Real Madrid's James Rodriguez signs for Bayern Munich on loan

James Rodriguez has signed for Bayern Munich on a two-year loan from Real Madrid.

The Colombia international, 25, has been linked with a move away from the Champions League winners since the start of the summer.

Manchester United were reported to be keen on James but Bayern have swooped in to secure his services until June 2019.

The Bundesliga club have confirmed that they have the option to purchase James outright once his loan deal ends.

"We are very happy that we were able to secure this transfer. The commitment of James Rodriguez was the great wish of our coach, Carlo Ancelotti, after both had already successfully worked together in Madrid," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"James is a versatile player. He is dangerous, creates many chances and has a great standard of shooting. With this transfer, we have been able to raise the quality of our team."

Reports: Manchester United to hijack another Chelsea transfer, agree £40m fee

Are Manchester United set to beat Chelsea to the signing of yet another superstar?

Antonio Conte will not be happy after hearing this

What’s the story?

Manchester United have only just completed the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton for an initial fee of £75 million, beating his former employers Chelsea to his signature and it appears that they are not satisfied with just that. According to the English media, especially Daily Star and Daily Mail, the Old Trafford outfit are set to hijack yet another transfer deal of the Blues, having agreed a fee in the region of £40m with Ligue 1 champions AS Monaco for the services of Tiemoue Bakayoko.

In case you didn’t know… 

Tiemoue Bakayoko has established himself as a combative and no nonsense midfielder during AS Monaco’s incredible 2016/17 season, in which the Stade Louis II side brought an end to Paris Saint-Germain’s hegemony in Ligue 1, as they usurped their cash-rich opponents to the league title, while also reaching the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.

Bakayoko was one of the constant fixtures in Leonardo Jardim’s young side and racked up 51 appearances during the course of the season. The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but it appears that a minor knee injury, which required a keyhole surgery and had proved to be a stumbling block for a medical of the Frenchman, has allowed Manchester United to outbid their league rivals Chelsea, once again.

The heart of the matter

The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, while the Blues were reportedly close to signing Bakayoko. However, a knee surgery to the 22-year-old delayed any proposed medical with the Stamford Bridge outfit and after the Lukaku snub, Chelsea are in no mood to do business with Manchester United.

This forced Jose Mourinho’s hands, as he could no longer look forward to a reunion with Matic, thereby shifting his focus to Bakayoko. According to the latest reports, Manchester United have tabled an offer in excess of £40m for the defensive midfielder, which is much more than the £37m one submitted by Chelsea. The Blues have been given the opportunity to improve their bid, but as of now it is the Red Devils who are in pole position to sign the Frenchman.

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Author’s Take

Manchester United need steel in their midfield and Bakayoko can provide it. The Frenchman can sit back and shield the defenders while also thwarting attacks of the opponent, proving to be the ideal foil for Paul Pogba, who can thrive in an advanced role without having to worry about defending.

While the deal makes sense for Manchester United, and will be an incredible news for the club and the fans, it is the second blow that Chelsea have suffered in a matter of few days, having lost the race to sign Romelu Lukaku.

Antonio Conte is said to be extremely unhappy at missing out on Lukaku and if the Blues are beaten to the signature of Bakayoko also, one can only imagine what will happen at the London outfit’s training ground.

Officially Official: Romelu Lukaku signs 5-year United contract

United’s new striker has also confirmed his new shirt number

After previously announcing that a fee had been agreed with Everton, Manchester United today made it official: Romelu Lukaku has signed a five-year contract with the club. The Belgian striker has already linked up with his new teammates at the first preseason training session in Los Angeles on Monday.

Manager Jose Mourinho said:

"Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United. He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club. He will be a great addition to the group and I know they will make him very welcome. I am really looking forward to working with him again."

In his first interviews since joining the club, Lukaku seems excited about the move.

“The history, the players that play for the club and the way that the club is always hungry to win trophies. It is something that I want and it is something that I was searching for. For me it was the perfect opportunity to make the big step and as a club, when Manchester United comes and asks you to play for them then you do not say no.”

He also acknowledged the role that super agent Paul Pogba played in the decision to come to United.

“Of course he is one of my best friends and he is my neighbour as well. We are always together on a daily basis so he would explain to me how things were going. Last season when he signed for United, to have witnessed that, it really triggered something in my brain and I knew that if one day I had the chance to sign then I would not say no.”

Lukaku also confirmed his new shirt number for the coming season. United’s new no. 9 will be wearing...the no. 9, obviously.

“Strikers play with No. 9. It's a nice number, and I asked the permission of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I want to thank him, as well, for allowing me to wear that number.”

Check out the rest of Lukaku’s first interview with MUTV here.

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Lukaku 'given permission' by Ibrahimovic to wear Man Utd's No.9 shirt

The Belgian has chosen not to wear Wayne Rooney's No.10 jersey, instead opting for the number he carries at international level

Romelu Lukaku has revealed he will wear the Manchester United No.9 shirt vacated after receiving "permission" from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Lukaku is set to complete his £75 million move from Everton in the coming hours after undergoing a medical on Saturday, and will meet up with his new team-mates in Los Angeles as they begin their pre-season preparations.

And he has revealed that he has already chosen to don the No.9 jersey, succeeding the departing Ibrahimovic in the iconic jersey.

"I always asked my mother what number, and I used to play with the 10 because my mother's birthday is on Oct. 10, so it's the 10th month of the year," he told ESPN.

"That's why I played with No. 10. I asked for the number nine because I'm a striker.

"Strikers play with No.9. It's a nice number, and I asked the permission of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I want to thank him, as well, for allowing me to wear that number."

The 24-year-old becomes the eighth United player to be given the number nine since the introduction of squad numbering in 1993. Brian McClair, Andy Cole, Louis Saha, Dimitar Berbatov, Radamel Falcao and Anthony Martial had all worn the shirt before Ibrahimovic arrived at the club last summer, with Martial being reallocated the number 11.

There was a belief that Lukaku may make a straight swap with Wayne Rooney, who has taken the Belgian’s Everton number 10 shirt after returning to Goodison Park. But the famous United number 10 remains vacant for now with Lukaku favouring the number he wears for his national team instead.

Lukaku could make his United debut on Saturday night when Jose Mourinho’s side take on LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center in their first pre-season fixture of the summer.

James Harden: Khloe Kardashian’s Ex Makes History With $228 Million NBA Contract

Take that, Steph Curry! James Harden made history on July 8 after signing a staggering $228 million contract with the Houston Rockets. He’s about to become the richest man in the NBA!

LeBron James recently complained about the cap pay basketball players get in the NBA — but we don’t feel sorry for them at all! Following Steph Curry‘s, 29, $201 million contract and James Harden‘s, 27, $228 million payoff, we have absolutely zero sympathy for how poor these professional athletes are. The Houston Rockets superstar trampled Steph’s deal with the Golden State Warriors on July 8, which nobody thought was possible only a week ago. For the 2022- 2023 season, James will likely be the richest man in the NBA as he just made history for breaking the bank, according to ESPN.

After the way he performed this year, James definitely deserves a big reward and an even bigger bank account. He was the runner-up to Russell Westbrook for the NBA’s MVP and now only has two more years left under his current $59 million contract. This four-year extension holds an impressive value of $170 million, which is the richest extension in NBA history, according to the publication. Rockets fans better get excited to the 2018 season because their team is looking great right now! Not only is James staying put, they also added all-star guard Chris Paul who previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Khloe Kardashian, if you’re reading this, now would be the perfect time to reunite with James — on a superficial level, of course. We all know that the reality star is head over heels for basketball pro Tristan Thompson, but doesn’t her ex’s new paycheck sound super appealing? Nicki Minaj might also be impressed and give James a chance after the way he gawked at her at the NBA Awards. He has a “big crush” on her, HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned, and would love to hook up!

HollywoodLifers, do you think anyone will be able to top James’ contract?

Delegating a new captain, picking a left-back among Mourinho's biggest decision

After working together at Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku says he is excited to link up with Jose Mourinho again at Man United.

Romelu Lukaku sits down with ESPN FC's Alexis Nunes in Los Angeles after completing his Manchester United medical.

The FC crew evaluate whether Romelu Lukaku would make Manchester United a Premier League title contender next season.

Jose Mourinho's season has already started.

Six weeks after lifting the Europa League in Stockholm, Manchester United are back in training. 

The squad will spend a week at UCLA in California ahead of preseason games against the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valerenga and Sampdoria.

It gives Mourinho seven games to decide what his best team is before the UEFA Super Cup with Real Madrid in Macedonia on Aug. 8, and the Premier League opener against West Ham at Old Trafford five days later.

He will hope, by then, that Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku are not his only new signings. 

But while he's away, there are still plenty of issues for him to deal with.

Who should be captain?

Wayne Rooney's departure to Everton means United are looking for a new captain. 

Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Antonio Valencia and David De Gea have all been mentioned as candidates and it's Mourinho's job to decide who is best suited for the role. 

Michael Carrick has done it before. But, at nearly 36, it's debatable how much he will play next season. Herrera said in May that he's not ready. And it might add unnecessary pressure on Pogba at a time when he is just starting to find his feet.

Who's the best left-back?

Left-back became a problem position for Mourinho last season. He started with Luke Shaw but seemed to quickly lose faith. 

Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young had a go before Mourinho finally settled on Matteo Darmian, even though the Italian is a natural right-back.

Shaw has travelled to the United States despite not being fully fit while Rojo is out until at least December with a knee ligament injury suffered at the end of last season. 

It leaves Mourinho with just Blind and Darmian and youngster Demetri Mitchell for back up.

Does Victor Lindelof start from day one?

Defending was not United's problem last season. The issues were at the other end of the pitch. 

Victor Lindelof comes to United with a hefty price tag but there is no guarantee he comes right in and starts.

Still, Mourinho has spent more than £30 million to sign Victor Lindelof from Benfica.

The decision for Mourinho is whether the Swede becomes an automatic starter. Eric Bailly is set to keep his place after an impressive debut season. Rojo is injured, but Blind, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling offer three other options.

Smalling and Blind were impressive together in the Europa League final as Ajax were barely afforded a shot on target in a comfortable 2-0 win. Jones, meanwhile, looked solid when he was fit. It was his form in November and December that convinced Mourinho to delay a move for Lindelof until this summer.

Should Andreas Pereira be part of the first-team squad?

Mourinho had a look at Andreas Pereira last summer and decided he was better off on loan at Granada. The Spanish side were relegated from La Liga last season, but Pereira was one of the positives in a disastrous campaign.

His performances have earned him a place in the squad for the trip to the United States. Now the Brazilian-born midfielder has three weeks to show Mourinho he deserves to stay at Old Trafford next season. If not, the 21-year-old is facing another loan or a permanent move away.

Which goalkeeper will play in the Champion League?

Mourinho decided last season that Sergio Romero would play in the Europa League and De Gea would take the gloves in the Premier League.

Even with Champions League qualification riding on the result in the final, the United manager stuck with his No.2. and Romero repaid his faith and barely put a foot wrong in the knockout rounds. 

He made a string of saves in the semifinal second-leg against Celta Vigo at Old Trafford to make sure United made it to the final.

Mourinho insisted towards the end of last season there is very little between De Gea and Romero. 

Given his contribution last season, the Argentine may feel he deserves to keep his place for European games next term.

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Here's what Jose Mourinho said in a text to Romelu Lukaku that swayed him to join Man United

Jose Mourino, Romelu Lukaku.

It's been a strange week in the transfer marker after everything the media thought they knew was flipped on its head.

First of all, it seemed as though Romelu Lukaku was heading for Chelsea after Blues boss Antonio Conte sent Diego Costa a text telling the striker he was no longer needed at the club.

Lukaku had been suggesting he would like to play for a top club and compete for major honours for large parts of last season - a campaign where he scored 26 goals all in - and a return to Chelsea to take care of some unfished business made sense.

Manchester United, on the other hand, seemed to be on the verge of agreeing a deal with Real Madrid to bring Spanish striker Alvaro Morata to Old Trafford, but when that deal stalled Lukaku came into their sights.

United have agreed a £75 million deal for the Belgian international and it is believed he has undergone a medial in L.A.

But plenty of question marks have surrounded this major development. Namely, why would Lukaku want to work with Jose Mourinho again after the Portuguese tactician deemed him not good enough to lead Chelsea's line twice?

It turns out that Mourinho sent Lukaku a text last week that made all the difference, according to The Sun.

Last week, Mourinho sent his former striker a message saying he was looking forward to working with him again. It is believed sorting out their once frosty relationship was key to the move — and Lukaku has stressed he can succeed alongside Mourinho or anybody else.

So, Mourinho gave the 24-year-old the vote of confidence he needed and is going to make him his main man at Old Trafford, but Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler still thinks this move smells a bit fishy.

"I have to admit I’m baffled by Romelu Lukaku’s decision to join Manchester United,’ Fowler wrote in the Daily Mirror.

"It’s a funny one, why would he want to go and play for a manager who has already twice deemed him not good enough, which is exactly what Jose Mourinho has done, whatever way he wraps it up.

"Ok, I get he’ll say he’s improved, I get he is no doubt a better player, but really? It’s a strange one for me, especially as this deal looks suspiciously like it is a last minute deal.

"Everyone said he was nailed on for Chelsea and they were quietly confident, United seemed to be in for (Alvaro) Morata, so what has changed so much to persuade Lukaku to risk his confidence, reputation and future with Mourinho."

Official: Rudiger signs for Chelsea

Antonio Rudiger has completed his transfer from Roma to Chelsea for a reported €35m plus €4m bonuses (total £34.2m).

The Germany international flew in for his medical this morning, having taken time off after the Confederations Cup success in Russia last weekend.

Chelsea pay £30.7m as a fixed fee with another £3.5m in incentives.

“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have today completed the signing of Antonio Rudiger from Roma,” read a statement.

“The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No.2 shirt.”

The 24-year-old defender was signed from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2015 for €13m.

He has 17 senior caps for Germany under his belt and is primarily a centre-back, but has played on the right or left with the Giallorossi at times.

“It’s a great feeling because not every player has the opportunity to join a huge club like this,” Rudiger told the official Chelsea website.

“I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and I’m very proud to officially become a Chelsea player.”

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo also welcomed the German international to Stamford Bridge.

“We are pleased to be able to bring in a player of proven quality who adds to our defensive options.

“Antonio is still young but is experienced at club and international level and possesses all the requisite attributes to thrive in the Premier League. We have been aware of him for some time and we are confident he will fit in well with the squad.”

Last season he scored one goal and provided four assists in 36 competitive games.

Rudiger is another big sale for Roma, who already sent Mohamed Salah to Liverpool and Leandro Paredes to Zenit St Petersburg, while Mario Rui is expected to join Napoli tomorrow. 

Image via chelseafc.com

Man United post beautiful tweet after Wayne Rooney signs for Everton

Wayne Rooney.

Everton have confirmed the signing of Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.

The 31-year-old has returned to Goodison Park on a two-year deal, bringing to a close his incredible 13-year Man United career.

It’s the perfect move for Rooney after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho. The attacking-midfielder started 15 league matches last season and his production has significantly reduced over the past few years.

If you asked Rooney which club he wanted to sign for, he probably would have said Everton. A boyhood Blue, England’s all-time leading goalscorer came through the youth ranks at the Toffees and has now been given the chance to return to the place where it all began.

“Wayne has shown me that ambition that we need and that winning mentality – he knows how to win titles and I’m really happy he’s decided to come home,” Everton boss Ronald Koeman said, per Everton’s website.

“He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back. He is still only 31 and I don’t have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic he’s here.”

There were plenty of memorable moments

Manchester United fans will remember the highlights, of which there were many.

The hat-trick on his debut against Fenerbahce. The overhead bicycle kick against Manchester City in 2011. The winner against Aston Villa in the 2010 League Cup final.

Man United's lovely tweet

The Red Devils posted a lovely tweet after Everton confirmed the move.

“#FarewellToALegend,” they wrote.

“@WayneRooney is leaving #MUFC to return to Everton.

“Thank you, Wayne, from all of us.”

They added an image of Rooney. Check out the tweet below.

Mourinho: 'His experience and focus will be missed'

Man United boss Jose Mourinho called Rooney a “model professional”.

"It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne; he has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come,” Mourinho said, per United’s website.

"It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton. His experience, focus and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future."

Is Wayne Rooney the biggest hero in Man United's history? Let us know in the comments section below!

Real Madrid offer Chelsea two big stars in stunning £133m deal

Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez.

With Romelu Lukaku seemingly set to join Manchester United for a staggering £75 million, the rest of the transfer market has been given the shakeup that they needed.

Chelsea thought they were the frontrunners in the race for Lukaku with boss Antonio Conte even going as far as to tell current leading striker Diego Costa that he was no longer needed at the club.

So, who do they turn to now that Lukaku is set for Old Trafford?

The Premier League champions need to strengthen their ranks to cope with the extra demands of Champions League football next term and it seems as though Conte is intent on freshening up his ranks regardless.

Everyone had assumed that Lukaku wanted to return to his former club and take care of some unfinished business and in the case of Alvaro Morata, everyone assumed that Jose Mourinho was desperate to bring his former Real Madrid prodigy to United.

Neither of those notions have proved true, but it appears as though Real Madrid are offering Chelsea the chance to boost their ranks with two of their once prized assets.

According to The Sun, Madrid president Florentino Perez is willing to do a £133 million deal with Chelsea for the service of Morata and another United target, James Rodriguez.

Multiple reports have suggested that Conte is frustrated with the way Chelsea have handled their business so far this summer and German defender Antonio Rudiger appears to be the only 'big' name the club have managed to lure thus far.

The Italian was said to be considering leaving his post if the club did not buck up their ideas on the transfer front and missing out on Lukaku won't have softened his stance one little bit.

However, capturing two fully-fledged stars in Morata and Rodriguez would certainly improve the Blues' squad and the former, still only 24, would be an excellent replacement for the volatile Costa.

Morata scored 20 goals last season in a second fiddle role, but Rodriguez found his opportunities significantly decreased as the season wore on.

Can both men find a new lease of life in London with the Premier League champions?

Crystal Palace FC [@cpfc] Announce Alan Pardew As The Club's New Manager

Crystal Palace Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Pardew as the club's new manager after signing a three and a half year contract. 

 

Chairman Steve Parish welcomes the former Palace midfielder back to Selhurst Park. "We wanted a manager with a great track record and proven experience in the Barclays Premier League. In Alan we have both these things as well as a man who has great affection for this club and shares my determination to take us to the next level."

 

Commenting on his new role, Pardew said, "I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of Crystal Palace. Everyone knows my history here, what's important now is to move the club to the next level. I believe with the backing of Steve and the board I can help achieve that and create some new exciting history for the club.

 

Crystal Palace would like to put on record their thanks to Newcastle United Football Club, in particular Mike Ashley, for their co-operation throughout the negotiations.

 

During his playing career at Crystal Palace, Alan played 128 times, seeing promotion in 1989 and reaching the FA Cup Final in 1990.

 

In his management career Alan led Reading and West Ham United to promotion, and since taking over Newcastle in 2010, he has had four successful seasons including being named manager of the year after finishing in 5th place.

 

Alan will take charge of the team for the FA Cup tie on Sunday against Dover Athletic, after watching the team at Villa Park on New Year's Day.  

 

The first exclusive interview with Alan will be available to watch from 10am this morning at cpfc.co.uk

Read more at http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/pardew-named-as-manager-2179130.aspx#PGWsBYlSeK5EfLfZ.99

Neil Warnock: Crystal Palace sack manager after Southampton defeat

Neil Warnock has become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season after being dismissed by Crystal Palace.

GARETH BALE TO MANCHESTER UNITED

The news of a sensational switch for the explosive Welsh winger looks to be gathering momentum as Spanish paper AS claim that van Gaal is preparing to offer £120m for the 25-year-old. Gareth Bale already holds the title of the world’s most expensive footballer when he moved to the Spanish giants from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a fee of around £85.5m. Bale is enjoying life in Spain and last season tasted his first piece of silverware winning the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.