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TOP STORY: Barca eye Prem trio to replace Neymar The writing, it seems, is on the wall for Neymar, and Barcelona are preparing to react, according to the Mirror. Philippe Coutinho is a well-documented target, having already seen an offer knocked back by Liverpool. Chelsea's Eden Hazard, sidelined until September, would be another ambitious target, and the Catalan club has identified a third valued commodity in Tottenham's Dele Alli. Armed with more than €200m, assuming Neymar's buyout clause is triggered, and with the window winding down, Barca will likely need to spend most of their windfall to prize any of the three Premier League stars from their clubs. Neymar move edges closer Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain inches toward completion, and Metro cites French broadcaster RMC as reporting that the Brazilian is set to sign a five-year contract, with the Parisian club set to finalise a deal with Barcelona worth €222 million on Monday or Tuesday. Madrid-b

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro says Barcelona star Neymar would be very welcome at the Bernabeu, and he sees no reason why the move cannot take place. The last week has seen huge speculation around Neymar's future, with the 25-year-old reportedly considering joining Paris Saint-Germain, who are willing to pay his €222 million release clause and push through the move. The situation remains unclear despite Blaugrana defender Gerard Pique tweeting on Sunday that "he stays," and Madrid have money to spend after receiving around €120m from moving out squad members including Alvaro Morata, Danilo and James Rodriguez this summer. Speaking after Madrid's International Champions Cup 1-1 draw [and 2-1 penalty shoot out defeat] against Manchester United in Santa Clara, California, Casemiro told Globoesporte that if the long-time target of Los Blancos president Florentino Perez wanted to come to the Bernabeu then that is what should happen. "It is up to Neymar hims

Lukaku showed his pace and power as he put United ahead after rounding City’s debutant goalkeeper Ederson – who experienced a mixed evening – in the 37th minute and Pep Guardiola’s men crumbled again before half-time. Playing with Lukaku for the first time, Marcus Rashford was not overshadowed as he produced a clinical finish to double the lead two minutes later. Aside from Eric Bailly, Jose Mourinho named arguably his strongest XI, with David de Gea, Antonio Valencia, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Jesse Lingard, Rashford and Lukaku in the line-up. City fans got a glimpse of Ederson and Walker for the first time, while Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Vincent Kompany, Raheem Sterling and Yaya Toure also started, with star recruit Bernardo Silva still away on holiday following the Confederations Cup. With the worker bee – a symbol of Manchester’s industrial heritage – on United and City’s jerseys in respect to those

Chelsea have announced they have agreed a fee with Real Madrid for the transfer of Alvaro Morata. The move is now subject to the 24-year-old agreeing personal terms and passing a medical, according to a statement released by Chelsea. Sky sources understand the initial fee for Morata is £58m (€65.6m). If all add ons are realised, the total fee could rise to about £70m (€79.1m). The Spain international will arrive in London on Thursday morning and is expected to sign a five-year contract once he passes his medical. Alvaro Morata rounded off a wonderful counter-attacking move from Real Madrid to score the third and final goal against Real Sociedad. Morata reacted to the move in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca on Wednesday night, saying: "I am very happy, God willing, tomorrow I will be at Chelsea, a club that has always wanted me. "I'm not disappointed about anything, I've won four titles here [with Real Madrid], but now I only think of putting on the

Alexis Sanchez is not for sale, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger Alexis Sanchez is Paris Saint-Germain's No 1 summer target despite Arsene Wenger's insistence he is not for sale, according to Sky sources. It is understood PSG want a marquee signing before the transfer window shuts, and Arsenal's Chile forward Sanchez tops their list. Sanchez is inside the final year of his contract and told Chilean media at the weekend he wants Champions League football - something Arsenal cannot provide next season. But the forward also acknowledged his future depends on the Gunners, and Wenger, speaking from the club's tour of China on Tuesday, said: "The decision is not to sell." Asked about Sanchez's desire to play in the Champions League he said: "I don't give too much importance to things that are translated, you know. The whole interview that I got didn't really mean that. "The main focus for us is to concentrate on the Premier Le

Chelsea are very interested in signing Sergio Aguero, Sky sources understand Chelsea are very interested in signing Sergio Aguero, Sky sources understand Chelsea have "serious and strong interest" in signing Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, according to Sky sources. The Blues will try to sign a striker this summer to replace Diego Costa, who has been told he is not in Antonio Conte's plans for next season. After missing out on Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea have turned their attention to forwards such as Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund), Andrea Belotti (Torino) and Aguero. Sky Sports News HQ understands it will be very difficult for Chelsea to sign Aguero with Manchester City reluctant to let him leave. Chelsea have turned to other targets after missing out on Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United When asked if Aguero was staying in May, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Absolutely. There's never been a doub

Sevilla have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester City for the transfer of winger Nolito, the Spanish club announced on Saturday night. Nolito will have a medical in the coming days before signing a three-year deal, Sevilla said. The transfer fee has been reported to be about €9 million (£7.9m), after City paid €18m for him a year ago. The 30-year-old appeared in 30 games in all competitions in his only season with Man City, scoring six goals. He started only nine games in the Premier League and now returns to La Liga, where he starred for Celta Vigo from 2013-16. Nolito had another three seasons on his City contract but said in May that he was "crazy about returning to Spain. "I hope I can leave, whether it's on loan, a transfer or whatever. I have several teams I'd prefer to join," Nolito said. Sevilla have been busy this summer as they prepare for the Champions League playoff round, with Luis Muriel, Ever Banega, Guido Pizarro and Sebas

Wayne Rooney was hugged by a pitch-invading Manchester United fan during his second debut for Everton in Tanzania ....The Tanzanian fan clearly didn't want to accept that the 31-year-old was no longer a Manchester United player during a pre-season friendly match today. The supporter, who was wearing a Red Devils kit, ran onto the pitch during the game and gave him a warm hug before he was taken away by security agents. The England international opted to leave Old Trafford for his boyhood side after being frozen out of the first team picture by Jose Mourinho last season Rooney gave Toffees fans a glimpse of what he's still capable of during the match by rifling in a wonder goal from 30 yards. Everton went on to win the match against Gor Mahia 2-1.

Michael Carrick says he is "honoured" to be named Manchester United's new captain following Wayne Rooney's departure to Everton. The 35-year-old midfielder will take the armband after Rooney's 13-year stay at Old Trafford came to end after he returned to his boyhood club this week. Carrick, who arrived at the club from Tottenham in 2006, signed a new one-year deal at United in May, and he insists it will be a "pleasure" to lead Jose Mourinho's team next season. He told Man United's website: "It feels great and it is such a huge honour to captain such a great club. It is my 12th year now and I came as a 25-year-old. I never thought I could be here for so long and achieve so much. "Now, to lead the boys and look after the young boys, to guide them in some ways, it is a nice thing and a real pleasure. I came to this club as a footballer and I am now a huge fan. "I have grown to love the club over the years and to be in this

Bakayoko underwent minor knee surgery with the 22-year-old suffering discomfort towards the close of the season. But, Chelsea are confident the deal remains on track and Bakayoko will fly into London to have a medical this week. The Blues are even hopeful the deal will be done in time for Bakayoko to fly out to China and Singapore next Monday. Chelsea book fresh medical as £40m transfer on verge of completion despite injury scare (Picture: Getty) Chelsea will conduct much of their pre-season preparation in China and will play Premier League rivals Arsenal while they are out there. Monaco have yet to formally accept Chelsea’s offer, but negotiations are continuing and it is expected the clubs will settle on a figure between £35million and 40m. Bakayoko’s arrival should pave the way for midfielder Nemanja Matic to exit Chelsea this summer. Chelsea book fresh medical as £40m transfer on verge of completion despite injury scare. Chelsea were beaten to the signature of Rom

Etisalat has terminated its management agreement with its Nigerian arm and has given Etisalat Nigeria three weeks to phase out the brand in the country. The decision of the Abu Dhabi owned telecommunications networks resulted after the failure of its $1.7 billion loan talks collapsed. Chief executive of Etisalat International, Hatem Dowidar said on Monday that there was no need for the brand in Nigeria after the collapse of the loan talks. Etisalat Nigerian regulators intervened last week to save Etisalat Nigeria from collapse after talks with its lenders to renegotiate a $1.2 billion loan failed. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads Although Etisalat Nigeria, in a statement issued three weeks ago, claimed that it had repaid 42 per cent of the loan. “As at today, we can categorically state that the outstanding loan sum to the consortium(of banks) stands at $227m and N113bn, a total of about $574m if the naira portion is converted to US Dollars. This in essence means almost half o

Chelsea target Alex Sandro prefers a move to the Premier League rather than Ligue One, according to the Gazzetta Dello Sport, but that hasn’t stopped Paris Saint-Germain making an offer of €70million (£62m) for the Brazilian. The Blues have reportedly already had a €60m bid for Sandro rejected by Juventus but they are believed to be lining up a second offer. The attempt to hijack the deal by PSG may be a concern but it seems the left back is not interested in a switch to France. La Gazzetta say that Sandro believes that English football is a greater test for his skills than the French first division, but a lot needs to happen for a move to Stamford Bridge to happen. Juve are trying to tie down the 26 year old to a new contract and are extremely reluctant to allow the full back to leave. It seems Chelsea will need to at least match PSG’s latest offer if they want to land the defender.

Leicester City have beaten West Ham to the signature of Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, according to ESPNFC . Iheanacho found it difficult to break into Pep Guardiola's team last season following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus, and looks set to leave the Etihad in a £25m deal. Leicester are now in advanced talks as they look to find a partner for Jamie Vardy up front.

There are a lot of reasons why people go into relationship and some would see relationship as a learning and understanding process between themselves and this is fine.Others,on the other contrary see relationship as a turning point at a time. However going into relationship is a necessary end to everyone.Most young men are carried away and blindfolded by love and hence may not be able to get it straight what the lady they are in relationship with really want from them;they seem not to see beyond their eyes and sometimes are in crossroads. Men in this category should beware and watch out for the following lines when ever they are conversing or chatting. 1)...'just want a man who will care for and love me.'As a young man who is about going into a serious relationship or already on one,if at any point in time whether at the initial stage you meet a Lady or latter during the relationship,when an argument or discussion ensues and the lady uses this line,you may not have met the

Chelsea appear to have wrapped up their second signing of the summer after Ajax wonderkid Daishawn Redan was pictured holding up a club shirt at Stamford Bridge. The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters to come through the ranks at Ajax in recent times and has been tracked by a number of European giants. Manchester United, Man City and RB Leipzig have all been linked with the teenager, but it now looks certain that it is Chelsea who have got their man. Reports emerged in Redan’s native Netherlands at the end of June suggesting he had agreed a professional deal with the Premier League champions and would sign once the window opened. And now he has been pictured holding up a Chelsea shirt at the club’s stadium, with an officialThere is one note of caution, however, with the white trimmings on the shirt Redan is holding suggesting he is lifting up last season’s kit, rather than Nike’s new all-blue version. Also, while the No.9 shirt is vacant ever sinc

Tottenham value Harry Kane close to £200 million following reports Manchester United were planning a £100m bid for the striker, according to The Independent . Kane has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho chases a new No.9, but Spurs have no intention of selling the England international and have ‘laughed off’ reports they would accept a £100m offer.

New photos of Chelsea’s rumoured 2017/18 strips have been leaked online after the shirts were spotted for sale in America. The Nike home and away kits were seen on mannequins in a New York sports store alongside Tottenham counterparts. Chelsea follower @ConteTweets shared images of the designs on his Twitter profile, with many users commenting on their similarity to the Spurs efforts. Photos of the Tottenham kits surfaced earlier this week, although it was confirmed they were not seen on sale at the time. Scroll through the gallery above to get a sneak peak at leaked images of Chelsea’s rumoured home and away kits ahead of the 2017/18 season.

The lawmaker representing Kogi west senatorial district, Senator Dino Melaye, has warned that many people will land in prison, over the move to recall him from the upper legislative chamber. Melaye stated this while answering questions from Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of Politics Today, a daily programme on Channels Television. When he was asked about the reports that files of signatures of voters in his district had been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Melaye said: “I continue to laugh at their efforts which I know is in futility. The whole exercise is a comedy of errors. “Nobody should take it seriously; the whole thing is shrouded in money politics and cannot stand. “We have discovered names of dead people on the list and a handwriting with similar signatures for several people on petition, the discrepancies are too much and it’s a total fraud. “And I promise that many people will go to jail for forgery.” On Wednesday, the Independent Nati

Finman invested $1,000 as a 12-year-old in 2011, when bitcoin was worth $12 REUTERS A teenager from a family he describes as the "Elon Musk version of the Kardashians" has become a millionaire after investing $1,000 (£800) into bitcoin when he was just 12 years old. Thanks to a tip-off from his brother, Erik Finman, from Idaho, US, invested a $1,000 gift from his grandmother into the cryptocurrency in May 2011. At the time, bitcoin was unheard of outside of technology communities and worth around $12 per coin. Finman told CNBC how he invested in bitcoin as a way of winning a bet with his Ph.D-holding, Stanford-educated parents, who said he did not have to go to university if he became a millionaire by the age of 18. That first investment quickly grew from $1,000 to $100,000 by the end of 2013. Finman then sold the lot and used the proceeds to move to California's Silicon Valley and set up a company called Botangle, which allowed students frustrated with the quali

Lionel Messi purchases four-star hotel for £26m in beach town down the coast from Barcelona The Barcelona star has purchased hotel in beach town 40km from city Messi has paid 30 million euros for the hotel which boasts stunning views Recently renamed MiM, prices at the hotel start from 250 euros per night Barcelona star Lionel Messi has purchased a four-star-hotel in a beach town close to the Catalonian city. The Argentine has bought the luxury hotel, which has 77 rooms, for 30million euros (£26.01m), according to Spanish newspaper Expansion. The hotel, which boasts a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea and stunning views, is situated close to the beach and seafront promenade of Sitges, 40km from Barcelona. Recently renamed MiM and built in 2013, prices at the hotel range from 250 euros to 300 euros per night. The Barcelona forward has recently established a new company for investment in hotels and apartments under the name of Rosotel. According to expansion, Messi is p

Manchester United have overtaken Real Madrid as the world's most valuable football team, according to business magazine Forbes. United were valued at $3.69bn (£2.86bn) and returned to the top of the annual list for the first time in five years. Spanish club Barcelona were second with a worth of $3.64bn (£2.82bn) as Real $3.58bn (£2.77bn) went down to third. Six English teams were in the top 10, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham joining United. German champions Bayern Munich were fourth, while Italian title winners Juventus were ninth. Real, who won the Champions League and Spanish title, had been top for the past four years but saw their value drop by 2% as United's went up by 11%. "Manchester United's return to the top spot is a testament to their powerful brand and marketing acumen," Forbes Media assistant managing editor Mike Ozanian said in a statement. Leicester, who won the English Premier League in 2015-16, were 1

As preparations to 2019 general elections gather momentum and the politics in kogi takes a new shape in what I call kogi realignment',all may not be well with the senator representing kogi west senatorial district in the Red Chambers,Senator Dino Melaye. Senator Dino Melaye who has in recent times encountered turbulent times from the media d also from his own state may not find his way back to the Red Chambers if the home work of his would-be successor is perfected.Top on the lists seeking to unseat Melaye include;former Senator Smart Adeyemi and Hon.Sunday Karim amongst others. Meanwhile,Senator Smart Adeyemi who is in the good books of the state Governor,Yaya Bello and has decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress with his thousands of supporters,has been pictured in a closed door meeting with the leader of the party,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Lagos.The meeting may not be unconnected with the plans ahead of 2019 general elections. However,interview with some members of h

Chelsea were paid £150.8m by the Premier League after winning the 2016-17 title - 50% more than the top earners in 2015-16. The 2016-17 season was the first of the latest TV deal and saw a total of almost £2.4bn paid to the 20 clubs - up from £1.6bn last season. Bottom club Sunderland got £93.471m - more than the £93.219m 2015-16 winners Leicester pocketed the previous season. The figures are based on broadcast and commercial deals plus prize money. Funds from the Premier League's central commercial deals and overseas broadcast rights are shared equally - as is half of the domestic broadcast income. A quarter is paid out in prize money based on each club's league position and the other quarter in "facility fees" for each game broadcast on UK television. Arsenal were the top earners in 2015-16 with £100.9m - but only the three relegated sides of Hull, Middlesbrough and Sunderland were paid less than that figure in 2016-17. The ratio between the highest a

The Arsene Wenger era - a story that started at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers on 12 October 1996 - will extend further into its third decade after he agreed a two-year deal to stay as Arsenal manager. Wenger has become an increasingly divisive figure among Arsenal fans in recent years but has agreed to remain at the club in the after-glow of an historic seventh FA Cup win at the club after Saturday's 2-1 win against Chelsea at Wembley. It was a success that added to his three Premier League titles, including two domestic doubles, and six Charity and Community Shields, ensuring he could play a strong hand in Monday's meeting with Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke that finally ended a tortuous, acrimonious period of uncertainty over his future. A section of Arsenal's support have organised protest marches and made their discontent clear as Wenger's side once again failed to halt a barren title sequence stretching back to "The Invincibles" season of 2003/04

In this part of the world,attaining a state in life where you can be called a wealthy individual is not easy to come by and as such,divers medium are being employed day in and out by individuals or groups of individuals to attain this status.Acquiring wealth via any medium is the order of the day and Africans are pretty good at that. Research have it that the government in these countries have contributed little or nothing to reflect the dividends of democracy expected on the average citizen.In fact,the government is termed to be the cause of her citizens' impoverishment and of course increase in other vices in recent times. Taking Nigeria as a case of study;the government decides to give her various States a bail-out fund.The bail-out fund is however disbursed by the government to the States;the state governors merry,party and plan on how to loot the bail-out fund;a serving governor then uses the bail-out to build own university;the government hears about it,uses INEC to alle

Tottenham fan beaten after mistaken as a Chelsea supporter It was double tragedy for this Tottenham fan identified as Michael Voller after watching his team lost, he suffered a broken cheekbone, broken eye socket and skull after he was attacked by his own club’s fans  who mistook him for a Chelsea supporter. Source:informationng.com

Snoop Dogg Named Celebrity Commissioner for Champions Basketball League Snoop Dogg has always mixed his affinity for sports with his love for music. Now, The Doggfather will tackle his biggest challenge yet in the sports world as the celebrity commissioner for the Champions Basketball League. “Snoop Dogg is at the forefront of pop culture and loved by millions across the globe, and has sold nearly 40 million records worldwide,” Carl George, CEO of Champions Basketball League, says in a statement. “For decades he has been an innovator with award winning albums, multiple films, lifestyle products, philanthropic efforts, TV shows and digital ventures — and we are thrilled that he will bring this depth to the League as we launch this summer.” Adds Snoop Dogg: “Champions Basketball League is a sports innovation for fans. Champions provides exclusive and affordable access to world class basketball for fans. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the organization on unique ways

Civil group set for mass protest, if President Buhari misses next FEC meeting President Buhari might be having a bit of unrest, if he misses the next Federal Executive Council meeting as a civil society group identified as, Change the Change Coalition, on Thursday vowed to stage a mass protests if President Muhammadu Buhari failed to attend the next FEC meeting. Buhari, who has hardly been seen in public in recent weeks, was absent at the last two FEC meetings, which were chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Reacting to the development, the group warned that it would mobilize Nigerians to compel Buhari to officially transmit power to Osinbajo, if he, once again, excuses himself from the next FEC meeting. Instead of staying away from work, Buhari should officially transmit power to Osinbajo, so as to be free to travel abroad for more medical attention, the group said. National Coordinator of CCC, Mazi Bismarck Oji, spoke at a news conference in Enugu. Oji li

A young Catholic worshipper simply identified as Kachi yesterday hanged himself in a church hall at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Creek road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. One of the priests in the parish, Rev. Fr. Victor, told our correspondent on phone that he was not in a position to brief the press on the matter. It was gathered that the deceased, who hailed from Imo State, was a devoted Catholic member and a taxi driver on the Aggrey / Borokiri route. Some parishioners expressed shock over the sad development that occurred in the church hall. They said the deceased “did not act well,” wondering why he decided to commit suicide in church. They affirmed that late Kachi was a former mass servant dedicated to the works of God. Magnus, a youth member of the church, said the deceased, who was popularly called Fabregas because of his football skills, was well-liked because of his dedication to church activities. He said church members were yet to locate parents of

If you see a cute guy, but aren’t comfortable strutting your stuff to get him to like you, there are other ways to get his attention. Your looks aren’t everything. Even though men are visual creatures, they understand that you have a personality attached to your face and body. Here are some ways to get his attention without showing skin (or while you’re showing skin): 1. LET HIM KNOW One of the best ways to get his attention is by giving him attention. You don’t have to shower him with compliments, but at least let him know that you exist. If you see him walk past you, acknowledge him. If you’re not close enough to chat, give him a flirty smile or simply make eye contact. 2. WEAR A NICE COLOGNE His sight isn’t his only sense. By wearing perfume with a delicious scent, you could capture his attention. Plus, every time that he smells the scent in the future, he’ll automatically think of you. It’s a way to stay on his mind, even when you’re not around. 3. SOCIALIZE IN A SWE

Over 30 people were reportedly feared dead on Thursday night at a football viewing centre in Calabar, Cross River State after being electrocuted by a high tension cable that fell on them. The News Agency of Nigeria quoting Channels TV reported that the football fans were at the centre to watch a UEFA Europa League quarter-final match between Manchester United and Anderlecht. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident but said the number of casualties would be ascertained on Friday.

It was a huge rise for the Naira as there as it recorded a major gain on Wednesday, closing at 390 per United States dollar at the parallel market, up from 405/dollar on Tuesday. This came barely 24 hours after the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the injection of $280m into the various segments of the forex market and the commencement of its weekly $20,000 sale to licensed Bureau De Change operators. Before closing at 405/dollar on Tuesday, a day after the Easter holidays, the local unit had closed flat at 410/dollar for seven consecutive days. As a result, currency analysts had expressed concerns over the exchange rate resistance to the CBN’s continued dollar supply into the forex market aimed at bridging the gap between parallel and official exchange rates. Last week, some currency analysts predicted the naira would appreciate this week if the central bank sustained its interventions in the market. Some experts, however, expressed doubt that the CBN possessed the s

Some Lecturers of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command for allegedly practising Cultism. The Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin on Tuesday, added that firearms were recovered from the arrested academics. Gwandu also said that among those arrested was a professor, from whom a double-barrel gun, single-barrel gun and one pump action gun were allegedly recovered. The police commissioner said, “The professor was arrested. He was granted bail. The case is under investigation.” Gwandu’s statement came less than a week after the command refuted reports that its operatives allegedly brutalised the Dean of the Faculty of Law of the university, Prof. Sunday Edeko. The commissioner expressed displeasure over the high rate of cultism around the institution located in Esan West Local Government Area, which he said had claimed many lives. He said there had been distress calls from me