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Manchester United Ready To Sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
The Swedish superstar is out of contract this summer and reports are that Manchester United are ready to offer the 34 year old a contract.
However Paris St. Germain are unlikely to give up the veteran striker without a fight and are apparently ready to offer Ibrahimovic a new contract.
French newspaper Le Parisien claim negotiations will take place at the end of this month, with an aim to having a contracted signed before the start of Euro 2016.
But regardless of who is managing Manchester United next season they are apparently ready to meet the Swedes enormous demands in order to secure the mercurial talent. There is also the possibility that the Chinese Super League could come in with a huge offer for his talents.
Ibrahimovic has stated he is ready to play Premier League football, and the fact that his former boss Jose Mourinho is expected to take over the reigns at Old Trafford for next season would only serve to make the move more tempting.
Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid preview: Bayern looking to overturn 1-0 deficit
Bayern Munich are chasing a 1-0 aggregate score in Tuesday's second leg
Bayern Munich are looking to
overturn a 1-0 deficit against Atletico Madrid in their Champions
League semi-final second leg on Tuesday evening.
The Bundesliga leaders can reach their second European final
in three years, but also face the prospect of being knocked out by
Spanish opponents for the third successive season after defeats by Real
Madrid and Barcelona in 2014 and 2015 respectively.The sides are separated by just one goal, after Saul Niguez's brilliant strike at the Vicente Calderon gave Atletico the advantage heading into this week's fixture.
The Spanish side also have the prospect of facing their local rivals Real Madrid in the Milan final should they beat Manchester City on Wednesday and Atletico are victorious in Germany, which would see a repeat of the 2014 final.
Both sides have stats in their favour to set up a very tasty second leg, with Bayern Munich winning their last 11 Champions League games at the Allianz Arena, while Atletico Madrid have conceded just five goals in the competition this season - the joint lowest with Real.
Saul Niguez scored the only goal in the first leg at the Vicente Calderon
Each team rested key players for their domestic fixtures over the weekend, with Pep Guardiola leaving Xabi Alonso and Javi Martinez out of the squad, while Philipp Lahm, David Alaba, Arturo Vidal, Thiago Alcantara, Douglas Costa and Robert Lewandowski all started on the bench.
However, Franck Ribery is a doubt with a back problem, while fellow winger Arjen Robben is still out with a groin injury.
Atletico welcome back key player Diego Godin - who missed the first leg - while Yannick Carrasco was also cleared to play on Sunday after recovering from an ankle injury.
Arjen Robben remains sidelined with a groin injury and won't feature on Tuesday
Match stats
Bayern have been unstoppable at home in this season's Champions League, winning all five games - although they needed extra time, and a recovery from 2-0 down, to beat Juventus in the round-of-16 second leg.
Lahm has made more Champions League appearances than any other German player and appeared in his 104th game in the first leg against Atletico - surpassing Oliver Kahn's tally of 103.
Bayern have recovered from an away first-leg defeat to win the tie on ten occasions, suffering 12 defeats including nine in the last 12 contests.
This is Atletico's fifth European semi-final against a German club (W3 L1). Overall in two-legged ties with Bundesliga opposition, they have won ten - including each of the last six - and lost four.
Philipp Lahm is now the most capped German in Champions League history
Atletico have kept six successive clean sheets. Jan Oblak has 24 to his name this term, more than any other goalkeeper in the club's history, overtaking Thibaut Courtois' 20 in 2012/13 and 2013/14.
Arsenal, Chelsea, juventus, Liverpool, Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint Germain, Real Madrid, tottenham, West Ham
Liverpool Transfer Saga: Sturridge’s possible summer destinations
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We take a look at where his future might lie after Euro 2016:
Arsenal – Once again Arsene Wenger is facing criticism that his lack of investment has hampered the clubs Premier League and Champions League challenge and much of that disapproval has focused around the failures of the forward line. Olivier Giroud has come in for particular criticism following a poor season in front of goal with Danny Welbeck having missed much of the campaign and Alexis Sanchez unable to recapture last season’s form in front goal. With significant cash reserves
image: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png
in the bank there is little doubt the Gunners could finance such a
transfer but Wenger’s resistance to invest cost them the signature of
Sturridge’s former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez and it is questionable
if the Frenchman would gamble on Sturridge given his poor fitness
record.
He has also resisted signing the likes of similar high profile, high
salaried frontmen in Edinson Cavani and Karim Benzema previously and may
once again favour a less heralded name than the England striker. Across
London rivals Tottenham may also come into consideration were Harry
Kane to depart for Spain although following a stellar season and
Champions League qualification this would appear unlikely.
Chelsea – A return to former side Chelsea who will be managed by Italy boss Antonio Conte next season may appeal as the blues look to re-shape their squad. The Blues will require additional fire power with Alexandre Pato, Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy set to be offloaded having made minimal impact this term. The future of Spanish frontman Diego Costa remains unclear although Conte is believed to wish to retain the temperamental striker and will resist interest from former side Atletico Madrid and big spending Chinese clubs. That would still leave room for additional attacking talent and Roman Abramovich could fund such a transfer although Sturridge would want assurances over playing time and would wish to avoid playing out wide as he did when previously at Stamford Bridge. Should Liverpool win the Europa League and qualify for Champions League football this would count against a Chelsea side unable to offer European football in 2016/17.
Paris Saint-Germain – The French Champions offer guaranteed Champions League football, are totally dominant domestically and are looking to revamp their attacking options. It is widely expected both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani will depart the capital in the summer. Those departures and the wealth of the Qatari backed club would mean financing such a transfer would be no issue. It is also on the Parisians side that Liverpool would be unlikely to wish to allow Sturridge to depart to a domestic rival. There is little doubt a fully fit Daniel Sturridge would score goals that would result in silverware in Ligue 1 although Sturridge may hold reservations
image: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png
about playing abroad in a less competitive division. Laurent Blanc’s
future at the club is uncertain following the limp Champions League exit
versus Manchester City and his future or the identity of any potential
successor will no doubt influence the clubs summer recruitment drive.
Juventus – Like Paris Saint-Germain the Italians are
perennial domestic champions which brings guaranteed Champions League
football and Massimiliano Allegri’s men also appear likely to recruit
given Alvaro Morata may return to Madrid (briefly before being sold on
again). They could also have significant funds to invest if Paul Pogba
is lured to La Liga or the Premier League. Sturridge would be an upgrade
on both Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza and Allegri when asked about
potential additions has suggested “there are many good players, in Italy
and abroad.” It is questionable if Sturridge would opt to join a
foreign club in a perceived weaker league such as Serie A but such a
deadly finisher would appear an ideal partner for La Vecchia Signora
exciting young Argentine attacker Paulo Dybala.
West Ham United – This would have seemed an entirely unrealistic transfer some years ago but the move to the Olympic Stadium, revenue from the forthcoming Premier League television deal and progress made by Slaven Bilic’s side this season could make it attainable. West Ham possess several striking options including another often injured England international in Andy Carroll as well as Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Emmanuel Emenike (although he is on loan from Fenerbahce). The Hammers appear keen to upgrade these and have been following two £30 million rated Ligue 1 strikers in Marseille’s Michy Batschuayi and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette. Sturridge is likely to cost significantly more but as an established England international with significant Premier League experience may be viewed as a potentially less risky acquisition. West Ham handed Dimitri Payet a £125,000 a week deal illustrating the clubs ambition and may view Sturridge as the ideal marquee signing as they begin life at the new stadium.
Liverpool – The high intensity and high pressing style that Jurgen Klopp has introduced at Anfield does not appear ideally suited to either Daniel Sturridge or indeed his fellow forward Christian Benteke who appears increasingly likely to depart. Liverpool’s best performances under the German have tended to come with Roberto Firmino used in a “false 9” and flanked by attacking midfield players in Lallana and Coutinho. The emergence of Divock Origi has further undermined Sturridge’s status at Anfield and he was unimpressed when the German questioned his attitude with regards to playing with pain.
There will be reservations
image: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png
on Merseyside about selling such a talented finisher to a potential
title rival and the situation does remind me of that of Robin Van Persie
who had similar injury issues for several years at Arsenal but then
fired Manchester United to the title immediately after arriving in 2012.
Klopp may feel differently though and if a fee in the region of £40-£50
million was received and he could secure Champions League football via
the Europa League campaign sanctioning that sale may enable him to mould
a squad more suited to his tactical game plan able to challenge on
several fronts. The Europa League semi-final against Villarreal on
Thursday may go a long way to deciding Sturridge’s future as if (as in
the first leg) he is on the bench for what is now the biggest game of
the clubs season he may decide his long-term future lies away from
Merseyside.
Klopp to oversee Sturridge Kop exit?
As Daniel Sturridge quickly slunk off down the tunnel following a wet, miserable 3-1 defeat to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, questions were not just raised as to whether he will start the clubs season defining Europa League tie at Anfield on Thursday but whether he will start the 2016/17 campaign in the North-West. The England striker, infamously seemingly cursed by injuries during his spell at Liverpool has proved prolific when available. His goal in the recent 4-0 Merseyside Derby demolition of Everton was his 50th Liverpool goal in just 87 appearances and he would surely be a man in demand if made available.We take a look at where his future might lie after Euro 2016:
Arsenal – Once again Arsene Wenger is facing criticism that his lack of investment has hampered the clubs Premier League and Champions League challenge and much of that disapproval has focused around the failures of the forward line. Olivier Giroud has come in for particular criticism following a poor season in front of goal with Danny Welbeck having missed much of the campaign and Alexis Sanchez unable to recapture last season’s form in front goal. With significant cash reserves
image: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png
in the bank there is little doubt the Gunners could finance such a
transfer but Wenger’s resistance to invest cost them the signature of
Sturridge’s former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez and it is questionable
if the Frenchman would gamble on Sturridge given his poor fitness
record.
He has also resisted signing the likes of similar high profile, high
salaried frontmen in Edinson Cavani and Karim Benzema previously and may
once again favour a less heralded name than the England striker. Across
London rivals Tottenham may also come into consideration were Harry
Kane to depart for Spain although following a stellar season and
Champions League qualification this would appear unlikely.Chelsea – A return to former side Chelsea who will be managed by Italy boss Antonio Conte next season may appeal as the blues look to re-shape their squad. The Blues will require additional fire power with Alexandre Pato, Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy set to be offloaded having made minimal impact this term. The future of Spanish frontman Diego Costa remains unclear although Conte is believed to wish to retain the temperamental striker and will resist interest from former side Atletico Madrid and big spending Chinese clubs. That would still leave room for additional attacking talent and Roman Abramovich could fund such a transfer although Sturridge would want assurances over playing time and would wish to avoid playing out wide as he did when previously at Stamford Bridge. Should Liverpool win the Europa League and qualify for Champions League football this would count against a Chelsea side unable to offer European football in 2016/17.
Paris Saint-Germain – The French Champions offer guaranteed Champions League football, are totally dominant domestically and are looking to revamp their attacking options. It is widely expected both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani will depart the capital in the summer. Those departures and the wealth of the Qatari backed club would mean financing such a transfer would be no issue. It is also on the Parisians side that Liverpool would be unlikely to wish to allow Sturridge to depart to a domestic rival. There is little doubt a fully fit Daniel Sturridge would score goals that would result in silverware in Ligue 1 although Sturridge may hold reservations
image: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png
about playing abroad in a less competitive division. Laurent Blanc’s
future at the club is uncertain following the limp Champions League exit
versus Manchester City and his future or the identity of any potential
successor will no doubt influence the clubs summer recruitment drive.
Juventus – Like Paris Saint-Germain the Italians are
perennial domestic champions which brings guaranteed Champions League
football and Massimiliano Allegri’s men also appear likely to recruit
given Alvaro Morata may return to Madrid (briefly before being sold on
again). They could also have significant funds to invest if Paul Pogba
is lured to La Liga or the Premier League. Sturridge would be an upgrade
on both Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza and Allegri when asked about
potential additions has suggested “there are many good players, in Italy
and abroad.” It is questionable if Sturridge would opt to join a
foreign club in a perceived weaker league such as Serie A but such a
deadly finisher would appear an ideal partner for La Vecchia Signora
exciting young Argentine attacker Paulo Dybala.West Ham United – This would have seemed an entirely unrealistic transfer some years ago but the move to the Olympic Stadium, revenue from the forthcoming Premier League television deal and progress made by Slaven Bilic’s side this season could make it attainable. West Ham possess several striking options including another often injured England international in Andy Carroll as well as Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Emmanuel Emenike (although he is on loan from Fenerbahce). The Hammers appear keen to upgrade these and have been following two £30 million rated Ligue 1 strikers in Marseille’s Michy Batschuayi and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette. Sturridge is likely to cost significantly more but as an established England international with significant Premier League experience may be viewed as a potentially less risky acquisition. West Ham handed Dimitri Payet a £125,000 a week deal illustrating the clubs ambition and may view Sturridge as the ideal marquee signing as they begin life at the new stadium.
Liverpool – The high intensity and high pressing style that Jurgen Klopp has introduced at Anfield does not appear ideally suited to either Daniel Sturridge or indeed his fellow forward Christian Benteke who appears increasingly likely to depart. Liverpool’s best performances under the German have tended to come with Roberto Firmino used in a “false 9” and flanked by attacking midfield players in Lallana and Coutinho. The emergence of Divock Origi has further undermined Sturridge’s status at Anfield and he was unimpressed when the German questioned his attitude with regards to playing with pain.
There will be reservations
image: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png
on Merseyside about selling such a talented finisher to a potential
title rival and the situation does remind me of that of Robin Van Persie
who had similar injury issues for several years at Arsenal but then
fired Manchester United to the title immediately after arriving in 2012.
Klopp may feel differently though and if a fee in the region of £40-£50
million was received and he could secure Champions League football via
the Europa League campaign sanctioning that sale may enable him to mould
a squad more suited to his tactical game plan able to challenge on
several fronts. The Europa League semi-final against Villarreal on
Thursday may go a long way to deciding Sturridge’s future as if (as in
the first leg) he is on the bench for what is now the biggest game of
the clubs season he may decide his long-term future lies away from
Merseyside.Read more at http://realsport101.com/liverpool-transfer-saga-sturridges-possible-summer-destinations/#65MKH9Pv1BUJDSUc.99
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