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Falcao signing not a risk, says former Chelsea star
3 July 2015
The signing of Radamel Falcao does not represent a risk for Chelsea, according to former Stamford Bridge star Clive Walker.
Falcao became one of the most feared strikers in world football due to his goalscoring exploits at Porto and Atletico Madrid, but a serious knee injury ended a promising debut season at Monaco in the 2013-14 campaign in which he scored nine goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances.
Having recovered from that setback, Manchester United brought the Colombia international to Old Trafford last season, but Louis van Gaal's move failed to yield reward as he scored just four Premier League goals in a disappointing and expensive loan spell.
Despite his struggles in England, Jose Mourinho has long been an admirer of Falcao and, after weeks of speculation, the Portuguese finally got his man after it was confirmed the 29-year-old would move to Chelsea for the upcoming season.
And Walker - who made over 200 appearances for Chelsea between 1976 and 1984 - believes that Falcao could prove a shrewd signing if he can rediscover the form that made him hot property throughout Europe.
"I don't think it's a risk for Chelsea. There's no signing fee so there's no weight as there was on, for example, Fernando Torres because there was a £50million weight when we purchased him," Walker told Perform.
"I think in this situation, with a loan, I don't think it's a risk for Chelsea. I'd like to think Falcao will improve on the season he had last year, maybe he's got used to the Premier League a little bit more.
"Also, Chelsea play a different style to Manchester United and Jose sees that as a situation where Falcao will be a better player in the Premier League because of the style Chelsea play.
"I think it's a good move for Chelsea and I think it's also going to be a big season for Falcao. He needs to get himself back on track and what a wonderful player he's been in the past.
"I just think over the last couple of seasons he's probably lost his way a little bit. He had the injury and maybe Monaco wasn't the right place to go to and he didn't really perform at United so it's a big, big season for him."
Walker also believes that Mourinho is the right man to instill the confidence back in Falcao, adding: "I know Jose has admired him from his time in Spain and Portugal.
"He knows what he's doing when he's buying players Jose Mourinho, and he certainly feels he can be a big asset this season.
"I think when Jose Mourinho makes a decision - and we're talking about a world-class player now - and okay it's a season-long loan, but I'm sure the wages are quite high. So when paying quite a bit of money for someone Jose Mourinho likes to get it right."
Manchester United outcast Hernandez out for a month with broken collarbone
By Liam Twomey
Jul 3, 2015 10:12:00
The 27-year-old was taken to hospital after a clash with Brayan Beckeles during Mexico's final Gold Cup warm-up match and will now be sidelined for at least four weeks
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been ruled out for at least four weeks after surgery to repair a broken collarbone, the Mexican Football Federation have confirmed.
Hernandez was taken to hospital after a first-half clash with Honduras defender Brayan Beckeles during Mexico's final Gold Cup warm-up match sent him tumbling to the floor, leaving him clutching his shoulder and signalling to the bench.
Further examination revealed the striker had fractured his collarbone and he underwent successful surgery that will sideline him for the entirety of Mexico's Gold Cup campaign as well as the start of United's pre-season.
Hernandez's United future is in doubt after spending last season on loan at Real Madrid, and Goal understands he will seek talks to clarify his Old Trafford future once he returns to pre-season training and wants a final decision made before Louis van Gaal's men embark on their tour of the USA.
The 27-year-old has scored 40 goals in 74 appearances for Mexico, making him the second most-prolific goal-scorer in his country's history behind Jared Borgetti (46).
Arsenal forward Podolski completes Galatasaray switch
4 July 2015
Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has completed a move to Super Lig champions Galatasaray, on an initial three-year deal.
Germany international Podolski had been widely expected to leave the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season, having spent the latter half of the 2014-15 campaign on loan at Inter.
Despite scoring just once in 18 appearances for the Serie A club, Galatasaray have paid Arsenal €2.5million for the 30-year-old, who has 125 international caps to his name.
Podolski arrived for a medical before being presented at a news conference on Saturday.
The former Bayern Munich forward joined Arsenal from Cologne in 2012 and enjoyed a fruitful first season in England, scoring 11 goals in 33 Premier League appearances.
However, he then dropped out of Arsene Wenger's first-team plans, making just 14 league starts the following campaign before last season's disappointments.
Facing the press for the first time at the Turk Telekom Arena on Saturday, Podolski vowed to help his new club to success.
"I [have] won many trophies...but I am motivated to win more," he said.
"Galatasaray won the championship last year.
"Our goal is to keep the championship trophy and to go to the next round in the Champions League.
"I have followed Galatasaray before and I know already of the atmosphere created by the Galatasaray supporters."
Manchester United’s Robin van Persie agrees personal terms with Fenerbahce
• Exclusive: Manchester United striker’s agent in Istanbul discussing deal
• Dirk Kuyt understood to have been influential in convincing Van Persie
Manchester United and Fenerbahce are currently discussing a fee for Robin van Persie. Photograph: Jamie Mcdonald/Getty Images
Emre Sarigul and Jamie Jackson
Saturday 4 July 2015 14.57 BST Last modified on Saturday 4 July 2015 15.23 BST
The Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie is edging closer to a move to Fenerbahce after reaching an agreement in principle with the Super Lig side.
It is understood that Van Persie’s agent, Kees Vos, has been in Istanbul for the past two days, involved in negotiations with the Turkish club to secure a deal. The two clubs are currently negotiating a fee for the 31-year-old, who has agreed personal terms with the club and is ready to sign a four-year deal.
The Holland international’s wife initially had reservations about a move to Turkey, but warmed to the idea after spending last week in Istanbul. The Guardian understands that the former Fenerbahce winger Dirk Kuyt has been key in convincing Van Persie to make the move. The former Liverpool player spent three seasons in Istanbul winning the Super Lig, the Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup during his time.
Since being Louis van Gaal’s captain when the Dutchman coached Holland at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil, Van Persie’s stock has fallen dramatically at United. When Van Gaal took over the 20-times champions a few days after the tournament ended, Van Persie was considered the favourite to be named United’s new leader following Nemanja Vidic’s departure.
However, Van Gaal chose Wayne Rooney to wear the armband instead with Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick his vice-captains. This was an initial indication of how the manager viewed Van Persie and by the end of the season the striker had been dropped by Van Gaal.
Even Radamel Falcao, who suffered a dismal campaign while on-loan at United, kept Van Persie out of the side. For the pivotal visit to Chelsea on 18 April Falcao started against José Mourinho’s team and Van Persie was an unused substitute. What may be his final appearance for the club came as a 61st-minute substitute for Falcao in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford on 17 May.
For a player who fired United to their last championship, in the 2012-13 season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s final in charge, his exit, if confirmed, will prove muted. Since that season Van Persie has been injury plagued and his goal return has fallen away. Last season he managed only 10 in all competitions for United.
Van Persie’s United team-mate Nani is also on his way to Fenerbahce and will have a medical with the club on Sunday. If Van Persie joins the winger in Istanbul he would become the club’s seventh signing of the summer.
The Super Lig runners up have already completed the transfers of Lille centre-back Simon Kjaer, Atlético PR striker Fernandao and Bursaspor full-back Sener Ozbayrakli on four-year deals.
Porto duo Abdoulaye Ba and Fabiano have both joined on loan and Nani is also expected to complete a four-year deal after his medical.
The changes mark a shift in the way the club is run. The former Inter and Lazio official Giuliano Terraneo became the club’s first foreign sporting director when he arrived from Italy last month, while Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira became the first foreign manager at the club since Christoph Daum in 2009.
Fenerbahce finished the Super Lig in second place last season and booked a place in the Champions League play-off round.
Falcao must wait to impress, warns Chelsea favourite
4 July 2015
Radamel Falcao likely faces a patient wait on the sidelines to make an impact at Chelsea, according to former Stamford Bridge favourite Clive Walker.
Colombia star Falcao sealed a loan move to the Premier League champions on Friday, returning to England's top flight despite an underwhelming 2014-15 campaign at Manchester United.
Falcao will battle with former Atletico Madrid colleague Diego Costa for a starting spot in Jose Mourinho's XI, though the Spain striker is set to take precedence after a 20-goal maiden season in the Premier League.
Having seen Loic Remy and returning hero Didier Drogba play second fiddle to Costa last term, Walker anticipates Falcao will also have to bide his time.
He told Perform: "As everybody will tell you, Diego Costa is the number one starter and Chelsea, as in seasons gone by, we can only presume they will play with one man up front again.
"It does limit the opportunities for someone like Falcao. But he'll know that as Loic Remy did last season he came in and knew he'd be struggling for opportunities.
"But when he [Remy] came in and played he did very, very well.
"Falcao is probably looking at a similar scenario. He had an injury and not really fired at Monaco or Man United, so for a player who's been outstanding, he'll want to get back on track and maybe when he's given opportunities, he'll perform."
Walker believes that Chelsea's ability to plug holes in their squad with quality performers again earmarks them as favourites for the Premier League.
He added: "When you look at Chelsea's squad from last season in terms of areas to strengthen, obviously Didier Drogba leaving left an opportunity for someone else to come in.
"We saw Frank Lampard leave and Cesc Fabregas came in, when players do leave you see the gap being filled.
"When you fill the gaps with the sort of quality that Falcao has produced in the past, hopefully when he comes to perform again for Chelsea, he can bring that quality to the squad.
"It does enhance Chelsea's opportunity of retaining the title, but believe you me, it's going to be tougher this season than last season."
Manchester City transfer news: £100m outlay expected this summer
City free to pursue targets including Paul Pogba and Fabian Delph after Uefa lift transfer restrictions
Expensive tastes: Paul Pogba is one of Manchester City's transfer targets Photo: AP
By Mark Ogden
5:51PM BST 03 Jul 2015
Manchester City are expected to spend in excess of £100m on new signings this summer after having their transfer restrictions lifted by Uefa.
City were issued with a £49m fine and forced to submit a reduced Champions League squad of twenty-one players last season after breaching Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
But after meeting Uefa’s break-even targets, City are now free to pursue top targets Paul Pogba, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.
An £8m move for Aston Villa’s England midfielder Fabian Delph is also being considered by City, with Barcelona leading the race for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
Aston Villa's Fabian Delph is on Manchester City's shopping list
Despite being cleared by Uefa to spend freely in the transfer market, City have been warned that they will continue to have their finances monitored in order to ensure that they continue to meet strict guidelines.
“The lifting of restrictions is subject to ongoing additional controls and audits," Uefa said in a statement. “The club remains under strict monitoring and has still to meet break-even targets and is therefore subject to some limitations in 2016."
Paris Saint-Germain, the French champions, have also had their FFP-related sanctions lifted by Uefa.
QPR reject Leicester's £12 million bid for Charlie Austin
Charlie Austin has been linked with moves to the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham, having proven his Premier League pedigree
Wanted man: Charlie Austin has been linked with several Premier League clubs Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Mark Bryans
7:28PM BST 03 Jul 2015
Managerless Leicester are understood to have had a bid of £12 million for Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin rejected.
The 25-year-old forward scored 18 Premier League goals for Rangers last season but could not help keep them in the top flight.
Austin, who was in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for last month’s fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia, is entering the final year of his deal at Loftus Road but QPR are not prepared to lower their valuation of one of their prized assets.
Austin scored 18 Premier League goals for Rangers last season
Austin has been linked with moves to the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham, having proven his Premier League pedigree, even with a struggling side. It is believed Rangers are holding out for around £15 million for a player they bought from Burnley two years ago.
Only Sergio Agüero, Harry Kane and Diego Costa scored more league goals last season than Austin struck against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal *during an ultimately unsuccessful survival attempt by Chris Ramsey’s side.
Leicester, who broke their transfer record twice last season to sign strikers Leonardo Ulloa and Andrej Kramaric, were able to retain their top-flight status after winning seven of their last nine fixtures.
Despite that, they parted company with manager Nigel Pearson on Tuesday and have been linked with approaches to former Holland coach Guus Hiddink and Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon, who enjoyed a successful playing career at the East Midlands club.
Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has confirmed the Italian club are seeking to sign Edin Dzeko from Manchester City.
Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Dzeko was limited to just 11 Premier League starts last season - despite scoring 16 goals in the previous campaign as City secured the title.
His potential availability has alerted Roma, although the Serie A side concede it may prove difficult to agree a deal.
"Dzeko is not very close, but Roma are trying to get him," Sabatini is quoted as telling reporters at a 'Football Fest' event in Perugia on Friday.
"He's the right man for us, but tough to get, as he's expensive."
Sabatini also played down talk of Gervinho leaving Roma.
The forward had looked set to join Al Jazira, but Sabatini added: "He changed his mind and wants to stay with us now."
Atletico too late to cancel Alderweireld clause, says Koeman
Jul 6, 2015 18:33:00
The Southampton manager says the Spanish club failed to cancel a clause in his contract and that he still wants the defender despite an €16m deal between the Liga side and Spurs
By Greg Stobart
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman claims Atletico Madrid were too slow to cancel a clause in Toby Alderweireld’s contract that allows the Saints to sign him on a permanent deal.
The Saints had an option to sign Alderweireld for €9.5 million after his loan spell at St Mary’s last season.
Atletico could have bought out the clause for €2m but Southampton believe the Spanish side did not take up the option within the specified time period.
Southampton are now threatening legal action against Atletico Madrid, who are understood to have agreed a deal worth around €16m for Alderweireld to join Tottenham.
“What came out in the press [was true]. Southampton signed an option to the player and Atletico Madrid are trying to pay back the option,” Koeman told reporters on Monday.
“To our knowledge, it was too late and I don’t know what happened with Tottenham.
“Les Reed [Southampton’s director of football] is working on that situation, I’m waiting on more news on the situation of Toby.”
Alderweireld is believed to favour a transfer to Spurs amid reports that he will undergo a medical on Monday, but Koeman remains keen to sign the Belgian and says the 26-year-old told him earlier in the summer that he wanted to join Southampton permanently.
“Of course [I want him back]," Koeman added. "And the player told us the same. [He said it] before the summer.
“I had a message on my mobile with Toby, but that’s private. I mentioned we had a talk to Toby before the end of last season and he was very happy about Southampton. We mentioned to the player that we’d like to continue and that was the case with Atletico - but what happened after, I don’t know.
“I don’t know [if we’ll match Tottenham’s offer]. I think it’s more up to the club and Les Reed, they are working on that business.”
Drogba reveals the toughest defenders he faced at Chelsea
By Chris Davie
Jul 6, 2015 11:25:00
The Ivory Coast international revealed his trickiest opponents and admits he was forced to adapt his game after arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2004
Didier Drogba says Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Carles Puyol are the three toughest defenders he has faced during his career.
The 37-year-old scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the 2007 FA Cup final and was sent off for slapping Vidic in extra time of the 2008 Champions League final that Chelsea went on to lose on penalties.
Drogba also faced Puyol eight times during his career but only managed to score three on three occasions during Chelsea’s Champions League matches against Barcelona.
In an interview with Rio Ferdinand for BT Sport, Drogba was asked by the former United defender to name the toughest defenders he’s played against.
“I’ve always said you and Vidic,” Drogba replied. “I will say when I was scoring against Manchester United I was really, really happy because I didn’t score much against them.
“So for me to score against you guys, it means that I had a good game!
“So, you two and Carles Puyol. Because he’s tough and a very good defender, but he’s a gentleman.”
Drogba arrived at Chelsea from Marseille in 2004 and the Ivory Coast international admits he needed to change his playing style in order to become a success at Stamford Bridge.
“The thing is I had to adapt to this game the Premier League. This wasn’t my game when I was in France. I was always at the limit of offside and running in behind,” said the striker.
“And when I came to Chelsea I became a target man, linking the game with Frank Lampard, with Arjen Robben, so I had to change my game to adapt to them because they not only could dribble but they could score goals.
“When I came at the beginning I thought I’d be the one, I’d be the king, I’d score the goals, but you realise you’ve got other people who can make the difference, so you’ve got to share.”
Liverpool appoint Sean O'Driscoll as Rodgers’ assistant manager
Jul 6, 2015 11:15:00
The highly-rated former England Under-19 manager replaces Mike Marsh, who left Anfield along with first-team coach Colin Pascoe earlier this month
Liverpool have confirmed that Sean O'Driscoll has been appointed as the club’s assistant manager to Brendan Rodgers.
Pepijn Lijnders has also been appointed as first team development coach, a newly created role, after spending 12 months with Liverpool’s academy.
O'Driscoll has left his role as England Under-19 boss to take up his new position at Anfield, having previously managed Bournemouth and Doncaster Rovers.
"My admiration for Sean, as a professional, is well documented," Rodgers told the club’s official website.
"He is someone with a clear vision and philosophy and has proved he has the ability to transfer that knowledge, through his coaching, to the players.
"I am looking forward to working with him and also learning from his experiences and gaining valuable knowledge from his expertise."
O'Driscoll replaces Mike Marsh, who left Liverpool along with first-team coach Colin Pascoe last month.
My first Chelsea team better than current crop - Drogba
6 July 2015
Didier Drogba believes the current Chelsea team still has work to do to match the side he played in during his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
Drogba scored 157 goals in 341 games during his initial spell at Chelsea between 2004 and 2012, and became ingrained in the club's folklore by scoring the winning penalty in a shootout win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final.
In that same period Drogba also won the Premier League three times, League Cup twice and the FA Cup four times.
Drogba made an emotional return to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and enjoyed more success as Jose Mourinho's men cantered to the title while also winning the League Cup.
But when asked to compare the two sides, Drogba told BT Sport in an interview to be aired later on Monday: "I would say the first one was better because I was involved more as a player, but there is a difference in the way that when I joined the team it was a bit more mature.
"Frank [Lampard], [Claude] Makelele, William Gallas - all these players were I think around 24, 25 and plus.
"So this time it's younger and I can see and I can feel that there is a gap, it can progress together so it's good for the players."
Mourinho ´knows what he´s doing´ with Falcao signing
6 July 2015
Chelsea fans have complete trust that Jose Mourinho "knows what he is doing" by signing striker Radamel Falcao, according to a leading supporters' group.
After weeks of speculation Premier League champions Chelsea confirmed that Falcao had signed a loan deal at Stamford Bridge from Monaco.
It follows a disappointing spell at Manchester United in the 2014-15 campaign, in which the Colombia international managed just four league goals.
However, with Didier Drogba leaving Chelsea for a second time, manager Mourinho has decided to take the gamble on Falcao to reinforce a frontline already consisting of Diego Costa and Loic Remy.
John Russell - chairman of Chelsea Central Supporters' Club - believes the signing could prove to be a coup, particularly given Mourinho's reputation for getting the best out of his players.
Speaking to Perform, he said: "He [Mourinho] knows what he is doing. He's not made many mistakes [in the transfer market] has he? If you stack them up there aren't many that have failed to make the grade under his regime.
"I mean Costa for one, I don't think anybody really thought Costa would suit Chelsea or survive past the first few months without being banned because of how he was but, aside from the injury he was carrying, you can only say it was a good season and he will only get better.
"You have to recall when Drogba first arrived at Chelsea, the first season or season and a half he wasn't really doing what he was supposed to, but then it clicked and the manager kept faith in him and he became arguably a legend.
"But if you asked fans at the end of the first season they'd have said sell him."
Russell believes the signing of Falcao is one to excite the fans.
"This guy's class," he added. "If he turns it on he's as good as anybody in the world.
"I think the reason he struggled at Man United, in fairness to him, is because United were in transition. They got a new manager in, their side was changing, the manager [Louis van Gaal] wanted him but didn't know if he was at full fitness and obviously he wasn't. He was in and out.
"I don't think that will happen at Chelsea. He'll get the support of the manager, the support of the players around him, and he'll be given freedom to do what he's good at which is taking sides apart.
"It's frightening if you're any side playing them and you've also got Costa and Remy and if one of those doesn't fire and you bring another one on. It has to put you under pressure."
The new LA Galaxy signing now has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms at his disposal, as wife Alex and his three children settle into a Hollywood lifestyle
Fresh from his unveiling as an LA Galaxy player, Steven Gerrard has quickly made Hollywood his home by moving into an astonishing $13.6 million (€12.4m) mansion.
Based in Beverly Hills, the new mega complex boasts six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a plush kitchen for Steven, wife Alex and children Lilly-Ella, Lexie and Lourdes.
Understood be to spanning across 12,000 square feet, the Gerrard family can relax in three living rooms, an in-house cinema and, of course, a swimming pool.
Gerrard will now be able to rub shoulders with some of Los Angeles' most famous residents, with the likes of Channing Tatum, Simon Cowell and Sofia Vergara all reportedly living close by.
The 35-year-old will be renting the property, which is believed to have been listed for around $45,000 (€41,000) a month due to its location and views of the surrounding areas.
Di Maria sets heart on Bayern move; PSG remain interested
Jul 9, 2015 16:00:00
The Argentina winger failed to settle in his first season in Manchester and, despite public declarations that he wants to prove himself, he is keen to join up with Pep Guardiola
By Kris Voakes
Angel Di Maria is looking to bring a swift end to his troubled time at Manchester United and has his heart set on Bayern Munich, while Paris St-Germain are still in the frame for his signature.
The £59.7 million man endured a difficult first year at Old Trafford following his 2014 switch from Real Madrid, with his form suffering due to a strained relationship with Louis van Gaal and the fall-out from a burglary at his home.
Goal understands that Di Maria's team of advisors have sounded out Bayern regarding a possible move, though the German outfit have not yet lodged a concrete offer with United.
The Argentine has struggled to come to terms with life in England, making only 24 starts in all competitions for United in 2014-15, and found himself increasingly overlooked for a spot in Van Gaal’s side due to the coach's reluctance to use out-and-out wingers in his starting XI.
Furthermore, Van Gaal is thought to be rather ambivalent regarding Di Maria’s future at the club, with his transfer to United having been driven by Ed Woodward rather than the manager himself.
*Premier League 2014-15 stats
The recent arrival of Memphis Depay from PSV has cast further doubt over Di Maria’s status in Manchester, and he is also known to be keen to leave the UK behind after a break-in at his £4m mansion in February which left his wife shaken-up and scared to return to the property.
Such circumstances have made the 27-year-old want to quit England, with Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain both taking a keen interest.
Reports in France have suggested a deal has been agreed between Di Maria and PSG, with the player's family believed to have visited Paris in late June with a view to securing an apartment. However, Bayern are also in the race after initial contact with the player.
Di Maria is a huge fan of Pep Guardiola and the possibility of working with the Catalan coach has piqued his interest.
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was non-committal at a press conference on Thursday, telling reporters he had “neither confirmed nor denied” interest in Di Maria. When pushed on a possible swap deal involving Di Maria and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, Rummenigge added: “We have never thought about it – not in Munich, not in Manchester.”
United’s apparent interest in Schweinsteiger, as well as forward Thomas Muller, has been drawn into the equation as a result of their valuation of Di Maria. Woodward and his colleagues on the board are hopeful of regaining almost all of the £59.7m outlay of last summer, but Bayern are extremely unlikely to offer more than around £36m for the Argentine despite their hopes to bolster their wide options.
The Premier League club are not desperate to sell, the Bavarians are unlikely to match their valuation and PSG are waiting in the wings, making the remaining weeks of the transfer window a complicated time for Di Maria. If it's up to him, though, his days at Old Trafford are numbered.
There's no trust between Sterling and Rodgers - agent
By Ewan Roberts
Jul 9, 2015 00:31:00
Aidy Ward hints at conflict between the 20-year-old and Brendan Rodgers, while West Brom ace Saido Berahino has decided to part company with the controversial agent
All trust between Raheem Sterling and Brendan Rodgers has evaporated as he seeks to leave Liverpool this summer, his agent Aidy Ward says.
The 20-year-old has already been the subject of two failed bids from Manchester City and Goal understands that they are now preparing a third offer, worth over €60 million plus add-ons.
The Merseysiders still hope to keep Sterling but may be forced to sell after the England international told Liverpool bosses that he does not want to join the squad for their upcoming pre-season tour of Australia and south-east Asia.
Not long after his threat to strike, Sterling was then absent from training on Wednesday after calling in sick and Ward's latest remarks suggest that he is unwilling to work under Rodgers any longer.
"With Raheem, there has been a breakdown in trust between him and Brendan Rodgers," said Ward, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
The 34-year-old agent has been criticised for the bullish manner in which he has tried to engineer an exit for Sterling, previously saying that not even a €1m-a-week contract could tempt the youngster to stay.
And now another of Ward's clients, in-demand West Brom striker Saido Berahino, has parted company with the controversial agent, with reports suggesting that he had become disillusioned with the tactics employed in the Sterling transfer saga.
"I'm no longer working with Saido. You'll have to ask him for the reasons," Ward remarked.
Berahino, 21, has been linked with a host of clubs, including Newcastle and Tottenham, after an excellent campaign in which he scored 14 goals in 38 Premier League matches, as well as bagging five goals in the FA Cup.
Rodgers meets McAllister over Liverpool coaching role
Jul 8, 2015 22:05:00
The former Reds midfielder, who enjoyed success in a short spell with the club as a player, could become a part of the Northern Irishman's revamped first-team setup
GOAL By Paul Clennam Follow Goal UK on TwitterLiverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has held talks with Gary McAllister over taking a role on the club's coaching staff, Goal understands.
Rodgers is understood to have met the former Reds midfielder at the club's Melwood training ground on Wednesday.
McAllister could replace Mike Marsh as Liverpool's first-team coach but the club are also considering other candidates for the role.
The Scot was signed by Gerard Houllier on a free transfer in July 2000 at the age of 35 and was influential in a short spell at Anfield, helping the club win the FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Cup and Uefa Super Cup in 2001.
McAllister had brief spells in charge of Coventry City and Leeds United before taking up coaching positions with Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, where he was reunited with Houllier and took up a caretaker manager's role for the remainder of the 2010-11 season when the Frenchman suffered health complications.
The move would see Liverpool continue a revamp of their coaching staff this summer.
Former Nottingham Forest and Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has been appointed Rodgers' assistant manager, with Colin Pascoe leaving the club.
Pepijn Linders, who was a part of Liverpool's academy setup last season, has been named first team development coach as the club adopts what they describe as a "new technical approach" to coaching.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of goalkeeper Mark Bunn after the 30-year-old's contract with Norwich City expired.
The former Blackburn Rovers man had served as understudy to John Ruddy at Carrow Road, but did not have his contract renewed following Norwich's promotion to the Premier League.
Bunn will compete with Brad Guzan at Villa Park, with his arrival on a two-year deal likely to increase speculation surrounding Shay Given's future.
The Republic of Ireland international is a reported target for Stoke City, who seem set to lose Asmir Begovic to Chelsea.
"I'm delighted to find myself working with Tony Parks again as he was the goalkeeping coach at Norwich City so he knows me really well," Bunn told Villa's official website.
"Aston Villa is a huge football club and this was too good an opportunity to miss out on.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know my new team-mates over in Portugal at our pre-season training camp and I can't wait to get started."
Cabaye: I joined Crystal Palace to retain France place
By Harry Sherlock
Jul 11, 2015 11:18:00
The former Newcastle United midfielder completed a €14 million move to Selhurst Park on Friday and hopes his transfer will help him keep his international spot
Yohan Cabaye says he has joined Crystal Palace because he is desperate to retain his place in the France squad.
Cabaye sealed his transfer to the Eagles from Paris Saint-Germain on Friday, in a deal Goal understands will be worth around €14 million.
The former Newcastle United midfielder has 38 international caps to his name but has struggled to nail down a place in Laurent Blanc’s starting XI, with his opportunities limited at PSG.
Cabaye says that he has no qualms about moving to Palace from PSG, who regularly feature in the Champions League, and is hopeful that he can force his way into the squad for Euro 2016.
"Sincerely, no, and in any case, this point does not concern me," he told L'Equipe when asked if he could come to regret moving to Selhurst Park. "In England there are no easy matches. You can beat a top-four team one week then lose to a weaker side the next.
"I would like it to have happened differently [at PSG] and I have done all I could to change the situation. But it's like that in a career: there are highs and lows.
"Making the squad for Euro 2016 is my big objective. I want to show Didier Deschamps I'm still here and I'll work as a consequence. I'll do everything to regain the rhythm I had before signing for Paris."
Cabaye is also hopeful of helping the club secure a top-eight finish in the Premier League, and has set his sights on also lifting some silverware.
"There is a desire to build a solid team," he added. "Like I said, the owner wants to make something good, to install the team in the top eight of the Premier Leage.
"If the chance presents itself, why not win one of the national cups? In any case, I'm really keen to return and taste this extraordinary league again."
