Chelsea offer Toni Kroos £125,000-a-week to complete transfer to Stamford Bridge

Toni Kroos is wanted by Chelsea this summer (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have emerged as the new favourites to sign Toni Kroos after offering the Bayern Munich man a five-year-deal worth £125,000-a-week.

Kroos, who has rejected the offer of a new contract at Bayern, looks all but certain to depart the club this summer, and Chelsea have now made an offer to sign him.

Manchester United and Real Madrid have also previously made approaches for the player, but neither can get near Chelsea’s giant offer.

AS says the Blues could pay £15million for the 24-year-old and then expect to lure him with a whopping £125,000-a-week deal.

Jose Mourinho is pushing for Kroos (Picture: EPA)

Kroos’ agent has already made it clear that his client wants a big pay rise on his next contract, and those £6.5million-a-season terms certainly achieve that.

He is expected to finalise his next club after the World Cup in Brazil finishes.

Chelsea ‘make £16million transfer offer for Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike'

Emmanuel Emenike is subject of Chelsea’s interest (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea are hoping to wrap up a quick-fire deal for Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike after making a £16million bid for his services.

Turkish newspaper Fanatik reports that Blues manager Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the forward, and decided to slap in the offer this week after watching him at the World Cup in Brazil.

Emenike has helped the Nigeria team reach the knockout stages of the tournament, on the back of an excellent season at Fenerbahce, where he scored 12 goals and picked up nine assists.

The 27-year-old only moved to Turkey last summer from Spartak Moscow in a £10million deal, but Fenerbahce are happy to make a quick profit on him.

Emenike is currently at the World Cup in Brazil (Picture: Getty)

Emenike admitted recently he is desperate to move to the Premier League in the future, and a transfer could now be concluded quickly.

‘I have always dreamed of playing in England,’ he said.

‘If I get the opportunity to play in England – I wouldn’t turn it down.’

Chelsea are planning to overhaul their striker options with Diego Costa set to arrive from Atletico Madrid, while Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba could all depart.

World Cup's three highest paid coaches have been eliminated while the lowest paid man delights everyone

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Mexico's head coach Miguel Herrera celebrates after Mexico's Andres Guardado scored his side's second goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Mexico at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

The group stage of the 2014 World Cup has concluded and half of the 32 teams have gone home — including those assembled by the tournament's three highest paid managers. Meanwhile, the team led by the tournament's lowest paid manager is not only still in it, but he has arguably become the tournament's breakout star.

Here's the full list of what every World Cup manager is making this year as compiled by Forbes...

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(Forbes)

After resigning from the England job in 2012, Fabio Capello took up the Russia post and led it to the top of its 2014 World Cup qualifying group — edging out Portugal. At the start of this year, he was given a fat new contract that won't run out until after Russia hosts the 2018 World Cup. This year alone the five-time Serie A winner (as a manager) and two-time La Liga winner is making $11.2 million, which is nearly double what his England successor, Roy Hodgson, is making ($5.9 million).

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(Getty)

Though Capello did manage to outdo Hodgson in Brazil — last in the group with two draws and one loss as opposed to last in the group with one loss and two draws — it wasn't quite the return on investment Russia likely expected. Especially in a manageable group that also included Belgium,Algeria and South Korea.

At least the third highest paid manager, Italy's Cesare Prandelli, offered to resign immediately after his side was eliminated. And he even got a win (against England)!

[Slideshow: Behind the scenes with Team USA in Brazil]

All together, only half of the top 10 best paid managers at this World Cup navigated their teams through to the knockout stage. But pulling up the rear of the list is Mexico's Miguel Herrera, whocelebrated his way into the hearts of fans everywhere while leading a once hopeless El Tri through an undefeated group stage for the bargain price of $209,810.

Herrera's situation is a bit different though. He was appointed as an emergency interim manager last October when Mexico was on the verge of completely missing out on qualification. Once that horror was narrowly avoided, he signed on through the end of the World Cup, so his salary isn't for the full year. It seems likely that the Mexican federation would be willing to give him anything he wants after what he's done so far, but even if he doesn't get a pay increase, he can always subsidize his income with his ska lip syncing. Somehow.

World Cup Round Of 16 Fixtures:

‪#‎BRA‬ vs. ‪#‎CHI‬
‪#‎COL‬ vs. ‪#‎URU‬
‪#‎FRA‬ vs. ‪#‎NGA‬
‪#‎GER‬ vs. ‪#‎ALG‬
‪#‎NED‬ vs. ‪#‎MEX‬
‪#‎CRC‬ vs. ‪#‎GRE‬
‪#‎ARG‬ vs. ‪#‎SUI‬
‪#‎BEL‬ vs. ‪#‎USA‬

N27 billion Bank PHB fraud: Court stops Atuche’s bid to stall trial

Francis Atuche

Francis Atuche, Elizabeth Atuche and Ugo Anyanwu are standing trial on a 47-count charge for allegedly stealing N27.5 billion from Bank PHB.

Justice Lateefat Okunnu of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, today (Wednesday) stopped further attempts by a former Managing Director of Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, to delay trial in a N27.5 billion suit instituted against him and two other defendants by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

At the resumed trial of the case on Wednesday, the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, insisted that the defence team, led by Tayo Oyetibo, call Atuche or his wife Elizabeth, to the witness box, following their failure to produce a witness who, according to them, was meant to come in from Abuja, but could not make it due to bad weather.

“I recall the defence telling this court that they will close their case on Tuesday, and today, a witness is absent again. My Lord, apart from the witness that is not present in court, the defence said the defendants will give evidence in this case and the defendants are in court and no reason has been given why the first and second defendants cannot testify. I implore my Lord to order the defence to call the defendants to give their evidence in order not to waste the time of the court”.

Mr. Oyetibo countered that “the evidence of the witness need to go before those of the defendants.”

After listening to both arguments, Justice Okunnu ruled that “a good reason must be given for adjournments and the court is bound to act judicially and judiciously. I have also seen that there has been rainfall but not a storm. I do not believe that any cogent and tenable reason has been given for the absence of the witness, so this court is being asked to wait at the leisure of the witness. I urge the defence to call the first or second defendant to the stand, to give evidence. The court will therefore stand down this case to enable the defense confer with their client”.

At the resumed session, Mr. Oyetibo further argued, “I came into the case after Chief Idigbe, SAN, who was the defense counsel, took ill and travelled abroad for treatment and I have not had access to the volumes of documents earlier tendered. I believe the first and second defendants should be accorded the opportunity to be led in evidence by Chief Idigbe, who was present when evidence was tendered against the first and second defendants.

I pray the court to adjourn to the dates earlier fixed”.

Mr. Pinheiro immediately reminded the court that Mr. Oyetibo came into the case more than a year ago, on February 11, 2013, which was enough time for him to be fully abreast of the matter.

According to him, “the defense filed a colossal 475- page address on the no -case submission, and it was a full analysis of the case, attacking the prosecution’s evidences and Oyetibo contributed in no small measure to that document. Against this background, I find his excuse untenable. But as a midway suggestion, let one of the defendants be called to the witness box and sworn-in before taking an adjournment”.

Justice Okuunu then ruled that no tangible reason had been given for a second adjournment, so defence should call their witness and then the court can call for an adjournment.

Mr. Atuche was called into the witness box and was still giving an account of his biography when Justice Okuunu stopped him and adjourned the matter till July 7, 8 and 11, 2014.

Francis Atuche, Elizabeth Atuche and Ugo Anyanwu are standing trial on a 47-count charge for allegedly stealing N27.5 billion from Bank PHB while Mr. Atuche was the Managing Director of the bank.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
25th June, 2014

Explosion rocks Abuja, many feared dead – Live Updates

The explosion occurred at about 4pm‎.

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An explosion has occurred at a major shopping mall, Emab Plaza, in Wuse 2, Abuja.

A witness said the explosion ‎occurred at about 4p.m.

Emab Plaza is a busy shopping mall in the highbrow area of Nigeria’s capital city, on Aminu Kano Crescent.

The explosion apparently occurred at the gate of the busy plaza.

This is the third deadly explosion in the Nigerian capital in two months. The extremist Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the two explosions in April and May in Nyanya, a suburb of the capital.

Liveblog

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19.22

This live update is now closed. Thanks for following. Find more updates on ourhomepage.

18.56

A trader, Emeka, told PREMIUM TIMES they had got intelligence of a planned attack on the mall as far back April, shortly before the World Economic Forum.
He said the owner of the facility stepped up security around the area. He explained that the stepped up security was apparently responsible for the 'throw-in' style adopted by the bombers.

18.49

The News Agency of Nigeria has informed PREMIUM TIMES that soldiers have killed one of the suspected bombers and arrested another. They are quoting the coordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri. They also confirmed that the attackers came on motorcycle.

18.45

At the scene, which is now totally on lock down, some traders who ran out of their shops, after the explosion, without locking them up are begging to be allowed back in to lock-up properly.
Meanwhile forensic investigators are still at the scene combing for clues.

18.34

At the wise 2 scene of the explosion, everywhere is calm. security officers still inspect the spot. A deep hole was created at the spot of the explosion.
FCT minister, Bala Bohammed visited with promises of better security.
A short while ago, some police officers arrived with sniffer dogs to help with investigation.

18.31

At the Maitama General hospital, the medical Director has confirmed 12 dead, and 35 injured.
The FCT minister (states), Olajumoke Akinjide visited and promised free medical treatment for the injured.

18.28

At the scene of the blast, authorities are yet to confirm the mode of the attack. While some trader claim it was a car bomb, others claim the bombers rode on a bike and threw-in the explosive before speeding away.

18.12

21 dead in Emab Plaza Abuja Bomb blast

The police have confirmed 21 died in the bomb blast. They said 17 others were injured and 17 cars burnt in the explosion.

18.09

At the National Hospital, one more victim has just been brought in.

18.04

At the Maitama General hospital, all victims receiving treatment outside the hospital building have been moved into the building and are now receiving full medical attention. Meanwhile, a NEMA van just arrived with medical supplies.

17.59

The scene of the blast have now been completely cordoned off by the Nigerian Army. Traffic is also diverted and the shops around that area all on lock-down. The authorities are yet to announce casualty figures from the blast.

17.52

Also at the National Hospital, Seven bodies were brought to the mortuary, most of them burnt beyond recognition. But the hospital only admitted five of bodies, for lack of body space. The other two have been sent to other hospitals.

17.47

At the National Hospital in the Central Business District, six victims are currently receiving treatment in the Emergency unit. The hospital management is unable to declare their stability at the moment.

17.36

At the scene of the blast, Frank Mba confirms it was a bomb explosion. 'Our most important assignment now is to secure lives, secure crime scene," he said.
He said the nature and type of explosive used, or the casualty figure cannot be confirmed now.
He appealed to Abuja residents to stay away from explosion area.
He said the police is working with other security and emergency officials at the scene.

17.25

‎Emab Plaza, where the explosion occurred, is opposite the Banex mosque. The mosque and other nearby buildings were not affected. Some traders at the plaza say some of those affected were petty traders who sell fruits at the entrance. The explosion occurred just by the plaza gate. Another witness said worshippers were just about to say the Asr (quarter-to-four) prayer in the mosque when the bomb exploded. He said some worshippers were also affected. Apart from the several deaths and injuries (figure not yet confirmed), over 11 cars and some shops at the EMAB plaza (those close to the gate) were affected by the explosion. The cars inside the plaza were not affected.

17.21

At the Maitama General Hospital, officials are now referring new victims to the National Hospital, in the Central Business District, a few kilometres away. At least nine victims have been referred. But four ambulances are waiting outside the hospital, apparently rendering first aid. The hospital is flooded with victims and sympathizers, causing another security scare. But armed soldiers, who arrived moments ago, are are trying to disperse the crowd that has gathered  at the hospital.

17.13

At the scene of the blast in Wuse 2, more senior police officials arrive. Frank Mba, Nigeria Police spokesperson, arrives scene, promises to brief journalists in next few minutes. Asks journalists to leave cordon area.

17.07

At the Maitama General Hospital, officials have confirmed at least 30 casualties with three bodies completely dismembered. The hospital is full, our reporter said. Some victims are receiving treatment outside. Our reporter counted seven victims receiving treatments outside the hospital premises.

17.03

Our reporter counted 11 cars completely burnt in the explosion while some others suffered various damages.
Emergency officials say more ambulances are needed at Maitama District hospital "to transfer victims to other hospitals."

16.54

Emergency workers are still evacuating the injured and bodies to Maitama District Hospital and other hospitals.
A police officer laments that the plaza made no security provisions.
"Nothing, they don't search cars, booths, anybody can just drive in," he said.

16.50

‎The fire service officials put out the fire at about 4:40 pm. They arrived about 23 minutes before then.
‎Fire service and emergency officials are still searching shops to see if anyone is trapped within. Injured are still being evacuated.

16.47

National Emergency Management Agency say they are unable to confirm the casualty rate just yet. Sani Batti, the agency's information officer said emergency workers are still conducting search and rescue.

16.44

The fire has been put out. Rescue workers are now searching the shops. Witnesses say some traders are trapped in their shops.

16.40

16.38

Soldiers block off the area. More fire service officials arrive. More ambulances too. Traders say the explosion was a car bomb at the gate of the plaza. Bodies of injured are being taken to hospitals.

16.34

Emergency officials are evacuating victims to the nearby Maitama District Hospital.
Our reporter at the Maitama general hospital said at least six  victims have been confirmed dead and taken to the morgue. She has also counted about 17 injured victims that have so far been brought in, including a white man with a broken leg.

16.30

Emergency officials arrived without adequate material. "Tell Joseph to come with enough dead body bags," an emergency official tells colleagues. Soldiers arrived in large numbers. Clearing the place. Traders in tears.

16.25

Fire Service have arrived the scene of the blast. There are frantic attempts to extinguish the burning cars. Traders in the plaza said the blast apparently went off in a car that was driving into the mall.

16.23

Additional reporting by Amina Mohammed, Chinenye Ugonna, and Nnenah Ibeh.