Atsu pens four-year Newcastle deal

Big-spending Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona are still no match for English Premier League sides, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres said Saturday.

The 25-year-old Spaniard believes La Liga can still learn much from English football despite the large sums of money being spent by them this summer.

English football has an enormous following across the world, not just because of the players but because of its history, its tradition, the excitement, the capacity crowds, Torres, who spent six years in the Spanish top flight with Atletico Madrid, told Liverpool s website.

The other leagues can learn a lot, even La Liga. Madrid have signed Kaka and Ronaldo, and Barcelona have Xavi and Messi but, really, the Premier League is way ahead.

The Spanish int…

Brisbane Roar recruit Jade North said his was elated to return to the A-League to play for the reigning two-time champions.

The 31-year-old Socceroos defender completed his first training session with Brisbane on Tuesday morning after signing from Japanese side Consadole Sapporo.

North began his professional career with the Brisbane Strikers in 1998. His most recent stint in the A-League was in the 2010-11 season with Wellington Phoenix.

North said returning to Brisbane was an easy decision, for football reasons and also because it will give him the chance to promote indigenous football development in Australia.

Back as a young boy when I was 16 Brisbane gave me my first chance, back in the old NSL and I ve come back now at 31 years of age, so I m look…

Carlo Ancelotti has stressed the Bayern Munich will not send Kingsley Coman back to Juventus at the end of the season.

The France international joined Bayern from Juventus on a two-year loan deal in August 2015 for an initial fee of €7 million, with the Bundesliga champions having an option to make his stay at the Allianz Arena permanent for €21m.

The Bavarians seemed ready to trigger their right to buy Coman after his impressive 2015-16 campaign, but doubts have arisen over the 20-year-old s future after an underwhelming start to this season.

After scoring six times and supplying 11 assists in 35 outings last term, the former Paris Saint-Germain player is yet to find the net or set up a team-mate under Ancelotti.

Nevertheless, the Italian has end…

UEFA has launched an investigation into alleged discriminatory behaviour from Juventus supporters during their Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

A Kylian Mbappe brace condemned Juventus to defeat in their Champions League opener at the Parc des Princes, with Weston McKennie scoring a second-half consolation for the Bianconeri.

After the match, video footage was circulated on social media which appeared to show visiting fans making offensive gestures, prompting an inquiry. 

A UEFA statement released on Wednesday read: In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding allegations of discriminatory behaviour by…

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez admits he still has fond feelings for former club Liverpool ahead of their clash on Sunday.

But Benitez also said he is only focused on securing all three points when the two sides meet.

The 53-year-old will make his first managerial return to Anfield, where he coached Liverpool for six years before leaving in 2010, with his current club still chasing a top four place.

Having recently admitted that the prospect of returning to manage on Merseyside appeals to him, Benitez refused to play down the regard with which he holds Liverpool, but said he will be strictly professional in trying to do his best for Chelsea on the day.

Liverpool is where my family live now. I have been there for six years and have very good memories, Benit…

With a move to Lazio looking likely, Ravel Morrison has cancelled his contract with Premier League side West Ham.

Ravel Morrison has cancelled his contract with West Ham, paving the way for a move to Lazio.

The attacking midfielder has been touted as one of English football s hottest prospects, but departs Upton Park having failed to make his mark at the London club.

Morrison moved to West Ham from Manchester United in January 2012, but managed just 24 appearances in that time most of which came in a breakthrough spell last season.

A string of impressive performances, including a wondrous solo goal in a victory at Tottenham, proved to be a false dawn and Morrison has since spent time on loan in the Championship at QPR and Cardiff City.

A West Ham…

Manchester United loanee Odion Ighalo described joining the Red Devils as a dream come true following his deadline-day switch.

United completed a shock loan deal for Shanghai Shenhua striker Ighalo on Friday, with the 30-year-old joining until the end of the Premier League season.

With injured star forward Marcus Rashford facing at least two months on the sidelines, United turned to Ighalo, who scored 10 goals for Chinese Super League side Shenhua last term.

It s a dream come true because since I was a kid I followed and dreamt of Manchester United, former Watford striker Ighalo told Sky Sports News.

But it is a reality now. I cannot say much more now until I get started.

  will return to action on 17 February with a visit to Chelsea, aft…

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is considering tabling a bid for Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady, .

The Spaniard initially made a move for the Republic of Ireland international six months ago whilst he was in charge of Wigan Athletic, though he failed with a £5m deadline day bid.

The former Celtic man was signed for £9.5m in 2010, though Spartak may accept around £4m as the player is entering the final year of his contract.

Earlier in the month, McGeady revealed that England could be his next destination, after turning down the offer of an extension to his current deal.

West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland have previously shown interest in the 27 year old; though the Toffee’s are odds on to secure his services this summer.

He has won …

Stoke City have the signing of Tom Ince from Huddersfield Town.

The Potters have already paid £10million for the winger as the fixed part of the transfer fee, and are likely to pay £2million more in the form of add-ons. Ince is their fifth signing this summer as they prepare for life in the Championship, having already secured the services of midfielder Peter Etebo,  striker Benik Afobe, goalkeeper Adam Federici and winger James McClean.

The son of the former England captain Paul Ince has signed a deal that is set to keep him at the Bet365 Stadium until 2022.

The 26-year-old started his professional career with Liverpool although he made a single League Cup appearance for the Reds. Since then, his journey took him through stints at Notts County (loan), Bla…

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This Premier League season is turning out to be one of the most unpredictable to date with the battle for the title, the fourth Champions League place and relegation all keeping spread bettors on the edge of their seats.

The Sporting Index traders currently have Chelsea as 49-52pt spread favourites on the outright championship index (60pts to the winner, 40pts to runner-up, 30pts to third-place, 20pts for fourth etc.). Any spread punters to have bought Chelsea s spread will have been delighted to see them take three points from Old Trafford last Saturday.

Sellers of Liverpool s outright Championship spread will have been pleased with B…