Another target bites the dust as Man City snap up Fernandinho

 

In a stark contrast to last summer, Manchester City are stepping up their efforts to get their business done in good time before the new campaign gets underway.

The Premier League runners-up announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday, and the club are close to confirming the arrival of Jesus Navas from Sevilla.

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, Malaga's Isco and Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara remain City's summer targets, while the club are still to confirm the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager. 
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Martinez escapes plummeting Wigan to join Everton

 

Despite Wigan Athletic's relegation from the Premier League last season, Roberto Martinez convinced Everton chairman Bill Kenwright that he was the right man to succeed David Moyes at Goodison Park.

The Everton chief claimed his decision to appoint Martinez took just 45 seconds after they held talks, and now all the 39-year-old has to do is follow up his promise of securing Champions League football. No pressure, then. 

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Wenger left with Rooney dilemma

As Goal exclusively revealed on Tuesday, Wayne Rooney is giving a potential move to Arsenal some serious consideration.

Arsene Wenger has already gone public with his interest in the Manchester United striker, but will the Gunners boss stump up the cash to fund the striker's £250,000-a-week salary? 
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Night Club or What??

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Neymar arrival grabs headlines as Mourinho exits La Liga

A summer of incomings and outgoings in La Liga is now underway following the arrival of Neymar, Barcelona's latest signing, and the departure of Jose Mourinho, who has left Real Madrid for a second stint at Chelsea.

A whopping 56,500 fans turned up at Camp Nou to welcome the Brazil international to Barcelona, while Mourinho revealed the plan for his new club to Chelsea's own television station. 
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ReMOUnion: Chelsea stars welcome back the Special One

The day most Chelsea fans have been eagerly anticipating is almost upon us.

Having ended his stay at Real Madrid on Saturday, Jose Mourinho is expecting to confirm his return to Stamford Bridge this week.

The 'Special One' is flying to London on Monday to complete the move, and the Chelsea players - particularly the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech - are likely to roll out the blue carpet for his return. 
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Jupp Heynckes hands Pep Guardiola the key to the Bayern Munich steamroller!

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Suarez tempted by Real Madrid

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez appears ready to take the bait set by Real Madrid in their pursuit of the Urugay international.

Goal revealed on Wednesday that the striker had given no assurances over his future at the club in recent meetings with Anfield officials.

And a radio interview later given by Suarez seemed to indicate the Uruguayan has had his fill of certain aspects of living in England.

"Saying no to Real Madrid is very difficult. I talked to Brendan Rodgers. He knows what I want and understands my situation.

"I worked too hard to having to continue listening to the criticism I get from English journalists," he continued.

"I love Liverpool, but I'm not prepared to keep taking all this criticism." 
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It's summertime for Wenger

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#bunchofcaps: Centurion Ashley Cole finally accepts England captaincy

After earning over 100 caps for England, Ashley Cole has finally accepted the captain's armband for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night.

The left-back has been one of England's most consistent performers for over a decade, but his career has not been without controversy.

Cole was fined in October 2012 by the FA for comments on Twitter related to the John Terry racism case, having given evidence to the independent commission.

The Chelsea defender also allegedly fired an air rifle at an intern at the club's Cobham training ground in 2011.

There had also been some confusion as to whether or not Cole had actually accepted the captaincy following comments from England boss Roy Hodgson.

"Frank [Lampard] and I are happy that [Cole] will lead the team out but Frank still remains the captain of the team," he said, before later clarifying the situation.
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