Revealed: Leicester City"s League Position For 2016/17 Season

Leicester City will record a respectable seventh-placed finish in next season’s Premier League, according to Football Manager.

A simulation conducted on the popular video game has predicted the Foxes to finish the season on 59 points, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dethroning them as champions.

Jamie Vardy will have another goal-laden season, bagging 18 times and finishing the campaign in the top flight team of the year alongside England teammate Harry Kane.

Despite failing to retain their title, they will enjoy home wins over Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Leicester will also hit newly promoted Brighton for six at the King Power.

Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri will start the season with five signings – Ajax’s Joel Veltman, Diego Rolan of Bordeaux, Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus, River Plate defender Emmanuel Mammana and Walsall teenager Rico Henry.

Ahead of Leicester, Arsenal will finish second, with Chelsea third and Tottenham fourth.

Brighton, Burnley and Swansea will be relegated.

Revealed: Leicester City"s League Position For 2016/17 Season

Revealed: How United Can Sack Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal would be in line for a £5million pay-out if the club chose to sack him this summer.

The Dutch coach’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain and details of the cost of getting rid of him this summer have now leaked.

Louis Van Gaal waves at the Old Trafford crowd as he walks to take his seat for a premier league game

United would continue to pay two-thirds of Van Gaal’s salary of around £8m for the final year of his contract if they decide to end his two-year spell in the hot seat.

That year-long pay-out would be halted if 64-year-old was to take another job, the Timeshave reported, but Van Gaal has already stated that United will be his last management role.

Jose Mourinho is eyeing the Manchester United job since he was sacked by Chelsea

Jose Mourinho is in line to replace the under-fire boss but his wage demands would be significantly higher than his predecessor.

Promoting assistant boss Ryan Giggs would offer a cheaper alternative but United are not considering the cost of Van Gaal’s exit in their decisions over whether he is the right man to lead them next season.

Van Gaal currently earns around £8m per year, including a Champions League qualification bonus which he earned with last season’s fourth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.

In addition, the United boss can pick up £1.5m for winning the Premier League or Champions League while the Europa League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup provide smaller bonuses.

Revealed: How United Can Sack Van Gaal

Oakgroove School Proud of Ghana’s Jeff Schlupp

Milton Keynes based Oakgroove School has praised Ghanaian international Jeffery Schluup after he helped Leicester City to lift the 2015/2016 Barclays Premier League.

The 23-year-old has played 22 times for the Foxes in their fairy tale march to the title – a story which has sent ripples around the world.

Schulpp, who also has 12 caps for Ghana, spent his formative years playing football in Milton Keynes as a student at Oakgrove School.

“He was part of the first year here back in 2005,” said head teacher Ian Tett. “He was a lovely lad and really well mannered.

“We all knew he was a talented footballer, but he never rubbed that in anyone’s face. He was a star in the school’s team.

“We knew he was destined for great things, but we never imagined he’d win the Premier League with Leicester. It’s an incredible fairy tale story.

“When he signed for Leicester, we always supported him to help his career progress.

“I taught him geography, and I’d love to tell you I taught him everything he knows about football but that would be a lie!

“A lot of the teachers still follow his progress, so we’re all really delighted for him and really proud of him.” Ian Tett added

 

 

Oakgroove School Proud of Ghana’s Jeff Schlupp

Bayern Munich Target Arsenal Star

Bayern Munich are sniffing around Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.

The German giants have made discreet enquiries about whether Arsenal would be prepared to sell Sanchez this summer.

Sanchez, 27, was a sensational £33m signing for Arsenal two years ago and enjoyed a brilliant first season at the Emirates.

But Sanchez has been dogged by form and injuries this season and Bayern could be ready to pounce given any encouragement.

Arsenal Star man, Alexis Sanchez

They have yet to make a formal approach but their interest could be a worry for Arsenal as they look to tie down Sanchez to a new contract.

Confident: Wenger was bullish over his chances of retaining Sanchez

Sanchez has two years left on his current £130,000-a-week deal and Arsene Wenger insisted last week they are “confident” both he and Mesut Ozil will sign new deals.

Bayern Munich Target Arsenal Star

Leicester"s Mahrez Named PFA Player of the Season

Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez has won the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award.

Mahrez has scored 17 goals and made 11 assists in 34 league games to take Leicester to the cusp of the title.

The award was voted for by the Algeria international’s fellow professionals.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, 20, was named PFA Young Player of the Year, while Manchester City forward Izzy Christiansen won the Women’s Player of the Year award.

Sunderland striker Beth Mead, 20, was named Women’s Young Player of the Year.

Mahrez, 25, held off competition from Tottenham forward Harry Kane, Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, West Ham United midfielder and fellow Leicester men Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante to win the award.

Mahrez was handed the prize at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Sunday hours after scoring in his side’s 4-0 win over Swansea City as leaders Leicester moved to within five points of the title.

Leicester"s Mahrez Named PFA Player of the Season

Manchester United Set For Hefty Fine For Late Arrival

Manchester United are facing a £5,000 fine for arriving late to Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham which caused kick-off to be delayed by 30 minutes.

 

United’s coach encountered heavy traffic en route to White Hart Lane from their team hotel ahead of the 3-0 defeat by Spurs.

In a bid to dodge the congestion, United’s coach driver took an alternative route only to cause further delay due to a low tunnel the vehicle couldn’t fit under

Premier League rules state a £5,000 fine for any delay of 15 minutes or less which usually applies for teams returning to the field of play after half-time.

However, the Old Trafford club could face a bigger fine after delaying the game by half an hour.

It will be considered by the Premier League board and Manchester United will have the opportunity to present their case.

The match eventually kicked off at 4.30pm with Manchester United’s top four hopes taking a severe dent as goals from Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela sealed victory for title-chasing Spurs who still trail leaders Leicester by seven points.

Manchester United Set For Hefty Fine For Late Arrival

City Begin Negotiations For Dortmund Midfielder

Manchester City are in advanced negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over the transfer of Ilkay Gundogan, although the clubs remain £8.1m (€10m) apart in their valuation of the midfielder.

Gundogan in action for Dortmund in Bundesliga match

Sky sources understand City have indicated a willingness to pay £28.3m (€35m) for Gundogan, although Dortmund value the player at £36.4m (€45m). Pep Guardiola sees Gundogan, 25, as a key part of his plans when he takes over from Manuel Pellegrini on July 1 and is determined City sign him.

Ikay Gundogan on international duty for Germany

Dortmund’s willingness to sell is driven by the fact the player has shown no indication he will commit to a new contract – his current deal expires in the summer of 2017. Despite that, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke and Sporting Director Michael Zorc value the player at £36.4m (€45m).

City Begin Negotiations For Dortmund Midfielder

Pep Guardiola Won"t Find It Easy In England

Guardiola is set to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Man City this summer and United legend Ferguson believes it will be the hardest job, he has done.

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Pep Guardiola to be a success in England, but insists he won’t find it easy.

Guardiola is set to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City this summer and United legend Ferguson believes it will be the hardest job he has done.

The Spaniard enjoyed unprecedented success with Barcelona before moving to Bayern Munich, where he is on the verge of winning his third straight Bundesliga title.

Ferguson praised Guardiola’s coaching ability and work ethic, but said the 45-year-old could be in for a shock.

“Well Pep has got a fantastic work ethic about him,” he told Sky Sports. “And he demands that from all his training sessions. So anyone who says they’re not going to work hard won’t last long I’m sure of that.

“He has got great coaching ability there’s no doubt about that. It’s interesting because it’ll be difficult to match what he did at Barcelona.

“Obviously Man City have had a real coup in getting him because he’s an outstanding coach, but Pep won’t find it easy. English football is not easy. Every foreign coach who has come to England will tell you that.

“Arsene Wenger, after a few months [of arriving], he was talking about that. Even Jose we he came, after his first season he realised what he achieved was hard work.

“So, he will be a success I don’t think he’ll ever replicate what he ever did at Barcelona but that was a high standard. They were the best.”

Pep Guardiola Won"t Find It Easy In England

Double Delight: Manchester United Defeat Liverpool At Anfield

See Photos Of Manchester United’s Victory Over Bitter-rivals Liverpool At Anfield

A Wayne Rooney rocket late in the game was enough to guarantee Manchester United all three points away to sworn rivals, Liverpool in the English premier league on Sunday. Manchester united won the first round meeting by three goals to nil and this win makes it four wins for Van Gaal against Liverpool.

 

Like all derby games the match was not without the heat that mars these games as early on Liverpool midfielder, Lucas Leiva stood up to 6ft 6in Manchester United, Fellaini during a heated exchange.

footballcrusader.com share with some memorable images of the game.

Double Delight: Manchester United Defeat Liverpool At Anfield

Transfer: West Ham Target The Signing Of Ghanaian International

English Premier League Side Targets Black Stars Midfielder

English premier league side, West Ham uniited have made fellow premier league side Swansea City’s forward, Dede Ayew a primary target as they set their sets on finishing in the top half of the table and qualify for Europe.

 

 

Andre Ayew has been in fine form since joining the Welsh based premier league team and is the top scorer for the club. The Ghanaian forward could be tempted with a move away from the Liberty Stadium with the Swans involved in a relegation battle and just one point above the relegation zone and with just a handful of matches remaining the light looks bleak for the Swans.

Swansea City forward, Andre Ayew

The Hammers already have a familiar face in Dimitri Payet who like Ayew signed from French club, Olympique Marseille. The pair were team mates and will be welcome news for Ayew to settle in quickly should the move materialise.

 

Transfer: West Ham Target The Signing Of Ghanaian International

Reunion: Cristiano Ronaldo Set For Old Trafford Return

Ronaldo Is All But Set To Return To Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo is being lined up for a return to England – and it could be at Old Trafford. The English Football Association chiefs have held discussions with their counterparts from the Portugal Football federation about a friendly ahead of the France Euro 2016.

A source in Portugal has confirmed negotiations had taken place between the two football associations although no contracts have been signed they (Potugal) are keen on facing England.

If negotiations end successfully that would mean former Manchester United star and club icon, Ronaldo will be a big attraction in one of England’s three pre-tournament friendlies. The FA know Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo would be a huge attraction and guarantee a popular sell-out.

It is rumoured there is also a chance of the Three Lions facing Argentina who boast of 2015 World Player of the Year – Lionel Messi.

Reunion: Cristiano Ronaldo Set For Old Trafford Return

Transfer: Liverpool Challenge Arsenal For Young Ghanaian La Liga Prospect

Liverpool Compete Arsenal For La Liga Star

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation Inaki Williams this month.

 

Jurgen Klopp is closely monitoring the 21-year-old forward as he considers bringing in more firepower in the January window. Klopp has been left short of options due to Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi’s injury problems while Christian Benteke has yet to convince since his £32m summer move to Anfield.

Hot prospect, Inaki Williams

Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal scouting team have like always kept a keen eye on Williams for years since he was tipped to break into the first team of the Bilbao based club.

Inaki Williams qualifies to play for Ghana and Spain has a £15.3m buyout clause in his current contract which expires in 2017.

Transfer: Liverpool Challenge Arsenal For Young Ghanaian La Liga Prospect

Transfer: English Premier Side Ready To Sign Ayew

Sunderland want Ayew

English premier league club and fellow relegation strugglers, Sunderland have spotted Aston Villa forward, Andre Ayew as the man to help them survive the league.

 

 

Jordan who has been in impressive form after beginning life as a premier league player with difficulty and many doubting whether he is made for the English game.

Aston Villa forward, Jordan Ayew

Sunderland have struggled for goals but with Jermaine Defoe finding his scoring boots under Sam Allardyce a partnership between Ayew and Defoe will be one great duel to help the Tyneside retain its premier league status.

 

 

Aston Villa manager, Remi Garde wont be happy to part ways with the man whose goals is what is giving the Midlands team a little bit of hope.

 

Transfer: English Premier Side Ready To Sign Ayew

See First Photos Of Arsenal New Signing

View First Images Of New Arsenal Midfielder

See First Photos Of Arsenal New Signing

Sign Of Respect: Ayew Congratulates Aubamayeng On Coronation As "King Of African Football"

Finally! Ayew Congratulates Aubamayeng

Ghana midfielder and 2nd runner-up during the recent GLO/CAF awards gala has eaten humble pie after he took too social media to congratulate Gabonese striker, Emerick-Pierre Aubamayeng.

 

 

The Ghanaian placed third for the second time in a row and had initially lost the crown for BBC footballer of the year to Ivorian international and Manchester city midfielder, Yaya Toure. The Swansea City midfielder was touted to be crowned king of African football after favourite Yaya Toure was named as second place after winning 4 times in a row.

 

The Swansea City top goal scorer wrote on his official instagram account, “God is great. 3rd place for the 2nd time in my career. I know Ghanaians and my fans were waiting for the 1st place and that was my goal just like the AFCON.”

The 26 – year old added, “But I will work hard to make my country and fans proud. congratulations to my brother Aubamayeng for winning and my big brother Yaya Toure for all what he has done for our continent.”

 

 

The son of Ghana’s maestro and arguably best ever footballer, Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’ will now be focused on reviving his dwindling form and that of his club, Swansea City and hope for better luck at next year’s event.

Sign Of Respect: Ayew Congratulates Aubamayeng On Coronation As "King Of African Football"

Smoked The Peace Pipe: Chelsea Duo Settle Their Differences

Chelsea Pair ‘Bury The Hatchet’ – Hiddink

The premier league defending champions can’t seem to get out of the news after a poor defense to the title they won convincingly sweeping away opponents with easy during the 2014/15 season. Chelsea have struggled to replicate that form and it cost manager, Jose Mourinho his job and also lost the backing of the board who have been supportive all season.

 

Chelsea duo, Diego Costa and Oscar were yesterday reported to be in each others throat during a training bust up and two had to be separated by team mates.

It is understood the clash occurred when Oscar rattled Costa with a hefty tackle before the former Atletico Madrid hit man responded with hard-hitting tackle of his own. The second clash is understood to have sparked the heated confrontation between the pair, who had to be pulled apart.

Oscar embrace Costa after the Spansh striker assist gave him an easy tap in to give Chelsea the lead during the 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace

During interim boss Guus Hiddink’s pree conference today, the Dutch manager said, “He took a charge from behind and it was overdone and especially when you know it is Oscar – he got Diego and of course they scrambled and stood up which is a normal reaction and then chested a bit without the threat of punching. It was the two bulls – I don’t like when they hit but with the intensity of the training session, we had a very sharp training session and it was on the edge.

Costa and Oscar walk out together to train at Cobham on Friday

“After that Oscar apologised in front of the group and he apologised for over reacting and then they looked at each other and started laughing. Jokes were made afterwards and it was a battle that happened afterwards. It is solved. If they have solved it in the way it has been done then there is no need for discipline. It was solved within seconds,” he added.

 

Chelsea’s next premier league game is at home to West Brom on Wednesday, 13 January but will meet league one side, Scunthorpe United in the Emirate FA cup on Sunday.

Smoked The Peace Pipe: Chelsea Duo Settle Their Differences

Full List Of 2015 GLO CAF African Footballers Award Winners

Full List Of 2015 GLO CAF African Footballers Award Winners

footballcrusader.com reviews the winners of the night during the 2015 GLO CAF African Footballer of the Year awards ceremony in Abuja, Lagos.

African Footballer of the Year

Pierre-Emerick-Aubameyang, Gabon

African-based Player of the Year

Mbwana Aly Samata, Tanzania

Women Player of the Year

Gaelle Enganamouit, Cameroon

Youth Player of the Year

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria

Most Promising Talent

Etebo Oghenekaro, Nigeria

Coach of the Year

Hervé Renard, Cote d’Ivoire

Referee of the Year

Bakary Papa Gassama, Gambia

African Legend

Charles Kumi Gyamfi, Ghana

Samuel Mbappé Léppé, Cameroon

National Team of the Year

Cote d’Ivoire

Women National Team of the Year

Cameroon

Fair play award

Allez Casa fans group of Senegal

Club of the Year

TP Mazembe, DR Congo

Full List Of 2015 GLO CAF African Footballers Award Winners

Gabonese Aubamayeng Crowned King Of African Of African Football

Aubamayeng Wins GLO CAF African Footballer Of The Year Award

Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng has been crowned the best player at the Glo CAF awards gala held in Lagos, Nigeria.

 

The ceremony brought stars from the past, present and future together to celebrate Africa best players and honour them for their contributions and hard work for both club and country,

 

The Dortmund forward noted for his somersault goal celebration, accumulated 143 points to that of second place and four times CAF African player, Yaya Toure who had 136 points. Ghanaian attacking midfielder and Swansea City top scorer, Dede Ayew in the English premier league placed third with 112 points.

Ayew might have lost the crown but will share the same dressing room with Toure and Aubamanyeng after being named in CAF best XI.

 

The award saw performances from music great Salif Keita, dance hall king Shatta Wale from Ghana, Flavour and D’banj from Nigeria.

Gabonese Aubamayeng Crowned King Of African Of African Football

Chelsea Players Turn Cobham Training Ground Into "Boxing Ring"

Chelsea Players Fight; Yes! He’s Involved

Chelsea team-mates had to separate Oscar and Diego Costa during a furious training ground bust-up on Thursday.

 

The report claims that the pair exchanged blows, but an eye witness insisted Oscar and Costa were dragged apart before the incident escalated that far. Oscar produced what is being described as an “outrageous” challenge into the knee of Costa after the striker had initially gone in hard on him

Spanish forward, Doego Costa s known to be temperamental involved in a training bust with colleague

It was after Oscar’s challenge that the pair squared up and had to be pulled apart by their shocked team-mates.While Costa has a reputation for losing his temper, the incident was largely being blamed on Oscar – even though the pair quickly struck a truce.

Oscar is believed to have started the bust up

A source said, “Oscar’s challenge was outrageous, it was straight into the knee of Costa and could have done him some real damage.

That sparked a brawl between them and the other players had to stop it”, he added.

Chelsea Players Turn Cobham Training Ground Into "Boxing Ring"

It Will Be Hard To Turn Down Manchester United - Nigerian International

Premier League Star Declares Love For Manchester United

Nigerian International and Watford striker Odion Ighalo says he would only leave Watford if his boyhood club, Manchester United bid for his services.

 

The 26-year-old has been one of the standout performers this season, scoring 14 Premier League goals in 20 appearances, a tally on surpassed by Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Leicester’s Jamie Vardy (both 15).

Watford striker, Odion Ighalo

His form has attracted interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Roma, but Ighalo has ruled out a move to anywhere other than Old Trafford.

Odion Ighalo celebrates for Watford after scoring against AFC Bournemouth

Ighalo in an interview with the Sun in UK said, “I don’t think I will be moving but I’m not sure I could say no if United called.”

He further added, “they (Manchester United) were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, they were my idols.

It Will Be Hard To Turn Down Manchester United - Nigerian International