22
May

Manchester City looks into striker swap

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It’s certainly going to be a busy summer for Manchester City.

Roberto Mancini’s departure has left them manager-less, and their relentless mission of European dominance will definitely continue into the coming months with some heavy investment.

First on the list appears to be Napoli’s Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan striker regularly tops the goal charts in Serie A, but he’ll come with a heavy price tag after building up a huge reputation in Europe. A possible makeweight for the deal has been touted as City’s top scorer this season, Edin Dzeko, who, despite the goals, still appears to be out-of-favor with the club.

As far as we can see that sounds a pretty good deal for all involved, but who else are City looking at? Also, what does the future hold for Gareth Bale, and where is Stevan Jovetic headed? Find out about these rumors and more over at today’s Paper Chase.

15
May

With the conclusion of what was a very memorable Europa League final (and really, the entire competition was the best it’s been in years) we present to you the top 10 goals of this year’s Europa League season!

Which one was your favorite?

10
May

Trecker’s Travels, Day Six: Writer’s bash

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Photo: Action Images

By Jamie Trecker

LONDON, ENGLAND

Last night Gareth Bale completed his sweep of the awards circuit by collecting the Football Writer’s Player of the Year Award here at a posh hotel off Kensington Gardens.  It is the most prestigious of the awards, and a throwback to the days when the relationship between the media and the players was very different than it is today.

It is one of the few times of the year that the people who play the game and the people who cover it get together and act chummy. Most of it’s off the record, a lot of it is fueled by alcohol. In years past the, the gala was notorious for its punch-ups and the sheer volume of hangovers it could produce. It’s a very English event: several hundred unwashed scribes poured into the cleanest possible suits, all with exactly the same rep tie. The aim is not to stand out (advice ignored by the American, who was put into his suit by his partner and foolishly wore a bow tie) to avoid embarrassment and then get pissed.

There’s lots of back-slapping. Glasses of lager are sloshed, and it’s a badge of honor to get the next round. If you’re unwary, you can end up holding six pints inside five minutes. The players and managers walk about freely.  Rafa Benitez was eagerly explaining, well, something, to anyone in earshot. Andre Villas-Boas was extremely polite. I ended in the urinal next to Roy Hodgson.

Read More

7
May

Gareth Bale is trying to trademark his goal celebration as a logo

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Gareth Bale has filed an application with the Intellectual Property Office to trademark the heart-shaped hand gesture that he throws up to the camera after pretty much every single goal he scores.

It seems clear that Bale will try to put the logo on merchandise for fans to snatch up (the application mentions jewelry, leather goods and clothing).

One thing we’d like to know: What if Bale screws up his own trademark in the heat of the moment? Does the placement of the other fingers matter? That would be embarrassing.

And perhaps we’re reading into this too much, but the “11” in the middle means Bale won’t want to change his kit number. Maybe it’s a signal he isn’t planning on leaving Tottenham any time soon — a change in club often means a change in number.

Well, unless it’s to Real Madrid. Number 11 is held by Ricardo Carvalho. His contract is up this summer…

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5
May

Man United to test Tottenham with Bale bid

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Manchester United is keen to flex its muscles in the transfer market, with Sir Alex Ferguson setting his sights on newly crowned PFA Player of the Year - Gareth Bale. Fergie missed out on signing the winger when he moved from Southampton to Spurs - will he miss out for a second time? For more rumors about this and Jose Mourinho’s future click here.

1
May

Chelsea looks to lure Special One

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After last night’s dramatic 2-0 win but 4-3 aggregate loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho seemed to concede that La Liga was not his destination next season.

Speculation is rife as to where he’ll be off next, but former club Chelsea appear top of most people’s shortlists. The Blues are aiming to lure him towards Stamford Bridge themselves this summer, offering a whopping $150 million transfer war chest to the Portuguese maestro. For more news on JoMo, Wenger, Benteke and Bale’s future, take a look at today’s Paper Chase.

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27
Apr

Time after time, Gareth Bale gets us on our feet with his tendency to score breath-taking goals. But today, Bale took the easy route, scoring on this bizarre block of Wigan keeper Joel Robles’ attempted clearance!

Watch as the ball just ricochets off Bale’s body and into the net, leaving Robles red-faced and ashamed. To make matters worse for Robles, Wigan teammate Emmerson Boyce added an own goal late in the game. The two unlucky goals turned out to be the difference between what would have been a shocking win over Spurs and a 2-2 draw that helps neither team.