Thursday 1 August 2013

Manchester United fans made to pay for telly deal

MANCHESTER UNITED have been accused of fleecing their fans by becoming the first British club to make it pay-per-view to watch a game.

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, champions,Manchester United have bigged up the friendly as the return of Wayne Rooney
United will break new ground by making their friendly against AIK in Stockholm available only to those who dig deeper into their pockets.
The champions have already hyped up the August 6 clash as the return of Wayne Rooney from the hamstring injury that forced him out of their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East.
And now they are trying to cash in on their unsettled striker's comeback by charging £5.95 to watch the game online, which will also be aired on their own TV station.
One Twitter user speculated Malcolm Glazer would use the money to buy out Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid contractOne Twitter user speculated Malcolm Glazer would use the money to buy out Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid contract
“Pay-per-view for a friendly? Hahahahaha”
One Twitter user
The money-chasing venture ironically came on the day PFA chief Gordon Taylor The money-chasing venture ironically came on the day PFA chief Gordon Taylor claimed football was in danger of losing its soul. The Old Trafford outfit came under fire for the idea on Twitter.
Craig Cooper said: "Pay-per-view for a friendly? Hahahahaha."
Another fan said: "Pay-per-view? Don't you think you take enough out of our pockets?"
A third said: "Wohoo! Do we get a jumbotron at OT next?
"One suspects that Uncle Malcolm (Glazer) needs the money to buy out our Cristiano's contract at Real Madrid."
United claimed they were offering their 659 million global followers "one-off online access to live preseason match on any device".

Joey Barton would take huge paycut to join Everton

JOEY BARTON is prepared to take a big paycut to play for Everton, according to his agent Willie McKay.

Joey BartonJoey Barton would take a big hit on wages to join Everton
The QPR midfielder, 30, spent last season on loan at Marseille and appears to have no future at Loftus Road, especially on reported wages of £70,000 a week.
But his salary has put off the French club from making a move to sign him permanently and McKay is exploring other options in an attempt to find a new club.
Huyton-born Barton supported the Toffees as a boy and has this morning tweeted "Once a blue..".
McKay told talkSPORT: "Obviously his package with QPR is pretty big for Marseille's terms really.
Joey Barton spent last year at MarseilleJoey Barton spent last year at Marseille
“Fair play to him he said he would lose money to go to Everton”
Barton's agent Willie McKay
"Joey said there was only one club he would make a sacrifice for and it would be Everton and I made that call to Martinez.
"That is the club he loves. I have approached them and said Joey would love to have Everton on his CV.
"Fair play to him he said he would lose money to go to Everton - and not many professionals would do that."

PICTURE SPECIAL: Gareth Bale arrives at Tottenham training ground amid Madrid speculation

GARETH BALE pulled up at the Tottenham training ground this morning - and he looked anything but happy.

Gareth BaleGareth Bale is driven into training
Bale's got Real Madrid looking at signing him and he's on to bank a massive signing-on fee.
The 24-year-old Welsh wizard arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre in Enfield in a black Mercedes earlier today - but he may have played his last game in a Spurs shirt.
Real Madrid sporting director Zinedine Zidane has come out in support for the move, telling the Spanish media it wasn't surprising Bale was interested at the opportunity to play for Los Blancos.

Cardiff seal club record deal for Tottenham's Steven Caulker

CARDIFF have completed an £8.4m deal for Tottenham starlet Steven Caulker.

Steven Caulker has completed his move to Cardiff
The 21-year-old joins City on a four year deal having completed a medical on Wednesday.
The England international reiteredt his happiness at the deal taking him to the Welsh side, telling the club's offical webiste: "First and foremost I want to say how happy I am to have signed with Cardiff City Football Club.
"I’m delighted to be here and excited for this fresh challenge.
“Steven Caulker has completed his move to Cardiff”
"I spoke to the Gaffer yesterday, liked what he had to say and am excited about the plans he has for the Football Club.
"You get the sense of excitement from everybody at the Club in the build-up to the season’s kick-off at West Ham and I’m really looking forward to being part of it.
"I thank Tottenham for everything they’ve done for me, having been there since I was a kid. But I’m here to back myself up now and show what I can do.
"This is a fresh start, a new chapter and I’m here to kick on."
Caulker joins up with his new teammates on Thursday morning for training.

Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov interested in move to Juventus

ALEKSANDAR KOLAROV confirmed today that he is happy to stay at Manchester City but would be interested in a move to Italian giants Juventus if he is made available for transfer.

Kolarov wants to be part of the first-team this season
The Serbian international, who joined from Lazio in 2010, only started 11 Premier League games last season and was namely used when regular left-back Gael Clichy was unavailable.
Kolarov's role under new manager Manuel Pellegrini has not be specified and the defender did not rule out a move to the Serie A Champions.
"I'm happy at City and it is my intention to remain," the 27-year-old told Tuttosport.
The Serbian is flattered by the interest being shown by the Italian championsThe Serbian is flattered by the interest being shown by the Italian champions

Stoke's Jack Butland wants first-team shot

ENGLAND keeper Jack Butland will tell Mark Hughes he’s not prepared to play second fiddle at Stoke.

Jack Butland, Asmir Begovic, Chelsea, BirminghamJack Butland is not prepared to sit on the bench for Stoke this season
The 20-year-old’s hopes of the No.1 spot have gone up in smoke.
First-choice Asmir Begovic was expected to leave, paving the way for £6m January signing Butland to stake his claim.
But Begovic now looks set to stay after Liverpool plumped for Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet instead. That’s bad news for Butland, who will seek talks with Hughes.
“Butland saw out last season at Birmingham when he went back on loan as part of his Potters deal.”
Butland saw out last season at Birmingham when he went back on loan as part of his Potters deal.
He will press Hughes for another loan move rather than warm the bench.

Roy Hodgson to coach England Under-21s

ROY HODGSON will boss England Under-21s this month after the FA failed to appoint a successor to Stuart Pearce.

Roy hodgson, England, Under 21-s, Stuart PearceRoy Hodgson will take charge for the Under-21 friendly against Scotland at Bramall Lane on August 13
Hodgson will take charge for the friendly against Scotland at Bramall Lane on August 13.
He will then lead the senior team against the Scots at Wembley the following night.
The FA are still trying to replace Pearce, axed after the European Championship flop in Israel.
Stuart Pearce was sacked after a nightmare tournament in IsraelStuart Pearce was sacked after a nightmare tournament in Israel
“As a coach, nothing can beat the training field and the team hotel for getting to know players properly.”
Roy Hodgson
They are adamant a new man will be in place by September for the first qualifier of the 2015 Under-21 Euros.
Hodgson insists it will be good for him to look at the best youngsters.
He said: “As a coach, nothing can beat the training field and the team hotel for getting to know players properly.”

Stevan Jovetic starts in Manchester City win over Milan

STEVAN JOVETIC insists there is still plenty more to come after he helped ­Manchester City to a ­stunning 5-3 friendly win over AC Milan.

Manchester City, AC Milan, Stevan Jovetic, David SilvaStevan Jovetic celebrates with David Silva and Edin Dzeko
The Montenegro striker made his first City start in the Audi Cup ­clash in Munich following his ­£22m arrival from Fiorentina.
And he looked sharp as Manuel ­Pellegrini’s side raced into a 5-0 lead at the Allianz Arena inside 35 minutes.
Jovetic, 23, came off at half-time as he eased himself into pre-season, but has promised fans he will be fully up to speed by August 19 when City open their Premier League campaign at home to Newcastle.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew refuses to pay over the odds

ALAN PARDEW has warned that Newcastle will not be held to ransom as they continue their pursuit of their striking targets.

Alan Pardew, Darren Bent, Newcastle, VillaAlan Pardew is refusing to be held to ransom over Newcastle's transfer targets
The Magpies hope to hold talks with Darren Bent’s advisers this week, while their offer for Lyon’s Bafetimbi Gomis remains on the table and they continue to investigate the possibility of a loan move for QPR’s Loic Remy.
Progress has been slow, with director of football Joe Kinnear as yet unable to deliver on his bullish promise of an early breakthrough following his appointment. But Pardew is hopeful of getting the men he wants – if the deal is right.
He said: “I’m not concerned about any of them slipping away. I think we are in the market still.
“We will pay what we think is the right price.”
Newcastle have consistently refused to budge on their valuation of a player since adopting a tried and tested approach to transfers, and have seen a series of potential signings go elsewhere as a result.
Newcastle are said to be keen on a move for Lyon forward Bafetimbi GomisNewcastle are said to be keen on a move for Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis
“We will pay what we think is the right price.”
Alan Pardew
Their offer for Gomis remains in place, despite Lyon rejecting their latest bid, while they have been encouraged in their quest to land Aston Villa’s Bent, although Fulham are also interested.
Remy turned down the chance to join the Toon in January, but suffered relegation with QPR.
There is little prospect of the club paying what they consider to be over the odds for players.
Newcastle are also in the market for Aston Villa frontman Darren BentNewcastle are also in the market for Aston Villa frontman Darren Bent
Pardew said: “We have always managed to get somebody over the line. I think we will this time.”
Pardew was at least able to welcome Papiss Cisse back into the fold as the Senegal striker’s returned from his exile and scored in a 2-0 friendly win at St Mirren on Tuesday.
It was Muslim Cisse’s first outing since he agreed to end his boycott of their Wonga-sponsored shirt on religious grounds.
Joe Kinnear has so far failed to deliver any new signings for the ToonJoe Kinnear has so far failed to deliver any new signings for the Toon

Bafetimbi Gomis to call Tyne on Lyon

NEWCASTLE are closing in on Bafetimbi Gomis after the striker claimed he had agreed terms on a move to Tyneside.

Gomis, James, personalBafetimbi Gomis says he has agreed personal terms at St James' Park
But the unsettled France star is at loggerheads with Lyon, calling on them to lower their asking price ­after they turned down a £7m bid.
Gomis has put the blame for the ­delay on Lyon, who want £9m plus up to £2m in add-ons for their prize asset, who has 12 months left on his deal.
The 27-year-old claims to have agreed terms – believed to be about £45,000 a week – to join Newcastle ­after sounding out some of the French contingent at St James’ Park.
Alan Pardew is looking to strengthen his attacking optionsAlan Pardew is looking to strengthen his attacking options
“Newcastle will not increase their £7m offer for the big target man”
Newcastle will not increase their £7m offer for the big target man, and are prepared to tough it out even if it means going down to the wire.
Meanwhile, Toon’s out-of-favour ­midfielder Mehdi Abeid is set to join Greek side Panathinaikos on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old has made just three senior appearances since joining from Lens in 2011.
Tim Krul is on the verge of a comeback three months after shoulder surgery. The Dutch keeper, who is set to play in next week’s friendly at ­Rangers, said: “It’s great to be back in full training and I’m looking ­forward to the game.”

Liverpool won't let Luis Suarez leave

UNHAPPY Luis Suarez will have no easy escape route from Liverpool after they insisted they won’t listen to any offers for their star striker.

Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Brendan RodgersLiverpool are adamant that Luis Suarez will not leave the club this summer
Manager Brendan Rodgers hammered home the message that the club will not be forced into selling the Uruguayan and said the player “totally understands” their stance.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected, the last one of £40m plus £1 which they felt would trigger a sale clause.
But Liverpool have always insisted that was not the case and are adamant all they had to do was inform the player of the approach.

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Real Madrid talks over Tottenham's Gareth Bale

REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed talks between the club and Tottenham for Gareth Bale are underway and hopes to find a quick solution to the transfer.

What Bale would look like decked out in his new strip
The Spanish giants are looking to secure a world record £95m cash-plus-player deal, after the 24-year-old told Spurs he wanted to leave for the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti now wants a quick solution to the deal which would involve Madrid's young striker Alvaro Morata moving to White Hart Lane.
"It's hard to talk about Bale as a player of Madrid, lets see what happens. I am very happy with the squad and with the work we rare doing," the former AC Milan and Chelsea manager said.
The Welshman is now set to leave Premier League and join Madrid and La LigaThe Welshman is now set to leave Premier League and join Madrid and La Liga
Bale was sensational for Tottenham last season as the club missed out on a Champions League placeBale was sensational for Tottenham last season as the club missed out on a Champions League place
The 24-year-old is all set for his move after telling Tottenham he wanted to leave the club yesterdayThe 24-year-old is all set for his move after telling Tottenham he wanted to leave the club yesterday
“The club is talking right now to find a solution to the case of Bale”
Carlo Ancelotti
He added: "I've never talked to Bale because they usually do not talk to players from another team and now we would just talk to him."
Spurs' boss Andre Villas-Boas had insisted throughout the summer that the Welsh international, who scored 21 times in the Premier League last season, would not be sold.
However attempts to convince the winger to remain at the club were left in tatters yesterday when Bale informed chairman Daniel Levy and Villas-Boas he wanted to move to the Spanish capital.
The deal to bring the former Southampton player Los Blancos will smash the £80m fee paid to Manchester United for Cristian Ronaldo in 2009.
The Italian confirmed today talks are underway to bring Bale to the clubThe Italian confirmed today talks are underway to bring Bale to the club
Former Tottenham player Luka Modric will not be part of any dealFormer Tottenham player Luka Modric will not be part of any deal
But the Real Madrid manager rejected any idea that former Spurs' player Luka Modric would be a makeweight in any deal for Bale.
"All players are working well, we have not discussed anything about outputs, so it is not true about Modric.
"He is a player very important to us. Modric will play with us this season.
"The club is talking right now to find a solution to the case of Bale."

Thursday Transfer Zone: Ancelotti in Bale talks as Liverpool tell Suarez he is staying


Carlo Ancelotti confirms talks over Gareth Bale as Liverpool say Luis Suarez will not be allowed to leave the club.

The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager wants Bale at Madrid
But they are edging closer .
understands that he will not be allowed to leave.
West Brom have scrapped a move for  as they eye up a move for.
Sunderland are interested in signing .

Barcelona ready to test Liverpool over defender Daniel Agger

BARCELONA are readying a bid for Liverpool defender Daniel Agger as new manager Gerardo Martino looks to strengthen his side's defence.

Agger is wanted by new Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino
Agger, who joined the Reds from Danish side Brondby in 2006, only signed a new two-year extension to his current contract in October of last year.
Even though the 28-year-old is contracted until 2016, reports in Spain and Denmark suggest that Martino is weighing up an offer for the defender.
The Danish international came close to joining Barcelona last summer, until a change of heart from former manager Tito Vilanova scuppered the transfer.
Agger has been a key figure since joining Liverpool in 2006 for £6mAgger has been a key figure since joining Liverpool in 2006 for £6m

Tottenham's Gareth Bale heading for £95m Real Madrid move as he arrives back for training

TOTTENHAM are ready to sanction a giant £95m cash-plus-player deal after Gareth Bale told them he’s desperate to join Real Madrid.

gareth bale, tottenham, transferGareth Bale arrives for Spurs training
The Welsh wonder has convinced Spurs they have to let him leave and move to the Bernabeu.
And boss Andre Villas-Boas is now willing to sanction a world record deal involving £85m in cash and Real’s exciting young striker Alvaro Morata, 20.
Spurs conducted talks with Bale at the club’s training ground in a last-ditch attempt to get him to stay.
But the north Londoners were clearly told by the 24-year-old that he wants to sign for the Spanish giants.
The Welsh wonder has convinced Spurs they have to let him leaveThe Welsh wonder has convinced Spurs they have to let him leave
Spurs conducted talks with Bale at the club’s training ground in an attempt to make him staySpurs conducted talks with Bale at the club’s training ground in an attempt to make him stay
“Spurs were clearly told by Welsh wizard Bale that he wants to sign for the Spanish giants”
Villas-Boas has now identified Morata, previously linked with a £10m move to Liverpool, as the player he wants to bring to White Hart Lane.
Spurs had hoped to convince Bale they have big ambitions and plan to make key signings in an effort to become a major Premier League force.
But Bale let them know in no uncertain terms he has his heart set on a dream move to Madrid.
Chairman Daniel Levy is now expected to thrash out a mega-money deal and wants cash plus Morata.
Spurs had hoped to convince Bale they have big ambitions and plan to make key signingsSpurs had hoped to convince Bale they have big ambitions and plan to make key signings
Spurs want have targetted La Liga player Alvaro Morata as part of the dealSpurs want have targetted La Liga player Alvaro Morata as part of the deal
Morata’s growing reputation in Spain was enhanced when he was selected in the starting line-up for Real in El Clasico against Barcelona in March.
The 6ft 2ins forward set up Karim Benzima for the opening goal in a 2-1 win and has been tipped for big things in Spain.
Real president Florentino Perez has been keen to keep hold of top emerging talent, but is likely to let Morata leave now he has the chance to land Bale.

Tottenham set to seal record deal for Valencia striker Roberto Soldado

TOTTENHAM have announced that they have reached an agreement with Valencia over the transfer of striker Roberto Soldado.

Soldado is on his way to White Hart Lane in a record deal
The 28-year-old will break the club's transfer record in a deal worth €30m subject to the former Real Madrid player passing a medical.
Soldado's arrival at White Hart Lane will see manager Andre Villas-Boas smash the club record deal for a second time following the £17m signing of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho earlier this month.
The Spanish international made 46 appearances for Valencia last term scoring 30 goals as he helped his side qualify for the Europa League.

Manchester United target Claudio Marchisio refuses to rule out move to Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED target Claudio Marchisio is not ruling out a move to the Premier League champions and feels flattered by the interest by a number of Europe's elite clubs.

Marchisio is flattered by interest from the English champions
The 27-year-old has been a constant performer for Juventus and new United manager David Moyes is a known admirer of the Italian international.
And though Marchisio currently wants to bring more success to the Serie A champions, he refused to commit his long term future to the club.
"For the past seven years, my name has always come up when the transfer market was discussed," he told Tuttosport.

Secret government plan to FLOOD Kent

SECRET papers have revealed the Government wanted to deliberately flood Essex and Kent to save London being swamped by a tidal surge in the 70s and 80s.

thames barrier, flood, london, kent, essexThe shocking plan to flood Kent and Essex was sparked by the building of the Thames Barrier grounding to a halt
The shocking idea was a sparked by work on the Thames Barrier being stalled by strikes in Teesside, sparking fears the capital would be defenceless in a flood.
The Government believed weakened flood defences downstream would allow some water to affect low lying areas instead of the densely populated capital.
The documents admitted that such a drastic plan would cause 'major political difficulty' for the State.
The official documents, dated from July 25 1979 to December 22 1983, were retrieved from the National Archives state.
The secret papers incredibly noted that 'sensitive handling' was needed for the issue which they admitted would result in casualties.

British Gas plans to offer FREE electricity to customers

BRITISH Gas, having just warned of winter price hikes, is now planning to offer free electricity on Saturdays.

british gas, free electricity, centrica, profitsBritish Gas says the plans are in place to reduce demand on weekdays
The energy firm wants to cut demand on weekdays and has plans in place to offer the free power deal to their customers from the middle of next year.
A spokesman for Centrica said: "Our North American business offers a product for those customers in Texas who have a smart meter.
"We are looking to see whether we can introduce it into the UK for customers with a smart meter.
"Once we have trialled it, if it works then we could potentially offer it as a product for customers from the middle of next year."
One million homes in the UK and businesses already have smart meters installed, which automatically send readings to British Gas.
Centrica hopes the scheme will encourage households to use electrical appliances at the weekend, when industrial demand is lower.
“Once we have trialled it, if it works then we could potentially offer it as a product for customers from the middle of next year”
Centrica spokesman
However, the news is offset by hints that bills are set to rise AGAIN, despite the company profiting from the freezing cold winter and spring.
Earnings increased to £356 million during the first half of 2013, after raising tariffs by 6% at the end of last year.
Operating profits at Centrica were up 9% from £1.45 billion to £1.58 billion, but they would have been higher if they weren't held back by a new duty to pay for green measures in customers' homes.
And Centrica warned that the scheme, which has landed it with a £1.4 billion bill, would "inevitably impact on customer bills ultimately" and that it was facing "upward pressure on costs."
Finance director Nick Luff said: "We will keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can.
"If prices do have to go up, we will delay it for as long as possible."
He defended the £11 million increase in profits for British Gas, saying it represented just 70p per customer.

Prince William soothes royal baby George with Coldplay lullabies

kate, middleton, prince, william, royal, baby, wedding, birth, born, girl, boy, hospital, coldplay,Prince Wills is singing Coldplay hits to soothe baby George to sleep
New dad Wills took the drastic action as his son is waking him and Princess Kate six times a night.
But his Chris Martin impersonation has not gone down well with everyone.
A royal insider said: “William had no idea it would be this tough.
“Prince William is using a bizarre tactic of belting out Coldplay anthems at all hours of the night even though he can barely hold a note”
A royal insider
“He’s using a bizarre tactic of belting out Coldplay anthems at all hours of the night even though he can barely hold a note.
“It’s even keeping Kate’s parents awake.” The source added: “His favourite song is Paradise and he also loves doing Yellow.
“Coldplay aren’t even his favourite band, but George responds to their songs the most and settles back down.”
Wills and Kate, both 31, decamped to the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berks, the day after George was born last week.
The insider said: “Wills is shattered by the morning so he heads to bed for a couple of hours and Kate springs back into action along with her parents.”

'God bless you all.' Queen's TERRIFYING nuclear war speech revealed

AN astonishing top secret speech written for the Queen in the event of Britain being coming under attack from nuclear weapons has been revealed.

queen, nuclear war, nuclear bomb, speech, world war 3The Queen's speech was written to prepare the country for nuclear war
The speech just might have been the final words ever spoken by the Queen when the threat of World War 3 was at its peak in 1983.
With Britain feared to be on the brink of annihilation at the hands of a nuclear-armed Soviet Union, the Queen's secret speech urged her "brave country" to stand firm as it faced up to the "madness of war".
The dangers were "greater by far than at any time in our long history" and she appealed to the people to remember the qualities which saw them keep freedom alive through two world wars.
She continued: "As we strive together to fight off the new evil let us pray for our country and men of goodwill wherever they may be.
"May God bless you all."