Newcastle strengthen defence, eye Moses swoop

January 29, 2010

Championship leaders Newcastle have signed QPR defender Fitz Hall on loan until the end of the season as cover for injured centreback Steven Taylor, who is out for two months with knee ligament damage.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is also hoping to sign a left-back and a striker before the transfer window closes on Monday as he seeks to bolster his squad for the final push for a return to the Premier League.

The Magpies are one of a number of clubs hoping to sign Crystal Palace’s 19-year-old forward Victor Moses, who has been put up for sale following Palace’s move into administration earlier this week.

“It’s one we have a very, very keen interest in,” Hughton confirmed. “He is a player who has an ability to score goals. There is a power and pace, but it is his potential.

“Around what we are trying to do here this season, which is the most important thing, there also has to be an eye on the future, and he is certainly a player of wonderful potential.”

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: Chris Hughton, crystal palace, final push, keen interest, knee ligament damage, london, moses, NEWCASTLE, newcastle boss, pace, premier league, score goals, season, steven taylor, striker, swoop, Victor

Atletico striker Sergio Aguero flattered by Chelsea’s interest

November 5, 2009

Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero is flattered by Chelsea’s interest in him but claims to be happy to play in the Spanish capital for the time being.

The 21-year-old Argentine international scored two superb goals in Tuesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw with the Londoners and Atletico reportedly turned down a Chelsea offer of around 35 million euros ($52 million) for him in the close season.

“I know that people were saying Chelsea wanted me during the summer and that there were several teams tracking me but nothing ever came to me and I am happy at Atletico,” Aguero said in an interview published in Thursday’s AS daily.

“It’s nice that people say I could play in a team like Chelsea, one of the best in the world,” he added.

“I have been here for four years. I came as an 18-year-old – very young. I feel almost as if I was born here.

“This club has given me great joy – and sadness too – but this is a place where I feel good. I want to fight for Atletico to the death.”

Chelsea are waiting to hear the result of their appeal against FIFA’s transfer ban and if it’s lifted or frozen they could make another move for Aguero either in the January transfer window or next summer.

Carlo Ancelotti wants to see the Argentine international pace striker play alongside Didier Drogba, who also happens to think that he would make a great partner in attack.

“I do not often praise players from other teams, but I’d use the word spectacular to describe his performance against us,” Drogba said.

“Also, his two goals had more merit than mine because he did it within 45 minutes and very few opponents have done that against us this season. His first goal put us on the ropes.

“We have very different strengths and different forwards usually complement each other well.

“I don’t mean to disrespect Atletico, but big players end up in big clubs. He has a great future.”

Anurada Bhat

Tags: Argentine, atletico madrid, carlo ancelotti, CHELSEA, disrespect, Drogba, forwards, great joy, joy and sadness, londoners, MADRID, opponents, pace, ropes, Sergio Aguero, spanish capital, striker, transfer ban

Beckenbauer criticizes Van Bommel

November 5, 2009

The dramatic loss against Bordeaux (0-2) meant a huge blow to Bayern Munich’s self-confidence. President Franz Beckenbauer was disappointed with the way Bayern played and especially with Mark van Bommel’s performance.

“Of course it’s nice to play well and be dominant on the pitch,” said Der Kaiser in Bild. “But what’s the use of 70 per cent possession if the ball doesn’t move forward? You’ve got ninety minutes to claim the win, but then you can’t afford making blunders like Mark van Bommel did for 1-0.”

“Only Arjen Robben, who came on in the second half, brought a bit more pace in Bayern’s play. He’s fast and capable of beating his direct opponent 1 on 1. That causes confusion with the opponent. Another player who’s able to do that, is Bastian Schweinsteiger. He proved that in earlier games. Unfortunately, only in the German team.”

Meanwhile, Bayern boss Louis van Gaal prepares for the next, important match against Schalke 04, on Saturday. The Dutch coach has consequently decided to cancel training on Thursday, â??so that he players freshen up mentally and turn their attention to Schalke.”

“It’s another important game,” acknowledged Van Gaal, “and itâ??s another one we have to win.”

Paul Haring

Tags: arjen robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern, bayern munich, blunders, Bordeaux, boss, confusion, dramatic loss, franz beckenbauer, german team, kaiser, louis van gaal, Mark van Bommel, opponent, pace, Paul Haring, pitch, possession, President Franz Beckenbauer, schalke 04, schweinsteiger, second half, self confidence, Van Bommel, Van Gaal

Reds owners dismiss selling talks

September 30, 2009

Liverpool’s co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have issued a joint statement rubbishing reports that either party are preparing to sell their stake in the club.

The American billionaires, who each own 50% of the Anfield outfit, have however reiterated their desire to bring in fresh investment.

Reports gathered pace after Prince Faisal bin Fahad bin Abdulla of Saudi Arabia expressed a desire to buy a 50% stake.

The club have been involved in negotiations with Prince Faisal – and on Monday it was announced academies would be established in conjunction with his sports investment company F6 – but Gillett and Hicks say suggestions of a buy-out are wide of the mark.

The statement read: “The owners have jointly retained Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Rothschild to evaluate the possibility of new investors injecting equity into LFC.

“However, the process is at an early stage, there is no agreement with any party and reports to the contrary are wholly inaccurate.”

Abhimanyu Rajput

Tags: abdulla, America, anfield, billionaires, conjunction, contrary, f6, George Gillett, george gillett and tom hicks, gillett and hicks, investment company, investment reports, lfc, Liverpool, merrill lynch, negotiations, pace, prince faisal, reds, rothschild, saudi arabia, stake, tom hicks

Elmander given warning from Megson

August 26, 2009

Gary Megson has told record signing Johan Elmander that he must toughen up both mentally and physically if he is to succeed in the Premier League.

The Trotters boss had previously called for the striker to score more goals but the former West Brom boss admitted that some home truths were said after the front man produced another ineffective first-half display at Tranmere, in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

The Sweden international, who was signed for £10million last summer, has failed to find the net in his last 21 games for the club, with his last strike coming against Aston Villa on 13th December.

Elmander’s barren run in front of goal has caused some supporters to turn their backs on the 28-year-old but Megson is confident the player has the ability to win them over.

“Johan and myself are intrinsically linked and I’ve told him that,” he said.

“At half-time last night there were a few strong words and he has to step up to the plate but he looked much more like it yesterday.

“He got hold of it and must have had three or four opportunities at goal – although I must say he is not the luckiest player in the world.

“His header from six yards, the goalkeeper just threw his arm up in the air and it went over and his shot went around the post but he has to keep plugging away.

“He gets criticism because of the amount of money he costs and the way he plays when he sometimes looks a bit mardy but he has got to get over that.

“He works his socks off, he has a great deal of pace and ability but he has got to get stronger. He has to be strong enough mentally and physically to get through this run that he is in.

“We have played three games so far and Mark Davies is the only player to score. But I know Johan has got a decent goalscoring record and a fantastic amount of ability.

“He’s decent in the air without being Kevin Davies, has pace and he’s 6ft 2in and built really strongly so I think he has all the pre-requisites to do it in England.

“He has to accept there is a physical contact in this country and he has got to deal with it.”

Meanwhile Sweden assistant manager Roland Andersson insists Elmander does not suffer a crisis of confidence when he joins up for international duty.

“He scores for us,” he told Fotbollskanalen. “Of course it affects him. It is a tough situation for him, and it was tough last year when he went for a long time without scoring.

“Of course you feel it, when you’ve been bought for a lot of money. It’s just to hope that things loosen for him.

“We all know how hard he works and that he scored for us last game.”

Abhimanyu Rajput

Tags: amount of money, barren run, boss, Carling Cup, England, front man, gary megson, Goalkeeper, home truths, johan, Johan Elmander, Kevin Davies, mardy, mark davies, pace, pre requisites, premier league, Roland Andersson, socks, striker, Sweden, sweden international, three games, tranmere, west brom

Wigan land Spanish defender Amaya

August 14, 2009

Premier League club Wigan signed Spanish defender Antonio Amaya from Rayo Vallecano on a three-year contract on Friday.

Amaya is not expected to be available for Saturday’s season-opener at Aston Villa as the deal cannot be completed until international clearance is secured.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said: “Antonio is someone I have admired from a distance for a long time, and I am very happy we have convinced him to come to us.

“He is a really powerful lad, technically excellent, with good pace and he will fit in well to our system. I have no doubts about him adjusting to English football.

“He has been the captain of his club for three years, which shows you his leadership qualities.”

Amaya, 26, added: “To play in England is a big dream for me. I want to do everything I can to show Roberto Martinez and the people of Wigan they have made a good choice.”

WIGAN, England (AFP)

Tags: Antonio, antonio amaya, England, english football, international clearance, lad, leadership qualities, long time, no doubts, pace, premier league, roberto martinez, season opener, Wigan

S. Korea´s Lee joins Bolton

August 14, 2009

South Korea midfielder Lee Chung-yong completed his move to Premier League club Bolton from FC Seoul on Friday.

Lee, who has made 15 appearances for South Korea, signed a three-year contract with Gary Megson’s team after being granted a work permit and receiving international clearance.

The details of the agreement have not been disclosed but it is understood that Lee cost Bolton around 2.2 million pounds (3.6 million dollars).

The 21-year-old could go straight into the squad for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Sunderland.

“Lee is another good addition to our squad,” Megson told Bolton’s official website.

“He has got pace and ability, and it is great that we have finally been able to get him.

“It is going to be a big challenge for him because he is coming to a new country and a new culture and he will be facing the demands of the Premier League.

“It will take time for him to settle but we will be making sure that he is fully supported as he makes that transition.”

BOLTON, England (AFP)

Tags: 6 million, bolton england, England, gary megson, international clearance, Lee, Lee Chung-yong, midfielder, million dollars, pace, premier league, S. Korea, seoul, south korea, Sunderland, transition, work permit

Durable Frank looks at Chelsea life sentence

August 8, 2009

Frank Lampard, on the brink of his 14th season as a professional, described himself Saturday as a “Chelsea lifer” who wants to move into management when his playing career finally comes to an end.

The durable Chelsea and England midfielder, when asked how much longer he expected to be playing, told The Times: “I’ve never put a figure on it but I’d like to go further than my contract is now (with four years left).

“With the correct training and nutrition I don’t see why I can’t go on until I am 37 or 38.

“It might be difficult for strikers with that extra yard of pace being so important but midfield players can keep going, especially if you keep learning.”

Lampard helps out with the youth team at Stamford Bridge and admits a future in management appeals to him.

“I’m a Chelsea lifer now,” he conceded.

“With the news about John Terry staying, we’ve both been here a long time and I’d like to keep it that way.

“Management does interest me now.

“I didn’t want it a few years ago but, having worked with a lot of good managers and enjoyed seeing young players coming through, I’d like to give it a go.

“I’ve spoken to John about it and we’re looking at doing our badges together.

“I’d love to manage Chelsea one day. It’s a bit of a dream as I’ve got such a strong affiliation to the club but John might beat me to it.”

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: badges, brink, CHELSEA, England, Frank, frank lampard, good managers, John, john terry, life sentence, lifer, london, long time, love, management, midfielder, nutrition, pace, stamford bridge, strikers, strong affiliation

Barca in contract talks with Messi – club

August 4, 2009

Barcelona has begun talks with Argentine Lionel Messi to improve his contract, the club said Tuesday.

“Relations between the two sides are very good,” Laporta said. Messi’s entourage “knows that Barca wants the player to feel good here… We are proud to have him in the team because he is the best player in the world.”

The negotiations are continuing “at a good pace,” he said.

The 22-year-old is under contract with Barcelona until 2010. His salary is estimated at eight million euros per year.

Coach Pep Guardiola said meanwhile said that the arrival of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will help keep Messi on his toes, and that’s what he needs.

“If Leo isn?t under pressure, he gets bored,” he said.

Ibrahimovic was signed from Inter Milan last month on a five-year deal which involved Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o moving the other way and the Italian side receiving 46 million euros as well as Alexander Hleb on loan.

BARCELONA, Spain (AFP)

Tags: Alexander, alexander hleb, Argentine, barca, Barcelona, barcelona spain, best player, cameroon, entourage, inter milan, italian side, Leo, lionel messi, Milan, negotiations, pace, salary, samuel eto, samuel eto o, Spain, striker, toes, zlatan ibrahimovic

Blackburn snap up van Heerden

June 3, 2009

BLACKBURN (AFP) – Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has voiced confidence that Elrio van Heerden can make an impact on the Premier League after signing the South African midfielder on a free transfer from Belgian side Club Brugge.

Van Heerden has been given a two-year contract at Ewood Park and Allardyce has great hopes for the 25-year-old, provided he can cope with the physical demands of English football.

“We need to build him up as he is not the biggest of lads, then I am sure he will make an impact as the season progresses,” Allardyce said Tuesday.

“We have signed a very talented young man. He is a great addition to the squad. He has lots of pace, lots of ability and can play wide right and left.

“He’s had a couple of injuries, which have been hiding his talents but we have monitored him over the last few months.”

Van Heerden has been recruited to help plug gaps created by the departure of his compatriot Aaron Mokoena for Portsmouth and the retirement of Turkey’s Tugay Kerimoglu.