30 Januari 2014
That's one pricey prancing horse!
A classic Ferrari has become the most expensive car ever sold in Britain after changing hands for an estimated £24 million.
The 1957 prototype of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa won high-profile races and competed twice at 24 Hours of Le Mans, the oldest active car race in the world.
It has now been sold to a so-far anonymous enthusiast - and the price is understood to be three times what was paid for a Testa Rossa in 2009.
Hailed by an expert as one of the five best Ferraris in the world, the model was also raced by the Formula 1 world champion Phil Hill.
It was previously owned by the millionaire investor Eric Heerema until he was persuaded to sell it to Derbyshire dealer Tom Hartley Jr.
Mr Hartley revealed he has now sold the Ferrari, but wouldn’t confirm the exact selling price.
However, well-placed sources said the anonymous buyer paid in excess of £24.1 million - making it the most expensive car ever sold publicly.
The highest was previously the £22.5 million paid in 2012 for a Ferrari 250 GTO, also owned by Mr Heerema.
The Testa Rossa achieved the record figure because of its looks, racing pedigree, rarity and the fact is in 'unmolested' - completely original - condition.
Another Testa Rossa was sold in 2011 at a U.S. auction for £10 million ($16.4 million), but they were both far inferior examples to the latest model.
The specialist dealer, who sold his first supercar at the age of 11, said: 'I can confirm that the car has sold, although due to client confidentiality we will not disclose the buyer or the price achieved.
'This Ferrari is without question one of the most important cars on the planet if not the most important because of its originality.
'While I won’t go into the terms of the sale, I am sure it will prove to be a great investment for the new owner.
'Now it is done, my only disappointment is the fact I don’t think it can ever be bettered as I truly think it is the greatest car in the world.'
The model sold was the second prototype and factory team car for two seasons with Ferrari, when then made a further 19 customer cars.
Known as Chassis 0704, it was designed by legendary Ferrari pioneer Sergio Scaglietti and was one of his favourite models up until his death aged 91.
At the 1957 Le Mans race the prototype ran as high as second position but did not finish the race. The next year, however, Chassis 0704 picked up two wins - in the 1,000km Buenos Aires and 12 Hour Sebring races - with Formula 1 legends Phil Hill and Peter Collins behind the wheel in both.
It was later sold to a U.S. customer and was driven to victory in 16 races on the other side of the Atlantic.
In 1967 the car was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where it stayed for 30 years.
Ferrari historian Marcel Massini described the prototype as 'one of the top five Ferraris on the planet'.
He added: 'It is so valuable because it is totally unmolested and not restored, genuine and very original. It also comes with a fantastic history which is most important.
'I believe the Ferrari market will continue to go up as more and more wealthy people need to reinvest their cash but there are not many more top quality cars available.
'It’s simple supply and demand. Classic cars as hard assets are just one of several asset classes nowadays.'
The HAGI index, which tracks the market, estimates the classic Ferrari market has increased fourfold over the past decade.
This has seen savvy investors and car collectors ploughing their cash into the classic market which is seen by some as safer and more profitable than stocks and shares - not to mention more fun.
The 1957 prototype of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa won high-profile races and competed twice at 24 Hours of Le Mans, the oldest active car race in the world.
It has now been sold to a so-far anonymous enthusiast - and the price is understood to be three times what was paid for a Testa Rossa in 2009.
Just popping to the shops: This Ferrari 250
Testa Rossa has sold for an estimated £24 million, smashing the British
record. It was raced by Formula 1 world champion Phil Hill and competed
at the world's oldest car race
Mid-life crisis? The car features leather seating, an original steering wheel and only reasonable wear and tear
Hailed by an expert as one of the five best Ferraris in the world, the model was also raced by the Formula 1 world champion Phil Hill.
It was previously owned by the millionaire investor Eric Heerema until he was persuaded to sell it to Derbyshire dealer Tom Hartley Jr.
Mr Hartley revealed he has now sold the Ferrari, but wouldn’t confirm the exact selling price.
However, well-placed sources said the anonymous buyer paid in excess of £24.1 million - making it the most expensive car ever sold publicly.
The highest was previously the £22.5 million paid in 2012 for a Ferrari 250 GTO, also owned by Mr Heerema.
The Testa Rossa achieved the record figure because of its looks, racing pedigree, rarity and the fact is in 'unmolested' - completely original - condition.
Another Testa Rossa was sold in 2011 at a U.S. auction for £10 million ($16.4 million), but they were both far inferior examples to the latest model.
The specialist dealer, who sold his first supercar at the age of 11, said: 'I can confirm that the car has sold, although due to client confidentiality we will not disclose the buyer or the price achieved.
'This Ferrari is without question one of the most important cars on the planet if not the most important because of its originality.
'While I won’t go into the terms of the sale, I am sure it will prove to be a great investment for the new owner.
Legendary: Chassis 0704 remained a favourite of Ferrari designer Sergio Scaglietti until his death aged 91
'Now it is done, my only disappointment is the fact I don’t think it can ever be bettered as I truly think it is the greatest car in the world.'
The model sold was the second prototype and factory team car for two seasons with Ferrari, when then made a further 19 customer cars.
Top spec: The V12 engine helps the car achieve 0-60 in about six seconds, spellbinding for its day
Known as Chassis 0704, it was designed by legendary Ferrari pioneer Sergio Scaglietti and was one of his favourite models up until his death aged 91.
At the 1957 Le Mans race the prototype ran as high as second position but did not finish the race. The next year, however, Chassis 0704 picked up two wins - in the 1,000km Buenos Aires and 12 Hour Sebring races - with Formula 1 legends Phil Hill and Peter Collins behind the wheel in both.
It was later sold to a U.S. customer and was driven to victory in 16 races on the other side of the Atlantic.
In 1967 the car was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where it stayed for 30 years.
Ferrari historian Marcel Massini described the prototype as 'one of the top five Ferraris on the planet'.
He added: 'It is so valuable because it is totally unmolested and not restored, genuine and very original. It also comes with a fantastic history which is most important.
'I believe the Ferrari market will continue to go up as more and more wealthy people need to reinvest their cash but there are not many more top quality cars available.
'It’s simple supply and demand. Classic cars as hard assets are just one of several asset classes nowadays.'
The HAGI index, which tracks the market, estimates the classic Ferrari market has increased fourfold over the past decade.
This has seen savvy investors and car collectors ploughing their cash into the classic market which is seen by some as safer and more profitable than stocks and shares - not to mention more fun.
Relic: In 1967 it was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where it stayed for 30 years
Mystery: So far the car's owner is anonymous, though that is unlikely to last if it gets driven around town
29 Januari 2014
Formula One mogul Eddie Jordan spends £32MILLION on a new 155ft super yacht
A brand new superyacht has been
unveiled to the world for the first time ahead of being delivered to its
new owner - Formula One mogul Eddie Jordan.
The Sunseeker 155 has been under development for 18 months, and will cost a total of £32million when it is finally completed.
This
week it was taken out of the shed in Poole, Dorset where it is being
built, as it is now too large to be housed in the hangar.
Unveiled: The Sunseeker 155 superyacht, commissioned by Eddie Jordan, has been unveiled to the public
Under construction: The boat has been moved out of the shed where it was built because it is now too large
It was transported at a
glacial place by a radio-controlled unit as it was manoeuvred out of the
shed with just a few inches to spare.
The
four-deck yacht includes five bedrooms, enabling Mr Jordan to host up
to 10 guests at once, while the boat also has space for 11 members of
staff.
Other perks include a
nightclub, day room, 'beach club' and a panoramic viewing platform -
which could allow guests a perfect view of the Monaco Grand Prix if Mr
Jordan decides to attend the society event.
The
yacht is 155ft long and weighs a total of 200 tonnes, with a maximum
speed of 22 knots (25mph), and can travel 4,000 nautical miles in a
single journey.
New owner: Eddie Jordan, pictured with Jenson Button, is paying £32million for the Sunseeker 155
Emerging: The yacht was taken out of the shed on a radio-controlled system
Plans: These floor plans show the layout of the yacht, which includes five guest bedrooms and a nightclub
Sunseeker International,
the company building the boat, expects to be able to begin testing it
on the water next month, before delivering it to Mr Jordan in the
spring.
But even after
the businessman has taken delivery of his new pride and joy, handing
over £32million in the process, the Sunseeker 155 will not come cheap.
Filling up the boat's 60,000-litre engine with diesel will cost £30,000 every time.
Despite
the gigantic scale of the Sunseeker 155, it is still very far from the
record for the biggest yacht in the world - the Azzam, completed last
year, measures almost 600ft.
Glamorous: But the boat has a top speed of just 22 knots (25mph) due to its vast size
Vast: However, the 155ft yacht is still some way off the world record, which stands at a staggering 600ft
Stewart McIntyre,
managing director at Sunseeker International, said: 'This is an
extremely exciting time for Sunseeker as we inch ever closer to the
completion of the 155 Yacht.
'This
is the biggest project we have ever undertaken and since the
announcement of its build it has been the talk of the industry.
'We are incredibly proud of what we have created and look forward to showcasing it to the world.'
Mr
Jordan, who commissioned the yacht, grew up in Ireland and ran a number
of racing teams before setting up Jordan Grand Prix, whose drivers
included Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill.
After the team shut down in 2005, the 65-year-old became a racing commentator for the BBC.
Seo-yeon dapat RM30,931 sebulan kerana program makan
INCHEON - Seorang wanita, Park Seo-yeon memperoleh pendapatan
melebihi £5,600 (RM30,931) sebulan dengan hanya makan dan berbual di
hadapan kamera yang disaksikan beribu-ribu orang di internet secara
langsung.
Seo-yeon, 34, yang tinggal di sebuah apartmen di Seoul memakan
pelbagai jenis makanan antaranya telur dan nasi dalam satu sesi program
yang berlangsung selama hampir tiga jam pada setiap hari.
Siaran langsung itu juga dibuat dengan menggunakan komputer.
Semasa siaran langsung itu, penonton akan menghantar belon maya yang bernilai AS$0.09 (RM0.30) kepadanya.
Trend makan di hadapan beribu-ribu orang di internet itu mampu
menjana pendapatan tinggi melalui iklan serta sumbangan para peminatnya.
Wanita itu berkata, dia berhenti bekerja di sebuah firma tiga tahun
lalu bagi memberi sepenuh perhatian kepada pekerjaan baharunya itu yang
bermula sebagai hobi tiga tahun lalu.
"Saya berasa sangat gembira apabila ada peminat memberitahu, mereka
pulih daripada masalah anoreksia selepas melihat saya makan," katanya. -
Reuters
24 Januari 2014
Chelsea beat Liverpool to sign £11m Basle forward Salah
Chelsea have beaten Liverpool to land FC Basle's Mohamed Salah for £11million, according to Sportsmail sources in Switzerland.
Sportsmail revealed the Reds' interest in the Egypt forward and talks were
reaching an advanced stage until Chelsea gazumped Brendan Rodgers' side on Wednesday.
With
Juan Mata sealing his exit to Manchester United, the Blues have looked to
replace the Spaniard with Salah, who impressed against them in the
Champions League this season scoring in both of their group stage games,
including the winner in Switzerland.
Done deal: Chelsea have signed Basle's Mohamed Salah, who has scored twice against them this season
Gazumped: Jose Mourinho's side beat competition from Liverpool for the £11m Egyptian forward
Salah's
preference was understood to have been Liverpool, believing he will get
more game time, but Chelsea's financial muscle - plus the persuasive powers of Jose Mourinho - have swung the deal.
Chelsea
confirmed on their official website on Thursday afternoon: 'An
agreement has been reached with FC Basel for the transfer of their
21-year-old attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah.
'The move is subject to the Egyptian international agreeing personal terms and completing a medical examination.'
Salah later tweeted: 'Mohamed Salah Officially in @chelseafc.'
While impressing in Europe, the forward has also scored 17 goals in 27 games for Egypt.
But
he has struggled to find the net as often in Switzerland this season,
scoring just four times in the league for Basle to go with those strikes
against Chelsea.
On his way out: Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata will be allowed to leave the club by Jose Mourinho
Well-known threat: Salah also scored for Basle in last season's Europa League semi-final against Chelsea
23 Januari 2014
Bye bye, Jose!
Manchester United have agreed a club
record £37million fee for Chelsea's Juan Mata to ease the pain of their
Capital One Cup KO.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho signed off on the deal following talks with club executives and Mata is expected for a medical in Manchester on Thursday.
United chief executive Ed Woodward agreed to break the club's transfer record for Mata as they attempt to salvage their season.
Seven defeats in the Barclays Premier League have left United six points off the pace in the race for fourth place - and Champions League football next season - but Mata's addition will cause a huge stir.
The Spanish playmaker, 25, trained alone in the fitness centre at Cobham on Wednesday as his team-mates prepared for Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge against Stoke City.
After the Sunderland defeat at Old Trafford, Moyes refused to talk about the Mata deal.
Mourinho had given his players two days off following their 3-1 victory over United in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.
They returned to training on Wednesday to discover that Mata was ‘90 per cent sure’ that he would be leaving Chelsea, three years after he arrived in a £23.5m deal from Valencia.
He has not played for the club since he was substituted in the 53rd minute of their 3-0 victory at Southampton on New Year’s Day.
Mata was replaced by Oscar when the score was still 0-0 and he ignored Mourinho as he walked off the field at St Mary’s. Mata then kicked a plastic chair in the technical area in frustration and team-mates had to calm him down.
After the game Mourinho claimed the door was open for any player who wanted to leave and Mata was one of them.
He believes he will be given a fresh start at United and it’s a huge statement of intent by the champions after an indifferent first season under new manager David Moyes.
Mata, who was Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two seasons, will sign a lengthy contract at United when he has completed his medical.
United believe they have signed a world class player and he is expected to make his debut for the club against Cardiff on Tuesday.
Providing Mata passes his medical, he will be free to play his first game in front of 76,000 supporters at Old Trafford.
Chelsea may decide to spend the Mata money quickly, and were vying with Liverpool to sign Basle’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah on Wednesday night. Chelsea are also keen on Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa.
While Radamel Falcao at Monaco is still on the Stamford Bridge club’s list, he has suffered a serious knee injury that could rule him out for six months.
Mata is determined to push through the move and Mourinho is understood to have accepted that he wants to leave in search of first-team football.
The midfielder has concerns about his inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad this summer if he is not playing regularly for his club side and Moyes will give him that opportunity as he starts building a team for the future.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho signed off on the deal following talks with club executives and Mata is expected for a medical in Manchester on Thursday.
United chief executive Ed Woodward agreed to break the club's transfer record for Mata as they attempt to salvage their season.
Wave goodbye: Juan Mata is set to join Manchester United after a £37m fee was agreed with Chelsea
Dejected: Moyes will be hoping the capture of Mata will arrest his new side's slide into mediocrity
Bitter pill to swallow: Moyes had to watch as
Sunderland beat his United team on penalties in the Capital One Cup
semi-final at Old Trafford
Glum faces: Manchester United players look on during the unsuccessful penalty shootout against Sunderland
Seven defeats in the Barclays Premier League have left United six points off the pace in the race for fourth place - and Champions League football next season - but Mata's addition will cause a huge stir.
The Spanish playmaker, 25, trained alone in the fitness centre at Cobham on Wednesday as his team-mates prepared for Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge against Stoke City.
After the Sunderland defeat at Old Trafford, Moyes refused to talk about the Mata deal.
Mourinho had given his players two days off following their 3-1 victory over United in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.
No Spanish inquisition: The Chelsea squad trained at Cobham and Mata was not present for the session
They returned to training on Wednesday to discover that Mata was ‘90 per cent sure’ that he would be leaving Chelsea, three years after he arrived in a £23.5m deal from Valencia.
He has not played for the club since he was substituted in the 53rd minute of their 3-0 victory at Southampton on New Year’s Day.
Mata was replaced by Oscar when the score was still 0-0 and he ignored Mourinho as he walked off the field at St Mary’s. Mata then kicked a plastic chair in the technical area in frustration and team-mates had to calm him down.
Crucial moment: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho
substituted Mata in the match against Southampton on January 1 and the
Spaniard has not played for the club since
After the game Mourinho claimed the door was open for any player who wanted to leave and Mata was one of them.
He believes he will be given a fresh start at United and it’s a huge statement of intent by the champions after an indifferent first season under new manager David Moyes.
Mata, who was Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two seasons, will sign a lengthy contract at United when he has completed his medical.
United believe they have signed a world class player and he is expected to make his debut for the club against Cardiff on Tuesday.
Providing Mata passes his medical, he will be free to play his first game in front of 76,000 supporters at Old Trafford.
London calling? Basle forward Mohamed Salah is a target for Chelsea
Striking option: Chelsea are believed to be interested in Atletico Madrid's Brazilian forward Diego Costa
Chelsea may decide to spend the Mata money quickly, and were vying with Liverpool to sign Basle’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah on Wednesday night. Chelsea are also keen on Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa.
While Radamel Falcao at Monaco is still on the Stamford Bridge club’s list, he has suffered a serious knee injury that could rule him out for six months.
Mata is determined to push through the move and Mourinho is understood to have accepted that he wants to leave in search of first-team football.
The midfielder has concerns about his inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad this summer if he is not playing regularly for his club side and Moyes will give him that opportunity as he starts building a team for the future.
This mother had to trek for nine days in -35C just to get to hospital
The birth of a child is one of the most significant moments in a family's life.
Many are fortunate enough to experience this in the comfort of a hospital, before driving home with nothing but a table-load of presents and sleepless nights to worry about.
For this family from Ladakh, Northern India, the situation was quite different, as they were forced to travel on foot for 45 miles to get to the nearest hospital.
It took them nine days to get to their destination, Lingshed, the nearest town with a hospital, after which they had to return the same way they came - up a frozen mountain river in temperatures of -35C.
A photographer encountered the family during their nine-day journey home with their newborn baby in a basket, carrying a young child.
The frozen river Chadar
is at an altitude of 11,123 ft,and the family walked for eight
hours-a-day over the frozen river often up to their knees in bitingly
cold water.
The family were forced to carry both provisions and children, and camped in mountain caves at night as they trekked back to their home town.
The photos were captured by photographer Tim Vollmer from Iceland who was trekking up the Chadar with his friends when he spotted the weather-beaten family.
Tim said: ‘One day we met then this family with the little son and newborn, I was amazed what it is normal for someone to go through to get a child!
‘For me its just incredible, how easy and how much help we get in the western world to give birth in comparison - when you saw this little child and baby, how cold they have been, what they have to do.’
‘The Zanskar River is big and fast flowing. For most if its length between Chillimg and the Zanskar Valley the River is confined within a steep canyon.
‘Walking over the frozen river and very cold rushing water just a few inches below your feet is terrifying.
‘Travelling from Leh, the capital of Ladakh to Lingshed takes four to five days under the best conditions and the long winter snow closes the roads and passes entirely for six months annually.
‘The local people use the river to carry goods for their livelihood and sometimes people die during the dangerous trip.’
Many are fortunate enough to experience this in the comfort of a hospital, before driving home with nothing but a table-load of presents and sleepless nights to worry about.
For this family from Ladakh, Northern India, the situation was quite different, as they were forced to travel on foot for 45 miles to get to the nearest hospital.
A different world: As there is no doctor or
hospital facility in the village where the family live, they were forced
to travel on foot down river Chadar, at an altitude of 11,123ft, for
nine days - and then make the same journey back when the baby was born
Latest addition: The newborn baby is wrapped up warm for the nine-day journey back to their home town in Ladakh, Northern India
Long journey: Another member of the family
carries the newborn's older sibling as they make their way up the frozen
river, walking for eight hours a day
It took them nine days to get to their destination, Lingshed, the nearest town with a hospital, after which they had to return the same way they came - up a frozen mountain river in temperatures of -35C.
A photographer encountered the family during their nine-day journey home with their newborn baby in a basket, carrying a young child.
The family were forced to carry both provisions and children, and camped in mountain caves at night as they trekked back to their home town.
The photos were captured by photographer Tim Vollmer from Iceland who was trekking up the Chadar with his friends when he spotted the weather-beaten family.
No other option: The family had to bring food,
blankets and other provisions on their backs or on sleds and camped out
in caves at night before continuing their gruelling walk in the morning
Tough trek: The family were sometimes forced to
wade through icy water and snow after the cold weather blocked the roads
from Ladakh to the hospital in Lingshed
Keeping warm: A cave in the mountainside serves
as shelter for the night as the family gathers around a fire in the
freezing cold night
Tim said: ‘One day we met then this family with the little son and newborn, I was amazed what it is normal for someone to go through to get a child!
‘For me its just incredible, how easy and how much help we get in the western world to give birth in comparison - when you saw this little child and baby, how cold they have been, what they have to do.’
‘The Zanskar River is big and fast flowing. For most if its length between Chillimg and the Zanskar Valley the River is confined within a steep canyon.
‘Walking over the frozen river and very cold rushing water just a few inches below your feet is terrifying.
‘Travelling from Leh, the capital of Ladakh to Lingshed takes four to five days under the best conditions and the long winter snow closes the roads and passes entirely for six months annually.
‘The local people use the river to carry goods for their livelihood and sometimes people die during the dangerous trip.’
As one: Family members brought larger sleds to be able to provide some relief for the mother as she recovers from giving birth
Travelling from Leh, the capital of Ladakh to
Lingshed, where the hospital is takes around five days in the summer,
but during the winder, snow closes the roads and mountain passes and the
frozen river is the only way out
21 Januari 2014
£40million for Mata!
Manchester United have
been told to pay £40million for Juan Mata after the champions stepped up
their interest in the Chelsea outcast.
Despite posturing from both clubs, Chelsea are willing to sell the Spanish playmaker if United match their valuation — and David Moyes is believed to be on the brink of making an offer.
The deal is complicated because Chelsea still have an interest in Wayne Rooney, but United will not sell the striker.
United manager Moyes wants to add Mata to his squad and the club have the cash to seal a deal for the Chelsea midfielder.
Moyes, who is preparing for the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland, needs fresh blood.
United lost for the seventh time in the league this season when Jose Mourinho’s team beat them 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
They believe a deal can be done for Mata, 25, and Chelsea will sell if United find £40m.
United have been given enough encouragement to make their move for a player who has not featured in the Chelsea side since he was substituted against Southampton on New Year’s Day. Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two seasons is desperate to leave Stamford Bridge.
He reacted badly when Mourinho substituted him at St Mary’s in the 53rd minute. Chelsea went on to beat Southampton 3-0 and the manager said then the ‘door was open’ if players wanted to leave.
Mata has failed to convince the Portuguese manager of his worth since Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge last summer.
The midfielder fears he will lose his place in Spain’s squad for the World Cup if he is not playing regularly between now and the end of the season.
Many Chelsea players sympathise with Mata’s position, but Mourinho has more confidence in Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian.
Although Mourinho’s decision to cut Mata adrift appears to have been vindicated, the Spanish playmaker remains a popular member of the squad and he is still adored by supporters. Mourinho has claimed he wants Mata to stay, but he didn’t rule out the possibility of the player leaving if he demanded to go.
Chelsea have won their last five games in the Barclays Premier League and are only two points off top spot.
United will pursue Edinson Cavani in the summer after establishing that his club, Paris Saint-Germain, would not countenance a sale this month.
Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to have called his former United centre half Laurent Blanc to check on the Uruguay striker’s situation, and the PSG coach said they would not listen to bids in this window but would be willing to discuss the possibility at the end of the season.
It proves how comfortable Moyes is with Ferguson’s presence and is using his predecessor’s network of contacts to help to rebuild United.
Moyes was interested in Cavani in the summer but shelved a bid as he pursued midfielders and a left back. Injuries and form have dictated that a world-class striker is required, though, and Cavani’s dissatisfaction with life in Paris means he is a prime candidate.
That does not mean Moyes wants to offload Wayne Rooney. United are prepared to bite the bullet and let Rooney run down his contract until 2015 if he continues to turn down talks on a new deal. He has worked well with Moyes and the hope is he will be convinced to stay by the manager’s summer dealings.
Mourinho completed a hectic 24 hours by flying to Paris yesterday for surgery on an elbow following victory over United and the Football Writers’ Association’s gala dinner in his honour on Sunday.
He had an arthroscopy on a long-standing complaint hours after receiving his award at London’s Savoy Hotel. The operation, performed by Dr Didier Fontes, had been planned for some time.
His first-team players had been given two days off after a run of six wins and a draw from the last seven League games. Mourinho is expected back at his desk at the Cobham training ground today as he prepares for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Stoke.
Meanwhile, Hazard has pledged his future to Chelsea, rejecting the idea of leaving Stamford Bridge despite the expected interest from mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain.
‘They often write that PSG are interested in me, because they’re a big club, with lots of money involved,’ said Hazard.
‘But I’m a Chelsea player and I like it over here. There’s no chance I will leave in January, but I also think I won’t move on this summer. I feel good in this club. This is the ideal environment to make progress as a player.’
Mourinho remarked last week about how Hazard was progressing to become a major player in his team and would be valued by Chelsea at more than £80m.
Despite posturing from both clubs, Chelsea are willing to sell the Spanish playmaker if United match their valuation — and David Moyes is believed to be on the brink of making an offer.
The deal is complicated because Chelsea still have an interest in Wayne Rooney, but United will not sell the striker.
Red Juan: How Mata might look in a Manchester
United kit - David Moyes has been he will have to pay £40m to prise him
from Chelsea
On the brink: David Moyes is seriously considering a deal for the Spaniard
Willing: Chelsea are considering the deal if United match their valuation
United manager Moyes wants to add Mata to his squad and the club have the cash to seal a deal for the Chelsea midfielder.
Moyes, who is preparing for the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland, needs fresh blood.
United lost for the seventh time in the league this season when Jose Mourinho’s team beat them 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
They believe a deal can be done for Mata, 25, and Chelsea will sell if United find £40m.
It's complicated: Chelsea still have an interest in Wayne Rooney, but United do not want to sell the striker
United have been given enough encouragement to make their move for a player who has not featured in the Chelsea side since he was substituted against Southampton on New Year’s Day. Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two seasons is desperate to leave Stamford Bridge.
Reaction: Mata was unhappy at being substituted in the 53rd minute against Southampton
He reacted badly when Mourinho substituted him at St Mary’s in the 53rd minute. Chelsea went on to beat Southampton 3-0 and the manager said then the ‘door was open’ if players wanted to leave.
Mata has failed to convince the Portuguese manager of his worth since Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge last summer.
The midfielder fears he will lose his place in Spain’s squad for the World Cup if he is not playing regularly between now and the end of the season.
Many Chelsea players sympathise with Mata’s position, but Mourinho has more confidence in Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian.
Although Mourinho’s decision to cut Mata adrift appears to have been vindicated, the Spanish playmaker remains a popular member of the squad and he is still adored by supporters. Mourinho has claimed he wants Mata to stay, but he didn’t rule out the possibility of the player leaving if he demanded to go.
Chelsea have won their last five games in the Barclays Premier League and are only two points off top spot.
United will pursue Edinson Cavani in the summer after establishing that his club, Paris Saint-Germain, would not countenance a sale this month.
Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to have called his former United centre half Laurent Blanc to check on the Uruguay striker’s situation, and the PSG coach said they would not listen to bids in this window but would be willing to discuss the possibility at the end of the season.
Preference: Mourinho has preferered the trio of Eden Hazard, Oscar (below) and Willian (above) to Mata
It proves how comfortable Moyes is with Ferguson’s presence and is using his predecessor’s network of contacts to help to rebuild United.
Moyes was interested in Cavani in the summer but shelved a bid as he pursued midfielders and a left back. Injuries and form have dictated that a world-class striker is required, though, and Cavani’s dissatisfaction with life in Paris means he is a prime candidate.
That does not mean Moyes wants to offload Wayne Rooney. United are prepared to bite the bullet and let Rooney run down his contract until 2015 if he continues to turn down talks on a new deal. He has worked well with Moyes and the hope is he will be convinced to stay by the manager’s summer dealings.
Unhappy: Edinson Cavani is not happy with life at Paris Saint-Germain and United are interested
Mourinho completed a hectic 24 hours by flying to Paris yesterday for surgery on an elbow following victory over United and the Football Writers’ Association’s gala dinner in his honour on Sunday.
He had an arthroscopy on a long-standing complaint hours after receiving his award at London’s Savoy Hotel. The operation, performed by Dr Didier Fontes, had been planned for some time.
His first-team players had been given two days off after a run of six wins and a draw from the last seven League games. Mourinho is expected back at his desk at the Cobham training ground today as he prepares for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Stoke.
Meanwhile, Hazard has pledged his future to Chelsea, rejecting the idea of leaving Stamford Bridge despite the expected interest from mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain.
Pledge: Eden Hazard has rejected the idea of leaving Chelsea for Paris Saint-Germain
Award: Football Writers Association Chairman
Andy Dunn presents Mourinho with an award at The Savoy - the Chelsea
boss then flew to Paris for an elbow procedure
‘They often write that PSG are interested in me, because they’re a big club, with lots of money involved,’ said Hazard.
‘But I’m a Chelsea player and I like it over here. There’s no chance I will leave in January, but I also think I won’t move on this summer. I feel good in this club. This is the ideal environment to make progress as a player.’
Mourinho remarked last week about how Hazard was progressing to become a major player in his team and would be valued by Chelsea at more than £80m.
Tragic end for the little elephant who got lost
This is the dramatic moment a lion
single-handedly kills a young African elephant after riding on its back
until it collapses to the ground.
The elephant, thought to be around three to four years old, was caught alone as it drank from a watering hole.
Rare footage shows the young male attempt to scare the predator away by mock charging - before quickly turning on its heels.
However, the lion easily caught up and leapt on its back - riding it until it tired and dropped to the floor.
The clip was caught on camera by Heidi and Kurt Haas in the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
Kurt, 67, from Switzerland, said: 'The lion tried to unbalance the elephant to bring it down, but in vain.
'Then he tried to slow its pace down by hanging on to the back. As the elephant came to a standstill the lion jumped in the air and twisted - which brought the elephant down to the ground.
'I'm sure this is a technique which has been practiced for many years.
'Then the lion's brother came to help but only to hold the elephant so his brother could deliver the lethal bites.
'The whole thing took about 30-40 minutes before the lions - which included another female and a cub - could then begin to eat.'
It is not clear if the young elephant was part of a larger herd or living on its own.
Mr Haas said there was no sign of larger elephants nearby during the 40 minutes it took for the lions to finish the kill.
He believes the young elephant was driven to the watering hole by extreme thirst and may have become separated during the frantic search for water.
He added: 'It is sad but a natural experience of nature.
'It was a privilege to see it with the eye of the film-maker and with the watery eye of an elephant lover.
'For us it's a unique experience that we will never forget.'
The elephant, thought to be around three to four years old, was caught alone as it drank from a watering hole.
Rare footage shows the young male attempt to scare the predator away by mock charging - before quickly turning on its heels.
On the run: A young African elephant flees for
its life after being targeted by a lion while it was drinking at a
watering hole in the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
Caught: The lion pounces on the back of the elephant, thought to be around three or four years old, as it closes in for the kill
Losing the fight for life: The lion rides on the
back of the elephant until it tires so much it has no option but to
drop to the dusty floor
Nowhere to left to run: As the elephant came to a
standstill, the lion jumped in the air and twisted - which brought the
elephant down to the ground
However, the lion easily caught up and leapt on its back - riding it until it tired and dropped to the floor.
The clip was caught on camera by Heidi and Kurt Haas in the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
'Then he tried to slow its pace down by hanging on to the back. As the elephant came to a standstill the lion jumped in the air and twisted - which brought the elephant down to the ground.
Taken down: The chase was caught on camera by Heidi and Kurt Haas, who said the kill took around 40 minutes from start to finish
Nature at its most brutal: Mr Haas said there
was no sign of larger elephants nearby during the 40 minutes it took for
the lions to finish the kill
'Then the lion's brother came to help but only to hold the elephant so his brother could deliver the lethal bites.
'The whole thing took about 30-40 minutes before the lions - which included another female and a cub - could then begin to eat.'
Prey: It is believed the young elephant became separated from the herd after being driven to the watering hole by extreme thirst
Back-up support: The lion's brother arrives to help but only to hold the elephant so his sibling can deliver the lethal bites
It is not clear if the young elephant was part of a larger herd or living on its own.
Mr Haas said there was no sign of larger elephants nearby during the 40 minutes it took for the lions to finish the kill.
He believes the young elephant was driven to the watering hole by extreme thirst and may have become separated during the frantic search for water.
Dinner time: The lions sink their teeth into the elephant after forcing it to collapse on the floor during the hunt
Hunted: The young elephant had attempted to
scare the lion away by mock charging but when that failed he quickly
turning on its heels and ran
Mixed emotions: Mr Hass said it was a privilege
to witness the kill 'with the eye of the film-maker and with the watery
eye of an elephant lover'
'It was a privilege to see it with the eye of the film-maker and with the watery eye of an elephant lover.
'For us it's a unique experience that we will never forget.'
Lost: It is not clear if the young elephant was
part of a larger herd or living on its own, but no other members of its
herd where anywhere to be seen
Feast for the beasts: A third lion joins the feeding frenzy at the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
Mr Hass said: 'It is sad but a natural experience of nature. For us it's a unique experience that we will never forget'
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