MIGNOLET: I'M READY FOR THE BIG STEP WITH LIVERPOOL

Simon Mignolet says he is relishing the challenge of taking a "big step forward" in his career with Liverpool.

The Belgian, who was the subject of a €11.5 million switch from Sunderland in June, is expected to compete with Pepe Reina for the number one spot at Anfield next season.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper is confident he will improve at the Merseyside club, and hopes to help Brendan Rodgers' side push on next season and challenge for a top-four finish.

"For me it's a big step forward and I'm very pleased to be training with the team for two weeks now. I spoke to the manager and he told me that it's going to be a big step forward," Mignolet told the club's official website.

"We play the first game on Saturday and after that, with the more we do on tour, I'll see how big a step forward it is for me. At the moment, it's only training and I have to get used to the players and the way of playing. Once we get going I'll know what it's going to be like.

"When I came in for the first couple of training sessions, I saw that everybody is very hungry and ambitious to get going, everybody wants to take a step forward and push on into the top four.

"There's big ambition around the club. I also noticed that from the conversations I had with the goalkeeping coach and the gaffer. I saw that they are very ambitious, want to get forward, winning trophies and getting into the top four."

Like Mignolet, Kolo Toure is among the four signings made by Rodgers since the opening of the transfer window, having arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City on July 1.

And, speaking at the pair's official unveiling at the club's Melwood training ground, the Ivorian expressed his delight over sealing a move to Anfield.

"For me, it's an honour to play for Liverpool - this club are unbelievable," said Toure.

"I've just been here for two weeks and I've seen a lot of fantastic things. I'm proud and I will give my best to this football club.

"When I had to decide, when I had the phone call from Liverpool, you can't joke with that. It's one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. I was like, 'wow'."

LIVERPOOL YOUNGSTER SET TO JOIN ALMERIA

Liverpool youngster Suso is poised to join Almeria on a season-long loan deal.

The teenage Spaniard is still to make his mark at Anfield after arriving from Cadiz in July 2010, making just 20 appearances, although he signed a new long-term deal in October last year.

Now Brendan Rodgers has decided that the midfielder's future would be better served by spending the coming campaign with the newly-promoted La Liga outfit.
With Suso yet to make an impact on the Liverpool first-team, Rodgers will hope his stint back in his homeland will see him feature on a more regular basis.
New Almeria boss Francisco Rodriguez, who was recently named as Javi Gracia's replacement, will be keen for the 19-year-old to help his side remain in the Primera Division following their promotion via the play-offs.

TEVEZ'S COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER RESCINDED

Carlos Tevez has been cleared to start the season with Juventus as planned after having his Community Service Order rescinded at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court.
The striker still had to complete the majority of his 250 hours' of unpaid work, imposed as punishment for a string of driving offences earlier this year.

However, the terms have now changed, meaning Tevez will pay a fine instead of fulfilling the order, allowing him to continue his career with Juve.
District Judge Bridget Knight accepted there were circumstances beyond Tevez's control in his inability to fulfil the terms of his order, saying: "This is only a technical breach. It is not, I repeat not, a case of a footballer thumbing his nose at a court order."
It is thought Tevez's legal team argued that as the South American was sold by Manchester City, he was not responsible in law for his inability to comply with the order.
Tevez said: "I would like to thank the court for its understanding. I appreciate their help and assistance in this case.
"I would also like to thank my legal team, especially Gwyn Lewis at Burton Copeland and all my advisors who have helped me throughout this case.
"All I want to do is continue my career in Italy with Juventus and I am looking forward to a new chapter."

EVERTON SIGN BARCELONA WONDERKID

Everton have signed Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old - regarded as one of the brightest stars in the four-time European champions' academy - scored 18 times in 32 appearances for Bareclona's B side last season and recently signed a long-term contract.
Manager Roberto Martínez told the club's official website: "Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible footballing talent and I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton."

His arrival marks Martinez' fourth signing in three days after he brought in former Wigan players Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel Robles, who was also at the DW Stadium last season.

Deulofeu is a graduate of Barcelona's famed La Masia and has played for Spain's Under-17s, Under-19s, Under-20s and Under-21s.
He will join up with the Blues squad later this summer as he is currently on a break after involvement in the recent Under-20s World Cup in Turkey.
Most of the squad are now in Austria preparing for a friendly against Austria Vienna on Saturday.
Captain Phil Jagielka has welcomed the new arrivals, particularly the experience of Kone and Alcaraz.
"It is nice to have those type of players on our team this time," said the England centre-back.
"Obviously they are two players that the manager knows very well, two players who were big stars at Wigan.
"I know Kone played most of their games and scored most of their goals and was a really big handful.
"Alcaraz unfortunately had a few injuries last season and didn't play as much football as he would have liked but, the same again, he was a very important player for Wigan.
"They are two fantastic signatures to get and hopefully they can come into what is now a good squad and make it a little bit stronger."
Jagielka added on evertontv: "We've only got four centre halves including Shane (Duffy) so we haven't got that many.
"The manager played different formations at Wigan, if he's going to play three at the back here, four isn't a lot of centre-halves to choose from - especially if a couple get injured.
"It's definitely important that we've got strength in numbers and he's a fantastic player and I'm sure he'll be competing for a starting role."
In his first season as Everton captain, Jagielka is keen to ensure the new arrivals feel welcome and settle in quickly.
"I think on the whole in the changing room it is easy to come in and within a week you feel like you've been here a season," he added.
"I'll do the usual things, introducing, and if they need anything, obviously, they can come and see me.
"But I think the lads themselves will welcome the new signings into the club with open arms and I'm pretty sure they'll find it easy to adjust."

SWANSEA IN TALKS WITH EX MADRID PALYER

Esteban Granero's agent has claimed Swansea City are in talks with QPR over a move for the midfielder.

The 26-year-old arrived at Loftus Road from Real Madrid last August and made 27 appearances in all competitions for the club last season.

Following QPR's relegation from the Premier League, Granero has insisted he has no intention of playing in the Championship, and the player's representative has revealed the Spaniard would welcome a move to the Liberty Stadium.

"The two clubs are talking about, it's true," Carlo Cutropia told Tuttomercatoweb.

"[Michael] Laudrup knows him very well from Getafe, where together they had a great Uefa Cup campaign.

"Swansea are also looking at many Spanish players and play in Europe next year, the destination would be absolutely acceptable to Esteban."

Granero is a product of Madrid's youth academy but spent two seasons at Getafe - the first on loan - before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009.

VAN DER VAART TARGETS EUROPE

Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is targeting qualification for the Europa League in his second season with the club.
The Dutchman joined Hamburg from Tottenham in August 2012, but despite a strong campaign, could not lead Thorsten Fink's side to a European spot.

The Imetch Arena outfit finished seventh in the Bundesliga last term, and Van der Vaart is hoping to move further up the table in 2013-14.
"The goal is the Europa League," he told Bild.
"Personally, I want to be important to the team. Looking back on last season, I believe I had a good year. I was satisfied, but I scored too few goals."
The 30-year-old is aiming to force his way into Netherlands' boss Louis van Gaal's plans for the World Cup in Brazil, and thinks an impressive second season with Hamburg could allow him to do so.
"Van Gaal is an honest coach. Everybody has the same chance under him," he added.
"If I play a good year, I have a good chance of being part of the World Cup squad. It would be a dream to take part in it once more."

MADRID PRESIDENT: WE ONLY NEED PLAYERS WITH HUNGER

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has warned that only players with "insatiable hunger" will be brought to the club this summer.

Los Blancos have thus far completed the signings of Isco, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro, and have been continually linked with the likes of Luis Suarez and Asier Illarramendi.

Perez, speaking at the official presentation of €30 million-man Isco, insists the club will only pursue further signings if they can contribute to new coach Carlo's Ancelotti's vision of "spectacular" football.

"As our coach says, Real Madrid has a duty to play spectacular football and we want new players who are up to the club's demands and have an insatiable hunger," he told reporters.

Madrid also confirmed on Tuesday that defender Nacho has penned a new deal with the club.

The 23-year-old, who made four appearances for the senior side last season, has signed a four-year extension to his current contract.

SUNDERLAND CONFIRM BA SIGNING

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of midfielder El Hadji Ba from Le Havre.

The France Under-20 international has signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light and becomes the seventh man to join the club since the end of last season.
He has already joined up with his new team-mates and manager Paolo Di Canio at their training camp in Italy.

Ba, 20, broke into Le Havre's first-team set-up at the beginning of 2012 after coming through their academy ranks and went on to make 12 league appearances for the French outfit in Ligue 1.
He follows Valentin Roberge, Modibo Diakite, Cabral, Jozy Altidore, David Moberg Karlsson and Duncan Watmore into the Wearside club.
Argentine side Velez Sarsfield, meanwhile, have confirmed they have agreed a deal with the Black Cats for full-back Gino Peruzzi and expect the transfer to be completed before the weekend.
Sunderland missed out on highly-rated Le Havre teenager Benjamin Mendy, a former team-mate of Ba's, when he opted to join Marseille instead, but look to have landed Peruzzi after the deal stalled initially over personal terms.
Reports from Italy also claim Di Canio is close to striking a deal for Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, with around £8.6m required to release him from his contract in Turin.

MONTELLA DELIGHTED WITH GOMEZ SIGNING

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has lauded Mario Gomez as a "great player" ahead of his planned transfer from Bayern Munich.
La Viola agreed a deal to bring the prolific striker to Stadio Artemio Franchi on Monday, with the fee believed to be in the region of €16 million.
Gomez is expected to undergo a medical and agree personal terms before being unveiled as a Fiorentina player on Thursday, and Montella believes supporters can expect big things from the 28-year-old.

"It's only right that they dream," the ex-Italy international told reporters.
"We know that it's going to be hard, but it's right that the fans dream because if you can't dream, then there's not much left. Certainly only what happens on the field will show whether this side are capable of repeating what we achieved last season, and then we can look further.
"Everybody knows he's a great player and that we're delighted to get him. We hope to impress again, both in terms of results and the way we play. That is what I hope for."
It is anticipated that Gomez will link up with Giuseppe Rossi in attack, although there has been speculation that Fiorentina will sign another forward if Stevan Jovetic is sold.
Montella, though, is refusing to be drawn on the speculation linking the Viola with acquiring yet another attacker.
"We'll have to see," the former Roma ace added. "You can always improve your squad so I always expect the best and the most.

"But let's take things one step at a time for now. The first step should be the official announcement of Gomez."

The Germany international scored 75 goals in 115 Bundesliga appearances for die Roten.

PELLEGRINI: I'M EAGER TO TOPPLE MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is eager to topple local rivals Manchester United next season, but admits the Premier League runners-up must strengthen their squad to catch the Red Devils.

The former Malaga boss met the press for the first time since his appointment as Roberto Mancini's replacement and spoke of his desire to bring success back to the Etihad Stadium.

"We have very good players and we can reach important targets," said the Chilean.

"We will try to do the very best that we can and then we will see how many trophies we can win.

"We don't have a priority. We know we have to improve in the Champions League but the Premier League is just as important. We will try to do our best in all the competitions we enter.

"When Manchester City won the Premier League it was one of the most important moments in the club's history and well try to repeat it.

"One of the most important things for City fans is to beat Manchester United and we will try to do that. This year, the same as in other years, we will try to be on top of United."

Pellegrini has already acquired Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho and Sevilla's Jesus Navas, but admitted he was in the market for more players, particularly in the striking department following the departure of Carlos Tevez.

"We only have two strikers at the moment and we need another one but I am not going to talk about rumours. When players arrive then we will talk," Pellegrini continued.

"We need a very good squad, a strong squad with two players for every position."

Pelligrini was also non-committal on the futures of Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott, who both have been linked with moves away from the club this summer.

"In the next few weeks we will consider all the situations for different players," he added.

"We will sit down with Txiki Begiristain [the club's sporting director] and with the players and discuss the situation."

SOUTHAMPTON SET TO WRAP UP WANYAMA DEAL

Southampton are set to wrap up the signing of Victor Wanyama in the next 48 hours.

The Celtic midfielder is believed to be ready to bring a long-running transfer saga to a close by agreeing a switch to the Saints.
It is understood that he will travel to the south coast on Wednesday evening, where the final details of a transfer will be thrashed out.

Southampton will want to get a deal over the line as quickly as possible as Wanyama has been interesting a number of their Premier League rivals.
Cardiff City were in the market for the Kenya international at one stage, but appear set to be left empty-handed.
Snapping up Wanyama will be some signal of intent by Southampton, with the 22-year-old having seen his profile rocket since arriving in Scotland back in July 2011.
While Celtic will be disappointed to see him leave Parkhead, they are set to make a considerable profit on a player signed from Belgian outfit Beerschot AC for just £900,000.

BENFICA SIGN LISANDRO LOPEZ

Benfica have completed the signing of Lisandro Lopez from Argentina outfit Arsenal de Sarandi.

The 23-year-old defender has signed a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, with his contract believed to include a €35 million buy-out clause.

Lopez has frequently been overlooked for Argentina duty by coach Alejandro Sabella despite impressive performances for Arsenal, and he admitted his desire to break into the Albiceleste coach's plans was a significant factor in his decision to move.

"I have chosen Benfica because they are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and many Argentines have succeeded here," Lopez told Benfica's official website.

"I am anxious to start. If I play well here I may get a chance in my country's national team."

Lopez revealed he had been persuaded to join the Europa League finalists after compatriot Pablo Aimar had extolled the benefits of life in the Portuguese capital.

"He said Lisbon was beautiful and Benfica was huge and magical. He told me to enjoy my stay here to the full," Lopez added.

Lopez becomes Benfica's seventh signing of a busy summer so far, following Stefan Mitrovic, Lazar Markovic, Miralem Sulejmani, Filip Djuricic and Uros Matic – as well as central defender Steven Vitoria.

Lopez's arrival could cast further doubt over the future of Ezequiel Garay, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.

MANCHESTER CITY TARGET CLOSES IN ON SEVILLA EXIT

Spain striker Alvaro Negredo looks to have moved a step closer to the Sevilla exit door after the Primera Division club signed Colombia forward Carlos Bacca from Club Brugge.

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido insisted earlier this week that his club had not received any offer from Manchester City for 27-year-old Negredo, who has indicated he would like to leave the Andalusian club this summer.
Bacca has agreed a five-year contract with Sevilla and has a 30million euros release clause in his contract, the club announced on their official website.

The deal was sealed after Sevilla's sporting director Ramon Rodriguez, known as Monchi, travelled to Manchester to finalise terms with the player, who is on a pre-season tour with Club Brugge.
Neither Brugge nor Sevilla have confirmed the fee, which is reported to be around 7million euros.
Bacca, who will travel to Spain on Wednesday, confirmed the deal on Tuesday night, writing on his official Twitter account: "Thanks to God, next destination Sevilla."
He also told Club Brugge's website: "This is truly a dream come true. When I came to Europe, it has always been my dream to play in the Primera Division.

"It would have been a huge disappointment if Club Brugge and Sevilla FC had failed to reach an agreement.
"I am already 26 years old so for me this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"I have had an amazing spell at Club Brugge. The fans are brilliant and I will remember them for the rest of my life.
"And I'm happy to say that this transfer has not only gone well for me, but it's also the biggest transfer in the club's history. And I can honestly say I'm quite proud of that."
The move will put City and Tottenham on the alert as the Colombia international appears to have been bought as a replacement for Negredo.
City have emerged as the favourites to sign the striker, who was the highest-scoring Spaniard in La Liga last term with 25 goals.

VIDIC TO MISS MANCHESTER UNITED PRE-SEASON TOUR

Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidic will miss the club's pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia.

The club has offered no immediate explanation for Vidic's surprise absence and there was no hint of any issues when he attended new boss David Moyes' first press conference last Friday.
But Vidic's absence may be linked to the treatment he has been receiving to his troublesome knee injury that forced him to miss around 12 months of action.
Robin van Persie and David de Gea both miss Saturday's opener in Bangkok as they have been given extra time off, though they will join up with the squad in Sydney.

Chris Smalling (foot), Ashley Young (ankle) and Nani (broken nose) also miss out because of injury.
Shinji Kagawa will also be a late arrival - he has been given extra time off following the Confederations Cup and he will link up with the squad in Japan on July 21.
United's encounter with Singha All Stars in Bangkok on Saturday is a sell-out.
Defender Michael Keane, and midfielders Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj have been drafted into the touring squad, with so many senior men absent.
New signing Wilfried Zaha also travels, and Moyes said: "He has only been with us for two days but I will take him away, see how he goes and have a look.
"This club has a great record of putting young players in the team. Hopefully Wilfried can be one of them."
Wayne Rooney will be with the squad with Moyes again insisting that he has no intention of selling the England striker.
"The club have already stated Wayne is not for sale," said Moyes. "I have met Wayne two, three, four times. A lot has been said about myself and Wayne over the years but we have a really good relationship. He came to my house, I have been to his recently to have a chat. Also he is here every day.
"I will say he is training great. They are telling me it is the best shape they have seen him in for a long time.
"From that point of view I am taking it as a positive and I am going to try and get the best Wayne Rooney I possibly can."

RUMOUR: ARSENAL TO INCREASE BID FOR LIVERPOOL STAR

Arsenal are preparing a €40.7 million offer for wantaway Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The Gunners will make a concerted push to sign the Uruguay international after contacting the Merseyside club last week about his availability.

There were reports on Monday that Arsenal had made a €34.9m bid for Suarez but the the north London outfit are ready to pay up to €40.7m for the Reds attacker.

It is understood that Arsene Wenger has switched his main focus to capturing Suarez because Arsenal are still struggling to agree a fee with Real Madrid for Gonzalo Higuain.

The Gunners do not anticipate making any signings before they depart for their pre-season tour of Asia on Thursday, but they are actively trying recruit a marquee striker.

Suarez is regarded by Wenger as an upgrade on Higuain, who came close to joining Arsenal at the end of last week after they made an improved offer of €26.9m.

However, Madrid are holding out for €29.7m for the Argentine, and, although Arsenal's interest in Higuain is still alive and a deal has not been ruled out, Wenger has decided to explore other elite options.

With the biggest transfer kitty in Arsenal's history available to him this summer, the Frenchman sanctioned the shock move for Suarez last week.

The Gunners' enquiry was met with a 'hands-off' warning by Liverpool, who are fighting to hold on to a player who has spoken frequently this summer of his interest in a move, most specifically to Real Madrid.

Arsenal will now make a concerted push for Suarez after learning from the Uruguayan's camp that he is interested in a move to the Emirates as he pursues his ambition of playing Champions League football next season.

In an interview given to the Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 on Tuesday, Suarez claimed that "two or three clubs" want to sign him and that he values interest from Arsenal.

He laughed off reported interest from Chelsea but admitted he is prepared to interrupt a holiday in his native Uruguay should a potential transfer develop.

"Are there any concrete options? No, so far there hasn't been any. There are two or three clubs who I think are willing and the club knows that.

"I have to present myself on the July 21 with Liverpool for their tour of Australia but no one knows what could happen. I've already said what I have to say, and initially I have to be there on July 21 but maybe a phone call one day can change all your plans.

"For now everything is going well. I am very calm but initially I am meant to present myself on July 21 but, like I said, no one knows what can happen."

There is understood to be a clause in Suarez’s contract that allows him to ask for permission to speak to other clubs if they make a €46.5m offer. However, Liverpool are believed to want €58m for their prize asset.

Intriguingly, Suarez’s stance on wishing to leave England has appeared to have softened in the wake of the interest from Arsenal and the absence of an official move from Madrid.

"I have to value that; despite everything that's happened, [English] clubs still value players for what they can do on the field," he said.

"That makes me think that I can come back and do well over there. It's good that the English clubs still want me."

Wenger plans to use a warchest of up to €116m to make at least two marquee signings this summer, most likely in the striker and central midfield positions.

SCHALKE SIGN PROMISING YOUNGSTER

Leon Goretzka has completed his move from Bochum to Schalke for an undisclosed fee, having already begun training with the Gelsenkirchen side last week.

The deal had been held up by a number of formalities, but the 18-year-old midfielder has now signed a five-year deal with die Knappen.

Goretzka had also caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, but he felt that Schalke were the better option for him.

"I was determined to take the next step in my career and I want to continue developing on a high level," he told the club's official website.

"With this objective in mind, I see Schalke as the right address for me. The conditions are perfect here. The standard in training is higher than at Bochum.

"Schalke are a big club that are always in contention at the top and represented in Europe."

Meanwhile, general manager Horst Heldt was unsurprisingly relieved that the deal had finally gone through.

"We're absolutely delighted that in Leon Goretzka another colossal talent has made a conscious decision in favour of Schalke," he enthused.

"Leon is one of the most talented players in Germany and has huge potential. He was on the wanted list of lots of clubs but he sees the biggest opportunity to develop as a player here with us."

Goretzka, who has represented his country at Under-19 level, already featured for his new side in their pre-season friendly against Villingen last Thursday, notching a debut goal with a curling free-kick as Schalke romped to a 5-0 victory.

FULHAM OWNER IN TALKS TO SELL CLUB

Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed is in secret talks to sell the club by the start of the season.

The report claims officials at Craven Cottage are in the dark over both the former Harrods owner's intentions and the apparent negotiations with "potential buyers from America".

BENFICA SIGN ATLETICO MADRID LEFT BACK

Benfica have completed the signing of Atletico Madrid left-back Silvio on a season-long loan deal.

The 25-year-old joined the Rojiblancos from Braga in 2011, but spent the second half of season with fellow Liga outfit Deportivo la Coruna, who suffered relegation at the end of the campaign.

The Portugal international has now opted to move back to his homeland for the duration of the 2013-14 season, as he attempts to secure regular first-team football.

"Atletico Madrid and Benfica have reached an agreement for the loan of Silvio to the Lisbon team for the upcoming season," a statement read on Atletico's official website.

Silvio becomes the eight signing for Benfica this summer, following the likes of Lisandro Lopez and Miralem Sujlemani to the Estadio da Luz.

MOYES: ZAHA HAS PART TO PLAY IN MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United manager David Moyes has insisted that Wilfried Zaha will be given the opportunity to prove himself at the club.

The 20-year-old, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson back in January before being loaned back to Crystal Palace for the remainder of last season, has been linked with another return to the newly promoted Selhurst Park outfit.

However, Moyes has been quick to stress that the England Under-21 international will have time to try and make an impression under his new regime.

"He'll travel with us on the [pre-season] tour now, I'll get a chance to look at him," Moyes told talkSPORT.

"I'll have a look and see how he goes.

"This football club has a great record of producing young players and bringing in young players and we hope Wilfried is another one we can push forward."

Wayne Rooney's future has also been the subject of recent speculation, despite Moyes' repeated insistence that the England international is going nowhere, and the new United boss has reiterated that the 27-year-old will not be sold and insisted that the pair have a strong relationship. 

"The club have said that Wayne is staying, and he’s not for sale," Moyes said.

"I’ve met him on several occasions recently. Wayne has been to my house, I’ve been to his and obviously we’re here [at the training ground] every day. A lot has been said about me and Wayne over recent years but we have a good relationship.

"He’s trained great. They [people at the club] are telling me they’ve never seen him in better shape. That’s positive. He’s not for sale and I will try to get the best out of Wayne Rooney I possibly can."

Moyes engaged in a legal battle with Rooney in 2006 over comments made in the striker's autobiography having worked together previously at Everton.

LEONARDO TO RESIGN FROM PSG AS SPORTING DIRECTOR

Paris Saint-Germain say sporting director Leonardo will resign from his current position at the end of the summer transfer window.

The 43-year-old was recently suspended for the entire 2013-14 campaign by the French Football Federation after losing his appeal against a nine-month ban for pushing referee Alexandre Castro in the tunnel following PSG´s 1-1 Ligue 1 draw with Valenciennes on May 5.

Leonardo was consequently banned from all official duties surrounding his position, while he was also not permitted to stand on the touchline during matches, and has therefore opted to leave his role.

"Leonardo today informed Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to resign from his position as sporting director at the end of the current transfer window," a PSG statement reads.

"We regret his choice but respect his decision. We thank him greatly for his important contributions towards the project of building a top European club in Paris and wish him all the best for his future career choice."

Leonardo had joined PSG in the summer of 2011 and has since lured players such as Javier Pastore, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham to the French capital.

WALCOTT: ARSENAL LACK FEAR FACTOR

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott believes his team-mates must turn the Emirates into a fortress if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.

The 24-year-old joined Arsene Wenger's side during the summer of 2006, in time for their first season away from Highbury, but is yet to win a single piece of silverware with the club.


Arsenal finished last season on a 10-game unbeaten run to usurp local rivals Tottenham to the final Champions League qualification spot for the second season running but Walcott feels the squad must now start looking further up the table.

"It's quite frustrating at times," Walcott told Sky Sports. "We finished last season unbeaten we should have done that at the start of the season, who knows where we would have been.

"We need to remember that and make sure we do it from the start because we could be challenging for anything, we could beat anyone.

"We want the fear factor at the Emirates like Highbury used to have, we want the fear factor back at Arsenal."

FLAMINI: I'LL LOVE PREMIER LEAGUR RETURN

AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini has claimed he misses England and would ideally like to play in the Premier League this season.

The 29-year-old French midfielder has seen his career stagnate since he left the Emirates after the 2007-08 season to join the Rossoneri having generally been considered a back-up option behind the likes of Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and, more recently, Riccardo Montolivo and Antonio Nocerino.

Flamini left the Premier League as a key player for Arsenal after helping Arsene Wenger's side win the 2005 FA Cup but after winning just one league title in his time with the Serie A outfit and having been overlooked by France since 2008, Flamini is looking for a new start.


"I've been in Italy for five years, I've had a great time and learnt a lot," Flamini told The Sun.

"But I miss England and I want to win the Premier League. It has a special place in my heart.

"I like the pace and the physicality of English football and I like that every game is very open."

Flamini, who is out of contract, has been offered a new deal by Milan but has yet to sign as he considers other offers and the man from Marseille has just one priority before choosing where to play next season.

"I want to win trophies, I am a competitor," Flamini said.

"My biggest regret was when I was with Arsenal and we lost the Champions League final against Barcelona.

"As well as the Premier League, I want to win the Champions League.

"When you are a competitor, what you want is to be successful, and to be successful, you want to win trophies."

BAYERN: WE PREFFERED GOTZE TO NEYMAR

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says Bayern Munich opted against signing Neymar as they feared he would struggle to adapt to Germany and therefore chose Mario Gotze.

The Bundesliga champions's new coach Pep Guardiola had earmarked both players as potential reinforcements, but eventually decided to snap up the former Borussia Dortmund star for €37 million.

"We had a clear idea of what kind of player we wanted to sign and discussed this with Pep," Rummenigge, the chairman of die Roten, was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"There were really only two players out there who fit the bill and were realistic transfer targets. One was Neymar and the other was Gotze.

"The eventual decision was made during a meeting in Zurich when the weather conditions were abysmal. I told Pep to glance outside and he asked me why.

"I then told him to imagine a Brazilian leaving his native country in 30 degrees celsius, only to arrive here when it's minus six.

"Additionally, he does not speak the language and the German culture is nothing like the warm atmosphere South Americans are used to. That would all be pretty difficult for such a young player."

Neymar left Santos for Barcelona this summer as the Catalans beat Real Madrid to the 21-year-old's signature.

SWANSEA BOSS: BIG CLUBS ARE AFTER ME

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup says he spurned the advances of a number of big clubs to stay at the Liberty Stadium next season.

The 49-year-old enjoyed a successful debut campaign at the Liberty Stadium helm as he guided the Swans to Capital One Cup success, their first major trophy win, and a club-record high ninth-placed finish in the Premier League.

This prompted talk of a move to a more established side but, despite the escalating row between chairman Huw Jenkins and agent Byram Tutumlu over assurances, Laudrup insists he never intended to leave the Swansea this summer.

"Yes there were clubs - a couple of big ones as well - who wanted me but it never became anything more than that," the Dane told WalesOnline.

"As I said and confirmed many times, I wanted to stay and I told players the same when they asked me before they extended their contracts. I don’t want to runaway from that.

"It’s normal after a season we which was good for everybody that there is a lot of interest and eyes on all of us, domestically and internationally.

"But it never went further than that and I didn’t have to speak to anyone because I want to stay here."

TOTTENHAM: WE WON'T MEET BENTEKE'S £25M ASKING PRICE

Tottenham are unwilling to meet Aston Villa's £25 million asking price for wantaway striker Christian Benteke.

The Belgian requested a transfer on Monday as he seeks to force through a move away from Villa Park, but the Midlands club are determined not to be held to ransom for their star attraction.
Spurs have stepped up their interest in the 22-year-old after missing out on David Villa, who has completed a move to Atletico Madrid, but they are not willing to offer more than £15m to get their man.

As revealed by Goal last month, Liverpool have also made an enquiry for Benteke, who is seen as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez, while Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is preparing a bid for the former Genk striker who scored 19 Premier League goals last season.

Spurs are considered favourites to land Benteke, but Villa will hold out for maximum return on the €8.1m they paid to sign him on deadline day last summer, while he also has three years remaining on his contract.

All three clubs are willing to offer Benteke a huge rise on his €23,000-a-week salary at Villa Park and the forward is keen to raise his profile in a World Cup year.

Benteke, who was due to be given an extended summer break, was withdrawn from Villa's pre-season tour to Germany this week after expressing his desire to leave, with the club stating that he will only be sold if a bid meets their £25m valuation.

Tottenham have already broken their transfer record once this summer, to sign Brazilian midfielder Paulinho for €20m, and are hoping Villa lower their demands amid concerns Benteke needs another season to prove himself and lacks the required movement to become an elite striker.

But Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen for a forward to lead the line as he targets a top-four finish next season, while his Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers considers Benteke a viable replacement should Suarez push through a move away from Anfield.

Chelsea have the funds to finance a deal for Benteke and are ready to make a move after a frustrating summer in which they have missed out on Radamel Falcao, while Edinson Cavani and Robert Lewandowski also look set to join other clubs.

OWEN: ROONEY SUFFERING FROM CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE

Michael Owen feels Wayne Rooney is suffering from a crisis of confidence at Manchester United.

The recently retired striker - a former domestic and international team-mate of the England international - believes Rooney's transfer request at Old Trafford was prompted by Robin van Persie's immediate success at the club.

The Dutchman notched 30 goals in his opening season at United, making him the focal point of Sir Alex Ferguson's attack and Owen believes Rooney is in need of similar attention.


"I think one thing that may have knocked him off his stride a bit last season was Robin van Persie coming in and becoming the main man," Owen told talkSPORT.

"If you're the striker in a team for so long you like having that pressure it puts you under, and when someone comes in and gets picked ahead of you on certain occasions, it knocks your confidence a bit and consequently he's not feeling on top of the world.

"He wants to be scoring goals on a regular basis for Manchester United. If that's going to happen then he'll be more than happy to stay."

And Owen was unequivocal about where Rooney should play next season, insisting an Old Trafford departure would be the worst possible choice for the striker.

"His ideal situation would just to be back in the United team, feeling at the top of his game again and staying put," he said.

"Why would he want to move away from a club like Manchester United? They've got a new manager now, so hopefully [David] Moyes and Rooney will be on the same page he'll be back and banging the goals in next year."

"I don't think it's a case that it's his last chance for a big move, you don't get anywhere bigger than Manchester United.

"It's more a case of, is he wanted, is he loved, is he appreciated? He wants to be the top man, the main goalscorer, and I think that's what it all boils down to."

TEVEZ: ARGENTINA BOSS IS AFRAID OF ME

Carlos Tevez thinks there is little chance he will make it into Argentina's squad for the 2014 World Cup because of his troublesome relationship with head coach Alejandro Sabella.

The Juventus striker, who has not featured for the Albiceleste since Sabella took charge in August 2011, had stated last week he would welcome a return to the national team ahead of next year's tournament.

However, he has now admitted that a comeback seems very unlikely at this point.

"I already know that I will not make it into Argentina's World Cup squad. Sabella has never called upon me so far," Tevez told an Argentine radio station.

"I don't know why Sabella refuses to call me up. Maybe he is afraid of me ...

"I don't miss wearing the Argentina jersey. I love playing for my country, but the coach has made another decision.

"It is impossible for me to watch Argentina play, because it hurts too much to see them."

Tevez, 29, then went on to discuss his long-term future and says he intends to end his career in his native country.

He added: "I want to return to Argentina and play for Boca Juniors once my contract with Juventus expires."

The forward signed a three-year deal with Juve earlier this summer.

INTER MILAN SIGN ICARDI

Mauro Icardi has completed his transfer from Sampdoria to Inter in a co-ownership deal.

The Argentine youngster had long been linked with a move to the Giuseppe Meazza side and has now signed a contract until June 2018 with head coach Walter Mazzarri's team.

"Mauro Icardi is now officially an Inter player.  The 20-year-old Argentine forward has been permanently signed from Sampdoria in a co-ownership deal," says Inter's official club website.

The forward impressed at Sampdoria last term after joining the Blucerchiati from Barcelona in 2011 and he is keen to make the next step in his career at Inter.

"I’m happy to have arrived here. I hope to do my best for the team and the fans. I can’t wait to start the new season," Icardi said upon his arrival at the Nerazzurri.

Icardi joins compatriots Esteban Cambiasso, Walter Samuel, Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito and Rodrigo Palacio at his new club.

INTERNACIONAL REJECT NAPOLI BID FOR DAMIAO

Internacional's director of soccer has revealed the club have turned down a bid from Napoli for Leandro Damiao.
Damiao, who has also been linked with a move to Southampton, has reportedly been the subject of a verbal enquiry from Rafa Benitez's Serie A side but Internacional are not in the mood to sell.

Moura told Lancenet: "We received an €18million verbal offer from Napoli, according to the player's agent (Vinicius Prates). We don't accept that this is Leandro Damiao's value. We are certain he will play the 2014 World Cup with Brazil's national team. We have not had any talks about setting a value as we don't intend to sell the player."
He added: "We have sold Fred and Rodrigo Moledo. We don't need to sell Leandro Damiao and we won't accept any value for the player. The offer that was presented to us was lower than what he is worth."

ARSENAL TARGET UNSURE ABOUT HIS FUTURE

Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Clement Grenier is still to make a final decision on his future, according to the player's agent.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Arsenal throughout the off-season, with les Gones president Jean-Michel Aulas recently claiming he was confident of rebuffing any approach for the midfielder.

The France international is understood to have met with the Lyon hierarchy on Monday in an attempt to resolve his immediate future with the club, but the player's representative Frederic Guerra confirmed that no decision had been made.

"The talks went well actually, but we still have not decided anything," Guerra told reporters in France on Tuesday.

Earlier in the summer, Aulas warned potential suitors that it would take a bid of €37 million to prise the midfielder - whose current deal expires next summer - away from the club.

ARSENAL AND NAPOLI TARGET INSISTS HE'S STAYING AT LYON

Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Maxime Gonalons has stressed he intends to remain with the club this summer.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a switch away from les Gones during the off-season, with Napoli among those rumoured to be interested in swooping for the France international, while Arsenal have been long-term admirers.

Last week, the France international suggested his future could lie elsewhere but, while he admits he has been approached by suitors, he intends to continue his footballing development with the Ligue 1 side.

He told RMC: "Things are clear. I'm going to stay at Lyon next season because I still have things to learn and things to prove.

"I want to win with Lyon. I have been approached this summer and it's always good to know that you're been followed by great clubs."

Gonalons is contracted to Lyon until 2016.

POYET: SUAREZ MUST REMAIN AT LIVERPOOL OR LEAVE ENGLAND

Luis Suarez must leave English football altogether if he manages to engineer a summer exit from Liverpool, according to countryman Gus Poyet.

Suarez has been vocal in his desire to leave Anfield and move to Real Madrid this summer, citing unfair treatment by the British media as one of his main reasons.

But recent weeks have seen Arsenal and Chelsea linked with bids for his services, and the Uruguayan admits he is flattered by the interest of two of the Premier League's Champions League representatives.

But Poyet, who is currently unemployed following his dismissal from Brighton, believes moving elsewhere in England's top flight should not be an option for Suarez.

"If I was Suarez, I would either stay at Liverpool or leave England for good," Poyet told Uruguayan radio station Sport890.

"Him going to Arsenal won't change a thing. If he wants to move, it's probably because of the way the media treats him as a Liverpool player, but that won't change if he moves to another club in England.

"If it's just for the sake of playing in the Champions League [possible Arsenal move], well, that's up to Luis to decide. But I'd be a lot more drastic: I'd stay put at Liverpool or leave England all together.

"I believe he has to be calm when making this decision. He shouldn't let emotions play a part. It has to be a decision that is well-thought and that will bring him good things for the future."

"Luis' numbers last season were out of this world. Liverpool, with all due respect, were a mediocre team last season, but Luis showed a great level."

DJUKIC: SOLDADO WILL REMAIN AT VALENCIA

Valencia striker Roberto Soldado will remain the club beyond the summer, Miroslav Djukic has insisted.

Los Che's failure to secure a Champions League place last year has prompted speculation the Spain international will consider a move away from the Mestalla, with a number of clubs - including Atletico Madrid - understood to be keen on swooping for the 28-year-old.

However, Djukic is confident his talisman will opt to remain at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

He told reporters on Tuesday: "I think Roberto is going to stay with us. I am very calm about that.

"Soldado is very important to us and I want him to lead this team."

The former Valladolid boss went on to state he was pleased with his current squad despite last season's agonising failure to land fourth spot, but has not ruled out some business this summer.

He added:  "We have a good squad in place, but there is still some room to grow."

Soldado, whose current deal at the Mestalla expires in 2017 has scored 82 times in 141 appearances for los Che since his €10 million move from Getafe in 2010.