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RVP transfer a done deal - Fenerbache

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Turkish top flight club Fenerbahce said the transfer of Manchester United's Robin van Persie is a done deal and the Dutch striker will arrive in Istanbul this weekend.

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Turkish top flight club Fenerbahce said the transfer of Manchester United's Robin van Persie is a done deal and the Dutch striker will arrive in Istanbul this weekend, reports said Sunday.

Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim said that negotiations had been completed late Friday and the player would be arriving in Istanbul on a private flight late on Sunday.

“We worked very hard, until midnight. We received five faxes, sent six faxes and finally it was finished,” Yildirim was quoted as saying by the Fanatik sports daily and Hurriyet newspaper.

“The van Persie transfer is done and one more star has joined the Fenerbahce constellation,” he added.

Yildirim's comments appeared to set to rest last minute speculation that van Persie could stay at United or even join Fenerbahce's Istanbul rivals Besiktas.

After arriving Sunday at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen airport, van Persie will officially sign his contract at the club's stadium on Monday, Turkish press reports said.

According to press reports, his transfer fee will be 4.7 million euros (Â£3.4m, $5.2m).

Fenerbahce -- runners up to hated Istanbul rivals Galatasaray last season in the championship -- have gone on a spending spree in a bid to dominate the Super Lig and be a real contender in Europe.

This week, Fenerbahce signed Portuguese star Nani also from United for six million euros (Â£4.26m, $6.7m) and in June bought Danish centre-back Simon Kjaer from French side Lille.

Turkish press reports said van Persie may not represent the end of Fenerbahce's ambition, with the club eyeing Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and even van Persie's fellow countryman Arjen Robben of Bayern Munich.

Yildirm acknowledged for the first time that the club had also wanted to sign Real Madrid's Spain international goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

But Casillas could be heading to Portuguese side FC Porto and Fenerbahce's first choice keeper next season is expected to be Brazilian Fabiano, who has arrived on loan from Porto.

Fenerbahce's flurry of transfer market activity is being masterminded by its well-respected new Italian sporting director Giuliano Terraneo who arrived in May on a mission to make the club a European football force. – AFP

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United can win the league - Depay

Louis van Gaal has warned new signing Memphis Depay to expect a tough debut seasoson in the Premier League.

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Louis van Gaal believes that new signing Memphis Depay is one of the greatest young talents in world football — but has warned him to expect a tough debut season in the Barclays Premier League.

Depay, 21, breezed into Old Trafford yesterday and immediately outlined his belief that he can score goals to help United win the title this season. But the £25million signing from PSV Eindhoven was warned by his manager that it may not be quite that straightforward. The United manager said: ‘He is one of the greatest of his age... full of confidence as you can see. But he will notice that it’s not so easy here, that it is a lot harder than in the Dutch league.

‘There is always pressure on the ball. The physical resistance is high.’

Depay will head to America on tour with his United team-mates on Monday and said yesterday that he has high expectations of the weeks and months ahead.

Asked if United can win the league, he said: ‘Oh yes, for sure. We have a lot of quality, we just have to find our way. All the trophies are possible.’

The Dutch international, son of a Ghanaian father and a Dutch mother who separated when he was four, has dropped Depay from the back of his shirt as he has no contact with his father. He added: ‘I am excited about coming here to do my job and score. I am a striker so I have to score goals.’

Van Gaal revealed that he may well play Depay as a striker rather than in his usual wide position and also suggested that he may not even buy another centre forward to replace Robin van Persie who is on the verge of joining Fenerbahce. – Daily Mail

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McAllister joins Liverpool coaching staff

Gary McAllister has been appointed the club's first team coach as part of manager Brendan Rodgers' new coaching staff.

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London - Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister has been appointed the club's first team coach as part of manager Brendan Rodgers' new coaching staff, the Premier League side said on Saturday.

The 50-year-old won the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and the League Cup in 2001 during two seasons as a player at Anfield and has since managed Leeds United and Coventry City.

“Gary has a special connection with this club and its supporters, and I'm delighted he is joining our team as first-team coach,” Rodgers told the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com).

“When I met him I was struck by his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge for what we're looking to achieve here.

“He has experience coaching at the highest level and is someone who can connect with players and help them learn from his knowledge and understanding of representing this great club.”

Liverpool finished sixth in the Premier League last season. – Reuters

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Injury postpones Lampard’s MLS debut

Frank Lampard will have to wait to make his Major League Soccer debut after he was ruled out of New York City FC's match against Toronto FC on Sunday with a calf strain.

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England great Frank Lampard will have to wait to make his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut after he was ruled out of New York City FC's match against Toronto FC on Sunday with a calf strain.

Lampard, 37, signed for the newest MLS franchise from Chelsea in July 2014 but spent last season on loan at Manchester City.

The 106-cap England international arrived in America following his Premier League commitments with City but will have to wait to make his U.S. bow after the injury during training.

“I'm hugely disappointed to be missing out on Sunday's game, which I have been really looking forward to,” Lampard told the club's official website (www.nycfc.com) on Friday.

“I've been feeling great in training and have loved working with the squad. Unfortunately I sustained a small strain to me calf during a session.

“The good news is that I should be back in full training next week.”

During a glittering 13-year career at Chelsea, Lampard won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League and left Stamford Bridge as the club's record goalscorer.

Lampard is one of three of New York City's major close-season signings alongside the arrivals of World Cup winners in Spaniard David Villa and Italy's Andrea Pirlo.

Former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to make his Los Angeles Galaxy debut in their International Champions Cup match against Club America on Saturday. – Reuters

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Bafana down to 70th in Fifa rankings

South Africa have dropped down a place to 70th in the latests Fifa World rankings.

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Johannesburg – South Africa have dropped down a place to 70th in the latests Fifa World rankings released on Thursday.

Bafana Bafana remain 16th in Africa, with Zambia one place behind in both African and world rankings.

Bafana have won their last three matches in a row, two against Mauritius and one match against Angola. Bafana, however, drew 0-0 with Gambia on June 13 in an African Nations Cup qualifier, which would have dented their collection of ranking points considerably.

At the top of the Fifa World rankings, Argentina snatched top spot from World Cup winners Germany. Argentina made the final of the Copa America before losing to Chile on penalties, and their efforts were rewarded with a move from third to the number one spot.

It meant Germany fall to second, while Belgium also drop one spot down to third.

England made a substantial rise in the rankings to ninth, up from 15th. - ANA

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Gerrard slams Sterling’s attitude

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has criticised Raheem Sterling's conduct as he tries to force a move away from Anfield.

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London - Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has criticised Raheem Sterling's conduct after the winger reportedly told the Premier League club he does not want to travel on a pre-season tour as he tries to force a move away from Anfield.

Sterling missed training on Wednesday and Thursday this week after phoning in sick, following media reports the 20-year-old is reluctant to travel for matches in Asia and Australia.

The England international, who has a contract at Anfield until 2017, turned down an offer of a new deal in January and has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City, who have reportedly had two previous bids turned down.

But Gerrard, who made 710 appearances for Liverpool before joining LA Galaxy at the end of last season, is critical of Sterling's behaviour and believes he should hold talks over his future with manager Brendan Rodgers.

“I'm not happy with all that carry-on and I don't think there's any need for it. They all need to be men about the situation,” Gerrard told Sky Sports.

“Raheem needs to go in and speak to the owners and to Brendan himself, tell them what he wants and go about it that way. You don't have to throw illnesses in and refuse to go on tour.”

Sterling's relationship with the club took a hit in April when he denied being a “money-grabber” in an interview with the BBC, claiming he was motivated purely by ambition.

However, Sterling's agent Aidy Ward fuelled the fire in May by saying the England winger would not sign a new deal at Anfield - even for 900,000 pounds ($1.39 million) a week.

Gerrard, who is expected to make his LA Galaxy debut this weekend, said Sterling's relationship with the Liverpool fans would have been damaged in the fallout.

“There are millions and millions of Liverpool fans around the world who are itching to see Raheem Sterling in a Liverpool kit,” he added.

“I don't think it's fair on them if he is behaving like that.” – Reuters

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Henderson named Liverpool captain

Liverpool have appointed Jordan Henderson as their new captain after long-standing skipper Steven Gerrard left to join LA Galaxy.

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London - Liverpool have appointed Jordan Henderson as their new captain after long-standing skipper Steven Gerrard left to join LA Galaxy, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who was vice-captain last season, takes the armband after Gerrard ended his 12-year stint as Liverpool captain following his move to Major League Soccer.

“I'm absolutely delighted and proud. It is a great honour and a huge privilege to be named as the captain of this football club,” Henderson told the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com).

“When Steven (Gerrard) wasn't in the team last season, I tried to do the best I could when I stepped in and took the armband. Now I'll be looking to carry that on and continue to grow as a captain.”

England international Henderson arrived at Anfield from Sunderland in June 2011 and has made 186 appearances, establishing himself as an important player in Brendan Rodgers's side.

“Jordan is someone who leads through example - through his actions, attitude and application. He shows total commitment to the game and is a role model professional,” Rodgers said.

“He has been blessed to learn first-hand from one of the greatest the club has ever had, in Steven Gerrard.”

Liverpool, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season, will be captained by Henderson during the club's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia. – Reuters

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Pirates facing a giant test

Orlando Pirates have their eyes firmly set on the Caf competition, while their opponents, Zamalek, are chasing glory in their domestic league.

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Egyptian giants Zamalek have been in the country for three days as they prepare for their crucial CAF Confederations Cup encounter against Orlando Pirates at the Mbombela Stadium tomorrow.

The North African club landed in Johannesburg on Wednesday, before catching a connecting flight to Nelspruit.

The White Knights, as the club from Egypt is affectionately known, are currently top of their domestic league with 80 points from 34 games, winning 24, drawing eight and losing only twice.

They are leading champions Al Ahly by six points, with four games to play in the Egyptian Premier League, and they have a game in hand.

They only need to secure four points from their remaining fixtures to seal the championship from Al Ahly, who are also competing in the CAF Confederations Cup, topping the standings in Group A with three points.

In their last 12 games in the league and the CAF competition, Zamalek have managed to record eight wins, two losses and two draws, while scoring 24 goals and conceding only seven.

They have a number of quality players in the team, with the experienced Ahmed Eid undoubtedly one of the key members of the squad.

Eid scored through a penalty the last time Zama-lek and Pirates met in the return leg of the Caf Champions League in 2013, where the Egyptians won the encounter 2-1 in Cairo.

But the Buccaneers went through to the next stage of the competition after beating them 4-1 at home in the first leg.

The White Knights have been active, unlike Pirates, who have only been playing Caf games since the PSL season ended on May 9.

However, that could be an advantage for the Buccaneers with their opponents’ focus divided between chasing a league title and success on the continent while Pirates have their eyes firmly set on the Caf competition.

Another plus is that the home side’s players will be well rested while their Egyptian counterparts may be struggling with fatigue as they come to the end of a long domestic season.

The winner of this encounter will top Group B – both teams are currently level on three points after they won their opening games of the group stages.

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Cabaye joins Palace from PSG

Crystal Palace have signed France midfielder Yohan Cabaye from Paris St Germain for a club-record fee of 10 million pounds.

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London - Crystal Palace have signed France midfielder Yohan Cabaye from Paris St Germain for a club-record fee of 10 million pounds ($15.44 million) on a three-year deal, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The 29-year-old joined PSG from Newcastle for 19 million pounds in January 2014 but struggled for first team opportunities at the Parc des Princes, starting just 13 games last season.

Palace boss Alan Pardew will be reunited with Cabaye after he signed the Frenchman from Lille in 2011 during his time as Newcastle manager and the midfielder was an influential figure at St James' Park, scoring 18 goals in 93 outings.

“I wanted to come and play for Palace because there are some really strong players here. They finished very well last season and I think they can compete to get into the top eight,” Cabaye told the club's website (www.cpfc.co.uk).

Palace finished 10th in the Premier League last season. – Reuters

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AmaZulu attempt to buy into PSL fails

Mpumalanga Black Aces’ deal with AmaZulu FC for Usuthu to buy Black Aces’ Premier Soccer League status has fallen through.

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Mpumalanga Black Aces’ deal with AmaZulu FC for Usuthu to buy Black Aces’ Premier Soccer League status has fallen through.

If the deal had been confirmed, AmaZulu would have played in the PSL next season, while Black Aces would have headed down to the National First Division.

Black Aces now say they are no longer selling because they had to abide by the decision of the senior committee of the Premier Soccer League.

Last season AmaZulu were relegated but had been trying to work on a deal to get back into the top flight.

“When we started the negotiations with AmaZulu, we understood that whatever we did and agreed on was dependent on what the PSL would decide, whether they would allow the deal or not,” read a statement released by Mario and George Morfou, who are co-chairmen of Aces.

“We have been notified that our agreement would not be authorised. We have accepted the decision with open hearts. These negotiations have not stopped us from preparing for next season's matches. In fact Black Aces is the first team to prepare for the next season and we will continue doing so.”

AmaZulu wanted to buy the rights for R45m, which both clubs had agreed on.

But the PSL wouldn’t play ball... Yesterday the league issued its own statement saying the deal was off. “On Wednesday, the PSL board met and discussed the deal between the two clubs and it was decided that the transaction should not be allowed.”.

The PSL gave no reasons for the decision.

Sources told The Mercury's sister newspaper, Isolezwe, that there was still a chance for AmaZulu to play in the top flight next season as there were other clubs that were willing to sell their places in the PSL.

“Because of the amount that is being offered by AmaZulu, there are other clubs willing to sell their rights,” the source said.

Previously, Tuks and Chippa United were clubs that were said to be interested.

When asked what would happen after the deal was ruled out, AmaZulu manager Japhet Zwane referred questions to general manager Peter O’Connor.

“We have to sit down and plan anew but I am not the right one to speak to about this. It needs people who were directly involved,” said Zwane.

Neither O'Connor nor AmaZulu marketing manager, Lunga Sokhela, answered messages requesting comment from them.

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RVP set for Fenerbache move

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is on the brink of a £4.7m move to the Turkish club Fenerbahce.

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Manchester United's pursuit of a new striker has become an urgent priority, with Robin van Persie on the brink of a £4.7m move to the Turkish club Fenerbahce, after Louis van Gaal told the striker that he would be on the margins of the club next season.

The Netherlands forward is thought to be travelling to Turkey as early as this weekend to wrap up a four-year deal, which Fenerbahce announced on their website yesterday. That leaves United with only James Wilson, who remains unproven, and Wayne Rooney, whose injury record means he cannot be depended upon.

Bayern Munich are thought to be reluctant to sell Thomas Müller. Van Gaal is enthusiastic about the striker, whom he helped to develop when manager of the German club, although it may take a sum of at least £60m to secure Müller's services. The player admitted last week he was flattered by United's interest in him.

It is thought he could be tempted to join them if United - who will today present Memphis Depay as their player in a press conference at Old Trafford - are willing to meet his wage demands. The loss of Van Persie's £200,000-a-week wages removes a major burden for United.

The club also have an interest in Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, though as yet both the player and the north London club have shown no willingness to do business.

United have allowed Radamel Falcao to pursue a new loan deal with Chelsea and there is minimal prospect of Javier Hernandez, who has a broken collarbone, renewing a United career after his return from loan at Real Madrid.

Reports in Spain yesterday suggested that Real Madrid they will not pursue the Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi because United have secured an agreement for the Argentine. That could be Madrid's choreographed way of attempting to encourage United to call off their pursuit of Sergio Ramos.

But United want Ramos - and are also close to completing the £13m signing of Italian international Matteo Darmian from Torino. Further moves are in the pipeline for Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton now that Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to stay with Bayern. – The Independent

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Hammers give Bilic winning start

West Ham United marked new manager Slaven Bilic's first match in the dugout with a 1-0 victory over Andorran side Lusitans in the second leg of their Europa League first qualifying round.

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West Ham United marked new manager Slaven Bilic's first match in the dugout with a 1-0 victory over Andorran side Lusitans in the second leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie on Thursday.

The Croatian was not on the bench when the Londoners cantered to a 3-0 victory in the first leg last week, a move that irked Lusitans coach Xavi Roura.

The only goal in the return match came from Elliot Lee in the 21st minute.

West Ham, who finished 12th in the Premier League last season, had to play with 10 men for more than 75 minutes after forward Diafra Sakho was dismissed following a clash with a Lusitans defender.

Bilic's team must progress through three more rounds to reach the Europa League group stages. The second qualifying round begins next week. – Reuters

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Pirates ready to tackle Zamalek

Orlando Pirates host Egyptian giants Zamalek in their Caf Confederation Cup Group B clash in Nelspruit.

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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates host Egyptian giants Zamalek in their Caf Confederation Cup Group B clash in Nelspruit on Saturday.

The Buccaneers come off a 1-0 win over AC Leopards in Congo, while Zamalek also notched up a victory over CS Sfaxien by the same scoreline.

Sfaxien host Leopards Friday in a match neither club can now afford to lose.

Leopards will make the long trip north as underdogs, but they did manage a a 2-0 triumph over Sfaxien 2-0 three years ago en route to winning the competition.

Elsewhere, Al Ahly take a trip to Mali for a clash with Stade Malien on Sunday. The 19 African title winners Al Ahly come off a 3-0 thrashing of Tunisians Esperance in their previous match. Stade fell to 1-0 defeat the same weekend at Tunisians Etoile Sahel.

Al Ahly coach Fathi Mabrouk was unfazed by the staging of the match hours before Muslims break a daily dawn-to-dusk fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

“I will not force my players to stop fasting and eat before the game although they have a license to do so,” said Mabrouk.

“Our final training session will be held at the same time as the match so the players can get used to the conditions “

The other Group A fixture is a Tunisian derby between Esperance and Etoile Saturday in Tunis suburb Rades.

Fixtures

Group A

Esperance (Tunisia) vs Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Stade Malien (Mali) vs Al Ahly (Egypt)

Group B

CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) vs AC Leopards (Congo)

Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs Zamalek

ANA

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Tovey hails Safa approach

Newly-appointed Safa technical director Neil Tovey said keeping players busy would benefit the future of SA football.

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Johannesburg - Newly-appointed SA Football Association technical director Neil Tovey said keeping players busy would benefit the future of football in the country.

“This is what we have always said we want,” said Tovey.

“Keeping all our national teams and junior football busy. That is what will make us competitive as a nation,” said Tovey.

Currently, the Safa Under-17 Boys national championships are taking place at Nike Centre in Soweto. The tournament kicked off on Tuesday and ends on Sunday.

On the same day, the Women’s Under-20 national team, Basetsana will play Botswana in a World Cup qualifier first leg at Dobsonville Stadium. The Under-20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Papua Guinea next year.

The Boys Under-17 team, Amajimbos have been in camp for the past week in KwaZulu Natal gearing themselves for the World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Chile in October. Owen da Gama’s Under-23 side will square up against Zimbabwe July 19 at Rufaro Stadium in a Rio 2016 Olympic qualifier.

Banyana Banyana go into camp this coming Sunday to start preparing for the Olympics qualifying encounter against Kenya July 18 at Dobsonville Stadium.

ANA

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Argentina top Fifa rankings

Argentina have moved to the top of the Fifa rankings despite being beaten by Chile in the Copa America final.

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London - Argentina have moved to the top of the Fifa rankings for the first time in seven years despite being beaten by Chile in the Copa America final.

Argentina lost on penalties in Santiago on Saturday but Gerardo Martino's side rose two places to top the rankings a year after losing to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final. Chile's victory moved them up eight spots to 11th.

Argentina's rise to the top means Germany and Belgium each drop a place to second and third respectively.

Following a string of solid results, Wales have risen to their highest ever world ranking of 10th, earning them a Pot 1 seeding in Uefa's 2018 World Cup qualifiers draw behind held later this month.

A 1-0 win over Belgium in Euro 2016 qualifying last month moved Chris Coleman's side to the top of Group B on 14 points from six matches.

England moved up to ninth, one place behind Romania.

Fifa world rankings published on Thursday (June position in parentheses):

1. Argentina (3)

2. Germany (1)

3. Belgium (2)

4. Colombia (4)

5. Netherlands (6)

6. Brazil (5)

7. Portugal (7)

8. Romania (12)

9. England (15)

10. Wales (22) - Reuters

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