Blasphemy! Seven clubs lock horns for the title after sir Alex Ferguson's retirement!

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World Cup 2014 Watch
Host - Brazil
Current Holders - Spain

Quarter Final Stage:

Friday 4th July 2014:

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Japan - Italy
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0-2
Bonaventura (48), Barzagli (55)
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Belgium - Russia
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1-0​
Lukaku (84)
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Saturday 5th July 2014:​

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Germany - South Korea
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2-1​
Dunkel (32), Pagenkopf (82); No Sung-Min (78)
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Ukraine - Spain
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0-1 AET​
Albiol (105+1)
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Semi Final Draw:

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Italy - Germany
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Belgium - Spain
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Cheryl Cole @CherylCole what a tool @ Marseilles can you beiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie 1m

#nufc reportedly close to striking a deal for Premier League winger star...
Wonder who he is?!

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Newcastle break the bank on Erik Lamela

July , 2014

By Kevin Keegan

When Dimiter Hristov came out and said in his typically passionate tone Newcastle will be making one more big signing before summer business is concluded, few doubted that would be precisely the case. What they didn't expect was the Newcastle manager would in the same time deal yet another blow to a title rival but it is just what he's done. The club has officially announced the signing of Argentinean star Erik Lamela (22) from Tottenham for some 29.0 million pounds. The deal is as usual a structured one and will see 7.5 million first payment, followed by 21.5 million over the next four years.

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Erik Lamela in black and white
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Lamela, who has already bagged 4 international caps with Argentine, can play efficiently on both wings or provide back up as a striker. Usually South American players, especially those labeled as "flair", struggle to adapt to the dynamic football culture of the Premier League, but Erik has already proven that is not the case with him. He was largely impressive with Tottenham last season - his first campaign with the club - as he managed 17 goals in 34 starts for Spurs. Dimiter Hristov was firm this was the decisive factor when making a decision to put Lamela on top of a very short list of possible targets:

Reporter: Even though we expected fireworks from you, you still managed to catch us off guard with this transfer, Mr. Hristov. Was Erik Lamela always your target?
Dimiter Hristov: I don't find it that surprising at all. We were looking for players who could cut it from the off, as with Champions League this season we won't have that much time to let them bed in. As for Erik, there were a number of players on our agenda, a small number that is. Of course when Tottenham got Andre Ayew it made it a little easier for us to negotiate a deal. I think I will be perfectly honest if I say there really wasn't anyone better than Lamela we could have got.
Reporter: Reports suggest you still have some funds available. Will you perhaps look for another addition if the opportunity presents itself in the coming weeks, considering there is still plenty of time before the window closes?
Dimiter Hristov: No. Our deals are done and I am extremely happy with the squad we have right now. Whatever funds are left in the bank will stay there and we might re-examine where we are in the winter.

Now this is a window a Geordie can truly appreciate - get out, do your business, get in, call it done, watch the others struggle for the scrapes.

Erik Lamela transfer verdict: 9.5/10 - I agree with Hristov on the account there weren't any better players Newcastle could have signed out there.

As promised, we keep tracking the transfer budget Hristov has at his disposal to replace the departed first team players. The structure of the Erik Lamela transfer fee means 11.5 million pounds will be deducted from the budget:

Newcastle transfer budget: 4.80m pounds (29.85m initial)
 
Chelsea sign highly rated Velez youth midfielder
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Tony Cascarino Commentary
Last updated at 11:35PM, July 7 2014

Chelsea have once again spent big on a youth signing - defensive midfielder Jose Hidalgo (19) arrives at the club from Velez in a 4.1 million pounds deal. Jose had his breakthrough season last campaign with 7 first team appearances and even managed to grab his first ever senior goal. Mourinho announced immediately after the deal Hidalgo is likely to be loaned out for the season.

Jose Hidalgo transfer verdict: 5.5/10 - seems like an okay signing for the future.
 

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Hugh Laurie @hughlaurie what a tool @ Marseilles can -u--------------e 1m

Once again Arsenal have completed three transfers. Don't know how many are
in and out. Not kidding!!!

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Arsenal finally spend on star duo
Enthusiastic defender allowed to leave
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Summer restructuring continues at the Emirates
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By Alan Smith
8:51AM GMT 9 Jul 2014

Arsenal have finally realized the importance of investing big in the first team and flexed financial muscle to bring in Real Madrid star Isco (22) for 22.0 million pounds. The flamboyant midfielder would fit Wenger's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation ideally. Arsene was very confident Isco will add goals to his game with the Gunners as his only season with the Madrid club wasn't as prolific as his quality would suggest with just 9 goals in 46 appearances which was probably the catalyst behind the sale.​

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Isco profile​

Another high-profile player Arsenal captured is Fiorentina right-sided midfielder Juan Cuadrado (26). Juan was co-owned by Udinese which significantly complicated negotiations but eventually a fee of 8.25 million pounds was agreed and the Colombia international has arrived to the Emirates to sign a contract. Cuadrado has been influential for Fiorentina, scoring 8 goals and creating 7 more in just 26 appearances last season.

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Cuadrado profile​

In the meantime a player who will not be revealing his full potential for Arsenal is enthusiastic full back Carl Jenkinson (22) who has opted to join Blackburn for 1.4 million pounds. His departure is unlikely to affect the first team as he spent last season on loan with Swansea and despite the Swans enjoying a Europa League winning campaign, ultimately failed to impress. The mere fact Swansea didn't take him on a permanent deal despite being offered the first option suggests Jenkinson was unlikely to cut it with the ambitious goals Arsenal have ahead of them.

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Jenkinson profile
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Isco transfer verdict: 9.5/10 - excellent addition considering how clear-cut he is for the Gunners' style. Additionally the fee was lower than his current market price. The only setback is while he performed okay last season he wasn't as exceptional as all the hype around him suggests.

Juan Cuadrado transfer verdict: 7.5/10 - good squad player on top form for a bargain fee - Arsenal will need to rely on this type of players for a successful season.

Carl Jenkinson transfer verdict: 4.5/10 - while I am not arguing with the decision to sell Carl, he should have commanded a higher fee.
 
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German star leaves Stamford Bridge
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By Ray Wilkins | Last Updated: July 9, 2014 11:33am
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Schurrle leaves for homeland
He was never given a chance, says Ray Wilkins.

Chelsea have decided to take a big loss on a player they signed just one year ago after agreeing a 8.0 million pounds fee with Dortmund for the services of Andre Schurrle (23). Incredibly this is 10.5 million less than what was paid to Leverkusen twelve months ago and it isn't typical for the Blues to accept such failures on the market. Of course Andre was probably the driving force behind the transfer as he never established himself at Stamford Bridge and only made five appearances, three of which coming off the bench. It was rumoured Schurrle had been homesick for some time and jumped the chance to join his homeland club.

Andre Schurrle transfer verdict: 1.0/10 - this deal doesn't make financial or sporting sense and the only thing we can accept is Chelsea have failed miserably with this player and must move on.
 
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World Cup 2014 Awards
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2014 World Cup Best Player:
1. Sebastian Giovinco (Italy/Juventus)
2. Kevin Mirallas (Belgium/Everton)
3. Lee Chung-Yong (South Korea/Bolton)
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2014 World Cup Best Young Player:
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium/Chelsea)
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2014 World Cup Golden Boot:
1. Falcao (Colombia/AS Monaco) - 5 goals/4 appearances
2. Sebastian Giovinco (Italy/Juventus) - 5 goals/6 appearances
3. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon/Chelsea) - 4 goals/4 appearances
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2014 World Cup Best Goalkeeper:
Iker Casillas (Spain/Real Madrid)
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2014 World Cup Dream Team:
GK. Iker Casillas (Spain/Real Madrid)
DR. Ritchie De Laet (Belgium/Gladbach)
DL. Natxo Monreal (Spain/Arsenal)
DC. Raul Albiol (Spain/Napoli)
DC. Leonardo Bonucci (Italy/Juventus)
MC. Javi Martinez (Spain/FC Bayern)
MC. David Silva (Spain/Manchester City)
MR. Kevin Mirallas (Belgium/Everton)
ML. Giacomo Bonaventura (Italy/Atalanta)
ST. Falcao (Colombia/AS Monaco)
ST. Sebastian Giovinco (Italy/Juventus)
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Liam Gallagher @liamgallagher what a tool @ Marseilles can you--iiiiiiiiiiiiiii 1m

Buddy at #mcfc tells me we are about to sign top defender but another one
is about to leave LGx

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Lee Dixon: Kolarov falls victim of Klopp's attempt to balance Citizens squad
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LEE DIXON Monday 14 July 2014
Manchester City fans aren't used to seeing high-profile players leave the club but new manager Jurgen Klopp demonstrated he will take no prisoners in his attempts to rebuild the first team from the very foundations as Serbian fullback Aleksandar Kolarov (28) was swiftly sold to Lazio for 5.25 million pounds. It comes as a surprise since Kolarov had established himself as a regular starter during his four years at the Etihad but for some reason he fell out with Klopp and had to go.

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Rami is a great addition
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The fans had little time to question the decision as a big signing was immediately announced to ease the pressure - Manchester City agreed a 12.25 million pounds deal with Valencia for commanding center back Adil Rami (28). The 34 times capped French international enjoyed hugely successful four seasons with the Spanish club and is a definite upgrade over Martin Demichelis, who left the club recently.
Additionally Manchester City wrapped up a young prospect for the academy - West Brom's promising midfielder Derek Gorman (16) arrives for a 3.7 million pounds fee. Gorman is an exceptionally hard working offensively minded central midfielder who enjoys working for the team - just the breed Jurgen Klopp loves to work with.

Aleksandar Kolarov transfer verdict: 3.5/10 - it is a strange deal even if Klopp wanted to make an example and stamp up his authority in the dressing room - it will be interesting to see the German's ideas to fill the gaping hole on the flank now the Serbian is gone.

Adil Rami transfer verdict: 9.0/10 - Rami, Demichelis, Rami, Demichelis... no contest, really.

Derek Gorman transfer verdict: 6.0/10 - we don't usually rate prospects very far from 5 although one can't but admire a boy so willing to give his all and work for the team in the same time.
 

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Phil Collins @PhilCollinsFeed what a tool @ Marseilles can -u-----------e 1m

#THFC reportedly about to replace Lamela with winger who starred in the
World Cup - wonder who that is? Ideas?

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Spurs splash Lamela cash on Belgian wing wizard
Mirallas tipped to shine at White Hart Lane​
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David Pleat
The Guardian, Thursday 17 July 2014
Even though it wasn't expected that the Spurs board would find it necessary to replace Erik Lamela after Andre Ayew had already been signed prior to agreeing the deal with Newcastle, Andre Villas-Boas has convinced his superiors cash in the bank would do little good for the team. Tottenham took their time looking for the right player and finally got their man today as Everton agreed to sell winger Kevin Mirallas (26) for a 16.75 million pounds fee. This transfer will be a popular one with the fans with memories fresh from the World Cup in Brazil where Kevin was part of the heart-broken finalists Belgium team and earned himself a place in the competition's dream team.

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Mirallas likely to appeal to fans
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Mirallas boasts vast international experience with 50 caps and 10 goals to his name but his career in the Premier League also catches the eye. He grabbed 10 goals and created 8 more in 31 starts for the Toffees last season and completely justifies the hefty price tag. Of course he is nowhere near as explosive as Lamela although his quality is sufficient and he is far more likely to be satisfied with a reduced role in the first team which is a strong possibility considering the number of options Spurs have.​

Kevin Mirallas transfer verdict: 7.5/10 - he'd be a great utility player and a decent pick if Villas-Boas sees him as a regular starter.
 
Chelsea let van Ginkel go on loan
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Tony Cascarino Commentary
Last updated at 10:52PM, July 19 2014

One player who won't be making his breakthrough in the Chelsea first team this season is Marco van Ginkel (21) as Jose Mourinho has sanctioned a season-long loan deal to Aston Villa. The two times capped Holland international has only managed five appearances for the Blues with three of them coming off the bench and time is running out for him to prove he is up to the high standards at Stamford Bridge.
 

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Liam Gallagher @liamgallagher what a tool @ Marseilles can you--iiiiiiiiiiiiiii 1m

It's all over the net - big, big news coming soon #mcfc could Klopp be on the
verge of signing his first global superstar LGx

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Lee Dixon: Ronaldo returns to Manchester!!!
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LEE DIXON Sunday 20 July 2014
Manchester City have realized a dream move as Jurgen Klopp somehow managed to convince Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (29) the Etihad is the right place to continue his career. The transfer fee is reportedly 100 million pounds. Wow! The Portuguese doesn't need any introduction and is worth every single penny. This deal is likely to fire up the Citizens as the main title contender now.

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Cristiano in the right shirt
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Fans in sky blue shirts crowded the streets making fun of local rivals Manchester United and generally expressing elevated mood. And how could it be any different? Ronaldo guarantees goals, goals and more goals. His record for Real Madrid is nothing short of supernatural - he found the net 172 times in 171 league games. He is irresistible going forward. He is probably the best player in the world. And now he is a Manchester City player.

Cristiano Ronaldo transfer verdict: 20/10 - City fans, wet yourself already?
 

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Hugh Laurie @hughlaurie what a tool @ Marseilles can -u--------------e 1m

This feels like sudoku now but Arsenal are about to announce five transfers.
Again - no idea how many in and out.

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Gunners bring in three and sell two
Midfield enforcer brought in but can he hack it​
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Sol Campbell
The Guardian, Sunday 20 July 2014
It has been hot at the Emirates in recent weeks as Arsene Wenger turned transfer frenzy mode on. There are no less than five deals the club finalized today and I am still trying to get my mind around those. Let's begin with the outgoing. After a year and a half with Arsenal Spain international Natxo Monreal (28) has been moved off to FC Porto for a 5.5 million pounds fee. This is a very strange deal considering Natxo starred at the World Cup and at the very least should have commanded a bigger price.

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Natxo shock exit
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Another player Arsenal shoved through the exit door is defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin (23) who has been snapped up by Aston Villa for yet another smallish fee - 1.6 million pounds. Coquelin had just returned from a loan spell with Freiburg but didn't perform well enough to convince Wenger he has a future at the Emirates.

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Coquelin off to Villa
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These financially disappointing news have been offset somewhat by the surprise capture of Manchester City central midfielder Jack Rodwell (23) who joins Arsenal on a free transfer. Jack is supposedly the replacement for Mathieu Flamini and a quick comparison between them suggests he might be able to fill that void even if he's lacking a little bit in the defensive department. His potential is undoubted though and if he can keep away from injuries the Gunners might have a real gem of a player at their hands.

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Injury-prone Jack comes on a free
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The second player to join Arsenal is a well-known face and will provoke mixed reception amongst fans considering his spell with arch-rivals Tottenham. Attacking midfielder Adel Taarabt (25) arrives in a 7.25 million pounds switch from Queens Park Rangers. He does fit the formation employed by Wenger although even if we ignore his Spurs past he never managed to live up to his wonderkid tag to justify such a move.

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Adel set to take heat from Gunner fans
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Finally we get a typical Wenger signing as Arsenal wrapped up Sevilla teenager Curro (18) for quite a large fee of 6.5 million pounds. Curro is a versatile offensive midfielder supposedly similar to Mesut Ozil. He made his first team breakthrough last season and was obviously picked up by the Gunners scouting team.

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Who the **** is Curro
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Natxo Monreal transfer verdict: 2.5/10 - twilight zone deal for me - such a low fee for a player who could have given a lot more to the team.

Francis Coquelin transfer verdict: 4.0/10 - once again it was a low, low fee to accept for a player of much more substantial market value than what was paid for him.

Jack Rodwell transfer verdict: 8.5/10 - free transfer so can't go wrong even if his injury concerns were so grave City picked to release him.

Adel Taarabt transfer verdict: 4.5/10 - not a player the fans would like to see at the club - what was Wenger thinking?

Curro transfer verdict: 5.0/10 - nothing with this player to suggest why he commanded such a big fee.
 
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