Manchester United want Alvaro Morata to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic

   As soon as Antoine Griezmann announced that he's staying at Atletico Madrid after they lost their appeal against the transfer ban, Manchester United shifted their interest towards Alvaro Morata, who tops the teams wishlist right now. The club has been linked with a bunch of strikers, but Telegraph claims Morata is the most wanted.

   After Zlatan's horror injury, against Anderlecht on April 20, which will sideline him for about a year, United are keen on a striker to succeed the Swede and to reinforce their attack, which got Jose Mourinho complaining about wastefulness. But with the unbelievable price tags on both Lukaku (£100 million), and Belotti (£90 million), Morata's £50 million tag seems pretty cheap, as he has the same quality as them, maybe even better!

   Morata has struggled this season as he was the 2nd in pecking order, behind Karim Benzema, who was preferred by Zidane. Morata's move looks definite, but the destination is still unkown. The Spaniard has been linked to many top clubs in Europe. Chelsea's Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the 24-year-old, and has the advantage of working with him before. Meanwhile, AC Milan also are keen on the center forward, and some reports claim that the 2 parties had an agreement. Milan's advantage is Serie A, and the player is familiar with this league. Arsenal are also reported to have an interest in the player, but their priorities now are Monaco's Kylian Mbappe and Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette.
 
   Manchester United may have one problem in their approach, which is De Gea. For about 2 years Real Madrid are dreaming about bringing the keeper inside their club's walls. This could be a chance for the Champions league winners, or an obstacle in front of the Red Devils.

Aggressive Pepe leaves sentimental message for Real fans and slams Zidane as he says farewell!

 After 10 seasons leading the defence at Santiago Bernabeu, Pepe's journey nears to its end. He stepped in the club on 12 july 2007, made 334 appearances and won 14 trophies. His contract ends on 30 june 2017, and there's no sign that the club wants to renew. So he posted some photos on instagram with a goodbye note (@official_pepe).

   A few hours after the Champions League win against Juventus, the Portoguese defender spoke to Cadena Cope explaining why he has to leave the Spanish capital, without confirming any agreement with PSG. 

  "It is clear that I will leave Real Madrid , an important stage of my career has come to an end. It is time to look ahead and advance to the next step. At the moment I have not signed anything with anyone, there are many clubs interested in me, some even in the Premier League. We'll see what happens."
   
      So Pepe spoke about his future. Arriving at Real Madrid from Porto in 2007 for just over 30 million euro figure, the Portuguese had immediately won the title in central defense, becoming a reference point for the team and one of the symbols of the fans. He also spoke how he struggled under Zidane, so he added:
  
 "Zidane and the club knew that I would leave after the Champions League final. The coach has done spectacular things but he behaved in a haphazard manner with me. They disappeared from the field without even knowing why, I'd be really curious to know the reasons for his choices. On the contrary, I enjoyed the sincerity that Rafa Benitez has had on me."

  And about his relation with Florentino Perez, he added:

   "With the president it has always been a professional relationship but not friendship. It was very painful to see the club lose interest in my problems. I had to resolve them alone with the authorities.The board of directors it's just screwed. For Real Madrid I gave blood and sweat in every game I played, I will be forever linked to this city and to the fans."
  
The 34-year-old has been linked with a move to the French giants PSG. The club is looking forward to sign new quality players to bloster their squad after a disappointing season. 

Cardiff, a date with destiny!

   The champions league  final kicks off in 2 hours! Everyone wants to know how it's going to end, you're also wondering how it's going to start.

   Here's the predicted lineups for both teams:

    Real's 4-3-1-2 with Isco featuring which was a surprise for many when Zidane announced it. Its seems like the midfielder got Zizou's attention due to his improving form int the past couple of games. He was picked instead of Bale who was injured and maybe not 100% ready.

   This formation could change throughout the play to 4-3-3 with Isco on the right wing which will create more attacking options for Zidane's side.

   Juve's formation is hard to predict with their capability in changing tactics, with players playing different roles, like Dani Alves and Mandzukic. It's probably a flexible 4-2-3-1 which varies during the game to a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 accordingly.

   The odds are 50-50. Both teams played like champions from the beginning of the tournament. They performed well in every single match. Today the 2 teams are willing to give everything they have to be champions of europe. Real dream of bringing La Duodecima their 12th title to make history, again! And Juve want their 3rd UCL cup and also want to write history by winning the treble.

   Now how will the 2 teams play?

   Juve will try to play a physical battle, which they are already trained to play and can win it easily. In addition to that, Allegri will want Dani Alves and Dybala to take advantage of Marcello's attacking style and surprise Real with an early goal that would change the whole scenario. Higuain has to face Ramos his ex-teammate whose form is not so promising this year (defensively) and score from half chances to kill the game. Dybala will cause many troubles for Real's defence, and pjanic, if free, will break the defence with his accurate passing. Mandzukic will have a defensive role for his astonishing physique which can win him duo battles with almost any player. Khdeira could be lethal in corners and set pieces and should take care of Isco and Modric and prevent them from passing easily without pressure with the help of Pjanic . Sandro will help in the attack which will give Mandzukic time to relax. The back 3 should be careful from Ronaldo and Isco who will make them uncomfortable.

  Real will try to use Juve's defensive weaknesses. Yeah! Juve have weaknesses in their defence. Their defence may look impenetratable, but in fact it is. Juve's defence has a problem when it comes to back runs. When the opposition player makes a run behind the defenders back , and with Real Madrid's players, pace is not an issue! Moreover, Juve have some holes in their marking system where the player marking the opposing player has 2 choices, either block the pass/shot or stay with the marked man. These factors will help Real win the match, although their righ side won't be that effective with Mandzukic performing his defensive duties.

  A sure thing is that the game will be great, with the 2 teams fighting to win with any possible way. It would be great if Zidane won his 2nd UCL title in a year and a half, but would be greater to see Buffon win it before he retires. Anyway the game would be dramatic and on fire, so ENJOY!

 
 

 

   

Monaco reject Arsenal's 100 million euros for Kylian Mbappe!

After an incredible season at Monaco, Kylian Mbappe caught the eyes of big clubs. There were many rumors linking the 18-year old with a move to one of the Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona. Then rich English clubs  were linked with the forward such as the 2 Manchester clubs and Chelsea, and PSG showed interest in the Frenchman. But then Arsenal surprised us all by bidding 100 million euros to get the player's signature, and more surprisingly, Monaco rejected the offer!
Mbappe netted 26 goals this season, and provided 8 assists helping Monaco win League 1, and qualifying to UCL semi-final where they lost twice against Juventus. This young starlet is said to be one of the best talents and expected to be one of the best players one day, and the French champions are trying to keep him in the club for at least one more season. Mbappe still has 2 years in his contract, and he said that he doesn't want to play less which may be a relief for his club, but he also said that he's not afraid to leave! And there are still rumors that Real Madrid could blast a 120 million euros deal to snap the ace. There is a factor that could facilitate this mega money deal: Kylian is a huge fan of Real Madrid, Ronaldo, and Zidane. We'll see about that in the coming couple of days.