Nasri opens up about Man City future amid transfer speculation

By ALICE MCKEEGAN Manchester Evening News

Samir Nasri has hinted he could still leave Manchester City before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old midfielder came on as a substitute in City's win over West Ham on Sunday after making his first squad appearance of the season.

The Frenchman did not play a part in any of the pre-season games, with Pep Guardiola explaining the midfielder had arrived for training overweight.

His exclusion from the first two Premier League games and City's Champions League squad for the play-off against Steaua Bucharest did not bode well for Nasri's future at the Etihad, with reports from France suggesting Turkish club Besiktas were interested in a loan deal.

Guardiola admitted after the West Ham match he was happy for Nasri to remain at the club but 'it depends on him'.

Nasri spoke to French channel SFR Sport post-match and admitted he may still move away , despite his squad inclusion.

He said: "Yes, there could still be movement. It depends on a lot of things in fact.

"There's been a lot of speculation. Things that are true. Things that are false too because they've never shown me the door or anything like that.

"But I said 'everything depends on what's up there [in your head] and your desire'. So we'll see. We're going to sit down, discuss it and see what's to be done."

Manchester united tops the premier league

the English premier league Friday night football returned on the night of August 19 2016 were M
ourinho. Manchester united hosted the the "saints" Southhampton at the Old Trafford. The impact of the new signees Paul Pogba and zlatan ibrahimovic was felt as the pair made a good combination going into the final third. the first goal came through the 37' when Swedish met with England captain Wayne Rooney's cross and headed it to the back of the net. the second goal came on the 52nd minute when the midfielder Jodie Clasie tripped the red devils defender Luke Shaw in the box. Ibrahimovic stepped up on the penalty spot and slaughtered it in and made it 2:0 United kept attacking in search of the third goal but failed on the final third. with two out two this meant that Mourinho and the lads are at the top of premier league.

Zlatan ibrahimovic (getty images)

Itumeleng Khune appointed new Kaizer Chiefs captain

Khune, who has been with Amakhosi's first team for 12 years, will assume the role of captain in the new season, the club confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

Kaizer Chiefs have announced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune as their new captain for the 2016/17 PSL campaign. 

The 29-year-old takes over from Siphiwe Tshabalala, who led the team under the tutelage of Steve Komphela last season.

Khune is not new to the role having captained Amakhosi before. He was the club's captain when Chiefs won their first league title during Stuart Baxter's era in the 2012/13 season.

The armband was given to former defender Tefu Mashamaite the following season, as Khune struggled with long term injuries.

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Kaizer Chiefs star Mathoho to miss start of PSL season through injury

Eric Mathoho point out at the referee 

The 26-year-old injured his ankle ahead of South Africa's final Group A match against Iraq at the Rio Olympic Games last week

Kaizer Chiefs defender Eric Mathoho is set to miss the start of the PSL season through an ankle injury. 

Goal has gathered that Mathoho will undergo further medical tests to determine the extent of his injury today (Monday) or Tuesday.

According to a source within the Amakhosi camp, Tower will be assessed by the club's medical team, who received a report  from national team doctors late last week.

"I understand that the club got a medical report from national team doctors, but he will be assessed again, this time by the club, today or tommorrow," the source told Goal. 

"However, it seems certain that he will miss the start of the season as he's in a moon boot," the source added.

Amakhosi visit Bidvest Wis in their opening match of the season on August 23, 2016. 

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Joe Hart might be in for a season with new boss

- Manager Pep Guardiola has suggested Joe Hart's career at Manchester City could be in the balance, but says the 29-year-old England goalkeeper's future will be decided "inside the doors" of the club. (Guardian)

Super Mario has Nowhere to GO

- Liverpool and Italy striker Mario Balotelli, 26, will not join Serie A side Pescara this summer, according to the club's president Daniele Sebastiani.(Gazzetta World)

#Transfer window

- Chelsea have offered Italian champions Juventus the chance to sign Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 29. (Tuttosport - in Italian)

#Transfer window

- Denmark winger Christian Eriksen, 24, is in a stalemate with Tottenham after asking for a new contract worth £150,000 a week. (Daily Mirror)
- Juventus and Inter Milan are both interested in Eriksen. (Daily Telegraph)

Trasfer Window

• Bloemfontein Celtic newcomer Tlou Molekwane is determined to help the team claim silverware this season. The former Kaizer Chiefs fullback joined Celtic in June after leaving Polokwane City at the end of last term. Molekwane says coach Serame Letsoaka has stressed the need for Siwelele to impress in 2016/17.

Ntshangase linked with Ama Khosi

•NFD club Black Leopards are demanding a multi-million Rand figure for Siphelele Ntshangase’s signature. The attacking midfielder is reportedly at the top of Kaizer Chiefs’ shopping list for the new season, this according to sources.

Messi Back in The National Team

Messi: Why I Returned For Argentina
FC Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, has explained why he decided to return to the Argentina national side.

The 29-year-old initially announced his retirement after missing a penalty in the Copa America final loss to Chile in July.

However, the Barcelona forward announced on Friday that he will return to the national side ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela.

"A lot of things went through my head the day of the last final and I seriously thought about quitting, but I love this country and this shirt too much," Messi said in a statement.

"I thank all the people who want me to keep playing with Argentina, I hope we can soon deliver them some joy."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is Argentina's all-time record scorer with 55 goals and has notched up 113 appearances.
New Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza revealed he had a brief conversation with the Barcelona forward, and reveals they only spoke about football.

"I see there are lots of problems in Argentine football and I do not want to create another," Messi said through a statement released on Friday evening.

"I do not want to cause any harm, I have always tried to do the opposite and help wherever I could.

"We have to fix a lot of things in Argentine football, but I'd rather do that from the inside and not criticising from the outside."

Argentina are preparing for their World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela.

Injuries banch Navas & Ronaldo

Navas and Cristiano are out of the first match of La Liga due to injury. Modric is also out for suspension. [COPE]

Empty your locker Pogba

- Patrice Evra has been emptying former Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba's locker after his move to Manchester United. He posted a picture on Instagram with the caption: "You should have at least emptied your locker... I hope you are not expecting me to bring you your stuff to Manchester."

By Lindelani

Man City's Bony linkid with Arsenal

Man City seem to have found a team for the former Swansea City striker Willfred Bony. It seems Arsenal have takken interest in the striker.

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Preseason helps Kaizer Chiefs see the importance of trophy winning

Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has highlighted the importance of his team winning pre-season trophies in order to develop a better appetite for winning.

Amakhosi went down on penalties to PSL newbies Baroka FC in the F.A.M.E Charity Cup final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

Komphela conceded his disatisfaction at the defeat but felt there was a lot could take from the tournament as he sets his stalls for the start of the new season, in which plenty is expected from the club's supporters.

"We want to win everything, even at training," said Komphela. "Even a game of cards; you play cards to win.

"So we also came here [to Polokwane] and wanted to win but, unfortunately, on penalties we couldn't.

"But there is lot of positive one picked up here. We are in preparatory phase, there is lot things we are looking at.

"I'm sure when we go back home we will look at the clips and notice there is a lot of pluses, except for them missing the penalties that we had."

Two weeks ago, Amakhosi showed good signs of things to come when they outclassed arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup to claim the bragging rights, scoring two goals in regulation time.

However, this past weekend Komphela's side failed to hit the back of the net in the Charity final, yet the former junior national team mentor remained unpertubed and expressed his contentment at his team's chances created.

"We did create chances and it is only that we needed to hit the back of net," he added.

"[Lewis] Macha had one or two chances, and there was a chance for [Kgotso] Moleko, and Tsepo [Masilela] was also in the box and a couple of times we found ourselves in the box.

"It is good to see the team getting in the box... You just need to get into the habit of hitting the back of the net, that's it. We failed to score but we did create chances." 

The Glamour Boys will get their season underway with an Absa Premiership encounter away to Bidvest Wits on August 23, before a trip to newcomers Cape Town City in the MTN 8 three days later.

"I left Real Madrid CF because of my play time":jese Rodriguez

New PSG Signing: Why I Left Real
Paris Saint-Germain's new signing has explained why he decided to leave UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid.

Jese Rodriguez recently departed Los Blancos for the Ligue 1 champions in a deal worth to be €21 million (R318 million).

However, the Spanish forward reveals he left the 11-time Champions League winners due to playing time, having played second fiddle to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

"After 10 years at Real Madrid, it was time to change," Jese told reporters.

"I'm at a great club that gives me the chance to progress as player. Surely here I will have more minutes.

"I had some words with [Madrid coach Zinedine] Zidane, he's a great person. He wanted me to play and he knew it was going to be difficult.

"I also want to thank to [Madrid president] Florentino Perez and my team-mates.

Masango Wants out of Randers FC.

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Mandla Masango, is training alone in Denmark as his dispute with Randers drags on and he seeks an exit from the club.


Masango, 27, enjoyed an impressive start to life in Europe after leaving the Amakhosi last year, quickly making a name for himself as he became a fan favourite at his new club.

However, recently his situation has become complicated after he refused to train with the club and was consequently left out of the matchday squad for their last two games, suggesting that a move could be on the cards for him.

The Siya crew contacted Randers’ sports manager, Ole Nielsen, who explained that the winger is training alone, saying that the reason is because he's 'not ready'.

Nielsen said, “Mandla Masango has told us that he is not ready to train together with his teammates/squad, and it his decision not to train in Randers FC.”

There is just under a month left of the Danish transfer window before it slams shut, and it remains to be seen whether a club such as Aalborg – who have shown interest in Masango previously – will up their offer, however it appears that Randers are in no rush to sell unless a suitable offer is put forward. By Lindelani

World Record Deal In The History of Football

Official: Man Utd Complete World-Record Deal For Pogba
Manchester United have announced the signing of Paul Pogba in what is the most expensive transfer in football history.

The Red Devils have confirmed Pogba's move from Juventus to Old Trafford, and the deal is reportedly worth €105 million (R1.58 billion) – a new transfer world record – plus add-ons and agent fees

Pogba joins United on a five-year deal, and will reportedly earn €13 million (R20.5 million) net, plus another €7 million (R110 million) in image rights, according to Sky Sports.

“I am delighted to rejoin United. It has always been a club with a special place in my heart and I am really looking forward to working with José Mourinho," he told the club's official website.

Pogba replaced Gareth Bale as most expensive transfer in history – the Welshman previously held the record following his €101 million (R1.52 billion) transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2013.

The 23-year-old Frenchman returns to United four years after leaving the club on a free, and becomes Jose Mourinho's fourth signing following the arrivals of Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan at Old Trafford.

Pogba made 178 appearances for Juventus, scoring 34 goals and assisting another 43 strikes, and helped the Italian giants to eight trophies, including four consecutive Serie A titles. By Lindelani

New Coach for Zambia

Report: Igesund To Be Appointed Zambia Coach
News coming out of Zambia is that Gordon Igesund is set to be announced as the new Zambia head coach.

According to The Post, the former SuperSport United is set to take charge of Chipolopolo after being interviewed by the Zambian FA.

The Post were informed by a source at the Zambian Football House, that Igesund has taken over.

“Yes I can confirm that we have settled for Igesund for the position of national team coach. Having valued his achievements and vast experience, we hope he will get down to personal terms and help the national team achieve its objectives,” the source told the Zambian publication.

However, FAZ general secretary Ponga Liwewe revealed that appointment has not been finalised.

“We sat on Saturday as an executive committee and we have chosen the coach. So now we are engaging him on issues of personal terms and we hope by Tuesday (tomorrow), we can conclude and that is when I can announce the name,” Liwewe told the Post.

When contacted for comment, Igesund refered the Siya crew to his agent Mike Makaab of Prosport International.

Makaab said," Everyone knows Igesund was interviewed by the Zambian FA, but at this time, I would rather not comment."  By Lindelani

#Transfer market

Nasri valued at £17m
Manchester City will allow Samir Nasri to leave the club this summer for £17 million. AC Milan, Inter and Roma are interested.
Source: Sky Sports

#Transfer market

Bacca wants PSG move
AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca is stalling on a move to West Ham because he is holding out for an offer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

#Transfer market

- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 24, as a replacement for Joe Hart, 29, but the German will cost £67m. (Sunday Express)

Vasco da Gama name changed.

- The PSL have approved Vasco da Gama's change of name to Stellenbosch FC.

MESSI SNUBBED AS BALE, RONALDO, GRIEZMANN UP FOR UEFA BEST PLAYER AWARD

The Argentine failed to make the top three for the Best Player in Europe accolade in favour of the Real Madrid duo and the Atletico and France striker.

Lionel Messi has been left out of the top three shortlist for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann in the running.(Goal.com)

Super Cup against Sevila.

REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST FOR THE UEFA SUPER CUP FINAL AGAINST SEVILLA:
Goalkeepers: Casilla, Yáñez and Luca.
Defenders: Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Danilo and Marcelo.
Midfielders: James, Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric, Isco, Asensio and M. Llorente.
Attackers: Benzema, Lucas Vázquez, Morata and Mariano.

Home return for Kagisho Dikgacoi ?

- Kagisho Dikgacoi is considering returning home with both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns touted as possible destinations for the ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder.

Captain my Captain Kekana for Mamelodi Sundowns

Kekana Named Sundowns Captain
Hlompho Kekana has been given the responsibility of captaining Mamelodi Sundowns after taking over the armband from former teammate, Ramahlwe Mphalele.

The 31-year-old is a vital component of Pitso Mosimane’s side and is seen as a leading figure amongst the Brazilians.

Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed that the midfielder will sport the captain’s armband as Mosimane’s side look to continue their winning ways.

“I really did not see this coming. I know that I am an emotional player and have invested my soul in football. I always want to win and this is the spirit in the rest of the team. I have done much behind the scenes in terms of leadership,” Kekana said on the club’s official website.

Sundowns will travel to Nigeria on 23 August to face Enyimba in their final CAF Champions League group encounter, where Kekana will be the commanding force on the field as Masandawana look to claim yet another victory in Africa.

“As individuals, we might have differing opinions about issues, but in the end our common goal as players dictates what we need to do, and we are looking at challenging for trophies. Our goal right now is to win the CAF Champions League,” the midfielder concluded.

Rio 16 football games

Dolly Continues To Shine
Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa U23 midfielder Keagan Dolly continues to display his talent, and after his performance against Brazil, there is no doubt this young man has a great future ahead of him.

The 23-year-old was given the captain's armband by coach Owen Da Gama for the Olympics in Rio, and, so far, he has been a true leader. Overseas clubs will surely be keeping an eye on "KD7" as he is in great shape and impressive form.

The supporters were quick to hail their captain for his outstanding job against Brazil on Thursday night.

"Dolly is brilliant, wow!" – Sveege

"I think some players will get great deals after these Olympics. Dolly is going places!" – ravaza

"Dolly is the best, like him or not, and if he could join Atletico Madrid, he could be a perfect replacement for Griezmann!" – rOnaldinhOOO10 vs mOtaung idIOts + drawmpela

"Sundowns have wasted a lot of talent in the past, but truth be told Keagan Dolly seems to be flourishing under the tutelage of Pitso Mosimane and his troops. The boy could not have made a better move. He is a marvel to watch." – The_Beautiful_Gamee

Transfer updates

- Everton are prepared to fight Arsenal for the £63m signing of Wolfsburg's 22-year-old Germany winger Julian Draxler. (Independent)
- And the Merseyside club will refuse to budge on their £50m valuation of England defender and Manchester City target John Stones, 22. (Sky Sports)
- Paul Pogba's world-record transfer from Juventus to Manchester United is complete, and will be announced when the 23-year-old France midfielder returns from holiday. (Manchester Evening News)
- Kasper Schmeichel has agreed a new five-year deal to stay at Leicester City. The 29-year-old Denmark goalkeeper had been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions. (ESPN)
- Chelsea are watching Brazil's Thiago Maia, 19, during the Olympics, before making a £15m bid to take him from Santos. (Daily Mirror)
- And Diego Costa, 27, is likely to stay at Stamford Bridge, after Atletico Madrid's president, Enrique Cerezo, said the Spain striker's "place is with Chelsea". (Marca,via ESPN)
- However, Chelsea will have to work to secure former striker Romelu Lukaku's signature once more, after Everton offered the 23-year-old £135,000 a week to stay at the club. (Daily Mirror)
- Real Madrid are prepared to offer £55.1m to secure the signature of Bayern Munich's 24-year-old Austria midfielder David Alaba. (AS)
- Madrid could allow Norwegian Martin Odegaard to join a Bundesliga club on loan, but the 17-year-old midfielder is hoping for a temporary switch to Liverpool. (Daily Mail)
- Jurgen Klopp will not allow midfielder Lucas Leiva, 29, to leave Liverpool until he has secured defensive cover for his injury-depleted backline. (Liverpool Echo)
- Roma are interested in reported Liverpool target and former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen, 30, currently at Barcelona. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
- Veteran Stoke striker Peter Crouch, 35, could move to Championship side Wolves in a bid for more first-team football. (Birmingham Mail)
- Aston Villa are prepared to allow 33-year-old centre-back Joleon Lescott to leave the club for free, with Leeds interested. (Telegraph)
- Defender Harry Maguire, 23, could hand in a transfer request to force through a £5m switch from Hull to fellow Premier League newcomers Middlesbrough. (Daily Mail)

Back to Stamford Bridge Lukaku ?

- Chelsea are willing to offer France striker Loic Remy, 29, plus a British record £65m for Everton's Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, 23. (Daily Mail)
- Everton are holding out for £75m for a player they only signed from Chelsea for £28m two years ago. (Sun)
- Lukaku is considering handing in an official transfer request in order to force through a return to Stamford Bridge.(London Evening Standard)

#Transfer Window

- Real Madrid may offer Newcastle two young players - probably Mariano Diaz, 23, and Marcos Llorente, 21 - on season-long loans as part of a deal for France midfielder Moussa Sissoko, 26.(Guardian)

Home sweet Home ?

- Bastian Schweinsteiger has been told there could be a place for him back at Bayern Munich if the former Germany midfielder, 32, leaves Manchester United. (Sky Sports)

Mario45 done at Liverpool fc says manager Klopp

- Serie A club Pescara have ended their pursuit of Liverpool's Italy striker Mario Balotelli, 25, who is expected to leave Anfield after being told by manager Jurgen Klopp he has no future at the club. (Talksport)

Pep still chasing John Stones#Transfer Window

- Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is determined to reach a compromise over £50m-rated Everton defender John Stones, who is his top target, though the Toffees insist there remains "a significant gap" between the two clubs over the fee for the England international. (Daily Mirror)

#Transfer Window

- Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez, 25, has agreed a move to Arsenal, according to reports in his native Algeria. (Le Buteur - in French)

#Transfer Window

MAN CITY SIGN GABRIEL JESUS
Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras.
Gabriel Jesus is recognised as one of South America’s most exciting talents and he was named “best newcomer” in the 2015 Serie A Campeonato.

The 19-year old has signed for Manchester City FC despite strong interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. He will join the team in January 2017, with a contract that runs until the end of the 2020/21 season. He will remain at Palmeiras until December 2016.

Jesus said: "Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world so I'm really pleased to sign.

"We have many great talents in the team and a fantastic manager in Pep Guardiola that I can learn so much from.

"I'm looking forward to showing the City fans what I can do and I think we'll have a great future together!"

City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: "We are delighted that Gabriel has chosen to join us. He is one of the most exciting young prospects in world football and plays the game in a spectacular way. We look forward to him making a big impact at Manchester City in January."

Jesus is a versatile forward who can play anywhere across the front three – he possesses a low centre of gravity, an explosive turn of pace and fleet tricky feet making him a master of one-on-one situations as well as perfectly cast in the mould of the quintessential Brazilian striker.

Kicking off his amateur career at Associação Atlética Anhanguera six years ago, Gabriel went on to join Palmeiras in 2012 where he made a name for himself with a phenomenal 54 goals in 48 matches at youth level.

Unsurprisingly, a senior call-up wasn’t far away with Gabriel appearing for the first time on 7 March 2015 in the Campeonato Paulista, coming on in the 73rd minute of a 1–0 win over CA Bragantino at Allianz Parque.

His first professional goal soon followed away to Agremiação Sportiva Arapiraquense on 15 July 2015, the only goal of the two-legged tie.

Since, Jesus has netted 26 goals in 67 first team games for Palmeiras, his goalscoring ratio improving with each passing month of his fledgling career.

Gabriel has represented the Seleção at u20 and u23 level, scoring eight goals in ten games at international youth level. He is currently preparing for the summer Olympics on home soil where, together with Neymar, it’s hoped he will fire the team to the only major honour missing from Brazil’s collection.

Legendary striker Ronaldo is a fan, declaring: “I am betting on two great talents that are still developing but already show a lot of skill: Santos’ Gabigol and Palmeiras’ Gabriel Jesus. And they haven’t even turned 20 yet.”

City reportedly beat off competition from some of the continent’s biggest clubs to land his signature and so supporters will be eagerly awaiting his touchdown in Manchester in January.

One thing is for sure… City fans will now be keeping an especially close eye on Brazil’s progress in Rio this summer.

Jesus becomes City’s sixth signing of summer 2016, joining Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Aaron Mooy at the club.

Transfer Window

AS| Real Madrid return again for David Alaba with €65m bid.
Bayern Munich, who want €80m for the Austrian, have counterattacked by asking for PEPE to be thrown into the deal on top of the €65m offer.

Rooneys testimonial game important to Mourinho

- Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has told his players to treat Wayne Rooney's testimonial match against Everton on Wednesday like a Premier League game, amid concerns of being under-prepared with only two pre-season fixtures played this summer. (Daily Star)

Jese Rodriguez to PSG

- Paris St-Germain have agreed a fee of 25m euros with Real Madrid for Spanish winger Jese Rodriguez, 23.(Marca)