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Zinedine Zidane's men came good yet again with a major prize at stake to show they have moved on since the Portuguese left Los Blancos back in 2013 Real Madrid have done it again. Despite an indifferent pre-season in which they failed to win a single match on tour in the United States, Los Blancos have kicked off the new campaign with yet another trophy by beating Manchester United 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup. Jose Mourinho was right: Real really are on another level. Madrid met United in California last month in a match that finished 1-1, with the Premier League side prevailing in a comical penalty shootout, but before that match, the Portuguese manager said: “You try to compensate the difference in quality with a certain tactical organisation and with that you can win in football. "It’s possible a team is on a certain day better than the sum of the parts. But the parts are amazing, their relation with the ball is amazing. So, we try not to compare ourselves to the...

The Portuguese is willing to "fight" over the former Tottenham star if he is forced out of the Bernabeu this summer MANCHESTER UNITED READY TO POUNCE IF MADRID LET BALE LEAVE! Manchester United will be "waiting on the other side" for Gareth Bale if the Wales star is unwanted by Real Madrid, according to manager Jose Mourinho. United face Madrid in Skopje in the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday and the pre-match build-up has been played out against mounting speculation over Bale's future. A report by Spanish publication Don Balon claimed the 28-year-old forward was ready to consider a move to Old Trafford in the event of Madrid attempting to move on a star name to facilitate the signing of Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe. MANCHESTER UNITED LOAN DEFENDER TO CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE LEEDS UNITED Mou rinho does not view this as a likely turn of events but told a pre-match news conference he will have a keen eye on the Madrid teamsheet in the Macedonian capital. ...

The young defender, who made his breakthrough under Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, is to spend the coming season at Elland Road Leeds United have signed Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on a season-long loan from Manchester United. The Championship club have embarked on a major recruitment drive this summer, recruiting the likes of Vurnon Anita, Pontus Jansson and Ouasim Bouy as they prepare for a promotion challenge in 2017-18. REAL MADRID VS MANCHESTER UNITED: EXPECTED LINE UPS KICK-OFF TIME & SUPER CUP PREVIEW Borthwick-Jackson, who has made 14 senior appearances for the Premier League side, becomes Leeds' 11th signing of the summer. The 20-year-old made his breakthrough at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, but has struggled to nail down a first-team spot since the Dutchman's departure. Borthwick-Jackson subsequently spent last season on loan at Wolves, though he made only seven appearances. 'Powerful' Pogba to inspire Man Utd title challenge ...

Zinedine Zidane's Champions League-winning side take on the Jose Mourinho's Europa League winners in European football's annual curtain-raiser Real Madrid and Manchester United will get their seasons under way when they face off in the UEFA Super Cup at Macedonia's Philip II Arena on Tuesday. Holders Madrid are appearing in the competition for the second year in succession, having successfully defended their Champions League title, and it is their third appearance in the last four seasons. Manchester United, meanwhile, are making their fourth appearance in the Super Cup after winning last season's Europa League. RONALDO ADMITS: 'I WANT TO GO BACK TO ENGLAND' The two teams have already met this summer, having played a pre-season friendly against each other at the International Champions Cup. That game, which took place in California last month, finished 1-1, but the Red Devils emerged victorious on penalties. Game            ...

RONALDO ADMITS: 'I WANT TO GO BACK TO ENGLAND' Cristiano Ronaldo allegedly told the judge at his tax evasion hearing that he would prefer to move back to England.  Ronaldo who has been prosecuted for alleged 14.7 million Euros worth of tax evasion had said to the judge at the hearing that, "In England, I never had any problems, that's why i want to go back there." Ronaldo said," I always paid my taxes, always. In England and in Spain. I have always paid my taxes." It's official! Neymar the superstar signs for PSG from Barcelona for €222 million! "As you know, I cannot hide anything its rididculous. Forbes magazine prints my earnings its all out in the open." Though the verdict is still yet to come out of the case, Ronaldo has had a change of heart and is willing to come back to England. But would it be wise for Manchester United to get their prodigal son back? Reportedly Ronaldo's contract at Real Madrid...

The Italian has hinted that there is more pressure this time around for his side, but says he thrives in such situations Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed that he thinks the forthcoming campaign will be the “most difficult” of his career. RONALDO ADMITS: 'I WANT TO GO BACK TO ENGLAND' The Blues go into the new season reigning Premier League champions, and the Italian believes that this will only increase the expectation level of him and his team. “For me, it will be the most difficult season of my career,” he said. “I’m sure about that.  “I haven’t a lot of time to explain a lot of these reasons. But I’m sure about this. I have this perception and I hope I’ve made a mistake. “In England, the pressure is high and you have to live with that pressure. In England, the league is strong, the strongest in the world. “You have six teams ready to fight and to win the title. But only one team can win. It won’t be easy. But we are trying to do this.” Press...

The former Manchester United star, who has generated plenty of transfer talk this summer, has made the revelation to the judge at his tax trial Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo told the judge at his tax trial in Spain that he wants to go back to England. The Portugal international stands accused of defrauding authorities out of €14.7 million. He has been in court fighting those charges, with his comments regarding a possible return to England made on July 31. They have just come to light, through  Cadena SER , with the former Manchester United forward seemingly opening the door to a possible second  stint in the Premier League. Hardship for Man Utd Ronaldo said: "In England, I never had these problems, that's why I want to go back there. "I always paid my taxes, always. In England and in Spain. And I always paid. “As you know, I cannot hide anything, it would be ridiculous on my part to do such a thing. I am an open book.  “You don't need t...

The Red Devils could only muster a sixth-place finish last season, but Jose Mourinho's side are expected to compete for the crown in 2017-18 Paul Pogba can be a “powerful” presence for Manchester United and inspire a Premier League title bid, says Denis Irwin. The France international arrived at Old Trafford summer with the pressure of being the world’s most expensive footballer weighing on his shoulders. Hardship for Man Utd, Inter discussing new contract with Perisic His £89 million deal has now been blown out of the water by Neymar’s switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain , and the 24-year-old has a year of experience back at United under his belt. He is now being tipped to offer more to the collective cause than he did in 2016-17, with former United defender Irwin confident that Jose Mourinho’s side will be back in contention for top-flight glory. "I expect Paul Pogba to be a really powerful player this year," he said. HAZARD TO BARCELONA?? "...

The 25-year-old attacker says he "already feels at home" in the French capital, but says leaving Barca was "the most difficult decision of his life" Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has revealed that he has joined the Ligue 1 side to experience a "greater challenge". The 25-year-old Brazil striker signed for the Parc des Princes side from Barcelona for a world-record fee of €222 million and was presented in front of the media for the first time on Friday. HAZARD TO BARCELONA?? "I wanted something bigger, a bigger challenge," he said. "My heart wanted a new ambition, that’s why I’m here in front of you. This is what my heart told me to do. I listen to my heart every day. And my heart told me to go to PSG." There had been speculation that he was disgruntled at Barcelona for not being the sole star, though that is something he has denied. "No, it didn’t impact my decision at all," he said. "I wanted to...

The Catalan club may be flush with cash after selling their Brazilian forward to PSG, but the Blues boss insists his Belgian star is not for sale Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insists Eden Hazard is not for sale amid rumours of interest from Barcelona. The La Liga giants are reeling after losing star attacker Neymar, with the Brazil international having agreed to join Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee of €222 million. Hardship for Man Utd, Inter discussing new contract with Perisic The sudden departure of Neymar so close to the start of the 2017-18 campaign leaves Barcelona in a difficult scramble to replace him, but the Catalan club are now flush with cash. Rumours have placed them with numerous players, including Philippe Coutinho, Kylian Mbappe and now Hazard, who has been linked with a big move to La Liga in the past. However, Conte insists the Belgian star, who will miss this weekend’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal, is not for sale wh...

The Kolkata-based franchise has added a top striker to boost their attacking arsenal... Indian Super League champions ATK have secured the services of former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane. The former Irish international was reported to be in advanced talks with the Kolkata-based franchise as they looked to bolster their attacking options ahead of the upcoming season.  Atletico de Kolkata have already appointed Teddy Sheringham, who has incidentally played alongside Keane at Tottenham during the 2002-03 season, as their head coach which could have helped the negotiations positively.  Hardship for Man Utd, Inter discussing new contract with Perisic Speaking about the move, Keane said, "I feel extremely fortunate to have played for some of the best clubs in England and the USA, as well as representing my country at several major tournaments. At this stage of my career, the offer to experience a new league and culture in Asia appealed to me. To join the...

The colossal world-record deal will be celebrated over the course of 48 hours in the French capital, where the forward will spend the next five years Neymar will be officially presented as a Paris Saint-Germain player on Friday ahead of a welcome by thousands of fans at Parc des Princes 24 hours later. HAZARD TO BARCA? The Brazil star finalised his move to the Ligue 1 side on Thursday in a €222 million deal that has smashed the world transfer record. La Liga had rejected an attempt by Neymar's representatives to pay the sum that would trigger his release clause at Barcelona but the money was later accepted by the club at Camp Nou. The 25-year-old has agreed a five-year contract that will reportedly see him earn €30m a year after saying his goodbyes to his old team-mates at Barca this week. PSG's official club shop will open at 10:00 local time (09:00BST) on Friday to sell a limited number of special Neymar shirts to lucky customers before the forward is whi...

The Bundesliga side stand in the Reds' way as Brendan Rodgers' Hoops face a daunting trip to Kazakhstan in the decider tie Liverpool have been drawn against Hoffenheim in the Champions League play-off round, while Celtic will take on Astana. Jurgen Klopp's side will travel to Germany as they look to ensure their place in the group stage of Europe's premier club competition, while Brendan Rodgers' Hoops must make their way to Kazakhstan. "Coutinho to Barcelona won't happen" The Reds were part of the 'League Route' in Friday's draw, which also included giants such as Napoli, Sevilla and Sporting. Napoli were paired with Ligue 1 side Nice, who boast Mario Balotelli in their ranks, and Sevilla were drawn against Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir. Sporting, meanwhile, will take on Romanian outfit Steaua Bucuresti. Elsewhere in the League Route, CSKA Moscow take on Swiss side Young Boys. The first legs of the play-off are schedu...

MONACO READY £45M ALEXIS BID Monaco are looking to further strengthen this transfer window and are preparing a £45 million offer for Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, according to  the Sun  . HAZARD REACHES OUT TO BARCA! Arsene Wenger is determined not to sell the Chile international, but Monaco want to prise him away after Ligue 1 rivals PSG brought in Neymar for €222m from Barcelona.

The Serie A side have no plans to sell their star winger to Manchester United, according to club sporting director Piero Ausilio Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is adamant Ivan Perisic will not be sold as he revealed talks are underway regarding a new contract for the Manchester United target. Perisic has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants United, though a deal is yet to materialise. It's official! Neymar the superstar signs for PSG from Barcelona for €222 million! Inter have insisted the Perisic will remain in Milan and Ausilio reiterated the Serie A club's stance regarding the Croatia international winger and team-mate Antonio Candreva, who is reportedly a target for Chelsea. "I don't understand where some of these stories come from," Ausilio told Mediaset Premium. "Candreva has never been on the market and we have absolutely no intention of selling him. "The same goes for Perisic, who is an important player and we are c...

The Italian club is still in the market for a striker and won't rule out a move for one of the big names on the market Former Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Monaco striker Radamel Falcao are being considered by AC Milan, according to CEO Marco Fassone. Ibrahimovic is a free agent and recovering from a serious knee injury after he was released by Manchester United and the 35-year-old has been linked with a return to Milan. LEICESTER CONFIRM SIGNING OF IHEANACHO FROM MAN CITY FOR £25M! He spent two seasons at San Siro, winning the Serie A title in 2010-11. Falcao has also emerged as a possible signing to join the Milan revolution, which already includes Leonardo Bonucci, Andre Silva, Lucas Biglia, Andrea Conti, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie and Fabio Borini. Asked about Ibrahimovic and Falcao amid links with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Diego Costa, Andrea Belotti and Nikola Kalinic, Fassone told  Sky Sport Itali...

 has agreed a five-year deal with the Foxes, having spent the last three years at fellow Premier League side Manchester City Leicester City have announced the signing of Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City. Neymar signs for PSG! The forward has moved to the Foxes for a fee reported to be £25 million, with the 20-year-old signing a five-year deal at the King Power Stadium. In two full seasons at Man City, Iheanacho played 46 Premier League games and scored 12 goals, but found himself behind Sergio Aguero, Wilfried Bony and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order. Iheanacho is eager to get started with Craig Shakespeare's side, and is looking forward to becoming part of the Leicester first team. “It feels good and I’m happy to be part of this team," Iheanacho told the club's official website.  "I know the ambition of the team and speaking with the manager, he let me know what I need to do – to help the team achieve what they wa...

HAZARD REACHES OUT TO BARCA Chelsea star Eden Hazard has reached out to Barcelona about replacing Neymar, according to  Don Balon  . Official: Neymar signs for PSG! The Belgian has long been a target for Real Madrid but with Barca having just received a €222m cash injection, Hazard is ready to move to the Camp Nou to become the Brazilian's big-money replacement. 

The Ligue 1 giants have more than doubled the previous mark for a transfer set by Paul Pogba and Manchester United as they welcome the Brazilian Paris Saint-Germain have smashed the world transfer record by completing the €222 million signing of Neymar from Barcelona on a five-year contract. The Brazilian had been continually linked with a move away from Camp Nou over the summer, and had declined to clarify his own future as the PSG rumours grew stronger. How many goals with Neymar score this season? And after weeks of denials, mixed messages and reports, he has finally been confirmed as the Ligue 1 club's latest signing on Thursday night. "Paris Saint-Germain are very pleased to announce the arrival of Neymar Jr," the Parisiens said in a statement on their official website.

The Blaugrana released a statement on Thursday confirming the Brazilian and his representatives visited in person to pay the figure Barcelona have accepted the payment of Neymar's €222million release clause as the Brazil forward's move to Paris Saint-Germain moves closer. The club released an official statement on Thursday that read: "On Thursday afternoon Neymar Jr's legal representatives visited in person the club's offices and made the payment of €222m in the player's name with regards to the unilateral termination of the contract that united both parties. "As such, the club will pass on to UEFA the details of the above operation so that they can determine the disciplinary responsibilities that may arise from this case." Earlier on Thursday, La Liga refused to accept an attempt to pay the release clause at their offices in Madrid , leading to France's Ligue de Football Professionnel to call on the Spanish body to "abide by the rule...

The ex-Reds striker believes a long-term contract at Anfield will be honoured, with player unrest the only issue which could spark a big-money move Philippe Coutinho leaving Liverpool for Barcelona this summer is highly unlikely, according to Michael Owen. The Reds have already fended off one offer from Camp Nou for their Brazilian playmaker, with a £72 million approach knocked back. 'Coutinho can replace Neymar' It could be that their resolve is tested again before the summer window slams shut, with Barca about to receive a record-breaking €222 million from the sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain. Those funds would help to finance another raid for Coutinho, but Owen believes that a long-term contract signed in January proves how happy both club and player are with their current relationship at Anfield. "The news going around Spain is obviously fuel to the fire if the Neymar deal goes ahead - the speculation becomes intensive [regarding a] Coutinho move,...

The Serbia international impressed in his first 45 minutes with his new team-mates, helping the world record signing have more influence than usual A popular joke on Twitter after Manchester United announced the signing of Nemanja Matic to assist Paul Pogba was that it was like spending £40 million on a new charger for your £90m phone. Last summer, Pogba became the world's most expensive footballer, and carried with that a lot of criticism. Every time his name was mentioned, it came with a pricetag. For the outlay Jose Mourinho paid, people expected more. During his first season back at Old Trafford after the move, the France international never really got a chance to prove his worth, being used in a variety of midfield positions as the Red Devils attempted to compete on numerous fronts. Having signed defender Victor Lindelof and £75m striker Romelu Lukaku during the transfer window, Mourinho revealed that he still wanted two more additions, one of which was "...

Neymar to PSG La Liga has confirmed has refused to accept a €222 million payment from Paris Saint-Germain to trigger Barcelona star Neymar's buyout clause. Barcelona said on Wednesday that Neymar intended to leave but they would only allow him to move on if his full buyout clause was paid. Specialist sports lawyer Juan de Dios Crespo arrived at La Liga's offices in Madrid on Thursday with a cheque for the full amount but was turned away. La Liga said: "We can confirm that the legal representatives of the player [Neymar] came to La Liga to deposit the clause and that it has been rejected. This is all the information we can give at the moment." Marca said La Liga has no legal grounds to reject the payment and PSG and Neymar would be within their rights to ask FIFA to intervene in the matter in an attempt to finalise the deal. Speaking earlier this week, La Liga president Javier Tebas had accused PSG of "financial doping" and said that he w...