Liverpool Transfer News: Joel Matip Deal 'Agreed,'

Liverpool have reportedly struck a pre-contract agreement with Schalke centre-back Joel Matip, meaning the Cameroon international defender will join the Reds for free at the end of the season.

According to David Maddock and Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror, the Reds’ loan acquisition of Steven Caulker is only a short-term measure given the club’s current injury crisis, and he’ll return to Queens Park Rangers at the end of the season. But the duo suggested Matip has "agreed" to sign with the Reds and is very much in the long-term plans of Jurgen Klopp.
“Jurgen Klopp has been an admirer since his time as Borussia Dortmund boss, and will add the 6'3" defender to his back line at the end of the season,” continued the piece. Maddock and Richards also claimed Schalke were hoping the 24-year-old would pen a new deal with the club, but he’s clearly determined his future lies elsewhere.
On a free transfer, this is a savvy deal for the Reds. Here’s a look at the kind of quality Matip will add to the back four:

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Caulker’s acquisition raised plenty of eyebrows among supporters given his displays for Southampton this term.
Indeed, his last outing was against Liverpool in the League Cup, when Klopp’s side ran out impressive 6-1 winners. They were aided by some woeful defending from the Saints, however. 

 

Caulker was run ragged by Liverpool earlier in the season.

It’s a transfer that certainly hasn’t impressed Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones and Sam Tighe, who feel as though the Reds could do much better:

But if Matip’s acquisition is confirmed, then the club’s supporters will feel a lot more contented. After all, he has performed at the highest level and is a different type of centre-back to what the Reds currently have on their books. At 24, he’s a player who could be around at Anfield for a while yet, too.
Keith Costigan on FOX Sports commented recently that Matip seems to be better suited to Klopp’s style of football than any of the current centre-back options:

Covered Matip extensively this year in Bundesliga. Loves to take the ball out of the back. Comfortable playing a high line.

Matip is definitely a very capable defender. His positioning is sound, he’s strong in the tackle and he has plenty of pace.
Having played at the base of midfield at times too, he’s also a player who can distribute the ball well, something that was crucial to Klopp’s brilliant Borussia Dortmund team moving quickly through phases.

 

Matip seems a strong fit for the way Klopp wants his Liverpool team to play.

As is evident by this statistic from WhoScored.com earlier in the campaign, the Cameroonian is a player who also reads the game very well:

Joel Matip: No player has made more interceptions in a Bundesliga match this season than Matip did vs Borussia Dortmund (10) #S04

Would Matip be a good signing for Liverpool?

Of course, there are some areas of concern. There have been times during his stint in the Bundesliga when Matip has been bossed by burly centre-forwards and struggled to assert his authority aerially; that’s a type of striker he’ll come across much more frequently in the Premier League.
But, as is the case with any defender, he’ll better learn how to cope with that kind of challenge should he face it much more regularly.
Either way, for no fee, this is a risk-free transfer for the Reds should it come off, and credit must be given for some shrewd work in Klopp’s first window in charge.

Liverpool want another Serbian wonderkid after Grujic deal

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It seems that buying Serbian wonderkids is all the rage at Liverpool these days. Who knew?!
French publication L’Equipe reports that we are lining up Partizan Belgrade attacker Andrija Zivkovic to follow Marko Grujic to Anfield, and that we could get him for a fee of around £3.75m.
The 19-year-old can play as a striker or winger – we could do with each of those, although ideally of more concrete pedigree – and has banged in an impressive 12 goals for Partizan this season.
L’Equipe warns that the Reds face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City, as well as Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain for the talented teenager’s signature.
But our signing of Grujic earlier this month could play to our advantage. Should a bidding war erupt, Zivkovic may be swayed by the fact that we already have one of his Serbian pals on our books.
Grujic, also 19, returned to Red Star Belgrade on loan for the rest of this season after completing his £5.1m move – fee reported by The Express – but Zivkovic might be closer to first-team ready.
He holds the record as the youngest player to make his debut for the Serbian senior team – against Japan aged 17 in 2013 – and is also the youngest player to have captained Partizan

Roberto Carlos promises to bring Neymar from Barcelona to Real Madrid

Former Real Madird defender Roberto Carlos believes he could be key to taking Barcelona's Neymar to the Santiago Bernabeu.

A strong message from Roberto Carlos. Credit: PA

The 42-year-old former Brazil international confirmed he was currently involved in talks to join new Real manager Zinedine Zidane's backroom staff at the Primera Division club.
The World Cup winner is confident he could persuade compatriot Neymar, who came third at Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony, to join Los Blancos from rivals Barca.
He told marca.com: "I had a meeting with Real Madrid about my future with the club.
"Soon I will know how I can collaborate with Zidane's Madrid."
While, regarding Barca striker Neymar, he added: "I can take him to Real Madrid. He's very young. I am sure next year he will finish even higher in the Ballon d'Or."

Liverpool plotting major bid to secure deal for £22.3m-rated international star

Liverpool supporting punters here inside the Football Transfer Tavern are looking at the news filtering in from HLN (via the Express) – with the media outlet suggesting that the Reds are plotting a ‘monster’ bid to sign £22.3m-rated Anderlecht midfielder Dennis Praet.
The 5ft 9 attacking midfielder is one of Belgium’s rising stars, and has already made one appearance for the national team at the age of just 21.
Our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern admits he has watched the Leuven-born midfielder several times for Anderlecht on the flatscreen TV in the Tavern, and feels he could add a different dimension to Liverpool’s midfield.
Our resident Liverpool fans admit they don’t know too much about the promising Belgian star, but all think that it is impressive he has amassed 118 appearances for Anderlecht at the age of just 21!
The Reds have endured an inconsistent season, with them one week looking like they are worthy of winning the Premier League, and the next week, looking like a side who don’t belong in the top-flight of English football.

Guardiola: Maybe it'll be two years until I coach in England

The Catalan wants to move to the Premier League, but he's revealed he may not make the switch for two years yet

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says it could be two years until he moves to the Premier League.
Guardiola last month confirmed he would leave Bayern when his contract expires at the end of this season and he subsequently announced that his desire to work in England's top flight is behind the decision.
Several leading club have been tipped to move for Guardiola, with Manchester City viewed as the front-runners to have the 44-year-old in place for the start of the 2016-17 season, due in part to his close relationship with City director of football Txiki Begiristain.

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But the former Barcelona boss told a news conference that his move to the Premier League does not necessarily have to come next season.
"When I sign a contract I will announce it immediately," he said. "Maybe it will be two years until I will coach a team in England."
"I am very happy about my experience in Munich. I am working until my last second here.
"After that I will go home and wait to see if it is possible to move to England or not. If it's not, then I won't."
Following his celebrated tenure at Barcelona, Guardiola enjoyed a one-year sabbatical from football before taking up the reins at Bayern for the 2013-14 season.

Messi, Neymar and Suarez? Luis Enrique wants ANOTHER forward

The Barcelona boss is able to field the most gifted forward line in world football, but he remains on the lookout for new attacking options

Luis Enrique would like to bolster Barcelona's attacking options - even though he boasts the most prolific trio in world football in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
The famed MSN forward line contributed 122 goals last season as Barca claimed a Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey treble in a goal-laden campaign.
The threesome have also played a key role this term as Barca clinched the FIFA Club World Cup title in Japan, while also maintaining their Liga challenge and easing through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan have been added to the squad following the ending of the club's transfer ban but Luis Enrique is still on the look-out.

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Speaking at a news conference ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey return against city rivals Espanyol - Barca lead 4-1 after the Camp Nou opener - he was asked which area he thought needed strengthening. He replied: "I don't know how to answer but it's a very good question.
"Right now, probably in attack, if we were to bring someone in - that's probably the key area. But it would be nice to add more to all areas."
The former Real Madrid and Barca midfielder conceded, however, that January was not always the best time to get the right players in.
He added: "It's harder in winter, nobody wants to lose important players.
"It's not an easy market but we do want to improve our squad and we're looking at opportunities."
Messi claimed the fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or of his career in Zurich on Monday night with Neymar coming in third behind Cristiano Ronaldo

Neymar: I've fallen completely in love with Messi

The 23-year-old Barcelona forward views his team-mate and fellow Ballon d'Or finalist as an idol and also spoke highly of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo

Neymar has hailed Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, insisting that he fell "completely in love" with the Argentine after joining the club from Santos in 2013.

The Barca duo are Ballon d'Or finalists, alongside Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, and were both in sensational form throughout 2015 as they helped Barca claim five trophies over the calendar year.

Speaking at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Zurich, Neymar told reporters: "I fell completely in love [with Messi]. He has really become an idol.

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"I think they are absolutely the best, that's why they're here. I think they've made history. Both Lionel and Cristiano.

"I'm pleased with the things I have achieved and the goals I have scored. I thank my team-mates for that. Each player has his own aims. We have to be ourselves."

When asked if Brazil forward Neymar would be his eventual successor, Messi responded: "Neymar isn't the successor of anyone, just like I wasn't. He is who he is and he has everything to be whatever he wants to be.

Barcelona join race for £40m Liverpool and Manchester City target

Sane turns 20 today but has already been capped by Germany and linked with a move to the Premier League.

Liverpool and Manchester City have both expressed an interest in signing the attacking midfielder, with Jurgen Klopp hinting that he would be looking to the Bundesliga for players to improve the Anfield squad.

However, with Real Madrid also said to be interested in the player, reports in Spain are suggesting that Barcelona are taking closer interest in the player.

His ability to play anywhere across the frontline is particularly interesting to La Liga’s reigning champions because he could slot in to replace any one of Lionel Messi, Neymar or Luis Suarez.

Sane has had a spectacular start to his career in Germany.

After leaving Schalke at the age of 12, he returned three years later and made his first team debut just a month after signing his first professional contract aged 18.

Luis Enrique is said to be keen to make an offer for the teenager

Sane burst onto the European scene in 2015 when he scored one and set up the winner as Schalke beat Real Madrid 4-3 at the Bernabeu in the Champions League last 16.

And after that breakthrough moment, Sane has hardly looked back, providing four goals and four assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season, a record which has seen the club slap a £40million price tag on their most prized asset.

Ronaldo reveals the ONE quality he would take from Messi

Both the Real Madrid star and the Barcelona forward were asked which quality they would take from each other - and Ronaldo gave an honest response...

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Cristiano Ronaldo has been asked to pick one quality he’d like from Lionel Messi - and he’s given an honest answer.

The Real Madrid star, along with his Barcelona rivals Messi and Neymar, was speaking at the Ballon d’Or pre-award show press conference on Monday where the Argentine is heavily expected to win the trophy for the fifth time in his career.

Both Messi and Ronaldo were asked which quality they would take from each other, and the Portugal international admitted: “Yes, his left foot his really good, I would like to have that!”

Messi, meanwhile, was a bit more vague.

“What Cristiano has is lots of quality, lots of good things that every player would like as well,” said the Barcelona forward.

“But I am the way I am, and he is the way he is. We each have individual personalities and we have both very good things that everybody should have as footballers.”

The making of Lionel Messi - how it all started for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner

After he claimed the prestigious individual honour for the fifth time on Monday, Goal examines the forward's journey from anonymity in Argentina to greatness with Barcelona

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SPECIAL REPORT  

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Argentina were World Cup holders back in 1987 and Diego Maradona was the planet's finest footballer but, in a poor part of the country's third-largest city, Rosario, something very significant also took place: Lionel Andres Messi was born.

The third son to Jorge, a steel worker, and Celia, a cleaner, young Lionel weighed in at just three kilos and was a mere 47 centimetres in height. But he grew to become the greatest of his generation and perhaps of all time, a peerless player - and the only one to win the Ballon d'Or on five separate occasions.

Football was part of Leo's life from day one. Rosario Central were crowned champions of Argentina two weeks before Messi's birth, but little Lionel would inherit his father's passion for the city's other club: Newell's Old Boys.

"When his mother sent him off to run errands, Leo always took his football with him," his brother Matias once said. "And if he didn't have one, he would make one out of plastic bags or socks."

Even from the age of three, Leo and the ball were best friends. "I got given my first football when I was very young: three, maybe, or four," Messi said a few years ago. "It was a present and from then on it was the only present I ever wanted, Christmas, birthday or whatever: a ball."

Young Leo went along to watch his brothers play at local club Grandoli, a modest team with no money and a dirt pitch in the south of the city. Their youth coach back then was Salvador Aparicio - and one night he found himself a player short.

"I looked up to the stands and saw him playing with a ball," he told Goal in a recording for partofthegametv before his death in 2008. "But he was so small, so we decided to wait for the other player to turn up. But he didn't, so I asked Lionel's mother if I could borrow him.

"She didn't like the idea. She said he had never played [in a match] before. His grandmother was there too and she said: 'Come on, let him play'! So they let me borrow him.

"The first time the ball came to him he just looked at it and let it pass. He didn't even move. But the next time the ball came to him, it virtually hit him on the left leg. Then, he controlled it and started running across the pitch. He dribbled past everyone crossing his path. I was screaming for him to shoot, but he was too small. Ever since that day, he was always in my team."

That was at the age of five and, before long, Messi was not only dribbling, but shooting and scoring too.

Later, in the youth teams, he scored six or seven goals in every match," Aparicio added. "Instead of waiting for the goalkeeper to kick the ball, he would take the ball off him and start dribbling all over the pitch. He was supernatural."

At the age of nine, Messi joined the club he still supports even today, Newell's, and was part of an exciting generation which lost just one match in four years. Little Leo, however, was the shining star of the Maquina de la '87 (the '87 Machine) - so named because all of its players had been born in 1987.

By the age of 11, however, it emerged that Messi was suffering from a growth hormone deficiency. Without the necessary treatment, his dreams of a career in football would be dashed.

Contrary to popular belief, Newell's did try and pay for treatment for their promising player, but with the club in crisis and few funds available, Messi's father grew frustrated. Social security saw to some of the medical bills, but the family were struggling to make ends meet.

Jorge Messi considered moving the whole family to Australia, but believed his son's football skills could help them to overcome their financial problems. He offered Lionel to River Plate and the young forward impressed as a 13-year-old against boys three years his senior in a trial alongside future international team-mate Gonzalo Higuain.

But Messi's father asked River for a job and a house in Buenos Aires and River took exception, while Newell's were also playing hard ball. So the move never materialised.







Instead, Jorge met with representatives of a scouting firm who called Argentine lawyer Juan Mateo, and a video of Messi kicking an orange (113 times in a row) and a tennis ball (120 times) was sent to Barcelona scout Josep Minguella.

Remarkably, that was enough to secure a trial at Barca and Messi travelled to the Catalan capital along with his father and one of the intermediaries, Fabian Soldini.

The forward's first contract was signed on a napkin by his father, Minguella and former Barca midfielder Carles Rexach, but his future remained uncertain for three years. Jorge was out of work and the club went back on several promises until a €4,000 per month contract allowed the family to breathe easily in 2004.

Later that year, a much taller and stronger Messi made his debut for the first team at the age of 17 and also scored his first Barca goal - with a beautiful lob - against Albacete that same season. Just over a decade on, he has now not only gone on to become the greatest goalscorer in the history of Barca and La Liga, but he has also amassed an amazing 26 team trophies with the Blaugrana and, after his success in Zurich on Monday, an unprecedented five Ballons d'Or.

FAMILY's LOVE TO THEIR WIVES: MOTHER IN-LAW AND DAUGHTER IN-LAW IN AFRICAN MARRIAGES.

Mother told me to try and marry a woman she love so much; a lady she will always see and take as her own daughter; a woman she will happily correct whenever she flaws; a woman she will joyfully teach motherly ways; a woman she will flaunt and be proud of.
A lady she will love even before I marry her. A lady that will accept and love her prior to coming in.

As Africans, we all know the jibes and jeers that ensues between mothers in-law and daughters in-law. It's never easy for the both at times.
We have heard about the quarrels, agonies, fights and hatreds that occurs.

To some ladies, they would prefer to marry a man whose mother has died, to avoid facing what her own mother faced, or, what she heard or saw other women experience.

No woman would want to find herself in a lifetime burning furnace. Every woman wants to settle down in a family that promotes peace; where love reigns; where her mother in-law will love her and treat her like her own daughter, not where there will be regrets and face-offs. As a woman, prior to accepting his marriage proposal, you must be able to have read the minds and body languages or attitudes of his people towards you. Not only that of his mother, because, in Africa, a woman is not married to and by her husband alone, but also to and by his relations.

Through their attitudes whenever you pay them premarital-visits, you should be able to ascertain whether you're loved and accepted or not.

You do not need a soothsayer to reveal this to you. The happenings as you near his family members, will convince or discourage you.

Do not knowingly fetch ants infested firewood by yourself.
Do not be blindfolded by only the love professed by your man, because as African tenets demands, he's not alone in that journey.

Do not force yourself into a family you're not welcomed from the onset/ first day of seeing you.
Be bold to ask your man certain questions, especially when you hear some movements and arguments behind the scene. This is to ensure that you're not the reason for their quarrels.

Definitely, your man wont tell you immediately. He will pretend. But use your woman 'power' to get the true answer from him, even if not immediately. Possibly when you leave there. Don't assume that all is well, because you could be the reason for their arguments.

Nobody should ignorantly or naïvely enter into a hellfire.
Marriage should be a peaceful and a joyful ground, not a war front. Not a scene for the display of hatred and immaturity.

Do not just jump into marrying him because he is rich, kind, generous, handsome, or, because he is from a rich family. Think about his family too. It's a lifetime engagement, unless you wish to rush out soon. Unless you can endure the fumes forever.

The love of a mother in-law is very sweet and important, because it will (amongst all) guarantee your happiness, as well as motherly protection upon any eventuality.

The love of a mother in-law to her daughter in-law is almost the same with the love of a mother to her daughter, if it thrives from the onset and lightens the entire family subsequently. The lack of it, is the lack of lots.

Many wives are in this bondage because they did not notice this timely, or, because they were blindfolded by only their man's love. Or, because they wanted to 'gold-dig'.

In Africa, we appreciate
the Doctrine of Extended Family, thus, you can't totally exempt them from your husband's family chart. Therefore, you can't marry only your man, you marry both his family members.

It is true that you must face one or two rancour, no matter what. But you have to try your best too, by being able to timely identify the kind of people you're about to dine and wine with forever, so that you will know how to follow them.

Do not buy a lawsuit with your beauty, or out of your unwise decision.

Be careful, cautious, conscious, discerning and prayerful to avoid dining with beasts. To avoid selling your happiness forever.

Charles C. Dennis

Cartoon of the Day:

Bayern’s Manuel Neuer voted Goalkeeper of the Year by IFFHS

Manuel Neuer has been voted Goalkeeper of the Year by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).
The Bayern and Germany sweeper-keeper receives the award for the third straight year, confirming once again that he remains the very best in the world in his position.

The IFFHS produces its awards based on pure and cold stats, meaning no emotion is involved, unlike with the Ballon D’Or, where voters are often swayed by their bias towards particular players.
And given that only one goalkeeper (Lev Yahsin) has ever won the Ballon D’Or, an award like this is a big deal for a keeper, and is one of the few that recognizes the most undervalued position in the game.
Of course, given how Neuer has revolutionized the position with his sweeper play, cleaning up balls over the top by dashing out of his box like a renegade, it is probably only logical that he wins the award, as he covers so much more of the game than his conventional rivals.

Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze refuses to rule out Liverpool move

For the second day running stories exist over Mario Gotze’s possible move to Liverpool.
The transfer rumour was first tabled on Friday by German daily Bild, as they splashed the story on their front page.

The basis of the story relates to the well known positive working relationship between Gotze and Jurgen Klopp.
The German World Cup winner burst onto the scene at Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund, before he moved to the Allianz Arena in 2013.
So could the two be reunited at Anfield? Yes, it’s possible, claim Bild.
Gotze is under contract at Bayern until 2017, and Bild are unclear whether the Bavarians will look to extend the deal. If they chose to offload the attacking midfielder, Liverpool could sign him for around 50 million euros.
Bild have since spoken to the footballer directly to get his take on the whole story, and the big takeaway is that Gotze has refused to deny the transfer out of hand. Instead he told Bild:
Everything is still open. We will see how things go at the end of the season. I have a contract until June 2017. But of course, it is important how the new coach feels about me. The coach’s plans are decisive in the end.
So we will just have to wait and see how things pan out. I have not really given my future much thought recently because of my injury, but everything is open as things stand. It all depends on the plans of the club and the new coach.
Some important notes.
Liverpool are unlikely to sign Gotze in January, regardless of the credibility of the Bild story. The player is currently on the comeback trail from a groin injury, and it’s hugely doubtful any deal will be executed this transfer window.
And yet it’s easy to buy into a narrative that claims Gotze may be interested in leaving Bayern.
Since joining Gotze has failed to lock down a starting place in the Munich XI, and during his recent injury the German international seems to have fallen down the pecking order once more. Douglas Costa, Arjen Robben and Arturo Vidal all seem ahead of him in the midfield slots.
Liverpool currently have 12 first team players out with injury.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar denies claims of training ground bust-up with Diego Costa

Oscar has cooled claims that he and Diego Costa were involved in a heated argument in training this weekGetty

Chelsea playmaker Oscar has sought to play down speculation that he was involved in a heated dispute with teammate Diego Costa. Both players featured on the scoresheet for Guus Hiddink's side during their comfortable 3-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on 3 January, yet any notion that the general harmony around Stamford Bridge had improved since the departure of Jose Mourinho was seemingly challenged by suggestions of a training ground bust-up.
According to reports from The Telegraph, Oscar and Costa had to be dragged apart by teammates after producing reckless knee-high challenges on one another on 8 7 January. It is claimed the pair were separated before any physical altercation could ensue but they are believed to have exchanged angry views before eventually making up.

Oscar has now taken to social media to deny those rumours, tweeting: "For those who are talking to me and @diegocosta struggle today in training he's lying, he's one of my best friends and never fight."
The English translation of that message, which ended with a winking emoji, has since disappeared from the Brazil international's Twitter page but the Portuguese version remains at the time of writing.
Although Oscar tends to avoid the limelight, Costa has cut something of a controversial figure since arriving in English football from Atletico Madrid in July 2014. In addition to several on-pitch controversies, the 27-year-old also attracted negative headlines in late November 2015 when he appeared to throw his substitutes' bib in the direction of former manager Mourinho during the latter stages of a goalless draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
Hiddink, who achieved the first win of his second spell in charge of the club at Selhurst Park, is sure to be questioned over the alleged incident between his two players later on 8 January, as he holds a press conference prior to Chelsea's FA Cup third-round tie against League One outfit Scunthorpe United at Stamford Bridge on 10 January.

Veggies That Rev Up Your Sex Life

You probably already know that a diet rich in vegetables is good for your health and your waistline, but did you know certain veggies can support better sexual health?

Fresh organic vegetables are filled with phytonutrients and high levels of compounds that work to fight inflammation, like polyphenols and a host of vitamins – and, these particular veggies can even work to rev up your sex life.

Article:  Drink THIS first thing in the morning (for better energy, digestion, metabolism)

Arugula Arugula has long been used as an aid for sexual arousal, dating as far back as the 1st century. It contains trace minerals and antioxidants that block absorption of environmental contaminants which are believed to negatively impact the libido.
Asparagus
The French used to practice a time honored tradition of eating asparagus three times a day just before their wedding night in order to increase their libido, and research has shown there’s a reason why it just might work.
This tasty vegetable contains potassium, which can provide a burst of energy, in addition to cleansing the kidneys and urinary tract. Its aspartic acid content is said to neutralize ammonia in the body, which can lead to a lack of sexual desire as well as fatigue.
Avocados
As avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, they can help keep the heart beating strong, which means the blood is flowing to all the right places. Heart health is essential for a good sex life – men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED).
Peppers
Peppers are packed with capsaicin, which is known to trigger the release of feel-good endorphins that act like natural painkillers. They also increase the heartbeat along with the flow of blood and oxygen, helping to make things hotter in the sack.
Beets

Beets are rich in nitrates, and the bacteria on your tongue helps to convert them to nitrites, which are then converted to nitric oxide in the stomach. ED medications work by increasing nitric oxide levels, which increases blood flow to the penis by dilating blood vessels. Studies have also found that consuming beets can improve endurance levels in athletes – it’s not a far stretch to think they might help improve endurance in the bedroom.
Beets may be one of the best veggies for revving up your sex life, and improving your health.

Manchester United transfer news: Brazil international Douglas Costa rules out Bayern Munich exit

Manchester United and Chelsea target Douglas Costa has dismissed a move away from Bayern Munich at the end of the season. The Brazilian attacker joined the Bavarian giants at the start of the current season and has since been a revelation for the club.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder was subject to interest from the Premier League big guns in the summer, but chose to move to the Bundesliga to play under Pep Guardiola, but with the former Barcelona manager leaving the club at the end of the season, it was suggested that Costa could follow suit and jump ship.
The Spanish manager has indicated that his preferred destination for his next managerial position is England and it is widely believed that he will have his pick of clubs in the English top-flight next season. Manchester City and Chelsea are being touted as the most possible destinations. The Brazil international, however, has made it clear that he does not wish to follow his manager out of the club despite joining them specifically to play under the guidance of Guardiola.
"[On leaving Bayern] No chance, I have a lot of goals here," Costa said,
"It's true, I joined Bayern because of Pep. The first six months with him have been outstanding; the next sixth months will certainly be outstanding too. I have learned a lot from Pep," the Brazilian added.
The 25-year-old, who regularly plays on the left wing for Bayern, is contracted to the club until at least the summer of 2020 and they will be reluctant to let the player leave after just one season. Moreover, his tally of 12 assists and two goals in just 12 league appearances is likely to make him a key member of the squad for the foreseeable future.

Manchester United transfer news: Southampton boss Ronald Koeman warns Sadio Mane is not for sale

Sadio Mane has been linked with a move to Manchester United since last summerGetty

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has warned Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama that he will sit them "in the stands" if they force a January move away from the club. The duo were linked with exits during the summer transfer window and the reaction of the Dutch boss comes after reports claimed both Chelsea and Manchester United are trying to lure Mane away from the Saints again.
Reports during the summer of 2015 claimed United launched a £20m ($29m) bid to secure his services after seeing Pedro Rodriguez move to Chelsea. The Daily Mirror claimed earlier in January that the Premier League giants made a new attempt to secure the 23-year-old Senegal international with the hopes of getting a £30m deal done but Southampton immediately rejected it, insisting the player is not for sale.
Koeman appeared to increase speculation after he dropped the forward for the Premier League defeat at Norwich City on 2 January, after he arrived late to a team meeting. But the manager said this has not changed the situation, insisting the player is not for sale while warning him and Wanyama against trying to force a move away.
"The players know their position in the club and what we think of the players, I don't have doubt about that," Koeman said,   "If there is any player who thinks if his behaviour is not good that makes it easier for him, then I will put the player in the stands until the end of the contract because that's the not the way you do your job as a footballer.
"What happened last week, it gave the press something to write about. Sadio's situation is no different to last week. He is a Southampton player, he likes to play for Southampton, he is not for sale."

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The manager claimed Mane had already apologised over his behaviour and therefore will regain his place in the line-up for the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace on 9 January.
He said: "We spoke to him. I punished him because we have rules in the team and he was late, it was a big mistake. He said sorry to everybody and that's now behind us. The rest is just internal discussions about how we handle this kind of situation. He will start Saturday no problem. It's too easy to mention after the mistake of Sadio or Victor to say they want to move. That's too easy. It's not like that."

Exeter 2-2 Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp bemoans St James Park pitch and fixture congestion

Klopp was forced to field an inexperienced team for the visit to Exeter - and it almost backfired.Getty Images

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has blamed the St James Park pitch for his side's struggling in the draw with League two Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup. Brad Smith struck a 73^rd equaliser to secure a replay after the Grecians had twice taken the lead in the first half.
Tom Nichols poked home early on before Jerome Sinclair equalised but Paul Tisdale's side led at the break when Lee Holmes' corner beat an uncertain Adam Bogdan. Both sides pressed for further goals in the second half but it was the Reds who grabbed a crucial leveller as Smith slammed home.
Amid a Liverpool injury list which sees 11 first team players out injured, seven of whom have hamstring complaints; Klopp was forced to draw on his youth and reserve sides for the trip to Devon. Tiago Ilori, Ryan Kent and Kevin Stewart made their full debuts for the Merseyside club but they were unable to take their opportunity.
Christian Benteke started as Liverpool captain but failed to make a worthwhile contributing as Sinclair and later Smth grabbed the crucial goals. The upcoming replay will be the club's ninth fixture in the month of January and Klopp has bemoaned his side's fortunes.
"They tried everything but it is obvious what we have to learn in the future," he told BBC Sport. "We have to be more robust. It was really difficult on the pitch but Exeter did really well and they had a fee parts where they played football; maybe they know on which parts of the pitch it is possible to play football and which parts you can only play long balls.
"We had a few good moments but it was really difficult for us today. You saw the players of Exeter and that is surprising that in a few one-on-one situations they were more robust than our guys so we have to work on that. There were too many easy flick ons but it is always difficult and you have to play long and the pitch doesn't get better.
"Both goals were unlucky for us, the first goal was the first offensive situation and it woke us up and the second one [shrugs]. We made the draw but now we have to play again, I can't believe again but if you want it like this we will be there.
The Liverpool boss added on his young guns: "How can I mix the team together and then say it is time to show the future. They can be the future but if I judge after this game ...it doesn't work like this. They helped us in our situation and we've got another game."

Zidane rules out January transfers at Real Madrid

ByKiara Nuellz

The newly-appointed French coach does not plan to allow any players to leave or to make any new signings at Los Blancos this month

New Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane says he is not planning for any transfer business during the January window.
Spain international Isco has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, although the departure of Rafael Benitez has prompted talk that the attacking midfielder will opt to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speculation has also mounted over the future of Gareth Bale, who has been touted for a return to the Premier League despite Zidane's assurances that he is firmly in his plans.
Madrid have also been linked with a bid for Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez, with the Switzerland international forced to deny any approach from the club earlier this week.
But Zidane says he has no plans to allow anyone to leave this month and is not looking to bolster his squad with new additions.
"I don't want anyone to leave or to come in. I have a great squad," he said on Friday.
"With players like James [Rodriguez] and Isco, you have to give them affection. That's what I'm going to do, but the most important thing is the group. It's always the group that wins.
"The team is very focused, they want to do things well.
"We had intensity during training. The players have been great. I hope to have the same intensity for tomorrow's game."
Zidane also dismissed criticism from former France boss Raymond Domenech this week, who claimed the World Cup-winner was "not a nice guy".