JONATHAN, ADENUGA BOOST EAGLES AHEAD FRANCE CLASH

President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday lifted up the spirits of the national team, the Super Eagles, when he said all their outstanding Brazil 2014  World Cup appearance fee have been ordered cleared by Sports Minister, Hon Tammy Danagogo.
He also promised to clear any outstanding that the team may incur in the course of the championship, including outstanding FIFA grants to the NFF,  that will be off-set later by the soccer ruling house.

The Minister made this declaration while addressing players and officials of the national team at their Brasilia Palace Hotel camp in the Brazilian capital.
He was in the company of the Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, Adamu Azimeyeh Emozoza and top officials of the embassy, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, his vice, Mike Umeh and Technical Committee Chairman, Chris Green.

The President, said Nigerians from all works of life have implicit confidence in the abilities of the team to excel at the ongoing World Cup, and promised to be in Brazil later in the week to cheer the team to victory. Already, Senate President David Mark is expected on Wednesday in Brazil and a precursor to the President’s arrival. The Minister said the President was particularly thrilled by the team’s outing so far even in the defeat to Argentina, urging the team to remain focused and not fear of non-payment of any outstanding due them.

The Minister, also announced that Nigerian business mogul, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr, has sent through him the sum of $250,000 to boost the team ahead of their clash against France later this evening.. “He said this is a token and if the team goes ahead and shock the world he will join Mr President to shock the team” he declared amidst thunderous ovation from the players and their officials.

RAFAEL NADAL CLINCHES NINTH FRENCH OPEN TITLE

Rafael Nadal has won a record ninth French Open title thanks to a four-set victory over Novak Djokovic in Paris.

The world number one saw off the Serbian 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 on Sunday to lift the trophy for a fifth consecutive time.

There was little to separate the players at the start of the opening set as gruelling rallies dictated the play. However, Djokovic broke late on to establish a 5-3 lead before serving it out 6-3.

Nadal fought back in the second and broke the Serbian to go 4-2 ahead, but Djokovic took advantage of an uncharacteristically sloppy game from Nadal to break back instantly before levelling up at 4-4.

The Spaniard then squandered a break point that would have allowed him to serve out the set, though it mattered little as he went on to clinch it 7-5.

Djokovic, so often a model of stamina, began to wane in the third, and Nadal made sure that he seized control of the set by powering his way into a commanding 3-0 lead.

Nadal continued to make his opponent work for everything after that before breaking for a second time to win the one-sided set 6-2.

With the clock passing the three-hour mark, an error-strewn game from Djokovic saw Nadal move 4-2 in front during the fourth set, only for the world number two to break back soon after.

Djokovic looked to be enjoying something of a resurgence as the set headed towards the tie-break, but it was clay-court maestro Nadal who broke again to seal the triumph 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4.

SportsMole

LOUIS VAN GAAL WANTS GERMAN TRIO AT MANCHESTER UNITED

Louis van Gaal has reportedly informed Manchester United's executive chairman Ed Woodward that he would like to sign three German internationals this summer.

With Van Gaal's commitment to the Dutch national side at the World Cup, Woodward is currently in sole charge of transfer negotiations.

Under the instruction of the 62-year-old, Woodward will first pursue Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels, as well as Bayern Munich duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller, according to the Daily Mail.

The report went on to add that if United were able to secure that trio, it will cost the club in excess of £100m.

What's more, Southampton full-back Luke Shaw is also thought to be close to sealing a move to Old Trafford.

MONDAY'S TRANSFER GOSSIP

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has laughed off speculation linking Arsenal with a £20m move for winger Lorenzo Insigne, 23. Evening Standard 

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has rejected Real Madrid's interest in signing Brazil midfielder Ramires, 27. Daily Star 

Arsenal are lining up a move for Southampton right-back Calum Chambers, 19, after accepting Bacary Sagna, 31, will leave on a free transfer. Daily Mirror 

Aston Villa are ready to renew their interest in Norwich midfielder Wes Hoolahan, with the 32-year-old Republic of Ireland star willing to move now Roy Keane has arrived at Villa Park. Eastern Daily Press 

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has revealed his £32m move to Chelsea is nearly complete in a TV interview. Metro 

Manchester United's move for Southampton left-back Luke Shaw, 19, is in doubt with Louis van Gaal looking at a move for Barcelona's Jordi Alba, 25. Daily Express 

New promoted Queens Park Rangers are considering making Manchester United central defender Rio Ferdinand, 35, the highest paid player at the club with a salary of up to £80,000 a week. Guardian 

New Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is happy for the club to try to sign Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic, 30. insidefutbol.com 

BBC

TONI KROSS URGES BAYERN MUNICH TO NEGOTIATE WITH REAL MADRID?

Manchester United's hopes of signing Toni Kroos have hit a stumbling block, with the Germany international reportedly keen on a move to European champions Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old is thought to be on a list of targets drafted by new Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal, along with Bayern Munich teammate Thomas Muller.

Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested in capturing the midfielder's signature, though reports have suggested that England is not his preferred destination.

According to Spanish paper El Confidencial, the 24-year-old will snub a move to the Premier League and urge his current club Bayern Munich to talk to Real Madrid.

Real have also targeted former Manchester United man Paul Pogba, though a £40m release clause means that he is unlikely to leave Juventus this summer.

SportMole

ROMELU LUKAKU: 'DIEGO COSTA DEAL WILL PUSH ME TOWARD EXIT'

Romelu Lukaku has cast his Chelsea future in doubt after slamming the Blues' excessive recruitment of strikers.

The West Londoners are widely believed to be closing in on a big-money move for Atletico Madrid hitman Diego Costa, who could reportedly seal the switch as early as Tuesday.

Consequently, the Belgium international feels that there would be little room in the squad for him should the deal be completed, and targets an impressive World Cup display to showcase his abilities to suitors.

"You know Chelsea, every year they buy a new top striker," he is quoted as saying by The Daily Mail.

"I remember me coming into the dressing room last year and seeing Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba and going: 'Whoah! What's happening here?

"But it's no problem. Many clubs are interested in me. At this stage I have to look to myself. I have to play a good World Cup. That's very interesting for all the players looking for a transfer. And I must be one of them. Chelsea know my point of view."

Lukaku hit 15 Premier League goals while on loan with Everton last season.

SportMole

LIVERPOOL TO FACE BORUSSIA DORTMUND AT ANFIELD IN AUGUST FRIENDLY

Liverpool have announced that the team will play Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly at Anfield in August.

The two clubs will come together for the first time in 13 years on August 10 at 12.15pm - a matter of days before the start of the new Premier League season.

Both Liverpool and Dortmund finished as runners-up in their respective league campaigns last season.

Liverpool's chief commercial officer Billy Hogan told the club's official website: "It has been over a decade since Borussia Dortmund played at Anfield so we are looking forward to welcoming them back.

"This fixture promises an electric atmosphere as both teams get ready for the upcoming season and the possibility of meeting again in the Champions League."

Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke added: "The match between Liverpool FC and Borussia Dortmund is the meeting of two teams that have a lot in common: a rich history, unique fans and a passionate style of football. We are honoured and very much looking forward to playing in this iconic stadium."

Liverpool will also face Preston North End, Roma, Olympiacos, Manchester City and AC Milan during their pre-season preparations.

SportsMole

SATURDAY'S TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United face competition from Paris St-Germain for Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann, 23, with the Basque club keen to sell before the World Cup starts .Daily Star 

QPR striker Loic Remy, 27, wants to join Arsenal more than any other teams interested in signing him. Daily Mirror 

Sunderland have made an undisclosed bid for 29-year-old Swansea defender Ashley Williams. Sky Sports  

Chelsea are confident of signing ex-Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 27, from Barcelona for less than £30m and will improve his £100,000-a-week wages. Times (subscription) 

Blackpool winger Tom Ince, 22, is set to decide between a move to Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle after rejecting a switch to Inter Milan.Daily Express 

Aston Villa have sounded out former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand over a possible move to Villa Park - but the 35-year-old free agent would prefer to join a London club. Daily Mail 

West Ham are ready to battle Tottenham for the signature of Napoli midfielder Blerim Dzemaili, 28. Talksport 

Liverpool are close to completing a deal for Bayern Munich's £15m-rated winger Xherdan Shaqiri, 22, who has been capped 32 times by Switzerland. Daily Star 

BBC

LIVERPOOL 2-1 SUNDERLAND: GERRARD & STURRIDGE KEEP TITLE PUSH ALIVE

Liverpool beat Sunderland 2-1 at Anfield to move back up to second in the Premier League table.

The Black Cats' massed ranks had frustrated their hosts for the majority of the first half, but Steven Gerrard struck a fine free kick into the top corner to open the scoring.

The Reds were incensed that Santiago Vergini only received a yellow card for bringing down Luis Suarez after giving away the free kick, and the Argentine was even luckier to stay on the field shortly afterwards when he slid in on Suarez again.

Daniel Sturridge doubled the advantage three minutes after the break with a shot from 18 yards out which deflected in off Wes Brown.

Lee Cattermole struck the crossbar and Sturridge did likewise at the other end, but the Black Cats were given a lifeline when Ki Sung-Yeung headed home at the far post with 14 minutes remaining.

Anfield was a bag of nerves in the final moments but the hosts managed to hold on despite increasing Sunderland pressure.

BAYERN MUNICH CLINCHES BUNDESLIGA TITLE IN RECORD TIME

Bayern Munich clinched their 24th German title in stylish fashion with a comfortable 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.

The Bavarian giants became the first Bundesliga club to win the title in March, defending their title with a record seven matches to spare thanks to goals from Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery.

Kroos and Gotze struck within the first 15 minutes, setting the tone in a match that Bayern controlled, and although Adrian Ramos scored a second-half penalty for the hosts, Ribery wrapped up his side's win with a delightful chip from a tight angle.

Much was made of Pep Guardiola's arrival in Munich but the Spaniard's side look on track to beat the 25-point margin Bayern won last year's league by under Jupp Heynckes.

Their latest triumph saw them go 25 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund and that gap appears only likely to widen as the season goes on.

Bayern's latest piece of silverware may struggle to find a space in a creaking trophy cabinet that has been filled by six new items in the last year, including two league successes and last season's UEFA Champions League.

Their evolution under Guardiola was evident in the German capital, with long spells of possession and control giving Hertha little chance of an upset.

CHELSEA’S £32M WIZARD REVEALS EXTRAORDINARY COMMENTS ON HOW ETO’O INSPIRES HIM

Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has revealed that team-mate Samuel Eto’o constantly assures him that he can go on to become one of the world’s best players, reports the Express. While the ex-Barcelona striker also tells the Belgian he cannot leave the stadium without scoring a goal.

The Belgian has been in blistering form this season with 14 goals, including a penalty during the demolition of Arsenal, which has helped Jose Mourinho’s side to the top of the Premier League table.

Touted as a future Ballon d’Or winner, Hazard has never appeared to be short of self confidence but still gratefully accepts tips from the vastly experienced Cameroon striker Eto’o, which has given him even more faith in his own ability.

“Eto’o tells me every day that I can be one of world’s best players.

“Before every game he tells me I have to make the difference.

MATCH REPORT: ARSENAL 2-2 SWANSEA : GUNNERS SUFFER YET ANOTHER SETBACK

Arsenal's hopes of regaining some Premier League momentum were judderingly ended by a late own goal from Mathieu Flamini as they drew 2-2 with Swansea City.

Wilfried Bony jumped clear of Thomas Vermaelen less than a quarter of an hour into the game, meeting Neil Taylor's cross to score against the run of play.

Despite having dominated until then, the Gunners dropped off and struggled to turn possession into meaningful attempts on Michel Vorm's goal.

The game turned on its head in the space of two second-half minutes, however, with Lukas Podolski at the heart of it. First, the substitute finished from close range before, only moments later, bursting down the left and crossing for Olivier Giroud to score.

But there was to be a late sickener for Arsenal when Flamini calamitously put the ball into his own net.

MANCHESTER UNITED 0-3 MANCHESTER CITY: MOYES’ MEN THRASHED ONCE AGAIN

Edin Dzeko bagged a double and Yaya Toure fired in a late third as Manchester City eased to a comfortable 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The result sees City jump above Liverpool and into second in the Premier League table.

Dzeko put City ahead after just 43 seconds as Manuel Pellegrini's men burst out of the traps. Rafael made a great last-ditch tackle to deny David Silva even earlier, but the ball was worked out to Samir Nasri and, in the United right-back's absence, he had time to pick out a low shot which hit the inside of the post, rebounded across goal and was turned in by Dzeko.

The Bosnian went close to making it 2-0 after 18 minutes but David De Gea kept out his weak strike.

David Moyes' men were on the ropes for the early exchanges and barely got out of their own half for the first 10 minutes, but gradually wrested more possession towards half-time even if they failed to carve out many opportunities.

Juan Mata had the best of those rare first-half chances, skying Rafael's low cross over the bar from just inside the area.

Fernandinho flashed a header over the bar on 51 minutes, but Dzeko made no mistake five minutes later when he side-footed home Nasri's corner.

United barely registered a threat after that but Danny Welbeck did force Joe Hart into a save with a backheel at the near post.

Yaya Toure added the gloss as he stroked home a low shot from the edge of the box in the 90th minute.

TORRES HINTS AT ATLETICO RETURN

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has potentially opened the door on a return to Atletico Madrid after expressing an interest in working under former teammate Diego Simeone.

"In football, you never know," he told the Friday editions of several British newspapers. "You don't know where you are going to be tomorrow, in a week's time, or in 10 years' time.

"I've had a lot of admiration for 'Cholo' (Simeone), ever since we were teammates. He taught me a lot in the seasons we played together at Atleti."

Torres, 30, has failed to impress since joining Chelsea from Liverpool for a British-record fee of £50 million in January 2011, scoring only 44 times in 161 appearances.

His status was further undermined recently when manager Jose Mourinho was shown on French television complaining that Chelsea "lack a scorer" during a conversation recorded without his knowledge.

Simeone is enjoying a fine season with Atletico, who are challenging for the Spanish title and have reached the Champions League quarterfinals, and Torres says that he would be intrigued to work with him.

"I always want to work with people I admire," added Torres, who left Atletico to join Liverpool in 2007.

"I admired Rafa Benitez from the outside and I had the chance to work with him (at Liverpool and Chelsea). The same goes for Jose Mourinho or (former Atletico and Spain coach) Luis Aragones.

"Simeone is like Pep Guardiola or like other coaches who you'd like to go and see how they coach and learn."