Mario Balotelli has been left out of Liverpool’s 30-man squad for its preseason tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia, raising doubts about the Italian’s future at Anfield.
The striker had a disappointing first season at Liverpool following his move from AC Milan, scoring one goal in 16 appearances in the Premier League. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has signed two forwards this offseason, Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino.
Balotelli will continue his preseason preparations in England, while Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique have also been overlooked.
Raheem Sterling was included in Liverpool’s squad, named on Saturday, having failed to report for training Wednesday and Thursday – citing illness – before turning up on Friday.
The England winger has reportedly been the subject of two failed bids from Manchester City this offseason.
Newcastle
PSV Eindhoven midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has joined Newcastle on a five-year deal for a fee reportedly worth about €20 million (Dh82m).
The 24-year-old Netherlands international becomes Newcastle’s third most expensive signing of all time after Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.
Wijnaldum, who joins compatriots Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat, Vurnon Anita and Siem de Jong at St James’s Park, said: “There are a few players here who are from Holland – I know them well and they will help me feel at home in Newcastle. I know the club has a great stadium with great fans. I want to play here as soon as possible – I want to feel the atmosphere and hear the crowd. I cannot wait to get started.”
Wijnaldum’s arrival is a major boost to head coach Steve McClaren, who said on Thursday that he was not frustrated by the apparent lack of action in the transfer market.
Chelsea
Vitesse Arnhem have signed Chelsea’s teenage forward Isaiah Brown on loan for the coming season.
Brown is the Dutch club’s third loan signing from the English champions in this transfer window.
The 18-year-old England junior international, who was signed by Chelsea from West Bromwich Albion in 2013, joins Lewis Baker and Brazilian Nathan in the Netherlands.
The trio are following a well-worn path. Last season Vitesse took Bertrand Traore, Josh McEachran and Wallace on loan from Stamford Bridge. The season before last they had several players on loan from Chelsea, including Lucas Piazon, Sam Hutchinson and Christian Atsu.
Real Madrid
Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao will miss Real Madrid’s trip to Australia for the International Champions Cup friendly tournament after returning from holiday with a thigh injury.
Real are to play AS Roma at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 18 and Manchester City at the same venue six days later before heading to China to play Inter Milan and AC Milan.
New York City FC
Frank Lampard’s long-awaited Major League Soccer debut has been delayed after the former England and Chelsea star was injured in training.
The veteran midfielder was to play his first game for new club New York City FC against Toronto FC on Sunday at Yankee Stadium but has been ruled out after picking up a calf strain.
Lampard, who headed to New York after winding up his English Premier League career with Manchester City, said he would need a “few days” to recover from the knock.
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