OFFICIAL: Falcao joins AS Monaco

AS Monaco have confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao.



The Colombian passed a medical at the newly-promoted Ligue 1 club on Thursday after the French club met his release clause of €60m.



The move is a huge coup for Monaco, who have vast financial backing despite their lowly status, having only just been promoted to Ligue 1 this season. The move comes after the club also completed the signings of Falcao's international teammate James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, both from Porto.



Spending is expected to continue for the club, who are also rumoured to be close to completing a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes as they attempt to put together a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League and challenging the likes of Paris Saint-Germain in France.



Atleti will now face the daunting prospect of replacing the Colombian, who was key to an excellent La Liga campaign for the club this season, as he scored 28 goals in just 34 games.

Suarez may be ‘forced’ to leave Liverpool

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has admitted that he would find it difficult to turn down a move to Real Madrid, claiming he was not prepared to put up with the criticism from the press any longer.



Suarez claimed in an interview with Uruguayan radio station sport 890 that the treatment he has received from the press this season has affected his family and may force him to leave the Merseyside club.



The striker also confirmed that he has spoken to Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, and the manager knows what he wanted.



The 26-year-old will miss the first six games of next season as he serves the remainder of a ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. This is the second lengthy ban he has faced after being forced to miss 8 games after being convicted of racially abusing Patrice Evra.



Speaking to 890 Sport, Suarez said: “I’ve worked hard since childhood to get where I am and I keep getting constant criticism from the English press. It makes me tired. Liverpool want me to stay, but do not know what will happen. It would be difficult to say no to Real Madrid.”



Suarez said Liverpool had treated him well and he had “only words of thanks for the fans”, and added: “So far I have not received any official offer from Madrid.”



He continued: “I have a contract with Liverpool, but it would be very difficult to say no to Real Madrid. There are a lot of rumours in the transfer period, but you never know until firm offers are made.”



He added: “I’ve talked to the coach (Rodgers), and he knows what I want. He was a player. Some of the players understand my situation – enough said.”

Be Right Back

Image Credit

  I'm taking a short break from blogging as the end of the school year's madness is drawing closer (less than 2 weeks away!). I thought I could stay on top of everything, but I can't so I'm going to take a step back. I hope to be back to my regular blogging schedule once everything settles down, which I expect to be on  June 14, 2013. Thanks for your patience and hope to see you all soon!

Liverpool leading Atsu chase

Liverpool are leading the race to sign Porto winger .



Sky Sports revealed earlier this week an unnamed Premier League club had tabled a bid for Atsu and it is understood that Liverpool are the team in question.



Talks are thought to be continuing between the Reds and Porto as Brendan Rodgers' side look to win the race for the Ghana international.



However, Liverpool could face competition from Premier League rivals Everton and Arsenal for the highly-rated attacker.



Everton are thought be interested in Atsu especially if current Porto boss Vitor Pereira replaces David Moyes at Goodison Park, while Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the African's situation.



Atsu has found himself out of favour at Porto in recent months after refusing to sign a new deal at Estadio do Dragao.



The 21-year-old, who sees his current contract expire next summer, has continually rejected offers to extend his deal due to Porto's insistence to try and increase his release clause to €30m (£24million).



Atsu, who has previously expressed his desire to play in England, is expected to make a decision on his future once he plays for Ghana in their upcoming games against Kenya, Sudan and Lesotho next month.


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Papers Talk - 25 May 2013

The main football stories and transfer gossip making Saturday's morning newspapers.

• Jose Mourinho wants Luka Modric to join him at Chelsea.


• Frank Lampard is hoping Chelsea will now secure captain John Terry's future.


• Sergio Aguero has given incoming Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini a boost by confirming he is happy to stay at the club.


• Hull boss Steve Bruce fears missing out on making Ahmed Elmohamady his first summer signing.


• Manchester City are in a straight scrap with Real Madrid for the signature of £60million striker Edinson Cavani.


• Nottingham Forest and Reading target Billy Sharp heads a list of players not wanted by Southampton.


• Birmingham will allow Marlon King to leave for nothing this summer.


• Leeds want Reading's Ian Harte and Aston Villa's Eric Lichaj, both full-backs are free agents this summer.


• Stoke have turned down a transfer request from Steven Nzonzi.


• West Ham are shipping flop Modibo Maiga back to France.


• Nicky Shorey has been released by Reading as part of Nigel Adkins' post-relegation clearout.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich - Champions League preview

• Zinedine Zidane stepped up Real Madrid's pursuit of Gareth Bale yesterday.


• David Gill insists Wayne Rooney will be at Manchester United next season.


• Sergio Aguero wants to stay at Manchester City and spearhead Manuel Pellegrini's Etihad revolution.


• Sheffield United will name Stuart McCall as their new manager next week.


• Marlon King, Peter Lovenkrands, Darren Ambrose and Hayden Mullins have all been told they can leave Birmingham.


• Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke to get real after the hitman claimed he could quit the club this summer.

• Rafa Benitez was last night appointed the new Napoli boss.


• Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane last night heaped praise on Gareth Bale in a clear attempt to lure him to the Bernabeu.


• Sergio Aguero has reassured Manchester City he has no intention of walking away from the club.


• Brendan Rodgers has been given the thumbs up by Liverpool chairman Tom Werner to spend more money this summer.


• Arsene Wenger is ready to smash Arsenal's wage structure to bring in stellar signings like Wayne Rooney.


• Fabio Coentrao wants to follow Jose Mourinho to Chelsea.


• Stuart McCall is turning down the chance to return to Sheffield United and is set to stay at Motherwell.


• Ambitious Leicester are considering making a move to bring Neil Lennon back to the club from Celtic.


• Liverpool have put in a £3million bid for Porto winger Christian Atsu.

• Arsenal are growing increasingly confident they can finance a record-breaking move for Wayne Rooney.


• Roberto Martinez was closing in on the Everton job last night.


• Real Madrid have added Luis Suarez to their extensive list of potential recruits.


• Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Besiktas could swell Arsenal's summer transfer kitty after showing an interest in Nicklas Bendtner and Gervinho.


• Monaco have confirmed the £60m signing of Porto's midfield duo James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho.

• David Gill is "confident" Wayne Rooney will still be at Manchester United next season.


• Fulham are ready to rescue Darren Bent from his Aston Villa nightmare with a £4million move.


• Stoke have targeted Mark Hughes as they step up their search for Tony Pulis' replacement.

Neymar to consider next move

Neymar will take his time to make a decision about his future after Santos accepted two offers for the Brazil forward.

Champions League final preview

The Brazilian side confirmed earlier they had accepted two bids for the 21-year-old, widely thought to be from Barcelona and Real Madrid.



But after a meeting between club officials, Neymar and the player's father, no immediate decision was reached.



A statement from the club read: "In a meeting with representatives of the management committee of Santos FC, striker Neymar Jr was made aware of the offers received by the club and he will analyse them in the coming days before making a final decision."



Neymar's contract expires at the end of next season and some reports had suggested an agreement with Barcelona was as good as signed.



But the striker insisted he would not be rushed into making a decision.



"This is an honour, the happiest moment of my life," he was quoted as saying on globoesporte.globo.com. "I will now think carefully about these two proposals.



"I will decide with my family. I'm in no hurry. The decision may come out in five minutes, half an hour or three days."



His father Neymar da Silva Sr, who also acts as his manager, added: "Now we will go home, sit down and talk. We could not make a decision in the heat of the moment. Let's talk and see what Neymar wants."



Neymar, who has already played more than 30 games for his country, has spent his whole career at Santos, who have repeatedly fended off interest from a host of European clubs.



Barca have long been on his tail, while Chelsea's interest has been rebuffed in the past.



All previous indications were that Neymar would join Barca, though he had also suggested previously that he would remain in Brazil until after next year's World Cup in the country.



Santos vice president Odilio Rodrigues said: "We did everything in our power to keep Neymar in Santos."



The club initially confirmed two bids had been accepted with a statement which read: "Santos FC announces that it has received two offers for the player Neymar da Silva Santos Junior.

"Given the offers and conditions of the player's contract, the management committee of the club have decided to sell the player.



"Neymar Jr and his father are expected at the Vila Belmiro stadium to choose which offer the player will accept."

Any transfer could be complicated by the complex nature of Neymar's ownership arrangement, with various investment groups holding a stake in the player as well as the club.

Champions League preview

Wembley will host the first ever all-German clash in a European Cup final as Bayern Munich face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening.

Kick-Off 19:45 GMT | Live Stream  also Live Coverage on our FB Page World Football

A German side is therefore guaranteed to win the Champions League for the third time, and Bayern (2001) and Dortmund (1997) are two previous winners from the Bundesliga.

Bayern will be the favourites after an all-encompassing domestic season. Not only did they win the Bundesliga title earlier than any team in history, but they also set record for the most wins, fewest defeats, the fewest goals conceded, most clean sheets and best goal difference, and also scored in every league match.

This dominance has been reflected on the European stage. Bayern won all four of their quarter and semi-final matches, scoring eleven goals without conceding against Juventus and Barcelona.

Bayern will also be hoping to redress their final form, having lost to Inter Milan in 2010 and Chelsea on penalty last season in their home stadium, the Allianz Arena.

The match will be Jupp Heynckes penultimate match in charge before he leaves the club and allows Pep Guardiola to take his place at the helm.



Possible Line-ups:



Team News



Borussia Dortmund



- Mario Götze has been ruled out of the final against his future employers with the injury that he picked up in the semi final second leg against Real Madrid.

- Jurgen Klopp is likely to field the same starting eleven that played Hoffenheim last weekend, even if they did succumb to a loss against lowly Hoffenheim.

- That will mean Marco Reus plays in a central role behind lone striker Robert Lewandowski, with Kevin Grosskreutz lining upon the left. Klopp has also recently tried out Ilkay Gundogan in a more attack-minded role but it hasn't been all that successful, so he is unlikely to go with it again.



Bayern Munich



- Toni Kroos will not make it back in time to play at Wembley, but Arjen Robben has been in fantastic form of late and he will keep his place on the right, with Thomas Müller again playing centrally.

- There are unlikely to be any surprises in Jupp Heynckes' lineup, with the usual team having hit 4 past Gladbach last weekend.

- Holger Badstuber had yet more bad news yesterday after it was confirmed that he won't play again in 2013 after undergoing surgery on his knee injury.



Match Facts

Bayern have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Bayern have won 6 of their last 7 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Bayern have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Borussia Dortmund have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Bayern in all competitions.

Borussia Dortmund are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 home matches against Bayern in all competitions.



Top scorers in CL for Dortmund and Bayern

Lewandowski 10 | Müller 8

Reus 4 | Pizarro 4

Santana 2 | Robben 3

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Mazzarri replaces Stramaccioni at Inter

Inter Milan has parted company with head coach Andrea Stramaccioni after his first full season as a Serie A coach ended in huge disappointment, with Walter Mazzarri confirmed as his replacement.



The 37-year-old Stramaccioni has paid the price after only guiding Inter to a ninth-placed finish - a worst performance since 1994 - while overseeing 16 league defeats in the 2012-2013 campaign.



Mazzarri, who announced his decision to leave runner-up Napoli last weekend, has been named as Inter's new coach on a two-year deal.



A statement published on inter.it read: "Inter would like to communicate that they have reached an agreement with Walter Mazzarri - the new coach of Inter.



"Inter thank Andrea Stramaccioni for his great efforts and the professionalism he showed in a particularly difficult year.



"The agreement with Walter Mazzarri will last for two years."

Monaco spend big on Porto duo

Monaco have confirmed the signings of FC Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez on five-year deals for a combined fee of €70million.

Both players collected Portuguese winners' medals for the third season in a row earlier this month and a number of European clubs were believed to have been chasing their signatures before Russian billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev opened his chequebook.



Portuguese international Moutinho, who has spent the last three years with Porto since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2010, came at a price of €25million.



News of the 26-year-old's transfer will be a major blow for Tottenham Hotspur, who had been expected to revive their interest in the midfielder this summer after missing out last year.



Colombian winger Rodriguez has collected eight trophies in a three-year spell in Portugal and has commanded a €45million fee.



A statement issued by Porto read: "Futebol Clube do Porto would like to inform the market that it has reached an agreement with Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club for the permanent transfer of players James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho.



"The combined fee of this transfer is €70million (£60m), €45m (£38.4m) for the transfer of James Rodriguez and €25m (£21.4m) for the transfer of Joao Moutinho."



Claudio Ranieri's side have also been linked with a big-money move for Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, who has attracted interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Benitez appointed new Napoli coach

Rafa Benitez has agreed a two-year contract to become the new coach of Napoli.

Monaco confirmed the signings Moutinho and Rodriguez worth €70m

Walter Mazzarri revealed last weekend that he is leaving Napoli this summer and he is widely expected to take charge at Inter Milan.

A string of names, including Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Jurgen Klopp, had been linked with the position at Napoli.

However, De Laurentiis has been in London to discuss a deal and he expects current interim Chelsea manager Benitez to sign a contract until 2015.

"I've given myself a gift for my 64th birthday," De Laurentiis told Sky Sport Italia. "Benitez will be the next Napoli coach.

"I'll make it official in the next few days as Benitez needs to end things with Chelsea. He'll have a two-year contract, no longer.

"We need to get to know each other first, then we'll see."

Benitez has been at Chelsea since November after replacing the sacked Roberto Di Matteo and he has led the club to Europa League final success and qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

He has previous experience of coaching in Serie A after being appointed Inter Milan boss in the summer of 2010 after leaving Liverpool.

The 53-year-old won the Club World Cup with Inter, but was sacked just a few days later after barely half a season at the San Siro helm.

The Spaniard will be taking over a Napoli side that finished second in Serie A this season, nine points adrift of champions Juventus.

Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Begovic has hinted he will be joining Liverpool after the Stoke goalkeeper was quoted saying he was preparing for pre-season at Melwood.

Begovic's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time and the January capture of Jack Butland from Birmingham only intensified talk that the Bosnian stopper would be sold by the Potters.



Manchester United were initially thought to be keen, but the much-improved performances of David De Gea ended their interest, leaving Liverpool and Arsenal as his most likely destinations.



However, quoted by The Sun, Begovic said:

"I want to start preparing on July 10, with all the players of Liverpool."

Neither Stoke or Liverpool have confirmed the news, but with doubts surrounding the future of Reds keeper Pepe Reina, the signing of Begovic would not come as a major surprise.

Mata: Jose one of the best

Juan Mata would welcome the appointment of Jose Mourinho as Chelsea's new manager and says they must aspire to win the Premier League.



Mourinho is to leave Real Madrid at the end of the Spanish league season and is expected to return to Stamford Bridge, where the managerial post is vacant following the end of Rafa Benitez's interim spell in charge.



Mata arrived at the club after Mourinho's departure but is well aware of everything the Portuguese has achieved and would be happy to see him handed the reins.

"Jose is one of the best," Mata said. "He won everything in every country he was - in Portugal, in Italy, in London with Chelsea, and in Spain as well.



"We don't know really what is going to happen but if he comes he is welcome because he is one of the best and Chelsea always want to be a top side.



"If he comes we are going to be happy to have him."



He said: "What I know is that Madrid is a massive club with a lot of pressure on them, and it shouldn't be easy to be manager of Real Madrid.



"If he comes we will try and do our best with him, or whoever, to win the title, because one challenge for me will be to win the Premier League."

Mourinho has faced criticism during his time at Real Madrid and will finish this season without a major trophy, but Mata believes he could help Chelsea challenge for major honours next year.

Ramos: Bale would suit us

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes Gareth Bale is "in the right mould" to be a star player at the Bernabeu should he ever sign for the Spanish giants.



There has been considerable speculation about the future of the Wales international after Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League, with Madrid the most likely destination.



Quoted in The Sun, Ramos said:

"Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid-quality signing. He has had an exceptional season. He can punish any team in the world and has the footballing qualities we look for in Madrid.



"I am sure Madrid will not be the only team that want to sign him - but he is the right mould for us."



"We fought hard this season, the team and the manager have been great," he said.



"We have got the record points for the club in the Premier League.



"That would normally be enough to qualify for the Champions League, but it's not meant to be again.



"It's disappointing, but we will pick ourselves up again.



"We will just have to regroup this season and give it another go."

Bale rounded off a remarkable year on Sunday by scoring his 26th goal of the season, but his wonder winner against Sunderland was not enough to earn the club Champions League qualification.



The club are understandably keen to hold on to their star man and manager Andre Villas-Boas recently called on the forward to end speculation about his future by signing a new deal at White Hart Lane.



For now, the signs look promising for Tottenham fans. From his comments in the immediate aftermath of the victory over Sunderland, he seemed in no mood to abandon ship and head to Madrid.

Man City rule out Falcao & Neymar

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has denied the club are chasing the signatures of Radamel Falcao and Neymar.



Reports have suggested City are among the chasing pack lining up moves for Atletico Madrid hit-man Falcao and Brazil sensation Neymar.



Manchester City may have ruled out a bid for Falcao but which club will secure his signature? Latest odds



Falcao has been linked with a host of clubs, including Chelsea, Monaco and Real Madrid following his goalscoring exploits for Atletico over the last couple of seasons.



Santos attacker Neymar is also being chased by Europe's top clubs with the skilful playmaker expected to leave South America for Europe after the 2014 World Cup.



However, Soriano insists the pair are not on City's transfer radar as they begin plans for their summer transfer plans.



"Neymar and Falcao? [These reports are] false, they have never been on our agenda," Soriano is quoted as saying on Tuttomercatoweb.com.



Soriano also moved to play down talk that Sergio Aguero could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.



Reports have suggested Aguero could be keen on a return with Spain with Real Madrid long-term admirers of the Argentine international.



Soriano insists City have no plans to sell Aguero and that the 24-year-old is happy to stay at the club.



"The first thing I want to emphasise is that we have never thought of selling Aguero. El Kun will be happy to stay with us this year," Soriano added.

Ribery buzzing ahead of final

Winger Franck Ribery is confident that Bayern Munich will be too strong for Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final.



The two clubs will meet in an all-German affair at Wembley on Saturday, with Bayern keen to make amends for last year's defeat on penalties to Chelsea on their home ground of the Allianz Arena.



Dortmund's progress to the final has seen them win a tough group which included Real Madrid and Manchester City, before knocking the Spanish side out over two legs at the semi-final stage.



Bayern won the Bundesliga with weeks to spare, with Dortmund eventually 25 points adrift in second place, and Ribery feels European glory will be Bayern's if they play to their potential.

"I was impressed with how Dortmund managed to dismantle Real Madrid in the semi-finals, but we are only thinking of ourselves. We are stronger," the Frenchman declared.



"If we're all ready and willing to give 100 per cent we'll emerge victorious. We know Dortmund inside-out.



"It will be crucial not to put too much pressure on ourselves.



"I don't know whether we'll make it to the Champions League final ever again, which is why we want to give it everything we've got to finally hold the trophy."

Ribery's team-mate Mario Mandzukic says that playing at Wembley will fulfil a lifelong dream.



The Croatian joined the Bavarian giants in summer 2012 and is eager to play in a Champions League final at the first time of asking.

"I can hardly wait for the kick-off. Since I hit my first ball, I always dreamed of playing a Champions League final - and I also dreamed it would be at Wembley," said the 27-year-old.



"Now my wish is coming true. I hope this is football's reward for me giving my best to it, with fair play and hard work.



"I think Bayern's greatest strength is their team spirit. I have played for a lot of teams but I have never experienced anything like it."

Courtois has faith in Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois believes that Chelsea's youth policy will give him a chance of a successful future at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid since joining Chelsea from Racing Genk in June 2011.



The 21-year-old has already played for his country at senior level and is seen as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech, but has earned glowing reviews during his stint at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.



He said:

"Chelsea have the young players that maybe in two or three years' time can win everything.



"I signed with Chelsea, not just because it is a big club but also because of its commitment to young players. I want to be part of Chelsea history."



However, Courtois is open-minded as to whether or not he will get the chance to impress with his parent club.



He said: "Chelsea have always been very fair with me and they are also smart people and they know that I need to play.



"I don't know where that will be but I do know I have proved myself in the two years I have been here (in Madrid)."

Rodgers to recruit 'winners'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists attitude will be as important as aptitude as he looks to strengthen the Reds' squad this summer.



Jamie Carragher has already left the club while Manchester City's Kolo Toure has been linked with a switch to Anfield.



Rodgers is adamant that unless any potential target can show themselves to be a winner he will look elsewhere.

"A lot of great learning has taken place throughout the year both on and off the field," he told the club website. "Now we want to build on the positive impact of the second half of the season.



"It's our job as a club to look to bring in the types of players who will allow us to kick on again.



"There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes in order to reinforce the group.



"In order to breed the consistency needed to give us success, we need to bring in winners - those with the winning mentality.



"Everyone has to play a part in leadership.



"You get different types of leadership - some are purely by action and inspiration, others by organisation and more verbal.



"Taking on that responsibility is something that has to come from within the group here, but we're also looking to bring in that type of player."

Bayern aiming for perfection - Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is aiming to treat Wembley to footballing perfection in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Bayern can complete part two of a possible Treble with victory and go into the clash with Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund as clear favourites.



Jupp Heynckes' side finished 25 points ahead of Dortmund in winning the league title and have the DFB-Pokal final to come at the start of June.

"We've taken a massive stride towards perfection, and we're aiming for a perfect performance in the final," Schweinsteiger said.



"For me, the decisive factor will be everyone working hard and running for the others when we don't have the ball.



"If we play to our potential, it's very hard for anyone to win against us."

Aguero staying with City

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has insisted the club have no intention of allowing Sergio Aguero to leave.

Sergio Aguero takes a shot on goal against the Chelsea during a friendly match last night.

The Premier League side's leading scorer has recently been linked with a move back to Spain with Real Madrid long-term admirers of the former Atletico star.



However, Soriano has been quick to dismiss any suggestions Aguero could be on the move.



"This has gone on and on and on. We have had discussions with Sergio and his agent about several things and he has never expressed the willingness to go," insisted Soriano.



"We have never had an offer and even if we had an offer we would say no."



Soriano did admit that the club were already in talks with 'several' new players.



"We are at the closing phase with several of them but the closing phase can take one week or three months."



He also suggested the club would open talks with Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez, who are both now entering the final year of their contracts.



"They are obviously two very good players and the discussions are going to take place," he said.

Real Madrid's Coentrao want out this summer

Fabio Coentrao looks set to follow Jose Mourinho out of Real Madrid after revealing his unhappiness in the Spanish capital, and is already being linked with Chelsea.





The 25-year-old Coentrao joined Madrid in 2011 from Benfica and he has impressed, playing at both full-back and in midfield.



However, with Mourinho's departure confirmed and the Portuguese coach expected to join Chelsea, Coentrao is looking to follow his fellow countryman through the Bernabeu exit doors.



Speaking to Ojogo in his homeland, Coentrao said: "From the first day I do not think I was wanted here.

"Today it seems that everyone wants me to leave the club. I do not know what I have done wrong.



"We must find a solution that is good for both the club and myself, so that no one will lose out."



"If I leave Real Madrid, I do not close the door to anyone," he said.

Coentrao was asked about the prospect of following Mourinho to Chelsea, and he admitted he would not rule it out.

Osman signs a new one-year extension

Everton midfielder signs a new one-year extension to tie him to the club until 2015.

The 32-year-old's existing deal was set to expire next summer and he insists the uncertainty over who will be in charge at Goodison did not affect his decision.



"We are not quite sure what's going to happen with a manager but I am still delighted to have secured my future here at the Club," he told the club website.

City stun Chelsea in US

Manchester City fought back from 3-0 down to beat Chelsea 4-3 in a thrilling friendly at a sold-out Busch Stadium in St Louis.

City, who confirmed this week that they have acquired a Major League Soccer franchise, fell behind to goals from Demba Ba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar.

But Javi Garcia began the fightback, Edin Dzeko struck twice and Micah Richards grabbed a dramatic late winner in front of a crowd of 48,263.

Whilst the match did not quite have the intensity of a Premier League match, it was far from half-hearted.

City made all the early running and Chelsea's opener was against the run of play, Joe Hart misjudging Juan Mata's cross and allowing Ba to nod home.

Petr Cech kept out a long-range Yaya Toure effort and Carlos Tevez went close with an overhead kick.

But on the stroke of half-time Karim Rekik was adjudged to have bundled over Mata and Azpilicueta converted from the spot.

Just after half-time City gave the ball away in front of their own area and Oscar danced through to take the ball round replacement goalkeeper Richard Wright.

Then came City's magnificent fightback. Garcia turned in from a corner moments after substitute goalkeeper Jamal Blackman came on and Dzeko then finished expertly from a beautifully weighted James Milner pass.

Blackman then somehow kept out Milner's close range volley, then did superbly to keep out another Dzeko attempt.

But the equaliser came on 85 when Tevez slipped in Dzeko and Richards turned in Garcia's nod-down.

The two teams will meet again at Yankee Stadium in New York on Saturday.

Benteke warns Villa

Christian Benteke insists he will leave Aston Villa if one of the Premier League's top clubs wants to sign him.

Benteke was one of the stars of the Premier League season, scoring 19 goals to help keep Villa in the top flight.

The Belgium international, 22, has been linked with a move to Arsenal, amongst others, and although he is under contract at Villa Park he says he "won't necessarily accept" it if they say cannot leave.

Quoted by the Sun, Benteke said:

"If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn't get the most out of my career. I try to get everything.

"Of course playing the World Cup in Rio is in my head. But I have no fear of falling out of the team. There is no point in me getting into a tug-of-war with Villa.

"If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I'm convinced we can reach a compromise where everyone comes out a winner."

Papers Talk - 24 May 2013

The main football stories and transfer gossip making Friday's regional newspapers:

• Christian Benteke has put Arsenal on red alert by claiming he will leave Aston Villa if the Gunners come in for him.


• Roberto Martinez has delayed a decision on his Wigan future until the start of next week.


• Alan Pardew's jobs at Newcastle boss is safe but he has been told he must finish in the top 10 next season.

• Christian Benteke put a host of big names on alert last night when he warned Aston Villa: You can't make me stay. Tottenham lead the chase, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal also interested.


• Dennis Wise wants to make a sensational return as Millwall manager.


• Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic is set to follow Tony Pulis out of the club - and sign for Liverpool.


• Bournemouth have issued a hands-off warning over manager Eddie Howe. He has been linked with Everton.


• Cardiff are set to launch a shock £3.5million move for former Swansea striker Danny Graham.


• Harry Redknapp wants Richard Dunne to lead QPR back to the Premier League.


• David Moyes completed his first bit of business as Manchester United boss last night - as he rubber-stamped Rio Ferdinand's new deal at Old Trafford.


• Paolo Di Canio has launched his Sunderland clear out by showing Titus Bramble the door.


• Romelu Lukaku is keen on a loan move to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund next season.

• Sergio Aguero is staying at Manchester City this summer - despite efforts from Real Madrid to lure him from Spain.


• Christian Benteke has plunged his Aston Villa future into doubt by declaring: I'm not certain to stay this summer.


• Alex McLeish is in the frame to become Millwall's new boss.


• Spurs look poised to fail to land long-term target Joao Moutinho after the Portuguese schemer flew into Monaco to join the ambitious French club.


• Hull are set to step up their interest in Jordan Rhodes and Grzegorz Sandomierski.


• Everton supremo Bill Kenwright wants to speak to Roberto Martinez and snatch him from relegated FA Cup winners Wigan.

• Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel is set to be named the new manager of Millwall.


• Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been given assurances by owner Mike Ashley that his job is safe.


• San Lorenzo are stepping up their bid to take Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini back to Argentina.


• Wigan fear they are fighting a losing battle to keep Roberto Martinez as their manager following an hour of talks with chairman Dave Whelan yesterday.

• Christian Benteke has sparked a £25million summer scramble by revealing he could leave Aston Villa.


• Rio Ferdinand has pledged to help new Manchester United boss David Moyes keep the silver rolling into Old Trafford after signing a new deal.


• Real Madrid aim to hijack Manchester City's bid to sign Malaga star Isco.


• Goal-shy striker Danny Graham could lead the Sunderland exodus with a shock £4million move to newly-promoted Cardiff.


• Roberto Martinez is waiting to see if Wigan chairman Dave Whelan will meet his demands before deciding his future.

Chat with YA authors Elizabeth Norris and Brodi Ashton Tonight on Figment @ 7:00 p.m. ET!

Hi, Everyone! While I try to swim the rough waters of the end of the school year, I have a terrific opportunity for aspiring writers and fans of YA fiction alike to chat with some awesome authors! Figment, the online writing community, has a great author/editor web chat tonight, May 23rd at 7 pm EST. Come and chat with YA authors Elizabeth Norris (Unraveling and Unbreakable) and Brodi Ashton (Everneath and Everbound), plus Balzer + Bray editor Kristen Rens, will be taking questions about life as a published author.  I hope to see you at the live event!

Pellegrini leaving Malaga

Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he will be leaving Malaga at the end of the season, amidst reports that he is close to taking over at Manchester City.

Pellegrini has been widely tipped to be Roberto Mancini's replacement after guiding Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals this season.



Pellegrini had previously managed in Argentina, Chile and Ecuador, and it now appears it could only be a matter of time until the Premier League welcomes its first Chilean manager.

"My coaching staff and I are separating from Malaga," Pellegrini said, quoted on Marca.com. Our union with this city will be eternal. I'm going for sporting reasons."

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has stated that he would welcome Pellegrini's arrival at the club.

"I think he is a great manager," said Nasri. He proved himself with Villarreal. At Real Madrid as well, even though he didn't win the title, they finished with 96 points. And at Malaga too. All his teams play attractive football and I think that's what people want to see. You pay for a ticket to go to football to see something great and he's the kind of manager who can do it."

Gael Clichy, meanwhile, has expressed his surprise that Mancini was sacked by the club after such a successful stint in charge.

For me it's always difficult as obviously he brought me to the club," Clichy said.



"It's the first time a manager has been axed since I've been at a club, so it's a bit of a shock and if you look at his record it's difficult to understand. He's won trophies, the title after 44 years. He won the team the first title.



"Many people, particularly the fans, would have wanted to give him another go. But that's the way it is, we are only football players."

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Lampard reckons Benitez was a success at Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard reckons Rafa Benitez was a success in his time at Stamford Bridge.

Despite opposition from a section of the Chelsea support regarding his appointment, Benitez confounded his critics by guiding the team to Europa League glory and a third-place finish in the Premier League.



Lampard, whose form under Benitez was rewarded with a one-year contract extension, admits the former Liverpool boss was thorough in his approach.

"He's a professional bloke. He prepared very well for games. And it was a difficult situation for him as well," Lampard said.



"As interim manager it was always going to be quite difficult because we all knew it was only to the end of the season.





"So there was no planning, no long-term relationships were going to be built. So, in that respect, he did a good job because we got the end result - success."



Despite that, though, Lampard did not grow close to Benitez on a personal level.



"There are certain managers you build relationships with and feel closer to," Lampard told. "He's not that kind of bloke.



"Other managers draw a bit of a line and keep it that way. Rafa's more like that.



"He was not really the sort of manager you could sit and talk with."

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Falcao is happy at Atletico

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao insists he is happy to stay at the club despite speculation over a summer move.



Falcao has been linked with a switch to Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as Monaco, but the former Porto favourite believes he will only move if the Spanish Cup winners decide to cash in on his services.



The 27-year-old Colombia international is under contract with Atletico until 2016.

"I haven't thought about a move too much," Falcao told Sky Sports News. "The reality is that I have three years left on my contract with Atletico.



"I haven't thought about a move too much. The reality is that I have three years left on my contract with Atletico."

Radamel Falcao

"It's true that last season during the summer there was a lot of speculation with clubs being named as a possible destination, but the truth is that I've not thought about it.



"Of course, it depends on what the financial needs of my club are and what sort of efforts Atletico make to keep me.



"I've been trying not to think too much about the rumours of clubs being linked with me.



"Instead, I've been focusing on my objectives as a player and as a team member of Atletico Madrid."

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Holland squad selected for the upcoming friendlies

Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie are among a strong 21-man Holland squad selected for the upcoming friendlies against Indonesia and China which also features four debutants.

It will mean an extended end to the season for Robben, who will feature for Bayern Munich in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.



Van Persie will have had a little more rest after the English Premier League season finished last Sunday with the striker having been part of Manchester United's title-winning team.



It was the 29-year-old's first silverware since he won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2005.



Other established players called up by manager Louis van Gaal include Fenerbahce's Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder of Galatasaray and Hamburg's Rafael van der Vaart.



Van Gaal has, though, handed first call-ups to Lerin Duarte, Miquel Nelom, Dwight Tiendalli and Jens Toornstra.



The Oranje travel to Jakarta to take on Indonesia on Friday June 7 before moving on to Beijing where they will face China the following Tuesday, June 11.



Holland squad:

Michel Vorm (Swansea), Kenneth Vermeer (Ajax), Jasper Cillessen (Ajax); John Heitinga (Everton), Erik Pieters, Dwight Tiendalli (Swansea), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Miquel Nelom (Feyenoord); Lerin Duarte (Heracles Almelo), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Jens Toornstra, Ruben Schaken (Feyenoord), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg); Siem de Jong (Ajax), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens, Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon).

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Neymar want Barca move.

Barcelona is the chosen destination for highly-rated striker Neymar, according to Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues.

The 21-year old's future has been the subject of speculation for a number of years since coming through the ranks at Santos and establishing himself as a key part of the Brazilian national team.



Neymar has attracted interest from across Europe, but Rodrigues says that a move to Barcelona is the player's preference.

"Neymar has told us he wants to sign for Barcelona," he told Ser Esports.

"There are other proposals but he has preferences for Barca. There is no official Madrid proposal for Neymar but we know that this offer will come.



"We held conversations in Spain with the Barca board of directors and there are on-going talks but nothing has been decided.



"But the negotiations need to continue because the first bid we were offered was not enough. We know that Madrid had a bid and will be presenting it soon, but I haven't talked to (club president) Florentino Perez.



"We know that the athlete's opinion is important. What we have to do is to find a way to unify the best offer with the player's interest."



Neymar has been a regular fixture in Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squads and the former Chelsea boss was full of praise for the youngster.



"He is an example to follow as a sportsman," he said to Canal+.



"I have spoken to Sandro Rosell about how he behaves on the training pitch and about his personality and he really is an example to follow.



"Barcelona are clearly leading the race for his signature. He would be a great signing for Barcelona.



"He would be an idol for the fans next season alongside Lionel Messi."

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Rodgers: Suarez happy

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he expects striker Luis Suarez to be at the club next season.

Rodgers admits the Reds may have to field enquiries about the Uruguay international, but he believes it will take an exceptional offer for Suarez to leave.

"Listen, every player has their price but there's certainly no pressure for the club to sell him. We're trying to build that bit of quality so he's not for sale," Rodgers said.

"I don't have any doubts there will be interest in him this summer, because he's up there.

"There's a small percentage of players who are world class and he's in that bracket, so I don't think it will be too dissimilar to when I first came in last summer, with clubs making their interest known.



"People will want to take him, but I think we all recognise how integral he is. The owners have been absolutely unequivocal in their resolve in terms of wanting to keep him."
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Forbidden Reads: Tenderness by Robert Cormier

Welcome to my new feature called Forbidden Reads! Join me in celebrating your freedom to read. My goal for this soon-to be- regular monthly feature is to highlight challenged and/or banned books from each literary audience: children, YA, and adult. Not only will I be doing a review of the book, I will also include information as to where and why the book was challenged/banned. Today I'll be reviewing Robert Cormier's controversial YA suspense novel, Tenderness, which was published in 1997.

Description (from Goodreads): Eighteen-year-old Eric has just been released from juvenile detention for murdering his parents. Now he's looking for tenderness--tenderness he finds in killing girls. Fifteen-year-old Lori has run away from home again. Emotionally naive and sexually precocious, she is also looking for tenderness--tenderness that she finds in Eric. Will Lori and Eric be each other's salvation or destruction?

Review: Cormier is known for his gritty novels. His most widely known book, The Chocolate War, is a staple in YA literature and unapologetically looks at the important issue of bullying which we are still struggling today. Tenderness is a mesmerizing albeit extremely disturbing plunge into the mind of a psychopathic teen killer. The book is compelling, short, and quick to the point. The story is simple as it follows two teens who are desperately searching for something called tenderness. 
  Eric Poole is handsome, clean cut, and with a vulnerability that plays well before the cameras. He is about to be released from the juvenile facility where he has spent three years for killing his mother and stepfather, who were believed to have abused him. The fact that he murdered his parents without provocation and has also killed and sexual assaulted a few girls (a fact that is certainly known only to Eric himself). Veteran cop Jake Proctor is almost positive that Eric is the serial killer, but he has no hard evidence to prove his suspicions. When Proctor's covert endeavors to obstruct Eric's release fail, the teen walks out of the facility, glorying in his cleverness and in great anticipation of renewing his obsessive search for "tenderness." 
  The really suspense begins with Eric carefully avoiding controversy until he can escape to another town and Proctor anxiously watching and waiting for the young man to make a mistake. Neither villain nor cop suspects that Eric's undoing will come in the form of 15-year-old runaway Lori, who sees her own desire for affection mirrored in Eric's haunted eyes.  Lori is a complicated character. My reactions toward her varied from a selfish, vulnerable, obsessive child to a sexually precocious and an intuitive young woman. A victim of sexual harassment and abuse, Lori blatantly and aggressively uses her sexuality to get what she wants. Like Eric, she is obsessed with a search for genuine affection, and she's every bit as committed to pursuing it.
  While I was engrossed in the story, I didn't think this book was textured enough to satisfy today's YA readers. The chapters that switch from Eric and Lori's point of views aren't labeled though their voices are clearly distinct. There are, however, a number of intriguing psychological underpinnings that made me pause and think. There are strong hints of incest as we get a clear focus of Eric's fixation for his young victims: girls who have long, dark hair, medium height, just like his mother's.  Sex, though never explicit, plays a big role in both Lori's and Eric's behaviors. 
  Even though we don't get a whole lot of background to the story, particularly with Eric's parents, both main characters are fully developed. Though the characters are introduced separately, their perspectives smoothly transition once they finally meet. As readers, we know that Lori's time might be quickly shorten when she meets and spends time with Eric, but I never expected the book's final twist. The irony of Eric and Lori's ends is searing. The idea that humanity is a switch that can be turned off and on by will is the most disquieting aspect of the novel. It is also what ultimately makes the book so dark, seductive, and well  forbidding. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Why it was challenged: According to Marhall University Library, the book was challenged in 2003 at the Fairfax (VA) school libraries by a group called Parents Against Bad Books in Schools for "profanity and descriptions of drug abuse, sexually explicit conduct and torture".

Words of Caution: There is some profanity in the book, but nothing that isn't spoken in a PG-13 movie. Lori mentions that her mother has an alcohol and drug problem, which highlights her isolation and the way she behaves. She is harassed by her mother's boyfriends who don't disguise their lecherous desire for her. There are scenes of sexual suggestiveness: In the beginning we see Lori's mother's current boyfriend brushes against her. Later a hitchhiker who Lori allows him to kiss and fondle her, but these incidents aren't graphically depicted but give enough of a set-up for readers to fill in the details. While difficult to read, I though these scenes were necessary to show how sexualized Lori has become without really thinking about what she is doing which is the point that Cormier is trying to make. Her opinions of adults never go beyond their sexual desires because that is all that she has known. As mentioned in the review, Eric is a serial killer and there is obviously going to be violence associated with him. We are briefly told that he strangles his victims and there are clear suggestions that he sexually assaults his victims. In almost all popular adult books, the author spends time detailing the act of crime.  Cormier, however,  spends more time focusing on Eric's psychological state. Due to the book's mature themes, I would feel comfortable in recommending this book to older teens (i.e. Grades 10 and up).

If you like this book try: Right Behind You by Gail Giles, The Killer's Cousin by Nancy Werlin

Pulis leaves Stoke

Tony Pulis has left Stoke City after seven years in charge.



The Welshman guided Stoke to the Premier League during his second spell at the helm and later led them to an FA Cup final and into Europe.

But the Potters were dragged into relegation trouble last season and Pulis drew criticism from some sections of the Britannia Stadium support over his side's style of play.

Chairman Peter Coates had refused to discuss the 55-year-old's future while the club struggled in 2013 but it is understood a decision to part ways was made during an end-of-season debrief on Tuesday.

Sky Bet swiftly installed former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo as the favourite to succeed him, with ex-QPR manager Mark Hughes also a frontrunner.



Pulis first took the Potters job in 2002 and returned in 2006 after a stint at Plymouth Argyle, overseeing promotion to the top flight two years later.


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Today's evening paper talk

• Ian Holloway says Brighton's behaviour before their play-off clash was "classless" and added: "I believe things like that come back on you."


• Joey Barton has revealed his dream of a permanent move to Marseille is under threat because QPR now want him back to help them in the Championship.


• Andy Carroll maintains he has enjoyed every minute of his season-long loan at West Ham but the long-term future of the England forward remains unclear.


• Arsenal midfielder Craig Eastmond has signed for Colchester United.

• Harry Redknapp admits Luke Young's QPR future remains in the balance as he battles to overcome a long-standing hip problem.

• Jack Rodwell has promised fans that Manchester City's players are relishing a fresh start under a new manager and can't wait for the start of next season.


• Michael Carrick says David Moyes will inherit 'Fergie time' when he takes over at Old Trafford.


• Robin van Persie says his first Premier League winners' medal "tastes beautiful" and he is hungry for more.


• David Beckham was bottom of the class in his early dealings with the media as a youngster at Manchester United.


• Former Oldham defender Marc Tierney is poised to become Bolton's first summer signing.


• Oldham have swooped to sign winger James Dayton.

• Liverpool are set to launch a £12million bid to sign Schalke centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos.


• Reds midfielder Lucas Leiva has vowed to to improve after 'difficult' season.


• David Moyes will help Everton's transition by splitting his time between Finch Farm and Manchester United's Carrington base before he goes on holiday next week.

• Alan Pardew has admitted he is bracing himself for a summer bid for one of Newcastle's big-name stars.


• Sammy Ameobi will travel with a Newcastle squad to Hong Kong to defend their Citibank 7s title.


• Titus Bramble is considering a move to the USA, with several MLS sides said to be interested in the Sunderland centre-back.


• Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is determined to ensure the players he buys this summer are fit to wear the Black Cats shirt.

• Steve Harper's farewell message to the Newcastle dressing room was that only hard work would make them heroes at St James' Park.


• Adam Johnson admits his debut campaign at Sunderland has been the worst season of his career.

• Sunderland winger Adam Johnson is in favour of manager Paolo Di Canio's hardline approach to the job if it brings about an improvement in results.


• Defender Phil Bardsley has been left out of the Scotland squad for next month's World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

• Swansea's hopes of hanging on to Ashley Williams have been boosted by the news that Liverpool are set to sign Manchester City defender Kolo Toure.


• Michael Laudrup has emerged as the second favourite to take over at Real Madrid.

Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar says the Wigan game was his worst of the season.

Dave Edwards is 'happy to be here' and is ready to help Wolves return to the Championship after the club took up a one-year option on his contract.

Birmingham winger Chris Burke has admitted his own high standards slipped this season.

West Brom defender Gareth McAuley has urged the club to secure the futures of Shane Long and Youssouf Mulumbu.

• West Brom have netted a record Premier League windfall of £48.3million with Aston Villa's prize money share also increasing.


• Wolves are said to be closing in on a new head coach after chief executive Jez Moxey returned to work after a short break.


• Burnley forward Charlie Austin has emerged as a summer target for Aston Villa, who are set to show Richard Dunne the door.

• Bahraini-based businessman Salah Nooruddin has been named as Leeds United's new vice-chairman with immediate effect.


• Bradford fans will be able to salute their footballing heroes at a victory parade on Wednesday.

• Norwich earned £46.07m in Premier League television money for the 2012/13.


• Norwich officials have confirmed the release of ten players from the club - headlined by the departure of Simeon Jackson.

• Tony Pulis looks set to leave Stoke after a meeting with chairman Peter Coates on Tuesday morning.


• Coates has poured scorn on talk of him stepping down as chairman of Stoke City by confirming: "I'm staying on - and I always was."


• Phil Neville could be offered a coaching role at Stoke.

• Paul Scharner is one of eight players who have waved goodbye to Wigan.


• Roberto Martinez remained silent on his future when Wigan paraded the FA Cup on Monday.

• Blackburn are pressing on with talks to install Gary Bowyer as the club's new permanent boss - despite further reports about a move for Tim Sherwood.


• Burnley are set to announce their retained list in the next couple of days but the futures of Martin Paterson and Chris McCann remain uncertain.

• Wednesday boss Dave Jones wants the club to become the "top dogs in the city" at bringing through home-grown players.

• Neil Lennon has revealed he plans to lead his Celtic side out for Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup final against Hibs.


• The SFA will wait until an independent probe into Rangers is completed before deciding whether to take action against the Ibrox club.


• Ally McCoist feels Jon Daly will help turn the young players at Rangers into stars - just like he did at Dundee United with Johnny Russell and David Goodwillie.

• Michael Higdon has told Motherwell he may have to move on from Fir Park if he is to cash in on the best season of his career.