Transfer Rumours And Paper Review – Saturday, April 11

Manchester City are preparing an incredible double swap deal to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. The reigning Premier League champions are willing to part with both Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko AND cash to sign the young French talent. (Daily Star)

Manchester United are also desperate to land Pogba. The Red Devils have requested a meeting with Juventus and are prepared to pay £54million plus Robin van Persie to sign their former youngster. (Daily Express)

Manchester United are set to make a £50m-plus raid for Borussia Dortmund pair Ilkay Gundogan and Mats Hummels. United's interest in £36million-rated defender Hummels is well known and now midfielder Gundogan is expected to join his teammate at Old Trafford in a £15million deal. (Daily Mail)

PSV Eindhoven director Marcel Brands has conceded that £25m-rated Dutch winger Depay is likely to leave the club this summer, with Manchester United leading the charge. (Metro)

Martin Skrtel admits that his future remains unresolved after Liverpool put contract negotiations with the defender on hold until the season has ended. He is third Liverpool star whose future has been plunged into doubt, with Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson also yet to be tied down to new deals.  (The Times)

Birmingham are set to finally cash in on starlet Demarai Gray this summer – with Bournemouth leading the race for his signature. (Daily Mirror)

Jonas Gutierrez is close to earning a new contract at Newcastle by triggering an appearance clause. (Daily Mirror)

Robin Van Persie Ruled Out Of Manchester Derby

Robin van Persie has been ruled out of the Manchester derby after Louis van Gaal confirmed the striker is not fit enough to feature on Sunday.

Van Persie has returned to full training and said this week he was "able to play again," but the Dutchman will miss a seventh consecutive game with the ankle injury he sustained in February's defeat to Swansea.

Van Gaal, who prefers not to rush players back from injury, has taken the cautious approach and Van Persie's comeback may be against Chelsea next weekend.

"Robin van Persie is not fit enough to play," Van Gaal said in a news conference. "I don't think Luke Shaw is fit enough to play. I cannot say they are not fit but in my opinion they are not fit to play.

"When I am very honest, then I don't have injured players any more. It is unbelievable. It is the first time I can say that. But fit to play, match rhythm: that is a different story."

Van Persie's absence means captain Wayne Rooney is almost certain to carry on as a forward, although Radamel Falcao offers Van Gaal another option.

United are also waiting to see if defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw will be in contention.

Centre-back Smalling missed the 3-1 win over Aston Villa with illness while left-back Shaw has not played since March's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

Emeghara Gets One Match Ban

San Jose Earthquakes Designated Player Innocent Emeghara faces a one-game suspension for a challenge that left a visible knot on Luke Mulholland’s head on Sunday.

Emeghara was shown a yellow card for the challenge in the 41st minute of the 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake, in which he appears to lead with his elbow before clattering into the Real Salt Lake midfielder.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee determined that the challenge endangered the safety of an opponent, and it also fined Emeghara an undisclosed amount.

The Earthquakes were also cited by the Disciplinary Committee for players’ actions in the wake of the foul. Players surrounded referee Armando Villarreal in protest, and this violated MLS’s mass confrontation policy.

The foul by Emeghara set up the eventual game-winning goal by Javier Morales when he sent the rebound of the subsequent free kick into the net.

Barcelona Still Hopeful Of Keeping Dani Alves - Bartomeu

The club president insists there is still a chance the Brazilian could stay, despite his agent revealing he now looks set for a summer exit

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says contract talks with Dani Alves are ongoing and insists the defender could still stay at Camp Nou.

The right-back's agent has criticised the club for offering the Brazilian an unsatisfactory deal and suggested negotiations were over as the player had better offers to move elsewhere.

Bartomeu, though, maintains nothing is certain yet and believes Alves, whose current contract expires in June this year, could still be at Barca next season.

"Barcelona are constantly negotiating to bring in players or offer them new deals, but we do so discretely," he said.

"In Alves's case, the matter is not closed. If Alves accepts the deal we have offered him, then he will stay at Barca.

"Everyone has their own strategy. Ours is discretion and a final statement announcing a deal."

The 31-year-old joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 and has played 34 games in all competitions this season.

Man United - Man City Preview: Pellegrini Looking At The Positives Ahead Of Derby

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is remaining defiant over the reigning Premier League champions' poor form ahead of Sunday's derby against Manchester United.

Pellegrini's men slumped to a third consecutive away league defeat - and fourth in all competitions in a row on the road - at Selhurst Park on Monday, as they lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace to leave their title defence in tatters.

City were level on points with leaders Chelsea on New Year's Day, but four wins and as many losses over the 11 subsequent league games means they head to Old Trafford a point and a place behind United in fourth.

But Pellegrini insists that his team are still playing well, having seen them dominate for long periods without reward against Palace last time out.

"We lost the last away games, especially the last two with two goals in set-pieces, against Burnley and Palace," he said.

"We hope we continue doing the good things we are doing because we are not a disaster, we're not a mess. We are doing a lot of things well."

City captain Vincent Kompany is facing a late fitness test on a hamstring injury sustained during the second half against Palace, while forward duo Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic remain injured.

The latter concerns could mean a start for Edin Dzeko alongside Sergio Aguero in attack. The Bosnian striker has just four Premier League goals this season - the same number he has netted on his past two appearances at Old Trafford on derby day.

Indeed, City can be buoyed by impressive recent form against their neighbours, having won the past four derbies and six of the last seven in the league. A victory at the weekend would make City the first team to win five consecutive Premier League games against United.

But Louis van Gaal and his squad will be confident, having taken a haul of 40 points on their own turf this term - the highest number in the Premier League, where they are on a winning run of five matches.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman is keen to keep his players on their toes.

"'Never change a winning team' is an English expression," he told MUTV. "You must see the quality of your opponent and make a decision with the staff, so it's not always about never changing the team."

Robin van Persie has returned to training for United following an ankle injury, but the 169th Manchester derby comes too soon for him, while England defenders Chris Smalling (illness) and Luke Shaw (hamstring) will be assessed.

Pictures: SEE Liverpool's Home Kit For The 2015/16 Season [Revealed]

Liverpool have unveiled their New Balance kit for the 2015/16 season.

Simon Mignolet, Martin Skrtel and Raheem Sterling were among the players present at Anfield to show off the new look, though will the latter be there to wear it in August?

The main press shot sees Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho looking in the same direction, as Daniel Sturridge keeps his head down and Jordan Henderson stares straight ahead, prompting some wags to suggest the former trio were looking at Steven Gerrard heading for the exit door, with Sturridge teary and captain-in-waiting Henderson unmoved!

Ronaldo And Messi Don't Save Lives!' - Mourinho Baffled By Footballers' Influence

Jose Mourinho is baffled at the influence on society of footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, considering they “don't save lives”.

The Chelsea boss - one of the most recognisable figures in football - believes people from other walks of life deserve greater status given the tasks they perform on a daily basis.

Mourinho also questioned those who regard football as the most important thing in life.

"I am passionate about football, of course," the former Real Madrid boss told The Daily Telegraph. "But for us professionals, if it means everything then we are in trouble; and for supporters it is the same.

"In Portugal they say that you can change everything except your mum and your football club. I understand football’s power, socially, politically and culturally, but how can a football player be in the top 100 of the most influential people in the world in Forbes magazine?"

When it was pointed out to Mourinho that two footballers are in the top 100, Ronaldo (30th) and Messi (45th), he added: "It’s absurd! We don’t save lives!

"I know that people can jump from a fifth floor because their team lost a game, but that person has problems.

"How can you compare a football player, a football manager with a scientist, a doctor? You cannot compare."

Mourinho worked with Ronaldo for three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he clashed with Messi's Barcelona on numerous occasions, before returning to the Chelsea helm in 2013.

After a silverware-less first season back at Stamford Bridge, he lifted the League Cup earlier this year and his Blues have a comfortable seven-point lead in the Premier League with a game in hand.

Wilshere to Man City? Arsenal don't need to sell their stars - Wenger

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are no longer forced to sell their best players amid reports linking Jack Wilshere with a move to Manchester City.

Goal understands City are monitoring Wilshere's situation as they prepare to refresh a squad that looks unlikely to defend last season's Premier League title and is one of the oldest of any major club in Europe.

Recent years have seen Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy make a similar switch from north London to Manchester but Wenger insists that Wilshere, who has struggled with form and fitness this season, is going nowhere.

When asked about the possibility of the midfielder joining City, Wenger replied: "We are not in a position anymore where we have to sell our best players."

Wilshere has made just 12 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, scoring one goal.

Manuel Pellegrini Insists Manchester City's Season Is 'Not A Disaster'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has reiterated his side’s disappointing season is ‘not a disaster.’

The current Premier League champions have waned in recent months as the defence of their title has floundered, epitomised by their defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

The loss left them nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea after a fourth successive away reverse, but Pellegrini remains in positive spirits despite the malaise.

“We hope we continue keeping the good things we are doing because we are not a disaster, we’re not a mess. We are doing a lot of things well,” said the Chilean.

“We must improve because we are not having the results we need but never in my way of thinking are we happy with a draw.”

City head into this weekend’s Manchester derby boasting a phenomenal recent record over United having won the last four encounters, including a 1-0 victory in November.

Another win on Sunday would set a new record for successive victories over their arch rivals, and Pellegrini is determined to establish an attacking approach.

“Never is a draw a good result. I understand we are not having the results that we need playing away – 2015 is not a good year for us – but before that we were the best team playing away,” said the 61-year-old.

City’s poor form has raised questions about Pellegrini’s future beyond the end of the season, but the Chilean has refused to be concerned by any rumours.

He said: "I feel everyone supports me at the club, the players. I think the players are happy in the way we work and the way we play.

"I don't see any problems inside the club but you never know what will happen in August and at the end of the season.”

Club captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful for Sunday's match at Old Trafford after picking up a hamstring injury in Monday's defeat, whilst strikers Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic are definitely ruled out.

Ex-Liverpool Star Will Rejoin Former Club This Summer

The 34-year-old has spent three season in Turkey with Fenerbahce after joining from Liverpool in 2012.

The Dutchman enjoyed a successful period on Merseyside, scoring 71 goals during his six years at Anfield.

However, he will now be heading back to Feyenoord as he returns to the club Liverpool signed him from for £10m in 2006.

"I'm coming home after the summer and I can't wait to play again in De Kuip," Kuyt told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"Feyenoord have always been a draw. We talked about a return when I left Liverpool but it didn't happen."


Read more at http://talksport.com/football/ex-liverpool-star-will-rejoin-former-club-summer-150410142770#OizQGc1IsoyieemY.99