Mario Götze determined to make Germany's World Cup squad despite missing Spain and Brazil friendlies
Borussia Dortmund coach Peter Stöger insists that midfielder Mario Götze was unfazed by Joachim Löw's decision not to select him for Germany's recent friendlies with Spain and Brazil, and says the 25-year-old is still determined to join Die Mannschaft at this summer's FIFA World Cup in Russia. Götze was one of the most notable absentees in Löw's 26-man squad, along with clubmate Andre Schürrle – the man who teed him up for the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final. "Mario Götze has yet to hit the level of form we expect of him, but we haven't written him off," Löw explained. "The same goes for Andre Schürrle. He appears to be on the up, and we rate him as a player. They'll be in contention if they continue to play well." While Germany were drawing 1-1 with Spain and losing 1-0 to Brazil, Götze was busy training hard alongside Usain Bolt in Dortmund, as he looks to help BVB secure second place in the Bundesliga this season ahead of Schalke, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. The attacking midfielder is well aware that he needs to up his game between now and 15 May, when Löw will announce his provisional 23-man squad for the World Cup. "Mario is very motivated, he's made a good impression in training," said Stöger, who is preparing for a daunting trip to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Matchday 28. "He was not devastated to miss the friendlies. He is dealing with his situation and he will try to be in Russia this summer." Like Löw, Stöger called on Götze to improve after Dortmund's disappointing UEFA Europa League exit at the hands of Red Bull Salzburg. The 25-year-old has only managed two goals and five assists in all competitions this season, which he knows is insufficient for a player of his calibre. Want more Bundesliga Action? Sign up for our official newsletter: "I'm grateful to the coach for pointing out my weaknesses, and I'm going to work hard on them," Götze insisted. Whether that will be enough to earn him a ticket to Russia, only time will tell. One thing's for sure: a match-winning performance against his old club Bayern this Saturday evening would be the perfect place to start. Click here for the latest Borussia Dortmund news, views and features!
LIVE Transfer Talk: Arsenal, Manchester United tracking Roma's Tammy Abraham
The summer transfer window is here, and there's plenty of gossip swirling about who's moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals! TOP STORY: Abraham targeted by Man United, Arsenal Arsenal and Manchester United could be set to battle it out for the signature of England international Tammy Abraham this summer as they continue their search for a striker, reveals Corriere dello Sport. The 24-year-old forward is reported to have caught the attention of a number of clubs last season, having enjoyed an impressive campaign at AS Roma with 17 goals in 37 Serie A appearances, but it is the Gunners and Erik ten Hag's United who are leading the race. As Abraham joined the Giallorossi for around €40 million from Chelsea last season, the Blues will have the first option to sign Abraham should they wish to bring him back to Stamford Bridge for €80m. However, any move could prove difficult, with indications that Abraham is happy in Italy and has no plans to leave the Estadio Olimpico. Abraham reportedly enjoyed working under Roma boss Jose Mourinho last season, as he helped secure the Europa Conference League title. - ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access LIVE BLOG 13.04 BST: Toluca are in advanced negotiations to complete the signing of Tigres striker Carlos Gonzalez, according to ESPN Mexico. The Mexican side have prioritised the signing of a new No. 9 nine and in recent weeks have been linked with Edinson Cavani, Luuk de Jong and Luis Suarez. However, after the negotiations failed to progress they have decided to turn their attention to Gonzalez, who scored seven goals last season. 12.44 BST: Barcelona will move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde once they have brought in money from the sale of merchandising and/or television rights, according to Mundo Deportivo. Sevilla want as much as €65m for the France defender, per the report, but Barca hope to bring the price down by including one or more players in a potential deal. There is also interest from Chelsea, among others, but Barca believe Kounde prefers a transfer to Camp Nou.