Transfer Rumours And Paper Review – Thursday, June 26

All the latest transfer-related stories in Thursday's newspapers...

Barcelona are still interested in Liverpool striker Suarez and ready to offer £80m player-plus-cash deal that could include wingers Alexis Sanchez, 25, and Pedro, 26. (Daily Mirror)

However, Arsenal and Manchester United are set to battle it out for Chile international Sanchez. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied any interest in signing AC Milan and Italy striker Mario Balotelli, 23. (Daily Mail)

Carew: Suarez Is 'Sick And Needs Help'

The Liverpool striker was banned from all football activity for four months following his bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, the third time he has been punished for sinking his teeth into an opponent.

And Carew admits he cannot understand why the Uruguayan would do something like that, and says the time has come for him to face his demons.

The former Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams: “He needs help, he’s sick. You can’t do what he’s doing without having some kind of problem.

“I’ve never seen anything that stupid. Not even the craziest, most aggressive footballer in the world would do something this stupid, and for the third time.

Check Out Which Teams Will Meet In The World Cup Last 16!

So that's the World Cup group games finished and while European heavyweights Spain, England, Italy and Portugal are out there is still plenty to look forward to.

It has been an enthralling tournament in Brazil so far and we can expect more of the same in the last 16 particularly with the likes of the Selecao meeting Chile and the Netherlands facing Mexico.

There also remains the potential for further upsets in the knockout stages as Nigeria meet France, Algeria mark their first appearance in the last 16 by facing Germany and Switzerland play Argentina.

Benzema Expects Tough Nigeria Test

Karim Benzema believes France are in for another thorough examination of their qualities against Nigeria in the Round of 16, after their rugged encounter with Ecuador.

Les Bleus had been free-scoring in their opening two games of the FIFA World Cup™ but had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, a result that also guaranteed top spot in the group for Didier Deschamps' side.

Benzema had three goals before the match but missed a number chances to keep pace with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Thomas Muller as the leading scorers at the tournament so far. The Real Madrid striker insisted, however, that was not important and that the French team must now focus on their next challenge.

Korean Republic Loses 1-0 To 10 Man Belgium

Korea Republic have exited the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ after a 1-0 defeat to ten-man Begium in Sao Paulo. Jan Vertonghen scored the only goal of this Group H fixture as Marc Wilmots side maintained their 100 per cent record despite the first-half dismissal of Steven Defour.

As his side were already assured of qualification, Wilmots opted to rest several of his established stars, with Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and captain Vincent Kompany among those dropping to the bench. The result was a largely underwhelming performance, although Les Diables Rouges did create the better of the first-half's chances. The most glaring of all was spurned after 25 minutes by Dries Mertens, who had time, space and the goal at his mercy but - in one of the misses of the tournament thus far - somehow contrived to balloon wildly over from eight yards.

Portugal Wins 2-1 Over Ghana But Both Goes Out

Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 but fall out of World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner for Portugal as they beat Ghana 2-1 in Brasilia in Group G on Thursday but both sides still crashed out of the World Cup.

Manchester United confirm Herrera Arrival - Sealed Deal

The Red Devils had an inital £29million offer turned down on Thursday morning before returning with a reported £32m bid, which triggered the 24-year-old's release clause.
Herrera, who has been capped by Spain at U20, U21 and U23 level, becomes new boss Louis van Gaal's first signing at Old Trafford.

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs told the club's official website:“Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity. We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain and I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans.

Colombian World Cup Star On His Way To Manchester United or Tottenham?

Manchester United and Tottenham have been put on red alert after the agent of Colombian star James Rodriguez stated he is keeping his options open over a big summer move.

Manchester City Agree £12m Deal For Porto Star

Manchester City are set to make their second summer signing by bringing in Porto's Fernando for £12million.

Ecuador 0-0 France: Antonio Valencia Sees Red As South Americans Bow Out

France set up a last 16 meeting with Nigeria as Ecuador bowed out of the World Cup angry and frustrated.

Nigeria 2-3 Argentina: Messi Magic Sets Up Victory As Both Sides Go Through

Lionel Messi is fast confirming he can be rightfully seen as Diego Maradona's equal after producing the goods for Argentina once again.

Exclusive - Manchester United Must Try And Get Pogba Back, Claims Dublin

Former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin claims Paul Pogba is exactly the sort of player the Red Devils need.