Juventus still hold hopes of landing Manchester United star

Juventus have not given up hope of signing Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata, according to reports in Italy.

talkSPORT told you back in January about the Italian champions' interest in the Spaniard, who has scored eight goals this season.

Juventus were told then that they had no chance of signing the 26-year-old, with manager Louis van Gaal seeing the former Chelsea man as an integral part of his plans.

However, according to Sky Italia, Juve have not given up hope of signing Mata and are to make a renewed approach this summer.

Boss Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly a huge fan of the Spain international and has asked the club's directors to enquire after his services.

Manchester United are said to still have no plans of parting with Mata, who they signed from Chelsea for £37.1m in January 2014.

Jose Mourinho rubbishes rumours Chelsea made transfer record bid for Japan forward

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has played down any links his side have with a move for FC Tokyo and Japan forward Yoshinori Muto.

The 22-year-old, who has recently graduated from university, is reportedly the subject of a £4m bid, an offer which would break the J-League's record fee, from the Blues.

Speculation has been increased with doubts concerning Diego Costa's possible long-term hamstring injury and Didier Drogba's contract ending in the summer.

But Mourinho insists there has been no offer: "I didn't make a bid. I don't think about players, I don't think about anything after our next match against QPR."

Chelsea have recently signed a new shirt sponsorship with Japanese-based company, Yokohama Rubber, but Mourinho stated that this would not play any part in transfer deals.

"This is a part of modern management, that you cannot close the door completely to commercial interests.

"But at the same time, a football club is a football club and only has space for good football players or good prospects.

"We would never bring in a player that is not good for Chelsea Football Club."

Newcastle 19-29 Bath: Visitors maintain Aviva Premiership title hopes with bonus point victory

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Bath kept alive their Aviva Premiership title bid with a gritty bonus point victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

George Ford delivered a masterclass at fly-half while Sam Burgess also impressed in his first match at flanker since switching codes as the visitors reduced the gap between themselves and leaders Northampton to six points.

Bath blew away Newcastle in the opening stages, scoring 15 points in as many minutes to assert their authority in the contest through tries from Ollie Devoto and Semesa Rokoduguni.

The home side then reduced the arrears with the score of the match through Sinoti Sinoti’s brilliant solo try on the touchline, but Anthony Watson increased Bath’s lead on the stroke of half time.

Bath lead 19-13 at the break and consolidated their advantage when Matt Banahan crossed the try line, securing a crucial bonus point for the visitors.

Penalties from Rory Clegg and Tom Catterick kept the hosts within touching distance in the second half, but the defeat keeps Newcastle second from bottom with three games remaining.

Tottenham without injured duo for Aston Villa clash, reveals Pochettino

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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that influential captain Hugo Lloris and defender Kyle Walker will miss the Premier League game against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Lloris has been sidelined since the end of March after picking up a knee injury during the 4-3 win over Leicester and was forced to miss the double header for France over the international break and the game against Burnley last weekend.

The France keeper has still not made a full recovery which means Michel Vorm will get another rare opportunity to play in the Premier League.

Walker sustained a foot injury during the 0-0 draw at Turf Moor last Sunday but should be able to start light training in the near future.

Pochettino said: "Walker and Hugo are out. Kyle has an injury on the top of his foot during the game with Burnley and has still not recovered.

"We hope next week he can start training on the grass but it's difficult to know the time he will be back in the group in normal training.

"Hugo is recovering and is still not training with the group. Maybe next week he can also start training."

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expecting a good reception for predecessor Tim Sherwood when he returns to White Hart Lane for the first time this weekend with Aston Villa.

Sherwood, who was only handed the Villa mantle in February, represented Spurs as a player and took caretaker charge in North London last season after Andre Villas Boas was sacked in December 2013.

Despite boasting the best win percentage of any Spurs’ manager in the Premier League era, he was relieved of his duties at the end of last season, and Pochettino believes his return will manifest good a reaction.

“I expect a very good reception because he is a manager that worked here and spent a lot of time here, as a player and as manager,” said the Argentine.

“He helped the academy to develop young talent and I hope he gets a very good reception from the supporters because I think he deserves that.”

Sherwood was heralded for his commitment to youth development during his brief tenure at White Hart Lane, handing league debuts for the likes of current Spurs mainstays Harry Kane and Nabil Bentaleb.

Pochettino holds a similar footballing philosophy and has continued Sherwood’s blueprint – something the current Spurs boss has recognised.

The 43-year-old said: "I think the legacy is to believe in the young talent and he shared the job with other people, like John McDermott (academy manager) and all the staff in the academy, Les Ferdinand, Chris Ramsey.

“I think that we share the same idea, we believe in the young talent. All people deserve some credit for the young players arriving in the first team."

Championship round-up: Bournemouth close on Premier League, Wigan edge towards relegation

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Bournemouth moved to within touching distance of Premier League football thanks to a gritty 2-0 victory at south coast rivals Brighton on Friday night.

After an uneventful first half, the Cherries went ahead in majestic fashion through Yann Kermorgant’s brilliant free kick 20 minutes from time.

Callum Wilson then turned Seagulls’ defender Greg Halford inside out before slotting past David Stockdale for his 21st goal in all competitions to make it 2-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Championship to four points.

Elsewhere, Wigan edged ever closer to relegation to League One in Gary Caldwell's first game in charge despite twice fighting back from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw with fellow strugglersFulham.

Ross McCormack opened the scoring for the hosts at Craven Cottage after just four minutes before Jermaine Pennant’s stunning free kick drew that Latics level.

Matt Smith curled home a brilliant strike from 30 yards to restore Fulham’s lead just before the break, but Jason Pearce prodded home from a second -half corner to ensure a share of the spoils.

The point means little to the visitors, who now sit eight points adrift of safety with just four games left, while Fulham allayed their own relegation fears by staying nine points clear of their opponents.

Wayne Rooney hoping to put a smile on Manchester United fans' faces with derby victory

Wayne Rooney wants to put a smile back on the faces of Manchester United fans by beating City when the sides meet in the 165th Manchester derby on Sunday.

The United and England captain has enjoyed himself against the current Premier League champions, scoring 11 goals down the years, including his incredible overhead kick winner in 2011.

A United victory at Old Trafford would ensure an unwanted record of five successive defeats to their arch rivals does not materialise, and Rooney is aware of the bragging rights at stake.

“We want to give United fans something to smile about when they go to work on Monday morning, we want them to be the ones to be able to give out the banter to Manchester City fans at work,” the 29-year-old told MUFCTV.
“I think it’s a very important game for Manchester United and Manchester City...for the fans and, for me, it’s a massive game of pride.”

Despite City’s recent dominance over their arch rivals, including a 1-0 victory at the Etihad in November, United go into the game as slight favourites with the sides boasting very contrasting recent form.
The Red Devils have won their last five league games and leapfrogged Manuel Pellegrini's side into third over the weekend as a result of City’s fourth consecutive away defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Louis Van Gaal has Robin Van Persie at his disposal after the Dutch striker’s return from injury, but the United boss is unlikely to change his front three of Rooney, Juan Mata and Ashley Young which has reaped so much recent success.

Louis van Gaal 'dreaming' of first Manchester derby victory

Tags:Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he has been dreaming of claiming his maiden Manchester derby victory this weekend.

City head to Old Trafford on Sunday having inflicted defeat on the Dutchman in his opening derby meeting, a 1-0 win in November, and the showdown offers more than just bragging rights for the victors.

United sit a point and a place above their rivals in third in the table with competition for eventual league standigns at stake, and van Gaal is aware of the euphoria the derby creates in Manchester.

“I dream of it, every player shall dream of the victory. I am not so often in the city, but when I am, the people are talking about the derby,” said the United boss.

“I like it. You play football for the fans and I hope we can give our fans the victory. All the players understand the meaning of a victory and I know it also."

A victory for the blue half of Manchester at the weekend would set a new record of five straight derby victories for City, but van Gaal says he is not concerned by Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s recent dominance.

He said: “That's not my history. What can I say? We have lost 1-0. That is my history, the last game we played against them and we had a red card in the 39th minute, I believe.

“In such games always you have to control your aggression and we did not do that then so I hope we have learned from that moment.''

City have struggled of late and United go into the game as slight favourites after a run of five successive league victories, but van Gaal believes form is irrelevant in derby fixtures.

“'Manchester City has lost several games, but I don't think that shall be a big influence in the game because it is a special game,” said the 63-year-old.

The Dutch manager has confirmed that striker Robin Van Persie is not fit enough to return to the squad, whilst left back Luke Shaw is also definitely out.

Former Australia star Richie Benaud dies aged 84

Richie Benaud, the beloved former Australia cricketer, journalist and broadcaster has died at the age of 84.

Benaud had been battling skin cancer and recovering from the after effects of a car accident suffered in 2013.

His long-term employer, Channel Nine posted on its Wide World of Sports Twitter feed: "The voice of cricket Richie Benaud has passed away at the age of 84. #RIPRichie and thank you for the memories."

The news arm of Cricket Australia, www.cricket.com.au, wrote: "An Australian Test great who nurtured a generations' love for the game with his commentary has passed away, aged 84

"After Don Bradman, there has been no Australian player more famous than Richie Benaud."

Raheem Sterling will only be happy if he's playing regularly, says Liverpool team-mate Sturridge

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge hopes team-mate Raheem Sterling will remain at the club and believes the 20-year-old will only be happy if he is playing regularly.

Sterling has put contract negotiations on hold until the end of the season after reportedly rejecting a new £100,000-a-week offer, although he insists the decision is not motivated by money.

The England international has been linked with a host of European heavyweights where he may not be guaranteed first-team football, and Sturridge feels that could be a defining factor when the contract saga concludes.

“I don’t know what Raheem wants to do but it is just important to be able to play regularly,” said the Reds’ striker.

“As long as he is playing regularly he will be happy – I don’t think it is anything to do with anything other than that and I hope he will stay at the club.”

Sturridge has experienced a similar dilemma before, having left Chelsea for Liverpool in January 2013 after being marginalised and deployed as a winger at Stamford Bridge.

“It is important to play games and gain experience so whatever decision he [Sterling] makes I am behind him 100 per cent," said the England striker

Sturridge formed a stunning partnership with Luis Suarez last season, scoring 24 league goals in a hugely profitable campaign, but this season has been badly curtailed by an injury that sidelined him for five months.

Since his return in January, Sturridge has acknowledged he has struggled to regain his sharpness with just four goals in 15 appearances and has received some criticism for his performances.

"It has taken time to get back into the groove. I have missed a lengthy time and gaining sharpness while playing games is not easy in a league like the Premier League - you can't ease yourself back in because the games are very fast," he added.

"It is the sharpness and fitness side of things. It takes a long time and that is the whole point of having a long pre-season.”

"I am looking forward to helping the team this season and towards next season I will be right back to where I was, because I would have had a pre-season I will be back to the sharpness and fitness levels I had before."

Chelsea move for top Premier League star coveted by Arsenal and Tottenham

Chelsea have joined Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for Morgan Schneiderlin, according to reports in France.

The midfielder very nearly left Southamptonlast summer as the south coast club endured an exodus of some of its top stars.

In the end the Frenchman stayed and his performances this season have helped Saints climb to within touching distance of a European spot.

However, Arsenal and Tottenham have not given up hope of signing the 25-year-old this summer and will battle out for his signature.

According to L'Equipe though, the north London duo will be joined in their pursuit by Premier League leaders Chelsea.
The Blues reportedly scouted the France international against Everton last week and are now weighing up a move for him.

Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City's season is 'not a disaster'

Tags:Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has reiterated his side’s disappointing season is ‘not a disaster.’

The current Premier League champions have waned in recent months as the defence of their title has floundered, epitomised by their defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

The loss left them nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea after a fourth successive away reverse, but Pellegrini remains in positive spirits despite the malaise.

“We hope we continue keeping the good things we are doing because we are not a disaster, we’re not a mess. We are doing a lot of things well,” said the Chilean.

“We must improve because we are not having the results we need but never in my way of thinking are we happy with a draw.”

City head into this weekend’s Manchester derby boasting a phenomenal recent record over United having won the last four encounters, including a 1-0 victory in November.

Another win on Sunday would set a new record for successive victories over their arch rivals, and Pellegrini is determined to establish an attacking approach.

“Never is a draw a good result. I understand we are not having the results that we need playing away – 2015 is not a good year for us – but before that we were the best team playing away,” said the 61-year-old.

City’s poor form has raised questions about Pellegrini’s future beyond the end of the season, butthe Chilean has refused to be concerned by any rumours.

He said: "I feel everyone supports me at the club, the players. I think the players are happy in the way we work and the way we play.

"I don't see any problems inside the club but you never know what will happen in August and at the end of the season.”

Club captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful for Sunday's match at Old Trafford after picking up a hamstring injury in Monday's defeat, whilst strikers Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic are definitely ruled out.

Harry Redknapp: People were against me at QPR

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• pHarry Redknapp: People were against me at QPR

Harry Redknapp has told BBC's Football Focus he resigned suddenly as manager of QPR in February because he "no longer knew who was on my side".

Redknapp cited crippling knee problems as the primary reasons for his decision to leave Rangers, who were second from bottom in the Premier League table.

But he has now revealed that was not the only issue.

In an interview that will air in full on Saturday, the 68-year-old said the club had descended into a "soap opera".

"I always thought I had everyone pulling with me and suddenly I felt some were and some weren't," he said. "Behind the scenes, I always thought there were one or two people with their own agendas."

In a wide-ranging interview at his home in Poole, Redknapp says:

Redknapp is undergoing rehabilitation on his knees and can now walk and stand without pain.

But the former Tottenham and Portsmouth manager admitted to being "worn down" by incessant rumours around his position as manager at Loftus Road.

He said: "There was talk about Tim Sherwood coming in. QPR was in the paper every day. I've been at lots of other clubs, big clubs as well where you didn't get that.

"That got on my nerves. That was the big problem for me.

"As soon as we lost a few games, it would begin. I always thought there was someone mischievous causing it. I'd never had that before at any club I'd been at.

"I didn't see the teams below us getting the same sort of headlines every other week. It wore me down a little bit."

Academy coach Chris Ramsey took over as boss in February and the Hoops are now two points off safety in the table.

Ashley Young: No contact from Roy Hodgson regarding national call

Ashley Young has revealed that he had no contact with England manager Roy Hodgson before the last international break regarding a recall to the national team setup.

The Manchester United winger has been a star turn of Louis Van Gaal’s side's upturn in fortunes this season, displacing record signing Angel di Maria from the team with a series of impressive performances.

Many felt Young’s consistency could lead to an England return for the games against Lithuania and Italy last month, but the former Aston Villa player says no discussions materialised.

“There was no conversation [with Hodgson]," said Young, whose last England cap came against Ukraine in September 2013.

"Obviously I will always want to represent my country. I was a little bit disappointed not to be in the squad, but I have just got to make sure I am playing well here at United and hopefully I will get the call at some time soon."

The 29-year-old was speaking ahead of Sunday’s crunch Manchester derby at Old Trafford which could determine who gains local bragging rights in terms of Premier Leaguepositions.

United have lost their last four meetings with City and have never lost five in a row against their arch rivals, and Young is keen to ensure that record doesn’t become a reality.

“That's something you want to put right. It will be another massive game,” added the winger.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists Jack Wilshere is not for sale amid Man City rumours

Arsene Wenger insists Jack Wilshere is not for sale and has played down reports linking the Arsenal midfielder with a move to Manchester City at the end of the season.

The Premier League champions have already signed Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Bacary Sagna from the north London club and were hoping to make it fourth time lucky with a move for the England star.

But the Arsenal manager is adamant that Wilshere, who has only just returned from a long-term ankle injury, will not be going anywhere at the end of the season and remains a key part of their long-term plans.

Wenger said: "You can imagine my answer, we are not in a position anymore where we have to sell our best players.

"We cannot make a headline from anything in a press conference from something which is not true."

Liverpool transfer rumours: Seven possible Raheem Sterling replacement

Could Roberto Firmino replace Raheem? Click right to find out which England winger would be a like-for-like replacement for Sterling

A stylish attacking midfielder who has spearheaded Hoffenheim’s impressive push for European qualification in the Bundesliga this season, Brazil coach Dunga recently declared the 23-year-old could play in any league in the world. He has 11 goals and eight assists in club competitions this season, whilst Firmino also impressed for his country with the winner in a friendly against Chile at the Emirates last week.

With Liverpoolforward Raheem Sterling putting contract negotiations on hold until the end of the season, rumours about his long-term Anfield future have reached fever point.
The 20-year-old reportedly turned down a tidy £100k-a-week deal which would extend his stay with the Reds past 2017, before turning to the BBC for an unauthorised interview in an attempt to denounce his ‘money-grabbing’ label.

After two damaging Premier League defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal in recent weeks, the Reds' Champions League qualification hopes are in tatters. Sterling has been with linked with European superpowers across the continent, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and could force a move if Liverpool do expectedly fall short of a top four place.

Former Liverpool star warns Raheem Sterling: You won't start for Chelsea, Real Madrid or Barcelona!

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Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling would struggle to break into the first-team at some of the top clubs in Europe.

That’s the view of former Reds star Jason McAteer, who has advised the 20-year-old to stay at Anfield this summer.

Sterling has been linked with a move to a host of big names this summer, with Chelsea, Man City, Man United, Real Madrid and Barcelona all interested in his signature.

The Anfield flyer has rejected a £100,000-a-week contract, which Brendan Rodgers described as ‘incredible’, earlier this season, and is believed to be weighing up his options.

But McAteer has warned the England youngster, who has more than two years to run on his current deal, that he will not play should he move away from Merseyside at the end of the season.

“I feel like I need to protect Raheem Sterling a bit,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “His agent is doing all of the damage. He’s the one who’s put him in front of the cameras.

“Sterling’s a naive, quiet 20-year-old. He’s gone about his business very well over the last two seasons. He’s not been on the back pages for anything negative.

“He’s been swayed by his agent, who’s probably told him there are a few clubs interested. He’s saying, ‘I can get you this or that’ and ‘you deserve this or that’.

“The lad should concentrate on his football at the moment. He’s playing week in week out at Liverpool and is adored by the fans.

“If I was to give him any advice it would be to stay where you are for a couple of seasons and learn your trade under Brendan Rodgers. There’s a good young team there at Liverpool.

“If he went to Chelsea, Man City, Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich he’s not going to get in the team. He’s simply not going to play.

“For his development, at his age, he needs to play. He’d get that at Liverpool. The money will come to you at 23 or 24.

“You’re going to be on £150-200,000-a-week if you continue to develop the way you are. I’d sit on it, take what Liverpool are offering and develop there.”

Happy Gilmore best bits ahead of The 2015 Master

The Masters is starting and while we can't wait for that to begin, we'll probably celebrate by watching Happy Gilmore.

For those who yet to see it, it's about a failed ice hockey player who discovers his talents lie on the golfcourse which eventually sees him battle rival Shooter McGavin (below) for the Tour Championship gold jacket.

These are a few of our favourite clips.

Fight with Price Is Right host Bob Barker at a celebrity tournament.

Ben Stiller plays a retirement home manager, who runs a black market on the side, forcing the old residents to sow quilts during 'arts and crafts hour.'

Read more at http://talksport.com/golf/happy-gilmore-best-bits-ahead-2015-masters-150408142546#bdl7jADtg7A3FAWT.99

Blackburn 0-1 Liverpool: Coutinho fires Reds to FA Cup semi-finals

Philippe Coutinho was again the savour of Liverpool’s FA Cup hopes as the Brazilian’s fine strike sealed a narrow victory over a spirited Blackburn Rovers in their sixth round replay at Ewood Park.

The Reds’ number ten was the standout star in what was a laboured performance from the Premier League side.

Coutinho has already been the hero for the Reds this term, with his sensational strike seeing off Bolton in a dramatic fourth round replay, and he again mustered a moment of magic which proved enough to set up a Wembley Stadium meeting with Aston Villa.

Having frustrated the Reds in their initial goalless draw at Anfield, Brendan Rodgers’ men again struggled to break down the stubborn Rovers, who set up with two banks of four players to limit their top flight opponents’ attacking threat.

A buzzing capacity crowd witnessed a cagey first half but Gary Gowyer’s charges twice went close to taking the lead in a rapid start to the second, with Simon Mignolet doing well to first palm away Tom Cairney’s stinging long range effort before turning Ben Marshall’s stooping header onto the post.

The best chances of the opening 45 fell to the visitors, with Joe Allen firing wide, Daniel Sturridge curling a shot over the crossbar and Coutinho seeing a low shot well saved by goalkeeper Simon Eastwood.

Blackburn’s attacking options were limited with Jordan Rhodes on his own up front, though the Scot did have a chance after beating an injured Mamadou Sakho – who was later replaced by Kolo Toure after picking up a hamstring problem – in the air, but could only send a header into the stands.

The hosts enjoyed some added impetus when Rudy Gestede, who wasn’t deemed fit enough to start, came off the bench, however it seemed only a matter of time until Liverpool, who piled on the pressure in the closing stages, broke through.

And with 20 minutes remaining, Coutinho, playing a neat one-two with Jordan Henderson from a short

 corner, found an inch of space in the box and made the most of it, smashing a low shot across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

There was last minute drama when a late long throw-in led to Blackburn's best chance of the match, though through an unlikely source as goalkeeper Eastwood came close to a dramtic equaliser.

The shot-stopper, who had sprinted up the pitch to join his team-mates in the box, brought down the looped throw and sent a thumping shot towards goal, but Mignolet denied his counterpart with a strong one-handed save to secure Liverpool's place at Wembley.

Paul Downton sacked as ECB managing director of cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board have sacked Paul Downton as managing director of cricket after just over a year in the job.

Downton succeeded Hugh Morris in February 2014 and was under pressure almost from day one, when he fronted the decision to axe Kevin Pietersen from the England fold.

His appointment of Peter Moores as head coach has also had its critics, while the decision to back Alastair Cook as one-day captain, only to then ditch him on the eve of the World Cup, also went down badly.
New chief executive Tom Harrison has now abolished Downton's job description and, in an ECB restructure, will replace it with the slightly reworded 'director of England cricket'.

Harrison said: "The England Cricket Department needs to deliver performance at the highest level and our structure needs to be accountable for reaching the standards we aspire to. The new role we are putting in place will deliver an environment where world class performance is at the heart of everything we do.

"Paul is a man of great integrity who has worked extremely hard to make a difference at the ECB. He joined at a very difficult time, but under his leadership the Test team have made significant strides. We thank him for his hard work, drive and determination and wish him every success for the future.
"The touring team in the West Indies are aware of the changes. The process for appointing the new role, with sole responsibility for the England set-up, will begin immediately."
An additional statement from the ECB added: "The Managing Director role will be removed from the ECB structure. A newly created role of 'Director of England Cricket', with a clear focus on delivering a world class performance environment for all formats will replace it.
"The restructuring follows a review of the team's performance at the World Cup and a need to look to the long-term, putting a plan in place for 2019 and beyond."