Man Utd striker Radamel Falcao has dismissed talk of a move to Juventus and Man City's Yaya Toure is set to retire from international football.
Tuesday 31st March 2015 9:11
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Fabio Coentrao has been out of favour at Real Madrid
Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao has said it would “be an honour” to play for Manchester United.
Reports in Spain on Tuesday morning claim United are preparing to renew their long-standing interest in Coentrao, who was on the verge of joining them back in August 2013.
The Portugal international has been a bit-part player at Madrid this season and would has said he would jump at the chance to revive his career at United.
He told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo: “I already showed that interest in playing there (at Manchester United). It’s one of the best clubs in the world, a club that I admire a lot. It would be an honour to play there.”
United have continued to monitor his situation at the Bernabeu and will try to tempt the 27-year-old left-back once again at the end of the season, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
AS also states that United want to strengthen their left-back position due to Luke Shaw's injury problems this season.
Coentrao, who is under contract until 2019, has not been a regular under Carlo Ancelotti this term, although he has often been selected for Madrid's most important matches in recent years, including last year's Champions League final.
PSG are preparing a massive bid for Man Utd winger Angel Di Maria, while Raheem Sterling is increasingly likely to leave Liverpool this summer.
Monday 30th March 2015 16:50
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Juan Mata: Determined to boost Manchester United's Premier League run-in
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata insists he has not given up hope of playing for Spain again.
The 26-year-old has not featured for the European champions since the 3-0 win over Australia at last year's World Cup in Brazil.
Mata, who has scored 10 goals in 34 caps for the senior Spain team since making his international debut six years ago, wrote on his blog: "As I always say, I have been very lucky to play and to win a World Cup and a European Championship, to participate in the most important competitions, but I'm still excited as the first day.
"I am convinced that I'm in a perfect age in my football career and I look forward to keep contributing and achieving more success with my national team.
"That's what I work for every day, training and playing to the maximum, trying to do the best I can.
"After that, obviously, the manager is the one who picks the players for every game. So now I take these quiet days to keep working, as I said, but I also switch off and rest a bit."
The playmaker, voted by fans as United's player of the month for March, is also looking forward to making an impact during the remainder of the campaign.
He has scored seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season including a recent brace against Liverpool.
The former Chelsea star added: "I want to thank our fans for the Player of the Month award for March.
"It's been a month with several key victories and a boost of confidence for the team.”
He added: "Personally, I think setting our goals game after game is the right thing to do," the former Chelsea player said.
"Trying to win as many of them as possible and keeping the momentum following these two wins versus Tottenham and Liverpool. I check the calendar and I see four big games for us in April: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton.
"All of them are big clubs and we want to show that we can beat them, getting close to our goal and also making our fans happy."
Monday 30th March 2015 16:50
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Juan Mata: Determined to boost Manchester United's Premier League run-in
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata insists he has not given up hope of playing for Spain again.
The 26-year-old has not featured for the European champions since the 3-0 win over Australia at last year's World Cup in Brazil.
Mata, who has scored 10 goals in 34 appearances since making his international debut six years ago, wrote on his blog: "As I always say, I have been very lucky to play and to win a World Cup and a European Championship, to participate in the most important competitions, but I'm still excited as the first day.
"I am convinced that I'm in a perfect age in my football career and I look forward to keep contributing and achieving more success with my national team.
"That's what I work for every day, training and playing to the maximum, trying to do the best I can.
"After that, obviously, the manager is the one who picks the players for every game. So now I take these quiet days to keep working, as I said, but I also switch off and rest a bit."
The playmaker, voted by fans as United's player of the month for March, is also looking forward to making an impact during the remainder of the campaign.
He has scored seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season including a recent brace against Liverpool.
The former Chelsea star added: "I want to thank our fans for the Player of the Month award for March.
"It's been a month with several key victories and a boost of confidence for the team.”
He added: "Personally, I think setting our goals game after game is the right thing to do," the former Chelsea player said.
"Trying to win as many of them as possible and keeping the momentum following these two wins versus Tottenham and Liverpool. I check the calendar and I see four big games for us in April: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton.
"All of them are big clubs and we want to show that we can beat them, getting close to our goal and also making our fans happy."
Monday 30th March 2015 13:28
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Defender Mats Hummels admits he is pondering his future at Borussia Dortmund and refuses to rule out a transfer abroad.
The Germany international has long been courted by Manchester United, whose manager Louis van Gaal may seek a top defender in the summer with another large war chest expected.
"Everyone knows how much I like Dortmund, but I also want us to have a powerful team which has a powerful approach," Hummels told German magazine Kicker.
"I have had a few conversations recently, which were very relevant for me to get a general overview, but I haven't made a decision about my future."
The 26-year-old has a Dortmund contract until 2017, and has played 22 times this season in all competitions.
But Hummels is unsure of his future at the club, admitting he often changes his mind about where his next challenge lies.
"I often think that I definitely want to move abroad, but then there are other days where I say I don't need it," added Hummels.
"Basically, I think a foreign move would be good for both personal and footballing development, so it could well transpire that I'd someday like to move abroad.
"It's definitely not the case that I am saying I will definitely go.
"When there is a decision from me in which direction things are heading, I'll talk about it openly.
"I'm not a fan of those who claim they are staying, but behind the scenes have already secretly settled the matter."
Dortmund host defending German champions Bayern Munich on Saturday and have moved up to mid-table in the Bundesliga after a disastrous set of results left them bottom of the league at the start of February.
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Sunday 29th March 2015 14:13
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Chris Smalling: Has yet to open talks over a new contract
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling says he is happy at the club and is hoping to stay there beyond the expiration of his current contract.
Smalling’s deal expires at the end of next season and it has been reported that United are yet to open talks on an extension for the 25-year-old.
However, Smalling has been in fine form for his club of late, teaming up at the back with his fellow England international Phil Jones during important recent victories over Tottenham and Liverpool.
Asked about his contract situation at an England press conference on Sunday, Smalling said: "That is one that I have not really discussed with anyone.
"The manager is showing his faith in me and, if I am playing, I’m happy.
"We have got another eight games, so we will look to finish as strong as we can.”
Asked if he saw his long term future at United, Smalling said: "Yes, I do. I am enjoying it, I have always enjoyed playing for United, especially at the minute.
"If I can contribute, as now, then I am happy to stay as long as they want me."
United boss Luis van Gaal appears to rate Smalling highly and the player says the manager has helped him to produce some fine displays this season.
When it was suggested that he was playing the best football of his life, Smalling said: “Yes, I think I am.
"The manager has shown a lot of faith in me. Especially over the last couple of months, I have stayed fit, the manager has chosen me, and I am enjoying my football.
"I think he is very honest. He says what you are doing very well and what you can improve. He has real belief in you."
And Smalling says he will be happy to wait until the summer before discussing any possible new deal.
Asked if any negotiations were currently ongoing, he said: "Not that I am aware of, I don’t really take care of that.
"We will finish as strong as we can and, if I can contribute, then I will be very happy."
Friday 27th March 2015 16:30
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Gareth Bale: Linked with Man United move
Paul Scholes says Gareth Bale would be "a natural fit" for Manchester United and believes the winger could have the same impact as Eric Cantona.
Bale continues to be linked with the Red Devils, and his recent struggles at Real Madrid have heightened speculation that Louis van Gaal will attempt to bring the 25-year-old back to the Premier League in the summer.
Real's record signing has received criticism from the club's supporters in recent weeks, despite winning the Champions League and Copa Del Rey in his first season following an £85million move from Tottenham in 2013.
By contrast, 11-time Premier League winner Scholes believes Bale would be "loved" at Old Trafford, where he could turn United back into serious title contenders.
"My feeling is that he would be perfect for Manchester United," Scholes wrote in his column in the Independent.
"Of course, as a fan of my former club I would like to see him there but, looking at it objectively, I always felt that Bale was a natural fit for United as he developed at Tottenham from a left-back into one of the best attacking footballers in the country.
"He would be loved at Old Trafford. In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaal's team into serious title contenders next season. In my years at United I witnessed some signings who, over their careers, transformed the fortunes of the team.
"From Eric Cantona when I was an apprentice, to Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. These were great footballers who became great United players. Bale has the potential to make as much of an impact as any of them."
Arsenal are lining up a move for Petr Cech as a potential replacement for Wojciech Szczesny and David de Gea is in no hurry to return to Spain.
Friday 27th March 2015 11:25
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Chris Smalling: England centre-back not for sale
Sky Sports News HQ understands Manchester United will reject any bid for defender Chris Smalling, who is reportedly interesting Arsenal.
The 25-year-old has made 22 Premier League appearances, including 18 starts, under United manager Louis van Gaal in the Dutchman's first season in charge.
Smalling has also been a regular in the England set-up under Roy Hodgson, but there has been speculation over his future with Arsenal thought to be leading the race to prise him from Old Trafford.
Despite securing a regular first-team place, it is understood United are keen on bringing in another defender in the summer.
However, it is understood that Smalling, who joined United from Fulham in 2010 for an undisclosed fee, is not for sale, especially to one of United's Premier League rivals.
Van Gaal, who has a reported £100m to spend at the end of the current season, bolstered his defence with Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw upon his arrival.
Nathan Ake: Joined Reading on loan from Chelsea
We pick the 10 Premier League players most likely to make an impact on loan in the Championship between now and the end of the season.
Nathan Ake (Chelsea to Reading)
Ake signed a new five-year deal at Stamford Bridge last year but has only featured four times for Jose Mourinho's side despite being able to play in either defence or midfield and captaining Holland all the way up to U21 level.
The Dutchman is highly thought of by the Blues, though, and has been a regular fixture in their first-team squad, with the 19-year-old an unused substitute in Chelsea's Capital One Cup final win over Tottenham.
Ake will now get competitive football under former Chelsea coach Steve Clarke at Reading, although he will not be available for the Royals' FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal after playing for Chelsea in their third-round victory over Watford.
Semi Ajayi (Arsenal to Cardiff)
Likened to Arsenal legend Sol Campbell when he first joined the club from Charlton following a successful trial period, Ajayi has not broken into Arsene Wenger's starting line-up yet.
The Nigeria U21 international defender has been named in the Gunners' matchday squad on a number of occasions this season, however, and is described on the club's official website as: "Calm and composed in possession and adept in the aerial duels."
Emiliano Martinez (Arsenal to Rotherham)
The Argentine goalkeeper has already shown his potential this season after making four appearances for Arsenal's first team because of injuries to both Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina.
Martinez, 22, kept clean sheets against Borussia Dortmund, West Brom and Southampton, making six appearances for Arsene Wenger's side.
However, the shot stopper's opportunities have been limited since the returns of Szczesny and Ospina, moving to Rotherham to help them maintain their Championship status.
Reece James (Manchester United to Huddersfield)
The 21-year-old has featured just once for Manchester United this season and it was a performance to forget as the Premier League club were beaten 4-0 by League One MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
Since then James, who scored twice for United in pre-season against LA Galaxy, has enjoyed a loan spell at Championship club Rotherham and will look to continue his development at the same level but this time under former England left-back Chris Powell at Huddersfield.
Lloyd Isgrove (Southampton to Sheffield Wednesday)
Isgrove is well thought of at Southampton, with head of football development Les Reed recently revealing the youngster will be a key part of Ronald Koeman's squad next season.
The winger, 22, recently signed a new two-year deal at St Mary's but will now get the opportunity to impress at Championship level after joining Sheffield Wednesday.
And Isgrove has already featured for the Owls, helping Stuart Gray's side to a 3-2 away win at Rotherham.
Jerome Sinclair (Liverpool to Wigan)
Sinclair came to prominence after producing a match-winning performance for Liverpool's U21 side against Chelsea earlier this month. The striker scored and won a penalty, with former Reds defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher effusive in his praise of the youngster's performance.
The 18-year-old already holds the title of Liverpool's youngest player after featuring in a League Cup encounter against West Brom back in 2012 at the age of 16 years and six days.
And while that is Sinclair's only first-team appearance to date, he is highly regarded at Anfield, with the ex-England U16 and U17 international the club's next big academy hope.
Modou Barrow (Swansea to Nottingham Forest)
Swansea signed Barrow from Swedish second-tier club Ostersunds last summer for £1.5m and the Gambia-born striker has since featured nine times, scoring one goal for the club.
The 21-year-old was on the scoresheet during the Swans' 6-2 FA Cup win over Tranmere in January and Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman knows all about the player's talent having been impressed with his performances during a trial at Bolton.
Liam Moore (Leicester to Brentford)
Moore made an excellent start to life in the Premier league with Leicester, making 14 appearances for Nigel Pearson's side, with reports even linking Arsenal and Manchester United with a move for the England U21 international after a number of excellent performances.
However, with just two starts for the Foxes in 2015 - both in the FA Cup - the defender has joined play-off chasing Brentford until the end of the season.
And Moore, 22, has already featured three times for Mark Warburton's side since leaving the King Power Stadium, helping the Championship club to victory over Huddersfield and a draw at Ipswich.
Zeki Fryers (Crystal Palace to Ipswich Town)
Fryers has been brought in by Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy in order to aid the club's Premier League promotion push between now and the end of the season.
And having played for the likes of Manchester United, Standard Liege and Tottenham Hotspur, before joining Palace on a three-year deal in September, the defender has both the experience and ability to impress at the back at Portman Road in their final seven league games this campaign.
Chuba Akpom (Arsenal to Nottingham Forest)
Akpom moved to the City Ground until the end of the season in order to gain valuable first-team experience with the Championship side under Dougie Freedman's management.
The striker, 19, has also featured for the England U16, U17, U19 and now U20 teams, while he made his Gunners debut in a Premier League match at Sunderland in the previous campaign, making eight more appearances from the bench thereafter.
Friday 27th March 2015 7:40
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Radamel Falcao put his Manchester United struggles aside as he scored twice in Colombia's 6-0 friendly victory over Bahrain.
The striker has not started a match for United in over a month and has scored just four goals in 22 appearances while on loan from Monaco.
But he was an influential figure for World Cup quarter-finalists Colombia as he netted twice, captained the team and set up the opener for Carlos Bacca.
The 29-year-old scored in the 32nd and 36th minutes to take his tally to 23 in 55 internationals.
Falcao missed the World Cup in Brazil last year after knee ligament surgery and they were his first goals for the national team since a friendly against El Salvador in October.
He now sits one goal short of Arnoldo Iguaran's Colombia record of 24.
Adrian Ramos and debutants Johan Mojica and Andres Renteria added further goals in the final half hour for the visitors who were without World Cup ace James Rodriguez, who is coming back from a foot injury.
Elsewhere, Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez was unable to spark a Chile comeback as they were beaten 2-0 by Iran.
Carlos Queiroz's side ran up a two-goal lead over a second string Chile side after 50 minutes through midfielders Javad Nekounam and Vahid Amiri in the Austrian town of Sankt Poelten.
A raft of changes in the second half, including the introduction of Sanchez, David Pizarro and Gary Medel, failed to stop Chile suffering a disappointing defeat.
The Chileans face Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London on Sunday while Colombia round off their Middle East tour against Kuwait on Monday.
Louis van Gaal will continue with Man Utd's big-spending 'galacticos' transfer policy this summer and Arsenal remain interested in Marco Reus.
