WAYNE ROONEY STILL WANTS OUT

ABOVE: Wayne Rooney is still keen to leave Manchester United with Chelsea in pole position to land the Engl

WAYNE ROONEY still wants to quit Manchester United.

And Chelsea believe they are in pole position to land the unsettled £25m striker.
United boss David Moyes confirmed this week he has met Rooney "three or four times" to discuss his future.
Moyes has also stressed that £240,000-a-week hitman Rooney - who last night flew home from United's pre-season tour with a hamstring injury - is not for sale.
But, crucially, he has swerved the subject of whether Rooney is happy to stay at United.
And Starsport understands Moyes has yet to convince Rooney that his future lies at Old Trafford.
Moyes was expected to use the club's three-week pre-season to have further talks with the unsettled 27-year-old.
But those plans were scuppered when the club revealed last night that Rooney was coming home.
He suffered the injury in training and scans have revealed the full extent of the damage.
A statement said: "Following a scan on a hamstring injury sustained in training, it has been decided Wayne Rooney should return home for further assessment and rehabilitation."
He has been ruled out for a month meaning he will miss the Community Shield on August 11, the season opener against Swansea six days later and the England v Scotland friendly between those two games.

Manchester United look set to miss out on long-term target Thiago

Chelsea were confident they could tempt Rooney to Stamford Bridge when cracks first started to reappear in his relationship with ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season.
Their hopes of completing the swoop, despite interest from Arsenal, have only increased over the summer and the injury will make no difference to those plans.
They know he has made Chelsea his preferred destination if he quits United, as revealed in Starsport last month.
Moyes is set to go back to the drawing board in his search for midfield reinforcements with playmaker Thiago Alcantara poised to snub United.
Barcelona star Alcantara looks set to be reunited with former boss Pep Guardiola after the Bayern Munich coach declared his interest in the Spanish ace.
Moyes had hoped to wrap up a deal worth £17m for the Italianborn 22-year-old this week only for Guardiola to hijack the move.
"Thiago is the only player I want. It will be him or no one," Guardiola said.
"I don't think that will be a problem. I spoke to the club about my concept and told them why I want Thiago Alcantara."

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he is keen to sign Thiago Alcantara

Moyes will now turn his attention to Lazio's Antonio Candreva and could even revive attempts to persuade former Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid.
Candreva, 26, caught the eye of Moyes while on duty with Italy during the Confederations Cup although United face competition from Napoli for his signature.
The Scot's chances of landing Modric are less likely with new Real boss Carlo Ancelotti keen to make the Croatian maestro a key player in his plans.

MANUEL PELLEGRINI'S FAN-TASTIC CITY

ABOVE: Pellegrini has plans for Man City

MANCHESTER CITY have revealed plans to increase capacity at the Etihad to 60,000

The stadium currently holds around 47,500.

But the club intend to make a formal application for planning permission in December.

It is the latest evidence of the rapid growth of City on and off the field under their Abu Dhabi owners.

And if the work goes ahead, it would see new boss Manuel Pellegrini and his men playing in the third largest stadium in England.

JONJO SHELVEY'S SWANSEA MOVE IS JUST THE TICKET

ABOVE: Shelvey's lack of game time at Liverpool led him away from Anfield

I felt I wasn’t going to get the game-time there that I wanted and that Swansea could offer me that.

Jonjo Shelvey

13th July 2013

By Phil Cadden

JONJO SHELVEY believes his big-money move to Swansea can help provide a passport to the World Cup with England.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder won his only Three Lions cap in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino last October.

But his international hopes burn bright again after he joined Michael Laudrup’s men in a £5m deal last week.

And Shelvey, 21, hopes he can do well enough at the Liberty Stadium to impress England boss Roy Hodgson – his former manager at Anfield – and win a place at the finals in Brazil next summer.

Shelvey said: “If I play every week, I hope my performances will get recognised international-wise.

“It will be part of Swansea’s history when that happens as they’ve never had a current England international before so fingers crossed it can be me who does it.”

Shelvey quit Liverpool after boss Brendan Rodgers admitted he could not promise him regular first-team football at the end of a frustrating season which included just nine Premier League starts. 

The former Charlton starlet added: “It was tough to leave Liverpool because they are a great club with great history.

“To come away from a club like that was a big decision.

“But I felt I wasn’t going to get the game-time there that I wanted and that Swansea could offer me that.”

JERMAIN DEFOE FITS THE BILL

ABOVE: Defoe wants to make the England squad next year

In my position there are some fantastic forwards for England but the shirt is there for the taking

Defoe

JOSE MOURINHO: I WANT WAYNE ROONEY

ABOVE: Rooney is causing rifts between Moyes and Mourinho

JOSE MOURINHO has cranked up the pressure on David Moyes by admitting: I'd love to have Wayne Rooney at Chelsea

As revealed in Starsport yesterday, Chelsea are in pole position to sign the wantaway Manchester United striker.
United manager Moyes has been desperate to make clear his club have no intention of selling the unsettled England star.

 But Blues boss Mourinho confirmed his interest in the forward, saying: "You know me. It is not my character to speak to you with a little bit of hypocrisy.
"I always say what I think and, being fast and direct, I like him very much but I can say no more than that.
"He's a Manchester United player." Mourinho was speaking in Bangkok, where Chelsea are on tour.
United are also kicking off their build-up to the new season in the Thai capital.
And after Mourinho went public with his admiration for Rooney - who was sent home from United's tour with a hamstring injury - Moyes told the Special One to back off.
Asked Moyes said: "Unless I was speaking double Dutch, I have said, 'Wayne Rooney is not for sale'.
"People are entitled to talk about good players.
"I am being asked plenty about Wayne so I am sure Jose will be getting asked about lots of players as well.
"Wayne is a Manchester United player and will remain that."

NICKLAS BENDTNER ON RAISING HULL

ABOVE: Back on the market: Bendtner

Nicklas Bendtner is being lined-up for a move to Premier League new-boys Hull and a reunion with Tigers boss Steve Bruce.

Denmark international hit-man Bendtner is back on the market following the collapse of his £3m switch from Arsenal to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The deal fell through after the Bundesliga outfit refused to meet Bendtner’s £52,000-a-week pay demand.

Bruce has twice signed Bendtner, 25, on season-long loans – for Birmingham and Sunderland.

ARSENE WENGER TO RAISE BID FOR LUIS SUAREZ

ABOVE: Gunning for Luis: Arsenal was the liverpool goal ace

Wenger back for Kop ace ARSENE Wenger has hinted he is ready to make another offer for Luis Suarez

Arsenal had a £30m bid for the wantaway Liverpool striker rejected last week.
They are expected to step up their efforts to prise the Uruguayan away from Anfield by returning with an increased offer.
And Wenger (right) did little to quash the speculation by sidestepping talk about his interest in the Reds’ talisman.

He said: “Suarez? As you know the transfer period demands secrets and confidentiality so I can’t answer the question.”
Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also keen on Suarez along with the Gunners.
Madrid are the 26-year-old’s preferred destination.
And if they are forced to cave in and sell, the Reds would rather Suarez moved abroad.
But Suarez is now open to staying in England, having previously claimed he wants to leave.
Speaking to Talksport, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said: “Over the course of the last few months there has been a lot of speculation with Luis.
“But the fact is it remains the same – we value the player. He had a terrific season for us last year and showed his qualities.
“I’ve been in communication with him through texts and conversations on the phone and the situation is pretty much the same.
“He is a valued player. He is an absolute magician on the field.
“Luis is a real competitor, a real winner. He wants Liverpool to do well.
“But like every player, manager, and more importantly, every football club, they want to be working at the very highest level.
“He has got three years left on his contract, we don’t want to sell him and we hope everything will be fine for the summer.”

JOSE MOURINHO HINTS HE WANTS TO BEAT ARSENAL TO SIGN WAYNE ROONEY

ABOVE: Wayne Rooney is valued at around £25m

JOSE MOURINHO has admitted he is a big fan of Wayne Rooney - and hinted he wants to try and beat Arsenal to sign him.

The Manchester United star flew out of Bangkok hours before Chelsea arrived after scans revealed a hamstring injury will keep him out for a month.
It's led to some suggesting he's set to leave the club and, if he does, Chelsea are in pole position to sign him.
Rooney will cost around £25m and Mourinho suggested he would love to see Rooney at Stamford Bridge.
He said: "I cannot speak about players from other teams but you know me.

"I have always said what I think and I like the player very much.
"I cannot say more than that. He is fast and direct. I like him but he is a Manchester United player."
Arsenal had hoped to bring two of Rooney, Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain to the Emirates.

BRENDAN RODGERS TRYING TO CONVINCE LUIS SUAREZ TO TURN DOWN ARSENAL AND CHELSEA

ABOVE: Luis Suarez: Where will he end up?

BRENDAN RODGERS is holding crunch talks with Luis Suarez to try and convince him to stay at Liverpool.

Suarez, 26, has made clear he wants to leave Anfield in a series of interviews over the summer.
Real Madrid are favourites to sign the Uruguayan while Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with moves.
Rodgers told talkSPORT: "Over the course of the last few months and towards the end of the season there has been a lot of speculation with Luis.
"But the fact is it remains the same - we value the player. He had a terrific season for us last year and showed his qualities.
"Since then I've been in communication with him through texts and conversations on the phone and it [the situation] is pretty much the same.
"He is a valued player. He is an absolute magician on the field."
Suarez netted 30 goals last season and signed a four-year contract extension in August.
Liverpool value their prized asset at around £40m.

Rodgers added: "Luis is a real competitor, a real winner.
"He wants Liverpool to do so well but, like every player, every manager, and more importantly every football club, they want to be working at the very highest level.
"At the minute he is on a break, he is relaxing with his family.
"We are in constant communication. He has got three years left on his contract, we don't want to sell him, and we hope everything will be fine for the summer.
"We want to bring in few more players to reinforce the group and we think we can put up a real fight next season."

ARSENAL TARGET GONZALO HIGUAIN WILLING TO STAY AT REAL MADRID

ABOVE: Gonzalo Higuain had said he wanted to leave Real Madrid

ARSENAL could miss out on their No.1 transfer target Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain was set to join the Gunners for £23m but the move still hasn't been finalised.
And now the Real Madrid striker is willing to stay at the Bernabeu, according to reports in Spain.
Real Madrid have three days left before the start of the pre-season and Higuain will more than likely participate in the first training session.

The Argentine will also undergo the customary medical check-ups and, if nothing else changes in the immediate future, looks set to play the first three games, Spanish newspaper Marca report.
From looking destined for the Emirates, Higuain now accepts that there is a strong chance he will form part of Carlo Ancelotti's team.
There are also clear-the-air talks planned between Higuain and Real president Florentino Perez.

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER CITY BID FOR MARQUINHOS HITS THE BUFFERS

ABOVE: Roma haven't let Marquinhos talk to interested parties

BRAZILIAN teen sensation Marquinhos looks set to stay at Roma despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.

The 19-year-old Roma centre-half has only been in Italy a year since leaving Corinthians but has attracted rave reviews for his assured performances.
The world's big boys including Barcelona and Paris St-Germain were looking at him, while Manuel Pellegrini was also weighing up a move.
But Marquinhos' representative Giuliano Bertolucci says he's going nowhere.

He told Sky Sport Italia: "It's a natural thing that there is a lot of interest in him, but at the moment no official offers have arrived.
"Roma have not allowed us to talk to anyone.
"The player has a contract for four seasons with Roma and he will surely stay.
"I can confirm I was in Barcelona, but it happened a long time ago and Marquinhos is not my only client."

REAL MADRID READY TO BATTLE ARSENAL FOR SEVILLA ACE

ABOVE: Seville ace Geoffrey Kondogbia

ARSENAL will have to battle Real Madrid for the signature of Geoffrey Kondogbia.

The La Liga giants look to have secured Real Sociedad star Asier Illarramendi after having issues over the player's personal terms.
But if the deal does in fact collapse due to niggling contract issues, Madrid will move in to secure the talented 20-year-old.
According to Spanish paper Marca, the Spanish giants have already started personal negotiations with the Under-20s starlet and could be snapped up whenever needed. 

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is busy this transfer window hunting for an accomplished defensive midfielder, with the club unable to fill that space in the squad currently.
Reports emerged earlier this week that Kondogbia could be London bound if a deal could be struck for the former Lens man.
Sevilla are in the middle of a fierce battle to try to retain the services of their best players after they failed to qualify for Europe.

EVERTON PULL THE PLUG ON VICTOR MOSES DEAL

ABOVE: Chelsea star Victor Moses

EVERTON have ended their interest in bringing Chelsea star Victor Moses to Goodison Park this summer.

The arrival of £18m winger Andre Schurrle put question marks over the 22-year-old featuring at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho And the return of Romelu Lukaku from loan at West Brom offers more attacking options.
Martinez reluctantly sold Moses to Chelsea when manager of Wigan, having signed him from Crystal Palace for around £3.5m.
But according to the liverpool Echo, a deal to reunite the two former Latics employees have now been halted.

Everton were angling for a loan deal but aren't ready to facilitate an £8m bid for the player this summer.
The Nigerian international made a good start to his Blues career, scoring 10 goals in 43 appearances.
Martinez looks determinded to strengthen the squad in all departments, having signed Arouna Kone, Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu, Antonlin Alcaraz, and keeper Joel Robles.

ARSENAL WEIGHING UP AUDACIOUS BID FOR NEWCASTLE STAR TIM KRUL

ABOVE: Newcastle star Tim Krul

ARSENAL could make a shocking bid to bring Newcastle star Tim Krul to North London.

The Gunners' interest has increased since their proposed deal to bring QPR keeper Julio Cesar to the Emirates was trounced by Italian giants Napoli.
The Serie A outfit are close to securing the Brazilian international on a season-long loan, which led to Arsene Wenger turning his focus to Krul.
The 33-year-old was told by the West London outfit he could leave following their relegation from the Premier League.

And according to reports in Holland, will look at testing Newcastle's resolve by offering £6m for the 25-year-old.
Krul will provide massive competition with Polish duo Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski for the no.1 shirt.
Arsenal recently parted company with Italian shot stopper Vito Mannone, who joined Sunderland to help make room for a fresh set of safe hands.

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE WOULD TURN DOWN CHELSEA TO JOIN SPURS

ABOVE: Christian Benteke's goals helped keep Aston Villa in the Premier League

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE would snub a move to Chelsea in order to join Tottenham.

Chelsea could be poised to offer Aston Villa Demba Ba plus cash to try and lure 22-year-old Benteke to Stamford Bridge.
Villa boss Paul Lambert wants the Senegalese international if he does lose Benteke, who is valued at around £25m.
But the giant Belgian international may put a stop to that because they are not his club of choice.

He knows he could spend a long time on the bench there and he wants regular first-team football in a bid to lead the attack for Belgium at next year's World Cup.
Benteke is more hopeful of getting that at Spurs but the arrival of £17m Paulinho could stop the deal going through.
Lambert yesterday told Benteke he had a week to get his head right and decide his future lies.

REAL MADRID BEAT ARSENAL TO £34M MAN ASIER ILLARRAMENDI

ABOVE: Asier Illarramendi starred for Spain at the European U21 Championship

ARSENAL'S hopes of signing Asier Illarramendi are over after Real Madrid agreed a £34m deal with Real Sociedad.

The Gunners showed an interest in the 23-year-old Spanish star but Madrid have blown them out the water.
Sociedad today announced that Real would pay a release clause, understood to be £33.6m, to take Higuain to the Bernabeu.
The two clubs had been in negotiations regarding a fee for a player Madrid believe to be the long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso in a defensive midfield role.

A Madrid statement read: "Real Madrid have signed Asier Illarramendi, who is now tied to the club for the next six seasons.
"The player will be presented tomorrow after undergoing the relevant medical tests.

NORWICH PIP LIVERPOOL TO AJAX STAR TOBY ALDERWEIRELD

ABOVE: Ajax star Toby Alderweireld

NORWICH look to have beaten Liverpool to the signing of Ajax star Toby Alderweireld.

According to Belgian newspaper nieuwsblad, the Canaries have pipped the Reds to the 24-year-old's signature, having agreed a deal with the Dutch outfit.
It is now believed Norwich will have to around pay £7m for the versatile defender.
Liverpool were thought to be close to bringing the exciting Belgian to Anfield and could still be in with a chance after he revealed he wasn't keen on moving to a mid-level Premier League side.

He said: "I do not want to play in an English club to mid-table.
Norwich have been busy this summer, having already recruited Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Javier Garrido, Nathan Redmond, Martin Olsson and Carlo Nash.
Other clubs thought to be keeping tabs on the young star is Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle, who are all looking to strengthen their backlines.

EVERTON TO MISS OUT ON AC MILAN BOUND KEISUKE HONDA

ABOVE: Japanese international Keisuke Honda

EVERTON look to have lost their chance in securing Japanese international Keisuke Honda.

According to new reports in Italy, the San Siro side have reached an agreement to sign the attacking midfielder in January.
The Italian giants will still attempt to try and bring the 27-year-old to Serie A this summer if a deal can be worked out with Russian outfit CSKA Moscow.
Honda was thought to be keen on joining his international team-mate Shinji Kagawa in the top flight, having helped the Army Men to championship triumph last season.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez will now have to turn his attentions to new targets, with concerns being raised about the future of Goodison Park's star player, Marouane Fellaini.
AC Milan's vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed the news, telling the media: "I strongly wish that Honda could arrive at Milan during the January window."
"If he isn't able to play in the Champions League, he will be like Balotelli, who arrived in January and didn't play in the Champions League."

MANCHESTER CITY STAR PABLO ZABALETA REVEALS INTER MILAN AMBITIONS

ABOVE: Manchester City star Pablo Zabaleta

MANCHESTER CITY'S Pablo Zabaleta has revealed his desire to play in Serie A.

The 28-year-old has become a stalwart for the Citizens in recent years but has revealed he'd like to try his hand at one of Italy's biggest clubs.
And with new manager Manuel Pellegrini promising to bring major changes to the squad it seems Zabaleta could be ready to move if securing first team football becomes an issue.
he told SportItalia: "Serie A is a major championship."

"It's certainly a League I'd like to play in.
"A team? I consider Fiorentina to be an interesting team. I have always liked them since the days of Batistuta.
"Juventus, Milan and Inter are big clubs though."
Other defensive names to be linked to summer moves is Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott, with Arsenal and Everton being mooted as possible suitors.

TOM INCE TURNS DOWN CHANCE TO JOIN CARDIFF FROM BLACKPOOL

ABOVE: Blackpool star Tom Ince

TOM INCE has declined the offer to join Premier League new boys Cardiff.

According to Wales Online, the former Liverpool striker turned down the opportunity, after stating he wanted more time to ponder the move last Friday.
The Bluebirds and the Seasiders agreed a deal worth £8m last week.
But now Tom will stay with his father Paul at Bloomfield Road, for the time being.

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay revealed his hopes about the deal last week, saying: "I can only say from the chat we had, we had a very amicable, friendly chat
"They asked me a lot of questions about where his career could go forward, where I see him in terms of the type of player he is and what's going on here.
"He was certainly very impressed by the stadium, training ground and the city in general during our conversation and the plans for Cardiff City going forward."

ARSENE WENGER HINTS AT 'SECRET' LUIS SUAREZ DEAL DURING ARSENAL TOUR

ABOVE: Liverpool star Luis Suarez

As you know the transfer period demands secrets and confidentiality

Arsene Wenger

12th July 2013

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger declined to chat about the club's attempts to tempt Luis Suarez from Liverpool.

Speaking in Jakarta during the Gunners' pre-season Asian tour, the 63-year-old revealed he needed to stay coy about any planned swoops for players during the summer window.
The North London team will be playing an Indonesian Dream Team, a Vietnamese XI, Japanese clubs Nagoya Grampus and Urawa Red Diamonds during their two-week trip.
Wenger seemed to hint there could be more movement in regards to Suarez as he declined to speak about any 'confidential' deals before the new season kicks off.

He said during the press conference: "As you know the transfer period demands secrets and confidentiality, so I can't answer the question."
It's believed Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is holding crunch talks with the forward to try and convince him to stay at Liverpool.
But Arsenal are believed to be pushing on with their bid to land the Uruguayan international, having already had a £30m offer for him rejected.

WAYNE ROONEY STILL WANTS OUT

ABOVE: Wayne Rooney is still keen to leave Manchester United with Chelsea in pole position to land the Engl

Thiago is the only player I want

Pep Guardiola

12th July 2013

By Adrian Kajumba

Your Shout ( 0 )

WAYNE ROONEY still wants to quit Manchester United.

And Chelsea believe they are in pole position to land the unsettled £25m striker.
United boss David Moyes confirmed this week he has met Rooney "three or four times" to discuss his future.
Moyes has also stressed that £240,000-a-week hitman Rooney - who last night flew home from United's pre-season tour with a hamstring injury - is not for sale.
But, crucially, he has swerved the subject of whether Rooney is happy to stay at United.
And Starsport understands Moyes has yet to convince Rooney that his future lies at Old Trafford.
Moyes was expected to use the club's three-week pre-season to have further talks with the unsettled 27-year-old.
But those plans were scuppered when the club revealed last night that Rooney was coming home.
He suffered the injury in training and scans have revealed the full extent of the damage.
A statement said: "Following a scan on a hamstring injury sustained in training, it has been decided Wayne Rooney should return home for further assessment and rehabilitation."
He has been ruled out for a month meaning he will miss the Community Shield on August 11, the season opener against Swansea six days later and the England v Scotland friendly between those two games.

Manchester United look set to miss out on long-term target Thiago

Chelsea were confident they could tempt Rooney to Stamford Bridge when cracks first started to reappear in his relationship with ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season.
Their hopes of completing the swoop, despite interest from Arsenal, have only increased over the summer and the injury will make no difference to those plans.
They know he has made Chelsea his preferred destination if he quits United, as revealed in Starsport last month.
Moyes is set to go back to the drawing board in his search for midfield reinforcements with playmaker Thiago Alcantara poised to snub United.
Barcelona star Alcantara looks set to be reunited with former boss Pep Guardiola after the Bayern Munich coach declared his interest in the Spanish ace.
Moyes had hoped to wrap up a deal worth £17m for the Italianborn 22-year-old this week only for Guardiola to hijack the move.
"Thiago is the only player I want. It will be him or no one," Guardiola said.
"I don't think that will be a problem. I spoke to the club about my concept and told them why I want Thiago Alcantara."

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he is keen to sign Thiago Alcantara

Moyes will now turn his attention to Lazio's Antonio Candreva and could even revive attempts to persuade former Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid.
Candreva, 26, caught the eye of Moyes while on duty with Italy during the Confederations Cup although United face competition from Napoli for his signature.
The Scot's chances of landing Modric are less likely with new Real boss Carlo Ancelotti keen to make the Croatian maestro a key player in his plans.

David Moyes may even be tempted to move for Real Madrid star Luka Modric, formerly of Spurs, in a bit to bolster United's midfield

LIVERPOOL IN POLE POSTION FOR CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN AMID TOTTENHAM INTEREST

ABOVE: Dutch league star Christian Eriksen

Yes, we are still in dialogue with certain clubs

Martin Schoots

12th July 2013

By Gary Jones

Your Shout ( 0 )

LIVERPOOL are closing on Dutch league star Christian Eriksen, but are now facing competition from Roma.

According to Danish daily Ekstra Bladet, sources at Ajax have revealed both clubs are now approaching the negotiations stage, but haven't registered formal bids as of yet.
Eriksen has recently revealed he'll stick with his current club and sign a new deal if there are no other attractive offers on the table.
Speculation surrounding the midfielder's future has heated up recently with both Manchester United and Tottenham keeping tabs on the situation.

And Eriksen's agent revealed that there was plenty of interest in his client earlier this week.
He said: "Yes, we are still in dialogue with certain clubs and it will always be like that with a player such as Christian," said Martin Schoots.
"At present it is difficult to say whether this contract will result in a transfer, so we will not speculate about it now.
Eriksen's deal with the Eredivisie outfit expires next summer.

MANCHESTER UNITED TO MISS OUT ON THIAGO ALCâNTARA AS BAYERN DIRECTOR GIVES DEAL THE OKAY

ABOVE: Spanish international Thiago Alcântara in action

12th July 2013

By Gary Jones

MANCHESTER UNITED fans could be left disappointed today after Bayern Munich's deal to bring Thiago Alcântara to Germany was given the green light by the club's sporting director.

According to German paper Bild, Matthias Sammer has backed new boss Pep Guardiola over his attempt to secure the 22-year-old's signature.
He said: "There is no problem, but for now I will not say anything about it."
It will be a bitter blow to the Premier League champs who looked to have secured the young starlet last week.
The Champions League winners wil reportedly pay the buyout clause of £15.5m.

The highly-rated Spain Under-21 star has decided he needs to quit the Nou Camp in order to increase his chances of making next summer's World Cup.
Pep Guardiola had repeatedly denied he had any desire to sign players from Barcelona until he revealed his intentions to pursue Alcântara on Thursday.
"Yes," Guardiola said when asked during a press conference if he was interested in Thiago.
"I don't know what's going to happen. We have to wait but I know him very well. He is a super, super player. He can play in three, four or five positions."

Olamide Is First Nigerian Ambassador for CIROC

According to a source Olamide has signed a multimillion Naira endorsement deal with alcoholic drink Ciroc Ultra Premium vodka and will become the first Nigerian ambassador for the alcoholic beverage.
Inside sources stated that the deal has been signed and sealed already. "The money had to be sent in three parts, that’s how huge it is", an insider said.
Ciroc, produced and distributed by Diageo is looking at promoting their brand in West Africa after launching in 2011.
By signing Olamide as ambassador, Ciroc is adopting the similar marketing model practised in the US; the likes of French Montana, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Ray Jay, Funkmaster Flex are all ambassadors for the drink.

Flavor of History: 46-Yr-Old Chicken Feet Anger Public

A food scandal involving somewhat ancient chicken feet, some of which were 46 years old, is creating a stir among netizens across China.

Police in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, said they had confiscated more than 20 metric tons of low-quality and long-expired chicken feet from a frozen meat warehouse this weekend.
Chicken feet, or fengzhao, are a popular delicacy. They are often served as a cold dish and eaten with beer.
One post criticizing the warehouse on Sina Weibo, a popular Chinese site that is similar to Twitter, has been forwarded more than 6,000 times.
Netizens also coined a new term jiangshi fengzhao, or zombie chicken feet to vent their outrage, while others said sarcastically that they might "have a flavor of history".
Most of the chicken feet were illegally imported from foreign countries into Guangxi's border cities such as Fangchenggang, said Li Jianmin, deputy director of the public security detachment with Fangchenggang's public security bureau.
"Some illegal businessmen will import uninspected frozen food, like chicken feet, and have them processed in local food workshops or small plants before selling them to vendors across China," Li said.
The smuggled products contain lots of bacteria and blood. Importers, he added, usually soak them in hydrogen peroxide, a banned food addictive in the country, to extend the chicken feet's shelf life and give them a healthy, bright appearance.
Li said those involved in the latest food scandal will be severely punished. Staff at Guangxi Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said diseases, such as the H7N9 strain, can be transmitted in uninspected frozen foods because bacteria can live in low temperatures for a long period of time.
He added that the waste discharged from these workshops or plants also heavily pollutes the environment.
Since 2012, Fangchenggang police have busted seven cases involving illegally imported chicken feet that have a total value exceeding 20 million yuan ($3.3 million), according to official statistics.
These rampant underground businesses are merely trying to make a profit, adding that a ton of chicken feet would probably yield 15,000 yuan in profit.
Police in Fangchenggang and other border cities in Guangxi have recently tightened controls and inspections of imported goods.
They have also worked to quarantine illegal frozen foods. Any illegally imported food will be destroyed or returned to the exporter in accordance with the law.
Liu Xiaoling, a professor at the Light Industry and Food Engineering Department at Guangxi University, said the scandal is yet another indicator of the questionable food quality in the country.
The government, she added, should have stricter measures to avoid potential public health problems.
"China has formulated laws and regulations in the food industry, but they have yet to be improved," she said.
Government bodies should do a better job of publicizing food safety information to make more people aware of the problems.
"The media should also keep a close eye on the government and on the food industry to improve China's food safety," Liu said.

Shot Pakistan Schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai Addresses UN

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban, has told the United Nations that books and pens scare extremists, as she urged education for all.

Speaking on her 16th birthday, Malala said efforts to silence her had failed.

She was shot in the head on a school bus by Taliban gunmen because of her campaign for girls' rights.
The speech at the UN headquarters in New York was her first public address since last October's incident in Pakistan's north-western Swat valley.
After the shooting Malala was flown from Pakistan to the UK for treatment, and now lives in Birmingham, England.
Amid a standing ovation, Malala told the forum that the Taliban's attack had only made her more resolute.

Latest figures show Pakistan has the second highest number of children out of school in the world.

"Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, courage and fervour was born," she said. The extremists were, and they are, afraid of books and pens," Malala added. "They are afraid of women."
She continued, "I speak not for myself but for those without a voice."

Homeless Man Serves House Arrest On Pavement

A serial offender has been sentenced to house arrest by a Milan court – even though he is homeless.
At dusk every evening police arrive at the same spot, 22 Via Vittor Pisani, in front of the city’s Stazione Centrale, to ensure 48-year-old convict Domenico Codispoti is tucked up in – or, in the sweltering mid-summer heat, on – his sleeping bag on the pavement.
Codispoti, whose criminal record includes attempted robbery, petty theft and drug dealing, is obliged to stay put until 7am the next morning.
“I have always done my stealing at night,” he said.
That’s why the court gave me this sentence. Since I don’t have a house, there was no other solution. During the night I can’t move.”
The unusual form of incarceration was first imposed on Codispoti in 2006, when he was sentenced to two years of surveillance and house arrest.
But following further convictions, his sentence has been extended. He has now been ordered to sleep on the same bit of pavement until April next year.
“Once I went off to urinate but a police patrol arrived and stopped me.” He was accused of trying to escape house arrest and his sentence extended.
“I asked to go to jail,” he said. “At least there is a bed, a hot meal, and water to wash. But I’m not allowed.”
Codispoti once ran a bar in Tolmezzo, in the remote north-east Friuli area of Italy.
But after becoming addicted to drugs he lost his job and came to Milan as a vagrant and began a life of petty crime.

PHOTOS: 7 Die, 14 Injured In Lagos Building Collapse

Photos from the building that collapsed in Ebute Metta Lagos.

VIDEO: Soldiers Detained 5-Yr-Old Boy

Israel Defense Forces soldiers earlier this week were videotaped detaining a five-year-old Palestinian boy in Hebron, after he allegedly threw a stone at an Israeli car on Tuesday.

Scroll down for video
The video, shot by Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem, shows soldiers from the Givati Brigade stationed in the West Bank city detaining Wa’adi Maswada, aged five years and nine months.
In the video, one of the soldiers is heard asking the boy, “Where is daddy?”
Several local residents try to speak to the soldiers and deter them from proceeding with the arrest.
One of the soldiers then tells them [in English], “He’s a child, eh?… No, but he threw it.”
Another soldier says to the boy and the crowd, “Get over here, don’t set me off.”
A Palestinian teenager takes the child by his hand and leads him off to the side.
The whole time the 5-year-old can be heard crying.
Six soldiers can be seen gathering around the two, as the teenager stars telling the commanding officer from the Givati Brigade where the child lives.
The child is led to a military Jeep, and the officer tells the child, “Climb in with me.”

The child starts to flail and tries to run away, still crying, while residents start to gather around.
An older person arrives and takes the child’s hand and they climb up together, as the boy continues to weep and is eventually dragged into the Jeep.
According to reports by B’Tselem, the soldiers arrived at the home of the Maswada family together with the boy.
“I asked the officer, ‘Why would you arrest a five-year old?’” the father said in his testimony to B’Tselem.
Then the soldiers can be seen untying the father and removing his blindfold.
Afterwards he and his 5-year-old son are transferred into the custody of a Palestinian Police officer.
At the Palestinian police station: "They just asked us questions and eventually fined us for 5,000 dinar (roughly $7,000) for the kid's rock throwing," the father repeated.
In a later television interview, Maswadeh admitted throwing a stone, saying he had aimed at a dog but hit a car instead.
B'Tselem said Maswadeh's handling by the troops was illegal as the age of criminal responsibility in Israel and its West Bank jurisdiction is 12.
“The security forces are not allowed to arrest or detain children under that age, even when they are suspected of having committed criminal offenses, and the authorities must deal with the law-breaking in other ways,” said group director Jessica Montell.
In a statement, the army said Maswadeh's stone-throwing had endangered passers-by. More than 150 Israelis were hurt in similar West Bank incidents between January and May, it said.
“Soldiers intervened on the spot and accompanied the minor to his parents. From there he was passed on to the care of the Palestinian Security Forces, all the while accompanied by his parents.
The child was not arrested and no charges were filed,” the statement said.

Brazil Row Over Topless Fan Ban In Maracana Stadium

Controversial new plans which include a ban of shirtless and standing fans at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium are causing outcry in Brazil.
Percussion instruments and flag poles traditionally used by organised fan groups could also be banned, says the stadium’s new administration.
Critics are calling the plans “colonisation” and “gentrification” measures after the $450m modernisation.
Maracana has been renewed to host the final match of next year’s World Cup.
The plans were announced by the president of the stadium’s consortium, Joao Borba.
“We will talk to the clubs aiming a change of habits. I’m referring to bamboos [used as flag poles], bass drums, watching the matches standing. We do not even have room for the bamboos,” Mr Borba told Rio’s newspaper Extra.
‘War against people’
The changes are meant to safeguard the comfort, security and accessibility of the fans, he explained.
But in a city where walking around wearing only shorts and flipflops is as common a men’s outfit as suit and tie, many do not believe the changes can be implemented.
Fans used blogs and social media to vent their anger at the plan.
“In the new Maracana, icon of a football undergoing transformation, a war has been declared against people,” blogger David Butter wrote under the title “The colonisation of Maracana”.
Hours after the announcement, users on Twitter were largely critical of the plans.
Another blogger saw an attempt of gentrifying football behind the proposals.
“So, away from the people, with expensive tickets and surroundings that handpick the attendance, they decreed [new rules],” wrote Rica Perroni.
Maracana is expected to become once again the home ground of Rio de Janeiro’s main football teams.
But so far, only current Brazilian league champions Fluminense have signed a 35-year contract with the consortium.
Botafogo, Vasco da Gama and Flamengo are expected to share it.

Brazil Row Over Topless Fan Ban In Maracana Stadium

Controversial new plans which include a ban of shirtless and standing fans at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium are causing outcry in Brazil.
Percussion instruments and flag poles traditionally used by organised fan groups could also be banned, says the stadium’s new administration.
Critics are calling the plans “colonisation” and “gentrification” measures after the $450m modernisation.
Maracana has been renewed to host the final match of next year’s World Cup.
The plans were announced by the president of the stadium’s consortium, Joao Borba.
“We will talk to the clubs aiming a change of habits. I’m referring to bamboos [used as flag poles], bass drums, watching the matches standing. We do not even have room for the bamboos,” Mr Borba told Rio’s newspaper Extra.
‘War against people’
The changes are meant to safeguard the comfort, security and accessibility of the fans, he explained.
But in a city where walking around wearing only shorts and flipflops is as common a men’s outfit as suit and tie, many do not believe the changes can be implemented.
Fans used blogs and social media to vent their anger at the plan.
“In the new Maracana, icon of a football undergoing transformation, a war has been declared against people,” blogger David Butter wrote under the title “The colonisation of Maracana”.
Hours after the announcement, users on Twitter were largely critical of the plans.
Another blogger saw an attempt of gentrifying football behind the proposals.
“So, away from the people, with expensive tickets and surroundings that handpick the attendance, they decreed [new rules],” wrote Rica Perroni.
Maracana is expected to become once again the home ground of Rio de Janeiro’s main football teams.
But so far, only current Brazilian league champions Fluminense have signed a 35-year contract with the consortium.
Botafogo, Vasco da Gama and Flamengo are expected to share it.

UNBELIEVABLE: Vampire Graveyard Found In Poland

Archaeologists in Gliwice, southern Poland have discovered a burial ground where the dead were laid to rest in accordance with practices for alleged vampires.

Skeletons at the site in Gliwice
Four skeletons were found at the site, where mandatory digs were being carried out prior to the construction of a ring road.
In each case, the deceased had been buried with the head between the legs.
According to folk beliefs, this prevented a possible vampire from finding his or her way back to the land of the living.
There was no trace at the burial ground of any earthly possessions, such as jewellery, belts or buckles.
“It's very difficult to tell when these burials were carried out,” archaeologist Dr Jacek Pierzak said.
However, it is believed that they took place in the early modern period.
Tests are due to me made, so as to determine exact dates.
Archaeologists believe that the burials may have been done in such a fashion so as to protect locals from vampire attacks.
Another theory is that the skeletons were the victims of cholera epidemic.
Further research will be undertaken. The last recorded instance of a vampire burial within current Polish borders was in the village of Stare Mierzwice, Masovia, in 1914.
A corpse was dug up in the village, and the head was cut off and placed between the person's legs.

Court Convicts Governor Sule Lamido's Son For Money Laundering

Aminu Sule Lamido, the 34-year old son of Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for offences bordering on money laundering was Friday convicted by Justice Fatu Riman of the Federal High Court, Kano, and ordered to forfeit 25 per cent of the undeclared sum of $40,000.

But the governor’s son won’t be serving any jail term. He will walk free after forfeiture of the 25 per cent of the undeclared sum.
Aminu was arrested on December 11, 2012 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on his way to Egypt for failure to declare the $50,000 in his possession. He only declared $10,000 to the Nigerian Customs Service.
When he was arraigned before Justice Riman on Monday February 4, 2013, Aminu pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in prison pending hearing of his application for bail.
The charge against the accused reads: “That you Aminu Sule Lamido on or about 11^th day of December, 2012 at the Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while transporting in cash, the sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars Only) from Nigeria to Cairo, Egypt, falsely declare to the Nigerian Customs the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars Only) instead of the said sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars Only) as required under Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap F34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011”.
At the resumed hearing on February 5, 2013, Justice Riman granted the accused person bail in the sum of N8million and two sureties in like sum.
In the course of trial, which got underway April 19, 2013, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted as exhibits. One of its witnesses, Sanusi Ahmed who is an operative of the EFCC, told the court that the accused person only registered $10,000 in the Nigerian Customs Declaration Form only for a search to reveal that he had $50,000 on him. He identified the Customs Declaration Form when it was shown to him. The document was accepted by court as exhibit 1.
The two witnesses called by the defence are the Chief Press Secretary to the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Kyare and the wife of the accused, Samira Aminu Sule.
At the last adjourned date, July 9, the court reserved ruling for July 12, after the parties had closed their cases and adopted their written addresses.
In convicting the accused person, the trial court held that the defence had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Keshi Vows To Work On Eagle's Midfield

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna was near capacity full when Nigeria hosted Ivory Coast in the first leg, 2014 African Nations Championship qualifier on Saturday, July 6. When the Super Eagles emerged from the tunnel, it was evident that the Stephen Keshi tutored team were out to obliterate the sour memories of the FIFA Confederations Cup from the consciousness of Nigerians.
Their opponents, the Elephants of Cote d”Ivoire were worthy ambassadors of their country as they were to prove moments later.
Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi with Home Based Super Eagles at a News Conference at the Eagles’ Camp in Abuja Keshi fielded his strongest eleven and they did not disappoint as they romped to a deserving 4-1 win. Of the lot, however, Afcon 2013 hero, Sunday Mba was again the hero of the day.
After creating the opening goal which was scored by Mohammed Gambo, Mba produced what turned out to be the goal of the match. It all started with a cross from the far right. It rested on Ezekiel Mbah’s head, who dropped it in the direction of his more accomplished colleague, Mba who was lurking in the middle of the pack. Mba chested it down, without allowing the ball drop, with his left foot, he released a cannon that rankled through the entire Ivorian defence and rested on the far corner of the net. It was a goal of the highest class.
The capacity crowd, led by Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramallan Yero stood to salute the wonder strike. Although the Ivorians pulled one back before the end of the first half, Mba was to score again from the spot soon after the restart after an Ivorian defender handled the ball in the vital area. Ede Benjamin Ifeanyi scored Nigeria’s fourth goal.
Nigeria’s performance was anchored by Keshi’s more experienced Super Eagles quartet of Sunday Mba, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Solomon Kwambe. Chigozie Agbim was not stretched on the night because the defence was up and doing. In the heart of the defence was Oboabona, Kwambe and Ekwuekwe. The rookie who gave spectators cause for concern was Benjamin Ishida.
In the midfield, the Ivorians almost dominated except for the two Mbas, Sunday and Ezekiel who combined well to supply passes to the attack which was spearheaded by the much vilified Gambo Mohammed. The young Pillars forward justified Keshi’s confidence in him with two very wonderful strikes, although the second, a header was disallowed by the Malian referee Keshi was to say after the match, “I am satisfied with the performance of my team. Most of them are new and we had just four days’ training.”
He also admitted to the strength of the Ivorians in the midfield and promised to plug the loopholes before the second leg. “We struggled in the midfield that is why I had to leave Gambo for the duration of the match to maintain the pressure on the Ivorians.” The second leg is not going to be easy as the Ivorians showed a lot of fighting spirit. With just nine men playing the second half, all the Eagles could do was to add only one goal to raise their tally to 4. It was thought the Elephants would present the Eagles with the Tahitian scoreline but it was never to be.
“There was nothing wrong,” Keshi defended his wards, saying, “you know African football. It is about physicality. They(the Elephants) fought the battle of their lives to keep the scoreline respectable. You know how difficult it is to play against 10 men or 9 men. Give credit to my players, 4-1 is not a child’s play under any situation.” Speaking on the World Cup qualifier against Malawi in September, Keshi said “I don’t want to think about that for now. I have another life to live; not just football. I have my family life to live.
When the time comes for Malawi in September, we will start thinking about that. Right now I am thinking about how to qualify Nigeria for the African Nations Championship, CHAN, which is very important”. On the growing concern over Victor Anichebe’s response to national duty, Keshi said “If you talk about Anichebe, perhaps, I will say yes.
But I have never met him, I have never spoken to him. I tried to call him but he never picked his call. I made efforts to meet him but with the busy schedule I am having now, it is going to be pretty difficult for me to go to London. Because if I have to go to London, it is not just going to see Anichebe, I will try to see other players too; some of them play in either the Premier League or in the Championship” The former Mali and Togo coach said he was not bothered Eagles drop in the FIFA rankings “I am not bothered about that.
That is not my concern, my concern is to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup, FIF ranking or no ranking. Brazil was 22nd in the world but they went ahead to win the Confederations Cup, so why are we bothered about ranking or no ranking. For me it all boils down to what we do on the field. Our target is clear; to qualify for the World Cup and that is the most important thing to us”.

Hamstring Injury Knocks Rooney Out For A Month

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is expected to be sidelined for a month with a hamstring problem.
Rooney's manager David Moyes says will not be sold despite speculation about his future, travelled to Thailand for United’s pre-season tour on Wednesday but will now return.
United face Wigan in the Community Shield on 11 August and visit Swansea in the Premier League on 17 August.
Rooney could be doubtful for England’s friendly against Scotland on 14 August.
The forward sustained the injury in training and, after a scan on Thursday, it was decided he would return to England for further assessment and rehabilitation.
“Gutted to have picked up a niggling injury, especially as training was going so well. Heading back to Manchester to have it assessed fully but early indications are nothing to worry about,” said Rooney on hisFacebook page .
Last week, Moyes said Rooney would “remain a Manchester United player” despite former manager Sir Alex Ferguson claiming the striker wanted to depart in May, something the player has never officially said.
Rooney, who played under Moyes at Everton, has scored 197 goals in 402 appearances for United.
And captain Nemanja Vidic believed his team-mate was in his “best shape for five years” before suffering the injury.
Central defender Vidic did not fly to Bangkok on Wednesday because of sciatica but is likely to join the tour in due course.

I’m Not In A Hurry To Go Abroad, Says Oboabona

Super Eagles and Sunshine Stars’ defender, Godfrey Oboabona tells JACOB AJOM that he is not in a hurry to quit the Nigeria Premier League for the lucrative European league.
Congratulations on your victory over Ivory Coast. How did it go? Firstly, I have to give thanks to God for making it possible for us to defeat Ivory Coast with such a margin. It was not easy. It shows the commitment of the team and our attitude.
 We were focused and knew the importance of the task before us. We know Nigeria has never qualified for CHAN before and so this time round we want to break the jinx and be in South Africa come January 2014.
From the body language of the Ivorians one could say that the second leg is not going to come easy despite the 4-1 margin you got here.
Yes, it is not going to be easy because they know what is at stake. They need to beat us to qualify and we are not going to let them do that because we are not going to let them get into our post in Abidjan. Thankfully, we are going to resume camp in the next one week where we will correct the few mistakes noticed during the first leg. I know the coaches will definitely work on them so that when we get there, we will come out perfect and make sure we qualify
You had a very outstanding match against the Ivorians in Kaduna, as always. A lot of us think you have overstayed in the domestic league. Has there been any offers from abroad?
For me, anybody that loves me should not expect me to be in a hurry to rush out. All I want everybody who loves me to keep doing for me is to pray for me because I believe God’s time is the best. Luckily, we are still in the transfer season, if anything comes then I will definitely move.
Is there anything in the pipeline?
Yes. By the Grace of God there is something like that. There is the World Cup qualifier against Malawi in September.
How are you going to approach the Malawians when they come?
I take matches gradually as they come. The immediate task now is how to qualify for CHAN. After the CHAN qualifier, we have a friendly against South Africa before Malawi. I don’t want us to talk about that now until when the time comes. You have been having one match too many. Last season you played the CAF Champions League with your club, the Nations Cup with the Super Eagles in January, club commitments and all that.
How do you cope?
Yes, I have a busy schedule, no doubt. One has to be focused and that is it. When you are in the national team, you have to be more focused that when you are in the club. But that is not to say the club is not important because it is the club that gives you the platform to be in the national team. If you don’t perform well for your club you may not be called to the national team. But what I do is, when I am in the national team I give it my one hundred percent and forget about the club. So it is too with when I am with the club, I am focused for the job at hand and give it my one hundred percent. I deal with each situation as it comes.
You have just come back from the Confederations Cup (at the mention of the Confederations Cup, Oboabona moved to walk away. But I persisted, and assured him there would be no question on the competition which the Eagles placed 5th. He stepped back and was ready to resume the interview.) FIFA just released the new world rankings and Nigeria is 35th. Does that reflect Nigeria’s true position?
No, I don’t believe that is where Nigeria belongs. Our aim now is to get to the World Cup. When we get there, at the end of the tournament, FIFA will chew their words and will congratulate us for making Africa proud. For now, we just have to forget about FIFA ranking and ensure we qualify for Brazil 2014
But you are going to meet the likes of Spain, Uruguay, Germany and others. Are you sure you can do better than what you did in Brazil?
Yea! It is unfortunate we crashed out of the Confederations Cup the way we did. Even against Spain, we played very well, except that we could not convert our chances. We played Spain to a standstill, should they cross our path again, I doubt if they can beat us. We could have wrapped up that match n the first half if we were able to convert our chances. If we qualify for the World Cup and we are able to play 30% of what we played at the Confederations Cup, we will beat anybody. We can win the world Cup.

Woman Kills Gay Husband For Affair With Servant

With blood-stained hands and clothes, 33-year old housewife Uttam Devi walked to the nearby police station of Gokupuri on Tuesday afternoon, invariably attracting eyeballs from neighbours and strangers alike.
Once there, she confessed to having killed her 43-year old husband Dhanpal Singh by thrashing him to death.
When asked that why she had committed such a heinous crime, Uttam claimed that all her efforts to change the sexual inclinations of her gay husband had proven futile and she was left with no other choice except killing him.
“He had an affair with a domestic help who used to work at their house. Uttam was upset over the matter and had warned him many teams,” a news report quoted the investigating officer of the case telling.
"On Tuesday, she was infuriated when she caught her husband and the servant in a compromising position.
In a fit of rage, she started banging his head on the wall till he died," the cop further said.
That homosexuality still remains a taboo among the masses, despite Supreme Court’s ruling decriminalizing it, cannot have been more palpable than in present case.
Cops at Gokulpuri police station have been reportedly told by one of the relatives that Uttam used to mercilessly thrash her husband owing to her skewed ‘sexual habits’.
“He (Dhanpal) had been brought back from a hospital in Loni on Monday.
He had to be admitted after he was severely beaten by his wife and several of his relatives over the same issue of dating a man,” cops informed.
Uttam, as it is learnt, was Dhanpal’s second wife. He reportedly had two children from his first marriage.

Tired of Helping CIA? Quit Facebook!

A Venezuelan government minister on Wednesday urged citizens to shut Facebook accounts to avoid being unwitting informants for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, referring to recent revelations about U.S. surveillance programs.
Edward Snowden, a former U.S. National Security Agency contractor, last month leaked details about American intelligence agencies obtaining information from popular websites including Facebook.
He is believed to be holed up in the transit zone of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport from where he has applied for asylum in more than 20 countries in a bid to avoid extradition to the United States.
"Comrades: cancel your Facebook accounts, you've been working for free as CIA informants. Review the Snowden case!" wrote Prisons Minister Iris Varela on her Twitter account.
Venezuela has offered to provide asylum for Snowden, but he has not responded and appears unable to leave the transit zone of Sheremetyevo International Airport.
He exposed a program known as Prism that relied on customer data supplied by major technology companies.
"Countries and people that have fallen victim to gringo spying should sue the United States to ensure fair compensation. We're going to bankrupt the U.S. economy!" wrote Varela, known for radical rhetoric and ardent support of the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez.

PRISON BREAK: At Least 150 Prisoners Escaped During Deadly Riot

About 150 prisoners escaped on Thursday from an overcrowded prison in western Indonesia, and others held officers hostage, following a riot triggered by a blackout.

Prison directorate spokesman Akbar Hadi said the inmates forced their way out from Tanjung Gusta Prison in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, while others set the prison's offices on fire.
National Police Spokesman Maj. Gen. Ronny Frengky Sompie, saying police were investigating media reports that 12 terrorist inmates were among those who escaped.
Hadi said about 15 officers were being held captive inside the prison. It holds about 2,400 prisoners but media reports say its normal capacity is 400.
The riot appeared to have been triggered by a blackout that knocked out the pumps that supplied water to the prison, leaving inmates without water since Thursday morning, Hadi said in a text message.
The prisoners seized guns from the officers. Its reporter said gunshots were heard from inside the prison.
Thousands of policemen are deployed around the prison and the Indonesia's third largest town to blockade roads linking Medan and other provinces while fire brigades are battling the fires.
At least 10 prisoners including a terrorist convict had been recaptured.

Iyanya, Ice Prince, Omawumi, O.C Ukeje Nominated for The Future Awards

The Central Working Committee (CWC) has unveiled this year’s nominees for the 2013 edition of The Future Awards. Now in its eighth season, this year’s awards fields 75 ‘nominees in a list comprising of 15 categories, fielding five nominees each.
The likes of Pop singers Iyanya, Omawumi, top rapper Ice Prince, actor O.C Ukeje and UK based urban gospel singer-songwriter El Mafrex will be slugging it out in this year’s ‘Entertainment Talent’ category.
"We are beyond excited by the class of 2013 especially because the huge majority are previously unknown to the public", Ohimai Atafo, Chairman of the CWC says.
Check out the full list of nominees below…
THE FUTURE AWARDS PRIZE IN ADVOCACY AND ACTIVISM

• Anu Olusola (27)
• Jake Okechukwu (25)
• Orode Uduaghan-Okpu (24)
• Tobore Oro Edema (24)
• Maryam Augie (28)

Blue Planet Discovered Where It Rains Glass

Astronomers have found a deep azure blue planet orbiting a star 63 light years away - the first time they've been able to determine the actual color of a planet outside our solar system, NASA and the European Space Agency said Thursday.

The planet, known as HD 189733b, is a gas giant with a daytime temperature of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit where it possibly rains liquid glass sideways amid 4,500 mph winds, NASA says.
The blue color comes not from the reflection of an ocean, as on Earth, "but rather a hazy, blow-torched atmosphere containing high clouds laced with silicate particles," NASA says.
"Silicates condensing in the heat could form very small drops of glass that scatter blue light more than red light."
The space agencies said astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope discovered the planet in 2005 but only now have they been able to use Hubble's observations to determine the deep blue color.
The findings are in the August 1 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters. To deduce the planet's color, astronomers measured how much light was reflected off its surface.
They used the Hubble's Space Telescope to look at the planet before, during and after it passed behind its star as it orbited.
"We saw the brightness of the whole system drop in the blue part of the spectrum when the planet passed behinds its star," said Tom Evans of the University of Oxford, the first author of the paper.

"From this, we can gather that the planet is blue, because the signal remained constant at the other colors we measured."
The planet is only 2.9 million miles from its parent star, so close that it is gravitationally locked, NASA says.
One side always faces the star and the other side is always dark. By contrast, Mercury, the closest planet in our solar system to the sun, is 29 million miles away from the sun at its closest.
In 2007, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope measured the infrared light, or heat, from the HD 189733b.
It showed day side and night side temperatures differ by about 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which should cause fierce winds to roar from the day side to the night side, NASA said.
The atmosphere, the space agencies say, is changeable and exotic.
HD 189733b is in a class of planets called "hot Jupiters," which are similar in size to the gas giants in our solar system but instead lie very close to their parent star, the European Space Agency says.
"We know that hot Jupiters are numerous throughout the universe," the ESA said in a statement.
"As we do not have one close to home in our own solar system, studies of planets like HD 189733b are important to help us understand these dramatic objects."