Kevin Strooman

Louis van Gaal has been confirmed as Manchester United manager, and the first message in his inbox will be one of grave disappointment.

Manchester United reportedly launched a £25m bid for Kevin Strootman on the advice of Van Gaal last week but, according to Il Tiempo, that bid has beenrejected out of hand by AS Roma.

The Netherlands head coach will take charge at Old Trafford after the World Cup and will immediately set about the task of rebuilding what appears to be afragile Manchester United team.

The Glazer family are prepared to let Van Gaal blow as much as £200m in the transfer market this summer and it seems the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is keen to bring the best of Dutch talent.

One player believed to be near the top of Van Gaals wishlist was midfield enforcer Strootman, who enjoyed a fruitful debut season in Serie A beforesuffering cruciate ligament damage.

He will miss the World Cup, but Van Gaal wanted to make sure that Strootman was a Manchester United player when he arrived at Old Trafford in late July.

But AS Roma are building an ambitiousproject and Rudi Garcia has his eyes on the Serie A title as well as an assault on the Champions League next season.

The club are therefore very keen to hold on to their star players and have already offered Miralem Pjanić a pay rise, and subsequent contract extension.

They will also try their best to keep Mehdi Benatia, who has been linked with Manchester United, rivals City and Chelsea.{GMS}

Serge Aurier

Arsenal are ready to make Toulouse full-back Serge Aurier their first summer signing in £7m deal in a swift move to tie up a deal that effectively sees the Gunners attempt to replace Bacary Sagna, according to the Daily Star.

Sagna played the final game of his current contract against Hull City in the FA Cup final on Saturday and despite Wembley success is widely expected to sign for Manchester City on a free transfer, although Arsenal chiefs are still talking to the French international to try and address that situation.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a realist though and has already moved to sign Sagnas long-term replacement in Aurier, an Ivory Coast international who has taken Ligue 1 by storm this season.

Aurier is just 21 but already commands a reputation as an energetic full-back with creative edge, a view which has been enhanced this season thanks to arecord of six goals and as many assists for Toulouse in Ligue 1.

Arsenal believe the powerhouse has the potential to replace Sagna and compete with Carl Jenkinson for a starting spot in the Premier League, with the addedbonus of a relatively small fee in terms of the reported £100m budget Wenger has to make additions during the close season.

Toulouse are reluctant to let the starlet leave this summer but Arsenal have other plans and want to tie up a deal before the World Cup gets underway next month, in a bid to fend off rivals for his signature from across the continent.(GMS)

Giovinco

Arsenal have been placed on high alert after Sebastian Giovinco was told he could leave Juventus, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

The Italian international struggled to break into Antonio Contes starting line-up in Turin last season and is again expected to find his opportunities limited come August.

The Gunners had enquiries rejected in January but the situation is thought to have changed, with Giovinco having just one year left on his contract.

Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested, as are Monaco and Olympiakos.{Mirror Football}

Pedro

Barcelona have told Pedro he can leave the Nou Camp this summer and Liverpool are set to react by tabling a stunning offer for the Spanish forward before the World Cup gets underway next month.

Pedro has scored 15 goals in La Liga this season despite often being forced to play second fiddle to the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar in big matches, with the Champions League knockout stages a perfect example of his growing frustration with a peripheral role for the Catalan giants.

The 26-year-old played just 18 minutes across four crucial ties for Barca when it mattered most and Liverpool now believe an audacious swoop will bringa world-class signing to Anfield ahead of their return to the competition next season, according to the Mirror.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is a long-term admirer of the prolific Spanish international and now believes new Barca boss Luis Enrique will let him move on, particularly after he was left out of photos used for the clubs new kit launch released earlier today, along with Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez.

Rodgers believes Pedros versatility will make him a perfect partner for the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, but one of the summers biggest transfers would not come cheap.

The Mirror have tonight reported than a tentative Liverpool approach to Barca for the star was received warmly, with Reds chiefs informed that Pedro is available but only at the right price.

Its now up to Liverpools transfer supremos to move quickly and get the deal done before Europes top clubs swarm to scupper any chance of a swift move, while persuading Pedro a fresh challenge in the Premier League is just what the speed demon needs.

Manchester United and Arsenal have also been previously linked with one of the continents most dynamic wide men, but both are now definitely trailing Liverpool in the bid to make him a Premier League player this summer.{GMS}

David Luiz

Chelsea are in advanced talks with Paris St Germain over the sale of David Luiz to the Ligue 1 champions with the fee for the Brazilian expected to top the £40m mark, a record for a defender. Discussions between the clubs are on-going and an agreement is anticipated well before the start of the World Cup.

David Luiz, a £23.5m signing from Benfica in January 2011, has claimed the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea but found himself something of a stop-gap at both centre-half and in defensive midfield last season.

At 27, and with the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich also long- standing admirers, he represents a saleable asset for the London club as they seek to comply with Uefa's financial fair play regulations.

The sale to PSG, who are more bullish about maintaining their lavish spending of recent years, would grant José Mourinho more leeway in the market this summer to strengthen his squad in otherareas.

The Spain forward Diego Costa is expected to join from Atlético Madrid for £31.8m, reflecting the buy-out clause in his current contract at Vicente Calderon, while there is interest in securing a second striker with Bayern's Mario Mandzukic admired.

Chelsea are also seeking a left-back to replace the out-going Ashley Cole, with Sevilla's Alberto Moreno and Filipe Luis at Atlético tracked.

Mourinho boasts cover at centre-half where John Terry has signed on for a further season, Gary Cahill has excelled, and Branislav Ivanovic can perform. Theyoungsters Tomas Kalas - who played in the wins at Liverpool and Cardiff towards the end of last season - and Kurt Zouma, who was signed mid-season from St Etienne and remained at the French club for the rest of the campaign, will also seek first-team involvement, meaning David Luiz's role would most likely have come in midfield. There, too, Chelseaboast numbers with Nemanja Matic to be first-choice holding midfielder next term.

PSG are willing to match Chelsea's valuation of the Brazilian, conscious as they are of Bayern and Barca's interest in the player, with the president Nasser al- Khelaifi and the sporting director, Olivier Létang, intent upon securing the player. David Luiz could undertake his medical for the French club at Brazil'spre-World Cup training camp. Yet PSG's on-going interest in Eden Hazard will be rebuffed by the Londoners. The former Lille forward has been a long- term target for the French club's owners, Qatari Sports Investments, with the manager Laurent Blanc reaffirming his admiration for the Belgium international this week.

"You can talk about everything - from systems to individual or collective qualities - but if you have a player who is capable of taking three or four playersout of the game at any moment, that's something else," said Blanc. "You never know what to expect from players like that. They unnerve opponents. But Ican love a player all I want while knowing very well that I may not get him."

Asked if there was an alternative target to Hazard if that pursuit is knocked back, he added: "Of course. There's also a plan C. We'll focus on the specific areasof the team we want to strengthen and come up with three possible solutions, all while knowing that we want to go with Plan A."{Guardian}

Wife of the Nigerian forward Kalu Uche took to social media to share new photos of herself chilling out in a big company, together with her beloved star husband.

This is what Stephanie wrote in the caption to her photos:

No one says its so easy or perfect. Its in the willingness, commitment. He strives to be better everyday.

This set comes a day after another Nigerian footballer Joseph Yobo was accused by some Instagram user identified as Uyyii of cheating.

Still no controversies are luckily surrounding the Uches family!

See more photos below. By the way, the couple have recently welcomed their second child. Hard to believe that, as Stephanie looks like a supermodel, as usual tho!

Sharks retained their Glo Premier League top of the table berth after forcing Warri Wolves to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Gbolahan Salami converted a 21st minute penalty after the Super Eagles star was impeded in the box by Sharks keeper Danladi Isah.

Tayo Fabiyi leveled for the visitors on 56 minutes to extend the Port-Harcourt side's unbeaten run to nine and as well open a three-point gap at the summit of the league standings.

Gbolahan Salami Scored a 26th Minute Penalty Against Rangers At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Sharks now have 27 points from 15 matches.

The match between Enugu Rangers and Gombe United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was not spared of the controversy, as well as ending a six-goal thriller.

Home team striker Osaguona Ighodaro came up with a hat-trick in 16th, 39th and 60th minutes. His tally were cancelled out by Ibrahim Abdullahi, who pulled one back at 2-1 just before the break and ex-'Flying Antelopes', Adamu Mohammed, scoring twice in the last 30 minutes to tie the game at 3-3.

A personal aide of coach John Obuh attacked the referee after Gombe drew level at 2-2, while fans anger was directed at former Flying Eagles coach Obuh after the hosts failed to record all three points.

Gombe goalkeeper Ahmed Yusuf was also rushed to hospital after a head-on collision with Rangers striker Osagona.

In Jos, Giwa FC, thumped Kaduna United by 4-0. Shuaibu Ibrahim headlined for the 'Elephants' with three goals in 65 minutes. Charles Okoro completed scoring for the home team.Match Day 15 Results

Kano Pillars 2-1 El-Kanemi Warriors

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Nasarawa United

Enyimba 3-0 Nembe City

Warri Wolves 1-1 Sharks

Akwa United 1-0 Lobi Stars

FC Taraba 1-0 Heartland

Abia Warriors 3-0 Crown FC

Giwa FC 4-0 Kaduna United

Rangers 3-3 Gombe United

Nigerias Flying Eagles have been pitted against Lesotho in the third and final qualifying round of the African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifiers.

The 6-time champions now face Lesotho in August, after the Southern African nation eliminated Angola.

Lesotho beat hosts Angola 1-0 on Sunday, in the wake of a previous 3-1 win a fortnight ago, to complete a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Nigerias Flying Eagles Will Play Lesotho in the Third Round of AYC Qualifiers.

The Eagles sealed a 4-1 aggregate win over Tanzania on Saturday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Nigeria hosts the first leg of the third round qualifier on August 16, while the return leg comes up a fortnight later.

The overall winner moves into the group stage of the 2015 AYC, to be hosted by Senegal in March.

Benzema

Karim Benzema is closing in on a new long- term contract with Real Madrid, which will end speculation regarding his future, reports Le 10 Sport.

The French newspaper, which relays information from France Football, suggests that Real Madrids potential pursuits of Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez has no bearing on Benzemas future at the Bernabeu.

That contradicts the widely-held opinion that a successful bid for either the Manchester City or Liverpool strikers would spell the end of Benzemas Real Madrid career.

It seems Arsenal were relying on such a fact, as Arsene Wenger reportedly placed Karim Benzema on the top of his striker wish list this summer.

Arsenal are in dire need of reinforcements up front as they look to improve on their perennial fourth placedfinishes in the Premier League.

Around £40m was reported to be enough to convince Real Madrid into a sale, which seemed rather steep considering the Frenchman has just a year remainingon his current contract.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Benzema as Louis van Gaal aims to put the Red Devils amongst the Premier League elite at the first time of asking. But it is Arsenal who have held a long-term interest and would be left most devastated by losing out.

However, it looks like that is set to change with both Benzema and Real Madrid in talks to extend his current contract to keep him in the Spanish capital for the foreseeable future.

Although there is still a big gap between the two parties in terms of wages and length of contract, early signs are that both are keen to agree a new deal, leaving Arsenal and Manchester Unitedpotentially looking towards other targets.{GMS}

Giroud

Olivier Giroud has confirmed he's in talks with Arsenal about a contract extension despite his current deal running for two more years.

Charged with leading the Gunners attack from the outset of the season, the French international made 51 appearances in all competitions last term- more than anyone else in Arsene Wenger's squad - netting a creditable 22 goals in the process.

Speaking to homeland publication Midi Libre (translated by ESPN.co.uk) after scoring twice in France's 4-0 World Cup warm-up game against Norway, the 27-year-old spoke optimistically about current negotiations.

"I have two years left on my contract, but we're in talks to extend it. For the moment, I'm good here. There are some good things to be done. "I feel at ease in this league. My first season wasn't too bad, the second was rather good. I hope to do better still. I progress year-on-year, just like the team, which produces great play."

He may not be Luis Suarez, but given his efforts this season there can be few Gooners who'd begrudge Giroud a new deal…even if there remains a desire tosee further quality added to the attack.{Arseblognews}

Rafael Nadal eased into the third round of the French Open with a straight-sets victory over Austrias Dominic Thiem.

The top seed dominated his 20-year-old opponent to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win.

Thiem, 20, was the youngest player to reach the second round and he briefly troubled Nadal with his booming inside-out forehands but the champion eventually prevailed before applauding his opponent at the end.

Nadal Came Into the 2014 French Open After Losing Three Games In His Preferred Clay Surface for the First Time. PHOTO : CORINNE DUBREUIL / FFT

His ball is so high he was able to hit strong he has completely everything to become a champion, Nadal said.

I think today I played a solid match, I knew that if I didnt I would be in trouble.

Nadal, who has won a record 8 titles at the Roland Garros, will continue the defence of his 2013 triumph against either Leonardo Mayer or Teymuraz Gabashvili in the next round.

Spains fifth seed David Ferrer eased into round three with a straight-sets victory over Simone Bolelli.

R Gasquet (Fra) (12) v C Berlocq (Arg)

E Svitolina (Ukr) v A Ivanovic (Srb) (11)

Court Suzanne Lenglen

Court Philippe Chatrier

J Jankovic (Srb) (6) beat K Nara (Jpn) 7-5 6-0

R Nadal (Esp) (1) beat D Thiem (Aut) 6-2 6-2 6-3

D Ferrer (Esp) (5) beat S Bolelli (Ita) 6-2 6-3 6-2

K Mladenovic (Fra) beat A Riske (US) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 6-3

P Kvitova (Cze) v M Erakovic (NZL)

G Monfils (Fra) v J-L Struff (Ger)

Outside courts selected results

D Young (US) beat F Lopez (Esp) (26) 6-3 7-6 (7-1) 6-3

S Stephens (US) (15) beat P Hercog (Slo) 6-1 6-3

G Garcia-Lopez (Esp) beat A Mannarino (Fra) 6-4 6-3 4-6 6-0

A Seppi (Ita) (32) beat J Monaco (Arg) 6-2 6-4 6-4

D Pfizenmaier (Ger) v S Errani (Ita) (10)

P Cuevas (Uru) v F Verdasco (Esp) (24)

T Bellucci (Bra) v F Fognini (Ita) (14)

An official Italian Football Association (FIGC) investigation, has ruled that Lazios midfielder Joseph Minala did not lie about his age.

Minalas real age became a subject of debate in February, after an African football website stated that the Cameroonian was 42 instead of the 17 he claims to be.

The accusation prompted the FIGC to initiate an official investigation, which saw him questioned by the leagues federal prosecutor.

Joseph Minalas Age Became a Subject of Debate After An African Website Questioned His True Age.

The investigation did not show any need for disciplinary action, read an FIGC statement.

Minala joined Lazio last summer and played for them in the Viareggio Cup youth tournament in February.

Jose Mourinho

If theres nothing more assured as England losing on penalties; Tottenham missing out on top four; its Chelsea deficiency in securing the English Premier League title next season. And heres why:

1- Manager Boring tactics: Mourinho won the English Premier League trophy for the blues in his maiden season at the club with a record 95points. The following year the London outfit retained the Premier League title- add an Fa Cup and League Cup double- illustrates a fantastic manager Jose Mourinho is.

However, their boring defensive style-of-play came under scrutiny throughout those successful campaigns, and a counter measure approach would have seen teams stop Chelsea early.

Jose departed and took his tame tactics to a different league. And its no surprise he succeeded; winning the SerieA and other domestic titles.

Now, its all different. Football is more advanced. Even smaller teams are getting the same training method that the big boys are accustomed too.

And its no drama fencing Chelsea was as easy as pie last season- Defend; Make Hazard Frustrated; Take your chances.

Eden Hazard, probably aware of this leak fumed after Atletico Madrid sunk Joses men in the Semis of the Uefa Champions League.

"Chelsea are not made to play football

Often, Im asked to do it all bymyself and its not easy.

Westham and Norwich each took a point at Stamford Bridge during that pulsating title contest last season. Mourinho, instead of going back to the drawing board to remediate his baseless tactics, resorted to naming Westham a 19th century club simply because they gave his players a taste of their own medicine- Chelsea visited the Emirates last time out to defend. A frustrated section of the Arsenal supporters eventually sang the popular Boring Boring Chelsea song.

The hammers throughout the game were compact and organized in their defensive role.

Eden Hazard was barely given space to display his brilliance and one could sense his frustrations.

Norwich ostensibly took note. They knew a point at the Bridge was valuable to their relegation-prone club.

The canaries took to the field and replicated a Westham approach. It was fruitful. Stalemate it ended- Jose was furious but refused to blame his style of play again- Chelsea shot themselves in the foot for the title.

And if he carries on next season, expect other lesser teams to fancy three points against Chelsea.

2- Experience lacking: Manchester City came out victorious last season because in them, many of the lads who participated and fought for their first English Premier League title in ( I cant remember how many years ) were present again. In contrast, Chelsea are preparing to enter next season without their experienced anchor men.

John Terry after Jose refused to guarantee his future is heading for an exit. Frank Lampard wants to dine in Sheikh Mansours; New York City FC. Ashley Cole even if he stayed, is second fiddle to the energetic Azpilicueta. The reliable Peter Cech is set to be sold to make way for Courtois.

Experience wins big. Liverpool lost the title in an abysmal manner because many of their influential players were not properly oriented on the arduous task in securing the Premier league. They took their foot off the pedal and slipped too.

The Gunners despite staying adrift on the log for a long period the same previous season stuttered too. That is down to the fact that the players did not possess the mental capacity to fight for the trophy.

And as Gary Neville noted; that Arsenal team needs a trophy celebration togetherness to sprout a new positive adventure.

3- New Players need to adapt: Jose Mourinho is interested in a couple of signings this summer. Infact I can envisage he doesnt mind bringing in a fresh 11 a side players to replace his already bogus squad.

If he intends on bringing in a large number players this transfer, expecting a swift response is sometimes impossible.

Despite the mockery United faced in their nightmare-transition season, the future is bright for the Manchester team. And a few positives must be observed- Fellaini requires a better coach; Juan Mata would only get better; Adan Januzaj from the academy is a future prospect.

4- Other Serious Contenders: This last point has to be more of an opinion. Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City to me look like real contenders for that trophy come May 2015.

The Reds are holding on to their key players and seem determined to learn from last seasons mishap. Similarly the boys from Manchester City are holding on that experience factor for success next season, identical to their Manchester rivals vibrant tenor under Alex Ferguson.

For Arsenal, that Fa Cup triumph came at the right time. Just as aforementioned, Gary Neville wrote for the Daily Mail explained that Togetherness similar to experience is vital for success.

Chelsea will finish fourth.

Spanish striker David Villa has penned a three-year deal with New York City FC from Atletico Madrid.

The 32-year-old becomes the clubs first player, after helping Atletico to a first La Liga title in 18 years.

The former Barcelona striker scored 13 league goals for Atletico last season and was also part of the team which lost 4-1 to neighbours Real Madrid on May 24.

David Villa Joins New York City FC. Image: Twitter @NYCFC

"I want to try and help MLS continue to grow, through playing, working hard, scoring goals and at the same time try to make New York City FC become the best team in the league, said Villa, who has traveled with Spanish national team to Washington for a World Cup training camp.

Its a real honor that the people who have formed the club have focused their attention on me.

Im keen to do the best I can, take on board that extra responsibility and prove my worth by repaying the confidence they have shown in me."

The newly-formed Major League Soccer (MLS) club are jointly owned by Manchester City and the New York Yankees, They look to assemble a competitive and dynamic squad ahead of its maiden campaign in 2015.

"This is a historic and exciting moment for the City family and the building of New York City Football Club," said City CEO Ferran Soriano.

"I know David really well; he is one of the best footballers in the world, a true winner and in an outstanding moment of his career. I'm sure New Yorkers will enjoy watching him play for their city."

Suarez

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez says he is not a diver and wants to rid himself of his bad boy reputation as he attempts to complete an image makeover. Suarezs public standing reached an all-time low last summer when he agitated for a move away from Anfield while he had a lengthy ban for biting Chelseas Branislav Ivanovic hanging over him. His 31 goals in a remarkable season with Liverpool helped temper public perception and led to a sweep of end-of-season awards, but the diving stigma persists and may require more than a charm offensive to change. How many yellow cards do I have for diving? I have alot of yellow cards in my. career, but most are for arguing, for fighting, for giving a kicking not for diving, Suarez told Sports Illustrated. Sometimes I fall, but its to get a penalty because I have been kicked. I want to change the bad boy image that has stuck for a bit because I dont think I am at all how I have been portrayed. I would like that to change because its awful to hear and read what is said of you. On the field, sometimes passion overwhelms you and you do things you regret afterward. At the same time, you have a chance to learn from those things. I think I [have] been a role model since last summer; I have been professional and I have the desire to forge ahead and play well regardless of what is said to me. There has been a marked improvement in the behaviour of Suarez, who is trying to recover from a knee injury in time to play for Uruguay for the World Cup. His protestation on diving, however, is undermined a little by him admitting little more than a year ago that he invented a foul to win a penalty against Stoke a claim that landed him in hot water with{ESPN}

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi believes Tuesday's stalemate against 2004 European champions Greece is a step forward in the team's preparation for the World Cup.

The African champions have earned two honourable draws against Uefa zone teams in the second of three exhibition games over seven-day span.

Keshi is however yet to win a game against European opponents since taking charge of the African champions in 2011, but sees Tuesday midnight's draw against coach Fernando Santos's side as an encouraging result, while admitting his side played better in the closing period of the match.

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi Mulls His Team Strategy Ahead of Tuesdays Stalemate With Greece. Image: Twitter @NgSuperEagles

"We were not able to keep our ball possession like we did for the last 12 to 15 minutes," Keshi said. "We'll see how it goes in the next game."

Nigeria's next friendly will come against the United States on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida.

Captain Joseph Yobo, a 46th minute substitute for Godfrey Obaobona, expects Nigeria to come out stronger against the USMNT.

"It's going to be a really good test," on-loan Norwich City defender Yobo said. "It will be an exciting game and hopefully, we can raise our performance."

AP

A back injury has sidelined France winger Franck Ribery from the World Cup in Brazil Authentic Barcelona Away Jersey.

Montpelliers Remy Cabella has been called in to replace the Bayern Munich star named Europes player of the year last season.

Cabella was on the reserve list and has made just one substitute appearance for France.

Franck Ribery Will Have No Part to Play In the 2014 Fifa World Cup, Because of a Back Injury. Image: REUTERS/Charles Platiau.

Clement Grenier, 23, of Olympique des Lyonnais, will also miss the 2014 tournament with an abductor injury.

Southampton Morgan Schneiderlin will replace the attacking midfielder, who won the European under-19 championship two years ago.

Coach Didier Deschamp had hoped Riberys expertise and experience would be of importance for the Les Blues in the South American city.

The 31-year-old has been struggling with a back problem and had taken part in an individual training programme prior to his return to group work on Friday.

A thigh injury forced Grenier out of Thursdays session. The former youth player missed much of the Ligue 1 run-in with a groin problem and limped off the squad training field at Clairefontaine Authentic Barcelona Jersey Sale, owing to problem in his abductor muscle.

Deschamp has already lost Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to injury, paving way for St. Ettiennes Stephane Ruffier to join the squad.

Stoke City have signed Steve Sidwell, following the midfielders release from Fulham FC.

The 31-year-old ex-Arsenal youth player have signed a two-year deal with the Porters.

He becomes the Premier League clubs second signing of the summer following the recruitment of Phil Bardsley.

Steve Sidwell Applauds Fulham Fans After A League Game in the 2013/14 Season. AP.

Steve was much in demand and we are delighted to have won the race to secure his signature, said Stokes chief executive Tony Scholes.

Sidwell was signed by Mark Hughes- then at the helm of the Craven Cottage club- in 2011, from Aston Villa.

He played in all 38 of Stokes league matches in the 2013/14 season, scoring seven goals.

Sidwell has also played for Chelsea and reading.

Clarence Seedorf has been sacked by AC Milan, less than five months after taking over the reins of the San Siro.

Former Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi is named the Dutchmans successor, and has signed a two-year deal.

Inzaghi, 40, had been in charge of the youth team since retiring- along with Seedorf- from professional football in 2012.

Fillipo Inzaghi Has Signed a Two-Year Deal As AC Milan Manager.

Seedorf, 38, replaced Massimiliano Allegri in January with the club placed 11th in the Serie A table.

He led Milan to 11 wins in 19 league games, ending this season campaign on eighth position, 45 points behind champions Juventus.