CHELSEA SIGN BEGOVIC

Chelsea have signed Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on a four-year deal.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper leaves Stoke after five-and-a-half years and will challenge Thibaut Courtois for the keeper's role at Stamford Bridge. 

Everybody at Stoke City would like to thank @asmir1 for his services & wish him the best of luck in the future #SCFC pic.twitter.com/AVc5EKilLw

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 13, 2015

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has had this to say about his departure from the Britannia Stadium, while Chelsea confirm he will take the No 1 shirt, with Thibaut Courtois keeping the No 13.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone at Stoke Football club, the chairman and Coates family, Mark Hughes and Tony Pulis, goalkeeper coach Andy Quy, all my team mates and especially the fans who have made me and my family so welcome.

"I have loved my time at Stoke, but feel I had the opportunity for me to continue to develop and challenge myself as a player.

"I am very proud of what we have achieved during my time at Stoke, and it has been a great team of players to work with. I wish you all the best for the season ahead."
 
Source : Sky Sports

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UNITED'S DE GEA ULTIMATUM

Manchester United have told David De Gea's representatives to get a deal done to Real Madrid in the next 24 hours, or he will stay at Old Trafford, according to The Sun. 

De Gea, 24, is set to join team-mates this afternoon on their tour to the United States, and Louis van Gaal reportedly only wants to use players who will definitely be at the club this coming season.

Source : Sky Sports

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RODGERS ON STERLING

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is in Bangkok as part of the club's pre-season tour, and he's currently speaking about Raheem Sterling's imminent move to Manchester City...

"The situation is very simple," says Rodgers. "The club has agreed a deal with another club for Raheem.

"Raheem and I have always kept very strong in our relationship and that remained the case when we left. There is no issue."

"I spoke to Raheem at length yesterday so there's no issue. The two clubs have agreed a deal and he will move on. But at the moment the interest is with the players that are here.

"It was important to improve and build the squad. We are very pleased with the players we've brought in.

"The key for us is the overall team. Individuals like Raheem will have benefited from the team. We aim to be much stronger and more competitive than we were last season, and we're relying on everyone."

Source : Sky Sports

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'VALDES WANTS TO SAY'

Victor Valdes has no interest in a move to Antalyaspor and is keen to stay at Manchester United, according to his agent. Valdes, who joined United on an 18-month deal in January, has been linked in recent days with a move to Turkish club Antalyspor, whose president declared that the Spaniard wants to leave Old Trafford. 

Speaking to AS, Gines Carvajal said: "I’ve been contacted by a series of individuals from Turkey to negotiate a move for Victor.

"But I haven’t spoken with the president of the Turkish club in question. I don’t know him. I have no plans to talk with them again as my player has no interest in a move to Antalyaspor."

Source : Sky Sports

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SCHNEIDERLIN HAVING MAN UTD MEDICAL

Sky sources understand Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is indeed having a medical at Manchester United.

Sky sources are telling us that Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is all set to complete a move to Manchester United. The 25-year-old is having a medical at United's Carrington training HQ and the club appear keen to get a deal done so that he can join United's pre-season tour of the United States. Louis Van Gaal and his squad fly to Seattle on Monday afternoon.

United had a bid for Schneiderlin rejected last week - but have now agreed a fee for the midfielder. The France international is now poised to join his prospective new team-mates on their pre-season tour of the United States.

Schneiderlin was a target for Tottenham last summer - and he missed the start of pre-season after telling the club he was "not mentally or physically ready" to play after a bid was rejected. He went on to make 30 appearances for Southampton last season as they finished in seventh place.

Source : Sky Sports

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STERLING: THE NEXT STEPS

Sky Sports News HQ reporter Peter Stevenson is at the Etihad Stadium this evening chasing all of the latest information on Raheem Sterling. He says there are only a couple of obstacles to overcome before the deal is completed.

"The stage is set for Sterling to meet with City or certainly start talks over personal terms. Then there would be the normal formality of a medical. Once those two aspects are sorted out we imagine this deal will hurriedly move to a conclusion and Sterling will become a Manchester City player.

"What happens next is very interesting because City, by coincidence, are also in Australia on their pre-season tour. Will Sterling join up with them? We'll have to wait and see."

Source : Sky Sports

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UNITED LINKED WITH GAITAN

Manchester United's transfer push won't stop with Schweinsteiger, according to the Daily Mail, who are reporting that Louis can Gaal has set his sights on Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan.

 The report suggests the player has a £25.1m release clause in his contract, but United could lower the asking price by offering full-back Rafael in part exchange.

Source : Sky Sports

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BREAKING: STERLING FEE AGREED

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Manchester City over the transfer of Raheem Sterling, according to Sky sources.

And we also understand that the fee for the England international is £49m, subject to certain add ons.

The forward must now agree personal terms and undergo a medical at the City of Manchester Stadium.

 Source : Sky Sports

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PSG KEEN ON DI MARIA

PSG are interested in signing Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria this summer, according to the Ligue 1 club's coach Laurent Blanc.

"We have our priorities," Blanc told L'Equipe, "but to strengthen such a team you must target guys who are at big clubs and who are not easy to prise away. That's hardest for PSG.

"Di Maria, he's good. We have more freedom, but it remains a difficult project for us because we're not alone in wanting him. When you see the financial power of the English clubs, they are attacking everyone. Competition is very, very tough.

"Don't forget, Manchester United paid a fortune to sign him. For us to work effectively, we have to think of other solutions. We must be proactive."

Source : Sky Sports

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'IKER MY FRIEND'

Former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil has paid tribute to his one-time team-mate at the Santiago Bernabeu Iker Casillas after the Spaniard's move to Porto...

Iker my friend, I wish you all the best and many more titles at FC Porto!!! pic.twitter.com/hgvS9K8KxD

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) July 12, 2015

 Source : Sky Sports

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MARSEILLE REJECT TOON'S THAUVIN BID

Marseille have turned down an approach from Newcastle for winger Florian Thauvin, claim La Provence.

Source : Sky Sports

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SCHWEINSTEIGER 'EXCITED' ABOUT 'DREAM' UNITED MOVE

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has just tweeted about his upcoming transfer to Manchester United...

One last dream in my career come true. I am excited about the next chapter in my life with @ManUtd. pic.twitter.com/aWnz9mnuD8

— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) July 12, 2015

Source : Sky Sports

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'IT'S A PITY HE'S GOING'

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has revealed his sadness at the prospect of losing Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United.

"We have to simply respect and accept his decision. He's looking for a new challenge, but for me it's an absolute pity he is going, I have to say," said Lahm.

"He's a great player and there's no need to talk about him as a footballer. "He was a leader for us and everyone here is sad that he's going, but I hope he has a lot of success at Manchester United."

Source : Sky Sports

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IN-DEMAND SAVIC

Atletico Madrid will have to battle with three Premier League teams to sign former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic, reports AS.

Savic, who is currently on the books at Fiorentina, is Atleti boss Diego Simeone’s preferred choice to fill the defensive berth that was recently vacated by Miranda, who joined Inter.

However, Simeone will face a fight to land him as AS says Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all keen on the centre back, who left City in 2012.

Fiorentina, who are a seeking a fee of €15m for the Montenegrin, have rejected an offer from Zenit St Petersburg for the defender.

Source : Sky Sports

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BREAKING: POTTERS SIGN JOHNSON

Stoke have signed defender Glen Johnson on an initial two-year deal, subject to the England international agreeing personal terms at the Britannia Stadium, Sky sources understand.

Johnson, who left Liverpool after his contract ran out at the end of June, has the option of a third year with the Potters, with the player being Stoke's sixth summer signing.

And the full back has arrived in Singapore to join up with the rest of his Stoke team-mates ahead of next week's Asia Trophy.

Source : Sky Sports

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BALO-GOMEZ SWAP

Liverpool and Fiorentina are considering an intriguing swap deal involving respective strikers Mario Balotelli and Mario Gomez, claim Italian media outlet Mediaset.

 Source : Sky Sports

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ATLETICO REJECT OBLAK BID

Atletico Madrid have turned down an offer of £20.1m from Manchester United for 'keeper Jan Oblak, according to reports in AS.

United boss Louis van Gaal is understood to already be looking for a replacement for No. 1 David de Gea, with the Spaniard expected to sign for Real Madrid this summer.

Source : Sky Sports

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IMMOBILE JOINS SEVILLA

Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile will join Europa League holders Sevilla next campaign on a season-long loan deal.

The Italy international, 25, is a replacement for frontman Carlos Bacca, who has moved to AC Milan.

Immobile signed for the Bundesliga club last June for £15.5m.

Source : Sky Sports

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BARCA STAR OPEN TO BLUES MOVE

Chelsea are willing to fork out €30m to sign Pedro and the Barcelona forward is open to moving to the Premier League, reports Sport.

The Spain international’s first-team role at the Nou Camp diminished last term following the arrival of Luis Suarez, but he made the surprising decision to renew his contract until 2019 in June.

Arsenal, Liverpool and PSG were all interested in signing him this summer, but he is believed to have spurned interest from those clubs after coach Luis Enrique promised him a greater first-team role next season.

However, that situation is believed to have changed, with the player having decided that he wants to leave Barcelona to try his luck in the Premier League.

Sport claims Pedro received a call from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho which made him reconsider his decision, while a chat with his old team-mate Cesc Fabregas ended up convincing him that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.

Source : Sky Sports

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STERLING MISSES LIVERPOOL TOUR

Raheem Sterling will not travel with the Liverpool squad when they head out to Thailand on Sunday.

Sterling was on Saturday named in Liverpool's 30-man squad for their tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia, but fresh developments over a potential move to a Premier League club.

Sky sources understand the Premier League club is Manchester City, meaning he will not board the plane.

City have had two bids for Sterling turned down by Liverpool - the second believed to be in the region of £40m.

Source : Sky Sports

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ORLANDO HOLD HERNANDEZ TALKS

It appears Javier Hernandez could be following Robin van Persie out of the Old Trafford exit door.

Orlando City are in talks to sign Chicharito, who has one year left on his current Manchester United contract, according to the club’s owner Flavio Augusto da Silva.

Da Silva claims negotiations to take Mexico international to Florida are at an early stage and that he faces competition from several other MLS clubs.

"Regarding Chicharito, of course he's a great player that every club in the world would love to have and we'd love the chance to have him," Da Silva told the Orlando Sentinel.

"Right now we don't have anything done, and you know during the process of negotiations the less we talk about it the better.

“So we'll see if there is a possibility and then we'll move forward. We hope in one or two weeks to be ready to talk about Chicharito in a different way."

Source : Sky Sports

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FENERBAHCE AWAIT RVP ARRIVAL

Fenerbahce have confirmed Robin van Persie will be arriving in Istanbul tonight as he edges closer towards completing his proposed move from Manchester United.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Previously, we reported that we had begun transfer negotiations with Manchester United and Robin van Persie.

“On the evening of Sunday July 12, he is coming to Istanbul.”

Source : Sky Sports

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David Beckham has paid tribute to Casillas

Former Real Madrid star David Beckham has paid tribute to former team-mate Iker Casillas after he ended a 16-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu to join FC Porto.

What more can be said about this man.... I'm sad to see Iker leave a club that he adored and gave everything too for so many years ... He is a friend an amazing person and one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game .. A true @realmadrid legend... Gracias Amigo 🇪🇸 @ikercasillasoficial

A photo posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Jul 11, 2015 at 3:59pm PDT

Source : Sky Sports

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ROMA CLOSING ON DZEKO

Roma are poised to finalise a move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, according to Gazetta dello Sport.

The Serie A club are waiting to receive funds from the expected sale of Alessio Romagnoli to AC Milan before pushing ahead with the move for the Bosnia international.

Romagnoli’s move to the San Siro depends on Stephan El Shaarawy’s proposed move to Monaco – the Italy international is expected in Monte Carlo on Sunday to undergo a medical.

Roma are reported to have reached a verbal agreement with Dzeko over a five-year deal at the Stadio Olimpico, thought to be worth around £3.2million a season.

All that is left to agree is a fee with Manchester City who are thought to want £20million. Roma have reportedly offered £13million but may be willing to increase their bid to £15million.

Source : Sky Sports

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CITY SUBMIT FRESH STERLING BID

Manchester City have tabled a revised bid for wantaway Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, according to the Daily Star.

City’s third Sterling bid, believed to be in the region of £40million, is still £10million shy of Liverpool’s £50million valuation.

City reportedly hope their increased offer will stop Sterling flying out on the Reds' pre-season tour for Thailand, Australia and Malaysia on Sunday.

Source : Sky Sports

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CASILLAS 'FORCED OUT' OF REAL

Iker Casillas was forced out of Real Madrid by club president Florentino Perez and is too good to play for a "third-tier" side like Porto, according to his parents. 

In an interview with Spanish daily El Mundo, Casillas's parents Jose Luis and Mari Carmen said their son had been badly treated by Perez since he returned for a second stint as president in 2009.

"Iker has put up with a great deal, he has suffered psychological pressure and they treated him differently to other players," Mari Carmen said.

"I have watched him suffer for many years. It is Florentino who is pushing him out because he wanted to end his career at Real Madrid."

"Porto is a third-tier team for someone of Iker's stature. A world champion can't end up at Porto.”

Real announced on Saturday that Casillas was leaving after 16 seasons in the first team to join the Portuguese club, and his exit is widely expected to prompt the arrival of David De Gea from Manchester United.

Source : Sky Sports

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EVERTON ENTER SHAQIRI RACE?

After snubbing Stoke City’s offer to move to the Britannia Stadium, Inter Milan forward Xherdan Shaqiri has emerged as a potential target for Everton, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. 

Gazzetta claim the Toffees face competition for the Swiss international’s signature from Bundesliga duo Hoffenheim and Schalke 04.

Should Inter offload Shaqiri, who only joined the club from Bayern Munich in January, it would then allow then to bring Wolfsburg winger Ivan Perisic to the San Siro.

Source : Sky Sports

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DELPH STAYING PUT

Contrary to reports circulating yesterday, which claimed Fabian Delph was set to have a medical at Manchester City, the England midfielder has pledged his future to Aston Villa.

The Villa captain unanimously responded to speculation linking him with a move to the Etihad, saying: "I'm aware there has been intense media speculation surrounding my future in the last 24 hours.

"I want to set the record straight. I'm not leaving."

Source : Sky Sports

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FLUMINENSE SIGN RONALDINHO

Former Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ronaldinho has signed a 17-month contract with Fluminense.

The 35-year old joined the Rio de Janeiro side after terminating his contract with Mexican club Queretaro, where he spent almost a year.

Source : Sky Sports

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KOEMAN SEEKS RESOLUTION

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman wants Morgan Scneiderlin's future resolved as soon as possible as the Frenchman continues to be linked with a move away from St Mary's.

According to Sky sources, Manchester United are still interested in bringing Schneiderlin to Old Trafford, despite reaching an agreement with Bayern Munich for midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

United reportedly had a £20million bid for the 25-year-old rejected two weeks ago, and Koeman has confirmed Southampton are yet to receive a revised bid.

But we understand United have made strengthening their midfield a priority this summer, and Louis van Gaal's side could return with an improved offer for the Schneiderlin.

Source : Sky Sports

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SCHWEINSTEIGER TO HAVE MEDICAL

Sky Sports News HQ understands Bastian Schweinsteiger will undergo a medical at Manchester United ahead of his proposed move from Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old is then expected to complete the switch to Old Trafford in a deal believed to be in the region of £14.4million.

Schweinsteiger will become the first German player to play for United’s first team once the move is complete.

Source : Sky Sports

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ARSENAL IN TALKS FOR GHOULAM

Arsenal have reportedly been in negotiations with Napoli over a deal for full-back Faouzi Ghoulam, according to Marca.

Arsene Wenger is thought to be reluctant to pay more than €10m for the left back, while Napoli are trying to get €12m for his services.

Reports suggest if Arsenal can complete a deal Nacho Monreal will be heading fior the Emirates exit and will sign for Athletic Bilbao on a three-year deal.

Source : Sky Sport

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LIVERPOOL BID FOR CHERYSHEV

Liverpool have bid £22m for Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev, according to the Sunday People.

The report suggests Rafael Benitez has received the offer and is willing to cash in on the 24-year-old. However, he will discuss the matter with the Real board before any decision is made.

Cheryshev was on loan at Villarreal last season and the club would like to take him back but Real reportedly prefere a straight cash deal.

Source : Sky Sports

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FORMER ARSENAL STRIKER SIGNS FOR SHAKHTAR

Eduardo da Silva has re-signed for Shakhtar Donetsk. 

.@EduardoDaSilva has arrived in Kyiv! #RT if you are happy! #WelcomeEduardo http://t.co/R61xEiQzqw pic.twitter.com/yJG1Mf7cWa

— FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) July 11, 2015

 Source : Sky Sports

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HERRERA'S PLEASED WITH NEW RECRUITS

It's been a busy day for Manchester United with the arrival of full-back Matteo Darmian and the pending deal to bring midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to Old Trafford. It's not just United's fans in jubilant mood over their transfer business but the players as well.

Here's what Ander Herrera had to say...

Welcome @BSchweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian. Whilst others rest, we get stronger. Ready to #bethedifference

— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) July 11, 2015

Source : Sky Sports

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BREAKING : PORTO SIGN CASILLAS

Yes it is a done deal! Real Madrid have announced goalkeeper Iker Casillas will join Porto.

Good luck #Casillas at #Porto. Blessed keeper, serial winner, terrific guy. Unfortunate Mourinho found it useful to isolate him. Classy Iker

— Graham Hunter (@BumperGraham) July 11, 2015

Source : Sky Sports

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MANCHESTER UNITED COMPLETE DARMIAN DEAL

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Torino defender Matteo Darmian.

The Italy international has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford with the option for a further year.

Source : Sky Sports

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WATFORD CONFIRM BEHRAMI DEAL

Watford have announced the signing of midfielder Valon Behrami on a three-year deal.

 BEHRAMI A WATFORD PLAYER

Source : Sky Sports

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