Besiktas confirm talks for Quaresma

Besiktas JK have moved to confirm they are negotiating a deal with FC Porto for Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma.

The Black Eagles have so far recruited Dusko Tosic and Andres Beck, and they plan to make the Portugal international their third signing of the summer.

And with the Turkish giants confirming via their official website that talks were ongoing, chances are the transfer will be wrapped up in the coming days.

“With regard to the transfer of Ricardo Quaresma, the club (Besiktas) have already started negotiations with FC Porto,” a statement read.

Ricardo Quaresma returned to Porto in January 2014, joining on a free transfer from Al Ahli and he in turn produced some very good performances, scoring 10 goals and creating 7 more in 43 competit…

Liverpool back in the black

Liverpool announce their first profit for seven years in new financial results.

Liverpool returned to profit for the first time in seven years in the last financial year, new figures have revealed.

A statement released by the Premier League club on Tuesday confirmed they posted a small profit in the year ending May 31 2014 a stark contrast to a loss of around £50million reported 12 months previously  while their revenue increased by 19 per cent to £255.6m.

This upturn in revenue has been primarily attributed to the rise in income from the Premier League s lucrative TV rights deal, with Liverpool moving back up to ninth from 12th in the Deloitte Football Money League.

Since Fenway Sports Group completed its takeover of Liverpool FC in October 2010, …

´We have the best team at this tournament´, claims Spain coach De la Fuente

Spain are the best side at Euro 2024, so says La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente.

Tournament debutants Georgia were no match for Spain on Sunday, as De la Fuente s team ran out 4-1 victors in Cologne.

Spain accumulated 3.25 expected goals (xG) and allowed just 0.25 going the other way in another emphatic performance in which their youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Willams dazzled.

La Roja will now face hosts Germany in an enthralling quarter-final tie, but De la Fuente says they must hold no fear.

We have a lot of confidence and a team with talent, quality and commitment.

Being convinced of your ability is very important. I don t want to offend anyone but we have the best team at this tournament.

35 Spain

Prediction: Malta vs England

Verdict: England handicap -3

Best Odds:

Bookmaker:

Group F bottom-dwellers Malta play host to leaders England in a match that is expected to be a one-sided affair. The Three Lions are without a defeat so far in the World Cup qualifiers and are most certainly not expected to ruin their record with a match at lowly Maltese side.

Malta

Arguably one of the weakest sides in European football, Malta national team is yet to make it to the finals of any major international competition. The Group F minnows have found it too difficult to fight against the likes of Lithuania, Scotland, Slovenia and England, and are currently sitting rock bottom with six defeats from as many matches. Maltese conceded fifteen goals and scored only two during the qualifying process…

Real Madrid´s Carvajal faces UEFA investigation over APOEL booking

Dani Carvajal is facing a UEFA investigation after the defender was shown a yellow card late in Real Madrid s Champions League win over APOEL on Tuesday.

Carvajal delayed a throw-in during stoppage time at the end of Madrid s 6-0 demolition, with referee Artur Dias Soares showing the full-back the only yellow card of the game.

The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body now plans to investigate the incident to examine whether Carvajal was guilty of breaching Article 15 of its Disciplinary Regulations by receiving a yellow card on purpose .

Carvajal s booking, his third of this season s Champions League, means he would be ruled out of Madrid s matchday six clash with Borussia Dortmund through suspension, freeing him to return for the knockout rounds.

Bu…

Humble Coutinho could do everything at just 18, says Benitez

Philippe Coutinho was a humble boy who had everything in terms of ability even at the age of 18, according to Rafael Benitez.

The Brazil star completed his protracted transfer to Barcelona on Saturday for a fee that could reportedly reach a club-record €160million.

Coutinho s blockbuster move to Camp Nou comes almost five years on from his transfer to Liverpool from Inter for a bargain price said to have been just €10m.

Benitez coached Coutinho for just a few months during his ill-fated spell with the Nerazzurri in 2010 but the Newcastle United boss admits it was clear then that they had a special talent.

It was a pleasant surprise to meet a player with the abilities of Philippe Coutinho, Benitez told Mundo Deportivo.  We had the chance to have a bo…

New West Ham signing Aguerd undergoes ankle surgery

New West Ham signing Nayef Aguerd has undergone surgery after sustaining an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly. 

The Hammers spent a reported £30million to sign Aguerd from Rennes in June but he is now a doubt for the start of the new season after being forced off in the first half of last Tuesday s 3-1 loss to Rangers at Ibrox. 

West Ham did not give a time frame for the Morocco defender s return to action, with David Moyes side entertaining Premier League champions Manchester City in their opening game of the season on August 7. 

Aguerd was signed after playing a role in 19 clean sheets in Ligue 1 over the previous two seasons with Rennes. The only defenders with more were Wout Faes (20), Marquinhos (26), Sven Botman (28) and Jose Fonte (29). 

Ronaldo remains and Zidane secure – Five consequences of Real Madrid´s transfer ban

Following the news that Real Madrid will be banned from registering players for the next two transfer windows, Omnisport examines five possible consequences of the Santiago Bernabeu giants breaching FIFA transfer regulations.

Ronaldo: The Real romance continues

Cristiano Ronaldo s future has been a source of constant speculation throughout this season. The three-time Ballon d Or winner, unseated as the holder of football s premier individual honour by Barcelona rival Lionel Messi this week, often cut a disgruntled figure on the field during Rafael Benitez s ill-fated tenure as Madrid boss. Ronaldo was reported to be unhappy with the methods of the now sacked head coach.

A return of 14 goals from 19 Liga matches would be a handsome return for most forwards, but R…

Harry Kane scores once again as Bayern seal place in last 16 of Champions League

Harry Kane’s late brace earned Bayern Munich a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League after beating Galatasaray 2-1.

A frustrating first half saw Bayern have the better chances, with Kane and Leroy Sane testing Fernando Muslera, but Galatasaray began to grow into the game after the break and had a goal ruled out for offside.

The hosts earned their reward with Kane scoring twice in the final 10 minutes and they saw out the victory despite Cedric Bakambu’s stoppage-time strike.

Through to the last 16!

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN)

Bayern progress to the knock-out stages having won all four of their matches in Group A so far, while defeat leaves Galatasaray third in the table.

Bayern had chances early on when Sane cut inside…

Wilshere on West Ham’s radar

West Ham United could be set to make a shock bid for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, .

The Hammers are eyeing potential transfers ahead of their first season in the Olympic Stadium, and their fine form this season could see them being able to offer European football to any new players.

Paris Saint Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic was linked with a surprise move to the East London outfit last week and now England star Wilshere is on their radar.

The England international has racked up one hundred and fifty-four appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring twelve goals but injury has prevented him from playing at all this season.

His only time away from Arsene Wenger’s side in his career so far was a brief loan spell at Bolton Wandere…