Rannochia hints at new Inter deal

Inter Milan captain Andrea Ranocchia has revealed that he is about to sign a contract extension at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The highly rated defender was surprisingly handed the captain s armband after Javier Zanetti had retired, ending speculation linking him with a move away from the club.

And with the player clearly delighted with his new role, he plans to remain with the Nerazzurri for as long as possible.

Speaking ahead of the Serie A clash against Cagliari, the 26-year-old has moved to suggest that he will be signing a new contract in the coming days.

“I am happy to have gone through difficult times, as defeats help you to grow in a remarkable way. Now after four years I feel ready to win. The armband gave me more responsibility and helped me matu…

Wales building on Speed´s foundations – Cotterill

Wales are reaping the benefits of the good work put in by former manager Gary Speed, according to David Cotterill.

Speed led the national team for just under a year before his death in 2011, which provoked an outpouring of grief among the football world.

Chris Coleman was tasked with taking over from his former international colleague, and after failing to reach the World Cup in Brazil, Wales have made a strong start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

A creditable 0-0 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina was sandwiched by wins over Andorra and Cyprus, to leave Coleman s side top of Group B on seven points.

And Cotterill, who scored the first goal in the 2-1 victory over Cyprus on Monday, believes the team s progress can be attributed to Speed.

He st…

Real Madrid confirm Vallejo injury

Jesus Vallejo will have to continue to wait for his Real Madrid debut after sustaining a thigh injury.

The 20-year-old has been given a place in Madrid s first-team squad for the first time, as well as the number three shirt vacated by Pepe.

Vallejo signed for Madrid in 2015 but has spent the last two seasons on loan at his former club Real Zaragoza and in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Following tests carried out on Jesus Vallejo at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a muscle strain in his left thigh, a Madrid statement released on Friday said. His recovery will continue to be assessed.

Vrsaljko completes Atletico move

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Croatia international Sime Vrsaljko from Sassuolo on a five-year contract.

The long-rumoured deal was held up while the 24-year-old defender completed his international commitments at Euro 2016.

Vrsaljko, who can play at either right or left-back, left Dinamo Zagreb in 2013 to join Genoa, although he spent just one season with the club before moving to Italian rivals Sassuolo.

He played 35 times in Serie A last season and also made two appearances for Croatia in the group stages in France, helping them reach the last 16 of the tournament.

Playing at Atletico is a big challenge for me, I am very happy,  Vrsaljko told the club s website.

Atletico are delighted to have recruited a versatile pla…

10th October: Saturday’s Football Accumulator – 11/1

With the Premier League and Championship brought to a halt due to the international fixtures, England s Football League really has the chance to take center stage this weekend. On that note, for those of you looking to stick on Saturday acca, we have found you a handful of helpful tips that are worth keeping an eye out for.

Saturday 10th October

BST 15:00 Lincoln City vs Bristol Rovers

Starting with Saturday s hosts, putting in what was another impressive display while on EFL Trophy duties earlier in the week, it really has been a stellar start to the 2020/2021 campaign for Lincoln. Picking up a deserved 3-1 victory away at Mansfield on Tuesday night, the Imps have enjoyed a 100% start to the New Year and are one of just two sides along with Hull who can boast…

Arsenal eye free Fraser transfer

Arsenal are looking to sign Ryan Fraser from Bournemouth on a free transfer this summer, according to the Mirror.

The Gunners tried to get the Scotland international last summer, before their club record move for Nicolas Pepe. Unai Emery, in charge of the team at the time, saw Fraser as a good alternative to Pepe for a significantly smaller fee. But in the end, Bournemouth rejected Arsenal s offer of £12 million and forced the North Londoners to fork out £72m for Pepe. Their interest was founded on an excellent 2018/19 season the winger had at the Vitality, scoring seven goals and providing 14 assists, but this time around he wasn t able to replicate such form.

Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta, the current Arsenal boss, shares Emery s opinion on Fraser and this time around, …

Del Bosque issues Torres warning

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says out-of-form Chelsea striker Fernando Torres faces the prospect of missing out on a place at Euro 2012.

The former Atletico Madrid star has been below par since completing a transfer to Stamford Bridge from Premier League rivals Liverpool, starting many matches from the bench.

Torres was a key part of the Spain team that lifted the 2008 European Championships, but Del Bosque affirmed that if he did not see an improvement, it would be hard for the striker to feature in his plans for the upcoming tournament.

It s a concern. He isn t playing much. There are five months to go to the European Championships, in which everything can turn around, Del Bosque told AS.

But if the situation doesn t change it s going to be diffi…

Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Conor Gallagher to replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Conor Gallagher from London and Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to . The report has claimed that Tottenham are looking at bringing in England international midfielder Gallagher as a potential replacement for Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Former La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are reportedly looking to sign Hojbjerg from Spurs in the summer of 2023. So, Tottenham are already planning to bring in a replacement. Gallagher is a player the North London club want.

However, it may not be easy for Tottenham to simply prise away the English star from Chelsea. The Telegraph have reported that Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino “is an admirer of Gallagher” and may not want him …

Emerton may be rested

Sydney FC star Brett Emerton could be rested from certain games to ensure his body holds up over a gruelling festive period for the club.

The Sky Blues take on Adelaide in Sydney on Thursday night in the first game of a horror five-week stretch for the club that includes eight games in just 36 days.

Emerton, who was substituted at half-time of Sunday s win over Newcastle with hamstring tightness, has been passed fit to take his place against the struggling Reds who come to town on a five-game winless run and with a new coach in John Kosmina.

While the former Blackburn winger is loathe to miss games, particular with the club pushing for a top-two spot, coach Vitezslav Lavicka is wary not to put too much strain on his 32-year-old frame and is willing to take the c…

Keita considers Liverpool option

Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita says he is flattered to be linked with a move to English Premier League club Liverpool.

British sources have suggested Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is keen to bring Mali international Keita to Anfield when the off-season transfer window opens.

Keita, who joined Barca from Sevilla in 2008, has struggled to hold down a regular spot at Camp Nou this term, making just 14 competitive starts so far in 2011/12.

The former Lens and Lorient midfielder has confirmed he may move to find regular first-team action, and said a switch to Liverpool is an appealing prospect.

I am flattered by the interest of Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world, Keita was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

However, let s wait until…