Mou backs William to Chelsea

When asked if he thinks Willian, who in the last few days underwent a medical with Tottenham, has chosen Chelsea, Mourinho nodded.
'I don't like to speak before time, because football can betray you,' he then said. 'This is a problem when we speak a lot about transfers and names, because sometimes it looks a player is and he isn't, but I know what the player wants so at this moment we cannot hide that it is a possibility.'
In relation to Tottenham's part in the story, Mourinho noted:

'That is the danger of a medical before a contract, but sometimes if you do the contract and the medical after, you can have a problem signing a player with problems. So you have to do the medical before but the best thing to do is do the medical in secret.
'If the player is fine you can sign him, and if not, you do not destroy his career by saying to the world the player has problems. You do it in secret and after that when you sign you can say it is done, but sometimes we don't make it. Sometimes you guys [the press] have great sources and find everything, but that is the risk.'

Mourinho reported that Chelsea are yet to carry out a medical examination on Willian but if a new player were added to the squad it would mean one is likely to go out, as the manager does not want to work with a large group. A squad of 22 is the ideal given the competitions ahead and ensuring an opportunity for Academy players to be involved from time to time.
However Chelsea do not need to sell so a player out on loan is the most likely solution. That would not be Mata despite some media speculation.

'He is a player we all like and want to keep and we want more quality in the team, we don't want less. We want to add to the quality we have so Juan is not a player we want to lose,' insisted Mourinho.
With Chelsea's first away game such a major story, there was not a spare seat available in the press room to hear Mourinho look forward to playing Manchester United. Given his belief that there are six teams in this year's title race, he wished to put Monday's match in context.
'Every game has an influence and if we lost points against Aston Villa it could affect it, but this is not a two-horse race and when it is a two-horse race the two big matches are much more crucial. In this case we have to play 10 big matches and it is different. But every point we get is one point less the opponent gets so Monday is important, but it is the beginning of the season.'

Lukaku would welcome Rooney Challenge at Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku says he would embrace competition for places if Chelsea were to agree a deal for Wayne Rooney.

The Blues are set to offer a third bid for the Manchester United striker following the sides' Premier League showdown at Old Trafford on Monday night.
And Lukaku, while fully focused on a regular place in the starting line-up, insists he would welcome Rooney if it would benefit the side.
"Every player wants to be in the best team there is," said the Belgium forward.
"If a player can improve us, why not? Samuel Eto'o, Wayne Rooney, I have heard everyone. I am not scared. Let them come.

"I'm getting closer to where I need to be and hopefully also closer to the starting line-up, my main ambition.
"If I keep working hard, like I'm doing now, showing the talent that I have hopefully I get to start in the next game.
"Compared to the first year, when I arrived here it was all about learning and taking a bit off all the players, now it's about starting games."
Chelsea face Manchester United, Everton, Fulham and Tottenham in their next four Premier League matches and Bayern Munich in the UEFA Super Cup in Prague next Friday.

Chelsea bid for William to topple Spurs

The Anzhi Makhachkala attacker underwent a medical with Tottenham on Wednesday, and looked on course to agree a deal, before the Blues lodged an increased bid of €37 million

By Greg Stobart
Spurs fear missing out on Anzhi attacker William after Chelsea lodged a late €37 million bid for the Brazilian on Thursday.

The 25-year-old underwent a medical at Spurs on Wednesday to become the fifth signing of Spurs

Tottenham remain hopeful a deal can be reached with Willian after agreeing a deal worth €35m with the Russian outfit, but Chelsea's increased offer trumps that agreed by chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Franco Baldini.

This latest twist signals the second change of focus from the midfielder, and his representatives, with Liverpool hoping to sign the prolific attacker for €30m

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale's move to Liga giants Real Madrid is thought to be imminent, with Spurs pinpointing Roma winger Erik Lamela as an ideal replacement.

The Premier League outfit have tabled a five-year deal worth €76,000-a-week after indicating they will meet Roma's €35m asking price for the Argentina international.

William passed Spurs medicals

Brazil international Willian has passed his medical at Tottenham and talks are continuing over a five-year deal

The fee involved for the 25-year-old Anzhi Makachkala midfielder is believed to be a Tottenham club record of £30million, but sources close to the player say he is still considering his options.
Willian, who was also strongly linked with Liverpool, would become Spurs' third record signing this summer after deals of £17million and £26million for Paulinho and Roberto Soldado.
Tottenham could recoup all of their outlay so far if they accepted Real Madrid's world-record offer for Wales forward Gareth Bale, though the club refused to comment on reports in the Italian and Spanish media that technical director Franco Baldini was in Madrid for discussions over the transfer on Wednesday night.
Spurs could yet add Roma striker Erik Lamela to their ranks in a transfer that would take their spending during this window to almost £120million.
Ousted Anzhi Makhachkala boss Rene Meulensteen believes Spurs will have landed "a major trump card" if they can seal a deal for Willian.
"I've worked with him for a short time but I really, really like him. He will be an asset for whoever's going to get him," said Meulensteen on Sky Sports News.
"If it's Spurs that's going to get him, they'll get an excellent player. He's very versatile, he can play in different positions, he's a very creative player and an excellent professional with a very good personality.
"He's going to be a major trump card for Spurs if they can get the deal to go through.
"He can beat a player, he can score a goal. I thought he was an absolute delight to work with."

West Brom rule out Nicolas Anelka amid retirement reports

West Brom have confirmed Nicolas Anelka will miss Saturday's game with Everton amid reports he may retire from the game

Initial reports suggested the Frenchman had walked out of training after telling staff he was quitting the game altogether - but the club were quick to issue a statement saying Anelka had left with their blessing.
"West Bromwich Albion can confirm that Nicolas Anelka will not be involved in Saturday's game at Everton," it read.
"The club have excused the striker from club duty on compassionate grounds."
They later also confirmed the 34-year-old had suffered a bereavement.
Anelka joined Albion in July from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua and had looked impressive during pre-season, scoring seven goals.

Bale Close to Madrid

The Gareth Bale transfer saga could soon be drawing to a close with the Tottenham forward's proposed move to Real Madrid imminent.

Bale has consistently been linked with a move to La Liga during the transfer window, although Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas has denied claims a deal is done.
The contract is yet to be signed but the transfer has moved a step closer to being finalised, Sky sources understand.
A world record breaking fee of as much as £94million has been suggested for the Wales international and the money from the sale would help finance a busy summer of transfers for Villas-Boas' side.

Andre Villa-Boas says there will be more transfers in and out of Tottenham during the summer window, and feels his team will be stronger than last season.

Tottenham have spent £60million to bring four new signings to White Hart Lane, including a club-record £26million on Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.
But that figure could be smashed again, with a fee in the region of £30million likely to be required to attract Anzhi Makachkala's Brazilian midfielder Willian to north London.
Spurs have also been linked with a move for Roma and Argentina forward Erik Lamela.
Bale will play no part in the first leg of Tottenham's Europa League play-off against Dinamo Tbilisi on Thursday because of a foot injury.

"That is not true," said the Tottenham manager.
While Bale has been recovering, Tottenham have spent £60million on four new signings and they could shell out that same figure over the next two days to land Willian and Lamela.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the reasoning behind the record splurge by Daniel Levy. One is that he wants to bring the stellar signings in to persuade Bale to stay and the other is that the chairman is already spending the world-record fee the Londoners would receive if the Welshman left for the Bernabeu.
Villas-Boas was asked which one was the case and was reluctant to say that the new signings had been bought in order to try to tempt Bale to stay.
"Ideally we want to keep everyone to make us stronger - that is the ultimate objective of the club," the Spurs manager said.
"In the end, anything can happen. We are dragging ourselves into the last weeks of transfer activity and it can become very, very frantic."

Sharapova Sidelined in US Open

Maria Sharapova has admitted it was "a really tough decision" to pull out of the US Open with a shoulder injury.

Sharapova had been seeded three at Flushing Meadows but inflammation in her right shoulder has forced her to withdraw.
The four-time grand slam champion released a statement on her Facebook page explaining: "I have done everything I could since Wimbledon to get myself ready but it just wasn't enough time.
"I have done many tests, received several opinions and it all comes down to taking the proper amount of time to heal my shoulder injury properly.
"It's certainly not an easy decision to make ahead of one of my favourite tournaments, but I know it's the right one that will get me back on the courts soon.
"I plan on taking the next few weeks off, receiving proper treatment and rehabilitation."
Sharapova, who won the title in 2006, will be replaced as third seed by Agnieszka Radwanska.
Tournament director David Brewer said: "Maria has informed us that she will be unable to compete at the US Open this year due to a right shoulder bursitis and has withdrawn from the tournament.
"We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return to New York next year."

United launch new Bid for Fellani and Baines

United have launched an improved £35 million double bid for Everton duo Fallaini and Baines on Thursday.

The fresh bid values the Belgian midfielder at £20m and the left-back at £15m

United's offer values Fellaini at less than the £23.5m release clause that expired in July but sources have told Goal that the Old Trafford club have set a £20m ceiling for the 25-year-old and that there is no room for manoeuvre. Everton manager Roberto Martinez has publicly stated his desire to keep both players at Goodison Park but the Spaniard wants the situation resolved quickly so that he can re-invest in the squad before the close of the transfer window. United manager David Moyes is a huge fan of Fellaini and Baines, having worked with them at Everton before replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford at the end of last season.

The Red Devils boss is prepared to pursue a separate deal for Baines should the Toffees reject United's final bid for Fellaini. The Scot believes that Everton need the money from the sale of at least one of their star players this summer, with the Merseyside club lining up a move for Wigan winger Callum McManaman. Moyes put Fellaini and Baines at the top of his target list, having failed this summer with his pursuit of Thiago and Cesc Fabregas.

Everton responded angrily to United's first bid, with director of communications Alan Myers saying: "Those bids were rejected out of hand as derisory and insulting. "The club did not make public these details as it was vital Roberto Martinez's preparations for the opening game of the Premier League season were not disrupted in any way."

Everton were particularly angered that United did not improve on the £12m that they offered for Baines, 28, in June while the £16m valuation of Fellaini fell well below the now-expired buyout clause.

Arsenal moves for Benzema and Di Maria

Arsenal are prepared to launch a joint bid for Madrid stars Benzema and Di Maria.

The Gunners are willing to pay around €41 million to sign France international Benzema, who moved to the Spanish capital for €35m in 2009. Madrid are willing to negotiate over a deal for Di Maria, who Arsenal value at around €17.5m, but the future of Benzema is less given that the 25-year-old is the only senior striker at the club. The Londoners have missed out on a number of high-profile targets this summer, most notably Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and former Madrid hitman Gonzalo Higuain, who moved to Napoli.
Arsene Wenger has been urged to spend money by disgruntled supporters following their Premier League opening-day defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Benzema is los Blancos' sole forward following the sale of Higuain, with Spain youth internationals Jese and Alvaro Morata providing back-up, meaning Carlo Ancelotti would likely have to seek a marquee replacement before the transfer window closes.

Argentine winger Di Maria's place in the Madrid line-up is said to be under threat should Bale be brought in, and he had indeed been linked with a move to White Hart Lane as part of any potential deal for the Welshman.

But it is the Gunners who are actively pursuing the 25-year-old, who is left-footed but usually plays on the right wing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Wenger admits defeat to Suarez chaze following his side's 3-0 win over Fenerbahce in the Champions League play-offs on Wednesday evening.

Messi suffer New Injury

Barca face an anxious wait to determine the severity of Messi's hamstring injury after he was forced to come off at the end of the first half in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid

A first Blaugrana goal for Neymar cancelled out David Villa's opener for Atleti in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday, but Messi's withdrawal at the break marred the visitors' spirited fightback.

"Messi has been replaced as a precaution following some discomfort in the back of the left thigh," read a Tweet on the club's official Twitter stream during the game.

The Argentina international will now undergo further tests on Thursday which will reveal the full extent of his problem, with supporters no doubt hoping he hasn't suffered the same problem that kept him out of the end of last season.
Messi sustained a hamstring injury in the first-leg of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

He then appeared as a substitute in the second leg to inspire Barca to victory, but the 26-year-old only aggravated the injury further and sat out the final three games of the campaign with the Liga title already secured.

Mou to wait for Rooney Negotiations

Jose Mourinho has revealed Chelsea will temporarily halt their pursuit of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney until after the two clubs meet at Old Trafford on Monday.

The Blues have seen two bids for the unsettled forward rejected by the Premier League champions, with manager David Moyes insisting the England international is not for sale. It was exclusively revealed on Wednesday that United are planning on re-opening discussions with Chelsea as they look to include Juan Mata as part of any deal - but Mourinho insists no talks will take place ahead of Monday.

"We did [bid for Rooney] before and we will do [again] later," the Portuguese told reporters after Chelsea's 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

"[But] I don't want Chelsea to do it before we go there ... from the ethical point of view."

On the night, Chelsea were pushed all the way by a revitalised Villans, with Antonio Luna's own goal and a late Branislav Ivanovic header maintaining their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season. There were question marks over whether Ivanovic should have been given his marching order minutes before netting the winner after appearing to elbow Christian Benteke, but Mourinho deemed the incident as "50/50".

"That was very hard. I missed that about the Premier League! Normally matches in the Bernabeu we win every match very comfortable, this was very hard, it's what I like. I told Paul Lambert that they deserve a point, it wouldn't be unfair. "Benteke makes a lot of fouls and the opponent who plays against him has to make a lot of fouls.
"Paul Lambert reminds me of me at his age. Now I complain with some decisions, at his age I complained at every decision. Paul complains at every decision, I was the same. Benteke and Ivanovic, they are two giants, it was 50/50."

Rooney for Mata: United meet with Chelsea

United have re-opened informal dialogue with Chelsea over the proposed sale of Rooney- and have also enquired as to the availability of Juan Mata as part of discussions.

Despite continued public insistence from United manager David Moyes that Rooney is not for sale, officials from both clubs have held informal dialogue over a potential deal for the forward in the last 48 hours. Talks has been the disparity in the two clubs' valuation of the Rooney, with United holding out for £40 million having instantly rejected Chelsea’s second bid for the 27-year-old, worth around £30m.
However, United have also used discussions to reiterate their interest in Mata, who was rumoured along with David Luiz to be offered to the Premier League champions as part of the Blues’ initial offer for Rooney. Chelsea at the time denied including any of their own players in the deal while confirming that their written bid had been rejected. But United's willingness to re-enter dialogue about a potential deal only 12 days before the transfer window closes will encourage the Blues in their hope of yet doing a deal for the England international.

While the club and Moyes are not keen on selling him to a rival on the back of a frustrating summer transfer window, United feel compelled to explore all avenues should he submit a transfer request in an attempt to force a move. They believe the arrival of Juan Mata - although unlikely - would certainly go a long way to appeasing fans should that happen. Mata was left on the bench for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Hull having missed much of the club’s pre-season preparations following the Confederations Cup.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that Mata is part of his plans this season but their are doubts over how the attacking midfielder will fit in to the Portuguese’s system.Mourinho is desperate to land a top class striker this summer having started the season with Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba as his three forwards.

Chelsea failed with attempts to bring Radamel Falcao, Edinson Cavani and Robert Lewandowski to Stamford Bridge before turning their attention to Rooney. Mourinho claimed in July that Rooney was his only target, but insisted this week that the Londoners have been making alternative plans.

"We have plans B and C. Don't ask me names. It's difficult to speak about players from other clubs," Mourinho said. "We have the conditions to try to improve our team by bringing in one more player and we are going to try that till the end."

Wenger Slams Transfer Gossips

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he does not have to justify his club's transfer business to anyone.

Wenger was reacting to criticism from Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who claimed he dropped midfielder Yohan Cabaye for the 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City, because Arsenal had unsettled the player by making a bid for him on the eve of the game.
But the Gunners boss, who has found himself under increasing pressure from both media and fans because he has not acquired any of his transfer targets this summer, was in no mood to take any flack over Cabaye.
"There is nothing to explain," Wenger said. "First of all, you don't know what we have done, you don't know if we did bid and you have come to a conclusion without knowing everything that has happened.

Wenger defends Cabaye bid

"It is quite amazing that all of the people don't know and yet they always have opinions about things they don't know.
"I won't explain to you what happened. It is not down to me to explain to you everything I do. It is impossible.
"If we do a transfer, we will announce it. We always inform you. As for the rest, you have to leave us to do our own things.
"We don't want to hurt anybody, not Newcastle, not anybody. You can't reproach us on one side for not buying and yet on the other side when we try to buy to reproach us as well. That is a bit contradictory.
"I would just like to reiterate to you that in the last 16 years we have been very successful with transfers - if you look at the players who play tomorrow, they are top quality players, and you should never forget that."
Wenger added: "It is not always to think what is outside is better than what you have. What is important as well is to rate what you have and our fans have to understand that as well.

"We don't want to hurt anybody, not Newcastle, not anybody. You can't reproach us on one side for not buying and yet on the other side when we try to buy to reproach us as well."

Arsene Wenger

"What is important is to go out and see a good football game. All that other stuff is good for the newspapers, but it is not real football."
Speaking ahead of the Arsenal's match tonight, Wenger admits the tie presents a test of character but he is confident his men can overcome.

Mou advice Blues to be like City

Jose Mourinho has called on Chelsea to 'destroy' opponents by maintaining the intensity they showed in the opening stages against Hull City.

The Blues, who were scintillating at times early on in their 2-0 win over the Tigers on Sunday before taking their foot off the gas, host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
Villa's most recent trip to Stamford Bridge was on December 23, when they were thrashed 8-0, a result which Villa boss Paul Lambert has vowed will not be repeated.
Mourinho believes it would be difficult for any team to live with his side at the intensity with which they began the season and hopes the Blues can produce the same performance, but for longer.

Jose Mourinho says Chelsea will continue to work in the transfer market to bring in one more player.

"If we do that, we destroy an opponent," he said. "Playing that way you have to score goals, even if the opposing goalkeeper saves a penalty.
"We want to win matches, but what I like is that when you have the chance to destroy to beat them by three, four, or five, we have to do it.
"If someone has the chance to do it to you, they will not forgive you, they will give you nothing.
"If someone feels that they can do it to us they will do it - when you are in trouble, they smash you - so if we have the chance to do it, we have to do it. That is football."

"If we do that, we destroy an opponent." Jose Mourinho

Mourinho was thrilled by his team's performance in the early stages against Hull before Eden Hazard, Oscar and Kevin de Bruyne "disappeared" in the second half.
That was attributed to the international break after a long pre-season, but with Juan Mata, Victor Moses and Andre Schurrle waiting in the wings, Chelsea have the capability to sustain the intensity.
Mourinho added: "This is a style of play very much adapted to our type of players.
"We can use these players all the time, even with a busy schedule we can change things and keep the same profile of player.
"If we can keep that style of play together with the ambition of getting points, I think it is all right."

Chelsea prepare 3rd bid for Rooney

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney remains his main transfer target.

However, Mourinho now admits that he does have possible back-up plans in mind if United remain steadfast in their determination to keep the England international.
Chelsea have reportedly had two bids for Rooney turned down already but Mourinho says they are likely to submit another offer before the transfer window closes.
Asked if he had any news on the situation, the Blues boss said: "Nothing has changed and, at a certain point, I agree with what Alan Pardew (Newcastle boss) was saying, that the transfer window goes too far.
"It goes to the third, fourth fixture of the season, which I agree is too much.
"But, at the same time, it gives everyone a chance to be in the market, while we are winning or losing points, and we will be until the last day."
Mourinho then discussed the Rooney bid specifically and pointed out that United are well within their rights to decline any bid, as Chelsea did when Barcelona attempted to purchase Brazilian defender David Luiz.

Mourinho: Official bids not forbidden

"We trust a lot in our project for the future because the team is very, very young," he said. "But we have conditions to try and improve our team by bringing in one more player and we are going to try that until the end.
"When you think that you'd like to have one player and the market is open, then official bids are not forbidden. Official bids are always accepted in an ethic way.
"You try because nobody forbids you to try and, of course, the player's owners can do exactly what we did in relation to David Luiz and Barcelona."
Samuel Eto'o, who worked with Mourinho at Inter, is believed to be another possible target for Chelsea.
Asked if he might turn to Eto'o, if Rooney remains at Old Trafford, Mourinho said: "We have a plan B and a plan C! Don't ask me names, because it's difficult to speak about players from other clubs."

Bayern on Revenge Mission with Chelsea

Bayern forward Thomas Muller feels his team "have a score to settle" against Chelsea ahead of their European Super Cup tie with the Blues on August 30.

The Blues won the 2011-12 Champions League final against the Bavarians 4-3 on penalties, but the Germans eventually bounced back by securing the treble the following campaign.

But despite the success, Muller says his team are ready to retaliate for the defeat two seasons ago, when they meet Jose Mourinho's side in Prague at the end of the month.

"We still have a score to settle," the 23-year-old told the club's official website.

"We can't make the lost Champions League final [in 2012] forgotten.

"However, you don't always reach the European Super Cup final, so we will try to win this title with a vengeance."

Everton reject United's Fellaini and Baines's bid

Everton have rejected a £28million bid from Manchester United for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.

United manager David Moyes previously worked at Everton and is very familiar with England left-back Baines and Belgium midfielder Fellaini.
And it has long been speculated that he might be keen to take one or both of the duo with him to Old Trafford.
However, Everton are determined to retain two of their most important players and even a bid of just under £30m has failed to shake their resolve.
Baines and Fellaini were both in the Everton line-up on Saturday as the Merseyside club began Premier League life under new boss Roberto Martinez with a 2-2 draw at Norwich.

United's chasing Mesut Ozil

David Moyes is weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfield Mesut Ozil.

United will have to persuade Real to sell, but doing so may help the Spanish giants balance the books after a big summer.
Especially if they manage to winkle Gareth Bale out of Tottenham in what would be a world-record deal of at least £80million.
United also have a move for Everton’s midfield powerhouse Marouane Fellaini lined up, but want a technical player as well.
Moyes has lost out to Bayern Munich for Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara and had two bids turned down for Barca’s former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, but is not yet ready to give up that chase.
"I'm confident we'll have players in before the start of the season, yeah," said the United boss on Thursday.
"We're involved in several players we're looking at and that will continue. Will we get them before the deadline? I hope so. But we're working very hard to do so.
"This was always going to be a difficult window for me personally, because I joined Manchester United on July 1.
"So that's given you a short period [in which to do deals] and also to get to know the players, to get to know the market."

Paul Lambert outburst of scheduling of Chelsea fixture

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert slams scheduling of Chelsea fixture 

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says the re-scheduling of their match with Chelsea is 'unfair'.

The game has been brought forward to next Wednesday due to Chelsea's involvement in the Super Cup later this month.
Lambert's men therefore face Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the opening eight days of the new Premier League season.
"There was no compromise there whatsoever," said the Scot, whose side had originally been scheduled to play at Stamford Bridge on August 31.
"We gave them five dates to choose from originally and then all of a sudden it's getting jammed in between Arsenal and Liverpool.
"We were probably given 45 explanations but I don't know which one is true. I disagree with it. I don't think it was fair. I don't get it."
Asked whether it may have been done differently had his side been a 'big club', he said: "Possibly, yeah.
"I wasn't convinced by the answers I got, put it that way. I still came away none the wiser."

 

Djokovic looking to lift his first title since April

Novak Djokovic moved into the third round of the ATP Western and Southern Open with a 7-5 6-2 victory over Argentine Juan Monaco.

The Serbian looked to be cruising in the first set when he went 4-1 ahead, only to then lose his serve twice in a row as Monaco won four games on the spin.

However the top seed - who has finished runner-up in Cincinnati four times in the past five years - then immediately won the next three games. The second set was certainly a procession, Djokovic breaking twice to progress.
"Between 4-1 and 4-5 (first set), four quite bad games for me," he said afterwards. "I stopped moving my legs. I didn't really go for my shots.

Face-off in ATP Cincinnati Masters: Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal set up a quarter-final showdown with old foe Roger Federer after overcoming the spirited challenge of Grigor Dimitrov at the Western and Southern Open.

Nadal has now won his last 12 games on hardcourts, however he didn't have things his own way as Dimitrov threatened to cause an upset.
The Spaniard, ranked four in Cincinnati, eventually came out on top 6-2 5-7 6-2 to ensure he would face Federer in the last eight.
"Always play against Roger is a special feeling," said Nadal.
"We have a great history behind us in our confrontations, so it's another quarter-finals.
"It's a special one because you're playing against a very special player. Our matches were very special always.
"But, again, it's a quarter-finals match, not the final, so that's a big difference."
Tomas Berdych also progressed into the last eight after the sixth seed brushed aside Tommy Robredo.
Berdych came out on top 6-3 6-0 and the Czech will now take on US Open and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.

Roger breezed passed Tommy Haas

Roger Federer overcame a slow start to defeat fellow veteran Tommy Haas in the third round of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

World No.5 Federer, the defending champion and a five-time winner of this Masters 1000 series event, prevailed 1-6 7-5 6-3 in an hour and 52 minutes and will play either Rafael Nadal or Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals.
Federer, who has struggled for form this year, was broken twice on the way to dropping the opening set in quick time and surrendered his delivery again early in the second set.

But the Swiss recovered just in time, breaking twice to pull the second set out of the fire and once more in the decider to improve his career record against his good friend Haas to 12-3.
"I wasn't playing great in the first set, I needed to clean up my game from the baseline," said Federer. "I'm happy to be through to have another match.
"Sometimes on fast courts it's tough to get rhythm, you are thinking of too many things. I had to simplify my game in order to win."

Cruise

World No.1 Novak Djokovic had no such problems in his third-round encounter, brushing aside qualifier David Goffin 6-2 6-0 in 50 minutes.
"Even though the scoreline says it was quite straightforward, it's still it's never easy," Djokovic was quoted on the ATP World Tour's official website.
"You need to work for your wins and points. That was kind of the mindset I had today before I came to the court. I wanted to just play from the first to last point committed and just aggressive, and I did well."
Djokovic will take on John Isner in the last eight after the American saw off 12th seed Milos Raonis 7-6 (7/5) 6-4.
Seventh seed Juan Martin del Potro beat Spain's Feliciano Lopez in three sets to book a quarter-final against Dimtry Tursunov, who claimed the scalp of third seed David Ferrer by a 6-2 6-4 scoreline.

Top Five Coaches of EPL this Season (2013-14)

David Moyes

What's on his to-do list?

He will know exactly what he has got squad-wise. Fergie is still there so he can ask and he can tell him everything about each individual. He will have a good idea because he has played against them so many times in his time as manager of Everton, so there are no real surprises. I think the biggest issue he has to deal with is not who he is going to bring in, but how he deals with Wayne Rooney. There are so few top players around that you have to keep him. From the outside - and I don't know whether it is happening behind the scenes or not - there is no real effort being made publicly to get him back on side. I just think that the two of them are digging trenches for themselves and being prepared to play the long game. But the season starts on Saturday so I just think they should lock themselves in a room and have a love-in.
What are the major challenges he faces?
It's a fantastic opportunity for him but terrifying at the same time. Manchester United are a club whose whole set up is geared to winning things. From bottom to top you can bet every department works really well and all know what they should be doing. That is Fergie's legacy. The terrifying part is he is taking over from a manger who is synonymous with winning things every season. They are a team that has won the Premier League so people think that it will be a case of more of the same next year where I think the challenge is greater this year than it has been for Man United for a number of years - and that would be so whether Fergie had been there or not. The introduction of other new managers at City and Chelsea has made the challenge bigger.

Man United to struggle to make top four?

What's the minimum requirement for him this season?
I don't think anyone would put him under that kind of pressure. Obviously it is to play the kind of football that Manchester United have always played, which is to be on the front foot, with two wide players and getting the crowd on the edge of their seats with exciting football.
Are you backing him to succeed?
I think he certainly deserves to have the chance. He has had a proper grounding in his time at Everton, although he has never won anything. He will be aware of that. He is now at a football club that expects to win things. That is the challenge for him.

Jose Mourinho

What's on his to-do list?

I don't think there was a lot wrong with Chelsea last year. I thought Chelsea had the stronger players and Rafa Benitez went into that club and did a good job under the circumstances. In terms of their squad of players, I think they have a very strong squad, but I think he will want to strengthen and will still have targets, whether he will get the ones he wants or not. I think he needs someone who will get him 25 goals a year.


What are the major challenges he faces?
 His relationship with the owner. Something has given there because in his previous life he wasn't making all the football decisions. The owner wanted to get involved in who was coming and who was going and I think there was an obvious clash - that would appear to have been resolved. For him to be going back there it would appear that that obviously would have been part of any discussions before he re-signed.
What's the minimum requirement for him this season?
They have to win something. The Premier League or the Champions League. I think the Champions League would still be everyone's first choice.
Are you backing him to succeed?
He goes in there with so much goodwill. Of all the Chelsea supporters, I have not met one who says they are not happy with him coming back. Also, he is going into a club with not too much wrong in terms of the playing staff and he will want to add to it. He is the manager that first time around, when he pronounced he was the Special One I, like everyone else, thought, 'you are going to find life very difficult and fall on your face here in English football', and he didn't. He prospered and proved to be the real deal. I am a massive fan. I think we will welcome him back, especially in the job we do now in the media.

Manuel Pellegrini

What's on his to-do list?

I don't know him. I have heard players talk about him and I like the sound of him because he keeps it simple. I read that his first question was "where is the best golf course around here?" I think that shows he is going to be far less intense than Roberto Mancini. I believe this time last year City had the strongest group of players in the Premier League and they didn't win it. He keeps it simple. He will hand all the responsibility over to the senior players in the dressing room and I think that - if you have good senior pros - it can be the making of you.
What are the major challenges he faces?
I don't see any. Brian Kidd is there and I think it's imperative that he has someone who knows the Premier League there. Kidd is that man. I think they will be the team to beat this year.
What's the minimum requirement for him this season?

They have to win something. The two big ones are the Premier League and the Champions League and they are contenders in both. I think the obvious criticism which was levelled at City when Mancini was there was their record in Europe. So I think they have to win something and get out of the group stages of the Champions League.
Are you backing him to succeed?
Come the end of the transfer window, we could be talking about two very different squads but as we sit here right now I think City have the stronger squad. You don't know when Man United are going to buy, you don't know who Chelsea might end up buying or Arsenal. But as we sit here right now I think they will be the team to beat.

Roberto Martinez

What's on his to-do list?

Everton had a good season last year and have had several good seasons, so I don't think you go in there and change something. He has a group of players which have proven over the last few years that they can perform at the highest level in the Premier League. It is more of the same and he will try to implement some of his ideas on them. I would not be thinking that he will be making too many changes and they won't be drastic changes.
What are the major challenges he faces?

How much do you change it because this is a team that has done well in recent years? He is not going to want to change it by going out and spending £14m or £15m. He will have his own ideas and will be hoping that this Everton team don't concede as many goals as his Wigan team. His biggest challenge may be keeping his players because there are some excellent players at Everton right now. I am a fan of Marouane Fellaini and the little left-back, Leighton Baines.
What's the minimum requirement for him this season?
I think they'll be saying to him: "Don't finish any lower than they did with David Moyes and win us a cup". They are not going to win the Premier League but if they can win a cup and don't drop any lower in the league that would be a success.
Are you backing him to succeed?
I think he will find it difficult to emulate what Moyes has done. I think he will find it hard. I think Moyes has a specific way of playing and Martinez sees it quite differently and it is all about how that cross-over works out for Everton.

Mark Hughes

What's on his to-do list?

I am not going to tell him what he should or shouldn't be doing. I think - knowing Mark Hughes - he will want to play differently to Tony Pulis and it is how that cross-over works or doesn't work.
What are the major challenges he faces?
I think Tony Pulis was a manager who had trust. The players trusted him the board obviously trusted him but for some strange reason they decided to change it and I think I am like everyone else, it's a bit of a mystery why they changed it. Mark has a chance. I think he has to regard himself as fortunate to work in the Premier League again, given his previous spell at QPR, where it did not go swimmingly well for him. He has gone to a club which was surviving quite comfortably under Tony Pulis. I think he has a big job because I think he will want to play quite differently to what the Stoke players are used to playing. And it is how much that change will affect results.
What's the minimum requirement for him this season?
The same again - survive with a bit of comfort. Not having a fight for survival on the last day or last two games.
Are you backing him to succeed?
How many clubs has he had? He is an experienced manager and I would expect him to more than cope with the demands that Stoke will put on him. I think he will be fine.

Source: Skysport: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/29328/8871479/graeme-souness-gives-verdict-on-the-new-gaffers

Arsenal loss out on Gustavo

Wolfsburg have announced on their official website that they have secured the services of Luiz Gustavo from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee, beating Arsenal to the signature of the Brazil international.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions and will be officially presented later on Friday.

Victorious Roger

Roger on High

Roger Federer finally got his hardcourt season up and running with a 6-3 7-6 (9-7) win over Phillip Kohlschreiber in Cincinnati.

Federer has been suffering with a bad back and had to skip last week's event in Montreal. He had not played on American hardcourts since Indian Wells back in March and he arrived in terrible form.
Shock early defeats at Wimbledon, Hamburg and Gstaad has led to the Swiss maestro experimenting with racket head sizes in a bid to revitalise his game.

He had never lost to Kohlschreiber in six previous meetings but nevertheless the German represented something of a banana skin given his form and fitness.
But Federer sidestepped it, surviving a tough second set tie-break 9-7 to reach the third round where he will face either Marcel Granollers or Tommy Haas, both of whom are in excellent form.
Federer, who has won the Cincinnati title five times, said: "It was important to play a clean match. I had a few tough weeks, months behind me, I was happy to play a clean match.
"I told myself I was not going to come back until I felt no pain in my back. Eventually I started to workout very hard.
"It is a tournament I have always played in lead up to the US Open, I like it here. I love the calmness of this place."

Remarkable U-turn

Luis Suarez has suggested he may be willing to stay at Liverpool and end his dispute with the club.

Suarez had claimed that he had an agreement that he would be allowed to leave Liverpool if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Arsenal have made two bids for the striker, and in the meantime Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has ordered Suarez to train alone and only return after he has apologised to his team-mates.
But his desire to leave now appears to have changed.
Suarez is currently away with Uruguay for their friendly in Japan and he was quoted in Uruguayan newspaper El Observador as saying he is willing to remain at Anfield because of the supporters.
"For now, owing to all the affection of the people, I would be staying," he said.
The newspaper goes on to suggest he may even extend his contract with the club.

"For now, owing to all the affection of the people, I would be staying."
Luis Suarez

That would represent a remarkable u-turn from Suarez.

Still the No. 1

Usain Bolt won the 100 metres title at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow in a time of 9.77 seconds.

The Jamaican superstar won back the title he lost two years ago in South Korea, when a false start disqualified him from the final.
Justin Gatlin of the United States took silver after jumping out to an early lead, while Nesta Carter of Jamaica won the bronze.
The world record holder defied the pouring rain to storm to victory on a drenched track in his best time of the year, holding off the challenge of Gatlin, who clocked 9.85secs, while Carter finished in 9.95s.
Bolt put on a typically slow-burning show in front of a Luzhniki Stadium that was far from being a sell-out in the wet weather.

Usain Bolt won the 100 metres title at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow in a time of 9.77 seconds.

The double Olympic champion was understandably slow out of the blocks as he took pains to avoid his fate of two years ago and his head and shoulders remained low as he drove into the opening metres.
But there was an ominous feel to the mddle part of the race as he reeled in the opposition almost effortlessly.
At the 50 metre mark Bolt pushed his huge frame through his renowed transition phase, head coming up and long legs pumping, as he cruised past Gatlin on his left and had a brief look over at Carter on his right, before racing two metres clear at the tape.
Great Britain's James Dasaolu was tailed off in eighth place in 10.21.
"It was not a revenge for Daegu, I just came here to win this title," said Bolt.
"I wanted to do a better time, but was not able to because of the weather. This is just one of those days - not 'singing in the rain', but 'running in the rain'.
"It was an average start and that, for me, is a great start. Around great starters like Gatlin and Carter I knew I had to get it right. I knew Gatlin was not going to crack under pressure so I had to stay focused and run to the line.
"I said to Gatlin I always appreciate competing with him because he always comes out and gives it his best."

Barca Officially Bid for Luiz

Barcelona have made an official bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz, according to Sky sources.

The Spanish heavyweights have been linked with the Brazil international all summer and are understood to have finally made their interest formal on Wednesday.
But Blues boss Jose Mourinho has insisted the 26-year-old is central to his plans and the bid is expected to be rejected. Speaking after his side's 2-0 pre-season win over AC Milan, Mourinho said: "David has come back with us fantastically and we have to use his quality.
"He has big self-confidence and self-esteem, especially when he comes up from the back with the ball." Luiz signed a new five-year deal with Chelsea last September and has made over 100 appearances since joining from Benfica in January 2011.
He was also linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this summer as part of Chelsea's bid for Wayne Rooney. Reports had suggested that, in addition to offering money, Chelsea were also prepared to let Luiz or Juan Mata move to Old Trafford in exchange for Rooney.
Chelsea subsequently denied any players were offered as part of the deal

Emenike to Turkey

The Nigerian will return to Turkey a year after he left in acrimonious circumstances for Russia

Fenerbache have reached an agreement with Spartak Moscow for the signature of Nigeria striker Emenike. The transfer will cost €13m, two years after Emenike left for Russia for €10m without playing a game for Fenerbahce. The Turkish club announced to the stock exchange that the Nigerian has until August 12 to pass his medical before the transfer will be completed.
Emenike has not hid his admiration for Fenerbahce following his hurried departure last year after signing from Karabukspor for €9m due to match fixing allegations. He has been cleared of all charges.
The Yellow Canaries will have to make room for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations golden boot winner as they have exceeded their quota of foreign players. Turkish clubs are not allowed more than 10 foreign players every season.

Moyes silent on Rooney

Manager David Moyes would not answer questions about Wayne Rooney's future at Manchester United following their 1-1 friendly draw against Swedish side AIK.

Moyes was also reticent on the subject of whether United will make a third bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas but says the Premier League champions will be welcoming a new arrival at some point.
Rooney has been subject of a pair of bids from Chelsea but United have turned them both down and insist they are determined to keep him at the club.
The England striker was at United's training ground on Tuesday amid reports he is close to handing in a transfer request.
He was there to receive treatment on the injury which ruled him out of the Stockholm friendly and Moyes said: "He's got a shoulder injury. I don't think it will keep him out very long.
"He has an injury from when he fell on it the other day in a game."
Moyes doubts Rooney will be fit for Rio Ferdinand's testimonial against Sevilla on Friday and also the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

"You don't need to convince anyone to play for Manchester United."
David Moyes

He continued: "Wayne's not going to be fit for Friday. I don't think he'll be fit and available. I hope he will be but I have a feeling he won't make it.
"As for the Community Shield on Sunday, the problem we've got is he's not played any games. He's not had any football yet and we need to take that into consideration."

Suarez - "Fulfill your Promise Liverpool"

Luis Suarez says he is prepared to go to the Premier League to force a move away from Liverpool this summer.

The striker - subject of two failed Arsenal bids last month - claims Liverpool are refusing to honour a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Anfield for £40m-plus if the club failed to qualify for this season's Champions League.
 
Suarez said: "Last year I had the opportunity to move to a big European club and I stayed on the understanding that, if we failed to qualify for the Champions League the following season, I'd be allowed to go.

"Last year I had the opportunity to move to a big European club and I stayed on the understanding that, if we failed to qualify for the Champions League the following season, I'd be allowed to go."
Luis Suarez

"I gave absolutely everything last season but it was not enough to give us a top-four finish. Now all I want is for Liverpool to honour our agreement."
And Suarez says he will take further steps if the Reds continue to block his move to London.
"I have the club's word and we have the written contract and we are happy to take this to the Premier League for them to decide the case, but I do not want it to come to that," he said.
"I don't feel betrayed but the club promised me something a year ago, just as I promised them that I would stay and try everything possible to get us into the Champions League.
"They gave me their word a year ago and now I want them to honour that. And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract. I'm not going to another club to hurt Liverpool."

"Liverpool is a club with a reputation for doing things the right (way). I just want them to abide by the promises made last season."
Luis Suarez

"I'm 26. I need to be playing in the Champions League. I waited one year and no one can say that I did not give everything possible with my team-mates last season to get us there.
"People may accuse me of showing a lack of loyalty but last season we told Liverpool there was interest from a top European club and they told me: 'We've got a new coach and we're going to push for the Champions League'.
"I spoke with (Liverpool boss) Brendan Rodgers several times and he told me: 'Stay another season, and you have my word that, if we don't make it, then I will personally make sure that you can leave'.
"Liverpool is a club with a reputation for doing things right. I just want them to abide by the promises made last season. Some of my team-mates say to me: 'We cannot understand that, if you have it signed, that you can't leave'."
Prior to Suarez's comments coming out, Rodgers reiterated on Tuesday evening that Liverpool's stance had not changed.
He said: "We've obviously had a couple of bids from one club that has been nowhere near the valuation. I repeat - nowhere near the valuation of what he is worth in this market. There's no change to that.
"We have no intention of selling one of the top players in the world to one of our rivals. The message is very clear: Luis Suarez is very much a Liverpool player.
"There's not even really a discussion point, unless someone comes within anywhere near the valuation of Luis. At this present time, that's not the case."

New and Improved Djokovic

Novak Djokovic showed no sign of rust in his first competitive match since Wimbledon, brushing aside Florian Mayer 6-2 6-1 at the ATP Rogers Cup.

The top seed - who lost out in the final at SW19 to Andy Murray - triumphed in just 55 minutes in Montreal to cruise into the third round and stretch his winning run in the Masters event to 11 matches.
Djokovic converted on four of seven break-point opportunities that came his way before battling back from 0-40 down in the final game.
"As the match went on, I felt more comfortable on the court," the Serbian, champion in 2011 and 2012, told atpworldtour.com.
"That's something that makes me happy. Obviously to win the first match after four weeks, first match on hard courts since Miami basically this year, it's been more than a few months.
"In order to play that well, I have to keep up and practise tomorrow, so I'm confident I can continue on."

David Luiz not going to Barca

 

The Blues boss has ruled out a move away from Stamford Bridge for the Brazilian defender amid speculation that the Liga champions are readying a big-money offer

Mou has talked up David and ruled out a move for the defender to Barca this summer.
It was revealed last month how the Liga champions have stepped up their search for a centre-back by making a €29 million move for the Brazilian, while Gerard Pique has admitted it is difficult for Barca to sign a defender.
But the Blues boss praised the 26-year-old Luiz's ability and insisted he will be used in the team after he sat out Chelsea's 2-0 over Milan in their latest pre-season friendly.
"David has come back with us fantastically and we have to use his quality," Mourinho told reporters.
"He has big self-confidence and self-esteem, especially when he comes up from the back with the ball."Can he improve defensively? Of course. But it is my job to try always to improve players."

The Portuguese coach also confirmed that midfielder Frank Lampard is ready to begin his pre-season preparations with the squad after overcoming an achilles injury.
Mourinho confirmed: "Frank has got to start playing now."

Transfer News

Rooney's bid Rejected
Manchester United have confirmed they have rejected a second bid from Chelsea for wantaway striker Wayne Rooney. Jose Mourinho has already seen one offer of around £20m for the England striker turned down but an improved sum in the region of £30m has been given equally short shrift.
Mourinho admitted last month that Rooney was his sole summer target, while the player himself is reportedly ready to try and force through a move by handing in a written transfer request.
United boss David Moyes has repeatedly insisted that the 27-year-old is not for sale and a club spokesman reiterated that hardline stance on Monday morning.
"A bid was received yesterday (Sunday) and immediately rejected," the spokesman said. "Our position remains that he is not for sale."
Rooney, who has two years left on his current deal, is expected to board a flight to Sweden on Monday afternoon, ahead of United's pre-season friendly against AIK in Stockholm on Tuesday.

Football News:Neymar has Anaemia

Neymar has Anaemia

Recent tests have shown the attacker has a low red blood cell count, but the club say they are not concerned by the findings. Barca star Neymar has anaemia but it is not a concern for the club, according to the Catalans' sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

The Brazilian, who joined the Liga champions from Santos for €57 million this summer, was diagnosed with a low red blood cell count - which can cause excessive levels of tiredness in players - following routine blood tests.
But Zubizarreta has insisted the 21-year-old's condition, which comes a month after the attacker had his tonsils removed, is something the club will manage and is not overly serious.
"We would have liked him to have been in perfect condition, but not many players arrive perfect for the pre-season," Zubizarreta said.
"We'll help make sure he's in the right condition. It's not a concern.
"There are quite a few days left before the league starts, although it is unlikely that he'll be 100 per cent adapted [to Barcelona's style] by then.
"But we can clearly see that he's quickly getting a grasp of our type of football."

Chelsea in good form: 5/5
Five games into his second tenure, Mourinho recognises a real depth to his squad, but hopes to keep the young group happy by achieving widespread success. The team have won all their five preseason matches so far and look forward to a great start to the new season.
The manager was quoted saying in the club website 'we have two players for each position and the competition will be high but we hope Chelsea can go all the way in every competition and we hope to arrive in the later stages of the cups too,' he explained. So with 60 matches we need all of them.

Future not certain: Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Real Madrid remains unclear, after the forward refused to confirm reports from Spain that he has agreed a new five-year contract with the club.

Marca has reported that the Portuguese has tied down his future at the Bernabeu until 2018, increasing his salary to 17million euros (£14.8million) per year after tax and negotiating a new arrangement over the sale of his image rights in the process.
Ronaldo has two years to run on his deal at Madrid, who paid a world record £80million fee to prise him away from Manchester United in 2009, but has courted speculation over his future by revealing that he misses English football. United have subsequently been heavily linked with the player.

Ronaldo said: "I'm not going to confirm anything - I'm just going to do my job like I always do.
"My future - I don't know. At this moment I'm a player of Madrid, the future, I really don't know.
"Let's see what's going to happen - but for the moment, I'm good where I am."


United accepts defeat of Cesc
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta claims Manchester United have given up hope of signing Cesc Fabregas. United have had two bids rejected for the 26-year-old despite the Spanish side repeatedly stating he is not for sale.

And amid speculation of a third bid for Fabregas, Zubizarreta told Spanish newspaper Sport that United have ended their pursuit of the former Arsenal midfielder. Zubizarreta was quoted as saying: "Manchester United are interested in the player, but it's also true that they understand our position of not wanting to sell. They have renounced his signing. We aren't going to sell him."
Zubizarreta was also quoted by Barcelona's official website as saying: "He has a contract with us. We count on Cesc. I said that on the day of the presentation of Tito (Vilanova) and also with Tata (new coach Gerardo Martino).
"He's an extraordinary player who creates and finishes chances. We are delighted with him. He's the number four of Barca."



BALE not happy with AVB

It was reported that Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is "unhappy and disappointed" about comments made by the club's manager Andre Villas Boas. Real Madrid have made it clear that they are keen to sign the Welshman and are believed to be willing to pay what would be a world record transfer fee.
However, Villas-Boas said after Saturday's friendly defeat to Monaco: "These rumours of an imminent transfer are not true.
"The only thing we have communicated with Real Madrid is that he is our player and he is not for sale."
Bale has not made yet made his feelings public by telling sources closed to him "I've been speaking to a source close to Gareth Bale, who says that Bale is both unhappy and disappointed by the comments his manager made in that interview. In particular, that he is not for sale.
Gareth Bale missed the match with Monaco yesterday because of a foot injury and I've been told it's unlikely he'll take part in training next week. A lot has been said about how much Madrid would be willing to pay for Bale. I've simply been told it's a world record fee, so upwards of £80m.
It's not clear whether Bale will put in a transfer request but the source is still pretty confident that the player will be moving to Real Madrid. Nothing is imminent though."