England goalkeeper Tom Heaton is confident that Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League will boost his chances of furthering his international career.
Heaton, 30, was named in England’s Euro 2016 squad as back-up to Joe Hart.
“It’s nice to be part of it for the last 12 months,” the Burnley captain told reporters yesterday.
“Now, I want to step on from here and hopefully having the platform of the Premier League this season will give me the chance to do that.”
Manchester City goalkeeper Hart, 29, has been England’s first-choice stopper since 2010.
Schalke say Sane is close to City move
Manchester City are poised to complete the signing of Leroy Sane with his club Schalke confirming the Germany winger is in England.
Schalke said yesterday that the 20-year-old Sane has travelled to Manchester and not to their pre-season training camp in Austria.
Essen-born Sane, who scored eight goals in 33 Bundesliga games for Schalke last season, is now expected to undergo a medical in Manchester.
The four-times capped winger could make his debut for Pep Guardiola’s side against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in Got-henburg on Sunday.
Drogba ejected
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was shown his first MLS red card on Sunday after hitting an opponent.
With Montreal Impact trailing 1-0 to DC United, Drogba tussled with Marcelo Sarvas before kneeing him when he was on the ground, Sky Sports said.
The referee, who was standing close by, showed Drogba the red card and he will now be suspended for Montreal’s home match against Houston.
Drogba was dismissed on 81 minutes but Montreal still grabbed a late equaliser through substitute Hernan Bernardello.
Brazil call up keeper Weverton
Brazil have called on uncapped goalkeeper Weverton to replace Fernando Prass after the Palmeiras player was ruled out of the Rio Olympics with an injury.
“Coach Rogerio Micale called up keeper Weverton (Atletico Paranaense) to replace Fernando Prass, who was released after his right elbow injury was confirmed,” the CBF said.
Weverton, 28, will be one of the three over-age players in the under-23 squad and will join up with the squad immediately.
The Rio Olympics officially opens on Friday, although the men’s soccer tournament starts on Thursday.
Brazil, who are in a group with South Africa, Iraq and Denmark, will be aiming to win the one senior international title that has so far evaded them.
Morata is staying at Real – Zidane
Real Madrid have no intention of making a quick profit on striker Alvaro Morata after the UEFA Champions League winners opted to take him back to the Bernabeu from Juventus last month, the Spanish side’s manager Zinedine Zidane has said.
Real sold Morata to Juventus two seasons ago but included a buy-back clause in his contract, which they exercised in July after the forward scored 27 goals in 93 games in Italy.
Reports suggested that Real would cash-in on the 23-year-old by selling him on immediately but Zidane insisted Morata was part of his plans.
“Yes, Morata is a Real Madrid player,” he said.
“We’re delighted to have him back, back to his original home. He’s going to remain a Real Madrid player.”
Mahrez ‘distracted’
Speculation about a possible transfer to Premier League rivals Arsenal has unsettled Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, manager Claudio Ranieri has said.
The 25-year-old Algeria international has become a hot property after winning the PFA Player of the Year last season.
Leicester have already had to fight off advances from Arsenal to keep striker Jamie Vardy, but lost midfielder N’Golo Kante to Chelsea.
“Riyad is distracted a bit by all of these rumours,” Ranieri said.
“But that is also an experience for my players. It is important he understands that he should stay with us. He has to improve his fitness and play for the team as well as last season.”
Moyes pleased to be back in business
New Sunderland boss David Moyes insists he has not been idle as he waited for his chance to return to the Premier League.
The 53-year-old Scot has been out of work since being sacked by Real Sociedad last November but he revealed he has kept himself busy during his eight months away from management.
He said: “It was great to play golf and spend time with my family but this is what I do and I want to get back and get on with it.
“I’ve been to watch training from other sides of the world.
“I’ve involved with UEFA a lot, whether it’s been watching the Euros or whether it’s been taking the Pro Licence coaches. I’ve been out but I’ve been busy.”