World Football Gossip Roundup: Neymar, Financial Fair Play, Adam Maher

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Neymar is going nowhere, at least through the 2014 World Cup. At least, that's the latest word in the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup on this Tuesday.

In addition to an update on Neymar's future, this batch of gossip includes news on UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules, Italy boss Cesare Prandelli's hair and the futures of Nils Petersen and Adam Maher.

Read on for all the details.

Neymar Staying with Santos Through World Cup?

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Santos forward Neymar will remain in his native Brazil through the 2014 World Cup, according to The Sun.

Neymar, who turned 21 on Tuesday, has been linked with some of Europe's elite clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid. He has earned 27 senior caps with Brazil.

The Sun quotes a "Brazil insider" who said: “Everyone knows that Neymar will stay in Brazil until the World Cup—but also that in 2014 he will probably leave for Barcelona or Madrid."

According to The Sun, Neymar earns £11 million per year in wages, with 85 percent of that figure coming from 12 "sponsors."

UEFA: Manchester City, PSG Won't Be Allowed to 'Cheat' FFP Rules

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European governing body UEFA has told Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain they will not be permitted to "cheat" UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules (via The Guardian).

New data revealed that European clubs' collective losses climbed to a record €1.7 billion between 2007 and 2011.

According to UEFA, 46 clubs would have failed the FFP test of breaking even with revenues over the last three years. Chelsea and Manchester City are thought to be among that number.

Paul Gascoigne to Receive Treatment for Alcoholism

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Former England international Paul Gascoigne has flown to the United States to undergo treatment for alcoholism (via Daily Telegraph).

Gascoigne, 45, earned 57 caps for England between 1988 and 1998. He played at the club level for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers among others.

Gascoigne's agent, Terry Baker, said Sunday that Gascoigne's life was in danger because of his alcoholism. Former England cricketer Ronnie Irani told the Telegraph that he and broadcaster Chris Evans put Gascoigne on a flight to Phoenix, Arizona, for treatment.

“For us, it’s a small way to help him out, which could be a massive thing for him,” Irani said.

Cesare Prandelli to Get Mohawk If Italy Win World Cup?

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Italy manager Cesare Prandelli says he will get a mohawk hairstyle like Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy if Italy win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil (via Daily Mirror).

Prandelli, 55, took over the Italian national team in 2010 and led the Azzurri to the Euro 2012 final. Italy play the Netherlands in a friendly Wednesday.

“It’s an advantage for us that Balotelli can work alongside fellow Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy on a daily basis. They have enormous potential," Prandelli is quoted as saying. “If we win the World Cup in Brazil then I’ll get a mohican like theirs.”

Nils Petersen Wants Werder Bremen Stay

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German forward Nils Petersen, who is on loan with Werder Bremen from Bayern Munich, says he wants to remain with Werder when he loan expires at the end of the season (via ESPN FC).

Petersen, 24, has started 17 of 20 league matches for Werder this season, scoring nine goals. He has represented Germany twice at the Under-21 level.

Bayern signed Petersen in 2011 from Energie Cottbus, but he has struggled for playing time. Bayern currently have Mario Mandzukic, Mario Gomez and Claudio Pizarro as striking options.

"If all three stay at Bayern, it would make no sense for me to return," Petersen said. "They will not need a fourth striker."

Matthias Sammer, Bayern's general director, said Petersen's status would not be discussed "before spring."

Adam Maher to Leave AZ, but Not for Arsenal?

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Teenage Dutch midfielder Adam Maher says he will leave AZ this summer, but not for Arsenal (via talkSPORT).

Maher, 19, has been linked with a move away from AZ, with manager Gertjan Verbeek suggesting Arsenal as a possible destination. Maher said he is "certain" to leave AZ in the summer but added he wants to remain in the Netherlands.

"I have already said that I do not want to go (to Arsenal)," he said. "I want a good stay in the Netherlands, at least another two to three years—I am only 19."

Maher has earned two senior caps for the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has said he "knows nothing of Arsenal's interest" in him (via Sky Sports). He said Barcelona and Real Madrid "stimulate the imagination."

Finally, Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has dismissed rumors linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain (via Sky Sports).

"The January transfer rumours regarding PSG? I am 100 per cent devoted to my club," Sagna told L'Equipe. "I am only thinking about defending the colors of Arsenal until the end of my contract."

 

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