Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy are in talks with former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

Javier Hernandez helped Manchester United win the Premier League title in 2010-11 and 2012-13

The Mexican, 31, has been struggling for games at Sevilla following his summer move from West Ham.

MLS and Los Angeles have long been seen as potential destinations for Hernandez given the massive soccer-loving Mexican ex-pat population in the city.

LA Galaxy have space in their squad following the exit of forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of last season.

Hernandez, who helped United win the Premier League twice and also had a loan spell at Real Madrid, is viewed as someone who can both maintain the club’s high profile and improve results on the field.

The Galaxy have not finished higher than fifth in the Western Conference since 2016 and won the last of their five MLS Cups in 2014.

Source – BBC News

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek is expected to leave the club this summer and will consider a move to the Premier League.

Donny Van de Beek (L) celebrates with Ajax team-mates after scoring their fourth goal against Chelsea in the Champions League group stages last year

The 22-year-old has dismissed the possibility of leaving last season’s Champions League semi-finalists this month.

But Van de Beek would be open to the possibility of a transfer to the Premier League, should a formal offer be made at the end of the season.

Van de Beek’s representatives have been in talks with a Netherlands team scout over his best position, but discussions have yet to take place with Manchester United or another Premier League club.

Real Madrid are interested in signing him, but no deal has been agreed and clubs have been told he isn’t expected to leave Ajax until the summer.

“It is not that I can or want to do something at the moment,” Van de Beek told FOX Sports Netherlands after Ajax’s friendly against Club Brugge in Qatar.

“I have said it before, and I will say it again: I will remain at Ajax this season. And maybe next season as well.

“These reports about Real Madrid or Man United are a good sign, but it is not important now. I’ve said I will stay at Ajax and I will do so for 100 per cent.”

Van de Beek’s contract at Ajax expires in June 2022.

Ajax finished in third place in their Champions League group this season, a point behind Valencia and Chelsea, and will face Getafe in the last 32 of the Europa League.

Source – Sky Sport

The legendary striker became an enemy of the Turkish government after leaving the president’s AKP party in 2013, having his assets seized.

Photo by Getty Images

Galatasaray and Turkey legend Hakan Sukur has revealed he is driving for Uber and selling books in the United States, claiming Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan “took everything” from him.

The 48-year-old former striker, who also represented Inter and Blackburn among other clubs, says he has been denounced as an enemy of the Turkish state and had his assets seized.

Sukur scored more than 250 goals in a distinguished club career, and 51 in 112 games for his country. He joined Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2011, but quit in 2013 after a reported conflict of opinions.

“Then the hostility started,” Sukur told Welt am Sonntag.

“Stones were thrown at my wife’s boutique, my children were harassed on the street. I received threats after every statement I made. When I had left, they locked up my father – and everything I owned was confiscated.

“I have nothing left anywhere in the world. Erdogan took everything from me. My right to freedom, the right to explain myself, to express myself, the right to work.”

Sukur’s father is now under house arrest, released from prison after being diagnosed with cancer. His mother has also been diagnosed.

“It is a very difficult time for them,” he said. “Everybody who has anything to do with me has financial difficulties.

“I ran a cafe here [in California] for a while. But strange people came to it, and played Dombra music.”

Dombra music is what the AKP describes as the true music of the Turkish people.

Sukur also learned that, when a Turkish student in America took a selfie with him, he was imprisoned for 14 months.

“When I joined the AKP, Turkey was a country that conformed to EU standards and got a lot of investment from Europe,” he explained.

“But Erdogan’s politics led to bad times, and the country went in a completely different direction; an orientation towards the Middle East instead of Europe.

“Football in Turkey, like in many places, is not free and not autonomous. But we are attacked in the Turkish media [for speaking out]. They want to make sure that other athletes are too intimidated to open their mouths.

“I only did things that are legal in my country, in public. But because my name is Hakan Sukur, I was used to intimidate people.

“Can they show me a crime that I have committed? No. They just say ‘traitor’ and ‘terrorist’.

“I am an enemy of the government; not an enemy of the state, the Turkish nation. I love our flag, our country.”

After three spells, 13 years and almost 200 goals for Galatasaray, he was banned from the club in 2017 – a decision he says was made directly by Erdogan.

“Not the sports minister, the president,” he says.

“A decision like that – made without any court ruling, just an order from the top.”

Sukur was also asked about the controversial photo showing Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan, Germany internationals of Turkish descent, posing with Erdogan in 2018.

“I don’t think the photo is great,” he replied.

“They should honour the country they are playing for. I would recommend Mesut and Ilkay join the AKP as well – then they will see what the party really is.”

Source – Goal.com

The Liga leaders have parted way with the 55-year-old, with the former Real Betis boss brought in to replace him.

Photo by Getty composite

Barcelona have announced the dismissal of head coach Ernesto Valverde, with Quique Setien taking charge of the Spanish champions on that deal that runs until 2022.

Barca made the decision to extend Valverde’s deal for an additional season in February of last year, which preceded an embarrassing Champions League capitulation at the hands of Liverpool just months later, having done similar against Roma in the previous campaign.

And while the 55-year-old has delivered back-to-back Primera Division titles and currently has the Blaugrana sitting at the top of La Liga – albeit on goal difference – European disappointment is not the only black mark next to Valverde’s name.

Indeed, a Copa del Rey final loss to Valencia was not the expected result in Barca’s final match of last season, while a recent Supercopa de Espana defeat against Atletico Madrid has only served to highlight the inconsistency of a team bursting with world-class talent.

Finally taking the decision to part ways with Basque boss on Monday, an official statement from Barca reads: “Agreement between FC Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde to end his contract as manager of the first team. Thank you for everything, Ernesto. Best of luck in the future.”

Former Real Betis boss Setien, 61, is a well-known fan of the Johan Cruyff-inspired Barca brand of football – as mentioned in the club’s press release regarding their new boss:

“Quique Setien will be the new FC Barcelona coach. The man from Cantabria in the north of Spain comes to Barca after having had spells at Racing Santander, Poli Ejido, Logrones, Lugo, Las Palmas and Betis, his previous club in the 2018/19 season.

“Throughout his career he has been a proponent of possession-based, attacking football that has been attractive to the fans.”

Setien’s appointment may come as a surprise to fans unaware of his previous work, especially given the Camp Nou outfit have been in talks with club legend Xavi about taking the reins in Catalunya.

It seems likely that Xavi will eventually return someday, with the former midfielder admitting that it is his ‘dream’ to coach Barca, but he will have to bide his time in the short-term given the announcement that Setien has signed up for two and a half years.

Barcelona are set to present their new head coach on Tuesday, with the club having published their itinerary for the coach’s first day in the job:

• 1.30pm CET contract signing in the President Suñol box in a private event.
• 2.00pm, photo session on the pitch at Camp Nou.
• 2.30pm, presentation and press conference in the Auditori 1899.

Setien’s first match in charge will see him welcome tenth-placed Granada to Camp Nou on Sunday, January 19.

Source – Goal.com

Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen, whose contract expires in the summer, has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with Inter Milan and Spurs want £17m to sell the 27-year-old Denmark international in January. (La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Mail)

Barcelona have made contact with Mauricio Pochettino about the 47-year-old replacing Ernesto Valverde as manager. The Argentine is out of work after being sacked by Tottenham in November. (Catalan radio station RAC1, via AS)

Chelsea have made an enquiry about Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, with the Seagulls valuing the 28-year-old England defender at £50m. (The Times, via Metro)

Manchester United will make a £65m bid, including add-ons, for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 25, after a deal offering players-plus-cash was rejected. (Mirror)

Manchester United are one of two clubs to have made a formal approach for Birmingham City and England Under-17 midfielder Jude Bellingham, 16. (Mirror) 

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City, who could face competition to sign the 24-year-old English player from local rivals Manchester United. (Metro) 

Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi’s agent will hold talks with Galatasaray about the 27-year-old Germany international moving to the Turkish club. (Fotomac, via Express) 

Watford and Belgium defender Christian Kabasele, 28, is a target for Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Ham. (Le10 Sport, via Star)

Crystal Palace and Italian side Lazio have joined the race to sign 34-year-old Manchester United full-back Ashley Young, with the English player also having been offered an 18-month contract by Inter Milan. (Sun)

Leicester City have agreed to send Wales forward George Thomas, 22, on loan to Dutch top-flight club ADO Den Haag, who are managed by ex-Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew. (Football Insider) 

Chelsea are set to make Tromso and Norway Under-17 striker Bryan Fiabema, 16, their first signing since the club’s transfer ban was lifted. (VG, via Mirror) 

Aston Villa and Norwich City are fighting with Bristol City to sign 20-year-old striker Eddie Nketiah on loan from Arsenal. (Football.London)

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez will meet with LA Galaxy to discuss a potential move to the MLS. The Mexico forward, 31, only joined current club Sevilla from West Ham in September. (Marca)

Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart, 32, was snubbed by AC Milan in favour of Bournemouth’s Asmir Begovic to replace Pepe Reina at the San Siro.

Source – BBC News

Barcelona forward Luis Suarez will be out for four months following a knee operation on Sunday.

Luis Suarez has scored 11 goals in La Liga and three in the Champions League this season

The Uruguay striker suffered an injury to the external meniscus on his right knee and was operated on by Spanish surgeon Dr Ramon Cugat.

Suarez played the whole match as Barcelona were beaten 3-2 by Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The 32-year-old has scored 14 goals in 23 games for Barcelona this season.

Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona sit top of the Spanish top-flight, level on points with rivals Real Madrid at the halfway stage of the season.

Source – BBC News

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has expressed his interest in playing for Brazil at this summer’s Copa America and the Olympic Games — if the South Americans qualify.

Neymar helped Brazil to a gold medal in the 2016 Olympic games. William Volcov/Brazil Photo Press/LatinContent/Getty Images

Like Kylian Mbappe with France, who have already booked their place in the Tokyo Games, Neymar could be selected as one of the over-23 players — meaning both could feature at two summer tournaments, with the French also in Euro 2020 action.

Neymar, soon 28, was asked about the possibility after PSG’s high-octane, 3-3 home draw with Monaco in Ligue 1 on Sunday after he scored two of the hosts’ goals and had a role in the other.

“I am in form,” Neymar said on the topic to journalists in the mixed zone. “I am willing to play at both the Copa America and the Olympics. However, I think it is a bit complicated — ask PSG.

“The other time [2016], when I was with Barcelona, they would not let me play in both. I hope 100 percent to be able to help Brazil in some way.”

PSG could potentially start the 2020-21 season without both Neymar and Mbappe if the pair are selected for Olympic duty, but the French champions will have some say in their eligibility.

Drawn on the topic of his relationship with the PSG supporters since his return to playing for the capital outfit after last summer’s failed Barcelona return, Neymar described it as feeling like his early days at Parc des Princes.

“It feels to me like when I first arrived,” he said. “It was one of the best feelings I have experienced in football, how I was treated and received.

“Everyone knows what happened in the summer, but that story has passed. Today, I am a PSG player — I am working hard for us to have a great season and to win.”

“I have nothing against the fans — the opposite, in fact. The affection is immense, and the respect great. Not only with them, but PSG, too.

“I hope they will continue to support us and to help us from the stands. We will give everything on the pitch.”

Neymar assessed the 3-3 draw with Monaco as an “imperfect” display from Thomas Tuchel’s men, but insisted fielding himself, Mbappe, Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria can work.

“It was not a perfect performance,” he said. “Details were missing from everyone, myself included. It happens — not every game can go perfectly and according to plan.

“I strongly believe this formation [with PSG’s ‘fantastic four’ attackers] will work. It does not matter if you play with four, five or six strikers. If everyone runs and everyone helps each other, PSG can play in any formation.”

Speaking with Canal+, Neymar said PSG should feel lucky to boast such rich attacking options with Edinson Cavani and Pablo Sarabia in addition.

“I think we boast great players,” he said. “We know we have quality and we are among the best in the world. However, it is not only the four of us [Neymar, Mbappe, Icardi and Di Maria], but we also have Edinson and Pablo in attack — they are very good players, who can make a difference.

“I think PSG are lucky to have all of us.”

Next up for Neymar and PSG is a trip to face Monaco in Wednesday’s rearranged Ligue 1 clash at Stade Louis II.

Source – ESPN

The Frenchman oversaw his first trophy since the 2017-18 Champions League and his boss hopes it’s the first of many more.

Photo by Getty Images

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez described head coach Zinedine Zidane as a “blessing from heaven” after his latest final triumph.

Zidane has won each of his finals as Madrid coach, taking his tally of successes to nine with a tense victory against Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana on Sunday.

Madrid won 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw, scraping to a shoot-out after Federico Valverde was sent off for a cynical foul on a goalbound Alvaro Morata late in extra time.

This was the first title of Zidane’s second stint as Madrid boss – the first returning three straight Champions League wins – but Perez is confident the Frenchman is ready to deliver further success.

“[Zidane] has plenty of trophies and we’re very happy for him,” Perez said, as reported by Marca. “I hope that he wins more trophies.

“Zidane has a loving relationship with Real Madrid. He decided to rest for a year and now he’s returned with renewed energy. Zidane is a blessing from heaven.”

Perez felt the triumph at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah was particularly impressive given the absence of a number of key men, including Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.

“We came here without some great players like Hazard, Benzema and Bale,” he said. “Zidane has been able to put together a team and we won the trophy.

“I think that we’re on the path to finding ourselves again after a little dip. New people have come in who have given the team intensity and we’re on a good path.”

But Perez reserved some praise for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who saved from Thomas Partey in the shoot-out.

“We brought [Courtois] here because we believe that he’s the best goalkeeper in the world, and he has been,” Perez said. “He was one of the key players in the victory.”

Real restart their La Liga campaign on January 18 against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu.

They are currently only behind fierce rivals, and two-time defending champions, Barcelona on goal difference.

Zidane was the manager the last time Madrid won the Primera Division, in 2016-17.

Source – Goal.com

Manchester City’s star is one of the best in the business, says his manager, but the Barcelona attacker remains out there on his own.

Sergio Aguero’s phenomenal goalscoring exploits for Manchester City make him one of the best in world football, but Pep Guardiola maintains Lionel Messi still stands apart.

Aguero fired a hat-trick in City’s 6-1 demolition of Aston Villa on Sunday, replacing Thierry Henry as the most prolific overseas player in Premier League history.

A 12th treble in the competition represents a new all-time best mark, edging City’s record goalscorer ahead of Alan Shearer.

Asked afterwards whether Aguero was the best he has worked with, City manager Guardiola felt compelled to highlight his alliance with six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi at Barcelona.

The Spanish manager worked with Messi from 2008-12 during a period where Barca were at the height of their powers, winning four La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, two Copas del Rey, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and three Spanish Super Cups.

“The best is Messi,” he smiled, before a follow-up enquiry pondered whether Aguero was the finest out-and-out striker he had handled in his decorated career.

Guardiola then added: “Messi is [the best] number nine, number 10, number 11, number seven, number six, number five, number four…

“But Sergio, [among] the rest, he is certainly one of them. I said many times, he will die scoring goals. It is his talent.”

It has proved a tempestuous few days at Barcelona, with club great Xavi reportedly turning down the chance to replace the under-fire Ernesto Valverde.

Guardiola expressed sympathy with the former Athletic Bilbao boss, who has won La Liga in each of his two full seasons in charge, with the Blaugrana joint-top this time around.

“Barcelona is a special place, because winning the league is not enough,” he said.

“I am so sorry for Ernesto. I think he doesn’t deserve that.

“Hopefully we can solve it soon, as an associate of this club.”

Manchester City, who sit second in the Premier League, are set to host Crystal Palace on Saturday in their next league match.

Source – Goal.com