Roberto Martinez appointed manager of Belgium

Roberto Martinez is Belgium's new manager

Roberto Martinez has been appointed as the new manager of Belgium, succeeding Marc Wilmots in the role.

Wilmots lost his job as Belgium boss after their failure to get beyond the quarter-finals at Euro 2016, with Wales defeating them 3-1 in the last eight.

Marc Wilmots was sacked by Belgium after Euros

Martinez has been out of work since being sacked by Everton late last season following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

He was appointed as David Moyes' successor in June 2013 and guided Everton to their best Premier League points tally - 72 - and a fifth-place finish in his first season in charge.

Martinez smashed the club's transfer record with the £28m signing of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea in the summer of 2014, but failed to build on the success of his debut campaign at the club, finishing in 11th.

Romelu Lukaku will be reunited with Martinez

The 2015/16 season was another disappointing campaign for Martinez and Everton, who managed only five wins at Goodison Park - only relegated Aston Villa had fewer home victories.

Belgium took the unusual decision of widening their search for a head coach by posting a job advert online.

The "desired profile" of the person tasked with getting the best from the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard must, according to the ad, be a "strong communicator" with "experience and results in the currently fast changing world of football".

Nevertheless, the Belgians boast one of the deepest and most talents squads in international football and were ranked No 1 in the world as recently as November 2015.

 

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Arsenal include Sanchez and Ramsey in squad for trip to Scandinavia

• Gunners face Viking on Thursday and Manchester City on Sunday
• Koscielny, Giroud and Ozil granted extra time off after Euro 2016

Arsene Wenger has included two of his big guns for Arsenal's Scandinavia tour but has given extended breaks to Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil.

Arsene Wenger will include Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey in his party for Arsenal's friendlies in Scandinavia against Viking FK and Manchester City as he looks to get them into shape for the Premier League opener at home to Liverpool on Sunday week.

The manager is not expected to include Jack Wilshere, who has what has been described as a minor knee injury. The midfielder sustained the problem during the club's trip to the US and he was unable to play in the victory against Chivas on Sunday.

Arsenal travel to Norway on Thursday, where they face Viking on Friday before they move to Sweden for the game against City on Sunday. Wenger will not take Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud or Mesut Ozil on the mini-tour, after he granted them extra time off after Euro 2016. Koscielny and Giroud played in the final for France, which they lost to Portugal, while Ozil featured in Germany's semi-final defeat against France.

Ramsey and Sanchez returned to training at the beginning of this week. Ramsey reached the semi-final of the European Championship with Wales, although he was suspended for that game – the defeat against Portugal – and so his last involvement was in the quarter-final win against Belgium on 1 July.

Sanchez won the Copa América with Chile for the second summer in succession and he featured in the final against Argentina on 27 June – a game in which he damaged an ankle.

Wenger continues to track the Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette and the Valencia centre-half Shkodran Mustafi, as he seeks to finalise his squad. He has already seen a £29.5m offer for Lacazette turned down but it is understood that the French club would consider a sale if Arsenal came back with a higher bid. Mustafi is valued by Valencia at £25m.

Source:7mSports

 

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Zidane and Ancelotti reunite as rivals

ICC fixture set for New York's MetLife Stadium



The duel between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be a reunion for Carlo Ancelotti and his former assistant Zinedine Zidane, who have both led Los Blancos to victory in the Champions League.

Wednesday night's showdown in New Jersey could also be billed as a prelude to next year's Champions League final with both teams among the favourites to win the continental showpiece.

These two European superpowers' paths have already crossed many times in the duel for the title. The Italian was in charge of the Spanish side when they won their 10th title after beating his present side in the semi-finals before defeating Atletico Madrid in the final, whilst Zidane led Real to victory for their historic Undecima.

Now the duo meet face to face as friends and European champions in this pre-season friendly.

It will be an extraordinary match because of the friendship and respect they have for one another with their mutual admiration beginning in Turin being consolidated in the year they worked together at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

During this time they enjoyed a lot of success and now Zidane has recovered the spirit of Ancelotti in the dressing room to great effect for the side to win two Champions Leagues in three years. Their special relationship continues to this day.

"His work in Madrid is fantastic," said Ancelotti of his former pupil .

"I learned a lot from him," stressed the Frenchman as he paid tribute to the now-Bayern coach after winning the 11th title.

"As Carlo said to me, to win the Champions League as a coach is something else."

Los Merengues have benefitted from the great connection between the two coaches.

The 57-year-old left his mark on the club - together with four titles - and the former France international has employed many of his concepts after being promoted to head the first team, particularly in dealing with the players.

During Wednesday night's match in the International Champions Cup, taking place on Thursday at 01:30 CET, there is bound to be an air of rivalry.

Source:7mSports

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Jurgen Klopp's not satisfied: Liverpool boss targets £20m star

JURGEN KLOPP is keeping tabs on Cologne defender Jonas Hector, according to reports.

 

Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a big fan of Jonas Hector

Liverpool recently lost out in their chase of Leicester's Ben Chilwell after he put pen to paper on a new deal.

The Reds are short at the back with Mamadou Sakho, Joe Gomez, Lucas Leiva and Joel Matip all out injured.

There are also concerns over Alberto Moreno and that has seen Klopp consider playing James Milner as an emergency left-back if need be.

Klopp has already signed Ragnar Klavan, but the Daily Mail claim he is ready to go back into the transfer market for another defender and £20m-rated Hector tops his wishlist.

The Bundesliga outfit are determined to keep hold of him however.

Liverpool lost 2-1 to Roma in the International Champions Cup yesterday and Klopp voiced his concerns over his defence after the match.

Source:7mSports

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Jose Mourinho issues order to Man Utd squad ahead of Wayne Rooney testimonial

JOSE MOURINHO has ordered Manchester United to treat Wayne Rooney’s testimonial like a Premier League clash.



THE BOSS: Mourinho ordered his side to take it seriously

Mourinho is concerned United could be going into the new season under-cooked following a frustrating tour of China.

United’s showpiece game with neighbours Manchester City in Beijing was called-off due to the state of pitch in the ‘Bird’s Nest Stadium’.

It means United have got three matches under their belts this summer and Mourinho is not prepared to take Rooney’s testimonial lightly.

Mourinho’s men will face Everton at Old Trafford tonight to celebrate the England captain’s remarkable career at United.

But Starsport understands Mourinho will name the strongest side possible and is desperate to beat the Toffees.

United face champions Leicester at Wembley on Sunday in the Community Shield but Mourinho has no intention of resting anyone ahead of that showdown.

New signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are all expected to feature, while Toffees boss Ronald Koeman will also send out the strongest side available.

Former United boss Louis van Gaal was reluctant to agree to Rooney’s testimonial while he was in charge.

But all that changed once Mourinho succeeded him and the United boss is now relieved he agreed to it considering it has taken on extra importance.

Rooney might be starting his 12th season with United, but admits he has never felt so excited about the future.

He said: “I’m looking forward to playing with the new signings. It’s exciting for any player to play with new players.

"I feel this will be a big season for myself and Manchester United. It’s an exciting time for me and an exciting time for Manchester United.”

One player whose time at Manchester United looks to up is Bastien Schweinsteiger and the German’s former club Bayern Munich have hinted they could be ready to welcome him back.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Should he speak at some point about a desire to return, then we will discuss it with him.”

Schweinsteiger moved to Old Trafford last summer but is surplus to requirements following the arrival of Mourinho.

 

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Pogba to Man Utd a 'matter of hours away' with Thursday medical planned - reports

PAUL POGBA’s move to Manchester United is ‘a matter of hours away,’ according to reports in Italy

Paul Pogba is closing in on a move to Manchester United

The Juventus star is said to be edging closer to sealing his return to the club he left in 2012.

Widespread reports suggest a fee of over £100m has already been agreed between both clubs but neither team are yet to officially confirm it.

Italian publication Il Tempo claim a deal is a ‘matter of hours away’ with his medical booked in for Thursday.

The France international is currently in New York enjoying his time off following his Euro 2016 exploits.

Express Sport understands the 23-year-old will fly to England this week to finalise his move and that could see him make his debut on Sunday.

The Red Devils take on Premier League champions Leicester in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday (4pm).

Jose Mourinho is hopeful a deal will be completed in time for Pogba to feature against the Foxes.

Pogba is set to pocket £275,000-a-week at United.

Source:7mSports

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OFFICIAL: Manchester City signs Sane

The 20-year-old winger has joined the Citizens from Schalke on a five-year deal.

Manchester City has completed the signing of Schalke winger Leroy Sane on a five-year deal.

Sane had been linked with a number of clubs throughout the summer but has opted to move to the Citizens, with the Premier League club parting with a reported 37 million pounds ($49M) to secure the signature of the 20-year-old.

It is also understood that the deal could eventually rise to £42M due to add-ons.

Sane, who came through the youth ranks at Schalke, scored 13 goals in 57 senior appearances for the club and was also named in the Germany squad for Euro 2016.

The young attacker has now revealed that he cannot wait to begin work under Pep Guardiola as the new Premier League season draws near.

"I feel really good, I’m happy to be here and happy that it has all worked out. Now I can settle here in Manchester and play for City," he said. "One of the reasons I decided to join City was Pep Guardiola. He convinced me to come here and that I can continue to progress. I know I will learn a lot under him and now I can take the next step in my career.

"I followed Pep at Barcelona and at Bayern where he achieved a lot and worked really well with young players.

"I think he can make me a more complete player. I think I will need a bit of time to start with because it’s another league and there’s a different style of play but I think I can adapt very quickly."

Sane becomes Guardiola's fifth signing of the summer, following the acquisitions of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aaron Mooy, and the Catalan coach has lavished praise on his latest recruit.

"He is a special talent, and an exciting player that I think our supporters will enjoy watching," he added. "He has great technical ability, is comfortable on the ball and there is much to admire about the way he plays football. He is fast, enjoys creating chances for others, works hard for the team and scores goals, too. He also has a very positive attitude and will fit in well with our squad.

"At 20, he is still developing as a player but he is already a member of the German national side and I think he will be a fantastic asset to our Club. We are very happy he decided to join us."

Source:7mSports

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Chelsea to offer Everton £65m ultimatum over Romelu Lukaku move

CHELSEA are poised to raise their bid for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku to an astonishing take it or leave it British record £65m.



INCOMING: Will Lukaku join Chelsea?

And Lukaku is so keen to rejoin the Blues he is set to hand in a transfer request to try to force it through.

Everton rejected Chelsea’s opening £57m offer for the Belgian international striker at the weekend but Chelsea are determined to land their man.

New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has told the club to go out and get their man to reinforce his strike force for the new season.

Chelsea are also considering offering France striker Loic Remy as part of the deal which suggests Diego Costa will almost certainly stay at Stamford Bridge this season despite strong rumours of a return to Atletico Madrid.

Everton initially demanded £75m for Lukaku, 22, who they signed from Chelsea in 2014 for £28m but the Londoners are still owed the full price from that deal.

The big striker has made no secret of the fact the wants to return to Stamford Bridge, and his record of 45 goals in two seasons since his move has made him one of the hottest properties on the market.

Chelsea have already signed Lukaku’s Belgium teammate Michy Batshuayi but Conte wants three front like strikers for this coming season.

His side face AC Milan tonight in the International Champions Cup at the US Bank stadium in Minneapolis in the opening game at the new $1 billion stadium.

And Conte is set to give Costa his first game of the tour after the Spaniard recovered from a back problem.

Conte, whose side lost 3-2 from 3-0 down to Real Madrid on Saturday in Michigan, could also give Eden Hazard his first start.

The Italian said: “Diego is working with the other players and can play.

"I will decide if I put him in the starting XI or to keep him on the bench.

"It is important to see improvement. Between the first game against Liverpool and the second against Real Madrid I saw different things, different improvement.

"Against Liverpool our defensive phase was very good because the team was very compact but with the ball, when we were in possession, it was only so-so.

"Against Real we improved a lot with the ball, with possession. But without the ball in the defensive situation, we were bad - compared to the game against Liverpool.

"It was also because of a bit of tiredness in the players. This tour has been beautiful but has also been very intense.

"I want to work, not just enjoy and wait to play the games.

"In this period it is very important to work hard, to improve different aspects, tactical and physical, and look at the video analysis.

"A friendly game is important but is not the be all and end all.”

Source:7mSports

 

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Leroy Sane in Manchester for expected £37m move to City

• German forward scored eight goals for Schalke last season 
• City still interested in Everton defender John Stones

 Leroy Sane has been on Manchester City's radar since 2015

 

Leroy Sane has arrived at Manchester City to complete his move from Schalke. The fee is expected to be £37m, rising to just over £40m with add-ons.

Pep Guardiola confirmed last month that City were in talks with the forward but said the transfer was being held up over the player's valuation. At the same time Schalke's sporting director, Christian Heidel, said Sane, who scored eight goals last season as the Bundesliga club finished fifth in the league, had asked for a transfer.

On Monday Schalke tweeted:" Leroy Sane is currently in Manchester and will not be travelling with Schalke to the training camp."

The 20-year-old, who has been on City's radar since 2013, made his debut for Germany against France last year and was in the squad for Euro 2016 though he played only 11 minutes, against France in the semi-final, which his side lost 2-0.

He could make his debut against Arsenal in a friendly in Gothenburg on Sunday.

Schalke are closing in on completing the season-long loan signing of the Chelsea defender Baba Rahman. The Ghana full-back met up with the squad for pre-season training, before completing the formalities on his loan switch from Stamford Bridge.

City have signed Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund, Nolito from Celta vigo and Oleksandr Zinchenko from the Ukrainian club FC Ufa this summer.

They retain an interest in John Stones but are reluctant to meet Everton's £50m valuation for the 22-year-old defender setting their target figure at around £40m plus add-ons.



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