WORLD CUP GOSSIP Brazils sports minister Aldo Rebelo has called for a radical improvement in the countrys youth development system as a response to the deep scar of losing 7-1 to Germany in the World Cup semi-final. Guardian. Argentinas 26-year-old striker Gonzalo Higuain says his side are not intimidated by the prospect of facing Germany in Sundays World Cup final, despite their crushing 7-1 victory over Brazil. Evening Standard. Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain does not believe his side will be intimidated by Germany Manchester City and Brazil midfielder Fernandinho, 29, says he will be haunted forever by his countrys semi-final defeat to Germany. Sun (subscription required). Fare, a leading campaign group promoting equality in world football, has produced a report highlighting dozens of instances where Fifa has failed to punish racist and homophobic activity at the World Cup in Brazil. Daily Telegraph. TRANSFER GOSSIP Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh, 30, has agreed a two-year deal to stay at Crystal Palace, accepting a significant pay cut in the process. Guardian. Arsenal have been given a boost in their bid to sign Germany international Sami Khedira, 27, after the midfielder rejected the offer of a new two-year contract at Real Madrid. Daily Star. Arsenal are also in negotiations for the £8m transfer of France striker Loic Remy from newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers. Independent. Leicester City have made a club record bid of £7.5m for Brightons 27-year-old striker Leonardo Ulloa. Daily Telegraph. The Daily Stars back page leads on Arsenals £35m signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona Chelsea are holding out for a fee of £8m for defender Ryan Bertrand as Liverpool and Tottenham consider making a move for the 24-year-old. Daily Express. Fulham defender Kieran Richardson, 29, is expected to complete a medical at Aston Villa on Friday, after turning down offers from three other Premier League clubs. Daily Mail. Villa boss Paul Lambert is planning to let eight of his current players leave the club in order to fund new signings. Sun (subscription required) Liverpool have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Swansea Citys 25-year-old Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony, with the Welsh club holding out for a fee of £20m. Talksport. Lazio believe they are favourites to sign Feyenoords 22-year-old Dutch defender Stefan De Vrij, who has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United. Daily Express. OTHER GOSSIP Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is planning to limit Steven Gerrards first-team appearances next season in a bid to keep the 34-year-old captain fit until the end of the season. Daily Mail. Leeds United began life under new manager Dave Hockaday with a resounding 16-0 win over Italian minnows FC Gherdeina. Yorkshire Evening Post. BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA Tim Howard was widely praised for his performances for USA at the World Cup United States and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard tweeted a photo of himself with former United States international Alexi Lalas and media personalities at a Fan Fest in New York. The nominations for the Golden Ball award at this years World Cup will be announced on Friday through the Twitter account of the official World Cup football. AND FINALLY Germany and Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller may well be a success on the pitch with five goals in six games at this years World Cup, but a video posted on Twitter has revealed the 24-year-olds dancing skills are not quite of the same standard. Metro. Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 26, has taken the bold decision to shave off his iconic afro hair. Manchester Evening News.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 23:27:54 +0000