Serie A: Torino claim Arsenal Belotti bid has been rejected
Torino have turned down an Arsenal bid for Andrea Belotti reportedly worth €65million, according to the Serie A club's sporting director.
Arsenal have had a reported €65million bid for Torino star Andrea Belotti rejected, the club's sporting director has said.
The 23-year-old striker has scored 14 goals in 18 appearances in a stellar campaign at the Stadio Olimpico, prompting speculation over a January transfer.
Manchester City Fan View: Difficult week highlights unique pressure on Pep Guardiola
Manchester City gave their manager Pep Guardiola reason to smile again at the end of what has been the Spaniard’s most difficult week since moving to England in July. His side eased past West Ham in the FA Cup third round on Friday, ending their visit to The London Stadium with a 5-0 win; the performance was as impressive as the result and the manager was glowing afterwards.
It was a welcome change to the image he put out last week. Despite victory over Burnley at weekend, the boss gave a smattering of sulky interviews that earned him a great deal of criticism that filled column inches and radio phone-in’s for days. He was in the wrong, but the reaction was over the top.
Premier League: I could use Wilshere now - Wenger
On loan at Bournemouth, Jack Wilshere could be used at Arsenal now, according to Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he could use Bournemouth midfielder Jack Wilshere in his injury-hit team now.
Wilshere was sent on a season-long loan by Arsenal in August, with the England international impressing in the Premier League.
FA Cup: The longest third round ever: 66 days, 261 postponements and 15-foot snowdrifts
It took 66 days to complete the third round of the FA Cup in 1962/63. The chaos, hardship and forlorn hopes that afflicted British football in the coldest winter since 1740 are captured in the stamp on the cover of Sheffield United’s third-round tie against Bolton Wanderers, due to take place on January 5 1963, which read: “After many postponements due to unprecedented winter conditions, match finally played 20th February 1963, kick-off 7.15pm (or so we thought until one hour beforehand!) AT LAST! 6th March 1963, kick-off 7.15pm.”
That heartfelt, triumphant 'AT LAST!' was very nearly the final word on the longest round in the cup’s history. The third round suffered 261 postponements (Lincoln City vs Coventry City was called off 15 times) as 15-foot snowdrifts, gale force winds, freezing fog, three months of frost, and temperatures sinking as low as -20.6C, made it nigh-on impossible to play football. A round that started on January 5 – when just three matches were played – finally staggered to a conclusion when Middlesbrough beat Blackburn Rovers 3-1 at Ayresome Park on March 11.
Premier League: Stoke secure Lee Grant on permanent deal
Lee Grant has made 15 Premier League appearances for Stoke this season and the goalkeeper has made his loan move from Derby permanent.
Stoke City have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Lee Grant from Derby County in a £1.3million deal.