28/07/09: Transfer Rumors
July 28, 2009
‘Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa says he is close to completing a transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid.’ – Marca
‘And another defender in the form of Andrea Dossena is possibly heading out of Anfield. The player’s agent has told Italian radio station Radio Kiss Kiss that Liverpool have accepted a £4.3m offer from Napoli for the 27-year-old.’ – Press Association
‘Real Madrid have said that Liverpool’s £30m valuation of midfielder Xabi Alonso is unrealistic. The Spanish club are not willing to pay more than £24m.’ – Daily Telegraph
‘But the Spaniard could be only 48 hours from signing from Liverpool to Real Madrid for around £30m’ – Marca
‘And in the event of Xabi leaving the club Rafa Benitez will sign Alberto Aquilani of AS Roma’ – Marca
‘Manchester City have struck a deal with Arsenal for the £15m signing of defender Kolo Toure, who will double his wages at Eastlands.’ – Daily Mail
‘Toure’s departure from Arsenal to Manchester City is set to spark a defender merry-go-round this summer. Joleon Lescott will also move to Eastlands from Everton, with Tottenham’s Alan Hutton and City’s Nedum Onuoha replacing him at Goodison Park, while Arsenal are to move for Fulham’s Brede Hangeland.’ – Daily Mirror
‘And Manchester City are also set for signing AS Roma’s Philippe Mexes.’ – Le Parisien
‘Manchester City and Bolton are leading the chase for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso, who is valued at about £15m.’ – The Sun
‘Burnley are ready to make an improved bid for Sheffield Wednesday striker Marcus Tudgay.’ – Daily Mirror
‘West Ham are struggling to keep defender Lucas Neill at the club after contract talks broke down. Turkish side Galatasaray are favourites to sign the 31-year-old.’ – The Sun
‘West Ham striker Dean Ashton is wanted by Hull after they failed to sign Bobby Zamora from Fulham.’ – Daily Express
‘Aston Villa are interested in Blackburn’s £6m-rated defender Stephen Warnock.’ – Daily Mail
‘Arsenal have joined the list of clubs linked with Roma striker Mirko Vucinic.’ – Daily Telegraph
‘Hull are poised to join Everton in the race for Tottenham defender Alan Hutton.’ – The Sun
‘Portsmouth are closing in on the signing of Hadjuk Split striker Nikola Kalinic as a replacement for Peter Crouch, who has joined Tottenham.’ – Various
‘And Pompey have offered defender Sylvain Distin a new contract to fight off Aston Villa’s £3m bid.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy and Portsmouth winger John Utaka are both targets for Stoke.’ – Daily Mail
‘Wigan have told former boss Steve Bruce, who is now at Sunderland, not to make another bid for midfielder Lee Cattermole.’ – The Sun
‘Everton manager David Moyes has launched a £7m bid for Alan Hutton after the Scotland defender was deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham Hotspur.’ – Daily Record
‘Kilmarnock have agreed a contract with freed Rotherham striker Mark Burchill subject to a medical.’ – Various
‘It seems Plymouth are set to sign Reda Johnson after putting in a cash offer to Amiens and likely to beat Aberdeen to the defender’s signature.’ – L’Equipe
‘Hamilton are keeping tabs on 20-year-old former Rennes defender David Louhongou.’ – Daily Record
‘St Johnstone will complete the signing of former Inverness midfielder Filipe Morais on Wednesday.’ – Various
‘CA Lanus midfielder Matias Fritzler has turned out to be a potential transfer target for LA Liga side Sevilla, costing the club €3m’ – Various
‘Without a contract since leaving AC Milan in December 2008, Emerson could return to Santos.’ – L’Equipe
‘Nuremberg and Arsenal have agreed on a one year loan dedal for Norwegian central defender Havard Nordveit.’ – L’Equipe
‘Lyon have had their €12m offer for Daniel Güiza, accepted by Fenerbahçe.’ – L’Equipe
‘Chelsea could offer Claudio Pizarro and Michael Mancienne on loan to AC Milan for Andrea Pirlo.’ – Corriere della Sera
‘A long pursued target of Lyon, Bayern and Valencia, Saint-Etienne’s Mouhamadou Dabo is close to a Portsmouth switch’ – L’Equipe
By: Abhimanyu Rajput
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Mowbray relishing prospect of Celtic debut
July 28, 2009
Celtic manager Tony Mowbray admited on Tuesday he is relishing the prospect of taking charge of his first competitive match in Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash against Dinamo Moscow.
Mowbray arrived at Parkhead in June as successor to Gordon Strachan and the former West Bromwich Albion boss gets his first taste of life under the microscope in Glasgow when Dinamo visit Scotland for the first leg of the third qualifying round tie.
Failure to reach the Champions League group stage would be a major blow to Mowbray’s reign before the domestic season has even begun, but despite the pressure to succeed in Europe, Mowbray can’t wait to get started.
The Hoops go in to the game as Wembley Cup winners after convincing victories over Egyptian side Al Ahly and Tottenham over the weekend.
In the wake of an earlier friendly win against Brisbane Roar in Australia and a draw with Cardiff in Wales, with no goals conceded, optimism is growing among the Celtic faithful.
That is despite their side’s lack of competitive action in contrast to their Russian opponents, who are 15 games in to their season.
“When I watch the team train, I think ‘excited’ is a decent way to put it,” Mowbray said. “There is a real professionalism about the players here, they have as good a focus as any players that I’ve ever worked with.
“They are sharp and ready and looking forward to the challenge. We have some talented individuals and I have no fears.”
Mowbray added: “If I was to give you an adjective for Moscow, I would say that they are a dangerous side.
“They are a capable team who play to definite shape, they are a dangerous counter-attacking side and, yet, in possession of the ball, they are disciplined and organised.
“I don’t see any Lionel Messis in there, I don’t see any great individual flair but I see a well-structured, organised football team who know what they are all about.”
GLASGOW (AFP)
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Alex Curran Celebrates Hubby Being Aquitted
July 28, 2009
Steven Gerrard took his WAG Alex Curran to dinner at celeb hotspot Nobu Berkeley to celebrate being cleared of assult charge.
In case you’re not aware Steven Gerrard has been involved in a five month court case that has just come to a close. The ‘baller was accused of attacking a man in a nightclub, and whilst Gerrard admitted to throwing at least three punches, the judge found that he was acting in self defence.
Very lucky really, our ‘ballers really should learn not to be so easily provoked, you know these people are just after your money!
But anyway on to lighter things like what Alex Curran wore on her high street comeback, we’ve quite missed Liverpool’s original WAG! Alex looked chic wearing black distressed jeans, a long cream top and her usual massive handbag, stiletto combo.
The pair were obviously out to make a united front since Alex didn’t attend the court case, tongues may have started wagging about there being trouble in paradise!
We definitely think Alex wears the trousers in this relationship, so we reckon Stevie would have been in the dog-house for a while because of this incident. What do you think??
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Wenger refuses to rule out Toure City switch
July 28, 2009
Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of selling Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure to Manchester City.
Reports in England on Tuesday suggested Toure was preparing to fly back from Arsenal’s Austrian pre-season training camp ahead of a 15 million pounds transfer to big-spending City later this week.
Wenger signed Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax earlier in pre-season and the Gunners manager admits that has left him with a surplus of centre-backs which could lead to Toure’s exit in the next 24 hours.
“We will see what’s happening in the next 24 hours, nothing is decided yet,” Wenger told ArsenalTV.
“We have seven centre-backs and I am in the position where I have to play some in midfield but of course Kolo is a very good player and we will see what will happen in the next 24 hours.”
If Toure does join City, he will be the second Arsenal player signed by Mark Hughes this pre-season following Emmanuel Adebayor’s 25 million pounds move to Eastlands.
The Adebayor deal has given Wenger money to play with in the transfer market and he is ready to splash out for the right player.
“I am more focused on getting everybody fit for the start of the season but we are looking at opportunities as well, there are still some pre-season games to see what we really need,” Wenger said. “When the time comes we will do something.”
LONDON (AFP)
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Pienaar hopeful of Everton contract resolution
July 28, 2009
South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar expects to sign a new contract with Everton despite rejecting the Premier League’s initial offer.
Pienaar is a transfer target for Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina and reports that he had snubed Everton’s contract led to suggestions he would quit Goodison Park.
But the 27-year-old is adamant he is still happy at Everton and revealed that the negotiations remain on-going to extend his current deal, which expires in 2011.
“It is seldom that both parties come to an agreement at the first attempt,” Pienaar said.
“Coming to such an important agreement takes time. We have only just started discussions and we will keep on talking until hopefully we get a deal that is right for both parties.
“The fact that it is taking time does not mean I am unhappy at Everton, but this next contract for me is obviously very important at this stage of my career.
“I would like to play Champions League football again and hopefully that will be with Everton.”
Meanwhile, Everton’s Nigeria striker Ayegbeni Yakubu is back in training as he returns to fitness from an Achilles injury which has sidelined him since November.
Yakubu has stepped up his rehabilitation during the club’s tour of America and was involved in a practice match ahead of this week’s game against a Major League Soccer All-Stars side in Salt Lake City.
LIVERPOOL, England (AFP)
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Arsenal fans must back Wenger, warns Henry
July 28, 2009
Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry has told the club’s disgruntled fans to keep the faith with manager Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners have gone four seasons without winning a trophy and a small section of the Emirates Stadium crowd heckled Wenger last season as their team’s campaign fizzled out.
Wenger, whose side finished fourth in the Premier League last term, also came in for a hard time from Arsenal shareholders who questioned his transfer policy earlier this year.
With Emmanuel Adebayor yet to be replaced after his move to Manchester City, the criticism could get even worse this season if Arsenal once again trail behind Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
But Henry, who scored 226 goals in 370 games for Arsenal before joining Barcelona in 2007, is convinced Wenger can make the Gunners great again and he pleaded with the fans to give the French boss time to develop the club’s youngsters.
“It is going to be a difficult task for Arsenal this time and it is vital that everyone keeps the faith,” Henry told The Sun on Tuesday.
“The reason I say that is because the boss still has great faith in his players and if there is one man who Arsenal can trust to do the right thing, it’s Arsene Wenger.
“He is the man who has put Arsenal on to the European map. Nobody else could have achieved what he has done there.
“The fans should remember that and give him more credit. Some people gave him a hard time last season and he didn’t deserve that.
“I know how those supporters feel. Like them, I am Arsenal through and through and we all suffer when the team doesn’t win anything.
“Everyone wants immediate success and after four seasons without a trophy, Arsenal supporters have become impatient.
“All I can say to them right now is to have faith in Arsene and know that the first trophy in five years will be more enjoyable than ever.”
With less money to spend that his rivals, Wenger has opted to build his team around a core of talented youngsters.
Henry knows that means Arsenal find it hard to compete with the battled-hardened stars of of United, Liverpool and Chelsea, but he is confident the policy will paid dividends in the future.
“It is more difficult to achieve success without money, but it’s not impossible with the right attitude,” Henry said.
“Just look at Barcelona. We won the treble this year and proved you can succeed by developing your own players and blending them with one or two expensive signings.
“Arsenal are trying to do the same thing and are very close to achieving their ambitions. Yes, they are still a very young team. But they are not inexperienced.
“They have been playing together for quite a while and are capable of anything.”
LONDON (AFP)
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Terry reveals Roman rule kept him at Chelsea
July 28, 2009
Chelsea captain John Terry admits Blues owner Roman Abramovich played a key role in persuading him to reject Manchester City’s blockbuster bid.
City offered 30 million pounds (50 million dollars) for Terry and were prepared to make the Chelsea and England captain the highest paid player in the Premier League on wages of 250,000 pounds (412,000 dollars) a week.
After spending his whole career at Stamford Bridge, the centre-back did consider whether it was time for a change, but Abramovich’s personal intervention was enough to keep him in west London.
The Russian rarely speaks in public but he was quick to reassure his star player that he intends to give new boss Carlo Ancelotti funds to keep Chelsea in contention for the title and that convinced Terry to stay.
“Of course I thought about things, I was very flattered City wanted to sign me,” Terry told The Sun.
“But when you get a call from your own club saying no matter what money they won’t sell you, it’s unbelievable. And to hear it from the owner himself – that’s the kind of relationship you can’t buy.
“You can’t put a price on things like that and all the lads and the staff were all around me.
“The manager as well, friends and family all know my situation. They know I love the club so much, and that side of things, so it’s never an issue.
“So it’s nice to be able to talk to friends and family and know you’ll get honest answers.”
The 28-year-old is likely to be rewarded for his loyalty with an improved contract putting him on parity with Frank Lampard, the club’s highest paid player on around 150,000 pounds a week.
Terry believes Abramovich’s desire for success is as strong as when he bought the club in 2003 and he hopes to build his own relationship with the Russian in years to come.
“It is strange actually because never before have myself and Frank (Lampard) and people like Didier (Drogba) had that communication with him,” Terry said.
“Mr Abramovich is a very successful businessman and makes all the final decisions. He likes to have the opinion of the players.
“We are the ones living and breathing the football life and he can make a really small improvement for us on or off the pitch if he tries to do it.
“And he wants to know the feedback from the lads – what is working and what’s not.
“It’s hard sometimes because people think me and other key players in the team are going in and demanding this and that.
“But when you’ve got someone coming in after games demanding to know why we didn’t play well and why we didn’t score two or three goals or why this happened or that happened, you can sit down and talk a bit.
“It’s great because he understands football. He watches so many games and understands the game very well and he has put an awful lot in.
“He wants to know why and how we can improve, all the time. I think it’s great we can have that relationship with him.”
LONDON (AFP)
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Injured Ribery likely to miss season start
July 28, 2009
Bayern Munich’s French star Franck Ribery is likely to be unavailable for the first match of the Bundesliga season on August 8 against Hoffenheim, the club said on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old midfielder has had a succession of medical problems since he resumed training at the beginning of this month, including blistered feet and a knee injury, preventing him from joining in full training since July 12.
“Franck has a lot of catching-up to do. He trained hard and went further than last week but it has been limited nevertheless,” said Bayern manager Louis Van Gaal on the club’s website.
The Dutchman added that if Ribery did play in the Hoffenheim match, it would be for a maximum of 20 minutes.
The France international will also miss the first round of the German Cup next Sunday when Bayern play Neckaretz.
Other Munich players on the injured list are Croatian striker Ivica Olic and fellow forward Luca Toni of Italy who has a damaged Achilles tendon.
The giant south German club has rejected approaches for Ribery during the off-season, notably from Real Madrid who baulked at Bayern’s asking price of 80 million euros.
BERLIN (AFP)
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Mourinho eyeing Fergie´s job
July 28, 2009
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho admitted Tuesday that he would jump at the chance to step into Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes at Manchester United.
Mourinho’s name has been mentioned frequently since his exit from Chelsea as a replacement for Ferguson, should the 67-year-old Scot decide to retire.
“I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson,” Mourinho told the Daily Mirror. “If they do, then of course.
“I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make the game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere.”
Mourinho guided Chelsea to back-to-back league titles.
However since the Portuguese’s controversial exit two years ago, Chelsea are now onto their fourth manager and have failed to recapture the title, while he has now won Serie A as well with Inter.
“I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce,” he said. “It was difficult for me because we loved each other but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone.
“Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep on winning and they don’t.”
LONDON (AFP)
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Pachuca set to make Champions League debut
July 28, 2009
Pachuca is set to make its CONCACAF Champions League debut Tuesday night in the first leg of a Preliminary Round series against Guatemalan side Jalapa at Estadio Hidalgo.
It’s not as if the Tuzos are strangers to regional or domestic success.
Pachuca won the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2002, 2007 and 2008 and captured the Copa Sudamericana title in 2006 becoming the first team to win a continental club title outside of its confederation.
In the Mexican Primera Division, Pachuca won the Clausura title 2007 and fell in the 2009 Clausura final to Pumas, 3-2 on aggregate in May.
One day later, manager Enrique Meza left the club after a hugely successful stint.
“I am saying goodbye to my friends, of a great club that gave me the opportunity to work, where I had many wonderful moments,” Meza told reporters last month. “Thanks to everyone, to everyone that supported me, to the squad an exceptional group of players that defined a playing style which brought much satisfaction as well as headaches.”
Meza moved on to Cruz Azul for his fourth stint with the club, while Pachuca hired Argentine Guillermo Rivarola, who spent eight months in charge of Pachuca’s youth ranks, as its head coach.
“As a coach, I like to win everything from the midweek scrimmages to a league final or Copa Sudamericana,” Rivarola told reporters. “That is the message I will give the players. That is the mentality and commitment I want.”
The Rivarola era opened with a 3-2 win against Estudiantes Tecos in the opening of the Apertura campaign on Friday. Christian Gimenez scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 65th minute. Juan Carlos Cacho, in on loan from Pumas UNAM, and Damian Alvarez also scored for Pachuca.
While clearly the favorite in the opening leg at home, Pachuca face a dangerous Jalapa squad that defeated Municipal in the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Clausura final last month.
It was Jalapa’s second title after Hector Trujillo’s squad captured the 2007 Apertura championship, the first national title in the club’s history.
“We are going excited and hoping to play well. This team could be assembled only recently, and with it we will try to put Guatemala’s name in goo standing,” coach Héctor Julián Trujillo said. “We are going well, we are forcus on the fact that we have to go and play well to show that we can play in an international tournament. We have worked very hard just to go, and not get a good result.”
By Dylan Butler
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