MADRID, July 15 (Reuters) - The situation Cesc Fabregas finds himself in at Arsenal is akin to a "kidnapping" and the English club should allow him to return to Barcelona, the mayor of his home town was quoted as saying on Friday.
Fabregas, 24, has made no secret of his wish to return one day to the club he left as a 16-year-old in 2003 but has stopped short of publicly demanding a transfer.
"We want him to come right away, he is experiencing a kidnapping," Estanislau Fors i Garcia, the mayor of Catalan town Arenys de Mar where Fabregas grew up, was quoted as saying in Barcelona-based daily Sport.
"If the English are so honourable they should behave properly," he added.
"He [Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger] has to stop clowning around because it's disorienting for all of us."
Liverpool won another high scoring friendly on their pre-season Asian tour, this time 6-3 over a Malaysian XI.
New signing Charlie Adam opened the scoring from a twice taken penalty kick only for Mohammad Safiq Rahim to level five minutes from half-time.
David Ngog restored the Reds lead after the break as the floodgates opened. The Frenchman then made it 3-1 moments later.
The Malaysian?s threatened a brief fightback with two quick strikes from Mohammad Safi but by then Maxi Rodriguez had twice scored for the visitor?s and the scoring was completed in stoppage time by Dirk Kuyt.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish made 11 substitutions at the break.
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Tottenham defender Bongani Khumalo is refusing to speculate on a possible loan switch to Rangers.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed earlier this month that he would be prepared to send out the South African on a temporary basis to gain further experience.
The 24 year old is delighted to hear that a club of Rangers' stature might be interested but is refusing to look too far ahead.
"Firstly, it is still early days and I still have to sit down with my manager (Glyn Binkin) to find the way forward," he told Football365.co.za.
"First of all I'm a Spurs player and that's good enough for me. What happens going forward will all be in due time."
Speaking about Rangers, Khumalo added: "It is a good club and they play good football and that's very important but it is way too early to be commenting on it.
"I'm still here at Spurs and if there has been interest from Rangers then that's truly amazing."
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With the transfer of Wesley Sneijder looking set to be completed soon as reports suggest Manchester United and Inter Milan have agreed on a transfer fee with personal terms under negotiations, we look at he possible starting eleven should Sneijder put pen to paper.
So we have seen a number of players join United as Sir Alex Ferguson looks set to put the pressure both on his domestic and European rivals with quality on the pitch.
United have great depth in the squad, with the likes of Kiko Macheda and Gabriel Orbertan looking set to be included on the final 25 for the season, unless Ferguson feels the need to send one of the youngsters out on loan.
Looking towards the Possible starting eleven, there are key ares that require attention, firstly the goal-keeping role will have to be taken cared of, as Edwin van der Sar leaves a massive gap to be filled. Most pundits are putting their money one David de Gea to get the number one jersey while very few feel Lindergaard could be handed the responsibility initially.
With the retirement of Gary Neville, also the departure of Wes Brown and John O'Shea, the right back slot seems to have been handed over to Rafael on a more permanent basis.
Then of course the central of midfield seems to have the largest whole, and it has been dug even further with the retirement of Paul Scholes.
Those are three grey areas, and added effort would be put in getting players ready for those position as we move along preseason.
The basic make-up of the squad will remain unchanged from last season, United seem to have found success with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-3-2 formation when playing in the league using two strikers up with maybe Rooney playing slightly behind Hernandez, but that was more towards the end of the season.
A similar tactic could be employed, with the team sheet looking as follows:
GK: David de Gea
RB: Rafael da Silva
LB: Patrice Evra
CD: Nemanja Vidic
CD: Rio Ferdinand
DM/CM: Michael Carrick
CM/AM: Wesley Sneijder
RW: Luis Nani
LW: Ashley Young
CF: Wayne Rooney
ST: Javier Hernandez
Some might argue that Antonio Valencia deserves a start ahead of Nani, but with Valencia getting an injury and under medical care at Carrington he could be about two weeks behind in fitness, so missing the first couple games, I see Nani as one of the starting 11.
The other argument would be where should Wesley Sneijder play. Some say a more central role while many feel he should be given a free role to move forward as an attacking midfielder allowing him to feed Rooney and the wide men.
And having watched him play for Netherlands or Inter Milan i think his suited to attacking, creating and feeding players, also taking a swipe at goal now and again. In simple terms very similar to the role Scholesy had.
After watching Ashley Young play his first game and delight fans with three brilliant crosses, it makes you imagine the collective efforts from Sneijder, Young and Nani going forward and then linking up with Rooney and Hernandez.
Another area that seems to be covered is set pieces, which United really suffered since Ronaldo left, Young is a specialist while Sneijder also brings his own dynamic from set plays.
As cover United seem to have great quality on the bench with: Lindergaard, Smalling, Jones, Anderson, Berbatov, Owen and Park to mention just a few.
As individuals they seem really strong, as a team they look even more powerful and could yet again make the most in the League with an added influence in European competitions.
Please provide your views, insight and possible changes you would make if you disagree with the squad i selected.
You can also follow me on Twitter @Zaakirinho for more football interaction...
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
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Blackpool striker DJ Campbell?s proposed move to Premiership new boys QPR is on hold over the finer details of the contract.
Discussions with Seasiders forward Campbell have ground to a halt and boss Neil Warnock is unsure where they stand on the 29-year-old, who has also been linked with Fulham, Aston Villa and West Ham.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think the clubs have agreed but I don't think we can agree with his advisors (on) certain fees.
"I'm afraid that's life as a manager nowadays. It's very difficult to actually get things over the line. I leave that to other people but it's not happened.
"I think at the moment it's on ice. I'm looking around all over as well. We've got one or two irons in the fire."
Even if a Campbell deal fails to materialise, Warnock believes he has a quality striker at his disposal in new-boy Bothroyd.
"To get Jay in on a Bosman is really a good bit of business for us," he added. "He's a top striker.
"I didn't think we'd get him, I thought one of the bigger clubs would snap him up. I've pestered him over the past six weeks, him and his missus, and he's caved in.
"I do think it?s right for him. I think he's got to be playing week in, week out rather than be in a squad. I don't see anything better than him in the Premier League and we're really, really pleased to have him."
It's kicking off again! Click here for your No1 source for QPR transfer market news and gossip.
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Chelsea have secured England youngsters Josh McEachran and Ryan Bertrand to new contracts.
Midfielder McEachran, 18, has penned a five-year deal, while full-back Bertrand, 22 next month, agreed a four-year contract.
McEachran was part of the Blues' FA Youth Cup winning side in 2010, and has made 17 first-team appearances, including four starts.
Bertrand joined Chelsea from Gillingham in July 2005 and had productive loan spells in the npower Championship with Norwich, Reading and Nottingham Forest, returning to make his Chelsea debut as a substitute against Birmingham in April.
McEachran intends to work hard as he looks to continue to progress, telling the club's official website: "I need to keep working. This season my target is just to play more minutes.
"Hopefully I will play more games and keep improving."
Bertrand is in no doubt Chelsea provide a bright future under new manager Andre Villas-Boas.
He said: "It is a big commitment, I see the club going in the right direction.
"I want to stay here, it's the reason I came here six years ago and it's refreshing to have the new manager come in.
"I am looking forward to listening and learning from him.
"I can see the manager is young and hungry and wants to take the club forward so I want to be part of that and I thought it was best for me to stay.
"Obviously Ashley [Cole] is number one left-back but hopefully I can get a game here and there.
"I am aiming to get a few more games. I hope to stay here this season and hopefully catch the manager's eye."
It's kicking off again! Click here for your No1 source for Chelsea transfer market news and gossip.
LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) - Former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo has returned to Stamford Bridge as assistant to new coach Andre Villas-Boas.
Di Matteo played for the Londoners between 1996 and 2002 when injury forced his retirement at the age of 31.
"The first thing I told him when I called him was I had a feeling inside he was the right man for the job," Villas-Boas told his first news conference on Wednesday since replacing Carlo Ancelotti earlier this month.
"Not only because of what he represents for the club but also because of the quality of his work at West Bromwich Albion and Milton Keynes Dons."
Di Matteo scored FA Cup final goals when Chelsea won that trophy in 1997 and 2000, the first of which set a then-Wembley record for the earliest in a final after just 43 seconds.
The former Italy international was previously manager of Milton Keynes Dons and West Brom, the club he left in February.
Villas-Boas has also recruited Jose Mario Rocha, a 48-year-old fitness expert who worked alongside the Portuguese at his previous clubs Porto and Academica.
Another new face is Daniel Sousa who will become head opposition scout, the role occupied by Villas-Boas in his first spell at the club under Jose Mourinho between 2004 and 2007.
Sousa worked alongside Villas-Boas at his two former clubs. Steve Holland, Chelsea's reserve coach last season, will also step up to work with the senior squad.
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It is the dream of every footballer to one play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. For Federico Macheda, it was just after his 16th birthday that he received a call to go over to Manchester, and play for arguably the biggest club in the world Manchester United.
There is no questioning this kid's ability (remember he is still only 19):
Top scorer in the U18's competition, averaging over 0.5 goals a game (12 goals in 21 appearances)
Hat-tricks in the reserve team (Manchester Untied 3:3 Newcastle) Scoring to equalise in the first team (Manchester United 2:2 Aston Villa)
Scoring to secure a win in the Champions League (Manchester United 3:2 Porto)
Named Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year at Manchester United
During his time at United, Macheda has represented his country on the International stage (Italy). Macheda has played for each of Italy's younger international squads, progressing from the U16's to the U21s where he has developed into a key player for the team.
In United's attempt to have Macheda learn about the game, he was loaned out to Sampdoria, who were facing relegation in Italy's top flight. Macheda was dubbed at the "replacement for Antonio Cassano." He was unable to score in any of the league matches he featured in, but did score a goal in the Copa Italia clash with Udinese, which saw Sampdoria win on penalties. Sampdoria did not maintain their spot in the Serie A and Macheda returned to United.
Earlier this week he scored two goals in a preseason match against the New England Revolution, perhaps proving that he may be an attacking threat for United this season. From what we have seen, Macheda may just prove to become one of the great Italian players ever to grace the field. He has certainly shown glimpses of his brilliance in the various matches he has played in. Funnily enough, his worst form came about in his very own country of birth with Sampdoria (in comparison to his form at United) so perhaps Manchester United is the place for Macheda to build a dynasty.
With the some of the world class forwards phasing out of Italy's international squad—Del Piero and Francesco Totti—due to age, perhaps this is the time for Macheda to get his chance in the International Men's Italian Side. He can develop partnerships with those filling their boots. After all, he will be around for a long time to come.
Adrian is the editor at Play the Advantage Football
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur have applied to the High Court in London to continue their battle for a judicial review into West Ham United's move to the Olympic Stadium, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.
The move comes after the court last week rejected legal moves from both Tottenham and Leyton Orient, the third-tier club based near the stadium in east London.
Tottenham will now have the chance to present their case at a hearing. No-one from Orient was immediately available for a comment about their intentions.
"The club has today applied to the High Court to renew its application for permission to bring a claim against the London Borough of Newham and the Olympic Park Legacy Company, the Mayor of London and Government Ministers for judicial review of their decisions underlying the bid process for the conversion of the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games," Tottenham said in a statement on their website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com).
West Ham, who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, were awarded the right last February to move to the new Olympic Stadium after next year's Games.
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With the exit of Wes Brown and John O'Shea to Sunderland earlier today and the retirement of Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar, the roster for Manchester United is definitely going through some time of overhaul.
With the older players on the roster now leaving all at once, it seems that a new youth movement .that includes new signings David De Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young, could be starting at Old Trafford.
Before the summer is over, Sir Alex Ferguson may bring in a couple new faces and he could also see some old faces leave just like Brown and O'Shea.
Manchester United have already had a myriad of good news over the first month of the summer transfer window. The club has landed three stellar young players, in defender Phil Jones, winger Ashley Young and goalkeeper David de Gea.
But, despite the haul, Sir Alex Ferguson isn't done with his wheeling and dealing yet, as United have yet to find the playmaking midfielder to be the heir apparent to retired veteran Paul Scholes. The club has been linked to everyone from Alexis Sanchez (even though he's played little central midfield) to Javier Pastore, but the one name that continues popping up is Inter Milan megastar Wesley Sneijder.
United's interest in the 27-year-old Dutchman's services has been well-documented in the last few years. Ferguson showed an interest in the midfielder when he moved from Real Madrid to Milan two seasons ago, and that interest was renewed back in January, when Sneijder was still unhappy with his role at Milan from the first half of the season under Rafa "It's everyone's fault but mine" Benitez.
Now, that interest has turned into a full-on campaign to bring the midfield dynamo to Old Trafford, as Ferguson has been pondering what to include in a bid for the maestro's services.
Numerous United coaches and former players, ranging from assistant manager Rene Meulensteen to recently retired defender Gary Neville have voiced their support for bringing the sublime playmaker to the club, but can the Red Devils actually get him, or should they give up on what some see as little more than a wild goose chase?
If the player had it his way, United would give up the ghost.
According to a Mirror Football report, Sneijder would prefer to stay at Inter, only leaving if the club actually agreed to sell him.
Per his statements:
"I would like to remain," Sneijder said in an interview in July's Italian issue of Vanity Fair magazine."I have marvellous team-mates. (Inter captain Javier) Zanetti has an extraordinary character, he has kept us together even at times when the morale was low.
"My wife Yolanthe and I love Inter, the Italian fans and Italy.
"Of course, if the club decided to sell me, I will go wherever they tell me to go. But I would be disappointed.
"We have felt so good here that I would miss the city of Milan and Inter.
"But football is like that. When I was sold from Real Madrid to Inter, I would have preferred to have remained in Spain.
"Whatever will be, will be."
While that certainly can't inspire much confidence for United, it also doesn't completely squelch their chances of making a deal happen here.
Sure, it's going to make it much tougher for Ferguson to convince Inter, who are none too keen on the idea of giving up a player who is playing at such an elite level at the height of his powers, to give the Dutchman up. Sure, if Sneijder doesn't want to come, it increases the chances that he struggles upon his arrival, or goes into a tremendous funk as a result.
But the fact is, he never said he would resist a move out of Inter; he simply said that if he were calling the shots, he'd stay put. That means that while it's not going to be easy (especially if Ferguson was planning on pulling an Arsene Wenger and lowballing the club), if he makes a strong offer, he's got a good chance of landing the talented midfielder, who would likely enjoy the chance to take the pitch at Old Trafford, once he got through the emotional goodbye at the San Siro.
United have known from the get-go that landing the talented Dutchman would be a monumental task, and his statements have done nothing to change that fact. They're going to have to put in the extra legwork and convince Inter to sell knowing that the player doesn't actively want to leave.
In the end, I still don't see Sneijder coming to United. He's never been crazy about leaving Inter, and the club is wont to sell. But, at the same time, if United were willing to keep chasing the talented playmaker before he said he wanted to stay in Italy, his statements shouldn't dissuade them from the hunt.
They can still get him, as the club is still open to selling, even if when the dust settles, I see him staying put at this point in the summer.
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
When Manchester United brought in Mexican sensation Javier Hernandez early last summer, many questioned the method behind Sir Alex Ferguson's madness.
But a year later, those critics should be silenced as Chicharito put in one heck of a season in his debut campaign at Old Trafford.
With the bar set respectably high for the young Mexican, who is fresh off of a masterful display in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Hernandez likely will have added pressure to perform.
Dimitar Berbatov is likely out, so the spotlight in the attacking third will be shared mostly with Wayne Rooney, decent competition given his recent history.
But before the predictions for Hernandez's second season with United, here are his top 10 moments from his debut year with the Red Devils.
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First-year MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps have signed Gambian striker Mustapha Jarju.
The 24-year old Gambia international, also known as Toubabo, has joined the Whitecaps from Belgian club RAEC Mons for the rest of the MLS season.
Jarju, who has also played with Lierse in Belgium, said he was looking forward to becoming a part of the Whitecaps squad before returning for pre-season next year.
?For me, the most important thing is the players, the team, we are all the same," he said. "I hope I'm going to have success in MLS and a very good six months in Vancouver, then come back ready for pre-season."
And as for the name Toubabo, which means ?white person?, the new ?Caps Designated Player took the time to explain how he got it.
"I got it when I was very young," he said.
"I don't know. I started playing well and they just give me that name. Maybe I played like a white man when I was young."
Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers is ready to hand Jason Scotland a new Premier League chance.
The Daily Mail says the Swans are talking to Ipswich about re-signing Scotland, 32.
Scotland had an ill-fated spell at Wigan Athletic two years ago, having been brought to the club by former Swans boss Roberto Martinez.
The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari has rejected claims linking him with AS Roma.
His representative has cooled the transfer speculation regarding a move south for his client.
?It seems to be a bit far out there to even talk about,? Claudio Vigorelli told romagiallorossa.it. ?Storari to Roma seems to be the joke of the moment.
?There has never been any contact with Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini, also because I?m convinced that they want to sign a foreign goalkeeper and not an Italian.
?That?s why there hasn?t been any contact and why I believe it will be very difficult for a call to arrive.
?At least that is what I hear from the people in Rome who know about these things.?
Click here for the No1 coverage of all the gossip and transfer news around Juventus.
Tottenham midfielder Sandro is a doubt for the start of the new season after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Brazil.
New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol insists the entire squad is looking forward to Wednesday night?s meeting with Manchester United.
The former Liverpool defender leads his Revs side into battle against the 19-time English champions in a Herbalife World Football Challenge match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough this week and he was definitely exciting at the pre-match press conference on Monday.
?For us, we're looking forward to the game immensely,? Nicol said. ?I know the players are. It will be a great experience for them to play against one of the best teams on the planet and some of the best players on the planet.
?It should be a great experience for our guys. Hopefully, we can do well and that will give us some confidence to take into the rest of the season.?
The Revs have not won in eight MLS matches and currently sit at the foot of the Eastern Conference table but will be looking for a big showing against the Red Devils in front of a strong home crowd.
Tottenham are making a swap offer to Blackburn Rovers for defender Christopher Samba.
The Daily Mail says Spurs are ready to offer Sebastien Bassong and Robbie Keane as part of a deal for Samba.
Rovers do not want to sell the Congo defender but Samba, 27, wants to go and is concerned Arsenal were priced out of a bid by his �12million valuation.
Blackburn may consider a part-exchange deal but would rather not take older players with low sell-on value and thought Keane too pricey.
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