Mario Balotelli: Liverpool striker will 'definitely stay' at Anfield

Italy striker Mario Balotelli will not leave Liverpool this summer, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan for £16m in August 2014 but has only scored one Premier League goal in his first season at Anfield.

It has been reported the 24-year-old is a player the Reds want to move on.

When asked if Balotelli would leave the Merseyside club in the summer, Raiola told Sky Sports: "No. We had talks with Liverpool and he will definitely stay."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said in January that Balotelli had to work harder in training and adapt to the club's methods.

"I think Mario did adapt," Raiola added. "I can't talk about Brendan Rodgers, obviously that is something for Brendan, but I think Mario did.

"I have spoken at various times to the club and they were happy with his input and professionalism.

"Obviously we have to improve the performance but I am really confident that will happen this year."

Steven Gerrard set to make LA Galaxy debut on 11 July

Outgoing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's debut for Los Angeles Galaxy has been pencilled in for 11 July.

The 34-year-old midfielder is set to make his first appearance in a home fixture against Mexico's Club America in the International Champions Cup.

LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena says he is eager to get Gerrard involved.

"We expect him here before July 11. He'll get some training in and by the time that he's eligible to play, he'll be ready to go," he told lagalaxy.com.

Gerrard is currently on an end-of-season break in Dubai with his Liverpool team-mates, but will soon move to the United States and is eligible to play for the Major League Soccer outfit after 8 July.

The former England skipper has signed a two-year deal with LA Galaxy after announcing in January he would leave Liverpool following a 17-year professional career at Anfield.

Transfers on May 26

Artur Boruc [Southampton - Bournemouth] Free

Scott Cuthbert [Leyton Orient - Luton] Free

Tom Davies [Fleetwood - Accrington] Free

Ryan Jackson [Newport - Gillingham] Free

Jack King [Preston - Scunthorpe] Free

Marc Roberts [Halifax - Barnsley] Free

Ryan Taylor [Portsmouth - Oxford] Free

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema emerges as target for Manchester United

Karim Benzema is being monitored by Louis van Gaal, with the Real Madrid player viewed by the Manchester United manager as an answer to their goalscoring problems. If he does decide to make a move for the striker, who would cost in the region of £40m, they may have to fight off interest from Arsenal.

The United goalkeeper David De Gea, who is valued at up to £30m, could well be used as a makeweight in any deal. Although Benzema signed a five-year contract last summer there is widespread uncertainty at Real now that Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked as head coach.

Rafael Benítez, who is leaving Napoli at the end of the season, is expected to replace the Italian at the Bernabéu and several Real players’ futures are in doubt, which may make it easier for Van Gaal to land Benzema should he firm up his interest.

Benzema, who scored 22 goals in 46 Real appearances this season and had 10 assists, is an established France international. At the Bernabéu he has won the Champions League, La Liga, the Copa Del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Uefa Super Cup and the Fifa Club World Cup. At Lyon he also won four French titles.

Now aged 27, the striker also appeared at two European Championships and two World Cups and, considered to be at his peak, he would be expected to provide the firepower Van Gaal considers is missing from United’s squad. Van Gaal is determined that next season they will have an attack that can make them serious title contenders. Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and James Wilson managed only 26 league goals between them as United finished in fourth place this season.

Falcao’s paltry return of four was a telling factor in the decision to allow the centre-forward to return to Monaco after a year-long loan. The Colombian’s departure means the manager requires at least one new top-class goalscorer and with Van Persie’s future also in the balance, that could rise to two. However the situation is fluid as Javier Hernández may return from loan at Real Madrid and finally be given a chance to prove himself.

Manchester United place Dani Alves on transfer shortlist

United monitoring defender's stand-off with Barcelona and could sign him if they fail to land priority targets

Manchester United have placed Dani Alves on their short-list of potential defensive recruits this summer, but will only turn to the Barcelona full-back if they fail to land their priority targets.

Alves, who was 32 earlier this month, is out of contract at the Nou Camp this summer and currently embroiled in a public stand-off with the Champions League finalists over his future.

The Brazilian had been expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, but with the Spanish champions barred from signing players due to a Fifa-imposed transfer embargo, efforts have been made to hand Alves a contract extension.

The former Sevilla right-back, who has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, admitted this week, however, that he has been left unimpressed by Barcelona’s attempts to keep him and United have been made aware of the player’s desire to move to the Premier League.

“From 7 June, I’ll announce my future,” Alves said. “My intention was not to speak, but I haven’t been respected with a lot of silly things.

“It’s gone too far. I don’t want anybody to influence my decisions. My future only depends on me. I may have two feet in the team (Barcelona), but I’ve also got one foot, my body and nearly my head out of the club.

“I would like to stay here but not at any price. Not only in terms of money but in terms of respect.

“If I’m not show that respect, I’ll go to another club. I won’t accept that they underestimate what I have given to this club. They haven’t given me the value I deserve.”

Juve's Paul Pogba REJECTS Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal move in favour of Spanish switch

PAUL POGBA has decided his future lies in Spain, but he has yet to decide between Real Madrid or Barcelona.

According to French newspaper L'Equipe, Pogba has no interest in anywhere other than Spain and has even dismissed a move to his native France.

It's believed Pogba would slightly prefer a switch to Real Madrid.

However the influence of his agent, Mino Raiola, who shares a poor relationship with the club gives Barcelona the edge.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea will be disappointed with the news, but could still launch a lucrative late effort to secure his services.

Compatriot Zinedine Zidane may be the deciding factor in Pogba's eventual decision.

The French legend has already showered him with praise and made it clear he would be more than welcome at the Bernabeu.

He said: "What Paul is doing at the age of 21 is huge.

"Maybe we are talking about Pogba a bit too much, but if he can keep up his current development he can become one of the best players ever.

"For me, he is a combination of Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira. If I were his coach, I would use him in a slightly more advanced role."

Javier Hernandez back at Man Utd as Real Madrid decide against deal

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez will return to Manchester United after Real Madrid decided not to exercise an option to buy him after a loan spell.

The 26-year-old joined Real last September on a season-long loan.

He scored nine times in 33 appearances for the Spanish side, who finished second in La Liga, two points behind champions Barcelona.

Hernandez has played 154 times for United, scoring 59 goals, and his contract is due to run until 2016.

Liverpool's Kolo Toure and Andre Wisdom sign new deals

Liverpool defenders Kolo Toure and Andre Wisdom have signed new contracts with the club.

The club would not disclose the length of the deals but Toure's is reported to be a one year extension, while 22-year-old Wisdom has signed "long term".

Toure, 34, has made 32 league appearances since joining the Reds in July 2013 from Manchester City.

Wisdom, who made his senior Liverpool debut in September 2012, spent the 2014-15 season on loan at West Brom.

Last week Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe, 19 signed a new five-year contractand defender Jon Flanagan, 22, signed a 12-month extension.

Real Madrid close on Rafael Benitez as new manager

Rafael Benitez is expected to be installed as the new Real Madrid manager after his season with Italian club Napoli finishes on Sunday.

The former Liverpool manager, 55, has not yet signed a contract with the 10-time European champions but negotiations are at an advanced stage.

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as Real Madrid manager on Monday after two seasons in charge at the Bernabeu.

Napoli have called a news conference for 12:00 BST on Thursday.

Italian Ancelotti, 55, secured Real's 10th European Cup last season.

But this year they were knocked out by Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals, while Barcelona won La Liga.

Spaniard Benitez has managed in his home country before, winning two La Liga titles and the Uefa Cup with Valencia.

He has been at Napoli since 2013 leading the Serie A side to the Coppa Italia last season.

The Spaniard had also been linked with the vacant job at West Ham, following the departure of Sam Allardyce.

Fifa officials arrested in Zurich after dawn raid

A number of Fifa officials were arrested in dawn raids at a Zurich hotel on Wednesday.

Officials arrived at the Baur au Lac hotel where members of football's world governing body are meeting ahead of Friday's presidential election.

According to the New York Times, the arrests were made at the request of the US Department of Justice.

The department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will hold a press conference in New York, at 15:30 GMT.

Earlier this month, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said he knew of an FBI investigation, but that it was investigating former colleagues.

Blatter will go head-to-head against Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan in the election.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger criticises Fifa for summer schedule

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has criticised Fifa for not considering the health of players in setting their international summer schedule.

The Gunners' season ends with Saturday's FA Cup final, before Colombia keeper David Ospina and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez depart for the Copa America, which begins on 11 June.

After the World Cup last year, Wenger says the tournament is "too much".

"I am really surprised Fifa authorised that," said the Frenchman.

"I'll watch [the Copa America], but with a little bit of fear.

"Sanchez has played 50 games for us and goes there again, having already played in the World Cup last summer."

As well losing two players to the Copa America, which runs until 4 July, Wenger says several of his European internationals will join up with their respective national teams after playing Aston Villa at Wembley to take part in pre-season friendlies until 14 June.

The 2015-16 Premier League season also starts earlier than usual, with the first games taking place on 8 August,

It is a move Wenger says is "the wrong decision" and the Gunners boss is concerned his players will not have enough time recuperate before pre-season starts.

He added: "It is disappointing that Fifa speak a lot about the health of the players, but when you look at the competition that is organised, this Copa America, and look at the date of the start of the Premier League, it is not reasonable."

Jose Mourinho: Chelsea manager expects tough title defence

Chelsea must improve next season if they are to defend their Premier League title, says boss Jose Mourinho

The Blues were top of the table from late August and won the title with three games of the season remaining.

However, Mourinho, who has led the club to three league titles, says their rivals will improve next season.

"We have to be better if we want to be successful again. The other opponents are not going to accept this without a fight," he told Chelsea TV.

"Next year will be more difficult, but because it's difficult is one of the reasons why I came back to England. I will enjoy it again."

Despite his warning, the Portuguese told Chelsea fans during an open-top bus parade through west London that they should plan for another victory celebration next season.

"Thank you for everything, for all your support. Book another place for the parade next season. I hope we can give you that," he said.

Second-placed Manchester City and Arsenal, who finished third, are expected to bring in new signings while Manchester United managerLouis van Gaal has been told he can eclipse the £150m he spent last summer.

Departing striker Didier Drogba says Chelsea also need to strengthen to challenge in Europe as well as the Premier League next season.

"The team needs to be stronger next year to compete in the Champions League," he said.

"They are going to buy new players. Also we have young players coming up, the (Dominic) Solankes, (Ruben) Loftus-Cheeks, (Nathan) Akes, all these boys. They need to play."

Drogba also wants goalkeeper Petr Cech, who has one year remaining on his Chelsea contract, to stay at the club.

Cech's future is uncertain after he lost his place to Thibaut Courtois this season after nearly a decade as Chelsea's first-choice keeper.

"No matter what happens I think the club will respect his decision," added Drogba.

"If he wants to stay, he can stay. I think he is more than welcome here. If he wants to go it's his choice as well. It's up to him. But we want him to stay."

Real Madrid sack Carlo Ancelotti; Rafael Benitez tipped to take over

Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked as manager of Real Madrid after two seasons in charge of the Spanish club.

The Italian, 55, led Real to victory in the Spanish Cup before claiming the club's 10th European Cup last season.

But this year they were knocked out by Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals, while Barcelona won La Liga.

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez is the favourite to take over the vacant role once the Italian season ends.

Ancelotti's side finished second in Spain's top flight, two points behind Barca, who have reached the Spanish Cup and Champions League finals.

Club president Florentino Perez told a news conference it had "not been an easy decision" before thanking Ancelotti and adding that a new manager would be appointed "next week".

"What did Ancelotti do wrong? I don't know," Perez added. "The demands here at Real Madrid are very high. The affection that the players and the fans have for Carlo is the same as the affection I myself have for him."

Real beat city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra time in the Champions League final in June 2014 to claim 'La Decima' - their 10th victory in Europe's most prestigious club competition.

It was Ancelotti's third Champions League title as a manager - he also won it twice with AC Milan, in 2003 and 2007 - but he leaves Madrid having failed to claim the Spanish title since joining from Paris St-Germain in July 2013.

The former Chelsea boss, whose contract was due to run until the end of next season, also won the Club World Cup in December before Real were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atletico in January.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale published on Monday morning, before his departure was announced, Ancelotti said he would take a year off and have back surgery if he left Real.

"I must have a back operation because of spinal stenosis that for some time creates a tingle in my hands," he said.

"I don't know how long the period of recovery will be," he added. "I can assure you that I've had plenty of offers from Italy, England, Germany. I'm sure they will not be lacking from here until next year."

Louis van Gaal reveals he desperately needs new holding midfielder

The Red Devils are heavily reliant on Michael Carrick in that area of the field, and since his season-ending injury, United are without a replacement.

And Van Gaal is well aware of the importance of filling that void to free-up the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera to play in more advanced roles.

He said: "No.6 is a key player, yes. I have more key roles - the No.6 is just one of those key roles.

You have seen this season, for example, because Michael Carrick is injured and I don't have another, I have to play with Ander Herrera there. 

"He did it very well, but it is not his speciality.

"I have played Wayne Rooney there also, but it is not his favoured position. I had to do this because I don't have another right-footed holding midfielder like Carrick.

Cristian Gomez: Argentine player dies after collapsing on pitch

Argentine defender Cristian Gomez has died after collapsing during a game for his club Atletico Parana on Sunday.

The 27-year-old fell unconscious half-an-hour into the match against Boca Unidos in Argentina's second-tier Primera B.

"We tried to revive him and he died on the way to hospital," said Miguel Darre, doctor of home side Boca Unidos.

Matches in Argentina had only just resumed this weekend after the death of Emanuel Ortega on 14 May.

San Martin de Burzaco defender Ortega, 21, died in hospital after failing to come out of a coma following injuries when he hit his head on a concrete wall surrounding the pitch.

When Gomez collapsed, team-mates and opponents immediately took off their shirts to fan him and cried for help.

"The doctors told us they couldn't resuscitate him. This is totally unexpected, unbelievable. He'd never had anything wrong with him," said match supervisor Ramon Gomez.

Garry Monk to commit future to Swansea following best ever Premier League finish

Garry Monk is set to sign a new long-term contract at Swansea this week.

The 36-year-old has guided the Welsh club to their best ever Premier League finish and was a target for West Ham, who dispensed with Sam Allardyce on Sunday.

Despite the club's impressive form under Monk this term, the Swans were unable finish the season on the high they would have hoped for as they fell to Crystal Palace on the final day.

Liverpool to use Rickie Lambert as bait for Aston Villa in bid to sign Christian Benteke

Liverpool are ready to offer Rickie Lambert in their bid to sign Christian Benteke.

Aston Villa striker Benteke is one of Liverpool's top transfer targets this summer and they could face competition from Chelsea.

But Liverpool know Villa were keen on Lambert in January and could be ready to offer the England striker as bait for Benteke.

Lambert, 33, decided to stay in January and fight for his place at Anfield but Villa, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are all keen this summer.

Villa have made it clear they do not want to sell Benteke and boss Tim Sherwood says he is hopeful of him staying.But they face a major battle to keep him with big interest and his contract has two years to run.

But they face a major battle to keep him with big interest and his contract has two years to run.

Liverpool are planing a major shake-up this summer with James Milner and Danny Ings expected to move to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss accepts he is under pressure

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he will leave the club "if the owners want me to go".

The Reds marked captain Steven Gerrard's final match with a humbling 6-1 defeat at Stoke City to finish the season sixth in the Premier League.

Rodgers accepted he was coming under increasing pressure at Anfield, after winning two of his last nine games.

"For everybody connected with Liverpool, we are all embarrassed by that result," said the 42-year-old.

He added he still has "a lot to offer the club" after three years in charge despite the heavy defeat.

It was the first time in 52 years the Reds had let in six goals in the league and they end the season without any silverware.

On top of that, they must go through two qualifying rounds if they are to compete in the group stage of next season's Europa League.

"I still feel I've got a lot to offer the club," added Rodgers, who guided the Reds to second place last season.

"A lot has happened this year which has made the job difficult.

"Last season, when things were working well, we had the support of everyone but performances like today do not help that and I fully understand that.

"The fans deserve an apology. They were angry at half-time - and rightly so - because that was awful, absolutely awful.

"They have every right to be angry and frustrated and of course I take full responsibility for that as the manager."

Rodgers, who has not won any silverware in three seasons in charge, faces a big rebuilding job in the summer.

Videos of Chelsea's Victory

Chelsea players bear Didier Drogba on his last match (best substitution)