Amir Khan says Floyd Mayweather Jr might dilute his own legacy

Floyd Mayweather: Under fire from Amir Khan

Amir Khan believes Floyd Mayweather Jr is in danger of 'messing his own legacy up' if he continues to refuse to fight him.

The unbeaten American (48-0-0-KO26) beat Manny Pacquiao in May and claims he will fight for the final time on September 12 - naming Andre Berto and Karim Mayfield as the leading candidates for his ring farewell.

Khan (31-3-0-KO19) has made no secret of his desire to secure a big-money clash with 38-year-old Mayweather but has thus far been rebuffed, although two weeks ago, the Bolton fighter revealed he had been involved in a heated exchange with Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Speaking to Ringcast.net, Khan said: "We've been talking to Al Haymon and hopefully we'll find out in a week what's going to happen. Mayweather wants to fight on September 12 and I'll be ready for that date. 

"Floyd says he thinks he needs an easy fight now because he's proved himself by beating Pacquiao. He wants to fight Andre Berto and Karim Mayfield. No disrespect to those two because they're good fighters and good friends of mine too.

He needs to finish on a high. What he's probably going to do is leave the game on a low and I think that's the worst thing to do.

"I think he's messing his own legacy up. He needs to finish on a high. What he's probably going to do is leave the game on a low and I think that's the worst thing to do.

"I spoke to his father and he says it'd be an easy fight if Mayweather fought me. If it'd be so easy then why not do it?

"Mayweather hasn't announced who he wants to fight yet. He's mentioned a few names but mine should've been in there because it's a fight that the fans want and it's a fight that would make big money."

One man who is chasing a bout with Khan is unbeaten IBF world welterweight champion Kell Brook, who looks set to defend his belt against Brandon Rios on the same September date.

Khan, however, remains adamant the Sheffield fighter has not earned the right to call him out.

Kell Brook: Unproven on world stage, says Khan

The Olympic silver medallist added: "When the question comes to me, why don't you fight Kell Brook? My body's taken wear and tear fighting all the top guys, the world champions so why isn't Kell doing that? Why should I give him this big pay day he's after? 

"My name gets mentioned among Mayweather and Pacquiao - that's the level I'm at. If I was him, I'd be chasing after guys like Timothy Bradley, who refused to fight me. Kell Brook needs to fight some decent names first and then he can have that big fight against me.

"Let him build his name, let him prove himself and let people say he's untouchable and then I'll come beat him. We're both the same age, young and hungry and I've done a lot more in my career. I believe he has to step it up a little bit.

"It'd be a big fight in the UK and I know the fans want it but this is all about timing. He needs to prove himself at world level. Even Brandon Rios is a lightweight really."

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea for around £10m.

Arsenal confirm signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea

Petr Cech: Has moved from Chelsea to London rivals Arsenal

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea for around £10m.

The 33-year-old, who made more than 400 appearances in 11 years for the Blues, decided to leave Stamford Bridge after losing his first-team spot to Thibaut Courtois.

He won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, four FA Cups and three League Cup trophies with Chelsea.

Cech was allowed to choose his preferred destination

Although Chelsea were reluctant to let Cech join one of their rivals, the Czech Republic international was assured he could choose his preferred destination after his service to the club.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said Cech was one of the outstanding 'keepers in the world and would be a great addition to the Gunners squad.

Cech signs new his 'long-term' Arsenal contract

He told the club’s website: “Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us.

“He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding 'keepers in the world and he will add great strength to our squad.”

A seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year, Cech has 114 caps for his country. He joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004 as Jose Mourinho took charge at Stamford Bridge for the first time.

Cech told the Arsenal website he was eager to join the club following talks with Wenger, saying: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can't wait to join up for pre-season.

Petr Cech is unveiled as an Arsenal player

"I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career, and I love the challenges brought by the top quality players you face while playing in the Premier League.

“When Arsene Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear. Arsenal is a team that challenges at the very top, a side that matches my ambitions and personal motivations. At this time of my career I believe I have made a good choice and I will have the success that I would love to have."

Chelsea described Cech as an "icon" on their official website, with the player himself posting a lengthy letter to their supporters on his Twitter page.

"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea Football Club," he wrote. "The club I have lived every single minute for since joining July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will.

Cech was a part of Chelsea's title-winning squad last year

"Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the first-choice 'keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go.

"During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career where I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges."

Cech expressed his gratitude towards Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for allowing him to remain in England, even though it meant selling him to a potential title rival this season.

He said: "I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League and I'd like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in this matter. It means so much to me because without him Chelsea Football Club would not be where it is now.

"He deserves huge credit for what he has done for the club and for all of us."

Cech spent 11 years at Chelsea

Cech then hailed the Blues supporters, adding: "A huge thank you to the Chelsea fans. I did everything for you and you gave me your love back. I'll never forget it. It will stay with me forever.

"We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal - I hope you will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new adventure.

Usain Bolt fitness concerns played down following decision not to compete at Jamaican National Senior Championships

• Six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has struggled for form this year
• Bolt had intended to run at Jamaican trials in bid to rediscover sharpness
• However, Bolt is no longer listed to run at Thursday's national trials
• Bolt's manager Ricky Simms has played down fitness concerns 

Usain Bolt's management have moved to allay fitness concerns following his decision not to compete at this week's Jamaican National Senior Championships.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist, who has struggled for form this season, had been entered for the 100metres on Thursday, but his manager Ricky Simms said it had never been his definite intention to run.

Simms said: 'Usain was never confirmed to run at the trials. He put his name in to have the option.'

Usain Bolt, pictured winning the 200m race at the Diamond League mee, was left out of Jamaica's trials

Bolt's management have moved to allay fitness concerns following his decision not to compete at this week's Jamaican National Senior Championships

Bolt qualifies for the 100m and 200m at August's World Championships automatically as the defending champion in both events, and is due to return to the track at the Diamond League meeting in Paris a week on Saturday before heading to Lausanne five days later.

Simms added: 'I already told the media that Coach Mills (Bolt's coach Glen Mills) would make a decision on Wednesday if he needed the race or if he preferred him to train ahead of Paris and Lausanne.'

Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record holder, has only managed best times of 10.12 seconds and 20.13secs over the two distances this year.

Gonzalo Higuain won't be sold for less than £67m insist Napoli as club look to retain Argentina striker

• Napoli have pointed to the £67million release clause in star striker Gonzalo Higuain's contract to ward off potential suitors 
• The 27-year-old Argentina international has attracted interest from a host of top clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City
• Higuain joined Napoli in 2013 from Real Madrid and has delivered a prolific scoring return in his two seasons at the club
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Napoli are intent on keeping star striker Gonzalo Higuain at the club and have pointed to the gargantuan £67million release clause in his contract to ward off any potential suitors. 

The 27-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America, has been a reported target for a whole host of top clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and AC Milan.  

However, Partenopei PR chief Nicolas Lombardo has said that there is no chance of Higuain leaving unless his asking price is met. 

Napoli are keen to keep hold of star striker and Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain

Higuain has a £67million release clause written into his contract and Napoli are sticking by that  

'Napoli are keen to make an official clarification based on some newspapers' claims in articles about the potential transfer of Higuain,' he told Radio Kiss Kiss.  

'The club stresses that the Argentine has an existing contract clause of €94,736,000 (£67m). No bids below that figure will be accepted, those who want the player will have to match that valuation.'

 Higuain signed for Napoli in 2013 from Real Madrid for £34.5m and has since scored 53 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions. 

Following Napoli's failure to qualify for the Champions League next season and former head coach Rafa Benitez' departure, Higuain's situation has been watched very carefully by teams in Italy and abroad.   

Higuain prepares to strike a shot at goal during the Champions League match against Arsenal in 2013

Vincent Kompany begins training THREE WEEKS before his Manchester City team-mates are due to return for pre-season

Vincent Kompany is in training three weeks before his team mates are due back from their summer holidays.

The Manchester City captain did not start their last six matches of last season through injury and is determined to be in peak shape ahead of the coming campaign.

In an often-deserted gym Kompany has putting in the hard yards under the guidance of the club's head physio Lee Nobes while others lap up the sunshine abroad.

One source told Sportsmail: 'Vinny was disappointed to miss the end of last season and he has been doing everything he can to make sure he is right for the new one.

'There is hardly anyone about, it is like a ghost town, but he has been there pretty much all this week.'

Kompany, who also skippers Belgium, has tweeted pictures of his strict summer regime.

One showed him looking lean on a running machine.

And while Manchester may not be Marbella, City's state of the art equipment at their £200m academy means he can endure temperatures of 35.9 celsius as he goes to work.

Kompany has been posting photos on his Twitter page showing the fitness regimes he's undertaking 

As early as June 14, Kompany, who was suspended for Belgium's loss to Wales this month, was hard at work.

Another picture shows him sat on his own in the gym along with the message: 'It ain't what you say, it's about what you do. Getting ready for next season.'

Speaking to the club's website, Kompany added: 'You need your holidays. I was suspended from national team so I had a few more holidays than the rest of the guys, so I'm giving myself the chance to come back in the exact condition I want to be before the start of the season.'

City lost their Premier League crown to Chelsea and Kompany is determined to avoid a repeat

Along with his determination not to succumb to injury Kompany will also be driven to improve on a disappointing campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

City surrendered their Premier League crown to Chelsea and exited the Champions League at the last-16 stage for the second year in a row at the hands of Barcelona.

Manuel Pellegrini's side will jet off to Australia in July for a tour that will include matches against Roma and Real Madrid.

The City skipper struggled for form last season and knows he must perform better in the next campaign

The Chilean has targeted a number of new arrivals to bolster his squad although whether they are likely to be on the plane for the trip Down Under is unclear.

No new bid has been made for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling after two were rejected but a further offer is expected shortly.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is another top target, although the club have distanced themselves from reports that a £60m move is imminent.

The defender suffered a number of injuries and missed the last six games for Manuel Pellegrini's side

Wimbledon men's singles draw 2015: Andy Murray could face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer en route to potential final with Novak Djokovic

• Wimbledon, the season's third Grand Slam, kicks off on Monday June 29 
• British No 1 Andy Murray has been handed a tough draw for championship
• Murray could face Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on route to the final

Andy Murray avoided Novak Djokovic in his half of the Wimbledon draw but was handed plenty to think about before getting to a potential meeting in the final.

The 28 year-old Scot cannot face the world No 1 until then and is slated to face Roger Federer in the last four, and perhaps now world No 10 Rafael Nadal in the quarter finals.

Nadal would first have to get past Murray’s first scheduled top 10 opponent, David Ferrer, and on current form that would be far from certain, but there could certainly be a blockbuster in the last eight. Ferrer takes on British number three James Ward in the first round.

Murray could face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on way to title

Murray inspects his hand and discovers and insect during a pre-Wimbledon practice session

Pregnant coach Mauresmo covers her face as Murray deals with his creepy crawly issue

Murray in action during practice at Wimbledon as his coach Mauresmo watches on Wednesday

Djokovic also has much to think about, and has arguably the toughest possible first round in Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber, with Queen’s finalist Kevin Anderson a likely fourth round opponent. 

It will be fascinating to see how the Serb rebounds from the crushing disappointment of Roland Garros.

Overall Murray cannot be too fearful about his draw, especially given that he is brimming with confidence. 

His first round opponent is Mikhail Kukushkin, the world No 58 from Kazakhstan who shares the distinction with Murray of having a female coach, in his case his wife Anastasia.

The British No 1 practices with Spaniard Rafael Nadal ahead of the tournament at SW19 starting on Monday

Murray’s third round opponent is the neat Italian Andreas Seppi, who made the Halle final last Sunday but probably lacks the firepower to trouble him. Seppi plays British No 4 Brydan Klein in the first round.

Jo Wilfried Tsonga is the theoretical Murray opponent in the fourth round, although that is not as bad as it seems because the Frenchman has been out since the French Open with an abdominal injury and will have some ringrust.

A bigger concern might be if 6 ft 11 ins Croatian Ivo Karlovic comes through that corner of the draw, because he has the serve to blast anyone off the court. 

Murray is projected to face Federer in the last four at SW19 in the second week

Defending champion Djokovic is in line to face No 4 seed and French Open winner Stan Wawrinka

Nathaniel Clyne's Liverpool arrival takes spending on Southampton stars to £61.5m in a year... but will they be remembered as yet more misadventures?

Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren moved to Anfield last year

The trio have experienced differing fortunes at Liverpool in their first year

Nathaniel Clyne has signed for the Reds for £12.5m

The soundbites were positive on Luis Suarez’s departure this time last year: Liverpool would be reinvesting the millions they received from Barcelona and their assault for Premier League glory would continue unabated.

Suarez himself was irreplaceable. Steven Gerrard admitted as much in an interview with BT Sport this week. Regardless, the money swelling into the Anfield coffers meant they were capable of strengthening in areas where they had been let down in season previous.

Gerrard referenced slipping up against lesser teams in the 2013-14 campaign as to the reason why they were pipped to the title by Manchester City. The defeat away at Hull City springs to mind. So too when Southampton rocked up on Merseyside in the September and won 1-0.

Nathaniel Clyne's imminent £12.5million move means Liverpool have spent £61.5m on Southampton players

Liverpool set about reinvesting the £75m they received for Luis Suarez from Barcelona last summer 

The scorer that day, Dejan Lovren, was one of a trio who swapped the south coast for the north-west. Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert were also moved through the Melwood doors, with Nathaniel Clyne the next to join them after Liverpool agreed a £10.5million deal – plus £2m in additional clauses – on Thursday.

That means their cash spent on four Saints players in 12 months stands at £61.5m, with the general consensus being that the expenditure hasn’t yet paid off - they were way behind Chelsea’s chasing pack last season. Sportsmail takes a look at the Southampton story and wonders whether the quartet will be mentioned in the same breath as Liverpool’s ill-thought post-2002 World Cup signings. Think El-Hadji Diouf. Think Salif Diao.

DEJAN LOVREN (£20million, July 2014)

Endured a horrendous start to his career at Liverpool. By December he’d already make two mistakes directly leading to goals and was heavily blamed after the humiliating 3-0 defeat away at Manchester United, after which Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville tore the back four, Lovren in particular, to shreds.

But it wasn’t so much clangers, but a weakness and fragility when pulling on a red shirt that proved very troubling indeed.

Carragher pointed out last summer that his small errors for Southampton were swept under the carpet prior to the move, and they were magnified on the grander stage. Lovren needed to be coached through games, looked a shrinking violet and lost the serious presence when playing under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Croat's performances have improved since the turn of the year and he faces a boom or bust campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

Dejan Lovren pictured missing a penalty during Liverpool's Europa League defeat away at Besiktas

Lovren (centre) wasn't the commanding authority at Liverpool as he was for Southampton 

ADAM LALLANA (£25million, July 2014)

A sparkling individual in possession and an extremely clever executer of runs into pockets of space, Lallana should be in a position to kick on at Anfield come August.

Never hit the heady heights of Southampton during his first year at Liverpool, but it should not be overlooked that the burden of attacking responsibility on his shoulders was sizeable – particularly when the chips were down.

The price tag was inflated given his nationality, which also served to heap pressure on the midfielder, but his tenacity in and out of possession made him a hit – even if he didn’t score enough goals. Their summer additions should only help Lallana flourish.

Adam Lallana added the sort of spark going forward that Liverpool craved post-Suarez 

The £25m midfielder celebrates after netting against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup in February 

RICKIE LAMBERT (£4million, June 2014)

The warning signs were there when, while on international duty with England, Lambert was interviewed on television with a genuine look on shock after the switch to his boyhood club. Perhaps he was overawed by the magnitude of public attention – it was the first major move of that transfer window – but he was a rabbit in the headlights.

That was no different on the pitch, Lambert was ultimately used purely as a target man late on in games and when chasing a goal. Two Premier League goals later and Rodgers would be best served cutting his losses and moving the veteran striker on.

Even given the dismal season, there will be top-flight sides who would take a punt.

Rickie Lambert scored two Premier League goals for Liverpool (pictured against Aston Villa)

But this was a familiar sight for Liverpool fans, Lambert with his head in his hands after a miss 

NATHANIEL CLYNE (£12.5million, June 2015)

Liverpool’s relationship with Glen Johnson had deteriorated as such that he was always highly unlikely to remain beyond the end of his contract. In Clyne they have a ready-made replacement who will bring a tangible improvement – something missing during last year’s dealings.

The statistics back this up as well. 

Clyne (pictured marauding down the right wing away at Tottenham) will be an improvement at full back

Manchester United want world-record £35m for David de Gea from Real Madrid... and are ready to risk losing him for FREE next year

• David de Gea is expected to leave for Real Madrid this summer
• But Manchester United are ready to play hardball with the Spaniards 
• They are after a fee in the region of £35million for the goalkeeper
• That would be a world record for his position, beating Gianluigi Buffon's £32.6m switch to Juventus from Parma in 2001

Manchester United will demand a world-record fee for a goalkeeper from Real Madrid for David de Gea.

Old Trafford officials are not concerned by the fact the Spaniard, 24, only has a year left on his contract and can leave for nothing next summer.

They believe the value of keeping De Gea for another year far outweighs any bid below the £32.6m Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001. 

Manchester United are after a fee in the region of £35million for their goalkeeper David de Gea

And they are looking for a fee of around £35m before they will entertain the idea of allowing the former Atletico Madrid man to leave.

De Gea joined the club for £17.8m in 2011 and has been heavily linked with a return to his home city.

Real are expected to go in with a first offer as low as £13m.

A source told Sportsmail: 'The fees that have been mentioned are a long way short. David is a world-class goalkeeper who played a huge role in ensuring we qualified for the Champions League last season - that in itself was worth around £50m to the club.

'The year left on the contract does not make a big difference. What is the worst that can happen? If he stays we get to keep one of the best goalkeepers in the world for another year and that in itself is worth more than some of the fees mentioned.

'It would take a world-record bid for a goalkeeper to take him away.'

De Gea has a £200,000-a-week contract on the table at Old Trafford and Louis van Gaal is keen to keep him - although the manager is prepared should he leave.

Ajax's Jasper Cillessen, who played for Van Gaal at the World Cup and Spurs' Hugo Lloris are both on a list of potential replacements.

David de Gea (seen here with possible future Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema in February 2013) is believed to have told his Manchester United colleagues of his desire to return to his home city.

Manchester City confident Paul Pogba will opt for Etihad Stadium ahead of rivals... and are weighing up third Raheem Sterling bid

• Manchester City believe they have won race to sign Juventus' Paul Pogba
• Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United are also in the race
• Should Pogba sign, is is likely he will pick up in excess of £200,000-a-week
• City are yet to make a third bid for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling 
• They have had two offers turned down, the last one worth £40million

Manchester City are increasingly confident they will win the race to sign Paul Pogba.

On Friday morning it was claimed City believed they had beaten Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to secure the services of the dynamic 22-year-old for a British-record fee.

Sportsmail understands that while a move for Pogba is far from close to completion, there is a belief at the Etihad Stadium that Manuel Pellegrini may well welcome the Frenchman, who left United on a free three years ago, into the fold ahead of next season.

Manchester City are increasingly confident they will win the race to sign Juventus' star midfielder Paul Pogba

On Friday morning it was claimed City believed they had beaten the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona

Should that be the case, Pogba is likely to pick up in excess of £200,000-a-week.

Meanwhile, City are yet to make a third bid for Liverpool's want away winger Raheem Sterling.

They have had two offers turned down, the last one worth £40m, and are weighing up whether to make a final approach although that is thought to be likely.

Sterling has refused to sign a new contract at Anfield and the arrival of £29m Brazilian Roberto Firmino appears to have made the England man's exit inevitable.

Meanwhile, the Premier League club are yet to make a third bid for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling

Petr Cech set for Arsenal medical as £11m move from Chelsea nears completion

• Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has signed for Arsenal in an £11m move
• Neither club has officially announced the transfer for veteran Cech
• Cech is set to complete his medical before the deal is confirmed 
• Cech spent 11 years at Chelsea and could play against them on August 2
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Arsenal have completed the signing of Chelsea's Petr Cech and here is what he could look like next season

Petr Cech will undergo his medical at Arsenal as the final touches to the £11million move across London from rivals Chelsea are completed.

Sportsmail revealed on Monday that Cech had agreed a move to the Gunners and is now completing the formalities. 

Following lengthy talks between Chelsea and the Gunners, the move to take Cech from west London to north London on a three-year deal, worth in the region of £100,000-per-week is close to being finalised. 

The 33-year-old is set to undergo his medical at Arsenal before the deal is ratified 

KEY ARSENAL FIXTURES FOR CECH

Aug 2: Community Shield vs Chelsea

Aug 8: Premier League vs West Ham (h)

Sep 19: Premier League vs Chelsea (a)

Jan 23: Premier League vs Chelsea (h)

The swoop ends Wenger's long wait to land the Czech Republic international.

Sportsmail can reveal the Gunners first plotted an audacious attempt to land Cech in the summer of 2013 - though they were quickly informed the keeper wasn't for sale.

At the time, Arsenal believed Thibaut Courtois was returning to Stamford Bridge for the 2013/14 season meaning Cech may be available.

There was further interest last summer, but again the Blues were unwilling to sell the goalkeeper.

But with Courtois firmly established as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper, Arsenal have finally secured their long-term target.

The Gunners found initial resistance to the proposed move from Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho. 

The Portuguese was extremely hesitant in allowing Cech join Arsenal, fearing the move would significantly strengthen the Gunners.

Arsenal, though, has always been Cech's first-choice option this summer, due to the fact he didn't want to uproot his family. 

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks to have secured his first signing of the summer in Cech

CECH'S TROPHY HAUL AT CHELSEA 

Premier League titles (4)

FA Cup (4)

League Cup (3)

Community Shield (2)

Champions League

Europa League 

And, with owner Roman Abramovich's blessing, the former Rennes keeper will get his wish.

And, after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs, an agreement for Cech's transfer is virtually completed.

Mourinho wanted Cech to join Paris Saint Germain, who had also enquired about the four-time Premier League winner.

But, knowing Abramovich had given Cech the thumbs up to join Arsenal, Mourinho eventually conceded defeat in trying to prevent the keeper from joining the Gunners.