Saturday, August 22, 2020

Jet crashes into a fence at Lagos airport after brake.

 
A brake failure has caused a jet to run into a fence at the General Aviation Terminal of the Lagos Airport on Friday.

Jet crashes into fence
In the latest accident, the King Air Jet was reparking when the driver rammed into the fence, according to an eyewitness. The jet had no passenger on board with the pilot suffering no injury.

“The accident happened around 10:00am at a tarmac beside Bristow Helicopter Hanger 3.

“The brake of the jet was not functioning which led to the collision of the jet with the fence of Bristow Helicopter hanger,” the eyewitness said.

It was gathered that officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority visited the scene of the incident to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The King Air 200 jet with registration number 5N-HIS is being operated by Mobil Oil Nigeria-Wings Aviation.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

[UPDATED] Latest Transfer News

Fenerbahce want Iheanacho

Fenerbahce are reportedly lining up an offer for Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

The 23-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth at the King Power and the Turkish club want to take him on a two-year loan.

They see Iheanacho as a perfect replacement for Vedat Muriqi and are willing to offer £10m to secure the deal, as reports Fotospor.



There looks to be plenty going on at Arsenal in this transfer window as Alexandre Lacazette has been the latest player linked with the exit door.

The French striker is attracting interest from Juventus and could reportedly be on his way to Italy in a potential swap deal.

Arsenal have slapped a £30million valuation on the 29-year-old, who still has two years left to run on his contract.

With finances tight at both clubs, Juventus are hopeful of luring Arsenal into a player-plus-cash deal which could see Douglas Costa or Gonzalo Higuain move in the other direction.

The Gunners have bigger priorities in defence with Cristian Romero also believed to be an option, while Daniele Rugani has been linked in the past.

Reports have also suggested former Gunners star Aaron Ramsey is unwanted by new boss Andrea Pirlo at Juve, but a return to Arsenal does not appear to be on the cards.


Manchester United are struggling to make ground with their pursuit of Jadon Sancho but have not given up hope.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc is adamant the winger will still be with the German club for the 2020/21 season.

United have made the 20-year-old their no.1 target this summer, but Dortmund's £108million price tag is proving to be a stumbling block.




Arsenal and Spurs 'pull out' of Fraser transfer
Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly ended their interest in signing free agent Ryan Fraser.

The former Bournemouth winger had been linked with both clubs for some time with his contract at the Vitality Stadium now expired.

But according to 90min, they are now out of the race to land the 26-year-old, with West Brom, Leeds and Fulham left to battle it out for Fraser’s signature.


Spurs identify three right-back options
Tottenham have identified three players who could fill their right-back slot this summer, according to the Athetic.

Serge Aurier looks set to depart amid interest from abroad, while Juan Foyth could also be on the move.

In their place could come one of three top full-backs, with Norwich’s Max Aarons, Atalanta’s Timothy Castagne and Lille’s Mehmet Zeki Celik all on Spurs’ radar.

Milan want Bakayoko loan
AC Milan will attempt to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan from Chelsea, with the French midfielder deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

Bakayoko is on the fringes of Lampard’s Chelsea squad after spending the 2019/20 season on loan at Monaco and so the Blues are believed to be open to the notion of selling the 25-year-old for the right price.

According to Sportitalia (via Inside Futebol), the French midfielder is said to favour a move to the San Siro having spent the 2018/19 season on loan there.

Chelsea are keen to sell Bakayoko this summer, but want a fee of between €18million and €20m for the player.

This could push AC Milan into pursuing another loan deal for Bakayoko for the 2020/21 season.

Lazio linked with Origi transfer
Serie A side Lazio are reportedly interested in signing Divock Origi from Liverpool this summer.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian forward is one of several possible targets that Lazio could make a move for in this transfer window.
Origi’s future at Liverpool is yet to come into serious question despite scoring just four goals last season. The 25-year-old has played second fiddle to Klopp’s preferred front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino - despite scoring some big goals during the 2018/19 campaign.
If Liverpool were to receive a decent offer for the forward, they may look to cash in considering the strength they already boast in attack.


Chelsea eye Tagliafico
Chelsea are interested in signing Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax this summer, with Frank Lampard eager to add a new left-back to his squad before the start of next season.

Sky Sports claim the Stamford Bridge club see Ben Chilwell as their primary target, but with Leicester City demanding a hefty transfer fee for the England international it’s possible they could turn their attentions elsewhere.

Sergio Reguilon is also a target for Chelsea, with the Spanish left-back impressing on loan at Sevilla from Real Madrid this season.

Tagliafico, however, is the likeliest alternative to Chilwell, with the Argentine impressing for Ajax since signing for the Eredivisie club from Independiente in 2018.

United's Chong set for Werder Bremen loan
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly given Tahith Chong the green light to join Werder Bremen on loan for next season.

Chong signed a new two-year deal with United back in March, but asked to be sent out on loan after finding opportunities hard to come by.

And after learning of Bremen’s interest, 20-year-old Chong asked Solskjaer if he could join the Bundesliga club, according to his agent Erkan Alkan.

“Mr Solskjaer kept his promise from March and told Tahith that he can leave the club,” the agent told German publication Bild. ““The boy really wants to go to Werder. “



Sancho has helped Bellingham settle in at BVB
Jude Bellingham said Jadon Sancho has been “very helpful” in helping him settle into life at Borussia Dortmund.

Former Birmingham City starlet Bellingham became the most expensive 17-year-old in history when he completed his £23million move to Dortmund, following in the footsteps of Sancho.

An Bellingham said on Dortmund’s official Twitter account: “Jadon’s been very helpful for me. Not only is he great to play with but he always makes sure I understand what information the coaches are giving to us.”

Man City 'bid £57m' for United-linked Koulibaly
Manchester City have reportedly made a bid for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Italian football journalist Alfredo Pedulla tweeted that City had offered €63m (£57m) plus bonuses for Koulibaly, who has also been linked with .

The Senegalese centre-half has also been linked with Manchester United, although Pedulla’s tweet claims the Red Devils have not yet made a bid.

Napoli are believed to want €70m (£63m) for Koulibaly.

Il #ManchesterCity ha offerto 63 milioni più bonus al #Napoli per #Koulibaly. Il #Napoli chiede almeno 70 base fissa. Dallo #United nessuna offerta per ora

— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) 


Thiago 'wants Liverpool move after Klopp talks'
Thiago Alcantara ‘wants to play for Liverpool’, with the Bayern Munich midfielder reportedly having been in talks with Jurgen Klopp ‘for weeks’.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano told the Pod Save the Ball podcast that following talks between Klopp and Thiago, both parties want to make the transfer happen.

“Jurgen Klopp wants the player and Thiago wants to play for Liverpool,” Romano told the podcast. “Thiago and Klopp have been in talks for weeks, he wants to join Liverpool.”



Man Utd 'could hijack' Chelsea's Havertz pursuit
Manchester United could reportedly hijack Chelsea’s transfer bid to sign Kai Havertz if they cannot get a deal done for Jadon Sancho.

Borussia Dortmund said on Monday that Sancho would be staying in Germany with the Red Devils having so far failed to meet their £100m-plus asking price.

And while United have not given up hope of signing Sancho, if they continue to be frustrated in their pursuit of the England winger they could turn instead to Chelsea target Havertz, according to the Manchester Evening News.


Chambers wanted in £12m swoop
Arsenal defender Calum Chambers is reportedly wanted by Premier League new boys Fulham in a £12million transfer swoop.

Chambers joined Fulham on loan two years ago, and the versatile defender impressed in a central midfield role under manager Scott Parker.

And according to The Sun, Parker is preparing a swoop that could see Arsenal recoup the £12m they paid Southampton for Chambers six years ago. 

Promes 'identified as Arsenal target' as Lacazette linked with exit
Arsenal are reportedly preparing to table a £25million bid to bring Ajax star Quincy Promes to the Emirates Stadium.

The news comes after Alexandre Lacazette has been linked with a departure from the Gunners, with Juventus believed to be interested in the Frenchman.

Should Lacazette leave Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta will be light of options in attack and the Spaniard has identified Promes as a potential new recruit, according to The Sun.


Glowing verdict on Liverpool's new signing
New Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas will prove to be a “great signing” at Anfield, according to former Reds midfielder Pedro Chirivella.

Chirivella left to join Ligue 1 club Nantes before Tsimikas’ arrival this summer, but the pair know each other well having spent the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Willem II from Liverpool and Olympiacos respectively.

“He’s got similar qualities to Robbo - he likes to get forward but he’s very good defending one-v-ones. I think he’s going to be a great signing for the club,” Chirivella said.


Man City legend Silva to join Lazio after Champions League run
David Silva will reportedly join Lazio on a three-year deal when he leaves Manchester City after their Champions League run comes to an end.

The midfielder departs the Etihad Stadium a bona fide legend having won four Premier League titles, two FA cups and five League Cups.

Silva, 34, is confident he can continue playing at the highest level for at least five more years, according to The Guardian, and has opted to play in Serie A for the first time in his career.

Man Utd hold 'informal talks' over Dembele deal
Manchester United have held initial talks with Barcelona ahead of a potential move for World Cup winner Ousmane Dembele, according to ESPN.

The Red Devils have identified Dembele as an alternative target after missing the Monday deadline to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.

During the "informal" discussions, Dembele moving to Old Trafford on a season-loan loan with an obligation to buy was discussed.


Bayern insist Liverpool can have Thiago with "fair transfer fee"
Liverpool's pursuit of Thiago Alcantara has received a boost after Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the midfielder could be sold for a "fair transfer fee".

The Reds are heavily-linked with a move for the Spanish midfielder this summer.

"Regarding Thiago, it's known that he told us he wanted to do something new," the Bayern chief executive told German outlet Bild.

"If a club approaches us that is willing to pay a fair transfer fee, we will work on it."


Lille sign £27million striker David from Gent
Lille have confirmed the signing of Jonathan David from Gent on a five-year deal.

The fee for the 20-year-old Canada forward is believed to be £27million.

David said: "I’m really happy. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this day and it’s a pleasure to be a Dogue. I know the project that has been put in place here by the President, Luis Campos, and Christophe Galtier.

"This is a very good team with great players. I want to play and to progress and I think that this is the perfect place."

Douglas Costa a Sancho alternative?
United could turn to alternative options to add offensive firepower to the squad. One such reported target is winger Douglas Costa, who fell out of favour at Juventus this season.

Costa made 24 Serie A appearances last season, but of those, just seven were starts. Now 29, he is in the back-end of his prime and is reportedly keen to find a place where he will play more regularly. Could that be Old Trafford?

According to Tuttosport, United view Costa as a potential Sancho alternative should they be unable to agree upon a payment structure with Dortmund.

Douglas Costa has reportedly been identified as a potential target should United fail to land Sancho.

Hojbjerg number announced by Spurs
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will wear the number five shirt vacated by Jan Vertonghen at Tottenham.

The former Southampton captain moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a five-year deal.

Southampton unveil Walker-Peters as Hojbjerg joins Spurs
Southampton have confirmed the signing of Kyle Walker-Peters from Tottenham on a five-year deal, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has moved in the other direction.

The 23-year-old right-back - who impressed while on loan at St Mary's last season - said: “I’m delighted to have signed here. The last few months on loan have been great for me and a lot of fun too. I’ve really enjoyed my football, the atmosphere here and also the style of play.

And manager Ralph Hasenhuttl added: "I am very pleased we have been able to bring him back as our player, as this is a position that we have been looking to improve in and Kyle does this for us. I think he can develop his game even more here too.”

Guendouzi to join PSG?
Arsenal are not short of players who may be leaving this summer. Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is another who has seemingly paved the way for an exit, with Arteta reportedly happy to allow him to move on.

Few people would’ve guessed that French champions Paris Saint-Germain would prove to be his next stop after Arsenal, but reports suggest that could be the case.

Guendouzi was at their academy before he made his breakthrough at Lorient, but this doesn’t feel like a realistic move for the player at this point.

But stranger transfer deals have happened in the past, so who knows?

PSG have emerged as surprise potential suitors for Matteo Guendouzi.



Ozil exit rumours ramping up
It would probably be the best for all concerned if Mesut Ozil left Arsenal this summer. His last appearance for the club was in March and he scored just one Premier League goal this season.

The Daily Star have reported that the German international has been pictured on Instagram with the owner of Istanbul Basaksehir, Okan Buruk.

Needless to say, this has cranked up the rumour mill regarding Ozil’s potential exit from north London.

Mesut Ozil has been pictured on social media with the owner of a club in his native Turkey.

Three clubs keen on Maitland-Niles
If Arteta wants to do plenty of transfer business, it will help his cause if he can raise funds through sales.

One man who could be heading out of the club is Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Sky Sports are reporting that three unnamed clubs – two from England and one from Germany – are interested in signing the 22-year-old.

Maitland-Niles made 15 Premier League starts for the Gunners this season, and was also in the team for the FA Cup victories over Manchester City and Chelsea.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be shipped out this summer despite helping the Gunners to a 14th FA Cup.

Brooks interest could spell end for Shaqiri
Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth wideman David Brooks could bring Xherdan Shaqiri’s time at Anfield to an end.

The Daily Star cite reports of the Wales international attracting interest from the Premier League champions after the Cherries suffering relegation last season.

Given the departure of Adam Lallana and the possible exit of Xherdan Shaqiri, Brooks is believed to be on the club’s shortlist of players who can add width and depth in attack.

Brooks spent most of last season recovering from a long-term injury but increased interest from Premier League clubs could make it hard for the Cherries to keep him.

David Brooks is on the radar as Jurgen Klopp looks to add depth to Liverpool's attack.

Rivals join race for Reds target Sarr
Liverpool are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Watford winger Ismaila Sarr in this summer’s transfer window.

The 22-year-old was relegated to the Championship with the Hornets last season but interest from several sides could see him playing in the top flight come September.

Tottenham and Manchester United are also tracking the winger’s situation, which could provide stiff competition for Liverpool.

If the Reds are to pursue a move for Sarr, it could heavily depend on possible outgoings being used to finance the move.

Liverpool are set to face stiff competition for the services of Ismaila Sarr 

Ampadu set for another loan move
Fulham are expected to sign Ethan Ampadu on loan from Chelsea for next season as the youngster continues his development.

The Athletic reports the teenager, who can play as a centre-back or as a central midfielder, will be loaned out once again for the 2020/21 season.

But will be staying closer to home this time, after spending the 2019/20 campaign at RB Leipzig.

Chelsea are keen for Ampadu to gain some more first-team experience and want him to join a Premier League club in order to acerbate his development.

Ethan Ampadu spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig 


Beckham fancies Gotze in Miami
Mario Gotze, with a World Cup Final winner in his past, has an uncertain future.

At 28, he’s without a club and there are questions about what next for the ex-Borussia Dortmund schemer.

According to Bild, that could potentially be MLS and a link up with David Beckham.

It’s claimed his Inter Miami side are keen on taking Gotze Stateside.


Immobile confirms Newcastle approach
Lazio star Ciro Immobile has revealed that Newcastle are interested in signing him this summer - but he is keen to stay at the Italian side.

The Italian striker clinched the Serie A Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe in 2019-20 after netting 36 goals in the Italian top flight.

And that form interested the Magpies, whose big-money takeover fell through to leave their transfer plans in doubt.

“During the period in which there was talk of the possible purchase of Newcastle by the Sheikh’s fund they called my agent, Alessandro Moggi,” Immobile told Corriere Dello Sport.

“Then the Premier League did not approve that proposal, or the fund withdrew, I don’t remember well. I know they were also looking for an Italian coach, [Massimiliano] Allegri or [Luciano] Spalletti.

“I intend to tie myself to Lazio forever. The renewal will be for three years, so the contract will expire in 2025 when I turn 35.

“Before I arrived at Lazio, contacts with Napoli were frequent, but for one reason or another, we never went any further.

“Naples is the city where I was born, I always follow Napoli with affection, but what Lazio has given me and is giving me is priceless.”

Monday, August 10, 2020

Atlético Madrid in Champions League limbo as two players test positive for coronavirus.


UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

ATLÉTICO MADRID
Neither of the players, who are yet to be named, will travel with the Spanish side's squad to Lisbon for their quarter-final against RB Leipzig

The two positive coronavirus cases reported in the Atletico Madrid camp have both been returned by players, Goal can confirm, as the club try to contain the outbreak and exit a state of Champions League limbo.

News broke on Sunday that two members of the party set to travel to the Champions League quarter-finals in Portugal had tested positive for the virus, but there was no further indication whether those affected were members of the playing or backroom staff.

Goal has learned that two members of Diego Simeone’s squad, however, are responsible for the two positive tests and, as such, will not travel to Portugal or take part in the remainder of the competition.

The players are in a stable condition and are observing isolation protocols in their own homes. 

In response to the two positive tests, a fresh round of testing has been activated on Atleti’s first team and members of staff who have travelled, while there are also checks being made on those who have come into close contact with the players.

Until the results of the latest tests have become clear, Atleti are in a state of limbo. When the outcome is clear, UEFA will advise them on how to proceed for Thursday's scheduled clash against RB Leipzig.

UEFA’s medical protocol indicates that as long as there are 13 available players from the A list, the match will take place, unless quarantine is required for the rest of the squad, although it is the Portuguese government that will have the final say.

Article continues below
Meanwhile, Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who is currently in Germany with his side as they seek to win the Europa League, has taken to social media to defend Thomas Lemar after the Atleti attacker was subject to abuse on the platform.

“I see messages wishing that it’s Thomas Lemar who has covid. You really are scoundrels. Show a little respect. This is human life we are talking about, it’s not a joke,” the 21-year-old former Bordeaux man wrote on his Twitter account.

Spain has been one of the European countries most heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 360,000 people testing positive for Covid-19, while more than 28,500 have died.

©Goal.com

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Barcelona will not sign Lautaro or Neymar this summer, admits Bartomeu.



TRANSFER
The economic impact of the coronavirus crisis has hit the Camp Nou club hard and "they won't even try" to bring in the Brazil or Argentina stars

Barcelona will be unable to complete a deal to sign either Laurato Martinez from Inter or Paris Saint-Germain attacker Neymar this summer, according to president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Although both players have long been linked with a switch to Camp Nou - in particular the Argentina attacker - Bartomeu has admitted that the coronavirus crisis has put the club’s finances into a state of uncertainty to the extent that they cannot complete a deal for either.

Barca fans had been hoping that the offensive line would be reinforced this summer after looking threadbare at times last season, with Martin Braithwaite signed from Leganes as emergency cover due to an injury crisis at the club. Bartomeu has now indicated that it is simply not possible.


“Barca have spoken to Inter about Lautaro over the last few weeks but the conversations have been put on hold by mutual consent. The current situation doesn't allow for major transfer fees,” he admitted to Sport before confessing that Brazil star Neymar is similarly out of reach.

“In the current situation, no. PSG don't want to sell either, which makes sense as he's one of the best players in the world. Last summer we tried really hard to sign him but this summer we won't even try.

“The club lost €200 million (£180m/$235m) between March and June. If the situation doesn't improve, there won't be people in the stands, at the museum or the shops and we'll keep losing money. This will cause us to revise our spending plans and which ones can wait. We have to adapt.

“All the big European clubs have been impacted by this and we are all working to adapt. This won't be for just one year, it could be for up to three or four years.”


Bartomeu, meanwhile, did take time to assess the one signing that the club have completed - Miralem Pjanic from Juventus, with Arthur going the other way.


“We've been following him for a while but every time we moved for him it wasn't possible because his club didn't want to sell,” he said. “He was always excited about the chance of coming to Barca. This isn't a surprise signing. He's going to be an important player for us.”

With the presidential elections looming next year at Barca, any inactivity in the market is likely to adversely impact Bartomeu’s hopes of retaining the position, particularly with public criticism from star player Lionel Messi after the club saw their Spanish title ceded to Real Madrid.

©Goal.com