Football transfer rumours: Manchester United to sign Xabi Alonso?

Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso, left, is the latest player to be linked with the task of filling Manchester United’s midfield void. Photograph: Rex

Have the trampolines ready; the fireworks too. Something big is happening, something glorious, and it’s happening at Liverpool, who are on the verge of replacing Luis Suárez with Mario Balotelli. Yes, it seems that Liverpool have had enough peace and quiet this summer after losing their lovable Uruguayan and are looking to do a loan deal with Milan for Balotelli, who must be itching to get back to these shores after having such a great time at Manchester City. It was all lies, he really did love us, he really did love England, despite always suggesting otherwise. And if the Balotelli deal falls through, Liverpool will turn their attention back to Monaco’s Radamel Falcao.

Chelsea officials have hypnotised Roma officials and are close to duping them into taking Fernando Torres off their hands and sendingMattia Destro to Stamford Bridge in return. The only stumbling block is thought to be whether Torres remembers to take his passport to the airport with him. Meanwhile Monaco are the latest club to show an interest in Petr Cech. Think about it Petr: sun, money, one of the finest stadiums in the world, Dimitar Berbatov.

Samuel Eto’o has turned down a move to Ajax because he wants to go to Everton or Liverpool. He’s not fussy, he just really wants to live on Merseyside as he’s a huge fan of Brookside. Speaking of which, is that show still running?

Newcastle are trying to keep a straight face as they demand £14m forCheikh Tioté, a target for Lokomotiv Moscow.

Manchester United are trying to keep a straight face as they pretend they would really, really, really, really, really like to sign a midfielder. Xabi Alonso is the latest player to be googled by Ed Woodward.

Hull City were commended for their negotiating skills after selling Shane Long to Southampton for £12.5m. Now they want to spend £12m on Blackburn’s Jordan Rhodes, a striker who has never played above the Championship. Figure that one out.

Lukas Podolski will soon be taking selfies in Istanbul, with Arsenal – who are battling Everton for PSG midfielder Clément Chantôme – ready to sell him to Galatasaray.

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Arsenal hold firm to frustrate Beşiktaş

Demba Ba so nearly gave Beşiktaş the most remarkable of starts, chancing his arm straight from kick-off and forcing Wojciech Szczęsny to turn onto the crossbar inside four seconds. The Gunners keeper was in more routine action after nine minutes, parrying a left-footed volley from Ba, who, on his first start for the Istanbul club, had struck a hat-trick against Feyenoord in the third qualifying round.

Summer acquisition Alexis Sánchez then came to the fore, using his pace to threaten on the counterattack and teeing up Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla but neither was able to test Tolga Zengin. Ba finished the opening period as he had started it, but this time shot just wide with only Szczęsny to beat having intercepted Calum Chambers' pass before skipping past Laurent Koscielny.

Demba Ba on 'instinctive' shot

Arsenal's French international centre-back was again turned inside out soon after the break, Olcay Şahan on this occasion the man to create space only to miss the target. Though Cazorla tested Zengin with a low free-kick in the closing quarter, Arsenal were soon on the back foot when Aaron Ramsey was shown a second yellow card.

However, Arsène Wenger's team so nearly took a potentially decisive advantage against the odds in the closing stages, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain curling a shot against the woodwork via Zengin's fingertips. The return leg is in north London next Wednesday.

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Champions City begin with win

Manuel Pellegrini's side were rarely troubled by the hosts and took the lead when Silva tucked in following a brilliant backheel by Edin Dzeko.

Substitute Aguero added a second in stoppage time when he poked in after his initial shot was saved by Tim Krul.Dzeko had a shot blocked by Krul, who also stopped Samir Nasri's drive.

That was the sum total of City's best chances during a match in which they did not have to be at their best and their keeper Joe Hart - preferred to summer recruit Willy Caballero - was rarely tested.

Pellegrini was confident enough to leave influential striker Aguero on the bench and for £32m signing Eliaquim Mangala to remain in Manchester.

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City got on top of Newcastle from the whistle, with Yaya Toure, the often maligned Martin Demichelis and another newcomer Fernando first to the second ball in dangerous areas without over-exerting themselves.

In attack, Silva, who did not show his true form at the World Cup, was back to his brilliant best while Montenegro's Stevan Jovetic, frustrated by niggly injuries in his first season, was exceptional in his role as roving midfielder.

The 24-year-old played the role of quarterback in the opening moments, producing a delightful lofted pass for Dzeko who could only strike his effort at Krul, who read the situation.

The Netherlands keeper, who played a starring role in the World Cup quarter-finals, was also called into action soon after when he dived to his right to prevent Nasri's piledriver from bursting the net.

Match facts
Newcastle have won just once in the last six seasons in their opening match	Silva's last four goals for Man City have all come away from home
Aguero has scored 18 and assisted six goals in his last 24 league appearances.	No defending Premier League champions have ever lost their opening game of the following season

Containment seemed to be the Magpies' primary focus, although £12m midfield signing Remy Cabella was a willing outlet on his debut. Against a potent City side that defensive tactic rarely bears fruit, and seven minutes before the break the final line of defence was breached.

On this occasion, Toure found Dzeko in the area with a long pass and he then took two Newcastle defenders out with a backheel for Silva to stroke home.

Pellegrini's side had gone into the match having beaten Newcastle in their previous nine league meetings.However, late in the game that run looked like it would come to an end when substitute striker Ayoze Perez, who replaced ineffective fellow newcomer Emmanuel Riviere, was found in the area.

He jinked inside and fired in a shot that took a vital deflection off Fernando to take it past the post.

That was the best of two good opportunities for the Magpies, with full-back Paul Dummett heading over earlier when Hart misjudged a delivery into the area.

Newcastle lacked a cutting edge but, with promising attacking midfielder Siem de Jong waiting in the wings, manager Alan Pardew stressed afterwards he was happy with his options.

Magpies fans probably wish they could afford someone like Aguero, who dealt the final blow after coming on late to calmly slot in City's second, after his initial angled strike was saved.

Tributes were paid to Newcastle fans John Alder and Liam Sweeney who died in the Malaysia Airlines tragedy

Alan Pardew (left) had yet to get the better of City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini coming into the match

Both sets of players and the St James' crowd pay tribute to Newcastle fans John Alder and Liam Sweeney before kick-off

David Silva also scored against Newcastle on the opening day of last season

World cup finalist Sergio Aguero - rested at the start of the match - showed his sharp instincts for the goal

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Daniel Sturridge says Liverpool are stronger without Luis Suarez

The Reds required a 79th-minute winner by Sturridge to overcome a determined Southampton side 2-1 at Anfield.

Asked if Liverpool are a better team following the departure of Suarez, Sturridge said: "I think so, with the players we've brought in.

"No disrespect - he's a great player and will be missed - but we move on."Uruguay forward Suarez, who moved to Barcelona for £75m , scored 31 times in 33 top-flight appearances as the Reds finished runners-up last season.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the 27-year-old sent him a text on the morning of the Southampton game wishing him and the team good luck.

"His heart will always be with Liverpool," added Rodgers.

Liverpool have signed eight players since the end of last season at a cost of £101m, with one of those - striker Divock Origi - loaned back to Lille.

Three of those new additions - Javier Manquillo, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert - featured against Southampton, the latter coming on as a substitute against his former club.

Rodgers, who is hoping to further strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes in two weeks, admitted his side are "by no means the finished article" but believes they can mount another title challenge without Suarez.

"Our ambitions have to be bigger than one player," added Rodgers. "We're bigger than any one player, I still think we need a striker so we'll search through until the end of the window for that.

"I don't think anyone has given us hope of getting in the top four. We loved the challenge last season and that is what we look to recreate."

Meanwhile, Southampton boss Ronald Koeman also believes his side is stronger despite a summer of upheaval.

The Saints lost manager Mauricio Pochettino as well as a host of key players including Lambert, Adam Lallana and Lovren to Liverpool.

"The rumours were that we would be worse than last season, but I don't agree with that," Koeman, speaking to BBC Sport, said.

"The performance was very good and it gives the boys a lot of confidence.

"We need one or two players more, a winger. The club is working hard."

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Wenger wants Joel Campbell at Arsenal this season, says Galatasaray chief

Unal Aysal, the Turkish club's president, is keen on the Costa Rica international, but the Gunners boss will not sanction a loan move for the striker this summer

Galatasaray have had a move for Arsenal's Joel Campbell knocked back because Arsene Wenger wants to keep the striker at the Emirates this season, according to the Turkish club's club president Unal Aysal.

Campbell joined the Gunners in 2011 and has spent three seasons on loan at Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiakos respectively.The 22-year-old impressed while at the Greek club last season, scoring eight league goals and notching in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League, before catching the eye at the World Cup with Costa Rica.

Campbell's performances have attracted interest from Galatasaray, but Aysal says Wenger will not part ways with the forward.

"Yes, I want him for our team," he said, according toSporx. "But Arsene Wenger wants to keep him in the squad this season and benefit from him.

"Nothing's happening at the moment. Wenger won't allow this transfer."

Campbell could feature for Arsenal in the pre-season Emirates Cup clash with Benfica on Saturday afternoon.

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Transfer news: Juventus confirm Mauricio Isla is set to join Queens Park Rangers

Juventus have confirmed Mauricio Isla is poised to join Queens Park Rangers and is set to undergo a medical on Sunday.

As revealed by Sky Sports on Friday, QPR have lined up a loan deal for Chile international right-back Isla as Harry Redknapp looks to add to his squad.
Isla impressed for Chile at the World Cup, but the 26-year-old is well down the pecking order at Juventus and struggled to hold down a regular place in the side last season.
Juventus are happy to send Isla out on loan with a view to a permenant deal with the club's general director, Giuseppe Marotta, confirming a deal had been agreed with QPR.
"Tomorrow Isla will have his medical in England, as a deal has been reached with QPR," said Marotta.

Nastasic: Option for Juve

"We have already reached an agreement with the English club and the player has given his availability, it will be a loan with right of a permanent deal."
Marotta confirmed Juventus are in the market for a new defender as well as a striker and he refused to rule out a move for Manchester City's Serbia international Matija Nastasic, 21, to fill the centre-back role.
"Now we are looking for a striker and a centre-back," added Marotta.

"Nastasic? We'll see if it will be him or someone else."

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Ronaldo refuses to rule out Manchester United return

The 29-year-old, who spent six seasons at Old Trafford, admits he would be open to returning to his former club and has praised the arrival of Louis van Gaal

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out a return to Manchester United and maintains his “love” for his former club.

The 29-year-old joined Real Madrid from United in an £80 million deal in 2009 after spending six seasons at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who will not face United in Saturday’s pre-season friendly in Michigan, admits he sees his former club as a “second family” but reiterates that he is happy to remain with Madrid.

“It was one of my favourite clubs, Manchester. Everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I should speak about Manchester United, I loved it there," Ronaldo told reporters.

“I was 18 years old [when I joined], I won everything there, the people treat me like a God there so I appreciate that and the future, nobody knows.

“I remember when we played there against Manchester in the Champions League, they kill me, my heart was so happy.

“I had fantastic moments and I appreciate this club. For me, it’s one of the best clubs in the world and I have passion for this club.

“Some players I am still in contact with because when I was there, I created a good relationship with everybody, not just the players, but all the staff around.

“It was like my second family there, so I’ll not forget that the people treated me good. I love Manchester, and to be back, I never know, you never know. Football you never know.

“Of course, I’m happy at Real Madrid, it’s my home, it’s my club, but Manchester treated me unbelievably well so we never know.”

Ronaldo also believes United will prosper under Louis van Gaal’s guidance following their worst-ever Premier League campaign last season.

“It will be a better season for sure. My feeling is he [Van Gaal] is a fantastic coach, he showed them all the time for Holland, the team play unbelievable, good football and I hope that Manchester come back like the people know,” said Ronaldo.

“A strong United, playing nice football, with a lot of goals. I think Van Gaal is going to do a fantastic job, he’s an experienced manager and I think he’s going to do well for Manchester.”

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Wenger: Arsenal could sign two more players

The 64-year-old has admitted he could sign another two players before the transfer window closes as he looks to add to the three arrivals made already this summer

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the Gunners could sign two more players before the end of the transfer window.

The north Londoners have already brought in Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers but Wenger has not ruled out strengthening his squad further ahead of the new campaign.

Speculation on Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin continues amid interest from both Arsenal and Tottenham - with the latter favourites, despite Ronald Koeman's insistence he will not be leaving the club.

However, as revealed by Goal, Manchester United's interest in defender Thomas Vermaelen also remainsand that may see Wenger sanction a deal for a replacement before the season starts."Who's next [to sign for Arsenal]? I don't know. There could still be one signing. Just the one, maybe two maximum," he told BT Sport.

Asked whether he was on the verge of any signings, the Gunners boss said: "No, not really. If a good opportunity comes up we might still do but at the moment we're not close to signing anybody. 

"I'm very happy with the squad I have available at the moment but we might be short at the back, maybe."

Two of Wenger's arrivals made appearances for their new clubs during their 5-1 demolition of Benfica in the Emirates Cup on Saturday, and the 64-year-old was delighted with the crowd's reaction to Alexis Sanchez.

"Of course, a new signing will always get a big welcome, the crowd like that," he said of his second-half arrival. "You could see that he will be dangerous. He's not fit yet but once he is fit he'll be a dangerous player."

But he also reserved praise for strikers Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo, the latter hitting a first-half hat-trick and ending the match with four of his side's five goals on the day.

"He scored four goals," he said. "We could see it [scoring] was on his mind for a while and not only did he score one, he scored four. It's good for him that he can find that confidence because he has a great goalscoring record.  

"It was a very good performance [from Joel Campbell]. He can go past people, he's creative in the final third and I like how he did today."  

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Wenger on Sanogo, Campbell and Alexis

Arsène Wenger spoke to the media after his side beat Benfica in the Emirates Cup on Saturday afternoon. Here is what he had to say:

on Sanogo's four goals…
That's football. It always surprises you.

on whether the win is a sign of things to come…
I think it's very difficult to draw any conclusions like that. Benfica might be in a different level of preparation. We are not completely ready, what is important is that during important spells of the game we played the way we wanted to play football - that is the most positive thing. Our game is based on movement, technical skill and togetherness in the final third so overall that's the positive side of our game today.

on Sanogo and Cambpell's potential…
A headache is when they don't play well. We have some decisions to make when everybody plays well, that's true. But when everybody plays well that's what we want. They need to play of course but they need to play here. Sanogo came last year on a free and we worked very hard for six months with him and from January onwards he was slowly getting better. Now that we have worked very hard with him, we want him to stay here.

on Campbell…
Campbell has done very well. I like the way he plays, he's good on the ball, creative and collectively as well he has a good balance between individual skill and collective attitude - that's not easy to find.

on whether there has been any offers for Campbell…
No. There is no reason to let him go.

on whether he is available for a loan deal…
No. I want to keep him.

on Alexis...
He is not fit yet, but he has shown through some runs he will be very dangerous. He can play on the flanks and through the middle. [On Sunday] I will certainly play him on the flank for 45 minutes. He is not fit yet, but in one week he should be much better.

on Sanogo's self-belief...
Sanogo was injured for basically two years before he came to us. If you look at his goal scoring record before he got injured, it is quite frightening. For a while when he came back last season, he could not score. You could see when he scored the first goal today, suddenly they came raining. I especially liked the third goal he scored, it was really the goal of a striker of quality. He has a big future here, or course, he is 21. He has something of Adebayor. He is strong, a strong body, similar strengths [to Adebayor], but as well technical skill.

on Chambers...
I thought he played very well, was intelligent, good decision-making and calm on the ball, good in the air. He is 19 years old, and what he did is very promising. I told you we will have a core of English players, you have to trust me, I will get you slowly a good national team!

on the injuries...
Diaby was not in the squad, he is just going out to practice, but is not injured. Zelalem has no problem, I could just put 22 on the list.

on having too many players...
Yes, but you want me always to buy more. Where do I put them all?

on whether he has made an offer for Sami Khedira…
No. 

on enquiring for Khedira...
What is enquire for you?

on Khedira's availablity...
I dont know. If I read the newspapers, he is available. 

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Valencia 2-2 Monaco - Report

By Max Jones

Valencia and AS Monaco kicked off the 2014 Emirates Cup with a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

It took the Spanish side eight minutes to create the first chance when Antonio Barragan breezed past Anthony Martial and centred to Rodrigo De Paul, who blazed his shot over Danijel Subasic’s crossbar.

Subasic was made to work six minutes later from Sofiane Feghouli’s header, but the Croatian goalkeeper easily dealt with the Algerian’s tame attempt.

Monaco came close in the 23rd minute after Anthony Martial found Valere Germain, who could only smash wide of Diego Alves’s left-hand post before Geoffrey Kondogbia had his drive blocked a minute later.

In the end it took a large slice of misfortune to break the deadlock. Joao Moutinho’s 30th-minute corner cannoned off Ruben Vezo’s head before flying into the defender’s own net to put Monaco ahead.

And the teams’ luck reversed seven minutes later when Barragan’s low cross was met by Ricardo Carvalho, who could only divert it into his own net, keeping the game and fortune balanced going into the break.

Valencia had clearly grown in confidence after their equaliser and had the first attempt five minutes after half time. De Paul left two players in his wake and fed Pablo Piatti, whose shot was well held by Subasic.

After a 14 minutes of dominating the midfield battle, the French side threatened again when Nabil Dirar’s cross found Germain, but the captain’s header flew well over.

But then Valencia attacked in the 69th minute through Aly Cissokho, who played it first time for substitute Paco Alcacer to give his side the lead from two yards.

Falcao was introduced with 15 minutes left but it was his fellow substitute, Lucas Ocampos, who equalised. Following another fine Subasic save, the Argentine winger fired home from 18 yards to level in the 80th minute.

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Van Persie to miss start of the season

The Dutchman was given an extended break after his exploits for the Netherlands in the summer and Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal subsequently plans to rest himManchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that Robin van Persie will miss the start of the season following a lengthy post-World Cup break.
The 30-year-old striker was a key component in Van Gaal's Netherlands team and helped take the Oranje to a third-place finish in Brazil. And following the conclusion of the tournament, Van Persie was allowed an extended break, meaning he has missed all of United's pre-season preparations - a fact that has led Van Gaal to rule him out of the Premier League opening weekend.

“Robin wants to play every game, I know that, but so do the other 30 players in the squad," the 62-year-old said. "But players have to train and Robin needs a full training regime behind him before he can play again.”

“Robin will begin training on Monday, but he won’t play in the friendly against Valencia on August 12, definitely not.

“And he won’t play in the Premier League at the start either, I think. People can criticise me for that decision but I know what you have to do with players who have had three weeks’ holiday.

“Hopefully, Robin will get his fitness back very fast. But at this moment, he won’t be playing."

United open their domestic season against Swansea City at Old Trafford on August 16.

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Official: Valbuena completes Dinamo Moscow switch

No fee has been revealed for the attacking midfielder's switch to Russia, though it is believed to be in the region of £5.6 million as he signs a two-year deal

France international Mathieu Valbuena has completed his move from Olympique de Marseille to Dinamo Moscow.

The attacking midfielder was entering the final year of his contract at Stade Velodrome and Marseille chose to cash in on the 29-year-old, who has spent the last eight seasons with the Provence outfit.

Although there was interest from the Premier League - with QPR reportedly particularly keen on the winger - as well as a rumoured pursuit from Fiorentina, he has chosen to sign a three-year deal with the Russian outfit. 

No details of the fee have been revealed, though it is believed to be in the region of £5.6 million (€7m).

In a statement on their official website, Marseille praised the 37-time capped Les Bleus star, saying: "He fought with all his abilities, his assets: they became his strength, his trademark.

"For all those moments shared, Mathieu deserves thanks. Good luck..."

Amongst his most memorable moments for Marseille was a stunning goal in the Champions League against Liverpool at Anfield in October 2007, which helped the French club to a famous win. In total, he would make 325 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa's club, scoring on 37 occasions.

Dinamo Moscow, who will take part in the Europa League this season, will become his third senior club, having moved to OM from Libourne in 2006 aged 21.

The Russian outfit have already signed Alexander Buttner from Manchester United and William Vainqueur from Standard this summer.

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Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Guingamp: Ibrahimovic double secures Super Cup spoils

The Sweden striker single-handedly claimed the first piece of silverware of the season for the reigning Ligue 1 champions with two first half goals

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the hero as his two goals saw Paris Saint-Germain lift the Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Guingamp.

The Ligue 1 champions were always in command in a one-sided affair at the Workers Stadium in Beijing, dispatching the Coupe de France winners with little difficulty.

Once again it was Ibrahimovic who was the star for Laurent Blanc's men, as the 32-year-old fired home a first-half double in another glowing exhibition of his talents in front of goal. 

Guingamp spurned a chance to get back into the game in the 32nd minute with Mustapha Yatabare's penalty miss and the underdogs were left to rue that wasted opportunity.

PSG comfortably saw out the game to add yet another trophy to their collection following consecutive league triumphs and last season's Coupe de la Ligue success.

The capital club will now turn their attentions to the Ligue 1 campaign, which they open on Friday at Reims.

PSG did all of the early pressing and needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock, as Ibrahimovic found the net in typically spectacular fashion.

The Sweden striker - captain in the absence of defender Thiago Silva - picked up the ball from Javier Pastore on the edge of area and unleashed a curling effort that left Guingamp goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa with no chance.

Guingamp then suffered a further blow as midfielder Julien Cardy was taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Rachid Alioui.

The problems continued to mount in a disastrous opening 20 minutes for the Brittany club, their misfortune encapsulated in the 19th minute when defender Lars Jacobsen was adjudged to have bundled over Jean-Christophe Bahebeck as they competed for a cross in the area.

Ibrahimovic stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, seemingly ending the game as a contest.

PSG were camped inside the Guingamp half for almost the entirety of the opening period and Bahebeck almost added a wonderful third, jinking his way down the right flank only to be denied by Samassa at the near post.

But Jocelyn Gourvennec's men were offered a lifeline on the half-hour mark as PSG centre-back Marquinhos conceded a penalty, with referee Clement Turpin adjudging the Brazilian to have illegally blocked off Claudio Beauvue.

However, Yatabare - Guingamp's top scorer last season - could not keep his composure as his poor spot-kick was well saved by Salvatore Sirigu.

The second half was bereft of goalmouth action in comparison to the first, although PSG teenager Hervin Ongenda did fire wide five minutes after the interval.

Blanc's side took their foot off the gas somewhat in stifling conditions, but substitute Edinson Cavani should have made it three when he blazed over the crossbar following a superb through ball from Pastore.

But despite Cavani's profligacy, Guingamp were unable to mount a comeback as the gulf in class proved too much.

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Pardew confirms Newcastle closing in on Ferreyra

Goal exclusively revealed the Shakhtar Donetsk striker is on the verge of completing a loan move to the Premier League side, but the manager is not as confident regarding Loic Remy

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has confirmed the club are in talks to sign Facundo Ferreyra on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk.
As exclusively revealed by Goal, the striker is set to head to the North East after Newcastle agreed a €2 million [£1.6m] loan fee with the option of making the deal permanent for a further €8m [£6.4m].

The 23-year-old is one of a host of players who have grown increasingly concerned at the ongoing violent unrest in Ukraine, and Newcastle are understood to be confident of sealing the loan in the coming days.

"It's something that is not done, but we're working to see if that can happen," Pardew told BBC Newcastle.

"Facundo is a good presence on the pitch, a big guy at six foot two inches, a player who has gone to the Ukraine and has been okay.

"If we manage to secure him, he would be a player who we'd expect to do a lot better here."

As exclusively revealed last week, Newcastle are also montoring a return for former loanee Loic Remy but Pardew has now hinted that the player is not keen on the switch and possibly abandoning the pursuit.

"We've not really had much contact with Loic and I don't see that evolving if I'm honest," he said. "Whatever happened at Liverpool is irrelevant really, because he's had plenty of chances to come to us.

"We've made it clear we'd want to have him but it hasn't really happened and therefore you sometimes have to say where is the line drawn? Maybe that one has gone away."

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Wenger hits back at Gerrard: No one is too good for Arsenal

The Liverpool captain has revealed he would have been disappointed if Luis Suarez joined the Gunners last summer as his talent was only worthy of a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona

Arsene Wenger has hit back at Steven Gerrard's claims that Luis Suarez was "too good for Arsenal".

The Gunners bid twice for the striker last summer in the belief that an offer of over £40 million would trigger a release clause, a contractual agreement that Liverpool denied at the time but since admitted did exist.

Gerrard admitted he would have been "disappointed" to see the Uruguayan join the Gunners and feels the striker was wrongly advised amid the interest from the north London side.

Wenger acknowledges that Gerrard was just keen for Suarez, who has since joined Barcelona in a £70m deal, to stay at Anfield but dismissed the initial remarks as unnecessary.

"You're never too good for Arsenal and Steven Gerrard knows that," he told reporters.

"But I can understand completely that he asked him to stay because he wanted [Suarez] to play with him and have a chance to win the Premier League. But it didn't happen, and anyway, Suarez left."

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Courtois is the best goalkeeper in Europe

Courtois enjoyed a stunning 2013-14 season, winning La Liga and reaching the final of the Champions League - achievements that led him to finishing eighth in the Goal 50.

The 22-year-old has now returned to parent club Chelsea after three years at Atletico, with Getafe's Moya brought in to replace the Belgian at the Vicente Calderon.

"Courtois is an amazing goalkeeper. It is amazing to see how mature he is for one so young," Moya told Goal. 

New Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Miguel Moya has conceded that he faces a tough task replacing Goal 50star Thibaut Courtois in the Spanish capital - describing the Belgian as the "best in Europe" in his position."At this time he is the best goalkeeper in European football without doubt. He is spectacular but also mature. 

"Courtois' shadow will loom large over Atletico, at least until the goalkeeper replacing him can show he can do just as well.


“Now I am here and if I am lucky enough to do well, people will forget about Courtois. This is the challenge and I think it has come at a good time for me."

Moya, 30, also lavished praise on Diego Godin, who was the defensive inspiration behind Atletico's incredible campaign and also made it into the Goal 50 in 24th position.

"We already knew he was a great centre-back, but last season he also added goals to his game too," Moya noted.

"He is a leader, an organiser and is decisive defensively and offensively in the crucial moments. If Atletico had won the Champions League, he would have deserved a statue made of him. He scored at Camp Nou [on the final-day title-decider], in the Champions League final and against Italy for Uruguay in the World Cup."

Moya concluded by commenting on another of Atletico's star men from 2013-14 - Diego Costa. 

The naturalised Spaniard who, like Courtois, will be playing at Chelsea next term, was also selected in the Goal 50 in 14th position.

"He is a special player," Moya gushed.

"He was the reference point on the field and transferred to the team what the coach wanted. His energy rubs off on the rest of his team-mates. Everyone at Atletico played for him and he scored a great number of goals as a result."

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