Oprah's a liar': Sales assistant in Swiss racist handbag row denies telling TV host that she could not view item because she couldn't afford it

The sales assistant who refused to show U.S. talkshow billionaire Oprah Winfrey a luxury handbag costing nearly £25,000 claims the superstar lied about what happened in the luxury Swiss boutique where she works.
Speaking anonymously to Sunday newspaper SonntagsBlick, the Italian bag lady said she felt 'powerless' and in the grip of a 'cyclone' after Winfrey went on TV in America to claim she had been the victim of racism.
Winfrey was in Switzerland in July when she walked into the Trois Pommes boutique in Zurich looking for a handbag to match the outfit she was going to wear to old friend Tina Turner's wedding.
She claims the sales assistant refused to show her the black crocodile leather bag because - seeing a black woman - she automatically assumed she would not be able to afford it.
Now the saleslady has hit back, stating: 'I wasn't sure what I should present to her when she came in on the afternoon of Saturday July 20 so I showed her some bags from the Jennifer Aniston collection.
'I explained to her the bags came in different sizes and materials, like I always do.
'She looked at a frame behind me. Far above there was the 35,000 Swiss franc crocodile leather bag. 
'I simply told her that it was like the one I held in my hand, only much more expensive, and that I could show her similar bags.
'It is absolutely not true that I declined to show her the bag on racist grounds. I even asked her if she wanted to look at the bag.  
'She looked around the store again but didn't say anything else. Then she went with her companion to the lower floor. My colleague saw them to the door. They were not even in the store for five minutes.'
She emphatically denied ever saying to Winfrey: 'You don't want to see this bag. It is too expensive.  You cannot afford it.'

Speaking anonymously, the assistant at Trois Pommes, in Zurich, Switzerland (pictured) said it is 'absolutely not true that I declined to show her the bag on racist grounds'

Ms Goetz said: 'Everyone wants to sell a crocodile bag. It’s a misunderstanding' and insisted her saleswomen put customers first and try to be 'kind'

The shop assistant said she only sells a £25,000 handbag a few times a year and said the racist claims are 'absurd'

The saleslady went on: 'This is not true. This is absurd. I would never say something like that to a customer. Really never. Good manners and politeness are the Alpha and the Omega in this business.
'I don't know why she is making these accusations. She is so powerful and I am just a shop girl. 
'I didn't hurt anyone. I don't know why someone as great as her must cannibalize me on TV.  
'If it had all taken place as she claimed, why has she not complained the next day at the wedding of Tina Turner with Trudie Goetz, my boss? She was there also at the Turner wedding as a guest. I don't understand it.
'I spoke to Oprah Winfrey in English. My English is okay but not excellent, unfortunately.
'I didn't know who she was when she came into the store. That wouldn't have made any difference if I had.

Miss Winfrey said of the encounter: 'I could have had the big blow-up thing and thrown down the black card and all that stuff. But why do that?'

Shop owner Trudie Goetz holds up the handbag (right) that Winfrey wanted to see

Girls' weekend: Oprah Winfrey and best friend Gayle King ahead of Tina Turner and Erwin Bach's wedding celebrations in Zurich, Switzerland

Oprah explains how shop owner refused to show her handbag

'We work really hard to greet all the people who come into the store with the same level of respect and treat them all equally.
'If someone asks me whether he or she can see an article, I always present these. Because that person is a potential buyer. And my job is to sell it.
'I'm glad if I can sell an article. It is a reward for me, if I can sell a nice piece. This means that I'm good at my job.'
She has worked in the store for five years, says 50 per cent of the clientele come from abroad and that a bag costing nearly £25,000 is sold 'only a few times a year.'
Asked what she would say to Oprah now she added: 'I would apologize and say it was all a  misunderstanding. I surely did not intentionally want to insult Ms. Winfrey. I hope this nightmare ends soon.'

Winfrey was in Switzerland to attend the wedding of her friend Tina Turner and Erwin Back (pictured)

Katie Price preparing for early Caesarean birth of fourth child after spending TWO WEEKS in European hospital

Katie Price is preparing to give birth to her fourth child earlier than expected after suffering complications during her pregnancy.
The model, 35, has spent the past two weeks on bed rest after being rushed to hospital while on holiday on the continent.
The mother-of-three is only 32 weeks along, so doctors have warned her she is likely to give birth early via Caesarean section.

Stressful: Katie Price, pictured with husband Kieran Hayler in London on July 9, has been rushed to hospital on the continent

Speaking about her drama, Katie told The Sun: 'My baby was in danger, but between the medical staff here and my doctor in London, I am in good hands and have to believe all will be well.'
Katie had been told the amniotic sac - a bag of fluid inside the womb - had torn, meaning her waters had broken early and her unborn child was at risk of becoming infected by the transfer of the bacteria.
However, doctors believe the baby will be fine, although it is expected to arrive earlier than expected.
Katie added: 'I just want my baby out so I can meet it and hold it in my arms. I will feel much safer knowing it is in an incubator.

Difficult pregnancy: The model said her fourth pregnancy has been the most difficult

'Doctors have told me they want to keep the baby inside me for as long as possible, but they've told me they want to perform a Caesarean.'
The baby drama began after the star travelled for 27 hours in her horsebox following a mix-up over her children's passports.
Katie was forced to cancel her booking at a Spanish villa after her ex-husband Peter Andre and his girlfriend Emily MacDonagh - who are expecting their first child together - 'forgot' to send over passports for son Junior, eight, and daughter Princess, six, making them 'abandon' their plans.
Not wanting to let her children down, Katie explained she decided to wait for their passports and then travel around Europe in her horsebox - meaning they had been on the road for a staggering 27 hours by the time they reached their destination.

Mix-up: The baby drama began after Katie travelled for 27 hours in her horsebox following a mix-up over her children's passports with ex-husband Peter Andre and his pregnant girlfriend Emily MacDonagh

While her husband Kieran Hayler has remained by her side during Katie's stay, her brother Daniel flew to visit her on Thursday and to bring her children Princess and Junior back to the UK so they could go on holiday with their father Peter to Australia.
After spending the last fortnight holed up in the European hospital, Katie explained while the staff are 'great', she feels like she is 'in prison' and is hoping she won't have to stay at the facility for too much longer.

Tough time: Katie had a much better pregnancy with son Junior, from her former marriage to Peter Andre

The model has made no secret of the fact her current pregnancy has been her most difficult yet and she has gained more weight than when she carried her previous children.
She wrote in her Sun column recently: 'I haven't got long to go now. I've got a date and I know the sex but no one knows yet - and this time I'm huge.
'I'm the biggest I've been for all of my pregnancies. I'm 11st already, whereas I was not even ten-and-a-half full-term with the others.'
As well as weight gain, Katie has also been very uncomfortable, suffering from anaemia and low platelets.
Katie and Kieran wed in front of just a few people in the Bahamas on January 16 after getting engaged after Christmas - just two months after she ended her 20 month on/off romance with Argentine model Leandro Penna.
In February, Katie announced she was pregnant with her fourth child.
Her surprise pregnancy comes after failed IVF attempts to start a family with Leandro and second ex-husband Alex Reid.
She started dating Alex just a few months after splitting from first husband Peter Andre, but left him in January 2011 after 11 months of marriage.
She also had a 20 month on/off romance and subsequent engagement with Leandro, but they never made it down the aisle.
Katie's representative confirmed to the MailOnline that the model and baby 'are stable at the moment'

Construction on Tiger Woods' ex Elin Nordegren's luxury $20 million Palm Beach mansion enters the home stretch

It's certainly been a long time coming, but it appears that construction on Elin Nordegren's dream home is finally reaching the home stretch.

In aerial shots taken over the weekend of the impressive $20 million North Palm Beach, Florida mansion, the roof is now in place and the pool has gone in.

The Swedish former model is currently living in the house opposite with her two children - daughter Sam, five, and son Charlie, four - which she purchased for a cool $4.25 million, while she overseas construction on her new pad.

In the home stretch: Construction on Elin Nordegren's lavish $20 million North Palm Beach, Florida mansion is finally nearing completion

The former wife of Tiger Woods purchased the home in early 2011 for $12 million, after reaching a whopping $100 million settlement in the couple's divorce case.
The 33-year-old's divorce from her husband of almost six years was finalised on August 23, 2010.

Demolishing the existing 17,000-square-foot 1920s building the following January, which wasn't up to current hurricane safety codes, construction got underway soon after on creating a luxurious 21,000-square-foot mansion.

Divorce settlement: Tiger Wood's ex-wife bought the property in 2011 for $12 million, but was advised that it would be cheaper to demolish and start again to meet current hurricane safety codes

Site foreman: The 33-year-old mom-of-two bought the property opposite for a cool $4.25 million in order to keep a close eye on construction of her dream home

The expansive nine-room, eight-bathroom property reportedly features a movie theatre, wine room, Koi pond, spa and gym.

Photographs also show that the two-storey beachfront abode boats a sizable swimming pool and what looks to be a generous guest house.

The grounds are flanked by lush tropical palm trees, while a private staircase leads from what will surely be a beautifully landscaped garden directly onto the pristine white-sand beach.

Doting mom: The Swedish former model is currently dating mining entrepreneur Chris Cline, who owns a $4 million property in North Palm Beach he also plans to demolish and rebuild

Meanwhile, as the MailOnline reported just days ago, Tiger's own home on nearby Jupiter Island is facing considerable costly renovations after a hole was discovered under his dining room.

The issue was discovered after the 37-year-old noticed that the floor had begun to sag and called in builders to investigate.

The professional golfer moved into the $60 million sprawling estate, that features a four-hole golf course and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, in 2011, following his split from Elin, having purchased the property together during their ill-fated union.

Happier times: Elin and Tiger were married for almost six years and had two children together before being torn apart by the pro-golfer's infidelities, which saw Elin walk away with a $100 million settlement

I want to eat ice-cream off Nicole Scherzinger's body: reveals Simon Cowell ... as he admits to a desire not even his money can buy

Nicole Scherzinger's stunning looks and figure turns heads wherever she goes, so it should come as no surprise that boss Simon Cowell - is one of her fans too.
The 'X Factor' star and music mogul let slip his intimate fantasy involving the 35-year-old beauty, boldly saying he would love to eat dessert off of her body.
Quizzed by the 'Boomerang' singer what he most desires that money can't buy, he said: 'I'm going to say what came into my mind here... I'm imagining [Nicole] as a huge dinner plate and I want to eat ice cream off her. Money couldn't buy it and I would do it.'

Sexy in stripes: Nicole Scherzinger showed off her washboard stomach in an unusual cut-out dress as she headed to Wembley Arena for another day at X Factor bootcamp

Simon made the saucy admission in an interview with video messaging platform Skype, for which he fielded questions from fans around the world, as well as celebrity pals including Nicole, Demi Lovato and Leona Lewis.
It's no surprise that even Simon has impure thoughts about Nicole, as the X Factor judge was seen showing off her amazingly toned shape and washboard stomach in a cut-out striped dress, as if to drive home the point.
It's doubtful that Nicole's on/off love Lewis Hamilton, who is currently waging an online campaign to win her back, would be impressed by the X Factor boss's admission. But deep down he could understand it.

Dressed to impress: Nicole teamed the dress with a pair of buckled white sandals, and wore her hair tied back in two plait

Jessica Wright is lavished with love by Ricky Rayment as she stuns in plunging black during date night

They've had a difficult few months after revelations of Ricky Rayment's infidelity were revealed.
But it seems the TOWIE star and his girlfriend Jessica Wright are well and truly back on form.
In fact they seemed more loved up than ever on Sunday evening when they headed out on a date night together.

Date night: TOWIE's Jessica Wright stuns in figure hugging black as she enjoys night out with boyfriend Ricky Rayment on Sunday evening

PDA: The pair looked worse for wear as they left while Ricky couldn't keep his hands off his girlfriend

Ricky seemed smitten with his brunette lover, and it's no surprise as she pulled out all the stops with plenty of flesh on show.
The 27-year-old stunned in a figure hugging frock which showed off both her tanned legs as well as her ample cleavage.
The plunging frock stood out even more thanks to the lace detailing, while she accessorised with black peep toe heels and a matching handbag.
Her dark locks tumbled down her shoulders in waves and she added a slick of dark red lipstick to vamp up the look.

Vamp: The reality TV star showed off her curves and legs in the tiny get-up

And it seemed to have worked wonders as Ricky couldn't keep his hands off her throughout the evening.
The pair headed to RS Lounge in South Woodford, where Made In Chelsea's Andy Jordan was also partying for the evening.
Jessica arrived with a girl pal but left on the arm of Rayment appearing slightly more worse for wear.

Night out: She certainly dolled up for the evening as she slicked on the red lipstick and tottered out in heels

Back on track: The pair left RS Lounge in South Woodford holding hands as they called it a night

The reality TV star held Ricky's hand as he proudly walked beside her.
He went casual for the outing, choosing to step out in jeans with a black polo T-shirt and smart black shoes.
But when they finally got inside a cab ready to take them back home and call it a night they put on a very public display of affection.

You've missed! The pair looked slightly worse for wear as they giggled with their eyes shut at the back of the taxi

Loved up: They recently decided to give their relationship a go after it was revealed Ricky had cheated on her at the beginning of their romance

Bed time: They both looked like they'd had a fun night as they finally decided to head home

Ricky seemed enamoured with Jessica as he kissed her on the lips while she giggled away.
The pair seemed slightly worse for wear as Ricky accidentally missed her lips during one smooch for the cameras.
The last episode of the latest series of TOWIE saw the couple having a frank and honest discussion about Ricky's cheating, with Jess deciding to give the relationship another go.

Happy couple: Jessica also showed off her reinvigorated love for Ricky by posting this cute picture on her Twitter page

Mingling: Jessica has put up a picture of herself enjoying another evening with her brother Mark Wright's girlfriend Michelle Keegan

And it seems that starting afresh has worked for the pair.
Jessica struggled with recent revelations that Ricky had been unfaithful to her towards the beginning of their relationship, taking time away from him to decided what she wanted to do.
And after Ricky fought to win her back, describing her as 'the love of my life', Jess made the difficult decision to give it another go.
The aspiring singer told him: 'You know from what sort of person I am that this has been the hardest thing in the whole world. I’ve needed time to contemplate it all. I don’t know if I can forget it. But I do want to try.'

Fancy seeing you here: Made In Chelsea's Andy Jordan was at the same venue on Sunday evening

Naked Justin Bieber bares his bottom and just covers his modesty with a guitar during bizarre prank on his graNaked Justin Bieber bares his bottom and just covers his modesty with a guitar during bizarre prank on his grandmother

He's often seen showing off his torso by going shirtless, especially of late.
But Justin Bieber shocked his family when he did the full monty during a bizarre nude prank at his grandmother's house in Toronto during Canadian Thanksgiving back in October 2012.
In photos obtained by TMZ, the 19-year-old is seen covering his private parts merely with an acoustic guitar, jamming out a naked serenade for his granny, Diane Dale.

A nude awakening: New pictures have emerged showing Justin Bieber naked and covering his modesty with a guitar during a bizarre nude Thanksgiving prank

Nude Justin was staying at his grandmother's home in Toronto when the strange incident went down.
According to the website, Justin had been enjoying a break at her home during the holiday and slept in a little too late on Thanksgiving morning.
Finally waking up after hearing family and friends stirring around the house, he thought he'd play a prank on the unsuspecting clan by grabbing his guitar and playing the naked set.
The pop star went right up to his grandmother and started belting out some impromptu lyrics, singing: 'I Loooove you grandmaaaa ... how are youuuu ... helloooo grandma.

The full monty: The singer bared his bottom whilst serenading his grandmother Diane Dale whilst in the nude

While his family and friends were laughing, his giggling granny begged the pop star to get back in his room to put some clothes on.
Justin's grandmother Diane recently defended her grandson in an interview with CTV Ottowa.
Speaking about all the attention Justin's actions attract, Diane said: 'It's totally crazy. I feel sorry for Justin all the time because paparazzi pick on him all the time.
'Anybody else's kids have done the same thing but nobody says anything.'

One of his biggest fans: Justin's grandmother is seen cuddling her shirtless grandson after one of his stage performances two weeks ago

Close: Justin poses with Diane in this Instagram picture from February this year

She added: 'He's just a 19 year old boy. And before you criticise him, say, what is my 19-year-old boy doing?'
Justin recently caused controvery again after allegedly getting into a nightclub brawl at a Southhampton, New York nightclub.
Wayne Rennalls who claims that Justin and his entourage attacked him on August 3 gave a press conference over the weekend, alleging that the pop singer kicked him during the brawl.
Footage from the night of the altercation did not show Justin involved in the fight, but Wayne, 22, claims that Justin did get physical.

With his clothes on: Justin is seen adjusting his belt during a stage performance earlier this month

He says the fight with Justin and his entourage started after the pop singer became jealous over girls that he wanted to party with.
'Justin Bieber [was] still running his mouth and I took my shirt off to fight,' he said.
'That’s when they all hopped out of the truck and bum-rushed me. They said, "That’s your f*****g a**,’ and the first one came to me, and I put my hands up to fight, to protect myself.'
The alleged brawl comes after a string of incidents where the singer demonstrated 'pop brat' behaviour'.
He has been pictured spitting on fans and urinating in a janitor's mop bucket in the kitchen of a New York night club.

Controversy: Wayne Rennalls alleges that he was assaulted by Justin during a recent brawl in Southhampton, New York

Mo will beat Bolt?

British distance superstar Farah - the Olympic 5000 and 10,000m champion - has challenged the undisputed king of sprints Bolt to a one-off race for charity.
Farah suggested a distance of between 600m and 800m, and Bolt has accepted the challenge, though he says 600m would be a fair distance.
Former 110m hurdles star Ridgeon says Farah will be far too fast for Bolt if they race over 600m but he says 550m would be too close to call.
"For me Mo Farah wins it every time. He's so fit. His range is from 1500m all the way up to the marathon. I think it is easier from him to drop down a little bit than for Usain Bolt to step up," he told Sky Sports News.
"Usain Bolt would definitely win at 500m, Mo Farah would win at 600m. So to create the ultimate race where they are both dipping over the line at the same time I think 550m would be the ultimate distance.
"At 550m, right now, I think Mo Farah would take it. Usain has run 45.3 seconds at 400m but after that he's in unchartered territory."
Professor Roderick King of Leeds Metropolitan University, an expert in Sport and Exercise Biochemistry, agrees with Ridgeon's analysis on distance: "The distance at which I think they would both be equal is about 550 metres.
"But both individuals would have to be strategic about how they ran.
"Usain would have to keep a little bit back in reserve, then perhaps do a sprint finish. Mo is going to go a little bit faster than he normally would do, but hope he can also do a limited sprint finish. If it's a 500m race Bolt is going to win it, if it's 600m then Mo is going to win it."
Campbell, a former Olympic champion himself, believes the race is a realistic prospect: "You can already tell how excited everybody is to potentially see Mo Farah against Usain Bolt. I think the fact that they are both represented by the same agent could mean that this could happen.
"How good this would be for the charities who would benefit from this race."
And Campbell says a 600m race would be a far more painful experience for Bolt than Farah.
"Usain Bolt is a 100m, 200m runner. There has been talk in the past about him moving up to 400m. But the pain sprinters feel when they move up to 400m is phenomenal. It's not a distance he would like to run but in aid of charity, 600m would probably be the limit.
"Usain would have been blessed with a tremendous amount of fast-twitch fibres. He wouldn't have a fantastic endurance pace.
"As a 100m, 200m sprinter a lot of the work he would do would be explosive work. The fact that he runs 200m means he will do over-distance work and 600m would probably be the limit of what he would do in training. He will run 600m but he won't run it very quickly.
"After 600m there would be a lack of oxygen that he wouldn't be used to. A lot of sprinters hold their breath so straight away, just the breathing patterns and the way he would attack and run the race, these are the things that would give Usain Bolt problems."
Campbell said tactics would be key, with both men having to think carefully about how to tackle the race.
"I think what Bolt would do is he would just try and stay with Mo. It would depend on the pace that Mo decided to go off at. If I was Mo Farah I would just try and attack it from the beginning. If Usain is able to go with the pace, then his kick will be tremendous," he said.
"But Mo has been working on his pace this year and we've seen that with him breaking the British 1500m record. It's not that he hasn't got any speed but we're talking about (racing) the great Usain Bolt.
"Mo can run 50 seconds for 400m. Usain could probably run 45 seconds for 400m. But when you take it up in distance it becomes very, very difficult for Bolt."

'Real preparing big Bale bid'

Real Madrid are prepared to pay over 90m euros for Gareth Bale to counter Barcelona's capture of Neymar.
The Welsh ace has flown back from Tottenham's pre-season trip to Hong Kong with the rest of the squad amid speculation he is nearing the exit door at White Hart Lane.
Reports have suggested Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has cut short a family holiday to meet the player while, on Friday, manager Andre Villas-Boas revealed contract talks with Bale were 'ongoing'.
However, Spain-based journalist Hunter says the La Liga giants are prepared to offer a huge sum to tempt the forward to Madrid.
"The briefing between Real and the Madrid media is that verbally - and I don't think there's a written offer - Spurs are aware that Real are willing to go to 93m euros for Gareth Bale.
"Real can't believe they'll have to go to the 100m euro mark to have a chance of signing this footballer but the briefing to the media is 'look how much we are willing to spend, more than we spent on [Zinedine] Zidane, [Cristiano] Ronaldo...'
"The general conviction is that [Real president] Florentino Perez - who has history of buying [Luis] Figo when Barcelona didn't want to sell, Zidane when Juventus didn't want to sell, Ronaldo from Inter Milan - is so intent on pulling this off it will still happen."
Response
Bale scooped the PFA Player of the Year Award and numerous other plaudits for his superb 2012/13 campaign, in which he bagged 21 Premier League goals - but Hunter hinted Real haven't targeted the Wales international purely for his on-field attributes.
Instead, Hunter suggested the move could in fact be a response to Barcelona signing Brazil prodigy Neymar, who joined the Catalan outfit for 57m euros earlier this year.
"In football terms it's possible to argue Gareth Bale's brilliant skills and athleticism aren't necessarily the prime thing Real need right now," said Hunter. "It's not predominantly a football signing.
"Perez fears Barcelona are a big brand name, have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi, are very well equipped football-wise and have signed a phenomenon in Neymar.
"Those who watched him in the Confederations Cup and watched him at his most scintillating know there is a marketing phenomenon emerging there.
"Real do not want to be swamped on the football front, nor on the revenue generation front, nor on this thing called identity; they want to be the most loved club in the world and they do fear the Neymar effect. It is part of what's going on."

Everton have signed Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old - regarded as one of the brightest stars in the four-time European champions' academy - scored 18 times in 32 appearances for Bareclona's B side last season and recently signed a long-term contract.
Manager Roberto Martínez told the club's official website: "Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible footballing talent and I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton."
His arrival marks Martinez' fourth signing in three days after he brought in former Wigan players Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel Robles, who was also at the DW Stadium last season.

"Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible footballing talent and I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton."
Roberto Martinez

Deulofeu is a graduate of Barcelona's famed La Masia and has played for Spain's Under-17s, Under-19s, Under-20s and Under-21s.
He will join up with the Blues squad later this summer as he is currently on a break after involvement in the recent Under-20s World Cup in Turkey.
Most of the squad are now in Austria preparing for a friendly against Austria Vienna on Saturday.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho welcomes summer signings

Jose Mourinho has given his seal of approval to Chelsea's three summer signings as the Premier League club prepare for their trip to Asia. The Europa League champions had brought in Germany international Andre Schurrle and Holland midfielder Marco van Ginkel before they confirmed the arrival of veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on Tuesday night.
All three will head overseas with Mourinho and their new team-mates on Thursday as the Portuguese prepares to start his second stint in charge of the club, and the 50-year-old is happy with the business the Blues have done.

"He is a player who is absolutely ready and he gives us more than one position in attack and adds quality. He will be important for us."
Mourinho on Schurrle

"Andre Schurrle is still so young but he already has great history because he plays in his national team, he has played Champions League and he played three complete seasons for Leverkusen," he told Chelsea's official website.
"So he is a player who is absolutely ready and he gives us more than one position in attack and adds quality. He will be important for us.
"Marco van Ginkel is one of the best prospects. He is not yet like Schurrle - close to being a finished product - but he is a player with great potential.
"Of course he needs to play and he will, because he is a player with great potential and physically he is more than ready. He is a natural athlete.
"By the technical and the tactical point of view of course he is a kid, he has to learn, but I think he is very open-minded and we analysed him for quite a long time."
Schwarzer is at the other end of the age scale at 40 and has penned a one-year deal as he looks to remain in the frame ahead of next year's World Cup.

"Mark Schwarzer is what we need. I never say this one is the first choice and this one is the second and this one is the third, but of course as a starting point Petr Cech is Petr Cech - he is the best in the world with deference to all the others and Mark knows that he comes to be an important member of the squad."
Jose Mourinho

Mourinho does not see a way he can dislodge Petr Cech, but he is pleased to have the Australian on board.
"Mark Schwarzer is what we need. I never say this one is the first choice and this one is the second and this one is the third, but of course as a starting point Petr Cech is Petr Cech - he is the best in the world with deference to all the others and Mark knows that he comes to be an important member of the squad.
"To compete with Petr and to give us in that position what we have in any other position where we have competition and options, giving protection to each other.
"With Mark we have a goalkeeper who has played an incredible number of matches in the last 10 years in the Premier League and he is more than ready for this."
Mourinho, back in England after six-year absence with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, is also counting Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Tomas Kalas as new signings.
The trio have been out on loan at West Brom, Werder Bremen and Vitesse, but are now considered ready for action.
"They are good players with a very good value in the market and we have these players this season for free, after an investment that the club did before," Mourinho added.

'Thiago Silva wants to be at Barcelona' - Adriano

Thiago Silva - PSG

Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva wants to join Barcelona, according to his friend and compatriot Adriano.
The Brazil international, 28, is widely considered one of the finest centre-backs in European football and has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou this summer from Parc des Princes.
The current Barca utility man believes that his compatriot is keen to join the Catalans but appears stuck at PSG due to only having joined last season.
"He told me if he could come to Barcelona would be a dream," Adriano told RAC1. "He has always wanted to wear the Barca shirt, we are friends and I talk a lot with him. His arrival would be very good news if Barca signed him.
"If it were up to Thiago, he'd be here. But it doesn't just depend on him. PSG have also invested heavily in him and, if Barca want him, they need to find an agreement with the club.
"We had more injuries last year than other seasons but these things happen. Whomever comes in to help us will be a welcome addition."
However, Silva’s agent Paulo Tonietto has been quick to offer a rebuttal and denied that there is a move for the defender to the Blaugrana in the pipeline.

The representative said on Twitter: "Thiago Silva and his agent Paulo Tonietto deny the information referring to the transfer of the player to Barcelona."

Santos left with €9m from Neymar fee

Neymar - Barcelona

Santos were paid just over €9 million by Barcelona for the purchase of Neymar earlier this summer, according to documents which emerged on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old, who starred in Brazil's successful Confederations Cup campaign in June, joined the Catalans for €57m in one of the most high-profile transfers of 2013. The total outlay has been confirmed by Barcelona.
However, Radio Globo reporters were leaked minutes from a Santos board meeting which shed new light on the detail of the agreement.
According to the documents, Barca paid €17.1m for the full ownership of Neymar, though just €9.35m went to the Brasileirao club with two companies that owned part in his registration - Teisa Group and DIS - splitting the other 45 per cent.
The report also claims the remaining €40m was paid in commission to other parties, including Neymar's father, as the Camp Nou club fought off competion from rivals such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Santos may receive more financial profit from the move eventually through arranged friendlies that the two sides agreed to, with the first on August 2 in Spain, and potential objectives for the forward to achieve which were included in the contract.
The documents also show that Neymar’s father wanted his son to depart Brazil ahead of the World Cup because he did not want him to become a "hero or villain" at next summer's tournament in the South American country.
The attacker, who has scored an impressive 24 goals in 39 Selecao appearances, will meet up with his new Barca team mates next week.

Arsenal prepare €40m Suarez bid

Arsenal are preparing a €40.7 million offer for wantaway Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The Gunners will make a concerted push to sign the Uruguay international after contacting the Merseyside club last week about his availability.

There were reports on Monday that Arsenal had made a €34.9m bid for Suarez but the the north London outfit are ready to pay up to €40.7m for the Reds attacker.

It is understood that Arsene Wenger has switched his main focus to capturing Suarez because Arsenal are still struggling to agree a fee with Real Madrid for Gonzalo Higuain.

The Gunners do not anticipate making any signings before they depart for their pre-season tour of Asia on Thursday, but they are actively trying recruit a marquee striker.

Suarez is regarded by Wenger as an upgrade on Higuain, who came close to joining Arsenal at the end of last week after they made an improved offer of €26.9m.

However, Madrid are holding out for €29.7m for the Argentine, and, although Arsenal's interest in Higuain is still alive and a deal has not been ruled out, Wenger has decided to explore other elite options.

With the biggest transfer kitty in Arsenal's history available to him this summer, the Frenchman sanctioned the shock move for Suarez last week.

The Gunners' enquiry was met with a 'hands-off' warning by Liverpool, who are fighting to hold on to a player who has spoken frequently this summer of his interest in a move, most specifically to Real Madrid.

Arsenal will now make a concerted push for Suarez after learning from the Uruguayan's camp that he is interested in a move to the Emirates as he pursues his ambition of playing Champions League football next season.

In an interview given to the Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 on Tuesday, Suarez claimed that "two or three clubs" want to sign him and that he values interest from Arsenal.

He laughed off reported interest from Chelsea but admitted he is prepared to interrupt a holiday in his native Uruguay should a potential transfer develop.

"Are there any concrete options? No, so far there hasn't been any. There are two or three clubs who I think are willing and the club knows that.

"I have to present myself on the July 21 with Liverpool for their tour of Australia but no one knows what could happen. I've already said what I have to say, and initially I have to be there on July 21 but maybe a phone call one day can change all your plans.