All the best!"

Ex-Brazil midfielder Juninho quits New York Red Bulls

 

 Rio de Janeiro: Former Brazil and Lyon midfielder Juninho has quit the New York Red Bulls, just six months after joining the Major League Soccer club.
The 38-year-old confirmed his departure on Facebook, citing differences with coach Mike Pekte as a major reason for the decision, reports Xinhua.
"I wasn't playing at the level I know I can and my relationship with the coach made things even more difficult," Juninho said.

Former Brazil and Lyon midfielder Juninho has quit the New York Red Bulls, just six months after joining the Major League Soccer club.

"I decided it was in everybody's interests to leave now. As far as my future is concerned, I still have to think about it. As soon as I make a decision, I will make it known."
Juninho, a renowned free-kick specialist who was a key member of the Lyon team that won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008, said he bore no grudge against New York Red Bulls.
"I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the MLS. At the same time, I want to thank the staff and fans of the club who always treated me well. I wish my team-mates all the best for the future."

Liverpool tie down highly-rated teenagers to new contracts

 

 Liverpool: Liverpool teenagers Lloyd Jones and Daniel Trickett-Smith have penned their first professional contracts with the club, liverpoolecho.co.uk reports.
Highly-rated centre-back Jones, who joined the Reds from Plymouth in 2011, impressed at youth level last season, earning himself a call-up to the first-team squad for May's Premier League trip to Fulham.
Fellow 17-year-old Trickett-Smith, a midfielder, has also signed a pro deal.

Liverpool teenagers Lloyd Jones and Daniel Trickett-Smith have penned their first professional contracts with the club.

The England youth international, who arrived from Crewe in 2012, was one of the stars of Liverpool's march to the semi-finals of last season's FA Youth Cup.

Brazil surge up FIFA rankings from all-time low

 

 Zurich: Brazil have surged to ninth in the FIFA rankings after winning the Confederations Cup.
The five-time World Cup winners and 2014 hosts fell to an all-time low of 22nd before a five-match victory streak helped them win the warm-up event title.
World and European champions Spain top the rankings despite losing the final last Sunday. Italy, third-placed at the Confederations Cup, climb to No. 6. Uruguay rise seven to No. 12 after finishing fourth.

Brazil have surged to ninth in the FIFA rankings after winning the Confederations Cup.

Germany follow Spain, and Colombia rise four to No. 3. Argentina and the Netherlands are next. Tenth-ranked Belgium reached their highest-ever position, while England dropped to No. 15.
Ivory Coast lead African teams at No. 13, Mexico are CONCACAF's best at No. 20 and Japan lead Asia at No. 37.

Chelsea agree deal to buy Marco van Ginkel from Vitesse Arnhem

 

 London: Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel from Vitesse Arnhem.
However, the fee is not clear yet but what is believed from the reports, it could be around £8 million. Chelsea on their official website have confirmed that the deal is almost sealed.
"Chelsea Football Club and Vitesse Arnhem have reached an agreement for the transfer of Marco van Ginkel.

The fee is not clear yet but what is believed from the reports, it could be around £8 million.

"The player will join Chelsea subject to a medical, agreement of personal terms and legal documentation," according to the Blue's website.
The 20-year-old, Van Ginkel Vitesse to their best league finish in 15 years as they came fourth. Last season he made 41 appearances by scoring 12 goals and creating the same number of assists.
Reflecting on his last season and his career so far, Van Ginkel said: "Things have gone well for me. It just doesn't seem to stop for me, hey?
"For me it is a reward and a sign that I'm well on the way. Now the hope is that I can stay at this level. After that game, my phone was ringing off the hook. Many people congratulated me.
"I hope the upward trend continues and I can go further."
The new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has also assured the Dutchman that his joining the club will not lead to frustration. He is also seen as a possible replacement for Frank Lampard after the long-serving legend at the Stamford Bridge extended his contract for one year.
Van Ginkel is Mourinho's second signing after the arrival of Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen.

PSG rule out Thiago Silva sale

 

 Paris: Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has rubbished reports that Thiago Silva is about to join Barcelona, according to sportinglife.com.
The Brazil centre-back claims that last season Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova personally told him he wanted to sign him, while the player's agent, Paulo Tonietto, has urged Barca to make contact soon if they want to bring Silva to the Camp Nou.
"It has been said that Tito really wants to sign him and, if that's the case, someone should speak up," Tonietto told radio station Rac1.

Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has rubbished reports that Thiago Silva is about to join Barcelona.

"If someone wants to buy someone, it's not going to happen while they're sitting at home watching television."
However, the Ligue 1 champions are not willing to let their defender go, according to Al Khelaifi.
He told Sport: "Thiago Silva is not for sale, he will stay at the club until the end of his contract.
"The problem is not that Barca are not offering us enough money, the problem is we don't want to negotiate his sale."
The PSG president affirmed he is in close contact with many of the club's players, including Thiago Silva.
"I spoke to him today (Wednesday) to congratulate him on the success he has had with his country in the Confederations Cup, and he told me he was very happy in Paris," he said.
Al Khelaifi also insisted PSG would reject a reported 32million euros offer from Barca because they have ambitions of building on their Ligue 1 triumph last season.
"We won't evaluate it or contemplate it. We won't even sit down to negotiate," he said.
"Selling is exactly the opposite of what we want to do. Our intention, after winning the domestic league title, is to fight for other more ambitious goals and make more signings."

Wayne Rooney's Manchester United talks on hold

 

 Manchester: Wayne Rooney reportedly left Manchester United's training ground without holding talks with manager David Moyes over his future, according to sportinglife.com.
Rooney, back at Carrington on Wednesday after his summer break, was due to have medical tests and stayed for just over three hours before departing.
Moyes was also on site in his third day as United manager and it is understood he and Rooney are still planning to meet.

Wayne Rooney reportedly left Manchester United's training ground without holding talks with manager David Moyes over his future.

Rooney verbally requested a transfer in May, according to outgoing boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris St Germain have all been linked with a summer move for the player.
But Rooney is yet to comment publicly on the speculation amid reports he disputes Ferguson's version of events.
A previous transfer request in the autumn of 2010 ended with Rooney signing a new deal at Old Trafford and helping the club to the Premier League title later that season.
But Ferguson's former assistant Mike Phelan, who left United earlier this summer, has questioned whether the 27-year-old really wants to stay this time.
He said: "Wayne is at the greatest club you can be at.
"Why would you want to jeopardise that, unless you want a fresh challenge and you feel that challenge isn't being met at Manchester United?"
Sky Sports expert Gary Neville has also this week warned Rooney against quitting Manchester United during the transfer window.
Neville said in an interview with Talksport: "I played with Wayne for many years. He's a fantastic footballer.
"Personally, with my allegiances, I'd never recommend anyone leave United, because I believe it is a great stage to play football and you can achieve what you want there."
Neville added: "I've seen David Beckham and other big players leave United and it really is something that comes down to the individual and the club.
"I've seen Ryan Giggs, when he was 27, linked to Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan and stay."
However, players from rival teams have insisted they would welcome the chance to play alongside the England international.
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech told Sky Sports News: "I could see him in a Chelsea shirt. Players can change shirts and obviously he has had a fantastic career with Manchester United and sometimes players need new challenges.
"Sometimes the consequences are the way that you are looking for the new challenge and change of the shirt."
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere believes a move for Rooney could help the Gunners end their long wait for silverware, saying: "If it happens, it would be amazing.
"He is the type of player who can win you trophies - and just to see his name on the team sheet brings fear to the opposition. We could do with a little more of that."

No PSG bid for Chelsea target Edinson Cavani: Napoli

 

 Naples: Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has dismissed reports that the Serie A club have received an offer from Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani, according to espn.co.uk.
Speculation over Cavani's possible departure from Naples increased this week, with the striker seemingly destined for Chelsea, but PSG now appear to lead the chase after coach Laurent Blanc expressed his desire to sign the Uruguay international.
Spanish newspaper AS reported on Wednesday that the French champions were prepared to meet Napoli's mammoth release clause for Cavani.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has dismissed reports that the Serie A club have received an offer from Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani.

But De Laurentiis was quick to play down the rumours, revealing the club have not had any formal contact with PSG and insisting a "rich club" like Napoli does not need to cash in on their stars.
"We have not received an offer from PSG for Cavani," he told Sky Sport 24. "We are a rich club that respects financial fair play, we do not need to sell our players.
"If someone wants 'El Matador' then they will have to pay the €63 million (£54m) clause. If we do not get offers, we would be happy to have him with us at least until his contract expires in 2017."
Manchester City and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 26-year-old.

Real Madrid yet to make Gareth Bale offer: Agent

 

 London: Real Madrid are yet to make an offer for Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale, his agent has claimed, according to espn.co.uk.
Bale, 23, has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane after an outstanding season for the club which saw him score 21 goals in 34 Premier League games.
Real are thought to lead the chase for his services but following the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as manager and the signing of Isco from Malaga, they are yet to follow up the initial interest which club president Florentino Perez talked of in the Spanish press.

Bale has been linked with a move away from Tottenham after an outstanding season which saw him score 21 goals in 34 Premier League games.

In an interview with Futboleros on Marca TV, Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has said that if a deal is to happen then the clubs will have to agree terms but at the moment the Wales international is set to return to Tottenham to take part in pre-season training next week.
"Bale has not said no, nor yes," Barnett said. "There's no offer from Madrid; they have to talk between themselves and we will see what happens.
"He was at Malaga airport (on Tuesday), he's been in Marbella on holiday. He comes back to Tottenham for pre-season training next week."
Speaking with Esquire magazine, Bale appeared to leave the door open for a future move to Spain by talking about his admiration of the Primera Division.
He said: "Every player would like to get as high as they can and try different things. It's something that the future holds and it's something that I'm very interested to try."

Ryan Giggs appointed player-coach at Manchester United

 

Ryan Giggs with Robin van Persie during a training session. (Getty Images)

 London: Midfielder Ryan Giggs has been appointed player-coach at Manchester United, the English champions said on Thursday. Giggs, 39, signed a one-year extension to his playing contract in March and will combine his new duties with being a member of the first-team squad.
"I'm delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player-coach. His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game," manager David Moyes said in a statement.
"His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I'm sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role."

Former Welsh international Giggs, who made his senior debut for United in March 1991, is the most decorated player in English soccer with 13 Premier League winner's medals, four FA Cup winner's medals and two Champions League winner's medals among his collection.
"It's a great privilege to be appointed a player-coach. I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long," Giggs said.
"It's no secret that I have been taking my (coaching) qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career. I'm really looking forward to working alongside David and the team."

Cristiano Ronaldo once again hints at Manchester United move

 

 The buzz surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has gathered more momentum after the 28-year-old striker admitted he misses Old Trafford where he served for six years.
According to goal.com, the Portugese has gone on record saying he is still attached to United and misses playing for the Red Devils, igniting more speculations of him switching back to his former club.
"I miss English football," said Ronaldo.

The buzz surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has gathered more momentum after the 28-year-old striker admitted he misses Old Trafford where he served for six years.

"For me, it was one of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss".
Rumors have mounted after that Ronaldo might possibly go back to England after it was disclosed he is yet to
sign a new deal with Real Madrid. His current contract expires in 2015.
However, the striker also said that currently he is enjoying his tenure with the Spanish giants. "But now my life is in Spain. I am enjoying playing there too.
"Part of my life is there, but in the future we never know. I am really, really happy in the Spanish league."