Christian Benteke on Liverpool's radar

 

Liverpool's transfer business this summer has been impressive in its decisiveness and it seems they are determined to sign a striker sooner rather than later.

The Mirror report that, having had a £22m bid for Christian Benteke rejected by Aston Villa, the Anfield club are prepared to offer in excess of £25m, although still short of the player's £32.5m release clause.
Having left it late to sign a striker last summer and ended up taking a (so far) unsuccessful punt on Mario Balotelli, it appears Brendan Rodgers is keen to secure his first choice targets this time round.
But despite scoring 42 Premier League goals in 89 games, opinion among Liverpool fans on the suitability of the 24-year-old Belgian to flourish on Merseyside is decidedly split.

Arsenal encouraged in bid for Chelsea whizkid Musonda

Arsenal are closing on a deal for Chelsea midfielder Charly Musonda.
The Mirror says the Gunners were keen on Belgian attacking midfielder Musonda when he was 14 and at Anderlecht in his homeland.
In the end he opted to join Chelsea in 2012, but Arsenal have been alerted after it emerged Musonda, now 18, could be on the move this summer.
Mirror Sport understands Musonda is open to a transfer due to fears about his long-term prospects at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, some at the club are believed to be concerned that the slight Musonda lacks the physical presence to make the grade at Stamford Bridge.

Tevez secured Argentina's semi-final

Carlos Tevez scored the winning spot-kick as Argentina beat Colombia on penalties to reach the Copa America semi-finals.

Argentina dominated throughout but found Arsenal keeper David Ospina in fine form as he denied Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.
That meant penalties were needed and, after Colombia's Jeison Murillo missed, Tevez converted to seal a 5-4 victory.
Argentina face either Brazil or Paraguay in Tuesday's semi-final.
It capped a memorable day for Tevez, who came off the bench to score moments after a move from Juventus to his hometown club Boca Juniors was confirmed.

Colombia and Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina produced a number of superb saves

It was also a deserved win for Argentina who, having scored just four goals in their three previous games at the tournament, displayed their attacking intent from the outset.
They embarked on wave after wave of attacks but found themselves up against a Colombia side that had set up to frustrate their opponents.
And when Argentina did find their way through the Colombia defence, Ospina was there to deny them.
The goalkeeper, whose future at Arsenal is in doubt with the imminent arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea, produced a stunning double save to keep out Aguero's shot from close range and then somehow get back up to fling himself at Lionel Messi's header on the follow-up.
That gave Colombia confidence, and they finally managed to muster a shot on target in the second half when Jackson Martinez powered a header towards goal, but Sergio Romero got down to make the save.
However, it was left to Ospina to keep Colombia in the game as he made another crucial save, this time denying Otamendi when the defender volleyed a corner at goal and Ospina pushed the ball onto his post.
With no extra-time in the Copa America quarter-finals or semi-finals, the game went to penalties and, after five were missed, Tevez stepped up to seal victory.

Sepp Blatter: I did not resign as Fifa president

Sepp Blatter says he has not resigned as Fifa president.

The 79-year-old Swiss was thought to have ended his 17-year reign on 2 June amid claims of corruption in world football's governing body.
But, according to Swiss newspaper Blick,  Blatter told a party at a Fifa museum: "I did not resign. I put myself and my office in the hands of the Fifa congress."
Blatter is thought to be considering standing for re-election as president.
Two criminal investigations into alleged Fifa corruption began in the week that Blatter was elected for a fifth term in charge.
Four days after being voted president, Blatter - who is reportedly under investigation in the United States - said: "While I have a mandate from the membership of Fifa, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football.

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Blatter resigns as Fifa president

"Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as Fifa president until that election."
However, Blatter did not use the words 'resign' or 'resignation'.
In response to Blatter's latest comments, Labour MP Chris Bryant, the shadow secretary of state for culture, said: "Sepp Blatter's antics remind me not so much of the hokey-cokey as Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.
"It's time Fifa put an end to all this speculation, which is harming the sport, and give a final date for Blatter's departure."
Meanwhile, Blatter may not attend the final of the Women's World Cup in Canada because of the twin investigations into Fifa by American and Swiss authorities.
He would normally present the trophy to the winning team, but Fifa will not confirm whether Blatter or secretary general Jerome Valcke will attend.
A Fifa spokesperson said: "In terms of the Fifa president and the Fifa secretary general, their future travel plans will be confirmed in due course."

Gossip/Aproko: Schneiderlin, Pogba, Pedro, De Gea, Ramos

Manchester United are close to signing Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 25, for £24m, meaning they will not sign Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, 30. (Daily Star) 
Real Madrid have rejected Manchester United's £35m offer for defender Sergio Ramos, 29, with the English club considering an improved bid. (Daily Mail) 
Real have already lined up Valencia's 27-year-old centre-back Nicolas Otamendi as a replacement should Ramos leave. (Marca) 
Manchester City also want Otamendi, while the Argentine is a target of their rivals United. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham midfielder Paulinho, 26, is close to joining Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande for the £17m fee he cost the Premier League club. (Evening Standard) 
Watford - who also want Paulinho - have been offered Inter Milan defender Davide Santon, 24, and midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, 27, for £7m but they could negotiate the price. (Evening Standard) 

Marseille winger Dimitri Payet is close to completing a move to West Ham, but the French club are angry and say the 28-year-old has reneged on an agreement to see out the remaining two years of his contract. (Times - subscription required) 

Benfica and Argentina attacking midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, 27, has a deal agreed to join Manchester United - subject to his club's permission, according to his agent. (Metro) 
Manchester United will not sell goalkeeper David De Gea, 24, to Real Madrid unless the Spanish club pay a world-record fee for a goalkeeper. Gianluigi Buffon's reported £33m to Juventus in 2001 remains the record. (Manchester Evening News) 
De Gea's house in Manchester, complete with home cinema and sauna, has gone on the market for £2.75m. (Altrincham Today) 

The Daily Mirror lead on Manchester United's pursuit of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 22, "is very excited to come to Barcelona", according to the Catalan club's presidential candidate Joan Laporta. (Daily Mail, via Catalunya Radio) 
Alternatively, the former Manchester United youngster is reportedly close to joining Manchester City for £60m. (Sun) 
Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in Barcelona forward Pedro. The 27-year-old could be allowed to leave for £18m despite signing a new contract this summer. (Talksport, via Mundo Deportivo) 
Liverpool are still keen on Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke but will only step up their pursuit of the 24-year-old if Aston Villa are willing to compromise on their £32.5m asking price. (Times - subscription required) 
Barcelona star Lionel Messi wants his club to sign Argentina team-mate and Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria, 27. However, United want their £59.7m back and would have to pay Real Madrid £10m because of a clause about him being sold to their rivals. (Sun - subscription only) 
Di Maria has vowed to fight for his place at Old Trafford in the face of interest from Barca and Paris St-Germain. (Express) 
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Barcelona defensive midfielder Alex Song, 27, on a free transfer. He spent last season on loan at Upton Park. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester City are close to signing 18-year-old Bursaspor striker Enes Unal, who has won a senior cap for Turkey, for about £500,000. (Sun - subscription only) 

The Sun leads on the story Manchester City are close to signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba

Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 33, could play for Sweden at the Rio 2016 Olympics after his country qualified for the tournament. (Guardian) 
Tottenham are hopeful of signing Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld, 26, who was also wanted by Southampton after a loan spell last season. (Daily Telegraph) 
Napoli want £67m - the buyout clause - for Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, 27, a target for Arsenal, Liverpool and AC Milan. (Guardian) 
Sevilla say they have not received any bids for striker Carlos Bacca, and hope that no club meets his buyout clause of £21m. Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the 28-year-old, who scored 28 goals last season. (Independent) 
Sunderland will push on with their bid to sign Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates, 24, for £4m after Uruguay's exit from the Copa America. (Newcastle Chronicle) 
Lazio have persuaded English midfielder Ravel Morrison, 22, to play for them next season, despite interest from QPR. (Talksport, via Il Tempo)
Newcastle midfielder Remy Cabella, 25, does not want to leave the club despite being linked to Marseille, according to his father. (Newcastle Chronicle, via L'Equipe) 
Borussia Dortmund say they will not sell striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 26, a reported £30m target for Arsenal. (Daily Star) 
Fiorentina have made a £3m bid to sign Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah, 23, and the London club could accept, despite paying £11m for him last year. (Daily Express, via tuttomercatoweb)  
Crystal Palace want Swansea City and Wales defender Ashley Williams, 30. He was valued at £12m by the Swans last summer. (Daily Mirror) 

Best of social media

Barcelona forward Neymar, who has left Brazil's Copa America camp after being banned for the tournament, posted a picture of his tattoo of his sister - with his sibling's face next to it for comparison purposes.
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata asked Twitter followers  "where am I?" with a picture of him wearing a comedy-sized sombrero hat.

Gerard Deulofeu was happy to return to Everton from Barcelona

And finally

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane quipped he is glad there were no camera phones while he was winning trophies with the Old Trafford club, saying he would probably be in prison. (Irish Independent) 
A colouring book featuring more than 20 football pundits, including a drawing of Des Lynam wearing only underwear, has been launched. (Metro) 
A football website has researched which British sports websites or newspapers are the most reliable for football rumours, with BBC Sport coming out on top. (101 Great Goals) 

Gonzalo Jara to be investigated for Copa America finger incident

Chile defender Gonzalo Jara is to be investigated for an incident which led to the dismissal of Uruguay's Edinson Cavani in a Copa America match.

Television pictures appeared to show Jara poking his finger at Cavani's bottom.
The Paris St-Germain striker was dismissed for his reaction.
Alberto Lozada of South America football's governing body Conmebol said its disciplinary panel "will open an investigation".
Uruguay captain Diego Godin had earlier said he hoped action would be taken and added: "There are images that are far more graphic than 1,000 words of mine."
Cavani was given a second yellow card after he slapped Jara, who went unpunished, in retaliation.
The incident involving the former West Bromwich Albion defender happened before team-mate Mauricio Isla scored to send Chile into the semi-finals.

Alberto Salazar denies doping allegations in open letter

Athletics coach Alberto Salazar has written an open letter to deny allegations that he has used doping techniques.

Salazar has been accused of violating anti-doping rules, including claims he was involved in doping US record holder Galen Rupp - training partner of Britain's Mo Farah - in 2002.
The 56-year-old coach said he "will never permit doping".
He added: "I believe in a clean sport and hard work and so do my athletes."
There is no suggestion double-Olympic champion Farah, who is part of Salazar's Nike Oregon Project (NOP) training operation in the United States, has broken any rules.
A BBC Panorama investigation in collaboration with US journalism organisation ProPublica claimed that American distance runner Rupp, 29, was given the banned anabolic steroid testosterone in 2002, when he was 16 years old. In his letter, Salazar denies that Rupp has ever taken a banned substance.
No allegations were made against other NOP athletes in the investigation.

Arsenal playing style better than Chelsea

Aaron Ramsey believes Arsenal have the edge over Chelsea in terms of playing style.

He told Bleacher Report: "We are going in the right direction. We have improved as a team defensively, and obviously we've shown we are able to create and score goals so it's just about getting that consistency throughout the season."
And Ramsey believes Wenger's 'explosive' side have the edge over their rivals when it comes to playing style.
Her added: "I think we do like to get the ball down and move it quickly, and play one- and two-touch and keep the ball.
"We can be very explosive in our movements, and when it all clicks it's very easy on the eye. I think it's fair to say it's the best in the Premier League."

Wimbledon: Jurgen Melzer says beating brother is his 'worst day'

Austria's Jurgen Melzer says beating his younger brother Gerald in the first round of Wimbledon qualifying was "the worst tennis day" of his life.

Former world number eight Jurgen, 34, beat his 24-year-old sibling 6-1 6-4 to move into the next stage.
"It was not fun at all. I hope we will never play each other again," he said.
"Some people like to compete against family and we do when we play cards or video games, but it's not the same thing when it's a tournament match."
The brothers had never met at professional level before Monday's qualifier at Roehampton.

Wimbledon 2015 on the BBC
Live coverage across BBC TV, radio and online starts on 29 June with 153 hours of tennis scheduled and up to 15 live streams available.
Read more: BBC coverage bigger than ever and TV and radio schedules.

Jurgen, who was a French Open semi-finalist in 2010, reached the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2010 and 2013. But he has fallen to 131 in the world rankings after being hampered by a shoulder injury over the past 18 months.
Gerald is ranked 169 in the world and was attempting to make the main Wimbledon draw for the first time.
"Neither of us were happy to see the draw," added Gerald.
"We had a good practice and were looking forward to playing at Wimbledon, but it's not the kind of match you'd want to play twice.

Atletico & Porto have agreed Jackson Martinez deal - agent

The player's representative says the striker will sign a four-year contract after the Liga club met his €35 million release clause

Jackson Martinez will sign a four-year deal at Atletico Madrid after the club agreed a €35 million deal with Porto on Tuesday, according to the player's agent.
The striker, who is currently on international duty with Colombia at the Copa America, had appeared set to join AC Milan before Atletico registered their interest.
"It was finalised today," Luiz Henrique Pompeo told AS. "We want to thank Milan for their interest right up the end, we feel very honoured by it, but you can't be in two places at once.
"Atleti are a very big club that has done important things in the league and in Europe. Jackson is going there to also achieve great things and to bring the best out of himself.
"That's his dream and he's very excited. He's really happy."
Martinez will become the second striker Atletico have signed this summer, following the arrival of Luciano Vietto from Villarreal.
The 28-year-old joined Porto from Chiapas in 2012 and scored 21 league goals last season.

Gossip/Aproko: Di Maria, Martinez, Pellegrini, Moses & Begovic

Manchester United's Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, 27, is a target for Barcelona. (Sport - in Spanish) 
Arsenal's hopes of signing Colombia international Jackson Martinez, 28, are over after the Porto forward agreed a four-year deal with Atletico Madrid. (AS) 
Manchester United want a swap deal with Real Madrid involving Spanish pair David De Gea and Sergio Ramos. Madrid want goalkeeper De Gea, 24, plus £20m for the 29-year-old defender. United will make De Gea see out the remaining 12 months of his contract if Real refuse to meet their demands. (Daily Star) 
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, 61, says the club lacked ambition last season and that he would like to manage his native Chile before he retires. (El Mercurio - in Spanish)  

Wednesday's Sun back page focuses on West Ham striker Andy Carroll, who has been told he is staying

While City's reserve team coach Patrick Viera has backed the club's pursuit of Liverpool England winger Raheem Sterling, 20. (Daily Star) 
West Ham will not sell England striker Andy Carroll this summer and believe the 26-year-old can show his true form after two injury-hit seasons with the club. (Sun - subscription required) 
Newcastle are favourites to sign England striker Charlie Austin from QPR for £14m. The 25-year-old is also wanted by Southampton, Chelsea and West Ham. (Daily Express) 
Newcastle United and Stoke City want 25-year-old Ukraine international winger Yevhen Konoplyanka, who is available on a free transfer after his contract at Dnipro expired. (Daily Mirror) 
Stoke City are expecting a formal bid from Chelsea for £8m-rated goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 28, and will ask the Premier League champions to include Nigeria forward Victor Moses, 24, in any deal. (Daily Telegraph) 
But Chelsea's hopes of signing Begovic, 28, have suffered a blow after Moses said he is unsure if he wants to return to Stoke City. The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at the Britannia Stadium from Chelsea. (Times - subscription required) 
West Bromwich Albion are prepared to make former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Ba their highest-paid player, with the 30-year-old telling his current club Besiktas he wants to return to England rather than play in China for Shanghai Shenhua. (Birmingham Mail) 
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, 68, says he is ready to "take over as manager somewhere" and is "quite fine" after knee surgery which forced him to step down at QPR in February. (Guardian) 
West Ham United have agreed a £12m deal for Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet, 28. (Daily Mail) 

Wednesday's front page of Spanish newspaper Sport

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says Manchester United will be "very lucky" should they sign Spain World Cup winner Sergio Ramos, 29, from the Bernabeu. (Talksport) 
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hopes to convince two of his most in-demand players to stay by making goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 28, captain and appointing 21-year-old forward Harry Kane as vice-captain. (Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea's Egypt winger Mohamed Salah, 23, is expected to tell Fiorentina whether he will stay with them for the 2015-16 campaign on Wednesday after spending the second half of last season on loan at the Italian club. (Daily Telegraph) 
Sunderland have made an offer in excess of £11m for PSV Eindhoven's 24-year-old midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who is also a target for their north-east rivals Newcastle United. (Guardian) 
The arrival of Republic of Ireland international winger James McClean, 26, at West Bromwich Albion has split the club's support. (Sun - subscription required) 
Manchester City full-back Shay Facey, 20, is poised to extend his loan at New York City FC, the club midfielder Frank Lampard has joined after completing the season at the Etihad Stadium. (Manchester Evening News) 
Hull City's £10m club record signing Abel Hernandez will only be allowed to leave the Championship club on a permanent deal after the Tigers ruled out loaning the Uruguay striker to another club. (Hull Daily Mail) 
Newcastle United are behind schedule in the transfer window compared to last season - despite a pledge from club owner Mike Ashley to spend big this summer. (Evening Chronicle) 
Former Arsenal keeper Bob Wilson, a double winner with the Gunners in 1971, says the proposed arrival of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, 33, will give Wojciech Szczesny, 25, the perfect chance to improve himself by learning from Cech. (Sky Sports) 
Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett claims that 18-year-old forward Demarai Gray will make it to the very top of the game - but should only leave for the right club. (The Mirror) 
Bournemouth's Wales international midfielder Shaun MacDonald, 27, has abandoned plans to leave on loan and is determined to fight for his place. (Bournemouth Daily Echo) 
Senegal striker Papiss Cisse, 30, insists he is committed to Newcastle despite reports linking with a move away from St James' Park. (Northern Echo)  
While Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking has urged Dutch forward Bas Dost, 26, to reject a move to Newcastle. (Wolfsburger Allgemeine - in German) 

Best of social media

Kevin de Bruyne helped Wolfsburg win the German Cup last month

Former Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 23, has posted a snap of himself on holiday posing next to a lion. "Walking with lions! #what an experience" the Wolfsburg player writes on Twitter. 
Arsenal's England Under-21 defender Calum Chambers has issued a call for fans to get behind the team in the build-up to Wednesday's group game with Italy. Gareth Southgate's Under-21s will reach the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship if they win, and Chambers tweets:  "Preparation done for last group game. Need all your support."
"I'll miss you bro! Thanks for everything. Honestly you are one of the best guys and players I have ever played with," tweets  Bayern Munich's former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 32, to Bayern defender David Alaba before Reina's move to Napoli.

And finally

Middlesbrough's England Under-21 defender Ben Gibson, 22, says a game of crazy golf has revived the Young Lions's Euro 2015 campaign in the Czech Republic. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Tottenham and QPR manager Harry Redknapp appears in a humorous video following his first fictional foray into management of the England...bowls team. (Daily Telegraph) 
Stoke City's ground may no longer be known as the Britannia Stadium after the club's sponsorship deal with the old Britannia Building Society ran out this summer. The stadium has been known as the Britannia since it opened in 1997. (Sentinel) 

Liverpool look to end Javier Manquillo deal early as Benfica eye move for Spanish defender

Benfica want Javier Manquillo to cut short his loan deal at Liverpool so he can move to Portugal instead.

The Atletico Madrid defender joined Liverpool on a two-year loan deal last summer but the full-back fell out of favour with Brendan Rodgers and failed to make a single Premier League appearance in 2015.
Reports have suggested Liverpool are keen to end the loan a year early as a result, and A Bola report that Manquillo could instead join Benfica as they have approached Atletico about the possibility of bringing the 21-year-old to Lisbon.

New York City in talks with Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo

Italy's Andrea Pirlo is in talks with Major League Soccer side New York City.

No agreement has been reached yet, but if Pirlo does sign he could make his debut alongside Frank Lampard in the MLS game with Toronto FC on 12 July.
Pirlo has one year left on his contract with Juventus but has told the Italian champions he wants to be released.
The 36-year-old was in Juventus's starting line-up for the 3-1 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona on 6 June.
He has won six Serie A titles during spells with AC Milan and Juventus.
He won the Champions League twice with AC Milan and the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

Liverpool agree £29m deal for Brazil striker Firmino

Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle to sign Brazil and Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino for £29m.

The 23-year-old, who is currently playing for his country in the Copa America in Chile, would need to be granted a work permit.
Reds chief executive Ian Ayre is in Chile for talks with a view to a five-year deal at the Premier League club.
Firmino is understood to have agreed terms but the move will not be completed until after the tournament.

NFF Mandates Amodu To Work With Keshi

 Amodu Shaibu: NFF Technical Director,

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, will work with the federation’s Technical Study Group.

The NFF also says Keshi will no longer make a unilateral decision in the selection of the Super Eagles squad for international matches but will be supervised by Technical Director, Amodu Shaibu. The President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, disclosed that the NFF Technical Director, Shuaibu Amodu and the Technical Study Group headed by former Eagles Captain, Austin Okocha, will oversee the process of selecting players for the team’s assignments.
While stating that the invitation of players in the Nigerian Super Eagles will no longer be an exclusive duty of Stephen Keshi, Pinnick noted that the Coach “will still have his input” in calling up players.
Reports say Amodu has been directed by the football federation to wield his powers as Technical Director as he will be held responsible for the team’s failure and not Keshi
Nigeria kicked off their campaign in the 2017 AFCON qualification with a 2-0 win in Kaduna last Saturday with Gbolahan Salami and Odion Ighalo getting the goals.
The Nigeria Football Federation re-engaged Mr Stephen Keshi as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles in April 2015. Keshi tutored the Eagles to a Nations’ Cup victory in 2013.

Juventus complete Mario Mandzukic £13.6m deal from Atletico Madrid

Juventus have signed Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid for £13.6m.

The 29-year-old only joined Atletico last summer from Bayern Munich and scored 20 goals in 43 games for the Spanish side.
He has agreed a four-year deal with the beaten Champions League finalists, who said the fee could rise to £15m.
"I like Juventus and I like the city [Turin]. I hope I will be happy here. I will fight for my new team," he said.
It is the third time in four years Mandzukic has joined a side straight after they lost the Champions League final, following his 2012 move to Bayern and last summer's switch to Atletico.
Juventus striker Carlos Tevez, their top scorer last season with 20 Serie A strikes, has been linked with a move away from the Italian champions.
Argentine legend Diego Maradona hinted recently he could rejoin Boca Juniors.

Petr Cech completes £11m switch to Arsenal from Chelsea

Chelsea star Petr Cech has completed a move to Arsenal, according to widespread reports.
The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the Czech Republic goalkeeper and the pursuit has finally born fruit with the Blues outcast joining in an £11million deal.
Cech spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge since a move from Rennes in 2004 and won four Premier League titles and four FA Cups, as well as one Champions League and one Europa League.
But the form of young Belgian star Thibaut Courtois has seen his playing time stifled and the 33-year-old was keen to move on as he attempts to break David James’ Premier League record for the most clean sheets.

Brazil forward Neymar out of tournament

Neymar has been ruled out of the Copa America tournament in Chile after Brazil opted not to appeal against the Barcelona forward's four-game ban.

The 23-year-old was shown a red card after the final whistle of Brazil's 1-0 defeat to Colombia last week.
Brazil coach Dunga had said that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) would likely contest the card.
But Neymar was due to leave the Brazil camp on Monday after the confederation released a statement not to appeal.
"The technical commission and the player hopes that Conmebol [the South American Football Confederation] adopt the same rigour they used in punishing Neymar in all their competitions," said the statement.
Neymar, who won La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey with Barcelona in 2014-15, was banned for four matches after getting a yellow card, a straight red and then showering the referee with abuse during and after last Wednesday's game with Colombia.
Brazil lost the match 1-0, their first defeat in 12 games.
Neymar was in the ground on Sunday to see Brazil beat Venezuela 2-1, a result that took them to the top of Group C and into a quarter-final tie with Paraguay on Saturday.
The final of Copa America is on 4 July.

Manchester United make enquiry about Aston Villa's Christian Benteke

Manchester United have enquired about Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.
Louis van Gaal is looking to improve his striking options next season, following the departure of loanee Radamel Falcao, who has moved to Chelsea, while Robin van Persie's future at Old Trafford is far from certain.
Liverpool and Tottenham were thought to be leading the race for the Belgian, but United have been monitoring the situation.
talkSPORT understands the Red Devils have been put off by the forward's £32.5million release clause, but that does not mean it would be impossible to do a deal.

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The former Genk hitman is not United's No.1 target, and they are reluctant to meet the Midlanders' valuation, but would consider an offer should they drop the asking price.
Alternatively, Van Gaal could be tempted to trade in one or two of his fringe players in a cash plus player deal.

AC Milan weigh up move for Arsenal and Tottenham target

 

AC Milan are weighing up a move for Arsenal and Tottenham target Adrien Rabiot after his mum revealed her son wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain.

As reported by talkSPORT last week, Rabiot's mother Veronique said the gifted midfielder is looking for a move away from the Parc des Princes as he targets a place in France's Euro 2016 squad.
Arsenal and Spurs both want to take him to north London, although PSG insist they do not want to sell the 20-year-old, who is under contract until 2019.
However, according to reports in Italy, AC Milan are now ready to make a move for Rabiot after missing out on fellow midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia to bitter, same-city rivals Internazionale.

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Although Kondogbia and Rabiot have different midfield styles, it has been suggested that Milan still want to reinforce their options by doing a deal for the latter this summer.

Liverpool launch £16m bid for Madrid's Asier Illarramendi

Liverpool have launched a £16million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

The Spain Under-23 star has struggled to settle at the Bernabeu, following his 2013 move from Real Sociedad.
And Marca claims former Anfield Rafa Benitez will have the final say on any transfer.
It's reported the Reds have already seen an £11m offer rejected, but Brendan Rodgers will return with an improved bid.

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Should Illarramendi make a move to the Merseysiders, he would become the Premier League club's fifth signing of the summer.

Sergio Ramos & Bastian Schweinsteiger in Man Utd radar

Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.

United boss Louis van Gaal is trying to strengthen his squad after they finished fourth in the Premier League.
Germany international Schweinsteiger, 30, and 29-year-old Spain player Ramos are among those who interest him.
Ramos' contract with Real expires in 2017, while Schweinsteiger's Bayern deal runs until 2016.
Talks will take place between United and Real this summer with the Spanish side interested in goalkeeper David De Gea.
Van Gaal said at the end of last season it would not be easy to keep De Gea - United's player of the year for the second successive year.
The 24-year-old Spain international has refused to extend his contract beyond 2016.
The Red Devils have been linked with several potential replacements during what Van Gaal said could be a "rough" summer for some of his players given the changes he anticipated.
"A club like Manchester United has to be like that," said Van Gaal in May. "When you purchase other players you get a stimulus."
The Dutchman is particularly keen to recruit a right-back, central defender, central midfielder and striker.
United, who have already bought PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay for £31m, are also interested in Tottenham forward Harry Kane.
Barcelona full-back Dani Alves also interested them, but he has now signed a new deal at the Nou Camp.

Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino secoure quarter-final place for Brazil

21 June 2015 Last updated at 23:30 GMT

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By Brendan McLoughlin BBC Sport

Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino scored in each half to seal Brazil's place at the quarter-final stage of the Copa America as they defeated Venezuela.

Silva volleyed home a corner from Robinho - starting in place of Neymar following his tournament ban - early on before Firmino converted Willian's cross, with Miku scoring a consolation.
Brazil will now face Paraguay in the tournament quarter-finals on Saturday.
Colombia and Peru also qualified after drawing earlier in the day.
It was just the response manager Dunga would have desired from his Brazil side following the defeat by Colombia which had left their hopes of progressing in the balance.
They were cheered on from the stands in Chile by key forward Neymar, whose four-match ban for clashing with Colombia players in the aftermath of Thursday's match is being appealed by Brazil.

Copa America quarter-finals
Chile v Uruguay (00:30 BST, 25 June)
Bolivia v Peru (00:30 BST, 26 June)
Argentina v Colombia (00:30 BST, 27 June)
Brazil v Paraguay (22:30 BST, 27 June)

The gulf in class between the two teams meant his absence was not especially felt, however, with Silva quickly handing Brazil the initiative when he converted Robinho's corner with an emphatic volley which was too powerful for Alain Baroja.
The Venezuela goalkeeper went some way to redeeming himself four minutes after the restart when he reacted quickly to palm away a thumping Silva downward header which seemed destined for the bottom corner.
Firmino soon doubled the advantage though when he completed a slick move - sweeping home Willian's cross after the midfielder had combined well with Chelsea team-mate Filipe Luis down the left channel.
Miku gave Venezuela hope when he nodded in a loose ball after Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson had done well to tip a Juan Arango free-kick against the post.
A tense finale ensued and Miku almost sent his side through to the knockout stages in added time when found unmarked inside the penalty area only to fail to cleanly connect with a cross.

Firmino converted a cross from Willian to extend Brazil's lead

Brazil were slightly hanging on at the end - but closed out the game to win Group C

Watford have £7m bid accepted by Genoa

Watford have had a club-record bid of about £7m accepted by Genoa for Argentina winger Diego Perotti.

Capped twice by his country, the 26-year-old moved to Serie A last summer and scored four goals in 27 matches.
The Hornets' current record signing is Nathan Ellington, who cost £3.25m from West Brom in 2007.
Lithuania goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis and Austria defender Sebastian Prodl have already joined the newly promoted Premier League side this summer.
Perotti was part of Sevilla's Europa League-winning team in 2014 before his move to Italy. He also won the Spanish Cup during his eight years at the La Liga club.
He made his Argentina debut against Spain in November 2009.
Watford, who finished runners-up in the Championship last season, appointed former Atletico Madrid manager Quique Sanchez Flores as their fifth boss in a year earlier this month.

Lionel Messi saddened Neymar misses Copa America

Argentina captain Lionel Messi says Neymar will be a missed at the Copa America after the Brazil forward was banned for the rest of the tournament.

Neymar, 23, was sent off and given a four-match suspension after clashing with Colombia players following Brazil's 1-0 defeat in the group stage.
The Brazilian Football Confederation is considering an appeal against the ban.
"I'm sorry he's no longer in this Copa America," Messi, 27, said of his Barcelona team-mate.
"Neymar is a friend and I care about him. I'm sorry about the suspension he was given because I believe he is a very important player for Brazil."
Colombia play Peru in their final Group C game, with Brazil taking on Venezuela. Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela are level at the top of the table with three points each.
On a potential appeal, Brazil coach Dunga said: "Legal experts will respond to all the action taken against Neymar.
"We don't want anything in our favour, we don't want anything against us, we just want it to be balanced."

Neymar and Lionel Messi were part of last season's treble-winning Barcelona side

Fans react to news Llorente is being lined up as Benteke alternative

Liverpool will be looking to upgrade their strikers in the summer and the latest player linked is Fernando Llorente.

The Juventus striker has been playing for the Italian champions since 2013, moving from Athletic Bilbao for nothing.
It had been thought the Reds may target Aston Villa's Christian Benteke but the £32.5m buy out price is proving to be a problem, while Sevilla and Colombia's Carlos Bacca has also been targeted.
Here, talkSPORT looks at the reaction of Liverpool fans to the Llorente and Bacca links...

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