Blow for Liverpool? Juventus set sights on Anfield-linked Dortmund star
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be on the way to Juventus.The player’s agent, Mino Raiola, is due to hold talks with the Italian giants today to discuss a potential move to Turin.Sky Italia are reporting that Juve will table a bid of just over £14m, which is expected to be knocked back by BVB.However, Juve have the financial muscle to return with a higher bid as they aim to add a high-profile signing before the season begins.Liverpool had been tracking the player’s movements this summer but are now unlikely to provide any competition for Juve.Mkhitaryan joined Shakhtar Donetsk from Dortmund in 2013 and has made 94 appearances for the club, scoring 24 goals and providing 20 assists. 1
Over the summer, the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board issued a 45-count complaint against the Wilshire Plaza Hotel for failing to make payments to the workers Health and Welfare funds, resulting in the loss of medical coverage for their employees, the union reported. Other workers and their families who rely on medical coverage to treat their illnesses have been forced to cease medical treatment, adversely affecting their physical and mental health, according to the union. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! By City News Service Workers at five area hotels voted to authorize a strike, their union announced Saturday. About 81 percent of the employees at the Wilshire Plaza Hotel, the Sportsmen Lodge Hotel, the Holiday Inn Downtown Los Angeles, the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica and the Manhattan Beach Marriott voted to authorize Unite Here Local 11 to call a strike at any time, according to a statement from the union. A spokesperson from the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, which represents hotel owners, was not immediately available for comment. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGame Center: Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 10 a.m.Workers at the hotels have been working under an expired contract since last year. Thousands of workers at more than a dozen other Los Angeles area hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, the Hyatt West Hollywood, the Beverly Hilton, the Sheraton Los Angeles, the Marriott Downtown Los Angeles and the Millennium Biltmore hotels have ratified new union contracts within the past year. The new union contracts include wage increases of $2.30 an hour over three years for non-tipped employees, maintenance of free family health insurance and changes to the housekeeper workload. “These negotiations are an effort by the workers and the union to take a step toward lifting workers above the poverty line and addressing issues of housekeeper workload said Tom Walsh, secretary-treasurer of Local 11. Workers at the Wilshire Plaza hotel have been met with “fierce resistance” by management, according to the union. 
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREStriving toward a more perfect me: Doug McIntyre For news and observations about crime in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, check out the Daily News’ crime blog by clicking here. PACOIMA – Police this morning sought two male Hispanics reponsible for a shooting that wounded a 15-year-old boy last night who tried to flee on a bicycle at David M. Gonzales Park, police said this morning. The shooting, reported just before 8 last night at the park in the 10900 block of Herrick Avenue, left the teen with injuries to his right buttock and a graze wound to his abdomen. He was in stable condition at a local hospital, said Los Angeles Police Officer Joshua Bohm. The incident began possibly over an earlier fight, details of which were not immediately available. The gunmen and his getaway driver were described as Latinos, between 20 and 24-years-old, weighing between 130 and 150 pounds, with close-cropped hair, and goatees. The car they were seen in was described only as a gray compact vehicle, Bohm said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Foothill Division station at (818)756-8862. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Pep Guardiola is said to be targeting Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere 1 These are the best transfer rumours for Saturday 4 June…Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez has claimed he’d be keen to link up with Switzerland team-mate Granit Xhaka at club level amid reports he could be bound for Arsenal. (London Evening Standard)The Liverpool Echo report that Reds defender Martin Skrtel is wanted by at least two Turkish clubs, including title-winners Besiktas.Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is the shock name at the top of Pep Guardiola’s Man City shortlist. (Sun)Man United are exploring the potential of a sensational transfer for Barcelona star man Lionel Messi. (Daily Mail)Real Madrid will again make a move to sign David De Gea from United, but new manager Jose Mourinho is determined to keep the goalkeeper. (AS)However, De Gea has assured Man United’s supporters he is staying at the club to work under “winner” Mourinho. (Daily Mirror)Mourinho wants to sign coveted Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic. (Manchester Evening News)Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf report that Everton want to conclude a deal to make Ronald Koeman their new manager within the next 24 hours.Southampton are facing an exodus of players with midfielder Victor Wanyama and strikers Shane Long and Graziano Pelle set to follow Koeman out of St Mary’s. (Sun)Despite Man City targeting Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte and Everton’s John Stones, captain Vincent Kompany has been assured of his future at the club. (Manchester Evening News)Stoke have won the race to sign £10m-rated Norwich winger Nathan Redmond, who is refusing to sign a new contract at Carrow Road. (Daily Mirror)Sunderland have lodged an £11m bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho. (Sun)OTHER TOP TRANSFER STORIESCHELSEA MANAGER CONTE WANTS £25M ANTONIO CANDREVATHE INCREDIBLE MAN CITY LINE UP IF GUARDIOLA LANDS HIS SUMMER TARGETSLIVERPOOL TARGETING VILLA DEFENDERMAN UNITED CLOSE TO COMPLETING STUNNING IBRAHIMOVIC DEALARSENAL ACTIVATE RELEASE CLAUSE FOR LEICESTER ACEFAN REACTION: ‘IF WE SIGN BENTEKE, I’M RETIRING AS A FOOTBALL FAN!’
Spanish striker Lucas Perez netted 17 goals for Deportivo La Coruna last season Deportivo La Coruna have received no offers for Lucas Perez – despite reported interest from Leicester City.The striker bagged 17 goals last season and interest is high with the summer transfer window fast approaching.Leicester are one of the clubs chasing the 27-year-old and they are reportedly ready to fork over £15million.But for now Deportivo’s director of football, Richard Barral, claims that no official bids have been made for Perez.“We are in ongoing discussions with him but are giving him a bit of breathing space to listen to everything, but we’ve had no concrete offers yet,” Barral told reporters in Spain.“In football you must manage time as rushing things leads to mistakes and we can’t go mad again.“Lucas has several years left on his contract and right now we are including him in the squad for next season.” 1
So how will Brendan Rodgers set his Celtic team up in his first competitive game as manager?The Scottish champions get their Champions League qualification campaign underway in Gibraltar against Lincoln Red Imps and will be without Stefan Johansen and Charlie Mulgrew.Rodgers could give his youngsters a start, but there’s every chance the more experienced heads will get nod to try and get the club off to a good start in the first leg.Will Leigh Griffiths continue in a wide role, playing off Moussa Dembele? Here, talkSPORT looks at a possible Celtic line up, so click the arrow above, right, to see the predicted XI and let us know which team you’d like to see. 8. Scott Brown (central midfield) 9. Leigh Griffiths (wide forward) 1. Craig Gordon (goalkeeper) – click the arrow above, right, to see the possible Celtic line up in squad number order 4. Efe Ambrose (centre back) 10. Moussa Dembele (striker) 63. Kieran Tierney (left back) 11 11 11 28. Erik Sviatchenko (centre back) 11 19. Scott Allan (central midfield) 11 11 11 22. Saidy Janko (right back) 11 11 27. Patrick Roberts (wide forward) 11 11 6. Nir Bitton (central midfield) 
YORBA LINDA – The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace will present the Music of the Magi singing “Keeping the Holiday Spirit” at 2 p.m. Dec. 30 at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd. The concert will also feature Andrew Marks on piano. Admission is free. For information, call (714) 562-0860. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREWhicker: Clemson demonstrates that it’s tough to knock out the champLegion post plans New Year’s ball PICO RIVERA – The Pico Rivera American Legion Post 411 and auxiliaries will host a “New Year’s Eve Bash” at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at 1642 Serapis Ave. A ham dinner will be served. Music will be offered by Jessie and the Fine Tones. Cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple. For information, call (562) 949-9903. Opening bell set for boxing event NORWALK – The 25th annual Silver Gloves Boxing Tournament will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex, 13000 Clarkdale Ave. Semifinals for the competition will be at noon and 6 p.m. Jan. 5. The finals will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 6. The competition will feature amateur boxers from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. Winners will move on to the National Finals. Admission costs $5 for adults, $1 for children under age 12. An adult tournament pass, good for all three dates, costs $12. For information, call (562) 929-5566. New year brings new schedule WHITTIER – The Police Department’s Public Service Counter, located in the lobby of the station at 7315 Painter Ave., will have new hours beginning Jan. 1. The new hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A phone will be in the lobby that will link to a dispatcher for emergency purposes. For questions, please contact the Police Department at (562) 945-8250. Symphony seeks soloists WHITTIER – Soloists for the Rio Hondo Symphony’s last concert of its 75th Diamond Jubilee season will be named at the Young Artists Competition on Feb. 2 at Whittier College. Categories this year are voice and strings. The winners in each category will perform as soloists at the free “75th Finale” concert on April 13. Each winner will also receive a $1,500 cash prize. The runner-up in each category will receive $500. The contest is limited to the first 25 eligible musicians, including string players through age 26 and vocalists through age 30 at the time of the contest. All contestants must be either California residents or students attending a school in California. Applications are available at the orchestra’s Web site, www. riohondosymphony.org. Information or applications are also available by calling (562) 631-5262. Shed those holiday pounds WHITTIER – If you are 20 pounds or more overweight, join Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital’s dietetic technician to learn about the importance of nutrition, education, physical activity and behavioral therapy in weight reduction and management. Classes are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 for nine consecutive Wednesdays and a $45 materials fee is due at registration. Space is limited. Call (562) 698-0811, Ext. 2580, to register or for more information. – From staff reports160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREWhicker: Clemson demonstrates that it’s tough to knock out the champThe asteroid, named 2007 WD5, is about the size of one that exploded over Siberia in the Tunguska event of 1908. The force of that explosion, the equivalent of 10 million to 20 million tons of TNT, turned hundreds of square miles of forest into a flattened expanse of scorched logs. An impact from 2007 WD5 would likely be smaller, Chesley said, about as much as 3 million tons of TNT. Chesley and others on the Near Earth Object team routinely scan the skies for asteroids approaching our planet. 2007 WD5 passed 4.3 million miles away on Nov. 1 before being spotted three weeks later through a telescope in Arizona. During a routine check to see if it would pass Earth again in the next 100 years, Chesley noticed the asteroid could be on track to hit Mars. “As soon as I saw that this was going to have a very close approach to Mars and might even hit, I immediately started calling the other observatories,” he said. LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE – Mars could be starting 2008 off with a bang, literally. An asteroid the length of an Olympic-size swimming pool is racing toward the planet at 28,000 mph. JPL astronomers give it a 1-in-75 chance of hitting Mars on Jan. 30. “It would be kind of exciting to have this thing actually hit – it would be an incredible scientific bonanza,” said Steve Chesley, a member of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Near Earth Object office at JPL in Pasadena. “They send Mars rovers out there with little shovels to dig little tiny holes – this thing would blast a hole half-a-mile wide,” he said. More sightings of the faint object were necessary to fine-tune its path. Finally, after being delayed by inclement weather and snowbound observatories, Chesley was able to get a fifth peek at the rocky interplanetary traveler Tuesday, confirming its close approach. “Asteroids have a one-in-a-million chance of hitting the Earth all the time, but seeing an asteroid that has a 1-in-75 chance is quite remarkable,” he said. Still, there isn’t enough data to know whether 2007 WD5 will smash into Mars, or pass more than 400,000 miles away from the planet. “It’s important to emphasize that it’s pretty near 99 percent that it’s going to miss,” Chesley said. With the asteroid rushing farther and farther from Earth and getting obscured by the coming full moon, astronomers are unlikely to learn more about its future until after New Year’s Eve. Even then, Chesley said, only the planet’s biggest telescopes such as the brawny Keck Observatory in Hawaii will be able to spot the rocky projectile. Until then, Mars’ fate remains in the air. elise.kleeman@sgvn.com (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4451160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORECoach Doc Rivers a “fan” from way back of Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson A wool scarf from World Of Good feels soft against your skin and lightens your conscience. Ten percent of profits from the $30 neck warmer go to social and economic development in “artisan communities,” according to the tag. Cross off your mother-in-law with this one. The gift basket is a total holiday clich but picking out your own items can redeem you, especially if you choose gourmet treats that the recipients would not buy for themselves but secretly crave. Consider a jar of Apitherapy orange blossom honey ($8), a mini honey pot and bee dipper to put it in ($10), a slim bottle of extra virgin olive oil from Santa Barbara Olive Co. ($3.79), Allegro celebration whole coffee beans ($5) and Charles Chocolates ($5). A pinkish purse made from recycled plastic bags by impoverished women in India. How cool is that? At $36, it’s no bargain but this tote bag from Global Girlfriends (globalgirlfriend.com) is hip and unique. Perfect for a sister-in-law, artsy girlfriend or down-to-earth sister. GREEN THUMB All the holiday decorations are 40percent off. A gift box holds 14 paper-ball angel ornaments ($14), or you can buy them individually ($1). White ceramic reindeer candle holders with a slender neck and antlers ($7.50) make great table decorations. Find plenty of ribbon, snow globes and ornaments to round out a gift for the person who can’t get enough of Christmas (i.e. my mother-in-law). Decorative flags ($20) are meant to flutter outside but make colorful decorations on the wall of a child’s bedroom. The selection includes flags of a puppy, a princess, chicks and a sunflower. Package smaller items for the avid gardener. A pair of garden gloves ($3.50), a 3-inch hardy plant ($2.50) in a glazed clay pot ($20) and a hand rake ($6) with inch marks make a well-rounded gift. Or substitute miniature two-dimensional figurines of people ($3 each) that stick in the ground for the gloves or hand tool. URBAN OUTFITTERS An antique brass earring stand ($10) looks even better with gold filigree hoops ($16) and glass bead drops ($18) hanging from it. How many men would not reach for “What’s Your Poo Telling You?” ($10) if it was sitting by the john when they were, er, conducting their business? Very few, I bet. Pair the book with an ice luge ($24) and your party pal will never forget. Based on the box-office hit, “Borat Touristic Guidings” ($25) has tips for visiting the USA or the Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, such as “how to get cage of your wife through airport.” For anyone with a sense of humor. JAZZ UP A GIFT CARD The key is to create an element of surprise. “It’s often the manner in which you give your gift” that matters, says gift expert Robyn Spizman. For a pet lover, tuck a gift card to an animal supply store inside a box of dog bones. The pooch gets the treats and your pal gets to choose what’s most needed for the furry friend. A foodie would not be disappointed to find a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or American Express gift card tucked inside a Zagat guide. For another type of gift card or for cash, unravel a ball of yarn all over the house with the gift hidden at the end. At the end under the tree, tie a note reading “Follow me and a gift you will see.”160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! The obvious places to get last-minute gifts for everyone still on your list are so old hat. We can all find passable gifts at Target or Macy’s. But to find presents that don’t look like you just threw something together, visit these three stores in the San Fernando Valley area for versatile gifts that cost about $30. With just one stop at one of these stores, you may be able to finish your shopping. If you prefer to go the gift-card route, read further for ideas to disguise the card by adding an element of surprise. WHOLE FOODS 
With Active Donegal month now in full swing some of the county’s sports stars from days gone by are determined to ‘Just Try It’ once again when the heroes of Donegal’s All-Ireland winning team from 1992 pull on the boots to face a Finn Harps legends side in Finn Park, Ballybofey at 7.30pm on June 27th. Three local charities – Meningitis Trust, Donegal Hospice and the Donegal Branch of the Alzheimer’s Association – will benefit from the proceeds of the night that will include a reception in the Finn Valley Sports Centre after the game.And there is no doubt that the battle of the sporting greats is sure to attract a huge crowd eager to see how Donegal stars like Martin McHugh and Manus Boyle will fare against Harps stars like Declan Boyle and Paul Hegarty.Indeed both managers – Declan Bonner for the Donegal ’92 side and Sean McGowan for Finn Harps – have assembled strong squads and are anticipating a great game.Both team managers are likely to feature for their own sides in a player-manager capacity with Sean McGowan confirming he has secured the services of key players already for all areas of the pitch. Harps and Fanad legend Bosco Gallagher will feature in goal for the Harps men with Declan Boyle and John Quigg to feature in defence, Paul Hegarty and Kenny Harkin confirmed for the engine room of midfield and legendary goalscorer Con McLaughlin geared up to lead the Harps attack.The Donegal side meanwhile will have both their 92 keepers, Gary Walsh and Paul Callaghan available for selection while Barry McGowan, John Cunningham, Charlie Mulgrew, Martin McHugh, Manus Boyle, Tony Boyle and Joyce McMullan also set to take to the field for the green and gold of Donegal.The game is just one of many events being organized across Donegal as part of Active Donegal month and Donegal Sports Partnership Coordinator Myles Sweeney said he was delighted that these sporting legends had agreed to take part in the game.“We know how passionate the people of Donegal have always been about their sport and the supporters who have followed Donegal and Finn Harps have been treated to some magnificent performances from the players who have lined out for both teams over the years.”But, he added, it will be extra special to be able to have members of the county’s only ever all-Ireland winning team pull on the boots again – albeit in a different sport – twenty years after that magnificent day in Croke Park.“These players have earned the right to have legendary status in the county and it is fantastic that they are still prepared to pull on the boots and get active to help these very worthy charities,” he added.The charity game will be followed by a function in the Finn Valley Centre that will include a 90s sports quiz and there will be autographed jerseys among the prizes. Meanwhile for a full list of all the activities across the county for Active Donegal month, check out the website – www.activedonegal.comFurther information from Donegal Sports Partnership 074 9116078 or email info@activedonegal.comBOOTS ARE ON AGAIN AS DONEGAL HEROES PREPARE TO ‘JUST TRY IT’ was last modified: June 15th, 2012 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)