Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Mkhitaryan and Villa snub Premier League

Activity in the summer transfer window is starting to hot up with two of Europe’s most wanted men announcing they are on the move.

Barcelona striker David Villa is heading for Atletico Madrid after the two clubs agreed a deal for the Spain international.

The transfer is likely to disappoint many, but particularly Tottenham fans who were hoping to see the striker in Premier League action at White Hart Lane.

Over at Liverpool there is also bad news after Borussia Dortmund confirmed Henrikh Mkhitaryan has completed a move from Shakhtar Donetsk, preferring the Champions League runners-up to Brendan Rodgers' side. 

Goal 50: Class of 2012-13

The countdown to the Goal 50 has begun and the debate is raging over which star performers from the season should be included in this year's list of football's most talented
School is out for much of the football world but the class of 2012-13 can still look forward to the annual prize-giving ceremony that is the Goal 50.

Our brilliant artist Omar Momani has drawn up his vision of the high achievers in contention for the list - which will be announced on July 29.

Bayern Munich trio Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller are sitting in the front row accompanied by Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Behind are La Liga legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo next to Robert Lewandowski, scorer of four goals for Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid in last season's Champions League semi-final.

The Premier League may be flagging behind Germany and Spain, but Gareth Bale has stood out. The Tottenham totem sits with enigmatic Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Mario Balotelli, who has lit up Serie A since joining AC Milan in January.

Assou-Ekotto reads up on latest Tottenham arrival

Known for having absolutely no interest in football, Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto may get into a spot of bother when he arrives at pre-season training.

The 29-year-old has admitted he does not know the first thing about Tottenham's latest signing Paulinho, who has arrived at White Hart Lane from Corinthians.

“I don’t know what he looks like,” Assou-Ekotto told Goal. “I don’t know him, I don’t follow this kind of news.

“It’s like two or three years ago, Rafael van der Vaart was there in training one day. I said hello to him but I didn’t know he was Rafael van der Vaart." 

Monday, July 8, 2013

Moyes tight-lipped on Rooney future

David Moyes hosted his first press conference as Manchester United manager on Friday and spent the most part batting away questions on Wayne Rooney's future.

And while he was at pains to point out that the England striker is not for sale, he refused to be drawn on whether he has categorically stated his desire to stay at Old Trafford.