Federation Cup : Dolphins Annihilate Lobi In Enugu

Dolphins FC after ninety minutes of entertaining football thrashed Lobi Stars 4-2 to qualify for the semifinals of the Federation Cup.

But the score line would have flattered Lobi as Dolphins dominated play from the start of the game up till its very end and missed lots of scoring chances.

As early as the 1st minute Emem Eduok missed what could have been the fastest goal of this year’s competition but failed to score.

Two minutes later, Emem Eduok beat the off side trap, faced the Lobi keeper but his left footed effort went wide.

In the 5th minute it was Chizoba Amaefule who ran down the flank and crossed into the box, but a header from Ebube Okpokwu went wide.

In the 7th minute it was Ifeanyi Egwim who found space in the middle, made his way into the Lobi box but was felled by a defender though there was no penalty given.

Dolphins had so much control but could not find a way in.

But in 23rd minute, the goal eventually came as Emem Eduok scored his third goal of the tournament to make it 1-0 for Dolphins.

In the heat of the moment, Lobi Stars vice chairman, Dominic Iorfa took over coaching duties from Evans Ogenyi, shouting out instructions from the technical area, while Ogenyi sat on his seat looking deflated.

In the 33rd minute, Iorfa took out Kingsley Ashu and replaced him with Johnbull.

One minute before half time and Lobi had their closest chance yet when Bunde made his way through two Dolphins defenders, but Sunday Rotimi ensured the clean sheet remained, at least till half time.

Five minutes into the second half and a moment of loss of concentration from the Dolphins defence gave Adamu Shaibu a chance to equalize for Lobi, but Dolphins threw everything into the game and four minutes after the restart, Ebube Okpokwu latched in on a cross from Eduok to put his side back in front.

Bolaji Sarkin came in for a tired Ifeanyi Egwim and it was still one way traffic for Dolphins.

In the 66th minute, Okpokwu had a chance to make it three with another sublime cross from Eduok but his effort went wide.

One minute later, Ebube Okpokwu had the ball at his feet in the six yard box with the keeper out of the way but he surprisingly blasted wide.

But Bolaji Sarkin put the nail in the head of the Lobi team when after a flurry of passes, he blasted home to make it 3-1

Victor Alegbe replaced Chidiebere Okolie, his first game after a long injury lay off and two minutes later, in the 88 minute he made it 4-1 for Dolphins.

With 2 minutes of added time shown, Audu Seriki pulled one back to make scores 4-2.

Lobi Stars coach, Evens Ogenyi conceded victory and superiority to Dolphins.

“They were the luckier and better side. I have already gone to congratulate their coach. They deserved the victory. They got their chances and took them,” Ogenyi said.

Stanley Eguma of Dolphins was not happy with his players from missing several scoring chances.

“We keep working on goal scoring but the same things happen over and over again. I think it’s a loss of concentration that caused it.

“I’m not surprised at the score line and how we played because we have worked hard for this,” Eguma said.

Dolphins play Prime FC in the Federation Cup semi finals.

Gov. Imoke Charges Golden Eaglets…As Team Heads To Kinshasa

Senator Liyel Imoke (CON), Executive Governor of Cross River State, one of the pillars behind the success of the Golden Eaglets in recent time, has enjoined the team to go all out and claim victory in this weekend’s 2015 African Under-17 Championship away to Congo Democratic Republic on Saturday.

“We want to send our best wishes as you travel for your first match against Congo Democratic Republic this weekend,” the amiable Governor Imoke was quoted as saying by the state’s Commissioner for Sport & Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Ugbe. “Be assured of our prayers and support and we want you to emulate the last set of the Golden Eaglets by winning all your qualifying matches starting with this weekend’s match .”

A squad of 18 players along with officials led by Amuneke flew into Lagos on Wednesday’s evening from the team’s base in Calabar for Kinshasa via Nairobi aboard Kenyan Airlines. Also on the trip are Messer Rafiu Yusuf and Emmanuel Adesanya who respectively heads the technical and Inter-clubs department at Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Golden Eaglets bench – Emmanuel Amuneke, Kabiru Baleria, Emeka Amadi

…Amuneke warns against complacency

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Amuneke (MON), Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, has warned his wards against any form of complacency even as he craves for a winning mentality in their African championship qualifier against Democratic Republic of Congo.

The eagerly awaited match according to Federation Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA) would take place on Saturday (July 26) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) graciously shifted it from July 20 due to earlier suspension of the NFF by FIFA.

“Now is the moment of truth for us because the serious business of qualification for Niger 2015 would begin for us in Congo (DR),” Amuneke informed the players.” All what we have done before is now in the past because we would now be judged based on our performance particularly in this match.”

Speaking to the players during Wednesday’s training at the University of Calabar, Amuneke told the players to have nothing but a winning attitude, assuring that the players selected for the encounter are fit and ready to do the country proud yet again.

“We must go to Congo with the sole of objective of winning and that is the mental attitude we are must all have,” noted the 1994 African Footballer of the Year. ”

We must be ready to show all what we have been learning in our training and we the coaching crew believe that you have what it takes to win this match but we must not be over confident.”

The Latest Football Transfer News and Rumours

Jeremy Mathieu: photo credit valenciafootballclub.com

Our man Paul Ayorinde has compiled todays freshest Football Transfer news from across the globe just for you

You can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deal:

– TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS today announced the signing of two Swansea players Michel Vorm and Ben Davies in an exchange deal that will see Gylfi Sigurdsson going in the opposite direction

– Barcelona have announced a deal to sign defender Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia. The Frenchman will join on a four-year deal for €20milllion

– Arsenal midfielder Thomas Elsfeld has joined championship club Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

– Fulham have completed the signing of Moroccan international Adil Chihi from Cologne.

– FC Porto have completed the signing of Algerian midfielder Yacine Brahimi from Granada for €6.5million

– FC Basel have announced the signing of veteran defender Walter Samuel on a one-year deal.

– Barnsley have completed the signing of former Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull on a two-year deal.

– Sevilla has announced the signing of Polish midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak from Lyon for a fee of around €5.5million

– Sassulo have completed the signing of Croatia international Sime Vrsaljko from Genoa for a fee around €6million

michel vorm: photo credit, swanseacity.net

Today’s report and rumours:

– According to reports,Newcastle United are set to make a bid of around €8million for Juventus defender Mauricio Isla

– Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing a £9million deal to sign Manchester United winger Nani

– According to reports,Liverpool are now “better placed” than Manchester United or Real Madrid to pull off £42.5million Arturo Vidal move

– Real Betis will persist in their attempts to sign Sunderland midfielder Alfred N’Diaye,the Spanish club’s president has pledged.

– Swansea city have enquired about striker Modou Barrow, according to his club Ostersunds.

– Reports in Italy suggest that Monaco have tabled a bid for Torino forward Alessio Cerci.

– Arsenal are in talks to sell Spanish left back Nacho Monreal to Atletico Madrid.

– Aston villa manager Paul Lambert has warned off clubs coveting his captain Ron Vlaar.

– Tottenham are being handed the opportunity to sign Shakhtar Donetsk forward Douglas Costa because of the crisis in Ukraine

– Newcastle united are keen on signing Arsenal winger Serge Gnarby on a season-long loan.

– Hull city are in talks with Rennes over a deal for Cameroon defender Jean-Armal kana-Biyik

– According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain are in talks with Atletico Madrid over the sale of Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore.

– Southampton are set to launch a second bid for Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster after having an initial bid turned down.

– German club Eintracht Frankfurt have ended talks with Nicklas Bendtner because of the 26-year old high salary demand

– AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia has insisted the club will not sell star centre-back Medhi Benatia and playmaker Adem Ljalic this summer

– Reports in France claim that Toulouse right back Serge Aurier has successfully completed his Paris Saint-Germain medical

Football Tit bits:
– Federacion Ecuatoriana de Futbol (FEF) have sacked their world cup coach Reinaldo Rueda following the team’s failure to progress beyond thengroup stage in Brazil. He has been replaced by an Ecuadorean Sixto Vizuete on a short contract till January 2015

– Manchester United executive vice-chairman Edward Woodward: United not afraid to spend big. “The reality is that we’re not afraid of spending significant amount of money in the transfer market. Whether it’s a record fee or not doesn’t resonate with us, what resonates is a top elite player that the manager wants that is going to be a star at Manchester United” He said

– Joachim Low will remain as Germany coach until after Euro 2016.

– Manchester United have unveiled their New 2014/15 White Away Kit

– Chelsea have today revealed their third kit for the 2014/2015 season

– Chelsea’s new man Diego Costa has hailed new boss Jose Mourinho as ‘the best manager in the world’

2014 Commonwealth Games: Toriola Is Team Nigeria’s Captain As Nigeria Tackles Kenya, India In Table Tennis

One of Africa’s most decorated table tennis player, Segun Toriola has been named as captain of Team Nigeria to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Toriola, who is making hIS fourth appearance at the games having made his first appearance at the 2002 Manchester Games, HE will be in charge of the 127-man contingent representing Nigeria at the 11-day multi-sports tournament.

The Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeye made the announcement at the Games’ Village in Glasgow, adding that Toriola was picked because he is the most experienced athlete in the team coupled with his dedication and patriotism to his country.

Also acknowledging Toriola’s among the Commonwealth nations, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has lauded the former Africa champion alongside New Zealand’s Lee Chunli, after they both won the first gold medals a the games during the maiden outing of table tennis at the Commonwealth games in Manchester 2002.

According to ITTF Publications Director, Ian Marshall, Toriola caused major upsets at the Manchester Games when he accounted for Canada’s Johnny Huang loss to clinch gold in the men’s singles, while Lee Chunli using her traditional Asian pen-hold grip style of play to great effect, attacked like fury to beat Singapore’s Lee Jiawei.

“Furthermore, both Toriola and Chunli, the champions 12 years ago will once again be in action. In Glasgow, Toriola lines up alongside Aruna Quadri, Ojo Onaolapo, Bode Abiodun and Jide Ogidiolu; Li Chunli joins forces with sister Karen Li, Annie Yang, Jenny Hung and Sun Yang who also doubles as player coach. A mere 27 years old at the time of his Manchester victory, we expected to see Toriola appear again,” Marshall said.

“In Manchester, in addition to his Men’s Singles title, Toriola joined forces with Kazeem Noziru, Monday Merotohun and Suraju Saka (now of Congo Brazzaville) to secure bronze in the Men’s Team event.

Four years later in Melbourne, Australia, he added to his medal tally by winning Men’s Doubles gold with Merotohun, whilst also securing bronze in the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles events,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will on Thursday begin its campaign in the team event of table tennis as the Funke Oshonaike-led women team tackle Kenya and India in their group D matches of the competition.

The last group game for the team holds on Friday when Nigeria takes on Barbados to decide the two top teams that will progress to the knockout stage.

The men’s team has been drawn alongside Bangladesh, Mauritius and Kiribati with the team clashing against Bangladesh and Mauritius on Thursday while the last group game will be against Kiribati on Friday.

Dedevbo Lists Oshoala, 20 Others For Canada 2014 As Team Departs For Canada Thursday

Head Coach, Peter Dedevbo has released his final list of 21 players for this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals, including Super Falcons’ ace Asisat Oshoala and former U-17 stars Patience Okaeme, Halimatu Ayinde, Jiroro Idike, Uchenna Kanu and Yetunde Adeboyejo.

There are three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six strikers in the squad that Dedevbo believes will stun the world in Canada.

Dedevbo, who steered the U-17 girls, Flamingoes, to the quarter finals at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 and in Azerbaijan in 2012, has also included US –based college star Courtney Dike, younger sister of Super Eagles’ forward Bright Dike.

The tall and spritely forward from Oklahoma State University is the only overseas –based player in the squad.

The team will depart for Moncton, Canada through Frankfurt in two batches aboard Lufthansa Airlines flight on Thursday and Friday, from Abuja.

Nigeria has featured in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, since the inaugural edition, also in Canada, in 2002. The Falconets reached the Final in Germany four years ago and also made the semi finals in Japan in 2012. This year, Dedevbo’s maidens will clash with Mexico, Korea Republic and England in Group C, with the first two games coming up in Moncton before they travel to Edmonton to slug it out with England.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Sandra Chiihii (Ibom Angels); Ibijoke Sangonuga (Inneh Queens); Chiudo Ehiudo (Delta Queens)

Defenders: Ebere Okoye (Nasarawa Amazons); Jiroro Idike (Delta Queens); Maryam Ibrahim (Nasarawa Amazons); Sarah Nnodim (Delta Queens); Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels); Victoria Aidelomon (Pelican Stars); Gladys Abasi (Ibom Angels)

Midfielders: Asisat Oshoala (Rivers Angels); Patience Okaeme (Delta Queens); Halimatu Ayinde (Delta Queens); Yetunde Adeboyejo (Bayelsa Queens); Osarenoma Igbinovia (Inneh Queens)

Forwards: Loveth Ayila (Makwada Babes); Courtney Dike (Oklahoma State University, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Pelican Stars); Yetunde Aluko (Sunshine Queens); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pelican Stars); Uchechi Sunday (Rivers Angels)

ISAF Youth Match Racing World Championship Opens In Helsinki

Two practice days are behind the competitors and racing at the 2014 ISAF Youth Match Racing World Championship is set to commence Today Wednesday 23 July.

Both Monday and Tuesday have been quite ideal conditions, having had nice moderate wind and sun. Only on Tuesday afternoon the wind got lighter.

The teams have trained pre-starts, manoeuvres and done some practice races with the J80 boats.

Tight races have shown the high level of the teams and promises good action for the rest of the week.

The opening ceremony was held on the terrace of the Blekholmen Island. Claes Tallberg, the commodore of the sailing club NJK, welcomed the competitors, and explained that the NJK Sailing Center is located at Western Helsinki, and that the Blekholmen Island is a base for NJK keel boats.

NJK is the oldest sailing club in Finland and has seen several Olympic medallists within its membership from 1910-2012, including Team Silja Lehtinen, London 2012 bronze medallists in Women’s Match Racing.

Commodore Tallberg was proud that NJK was chosen to host the first ever Youth Match Racing Worlds.

ISAF Vice President Adrienne Greenwood welcomed all participants to the regatta.

She explained her delight in Finland’s selection to host the inaugural edition of the regatta considering it’s an active match racing country, with 34 match racing events in 2014.

Greenwood explained that she was happy to see that 15 countries with top skippers have the interest to compete in match racing at this level in a youth competition.

The event was declared open as each team raised their national flag after the canon shot. Racing is scheduled to commence at 09:30 local time on 23 July and concludes on 27 July.

2014 ISAF Youth Match Racing World Championship Competitors:

Vladislav Abramov (RUS)
Joachim Aschenbrenner (DEN)
Philip Bendon (IRL)
Valerio Galati (ITA)
Sam Gilmour (AUS)
Florian Haufe (GER)
Jakob Klitte (SWE)
Mark Lees (GBR)
Nelson Mettraux (SUI)
Pierre Quiroga (FRA)
Slawomir Plichta (POL)
Tyler Rice (ISV)
Markus Rönnberg (FIN)
Nevin Snow (USA)
Chris Steele (NZL)

#BringBackOurgirls – 100 days Football Match For Abducted Chibok Girls Holds In Abuja

100 days game 4 chibok girls

…..Female Footballers begs for the release of the kidnapped school girls……….

The 100th day of #BringBackOurGirls is aimed at highlighting the potential of sports to bring back the abducted Chibok girls.

In commemoration of the 100 days since over 200 school girls abduction in Chibok Nigeria, some women football players in Abuja took to the playing field for a “100 days football Match for the missing Chibok Girls” on Tuesday, July 22.

The match, which was played between two football teams in Abuja, Dream Girls Women and Airtel girls FC ended 1-0 in favour of the Dream girls.

With the nonstop attack on Nigerians by the Terrorism Group in the North-East, and the abduction of school girls; the match organizer, Aderonke Ogunleye thought it very relevant to ask for their return using Sports.

Gloria Ewelike a central midfielder with Airtel girls FC urged the Federal Government to find a way to stop Boko Haram from killing Nigerians, she also prayed to God for their return

“I want to beg the government to try and stop Boko Haram from killing and bombing, We pray to God to help bring back the girls, God should soften their minds and return the girls to their parents” She said.

Organiser of the event, award winning journalist and Social Change initiator Aderonke Ogunleye, said she organised the event because she believed there is power in sports for development.

“Sports is a powerful tool, a silent force that can be used to make great impact in the society, a universal language and of course the only thing that brings Nigerian together, we are imploring “Boko Haram” to please release the kidnapped Chibok girls” she said

“It has been a hundred days of wailing and crying in the household of these girls, mothers are not happy about it,/we are begging the insurgents to please let our girls go back home to their parents” she pleaded.

Partners of the event are the Nigerian Red cross, UN Women and Airtel

Ms. Ogunleye thanked the partners for making the event a success.

“We thank all our partners for being part of today’s match. It shows their commitments for a better society,I salute their zeal to bring joy into the lives of the parents of these girls, I am grateful”

100 days Football match for the abducted Chibok Girls

IAAF and Universal Sports Network Extend USA Broadcasting Agreement Through To 2019

Universal Sports Network

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is pleased to confirm the renewal of its existing broadcasting agreement for the USA with Universal Sports Network.

The extension to the deal which began in 2010 was negotiated by Dentsu, the IAAF’s broadcasting partner for territories outside of Europe and Africa.

Significantly, this announcement comes on the opening day of the IAAF World Junior Championships, Oregon 2014, which is the first IAAF World Athletics Series event to be hosted in the USA since 1992. The championships are being broadcast LIVE exclusively in the USA on Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com.

The partnership, which already covered next year’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, now guarantees coverage in the USA of all IAAF World Athletics Series events through to 2019 including the 2017 and 2019 IAAF World Championships.

Notably, this deal also covers the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon, in 2016, which become only the second edition of that competition to be hosted in the USA. The first occasion was in Indianapolis in 1987.

“I am delighted that our partnership with Universal Sports has been extended through to 2019,” confirmed IAAF President Lamine Diack. “American fans will continue to enjoy World Championship athletics and the full array of other IAAF World Athletics Series competitions across the mediums of terrestrial, cable and internet. We firmly believe that the consistent high level coverage of our events offered by Universal Sports is the key to Athletics making a genuine impact in households across the USA.”

“Universal Sports’ commitment to track and field has never been stronger,” said Robert James, SVP of content and communications at Universal Sports. “This new extension with the IAAF propels us into the future of the sport, showcasing both world-class athletes and up-and-coming stars from around the globe.”

CGF CEO Michael Hooper Receives Lifetime Membership

The Commonwealth Games Federation has today awarded the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Michael Hooper, lifetime membership of the Federation at its General Assembly on the eve of the XX Commonwealth Games.

Mr Hooper is credited with the establishment of the modern Commonwealth Games administration, transforming it from a small volunteer-based administration when he started as the Federation’s first full time CEO in 2000 to a professional operation that has supported the successful celebration of the Games since in the United Kingdom, Australia and India.

He also led the ongoing development of candidature and contractual processes associated with the award of the Games including the forthcoming Games in Glasgow this July and the Gold Coast in 2018, as well as playing a leading role in securing bids from Canada and South Africa for the Games in 2022.

CGF President, HRH Tunku Imran, in acknowledging the significant contribution made by Mr Hooper, said:

“The CGF is fortunate to have had Mike serve us so well for the past 13 years, and it is entirely appropriate that we recognise his contribution to the success of the Federation,” Prince Imran said.

“Mike has worked tirelessly for the success of the Commonwealth Games and the stability of the CGF, and also for the strengthening of sport within the Commonwealth.”

A lifetime membership was also awarded to Ian Emmerson OBE (England). Ian was Chairman of Commonwealth Games England from 1998 – 2007, and is a former Regional Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Orders of Merit were awarded to:
* Sir Arlington Butler, past President of the Bahamas Olympic Committee.
* Charles Flowers (Gibraltar)
* Edward Pitts (Belize)
* Abdoulie Touray (The Gambia)

Players Salary: LMC Issues Clean Bill To Three Clubs

Only the three can buy players in transfer window for now… to receive second installment of their Basic cash Award…

Transfer window extended by two weeks.

The League Management Company said today that only three Clubs-Kano Pillars, Abia Warriors and Bayelsa United have established that they have met their obligation to players at the end of the first stanza of the season. The other Clubs have not responded to a July 18 deadline to establish proof of compliance.

A statement from the Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company (LMC), Salihu Abubakar said the three clubs have as a result been the only Glo Premier League Clubs that can buy players or secure players on loan in the on-going mid-season transfer window.

The LMC had pursuant to Sections 8.1.1 and 9.46 of the 2013/14 Rules and Frameworks which deals with Clubs’ Finance and Players Remuneration respectively, through a letter dated July 10 directed all Clubs to provide evidence of compliance to payment of players’ wages.

The letter requested the Clubs to furnish the LMC with such evidence that may include electronic or hard copy of club’s payroll, evidence of payment including bank transfers or signed vouchers and any other proof the club may make available.

“As at Monday, July 22 and after the expiration of the Friday July 18 deadline, we have verified that only Kano Pillars, Abia Warriors and Bayelsa United have provided evidence of compliance as requested. The three clubs have the clearance to buy new players in the mid-season transfer window and would also be paid immediately their second installment of the basic award”, the statement read.

Kano Pillars

Football Transfer Gist, News And Rumours

Here are Paul Ayorinde’s pick of football transfer rumours and done deals making the rounds at this moment.

Remember that you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Ben Foster photo credit West Brom website

Done Deal:

– Real Madrid have signed Colombian star James Rodriquez from Monaco for a reported £63million.

– QPR have completed the signing of Steven Caulker from Cardiff for £8.5million.

– West bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster has signed a four year contract extention with the club.

– Guingamp have completed the signing of Newcastle united midfielder Sylvain Marveaux on a season-long loan.

– Stoke city have signed Bojan Krkic from Barcelona on a 4-year deal.

– Brazilian born Spanish striker Rodrigo Moreno have completed his move to Valencia.

– Tiago returns to Atletico Madrid, he re-signs on a one-year deal.

– Leicester city have completed the signing of Argentine striker Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton & hoves Albion on a four year deal.

– Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom has joined West Brom on Loan

Today’s report and rumours:

– Xavi Hernandez has decided to remain at Barcelona until January at the very least,if not until the close of the 2014-15 season.

– Frank Lampard will officially join MLS side New York City later this week.

– Liverpool are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Atletico Madrid left back Javier Manquillo.

– Southampton manager Ronald Koeman insist they have not received a new bid from Liverpool for defender Dejan Lovren

– Turkish side Besiktas are keen on Fulham’s Costa rican striker Bryan Ruiz

– Jurgen Klopp has slammed reports indicating Mats Hummels will leave Borussia Dortmund for Manchester united for €20million.

– Edinson Cavani has remained coy as to whether he would be open to a transfer this summer but hinted that Paris Saint-Germain are unwilling to let him go.

– Liverpool are firm favourites to sign Belgian forward Divock Origi, his father Mike has disclosed.

– According to reports, a number of English clubs are tracking Nigerian midfielder Nosa Igiebor.

– Ac Milan coach Filipo Inzaghi says he expect Mario Balotelli to stay at the San Siro this summer

– Andy Carroll has told West Ham United chiefs he has no interest in a move back to Newcastle United this summer

– Alan Irvine has confirmed West Brom have held talks with Rosenborg over Costa rican right-back Cristian Gamboa.

– According to reports,Arsenal will make a bid for Manchester city defender Matija Nastatic if Thomas Vermaelen leaves the club this summer.

– Inter Milan are close to signing Cardiff city midfielder Gary Medel.

– Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, is believed to be on the radar of Italian giants Inter Milan

– According to reports, Manchester United are ready to step up their bid to sign Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal

– Southampton will battle Deportivo La Coruna for River Plate’s £7m-rated striker Teofilo Gutierrez.

– Real Madrid’s capture of Monaco’s Colombian star James Rodriquez will most likely lead to the departure of Angel Di Maria

James Rodriguez

Football tit bits:
– Brazil have named Dunga as their manager for the second time. “I am immensely happy to be back” he said.

– Chelsea’s manager Jose Mourinho Promises title challenge this season. He said: “We respect our opponents and their ambitions,because they have the same ambitions as us,but we want to win the premier league and we are ready for that”

– UEFA has told Paris Saint-Germain they must close part of their Parc des Princes stadium for their next Champions League game after the French club’s fans abused handicapped Chelsea supporters.

– Manchester City Under-21s Led by coach Patrick Vieira staged a walk off yesterday after alleged racist abuse by a HNK Rijeka player in Croatia against Manchester City’s French midfielder, Seko Fofana.