Embolo zeal Schalke move.

Less than 24 hours after Switzerland were eliminated from the European Championship, Swiss forward Breel Embolo has completed a move from Basel to Bundesliga side Schalke.

The two clubs confirmed the transfer on Sunday. Embolo, 19, has signed a five-year contract with Schalke, who finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season. Swiss champions Basel said the fee will not be disclosed, though it is reportedly €25m (£20m).
Schalke revealed Embolo’s signing to thousands of fans at its annual members’ meeting, with a video message suggesting the club beat interest from other European sides including Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal.


Embolo, who appeared in the video wearing a Schalke shirt, said: “I’m happy to be a Royal Blue.”

The Cameroon-born forward played in each of Switzerland’s games at Euro 2016, but failed to score. He was a second-half substitute in the last-16 match against Poland, which Switzerland lost on penalties after the match finished 1-1.

Embolo has three Swiss league winner’s medals with Basel, and has traded a place in the Champions League group stage for the Europa League with Schalke next season.

France fought back to qualify.

Martin O’Neill offered congratulations and made to leave but Didier Deschamps did not let go. The France coach had predicted a fight to the last eight and, while others cavorted around the technical area, he held his beaten opponent’s hand with the respect the Republic of Ireland deserved. The host nation faced a test of nerve, ability and managerial vision under extreme pressure, yet endured all the same.

For one script-tearing half, Ireland held a worthy lead and France faced the ignominy of elimination from their own tournament. “We were not only winning well at half-time but feeling we could win the match,” O’Neill said.
Robbie Brady’s third-minute penalty and a performance that gave Les Bleus’ defence its first genuine ordeal of the European Championship put Ireland in dreamland. A second win at a major tournament for the first time in the country’s history was a prospect and not just an aspiration but then came the response. And what a response.
Deschamps introduced Kingsley Coman for N’Golo Kanté, speed for protection, and switched from a three-man central midfield to 4-2-3-1 with Antoine Griezmann occupying the No10 role. France were devastating while Ireland’s defence disintegrated during an eight‑minute onslaught when Griezmann scored twice and might have had a third but for a professional foul by Shane Duffy. A straight red card for the Blackburn Rovers’ defender ended credible hope of a comeback but Ireland fought to the last. Deschamps’s prolonged handshake with O’Neill may have been laced with relief, too. England or Iceland await France in the quarter-finals at the Stade de France on Sunday. Monday night’s victor in Nice will know the hosts can be both vulnerable and irrepressible. They will also be without Kanté and Adil Rami through suspension.


O’Neill’s misgivings over a disproportionate ticket allocation, with Ireland officially given 4,604 tickets for the 59,000-capacity stadium, proved unfounded. His team were backed with passion throughout, as always. His fears over a lack of preparation time compared with France were justified. Ireland had booked their place in the last 16 on Wednesday, Deschamps’ team last Sunday, and a contrast in energy levels contributed to a one-sided second half.

“We definitely got the short straw in that respect,” the Ireland manager lamented. “We knew about it beforehand but three days is an incredible amount of time for one side to have an advantage over another.
That said, France are a fine team and good luck to them for the rest of the tournament. We put our heart and soul into the game, as has become a prerequisite for us, but we played too. Some of our young players have come of age on this stage and it is up to them now to take it forward.”


France had dominance in the stands but not where it mattered most during the first half. Their fans had only just completed a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise when they were silenced by the referee Nicola Rizzoli’s award of a penalty to Ireland. O’Neill’s team, unchanged from the win over Italy that secured the country’s first qualification from a group at the Euros, were ahead before a France player had a meaningful touch.

Rami slipped as he attempted to clear Stephen Ward’s cross and with seismic consequences. Daryl Murphy’s shot on the turn deflected to Shane Long, who was sent sprawling by a clumsy challenge from Paul Pogba. Long may have anticipated contact but it was a foolish and clear foul. In front of the only section of the stadium awash with green, Brady, whose late header defeated Italy, converted a clinical penalty. Hugo Lloris went right, the ball went to his left and kissed the inside of the post en route to the back of his net.


There were added benefits to the glorious opening for Ireland. France’s defence impressed in the group stage when breached only by one Romanian penalty but was disturbed by the physicality of Murphy and the tireless movement of Long. Ireland’s No9 produced a remarkable shift, partnerin

Mane on Liverpool medicals.

Sadio Mané will have a medical on Merseyside on Monday as Liverpool close in on the signing of the Southampton forward. Liverpool have been in negotiations over the 24-year-old for several weeks and hope to complete a deal for around £30m, with officials at St Mary’s Stadium initially holding out for closer to £40m.

The clubs are understood to have agreed a fee in principle for the Senegal forward and Mané will travel to Liverpool for a medical and to finalise personal terms. The transfer should be completed within the next few days.
Mané will join a well-trodden path of players to leave St Mary’s for Anfield in recent seasons following Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Rickie Lambert. He was dropped by Ronald Koeman in January amid interest from Manchester United but despite going four months without a goal, ended last season as the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals in all competitions.

Jürgen Klopp turned his attention to Mané after the Liverpool manager was frustrated in his attempts to lure his primary target, Mario Götze, from Bayern Munich.

Southampton have already acted to replace Mané, completing the signing of Norwich’s Nathan Redmond on Saturday on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £10m.

Messi quit after copa defeat.

Lionel Messi has said his international career is over at the age of 29 after he blazed a penalty over the bar in Argentina’s defeat in the Copa América final to Chile.

The Argentina captain missed his spot-kick in the decisive shootout at Met Life Stadium, which Chile went on to win 4-2 and secure a second Copa crown in two years, and was disconsolate on the pitch after the game.
It’s tough, it’s not the time for analysis,” he said. “In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it’s not for me. That’s the way I feel right now, it’s a huge sadness once again and I missed the penalty that was so important.

“I tried so hard to be [a] champion with Argentina. But it didn’t happen. I couldn’t do it. I think it’s best for everyone, for me and for many people who want it. The choice for me is over, it is a decision. I tried many times [to be a champion] but did not.”

The defeat continued Argentina’s 23-year trophyless run and Messi’s own personal misery now extends to four lost finals with the national side – at the 2014 World Cup against Germany and at three Copa Américas, in 2007, 2015 and now 2016.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said: “The burden of the consecutive games [lost] has been accumulating these last two years. He feels like you would expect a player to feel after playing and losing a final.”
Messi had enjoyed another impressive outing in the latest final of his international career but failed to find a finishing touch over 120 minutes of play.

Still, few would have expected him to miss from 12 yards after Chile’s Arturo Vidal had seen the first kick of the shootout saved by Sergio Romero. But the Barcelona forward conspired to balloon the ball over the bar and pass up the chance to give his side an early advantage.

Lucas Biglia also missed for Argentina with his penalty being saved by Messi’s Barcelona team-mate Claudio Bravo, before Chilean midfielder Francisco Silva scored the decisive spot-kick.

Messi, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was representing his country for the 112th time since making his debut in 2005 as an 18-year-old.

In that time he scored 55 times, including five this tournament. He surpassed Gabriel Batistuta’s all-time leading mark of 54 for Argentina with a superb free-kick in last week’s semi-final against the US.
Messi’s numbers are unparalleled and I think they’ll remain that way forever, because it’s impossible for a football player to do what Messi has done,” said Juan Antonio Pizzi, the Chile coach who is from Argentina. “My generation can’t compare him to [Diego] Maradona that’s for my generation, because of what Maradona did for Argentine soccer. But I think the best player ever played today here in the United States.”

Immediately after Sunday’s shock announcement, goalkeeper Romero said he hoped Messi would change his mind. “I think Leo spoke in the heat of the moment because we missed that great chance,” said Romero.

Messi now stands to miss the 2018 World Cup, with the odds of Argentina breaking their long-standing major trophy drought in Russia just having lengthened significantly.

Jamie vardy pens new deal.

Jamie Vardy decided to snub a move to Arsenal as he was not convinced they play the right style of football to suit his game, according to Sky sources.

Leicester announced on Thursday that the England forward has agreed a new four-year deal at the club, which he will sign once he is back from Euro 2016.

Arsenal triggered a release clause in Vardy's contract earlier this month, but Arsene Wenger admitted at the weekend the transfer was dead.
Sky sources understand Vardy's decision was based on his belief that his game would not suit Arsenal's possession-hungry style of football having flourished under the counter-attacking style of Claudio Ranieri's side last season.
The 29-year-old was also swayed by his belief that Leicester have something special as a squad and can not only mount a solid defense of their Premier League title, but make an impact on the Champions League.

Vardy was also not given guarantees by Wenger that he would not be played out of position at the Emirates.
Vardy is understood to have met his agent after England's draw with Slovakia on Monday evening, with the decision to announce his new contract designed to remove any more uncertainty and difficult questions while on England duty in France.
The FA was fully informed of events via Leicester and Roy Hodgson and the FA knew of his decision before it was announced publicly.

Nolito: I'm not yet a city player.

Nolito has admitted he has yet to speak to Pep Guardiola about his proposed move to Manchester City but the Spain forward hinted that the £13.8m transfer to the Premier League is imminent.

As revealed by the Guardian earlier this week, City are confident of completing a deal for the 29-year-old, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Durán, after agreeing to pay his release clause of €18m to Celta Vigo. Barcelona had also registered an interest in signing the player, who began his career at Camp Nou before moving to Benfica and then Granada.
However, speaking ahead of Spain’s last-16 tie against Italy at Euro 2016, Nolito refused to confirm that he has decided to link up with former coach Guardiola.


“We’ll see what happens with my future, but I’m not complaining about how things are going on the pitch for me,” he tod Spanish radio station COPE.

“For now, I’ve not signed for City, I don’t lie - we’ll see.”

When asked if he had spoken to Guardiola, Nolito added: “No. In life you have to be brave and make decisions and I dedicate myself to playing football, which is my passion.”

Hiddink considering Russian job.

Guus Hiddink, who led Russia to the 2008 European Championship semi-finals, said he would be happy to return to his former side as they look to put the misery of an early Euro 2016 exit behind them and prepare for the World Cup their country is hosting in 2018.

The Dutchman, who took on the role of interim Chelsea manager after José Mourinho’s sacking last year, has been linked with the job in the wake of Russia’s poor campaign in France. The Russians drew with England through an injury-time equaliser before losing to Slovakia and Wales to finish bottom of the group.
If I can make a contribution, I will be happy to do so,” he told the Dutch broadcaster NOS. “Russia sit in a particularly complicated situation, not only in the sporting arena but also in terms of their image,” said the 69-year-old, who coached Russia from 2006 to 2010.

“Sport can help them, although it is perhaps my idealistic thinking, to project a better image out to the world.”

Russia are looking for a new coach after Leonid Slutsky said he would not continue after they were eliminated on Monday. “I think after a tournament like this, you need someone else to take charge of the national side at major tournaments,” he said.

Spurs bid rejected.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a €14m (£10.7m) offer rejected by Alkmaar for the striker Vincent Janssen, with the Dutch club holding out for €20m.

Mauricio Pochettino is keen to add to his limited options up front and the Tottenham manager made a personal check on Janssen at the end of last month, when he watched him play for Holland against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season, finishing as the Dutch league’s top scorer and forcing his way into the Holland squad. He was developed as a youth player by Feyenoord but they did not offer him a contract and AZ signed him for €400,000 from Almere City. He has three years to run on his current deal.


It is understood that Tottenham proposed to spread the transfer-fee payments over a three-year period, which Alkmaar were not happy about. The club’s technical director, Max Huiberts, said: “The difference between the offer and the asking price is too big. I hear a lot of rumours but nobody else has made an offer.”

Pochettino wants to add depth and quality to his squad, ahead of their qualification for the Champions League group phase and he has already completed an £11m deal for the midfielder, Victor Wanyama, from his previous club Southampton.

Wanyama sign for Spur.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Victor Wanyama from Southampton for a fee of around £11m, with the Kenyan midfielder signing a five-year deal at White Hart Lane.
Wanyama, who played under Mauricio Pochettino at St Mary’s, has become Spurs’ first signing of the summer and will add extra strength to central midfield, where he may now be paired alongside Eric Dier. Tottenham will also have the Champions League to contend with next season, making the need for additional options even more important.

Southampton signed Wanyama from Celtic in 2013 for £12.5m and were determined to earn the best financial return from his sale.


The 24-year-old scored four times in 97 appearances for the club but had wanted to leave last summer. Tottenham made an unsuccessful attempt to sign him then, with Southampton refusing to allow one of their key players to move. But with only 12 months remaining on his contract, a transfer this summer was almost inevitable.

Tottenham are also looking to secure additional cover for Harry Kane but have not yet submitted a bid for AZ Alkmaar’s Vincent Janssen.

The striker visited Tottenham’s training ground two weeks ago after Pochettino watched him play a friendly for Holland against the Republic of Ireland and discussions were held about his future.

Janssen is currently on holiday and has also held talks with the German club Wolfsburg, though Spurs remain his preferred choice.

Spain drop to second after defeat.

Croatia finished top of Group D in Euro 2016 after Ivan Perisic's late goal gave them a 2-1 win over European champions Spain, who will face Italy in the last 16.

Perisic's deflected effort in the 87th minute beat David de Gea at his near post, after Sergio Ramos had missed a second-half penalty for Spain.

Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead in Bordeaux with his third goal of the tournament, converting into an empty net after Cesc Fabregas had lofted the ball over Danijel Subasic one-on-one.

Croatia equalised on the stroke of half-time through Nikola Kalinic, who superbly flicked home Perisic's left-wing cross from close range.

Ramos had the chance to make it 2-1 from the penalty spot with 18 minutes remaining after David Silva had been brought down by Sime Vrsaljko, but Subasic saved well to his right.
The result means Croatia will play one of the third-placed sides from Group B, E or F in Lens on Saturday, while Spain will play Italy at the Stade de France in Paris on Monday in a repeat of the 2012 final.

Vicente del Bosque kept the same starting XI that beat both Turkey and Czech Republic in the opening group games, while Luka Modric was missing for Croatia through injury.
It was Manchester City's Silva who played a big part in Spain's opener, slipping a fine ball inside for Chelsea midfielder Fabregas, whose dinked effort over Subasic was turned home on the line by Morata.

Silva's cross was then turned goalwards by Nolito, only to see the shot fall a yard wide, before at the other end De Gea beat away Kalinic's effort from 20 yards.

Croatia then came close after De Gea was caught in possession, Ivan Rakitic cleverly chipping the ball over the Manchester United goalkeeper, only to see the ball hit the underside of the crossbar, then the post, then Gerard Pique's foot and clear.
Spain could have made it 2-0 on two occasions before the break; first, Ramos miscued a free header from Silva's corner, before Fabregas' superb through ball was miscontrolled by Morata, and Croatia soon made them pay.

After persistence at the byline, Perisic's dangerous ball found Kalinic, who had got ahead of Ramos in the six-yard box, before the former Blackburn man's finish slipped past De Gea for 1-1.
Euro 2012 winners Spain found it difficult after the break, as the hard-working Croatia contained Del Bosque's side, hitting them on the counter-attack.

De Gea was again unconvincing in the second half, seeing his weak punch fall to Rakitic, but the Barcelona midfielder's poke towards goal fortuitously hit De Gea in the body.

Ramos had another fine chance to score from a Silva corner, but his unmarked header went a foot wide of Subasic's left-hand post.
Spain were then handed a controversial penalty as Vrsaljko bundled down Silva in the box, but after captain Darijo Srna gave Subasic instructions to dive right as Ramos stepped up, the stopper answered the command and beat away the Real Madrid defender's effort.

While replays showed the penalty decision was harsh, Subasic was in fact two yards off his line when Ramos struck his spot kick.

With three minutes remaining Croatia grabbed the winner, racing upfield on the break through Perisic, who drove into the box and netted from an angle as his shot deflected off Gerard Pique and past De Gea at his near post on a night to forget for the United stopper.

Silva saw a last-gasp effort heroically blocked by Vrsaljko, and Croatia held on to condemn Spain to their first defeat in a European Championship since 2004.

Vardy still on decision.

Arsenal hoped to wrap up the signing of Jamie Vardy before Euro 2016, but a transfer that looked inevitable has been thrown into doubt as the Leicester striker stalls on his future.

Over two weeks since triggering Vardy's £20m release clause, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he expects the striker to stay at the King Power Stadium, while Leicester's vice-chairman says he is confident Vardy will reject the Gunners to pen a new contract with the Premier League champions.

Sky sources say Vardy is still deliberating, but what would it mean for Arsenal if he turned them down? What would it mean for the Foxes? And what would it say about the Premier League in general?

For Arsenal, it would not be the first time a high-profile striker pursuit has ended in frustration. The Gunners' issues up front date back to Robin van Persie's departure to Manchester United in 2012, with Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain the most notable names to have slipped through their fingers.
But while Wenger could point to Liverpool and Real Madrid's financial demands as the decisive factors behind missing out on Suarez and Higuain, Vardy's case is different. This time, there is no ambiguity over a buy-out clause. Even Claudio Ranieri has admitted the decision lies solely with the striker.

Outright rejection by a player who was playing non-league football just four years ago would certainly raise awkward questions of Arsenal. Do they still have the same draw? Are they viewed as credible challengers for major honours?
On the one hand, it is not inconceivable that Vardy might favour his chances at Leicester. The Foxes overcame 5,000-1 odds to achieve the unthinkable last season; Arsenal haven't won the title in over a decade.

And while Wenger's men are 6/1 to win it next year compared to Leicester at 33/1, they haven't mounted a lasting challenge since finishing four points off the top in 2007/08.
It would be understandable for Vardy to ponder Arsenal's pitfalls as he considers his options, but there is little evidence to suggest the Gunners have lost their draw.

Arsenal remain one of the richest and most prestigious clubs in the world, and the recent arrivals of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech suggest the attraction is in fact stronger than ever.

Rejection would be an undoubted blow for Wenger in his search for an elite goalscorer, but for Vardy the decision would say more about Leicester than Arsenal. The 29-year-old has become a talisman and leader under Ranieri, he is cherished by fans, and Leicester's counter-attacking system is perfectly-tailored to his strengths.

Leicester signs Hernandez.

Leicester have signed centre-back Luis Hernandez on a four-year contract, after his contract with Sporting Gijon expired.

Hernandez, 27, will join up with the club on July 1.

The 6'0" Spaniard, a former Real Madrid trainee, played 140 games for Gijon, and helped them preserve their La Liga status on the final day of the season, Sporting beating Villarreal 2-0.

He confirmed he would leave the club at the end of the season, writing: "Yesterday I took off [the shirt] for the last time and I feel that these red and white stripes will be stuck to me forever.
Very soon I will announce my new destination."

A statement on the Leicester website said: "With the Foxes set to embark upon their first-ever UEFA Champions League campaign in 2016/17, the addition of Hernandez bolsters what is an already formidable stable of defenders…

"Hernandez has built a solid reputation for himself as a ball-playing defender with an excellent ability to read the game."
Hernandez becomes Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri's second signing of the summer following the capture of German keeper Ron-Robert Zieler from Hannover.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic set for retirement.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will retire from international football after Euro 2016.

Sweden's record goalscorer will quit this summer at the age of 34, and his last game could come as early as Wednesday night.

The Swedes go into the Nice meeting with Belgium on the verge of elimination having taken just one point from their opening two games.

Ibrahimovic, who is expected to join Manchester United, said: "I will not participate in the Olympics because my last game will be the last game Sweden does in this Euro. So let's hope it goes as long as possible.

"To finish in a disappointment, never. Because I'm very proud to be the captain of Sweden and of what I've achieved.
"I want to take this moment and thank all the supporters because they made it possible for me to achieve what I have achieved. Without them it would not have been possible.

"So wherever I go, wherever I come, I'll allays bring the Swedish flag with me and stand with it. So for me disappointment doesn't exist, only proudness. I'm very thankful. So thank you."
Ibrahimovic has 62 international goals and is aiming to become the first player to score in four European Championship finals tournaments.

He drew a blank as Sweden drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland in their first game and lost 1-0 to Italy in their second.
Sweden coach Erik Hamren said: "You need a whole press conference on what I think, but of course he has made a huge contribution to the Swedish national side.

"He has been such an important figure for Swedish football as a whole. He has been fantastic for the national team, for Sweden and I think we can talk about that for hours.

"We have one international player who is at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and that is Zlatan," he added. "Zlatan is a huge character and he has really helped Swedish football. He is a big loss. He is unique."

N.ireland qualify despite lost.

Northern Ireland secured qualification for the last 16 of Euro 2016 despite losing 1-0 to Germany in Paris.

The world champions, who finished top of the group, created ample chances against third-place finishers Northern Ireland but only took one of them through Mario Gomez as they found goalkeeper Michael McGovern in inspired form.

Michael O'Neill's team finish with three points and are guaranteed to be one of the four best third-placed sides after Turkey's 2-0 win over Czech Republic in Group D.

Northern Ireland, Turkey and Albania all finished third in their group with three points, but O'Neill's side's goal difference is superior to the other two teams.

Meanwhile, Germany will face a third-placed team from Group A, B or F in the last 16.
Germany set up camp in the Northern Irish half from the first whistle and barely left it for the following 90 minutes.

Conor Washington was cut adrift in attack for O'Neill's men, who kept the same team that historically beat Ukraine 2-0 last Thursday.
McGovern was quickly to the forefront of the action. He was quick off his line to deny Thomas Muller on nine minutes before blocking further attempts from Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil.

Muller headed against the post on 28 minutes but McGovern's defence was breached two minutes later.

Ozil, who was working his magic in midfield, released Muller in on goal and he teed up Gomez to fire home via a Gareth McAuley deflection.
Jamie Ward registered Northern Ireland's only shot on target in the game just before half-time - a speculative 30-yard strike that was straight at Manuel Neuer.

Gotze was again thwarted by a strong McGovern right hand just after the break.
With Northern Ireland posing little threat at the other end, Germany took their foot off the gas in the closing stages but did nearly double the lead through Gomez, whose header was clawed away by McGovern.

The soon-to-be out-of-contract Hamilton goalkeeper did his chances of finding a new club no harm with this performance as the Green and White Army's amazing adventure rolls on to the knockout stages.

City close to Nolito deal.

Manchester City are confident of completing the signing of the Spain forward Nolito from Celta Vigo as Pep Guardiola steps up his recruitment drive for the new Premier League season.

The 29-year-old, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Durán, is currently part of the Spain squad at Euro 2016 having scored 12 goals in La Liga last season. Barcelona had also registered an interest in signing the player, who began his career at Camp Nou before moving to Benfica and then Granada and has a release clause of €18m (£13.8m).

But it is understood City have already agreed personal terms with Nolito over a three-year contract with an option of a one-year extension worth around €4m a season, with the player keen to link up with Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
If he does arrive, Nolito would become Guardiola’s second signing since he succeeded Manuel Pellegrini as manager. Germany international lkay Gündogan joined the club earlier this month, although attempts to buy Aymeric Laporte were scuppered when the French defender signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao.

Italy and ireland not to train due to bad pitch.

Uefa has told Italy and the Republic of Ireland that they will not be allowed to train at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille before their Group E game on Wednesday because of damage to the playing surface.

Instead both sides will train at their own bases on Tuesday before travelling to Lille. They will, however, be permitted to walk on the pitch before the game.
Roy Keane, the Republic assistant, is not concerned about being unable to train at the stadium but is hopeful the surface will be up to scratch come kick-off. “Me personally, I’m not too bothered. Some of the players would probably like to get a feel for the pitch but it’s obviously the same for both teams and we’ve done this before, gone away and not training on the surface. We’ve got enough on our plate without worrying about the surface; hopefully it will be alright on the night.”


Reports in France over the weekend suggested certain parts of the pitch were being painted green, while extractor fans have been used in an attempt to improve the condition of the surface. There have been unseasonal levels of rain in Lille over the past fortnight, and the stadium’s retractable roof was used for Slovakia’s 2-1 win over Russia last week.

Several France and Switzerland players lost their footing on the surface during last night’s scoreless draw in Group A. The hosts’ manager, Didier Deschamps, was quite annoyed by the pitch, saying after the game: “It’s only the group stage and already it looks like that.”

Albania historic win.

Armando Sadiku's goal saw Albania record an historic 1-0 win over Romania at Euro 2016 on Sunday, a result that sees them finish third in Group A.

Sadiku's header two minutes before half-time after a mistake by Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu - Albania's first goal at a major tournament - ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.

As a result, Albania finished third on three points and are now in with a chance of progressing to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, while last-placed Romania go home having collected just one point.
Romania made five changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Switzerland last time out, with both the experienced Razvan Rat and Mihai Pintilii still missing through injury.
Meanwhile, Albania boss Gianni De Biasi - who made just one alteration from the 1-0 defeat to France in midweek - opted to leave Lorik Cana on the bench, despite his captain having serving a one-match suspension for his sending-off in the opening game against the Swiss.

However, it was Romania who started the better of the two as they went in search of the win that both teams needed to have any hope of making it through to the knockout stage of the competition.

Bogdan Stancu tested Etrit Berisha early on with a well-struck volley from the edge of the area, but while Romania may have dominated possession, they found it hard to carve out any meaningful opportunities in the opening quarter of the contest.

In fact it was Albania who should have taken the lead midway through the first half following a lightening quick counterattack that ended with Andi Lila being released down the right flank.

However, despite playing an inch-perfect ball across the across the six-yard box, Ermir Lenjani somehow side-footed over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

That miss, though, was soon forgotten as Albania took a 43rd-minute lead, albeit with a bit of help from Romania No 1 Tatarusanu, the tallest 'keeper at Euro 2016.

Albania worked the ball to Ledian Memushaj following a throw in on the right-hand touchline, with the Pescara midfielder then crossing a hopeful centre towards Sadiku at the far post.

Tatarusanu came from the cross, but misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Sadiku the chance to head into an unguarded net to spark jubilant scenes both in the Albania end and the technical area.

If Albania were expecting a second-half onslaught from Romania, though, they were much mistaken, with Anghel Iordanescu's men struggling to create any clear-cut openings after the break, despite making three changes before the 70th minute.

One of those substitutes, Florin Andone, came closest to grabbing an unlikely equaliser 14 minutes from time, but after being slid down the right-hand channel of the box, his sweetly struck shot crashed against the bar.

Thereafter, Albania held on with relatively few scares to record their maiden victory at the finals of a major tournament, and so becoming just the third first timers to achieve that feat at the European championship.

However, De Biasi and Co will now have to wait to discover if their first win over Romania since 1948 has kept them in Euro 2016.

France and Swiss through.

France and Switzerland progressed to the last 16 of Euro 2016 from Group A in first and second place respectively after a goalless draw in Lille.

Paul Pogba had the better of the chances in the first half, forcing Yann Sommer into a fine save from inside the area before hitting the crossbar from range.

Second-half substitute Dimitri Payet, who has two goals to his name already in the tournament, nearly grabbed a winner with 15 minutes remaining, seeing his superb volley from an angle smash off the crossbar.
The result means France will play one of the third-place sides from Group C, D or E, while Switzerland will play the runner-up of Group C, which includes Germany, Poland and Northern Ireland.

In Group A's other game, Romania were eliminated from the competition after a 1-0 defeat by Albania, who are on three points and stand a chance of reaching the last 16 as one of the four best third-place sides.
With France assured of a last 16 place before the game, Didier Deschamps made five changes, reintroducing Antoine Griezmann and Pogba, while Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Andre-Pierre Gignac were also given a chance.

On a slippery pitch in Lille, not trained on by either side in the build-up to the game, France had the better of the first-half chances.
But it was the Swiss who pushed early on as Pogba's miscued clearance from a corner fell goalwards, only for the ball to hit Johan Djourou three yards out before France cleared.

Pogba did show his attacking prowess at the other end, coming close three times in quick succession. First, his curling effort from 25 yards was knocked onto the top of the bar after an unconvincing save by Sommer, before the Swiss stopper was at his best to tip away Pogba's fierce left-footed drive from an angle.

Then, as Pogba picked the ball up from distance and composed himself, the Juventus midfielder's speculative 30-yard effort clipped the top of the crossbar and went clear.

The Swiss had more of the ball in the opening stages of the second half, but France again had more of the clear-cut openings.
Griezmann, who had played a fine one-two with Gignac, could not wrap his weaker right foot around the ball from 18 yards as Sommer tipped his effort over the bar, before Payet was introduced to a rapturous reception from the home crowd.

The West Ham midfielder didn't take long to get involved, and nearly scored a superb winner in the latter stages, hitting the crossbar from the left angle with a fine, side-footed volley from Sissoko's deep cross.

Switzerland had a good appeal for a penalty turned down in injury time after Blerim Dzemaili was brought down by Bacary Sagna, but Slovenian referee Damir Skomina waved play on to leave the game goalless.

France can now rest before their last 16 clash in Lyon on June 26, while Switzerland will be back in action in Saint Etienne on June 25.

Hodgson gambles on Rooney drop.

Wayne Rooney heads a list of six high-profile changes to England’s starting lineup for the final group B fixture against Slovakia on Monday night as Roy Hodgson takes a calculated gamble to rest key members of his squad in anticipation of reaching the knockout stages.

England need a point to be sure of progress to the last 16 and a victory to ensure they top the section, but Hodgson’s desire to freshen up his selection sees him even prepared to rest his captain, outstanding in midfield in the two games to date, with one eye on a knockout tie this weekend.

Rooney is set to be replaced by Jordan Henderson, now fully recovered from a knee injury, and Jack Wilshere will also be integrated into a new-look midfield three in which Eric Dier is the only survivor. The Tottenham Hotspur full-backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose will also be given a breather, having illuminated the tournament so far, with Hodgson confident Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand will have a similar positive impact.
Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy, who were introduced at half-time against Wales and scored the goals which won that match, are to start. Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling are the other players who drop to the bench.

It may be considered risky to start Wilshere and Henderson given their respective fitness issues in the buildup to the tournament. Eyebrows will also be raised at the omission of Rooney when it was felt he would benefit from more matches in a relatively unfamiliar position before, England hope, they face elite opponents in the knockout rounds.

The combined caps of the players in midfield and attack is 120, only a handful more than the 113 Rooney has.

No friendship in pitch say skrtel.

Martin Skrtel has admitted he would be willing to kick his Liverpool club-mate Daniel Sturridge if the striker were bearing down on goal as England and Slovakia seek to secure progress out of Group B at Stade Geoffrey-Guichard.

The centre-half, who is expected to end an eight-year spell in England this summer, could come up against a quintet of his Anfield team-mates, having also played with Raheem Sterling on Merseyside. His potential duel with Sturridge, who created one goal and scored another against Wales, has caught the imagination and Skrtel is ready to nullify the striker’s threat however he can.
It’s not a normal situation but we’re professionals and this is part of the job,” Skrtel, 31, said. “I know them and they know me, though there’s more to the match than just that.

“In a game like this there are no such things as ‘friends’. You can be friends before or after the match but not out on the pitch where everyone will be giving his all for his team and doing his best to win the game. If you asked Daniel, he’d answer the same. We just try and do the best we can for our team. If that means having to kick him if he is through on goal, then yes. Of course I will.

“It will be a special occasion because I’ve been playing in England for so long but this is not only about Daniel Sturridge. It’s about the other strikers, too. We have to be ready as a team and to be better than them. We’re not looking at personalities but their strengths as a team. So it doesn’t matter if it’s Sturridge, Kane or Vardy. We have to control them and be better than them.
These guys are club-mates but that can be as much of a disadvantage as advantage for me. We just have to be focused to try and neutralise their strengths and prevail with our own qualities. We have watched them a few times and know what to expect. We just have to take that knowledge into the game itself.”

Chelsea and Arsenal in for Boufal.

Chelsea and Arsenal are both in contention to sign Sofiane Boufal from Lille but face competition from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid for the Morocco forward.

The French club have already indicated that Boufal, who joined from Angers last January for just €4m, will leave this summer, with the fee expected to be around €25m (£19.6m). A number of English clubs have been monitoring his progress as the 22-year-old scored 11 times in his first full top-flight season and won the award for Best African Player in Ligue 1.

But despite there being previous interest from Liverpool and Tottenham, so far only Arsenal and Chelsea have indicated that they would be willing meet Lille’s asking price, with Boufal’s agent confirming on Saturday that he has also held talks with teams in Spain.
We did have a meeting with the leadership of FC Barcelona in the last few weeks. There is an interest,” Yvan Le Mée told Le10 sport. “Now the reflection is whether Sofiane Boufal will go to Barcelona to compete with MSN (Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar) or should he go to a club where he is going to start matches and express his exceptional talent.

“We have also initiated discussions with three other clubs that interest us, but they either have or will change their coach or the coach is in charge of a national team at the Euros. In England, there is interest, but the English market is just beginning. A transfer of 20 and 25 million euros is not resolved in two weeks, of course.”

Paris Saint-Germain, who are expected to appoint Unai Emery next week to replace Laurent Blanc, are understood to be one of those clubs, while Chelsea’s new manager, Antonio Conte, is currently coaching Italy at Euro 2016. Arsenal also have a long-standing interest having scouted Boufal extensively since January.

A product of the youth system at Angers, Boufal is comfortable out wide or as a No10. He is currently recuperating after injuring his knee at the start of May, but that is not expected to obstruct any move. Born in Paris, he opted to represent Morocco – for whom he qualifies through his parents – earlier this year and made his debut against Cape Verde in March.

Leicester close to sign Mendy.

Leicester are close to completing the signing of the France Under-21 midfielder Nampalys Mendy after Nice accepted a revised offer of around £10m, although the Premier League champions could still make a move to sign Mario Lemina from Juventus as well.

It is understood that Mendy, who played under Ranieri at Monaco before moving to Nice in 2013 for an undisclosed fee after his contract expired, will fly to England on Monday to finalise his transfer after several weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.

The 23-year-old defensive central midfielder is considered by the Italian to be the ideal replacement for the France international N’Golo Kanté, who has a £20m release clause in his contract and has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, it is also understood that the Gabon midfielder Lemina remains on Leicester’s radar despite having only completed a permanent move to the Italian champions in April. The 22-year-old joined from Marseille for £7.5m having spent the season on loan in Turin but will be allowed to leave.

Leicester also offered almost £12m to sign him last week before submitting their latest bid for Mendy but could still return for Lemina as Ranieri seeks to strengthen his squad before the new season. The newly-promoted Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are also in the frame for a player who began his career at the French side Lorient.

Vardy to remain at Leicester confirm wenger.

Arsene Wenger believes England striker Jamie Vardy will snub a move to Arsenal and stay at Leicester City.

In an interview with Chinese television, Arsenal boss Wenger said: "Jamie Vardy is, at the moment, at Leicester and from what I know, he will stay at Leicester."

Sky sources understand the Leicester striker has talked with Arsenal after the Gunners triggered a release clause in his contract with a £20m bid.

On Saturday, speaking at England's 2016 training base at Chantilly, Vardy insisted he was not thinking about his club future.
I'm just here completely focusing on England and that's all I want to do at the moment," said the 29-year-old.

"We're here to represent England and that's all I want to think about."

its painful say Ronaldo after draw.

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he was "sad" after his penalty miss on Saturday but says Portugal must still believe in their Euro 2016 dream.

Portugal were held to a goalless stalemate by Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris - a second consecutive draw after their Group F opener against Iceland - but Ronaldo is remaining optimistic ahead of Wednesday evening's crunch clash against Hungary in Lyon.

Ronaldo, making his 128th appearance for Portugal - a national record - had been hoping the Austria game would see him become the first player to score at four consecutive European Championship finals.

However, the 31-year-old missed his chance after his penalty shot in the 79th minute came back off the post.

"Obviously it was a goal to be the most capped international player, and also to be the national team's top scorer," Ronaldo said.
But I'm a bit sad, because this wasn't the way I wanted to break this record. The most beautiful way would have been...," he added, shaking his head.

"It wasn't something we wanted," he said of the result. "We had a lot of chances and we did well, but we weren't able to finish.

I also missed some chances - a penalty and some other chances. But that's part of football. We need to continue to believe."

The Real Madrid star is, nonetheless, remaining optimistic about Portugal's chances of progressing further into the competition.

"The players, we need to think that it's still possible," he added. "If we win (against Hungary), we qualify. And also the Portuguese people, the fans who love Portugal, they also have to believe in it.
"The bad won't last forever, so we need to believe that things will go better."

Despite a disappointing performance, Ronaldo made one man who ran onto the pitch very happy by joining in a selfie with him, before the elated supporter was bundled away by security staff.

The 0-0 draw at the Parc des Princes leaves Hungary, who gained a point in a 1-1 draw with Iceland in Marseille earlier on Saturday, as the surprise Group F leaders with a game to play.

Austria must win their final match with Iceland at the Stade de France to avoid going home.

Rooney hoping to retire at Man United.

Wayne Rooney would be happy to sign a new contract at Manchester United and end his playing career at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old has three seasons left on his current deal but believes he can go on for longer after former United manager Louis van Gaal moved him into a deeper central midfield role last season.

According to the Sun on Sunday, Rooney has now said he would be willing to extend his current deal and see out his playing days at the club.
"I have a contract at the club that I want to see out and wouldn't be against extending it - but that's up to the club," he said.
Rooney (245) needs just five goals to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton (249) as United's all-time leading goalscorer. He is eighth in the appearances table with 520 - some way behind Ryan Giggs, who notched up 963.

A new deal would take the England captain to more than 15 years at United and would see him prolong his link-up with Jose Mourinho, who tried to sign him for Chelsea.

Seen as a natural successor to retired United and England midfielder Paul Scholes, Rooney earned positive reviews as a midfielder towards the end of last season and was influential in United's 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley in May.

Hungarian,Belgian,Portuguese charge by Uefa.

UEFA has charged the Hungarian, Belgian and Portuguese football associations for fan disorder at Euro 2016.

UEFA says its disciplinary panel will consider charges against Hungary of "crowd disturbances", throwing objects and setting off fireworks.

Fans clashed with stewards and some police before Saturday's Group F game with Iceland in Marseille when trying to climb a fence to enter a section behind one goal.

Riot police then formed in lines in front of a section of Hungary fans, in the same end of the Stade Velodrome where Russians attacked England fans a week earlier.

Hungary fans then lit or threw flares or firecrackers during the national anthems, when Iceland were awarded a penalty kick, and after their team scored a late goal in a 1-1 draw.

The Belgian FA has been charged after a section of their fans set off fireworks and threw objects during the team's 3-0 Group E victory over the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux on Saturday.
And the Portuguese are in trouble over a pitch invasion by a supporter during their 0-0 draw with Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Messi scored as Argentina will USA in semifinal.

Lionel Messi scored one and created two in his first Copa America Centenario start to lead Argentina to a 4-1 win over Venezuela – and into a semi-final against the United States.
Messi’s goal after an hour gave Argentina a 3-0 lead and was his 54th for the national team, equalling the record set by Gabriel Batistuta. The Barcelona star also became the leading scorer in this year’s Copa America with his fourth goal of the tournament.

Argentina now have two days to rest before playing USA in Houston in a mouthwatering semi-final on Tuesday night. The Americans have been off since beating Ecuador on Thursday.

With many fans in Gillette Stadium wearing Argentina and Barcelona shirts with “Messi 10” on the back, the five-time Fifa world player of the year started the game after playing a total of just 74 minutes in the three group stage matches. Just eight minutes in, he found Gonzalo Higuain with a brilliant long pass, and the Napoli striker made it 1-0.

Messi gathered it in from the right touchline and lofted a beautiful pass to Higuain, who split two defenders and beat Dani Hernandez with a well-struck low shot. Higuain scored again in the 28th to make it 2-0, picking up an errant backpass by Venezuela midfielder Arquimedes Figuera and sidestepping Hernandez before slotting home.

In the 42nd minute, Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero tripped Josef Martinez in the box, but from the resulting penalty, Luis Manuel Seijas got it all wrong: he tried to chip it down the middle, but Romero stood tall and caught it with ease. Salomon Rondon had earlier hit the post with a header.

Messi made it 3-0 when he took a pass from Nicolas Gaitan just outside the six-yard box and poked home. It followed another defensive error.

Venezuela finally beat Romero in the 70th minute when Rondon glanced in a header from Guerra’s telling cross. But Messi fed Erik Lamela a minute later, and the Tottenham forward made it 4-1

O'neil relaxed over Belgium encounter.

Colombia progress to semifinals.

David Ospina dived to his left, and Peru’s Miguel Trauco sent his penalty kick down the middle, a yard above the ground. The 27-year-old Colombian goalkeeper kicked out his trailing right leg, and booted the ball away to give Colombia an advantage in the shootout.

About two minutes later, Christian Cueva stood over the ball, looked skyward, exhaled deeply and skied La Blanquirroja’s final attempt over the crossbar.

With a 4-2 penalty-kicks victory after a 0-0 tie Friday night, Colombia reached the Copa America semi-finals for the first time since 2004.

“We goalkeepers have the advantage that we can use any part of the body,” said Ospina, Petr Cech’s backup at Arsenal. “What matters is to stop the ball – with the ears, the nose, whatever. We goalkeepers have many resources.”

Third-ranked Colombia, which won its only Copa title at home in 2001, play Wednesday in Chicago against the winner of Saturday night’s quarterfinal between Mexico and defending champion Chile. The United States face Argentina or Venezuela at Houston on Tuesday in the first semifinal of the expanded tournament, played with 16 nations from throughout the Americas to celebrate the event’s 100th anniversary.

“We came into this match feeling a greater obligation,” Colombia coach Jose Peckerman said.

After Cueva’s miss, Colombian players ran out to celebrate with Ospina, who pumped both arms three times. Cueva turned and contorted his face in pain and covered it with both hands. Ospina walked over to join Peruvian players in consoling the 24-year-old midfielder.

“Being eliminated on penalties hurts even more,” said Peru coach Ricardo Gareca, who overhauled his team, and used a mostly young roster in the tournament. “It was the least pretty game of all we played.”

Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and Dayro Moreno converted the first three penalty kicks for Colombia, beating goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Raul Ruidiaz, Renato Tapia had made the first two for Peru.

Ospina played just four Premier League matches for the Gunners last season and a few others in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. His sister, Daniela, is married to Colombia star attacker James Rodriguez.

“David is a great player,” Rodriguez said. “I wish he stays on the national team for many years. I love David, and today he was great.”

Before a sellout crowd of 79,194 at MetLife Stadium, most wearing yellow in support of Colombia, Ospina also made an outstanding save in the second minute of second-half stoppage time. Cueva took just the second corner kick for Peru of the night and Ospina leaped to tip Christian Ramos’ header over the crossbar.

“We felt like we were the home team every time we played here,” Ospina said.

Ranked 48th, Peru had advanced from the group stage with a controversial Ruidiaz goal on a hand ball that knocked out Brazil.

Rodriguez had the best chance of the first half, taking a layoff from Edwin Cardona in the 22nd minute, dribbling through the midfield and curling a 23-yard right-footed shot that bounced off the inside of a post and bounded out. Carlos Bacca sent the rebound into the side netting.

Neither nation managed a shot on target in the first half, and each had just one on the second. Play became more open in the last 15 minutes as teams tried to avoid a shootout. Under the tournament’s rules, extra time is used only for the final, so the teams went straight to penalty kicks.

“We know that we can do better,” Peckerman said.

On fire Morata send spain through.

There was nothing false about Spain’s forward line on a night when they cruised into the knockout stage of the European Championship. The search for cutting edge from some form of attacking focal point is nothing new and Álvaro Morata excelled with Nolito scampering busily in support. Spain’s sense of balance in the team, with the usual foundation of endless, dizzying, passing triangles embellished with the sharpened lines to goal on top, made for an impressive mix.

A Turkey team criticised by their manager, Fatih Terim, for “throwing in the towel” was unable to halt Spain’s comfortable procession to the tournament’s latter stages. A draw against Croatia in the final Group D game in Bordeaux next Tuesday will be enough for the reigning champions to top their section.

They move on in buoyant mood. Yet to concede a goal and enjoying some sparkling connections up front, they mean business. “It is not worth anything having a good move and not scoring,” mused Vicente del Bosque afterwards, reflecting on how good it felt to add end product to their progressive passing.

“We have had our first objective completed to qualify for the next round, we did it with a good performance, controlling the game for 90 minutes and scoring goals which we haven’t done recently, so it was perfect,” he said. “We are on a good path but we haven’t won anything. This is just the group stage and there is still a long way to go.”

Del Bosque selected the same lineup in successive games for the first time in 52 matches. Blending new talent to replace some of the departed greats has been the aim but it was no surprise to see Andrés Iniesta running the show with a masterclass to provide the platform that allowed some of the less experienced players to express themselves.

The new faces in attack relished the opportunity to take over. Morata and Nolito took leading roles and tore into Turkey. They played with a zest that gave Spain an edge. Their eagerness to take advantage of a Turkey team who struggled for composure of their own shone through.

Terim was almost satisfied that Turkey clung on for half an hour but then lamented individual errors that invited Spain to do the damage. Frankly it felt as if Spain’s class would click sooner or later and, when it did, a chasm opened up between the two sides. A blur of football that showcased a mix of high-tempo creativity and efficiency helped Spain into a two-goal lead over three thrilling minutes.

First Morata rose to glance Nolito’s cross expertly past Volkan Babacan. It was the kind of goal that epitomised the art of great heading. Then a weaving move left Turkey’s defence discombobulated, Cesc Fàbregas provided a delightful scooped assist and, when Mehmet Topal got his clearance in a muddle, Nolito seized the moment to steer the ball confidently in on the turn.

Spain extended their lead early in the second half. There was a fraction of fortune as Jordi Alba was offside when he received a sumptuous ball from Iniesta delivered with a nonchalant flick of the outside of his boot. Alba helped the ball across for Morata to drill unerringly past Babacan. A couple of minutes later Morata arced another superb header in search of his hat-trick but the ball drifted wide.

With Turkey by now comfortably beaten, the platform for Iniesta to exhibit his mastery was something to behold. Just about every gossamer touch, every subtle shimmy, every exact pass was a perfect little work of art.

Leicester confident of keeping Vardy.

Leicester's vice-chairman believes the club will keep Jamie Vardy, despite the striker being linked with a £20m move to Arsenal.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha says England international Vardy is likely to stay with the Foxes.

After an impressive season which saw him score 24 goals for the surprise Premier League title winners, Vardy has emerged as a transfer target for Arsene Wenger's Gunners.

The 29-year-old is currently playing for England at Euro 2016 and secured a vital equaliser as a substitute in Thursday's 2-1 win over Wales in Lens.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Srivaddhanaprabha said: "You will see the news very soon, but I think he will stay.

"I think so, let's see. We need to build the team. We keep continuing to believe that we can do something special in the Premier League and the Champions League.

"The Champions League is going to be amazing for Leicester. Leicester is the underdog and we can still be the underdog."

The vice-chairman also revealed he enjoys a close relationship with the club's manager, Claudio Ranieri.
We talk a lot. We are like family," Srivaddhanaprabha said of the charismatic Italian.

"I cannot compare myself to another owner but the best thing is we love sport. The first day we talked to the team and we showed that we are doing something we love and that we can succeed.

"I think everyone in Leicester is still pinching themselves. Even the players and staff. Now the season is finished and we have to move on."

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Foxes will begin their title defence away to Championship play-off winners Hull on August 13.

Wanyama on spurs list.

Tottenham and Southampton are edging closer to an agreement for Victor Wanyama to re-join his former manager Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane, according to Sky sources.

It is understood the Saints want to recoup the £12m they paid Celtic for the defensive midfielder in 2013, with Tottenham negotiating to pay slightly less for the 24-year-old, who has just a year remaining on his deal at St Mary's.

Tottenham tried to sign the Kenya international last August when Wanyama told Ronald Koeman he wished to leave and re-join Pochettino, who signed him whilst boss on the south coast, but Southampton refused to sell.

Spurs are keen to sign a new central-midfield 'destroyer' this summer, as they prepare for a return to the Champions League, and they believe Wanyama fits the criteria of a young yet experienced player who can go straight into their first-team squad.

It is understood Celtic will benefit financially from a sell-on clause if the fee Southampton receive is at least £12m, but neither club would comment on Friday evening when asked about the deal.
Meanwhile, Spurs are still deliberating whether to move forward with a deal for Michy Batshuayi or Vincent Janssen in their pursuit of a new striker.

Sky Sports News HQ reported last week that Tottenham had spoken to Janssen after being given permission to do so from AZ Alkmaar and the club are unsure over the £31m asking price for Batshuayi.

Pochettino is also keen to sign a new central defender and attacking midfielder this summer.

Euro16 exit may fasten Zlatan-United move.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is no stranger to the spotlight but the glare is even stronger than usual at Euro 2016. The 34-year-old is due to complete his much-talked about move to Old Trafford after the tournament, and Manchester United supporters are eagerly following their incoming striker's progress in France.

Ibrahimovic has stopped short of confirming the move himself, but he seized an opportunity to talk up his enduring quality last week. "I am getting better with every year that passes," he said when asked about his age. "I want to play on so that I can show that the legend can still deliver. I have been dominating wherever I go. I will continue dominating."

The comments were nothing out of the ordinary for Ibrahimovic, who can point to his 50-goal campaign with Paris St Germain as compelling evidence to silence his doubters. It was the most prolific season of an extraordinary career, but could he replicate his devastating domestic form at Euro 2016? Could he excite United fans and become the first player to score in four European Championships?

There was no record-breaking goal, but the 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland was a reasonable start, as Ibrahimovic's moment of class forced Ciaran Clark to put the ball through his own net for Sweden's equaliser at the Stade de France. "How do you get opposing players to score goals for you - are you a magician?" he was asked after the game. "Yeah, that's it," came the response.
The magician had his work cut out against Italy in Sweden's second Group E game in Toulouse on Friday. Antonio Conte's side earned plenty of plaudits for their resolute defensive display in their 2-0 win over Belgium in Lyon, and the tone was set against Sweden when Giorgio Chiellini bravely beat Ibrahimovic to Kim Kallstrom's cross with a brilliant defensive header in the third minute.

Ibrahimovic enjoyed plenty of fruitful afternoons against Italian defenders during his time in Serie A, but this wasn't one of them. Juventus team-mates Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli formed a fearsome barrier in front of Italy's goal, and the striker's impact was muted in a cagey first half - save for a couple of harmless headers that drifted wide.
Ibrahimovic walked down the tunnel having touched the ball just 23 times - the third-fewest of his Sweden team-mates - with not a single one coming in Italy's box. He was hardly given an inch by the blue shirts lined up in front of Gianluigi Buffon, and the tactic forced him to drop deep in search of the ball. With his strike partner John Guidetti even more peripheral, Sweden carried next to no attacking threat.

The second half brought more of the same. Ibrahimovic cajoled and encouraged his team-mates as they laboured in a game of little quality, but on the rare occasions that a flick or pass found its way to his feet, his control let him down.

A narrow offside call prevented him from sprinting onto an inviting through ball from Albin Ekdal, but he was probably grateful to see the linesman raise his flag not long afterwards. Martin Olsson's excellent low cross missed Sebastian Larsson and reached Ibrahimovic unmarked at the back post, but his first-time effort flew over the bar from a few yards out.
It summed up a frustrating afternoon for Sweden's No 10, who pushed his head against the woodwork in anguish at his profligacy. Just two minutes of normal time remained when Italy striker Eder struck Italy's goal. Erik Hamren's side are yet to muster a single shot on target at Euro 2016, and this time there was no moment of magic from their talisman.

Starved of service and forced away from goal in ways he is not accustomed to, Ibrahimovic had touched the ball 40 times, created no chances and completed just 18 passes when the final whistle blew. His slim hopes of reaching the last-16 now rest on Sweden's clash with Belgium on Wednesday - a game they must win to have any chance of qualification.

An early exit could speed up Ibrahimovic's move to Old Trafford, but

USA into semi-final.

Jürgen Klinsmann called for courage and his players gloriously delivered.

A stellar display from Clint Dempsey in his own Seattle backyard helped Klinsmann earn his first major tournament knock-out triumph: the 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Thursday night sends the US to within one game of the Copa América Centenario final.

They will play either Argentina or Venezuela in Houston on Tuesday and, on this evidence, will give either a serious run for their money.


Dempsey’s 52nd international strike – his third goal of the tournament – early in the first-half settled home nerves before the evergreen 33-year-old crossed for Gyasi Zardes to roll in the killer second on 65 minutes.

The LA Galaxy forward’s goal was crucial in ensuring a match which threatened to boil over was kept just out of Ecuador’s reach as heads began to get lost in a red mist. Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia and Jermaine Jones were both sent-off in an unseemly, crazy incident five minutes after half-time which ratcheted up the intensity levels at a raucous CenturyLink Field.

Valencia’s sly kick on Alejandro Bedoya saw Jones react by landing a punch, albeit a weak one, on the winger’s chin. It sparked mayhem and, on reflection, neither player will be rushing to watch a DVD of the incident.

Ecuador, for the most part, were disappointing and really only came alive once the terrier-like Michael Arroyo had pulled one back on 74 minutes. All of a sudden, the US looked fallible and were ultimately thankful for the wastefulness of West Ham’s Enner Valencia who spurned two gilt-edged chances.


The emotion was laid bare on Klinsmann’s face at the nerve-shredding denouement, the normally placid German becoming involved in a slanging match with Ecuador players who were beginning to lose their heads as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes.

Yet the evening ultimately belonged to the US who were bold in attack and resolute for long periods at the back. Klinsmann demanded they push forward and show no fear in what was a true test of their talents - and so it proved.

If American soccer is to make the strides so many believe need to happen then nights, and battling displays like this, will need to be replicated with increasing regularity. With DeAndre Yedlin suspended following his red card against Paraguay, Klinsmann was forced into his first starting line-up change for this tournament. Incredibly, his consistent selection was the first time in 86 years that a US coach had stuck with the same players for three matches in succession. Matt Besler, of Sporting Kansas City, was brought in despite Klinsmann hinting pre-match that veteran Michael Orozco would start.


The surprise shedding of his Tinkerman persona however proved the German owned a wholehearted belief in plans to lead his side deep into the Copa and beyond. As he skipped and high-fived his way to the dug-out before kick-off it showed, in Seattle anyhow, support for him remained.

It should continue nationwide after this.

“They are understanding what the next level is all about,” Klinsmann said. “The team performance was outstanding. I really hope the country gets behind us for the semi-final. The support we have received has been fantastic. This is big time.”

Much relied on Dempsey performing on home turf. The Sounders forward lies second in the all-time goalscorers record behind Landon Donovan following his opener here. His experience of the last major tournament run in Brazil, along with captain Michael Bradley and Jones, has stood the US in fine stead over the past two weeks allowing younger guns such as Bobby Wood and Zardes to make stern claims for the future.

The opening stages were cagey. Both sides were standing off, waiting to see who’d show their hand first. Geoff Cameron headed wide on 15 minutes before Wood was unable to get enough traction on the ball to send it past Ecuador goalkeeper Maximo Banguera – the first openings of a match which had failed to ignite from the very start.

Cameron has