Transfer News/Rumours

[MrWeiWei]

sure will scout tio 1 ... haha

[cutieboy86]

AC Milan win race to sign Brazil teenager Pato

MILAN, Aug 3 (Reuters) - European champions AC Milan have won the race to sign 17-year-old Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato from Internacional, the Italian club said.


The highly-rated Pato shone for Brazil at last month's Under-20 World Cup in Canada and Milan beat Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea to his signature following lengthy negotiations.

'The great talent Alexandre Pato will train with Milan and will be able to play friendly matches from the 3rd of September 2007,' read a statement on Milan's website.

'From the 3rd of January 2008 onwards he will also be able to play in the official games.'

No further details were given on the deal, which was struck after Milan sent officials to Brazil in pursuit of Pato, who goes by the nickname of 'Alex the Duck' in his home country.

Italian media reports said he cost 22 million euros ($30.1 million) and had penned a five-year deal.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was keen to play down comparisons with the club's Brazilian playmaker Kaka.

'It is a different situation from that of Kaka, because when Kaka arrived he was already an accomplished player and older than his age,' Ancelotti said.

'Pato is a young, strong boy but he needs to be given the necessary time to grow and mature.'

The Serie A club had been under pressure to bring in new faces after vice president Adriano Galliani pledged to bring in one of Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Andriy Shevchenko, Didier Drogba or Pato.

Eto'o and Ronaldinho quickly said they were happy at Barcelona while former Milan striker Shevchenko looks set to stay alongside Drogba at Chelsea in a bid to prove his worth after a difficult first season in England.

Pato was the easiest option and his signing is unlikely to placate Milan supporters who fear the club are resting on their laurels following May's Champions League triumph.

Ancelotti's side have made no other signings with target Julio Baptista saying on Thursday he was happy at Real.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=449819&cc=4716

[ahgohgoh]

Brum swoop to sign Ridgewell and Queudrue

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has finally signed Aston Villa defender Liam Ridgewell in a £2million deal after an eight-month chase for his signature.

Blues had a bid for Ridgewell rejected in January and an 11th hour attempt to sign the player on loan before the transfer window closed - after the departure of Matthew Upson to West Ham - was also turned down.

But Bruce has continued to track the former England Under-21 player and he has agreed to move to St Andrews on a three-year contract with a further two-year option.

Former West Ham youngster Ridgewell spent eight years with Villa, initially signing as a schoolboy, and he becomes Bruce's 10th summer signing.

The 23-year-old's arrival follows hot on the heels of left back Franck Queudrue who signed from Fulham earlier today in a £2.5million deal.

He made his first-team debut for Villa in 2003 against Blackburn in the FA Cup and made more than 90 appearances for club, scoring six goals.

Ridgewell looked to have established a regular first-team spot at Villa during David O'Leary's final season in charge.

But he gradually slipped down the pecking order after the arrival of Martin O'Neill last summer and was fourth in line behind Olof Mellberg, Gary Cahill and Martin Laursen.

O'Neill said: 'Liam wanted to play first-team football and we wish him well in his future career.'

[BoyWithBigToy]

lol does scout really use FM to suggest players to managers? :s11:

[xOxMxGx]

lol does scout really use FM to suggest players to managers? :s11:
no lah. must be real life good den FM they will make him good ma.

[ghimpheng]

no lah. must be real life good den FM they will make him good ma.

agree to a certain extend but game is still game

long injury to that player like Micheal owen make him dun look so sharp anymore

[the_ron]

so many foreigners.... it's quite unhealthy IMO...doesn't seem to have hurt Arsenal

[ahgohgoh]

Eriksson promises yet more new City signings

Sven-Goran Eriksson welcomed his four new signings to Manchester City - then confirmed there could be more to come next week.

In a whirlwind 24 hours, Eriksson completed the capture of Brazilian international Elano, Javi Garrido, Vedran Corluka and, this morning, Valeri Bojinov.

The quadruple swoop doubled the number of fresh faces Eriksson has brought into Eastlands since he succeeded Stuart Pearce as manager last month.

With just a week to go before the new campaign gets under way at West Ham, the former England coach has a massive job to integrate the new boys into his squad, especially as only Elano, who has an Italian passport, and Garrido will be available for tomorrow's high-profile friendly with Valencia.

However, Eriksson has not finished yet, with a goalkeeper and, possibly, a defender still on his hit-list.

'I never speak about rumours,' said the Swede when asked specifically about a series of players he has been linked with.

'If you wait three or four days, you will know.

'My dream is to have eight defenders, eight midfielders and four strikers. That is what I am working towards and hopefully, by the time I have finished, that is what I will have.'

Eriksson admitted he currently had so many players on the training field 'I need two pitches'. Departures are inevitable, with Danny and Matthew Mills, Georgios Samaras and Darius Vassell all in the firing line.

However, Eriksson, while accepting his team are nowhere near the level he would like them to be at this stage of the pre-season campaign, is hopeful the required improvement will be made before his side head to Upton Park.

'We are not ready yet,' he said.

'But we have one week to try and make a team of it. It will not be easy and the time is short, everyone knows that.

'We all know when the new owner came in and we all know when I came in. We just have to do the best we can.'

Juventus have confirmed that defender Giorgio Chiellini, who had been linked with City, will not be leaving the Italian club.

The full-back, who is currently in England on a pre-season tour with Juve, is part of coach Claudio Ranieri's plans for next season.

Juve director of sport Alessio Secco told the club's TV channel: 'There is no truth in the voices linking Chiellini with a move.

'Giorgio is part of the club's plans and is staying at Juventus.

'I can only reaffirm what has been said in the last few days that the transfer market regarding players coming in is practically closed, although we are keeping an eye on anything becoming available.

'The team is complete and, with Ranieri, there is a great harmony.'

[xOxMxGx]

poor ghaly. dont understand why he acting this way. deserved to be chase out of EPL.

Blues boss Steve Bruce is understood to have been less than impressed with the approach of Ghaly during a double training session at the club's Wast Hills complex on Friday.

As a result the Blues chief made his feelings known to the Egyptian international and decided to call off the proposed £3million transfer.

Blues had announced the deal on Monday subject to a work permit but until that had been obtained the formal paperwork could not be completed and technically Ghaly was still a Spurs player.

Bruce has taken advantage of that loophole, although the official standpoint of City remains that "footballing reasons" were the cause of the plug being pulled on the transfer.

Tottenham issued a statement maintaining it was Ghaly's decision to return to White Hart Lane.

The alleged incident overshadowed what should have been a satisfactory day for Birmingham with the capture of Aston Villa central defender Liam Ridgewell for £2million and Fulham left-back Franck Queudrue in a £2.5million deal.

That took Bruce's summer captures into double figures, but only for a few hours before news of the collapse of the Ghaly transfer was released by the club

spurs must be defending him so ppl will still buy him for 3m. :s13:

[vasilli07]

poor ghaly. dont understand why he acting this way. deserved to be chase out of EPL.



spurs must be defending him so ppl will still buy him for 3m. :s13:

He is not gone yet...:s27:

We are over-crowded in midfield...

Anyway i free-transfer this guy to reading in FM... :s13:

[SapMao]

Lawl, he didn't want to do so much running allegedly.

Hossam Ghaly was kicked out of Birmingham City by a fuming Steve Bruce yesterday — after moaning about doing too much running.

The Egyptian, who had been at the club only four days with his £3million move from Tottenham still not finally sealed, complained about the training exercises he was being asked to do by manager Bruce.

After being told in no uncertain terms that he should join in with the rest of the squad during the morning session, he was ordered back for another dose of the same after lunch.

But he decided he did not want to be put through his paces again and Bruce blew his top. He ordered Ghaly out of the training ground — along with his agent — and told them in no uncertain terms that his move was off.

It could turn out to be an expensive mistake for the midfielder as he has blown a three-year deal worth £30,000 a week at St Andrew's.

A source said: 'Ghaly told the manager that they didn't do as much running at Spurs as he had been doing this week at Birmingham. The manager was not very happy at all and asked if he meant Spurs' reserves? When Ghaly then voiced his dissatisfaction at a double session after lunch, it was the final straw.'

Bruce had asked the player to step up his training as he had missed five days' work while the clubs thrashed out the move.

After the showdown, Bruce was so angry that he called managing director Karren Brady to the training ground to discuss whether he could call off the move.

As Birmingham were still waiting for Ghaly's work permit the deal had not been completed and so Bruce was able to send him back.

Spurs confirmed via their website last night that Ghaly had decided not to proceed with his move.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=472981&in_page_id=1779

[LiverpoolForeverChamps]

Lawl, he didn't want to do so much running allegedly.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=472981&in_page_id=1779
Haha, interesting... :s13: Lazy to run? Out of the club you go.

[xOxMxGx]

idiot sia. although he is treated like god in Egypt but who does he think he is? wtf man this guy lol. imagine bruce face if the deal is cleared and done and realised he bought a bugger for 3m and only days after he praise his technique side. :s13:

[ahgohgoh]

bruce should learn from his shifu.....
give that farker the boot to his face!~

[BoyWithBigToy]

lol he think he king of egpyt ah lol

[cutieboy86]

Real 'make £27m offer for Ballack, Robben'

MADRID, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have offered Chelsea a combined bid of up to £27million for Germany captain Michael Ballack and Dutch winger Arjen Robben, Spanish media reported on Saturday.


The Spanish champions have been negotiating for Robben for a number of weeks, but the sudden inclusion of midfielder Ballack in the deal comes as something of a surprise.


Media said Real were lining up a five-year deal for Robben, 23, and one of three years for Ballack.

The Germany captain, who turns 31 next month, has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League after moving from Bayern Munich on a free transfer in May 2006.

Real's new coach Bernd Schuster, a former Germany international, said he wanted a player of Ballack's characteristics a week ago.

Robben has been stalling over signing a contract extension at Chelsea, though his current deal has two years left to run.

The pacy, left-footed winger joined the Londoners from PSV Eindhoven for £15million in 2004 but has struggled with inconsistency and injury in his three years at the club.

Real have made no secret of their desire to sign Robben since president Ramon Calderon promised to bring him to the Bernabeu when he took office last year.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=450182&cc=4716

[ahgohgoh]

prince of egypt

[ahgohgoh]

Real 'make £27m offer for Ballack, Robben'

MADRID, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have offered Chelsea a combined bid of up to £27million for Germany captain Michael Ballack and Dutch winger Arjen Robben, Spanish media reported on Saturday.


The Spanish champions have been negotiating for Robben for a number of weeks, but the sudden inclusion of midfielder Ballack in the deal comes as something of a surprise.


Media said Real were lining up a five-year deal for Robben, 23, and one of three years for Ballack.

The Germany captain, who turns 31 next month, has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League after moving from Bayern Munich on a free transfer in May 2006.

Real's new coach Bernd Schuster, a former Germany international, said he wanted a player of Ballack's characteristics a week ago.

Robben has been stalling over signing a contract extension at Chelsea, though his current deal has two years left to run.

The pacy, left-footed winger joined the Londoners from PSV Eindhoven for £15million in 2004 but has struggled with inconsistency and injury in his three years at the club.

Real have made no secret of their desire to sign Robben since president Ramon Calderon promised to bring him to the Bernabeu when he took office last year.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=450182&cc=4716

interesting... source is soccernet

[ahgohgoh]

Cole released on a free by Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp has wished former England international Andy Cole well after agreeing to cancel the remaining two years of the striker's contract.

Click here
Cole, 35, joined Pompey a year ago from Manchester City in a £500,000 move and scored four goals in 22 appearances, many of them as a substitute.

But his exit from Fratton Park was on the cards from the latter stages of last season when he went on loan to Birmingham after complaining he was not getting enough games.

Manager Harry Redknapp said: 'Andy wants to play regularly and we couldn't guarantee that here. Let's hope he can do that wherever he goes next.'

Birmingham did not follow up their loan with a permanent offer despite winning promotion last season and the player's substantial wages are believed to have frightened off Nottingham Forest and Hull.

Relegated Charlton, however, have shown an interest after releasing another veteran striker in Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and selling Darren Bent to Tottenham for around £16million.

Cole, menwhile, has a 'burning ambition' to remain in the Premier League and become a member of the highly exclusive 200 goals club.

He said: 'It is a shame things haven't worked out at Portsmouth. But I'm relieved that it has been sorted out and I can now look forward again.

'I still have a hunger and a burning ambition to score 200 Premier League goals. I have scored goals throughout my career and I now have that added incentive of reaching another personal milestone.

'A number of clubs have shown interest in signing me both from the Premier League and the Championship. I hope to agree terms with a new club before the start of the season.'

In contrast, Kanu's new deal at Fratton Park looks like a formality after his agent revealed the striker is now 'comfortable' with the terms on offer.

It is believed that Kanu, who will miss a large chunk of the season if he plays for Nigeria in the African Nations Cup in January, has agreed a one-year deal with a clause that stipulates he earns another year after playing 16 league games.

Kanu's representative Samuel Okoronkwo admitted: 'It has been protracted, almost like toothache, and Kanu has had to say no to some Spanish teams who were very keen.

'But we managed to strike an agreement with Peter Storrie (Pompey chief executive) and we are comfortable with the terms.'

[the_ron]

Everton have made £11m bid for Porto's Argentina midfield man Luis Gonzalez. Boss David Moyes is attempting to push through a deal for the 26-year-old as Everton face competition from Juventus and Lyon for Gonzalez's signature.

BBC Sport understands Everton are now awaiting a response to the bid, which would beat the club record £8.6m paid to Crystal Palace for Andrew Johnson.

Everton are also poised to pay £5m for Wigan's Leighton Baines after Newcastle admitted defeat in the transfer battle.

Gonzalez - known as "Lucho" - is a key figure in Porto's line-up, and figured in Argentina's squad at the recent Copa America.

Whether Everton pull off the coup remains to be seen, as Moyes bids to end a summer of frustration in the transfer market.

Everton have signed Phil Jagielka from Sheffield United for £4m and signed South African midfield man Steven Pienaar on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund.

But 22-year-old Baines looks set to sign before the start of the season, with Moyes also hoping to close a deal for Gonzalez.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/6931351.stm


lucho gonzales! chances of him joining everton don't seem that great but it'll be a major coup if they sign him. they've been missing a strong central influence since gravesen left. arteta usually starts out from the wing and drifts in

[SapMao]

Fulham swoop for defender Leijer

Fulham have completed the signing of Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer on a three-year contract.

The 21-year-old is the latest addition to manager Lawrie Sanchez's squad in a hectic summer of rebuilding.

Leijer said: "It's just a fantastic opportunity for me to join a club in the English Premier League.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/6931079.stm

Sheff Utd land Beattie and Carney

Sheffield United have signed Everton's James Beattie in a £4m deal and also completed a swoop for Sydney FC's Australian international David Carney.

Both players were paraded on the Bramall Lane pitch before the friendly against Nottingham Forest.

Blades' boss Bryan Robson was pleased to persuade 29-year-old Beattie to drop into the Championship.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/6921437.stm

Newcastle 'agree' to sign Enrique

Villarreal claim they have agreed to sell Spain Under-21 international Jose Enrique to Newcastle.

The Spanish outfit say only a few minor details need to be sorted out before the left-back completes the switch.

"We want to thank Jose Enrique for his contributions and wish him much luck in his footballing career," read a statement on Villarreal's club website.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6931012.stm

Dyer deal is off, says Curbishley

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has said that Kieron Dyer's move from Newcastle is "definitely off".

The two clubs had agreed a fee thought to be £6m for the 28-year-old midfielder but Curbishley has blamed Newcastle for the move collapsing.

"We made an offer, had it accepted, agreed personal terms and the player passed a medical," he said. "But it was pulled at the 11th hour by Newcastle and there's not much we can do about that."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6918873.stm

[BoyWithBigToy]

Newcastle 'agree' to sign Enrique

wow good signing...i use him in FM :s13:

[ahgohgoh]

newcastle wanna sell dyer or not?? ai mai ai mai....

[SapMao]

Sunderland confirm offer for Mido
Sunderland have confirmed they have made a bid for Tottenham striker Mido.
The 24-year-old had looked set to join Birmingham for £6m but the deal fell through, with the Blues blaming the player's demands for contract clauses.
Now Sunderland boss Roy Keane has moved for the Egypt international, revealing in the Daily Express: "He is a player I would like to bring to this club.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/6932892.stm
Allardyce explains Dyer decision
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has revealed Kieron Dyer's move to West Ham collapsed after the Hammers refused to pay an "escalated" fee of £8m.
The Magpies had accepted a bid of £6m for the player but increased the amount they wanted for the 28-year-old to a fee thought to be in the region of £8m.
"In the end, we decided Kieron was undervalued," said Allardyce.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6932843.stm
Duo close in on £9m keeper Gordon
Hearts' £9m-rated goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, has been given permission to hold transfer talks with Sunderland and Aston Villa, BBC Sport understands.
And it is believed that the 24-year-old started two days of training with Sunderland on Monday before heading for a similar spell at Villa Park.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane has rekindled his interest in the Scotland goalkeeper after having a £5m July bid rejected.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/6932931.stm
Baines to undergo Everton medical
England Under-21 defender Leighton Baines is set for a medical at Everton.
The Merseysiders have beaten off interest from Newcastle and after weekend talks agreed a fee with Wigan, believed to be in the region of £6m.
Everton had an opening offer of £4m plus a player turned down by Latics manager Chris Hutchings.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6919072.stm

[version10]

mark of wigans downfall? =/

[BoyWithBigToy]

mark of wigans downfall? =/

wigan already downfalling liao...last seasons managed to scrap through...this season they sure struggle

[vasilli07]

wigan already downfalling liao...last seasons managed to scrap through...this season they sure struggle

With 'Titanic' Bramble in their def, their downfall is already confirmed... :D

[BoyWithBigToy]

With 'Titanic' Bramble in their def, their downfall is already confirmed... :D

haha....with baines gone even more GG lor..dunno how they managed to survived last season and sheffied gt relegated instead

[ahgohgoh]

Man City put trio on the transfer list

Manchester City have made Ousmane Dabo, Danny Mills and Paul Dickov available for transfer.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will listen to offers for Dickov, Mills and Dabo, the Frenchman who was at the centre of an alleged training ground incident with Joey Barton.

Eriksson is preparing to clear out the players he deems surplus to requirements as he closes in on his ninth signing with the arrival of Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano for £3million from Palermo.

[ahgohgoh]

Gordon agrees £9m Sunderland switch
ESPNsoccernet

Sunderland have clinched a record-breaking £9million deal for Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon, according to media reports.

Gary Caldwell
CliveBrunskill/GettyImages
Scotland international Craig Gordon

The transfer fee is the largest paid by a British club for a goalkeeper and also breaks The Black Cats' club record fee of £6.75m, spent on Tore Andre Flo five years ago.

The highly-rated 24-year-old Scotland international had been expected to hold talks with Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill before making his choice.

But Gordon has agreed a five-year with Sunderland's after undergoing a medical at the club on Tuesday.

It is understood that Sunderland will pay an initial £7m, plus £2m in future payments dependent on appearances.

Gordon had spent two days training with Sunderland after a fee was agreed with Hearts.
whao 9m for a keeper is quite high.. but i think this craig gordan was very highly rated... linked to man utd before i think........ exciting...

[BoyWithBigToy]

Gordon agrees £9m Sunderland switch

whao 9m for a keeper is quite high.. but i think this craig gordan was very highly rated... linked to man utd before i think........ exciting...

this gk name really famous when he helped scotland defeat france....he is highly rated

[snake_lover]

Everton manager David Moyes is set to capture Middlesbrough striker Yakubu and Portuguese playmaker Manuel Fernandes for up to £19m. (various)

West Ham will make another bid for Derby youngster Giles barnes after having an offer of £2.5m rejected. (The Sun)

Manchester City have slapped a £4m price tag on want-away striker Giorgios Samaras, which appears to have ended Middlesbrough's interest. (The Sun)

And City's squad is likely to be further swollen by the arrival of Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano in a £3m deal. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy is wanted by Leicester. (The Sun)

Manchester United are considering making a move for Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje, who is also being tracked by Real Betis, Lyon and Aston Villa. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes wants to sign Liverpool's FA Youth cup double winner Charlie Barnett. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool's Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Anthony Le Tallec are set to end their spells at the club by joining Spain's Recreativo Huelva. (Mirror)

Chelsea's Arjen Robben could finally be on his way to Real Madrid after his father and agent, Hans, said a deal may be sealed on Wednesday. (various)

Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez has failed with a £2m approach for Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty. (Daily Express)

Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Reading are all chasing Monaco's veteran Czech striker Jan Koller. (The Times)

Fulham hope they can finalise a £3.5m deal for Watford winger Hameur Bouazza in the next 24 hours. (The Times)

Tottenham and Aston Villa both want West Brom defender Curtis Davies but are not prepared to enter into a bidding war to get him. (The Times)

Wigan remain optimistic they can complete a deal for West Brom left-back Paul Robinson. (The Times)

Blackburn striker Francis Jeffers is thought to be a target for Sheffield United. (The Independent)

Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen could quit the club in January, according to his agent. John Sivebaek said the Dane may leave in the transfer window if he is not restored to the first team. (The Sun)

David Beckham says he has no regrets about taking the controversial painkillers which may have cost him his England place. (various)

Sir Alex Ferguson will send two Manchester United teams to play against Glentoran and Dunfermline on Wednesday night but has been banned from watching either of them by his wife, who has insisted he helps her move house. "I told her I had a match but she wasn't having any of it," said Ferguson. "She said it was a friendly and I had to help her." (Various)

Reading striker Leroy Lita looks set to miss the start of the season after pulling a leg muscle while in bed. (various)

Zenit St Petersburg manager Dick Advocaat rates Celtic's chances of beating Champions League opponents Spartak Moscow as 50-50. The former Rangers boss said Celtic should expect a stern test in their first game in Russia. (The Herald)

[SapMao]

Birmingham revive Mido interest

Birmingham are trying to revive the £6m deal to sign Spurs striker Mido, who has also been courted by Sunderland.

A deal with Spurs for the 24-year-old striker had been agreed only for the move to collapse two weeks ago.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/6937785.stm

First, Birmingham then Sunderland and now, Birmingham again.

Villa close in on keeper Carson

Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson appears set to join Aston Villa on loan for the new season.

The 21-year-old was at Charlton on a similar deal last season and has also been a target for Manchester City.

The England Under-21 international is second choice to Pepe Reina at Anfield and is keen on a move to break into his senior national team.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/6938522.stm

Yakubu stuns Boro with transfer request after being told - you're staying
Yakubu last night stunned Middlesbrough by demanding a move just days before the new season kicks off.
Furious Boro chairman Steve Gibson blocked the Nigeria striker's attempt to secure a £10million move from Teesside and insisted he sees out the remaining three years of his contract.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=474140&in_page_id=1779&ct=5
Yakubu 'has not asked for move'
Middlesbrough striker Yakubu has not submitted a request for a transfer, BBC Sport understands.
Reports suggested the Nigerian had rocked Boro days before the Premier League kick-off by demanding talks with manager Gareth Southgate over a move.
But sources close to the 24-year-old have categorically denied that he has submitted a written request to leave.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/6938421.stm
Aiya, did he or didn't he?

[snake_lover]

Chelsea will step up their bid for Sevilla right-back Daniel Alves as soon as Arjen Robben completes his move to Real Madrid. (Independent)

West Ham could move for Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano after his £4m move to Manchester City broke down. (Independent)

Everton are set to sign Manuel Fernandes after Benfica accepted their £6m bid for a 50% stake. (Daily Mail)

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou is set to join Birmingham on loan for the season. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is still hoping to tie up a deal for £5m-rated Livorno keeper Marco Amelia. (Daily Express)

Middlesbrough are adamant they will not sell Yakubu. (Daily Mirror)

Albert Luque has told Newcastle he wants to leave and is set to join Feyenoord or Levante. (Daily Mirror)

Eidur Gudjohnsen has rejected a move to West Ham even though Barcelona accepted an £8m bid. (Sun)

Manchester City and Newcastle are also after the former Chelsea striker. (Independent)

Tottenham have made Portsmouth's Matt Taylor a target but Pompey are asking £8m. (Sun)

[Cool_it]

Reading striker Leroy Lita looks set to miss the start of the season after pulling a leg muscle while in bed. (various)


:s31:
ten characters

[BoyWithBigToy]

lita really funny sia...ESPN put freak accident...i thought out for months..then read le say on bed stretch pull muscle :s13:

[xOxMxGx]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/6937785.stm

First, Birmingham then Sunderland and now, Birmingham again.


boro too. yakubu and mido would be a nice partnership.

[dreamer75]

Alex singing the Blues at last

Brazil defender Alex has completed his free transfer move to Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven and is looking forward to life at Stamford Bridge

[aqf]

lita really funny sia...ESPN put freak accident...i thought out for months..then read le say on bed stretch pull muscle :s13:
:s13: dun say freak cos it happen to me while i am sleeping 2 days ago too..till now still pain

[ahgohgoh]

Alex singing the Blues at last

Brazil defender Alex has completed his free transfer move to Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven and is looking forward to life at Stamford Bridge

i dun think it's free transfer because he was bought by chelsea few seasons back

but he's good sia... damn strong defender.....

my ben hiam can sell in fantasy league liao LOL

[yourmother]

Chelski has apparently agree a fee with Sevilla for Alves. 25 million pound. So much for 'we won't be spending big this season'.

[dreamer75]

Chelsea capture Alves in £21.5m deal


· Sevilla full-back says Blues were his only choice
· Madrid believe they are close to landing Robben

Sid Lowe in Madrid
Wednesday August 15, 2007
The Guardian

Sevilla's right-back Daniel Alves will become a Chelsea player today. The Brazilian international has already agreed terms and will swap Spanish football for Stamford Bridge in a deal that should be worth in excess of €30m (£21.5m).

Alves is determined that he will leave Sevilla only for London, despite the Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón inquiring about the full-back. Calderón, though, will take comfort from the belief that Chelsea's securing Alves will allow Madrid to finally reach an agreement over the purchase of Arjen Robben, for whom the Spanish club have offered €30m. Madrid are desperate to force that deal through before the weekend. So far, however, their hopes have been unfulfilled.

Article continues

Representatives of Chelsea joined Sevilla's director-general José María Cruz at the TRYP Gran Fenix hotel in Madrid last night in an attempt to finalise the deal for Alves. Cruz's role in major transfers at Sevilla is invariably limited to drawing up contracts. He does not become involved until the basis of a deal has been struck, with negotiations undertaken by the club president José María del Nido - a man famous for driving a hard bargain. Two summers ago, he made a €55m profit on the sales of Sergio Ramos and Julio Baptista to Real Madrid, while last year he rejected a £16m offer from Liverpool for Alves.

At that time, Del Nido verbally agreed to allow Alves to leave this summer if Sevilla received an offer that was "right" for both parties and his hand has been forced by Alves's public insistence that he wants to move on, having won the Copa del Rey and the Uefa Cup in the most successful year in the club's history.

"I want to continue growing as a player and if that has to be somewhere else, then it will be somewhere else," Alves said. Nor has the Sevilla president been able to spark the bidding war he intended when quoting a figure of €40m to Madrid at the weekend. Sources close to Alves insist the full-back is adamant he will join only Jose Mourinho's side and he has informed Sevilla of his intentions. The Brazilian has told friends that he has already agreed contract terms with Chelsea.

Del Nido boasted publicly that he had rejected two €30m-plus offers at the weekend and is determined not to lose face over the sale. Last night Sevilla were understood to be discussing the best way of presenting the deal to fans, with Del Nido likely to talk up the headline figure, as he did with the sale of Sergio Ramos and José Antonio Reyes to Arsenal.

Yesterday, Alves was left out of Sevilla's squad to face AEK Athens in the Champions League qualifier at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium to ensure he is not cup-tied when he joins Chelsea. Although that made sound financial sense for Sevilla, the decision was Alves's. "Dani told me he was not in the right frame of mind to play," said Sevilla's coach Juande Ramos, "I cannot handcuff someone and force them to come to work." Alves's absence was not in itself indicative of an imminent move, but the deal was all but sealed last night.

Madrid had hoped to gain an advantage over Chelsea by approaching Sevilla over Alves and using their interest as leverage in the Robben deal or as retaliation for Chelsea's stubbornness in negotiations over the Dutch winger. That plan fell down on Alves's determination to join Chelsea but Madrid remain hopeful that a deal for Robben can now be brought closer.

The Dutchman has told team-mates he wants to go to the Bernabéu, while strategic leaks from inside Madrid insist that his signing is a matter of hours away. The problem is, they have said that before.

[ahgohgoh]

Chelski has apparently agree a fee with Sevilla for Alves. 25 million pound. So much for 'we won't be spending big this season'.


13.5 + 21.5 = 35

really not alot :s13:

[ceLsius]

13.5 + 21.5 = 35

really not alot :s13:

With Alves coming in and robben exit, it's player for player. Where's the 35 million? :s8: It's still closer to the 13.5 million figure. Apparently not a lot as compared to $50 million (excluding tevez). =:p

[spykid]

30m euros for a right-back?? :s13: :s13:

[ahgohgoh]

With Alves coming in and robben exit, it's player for player. Where's the 35 million? :s8: It's still closer to the 13.5 million figure. Apparently not a lot as compared to $50 million (excluding tevez). =:p

you one standard leh....

chelsea havent sell robben, you already minus off the numbers...

man utd sold smith and richardson for total of 11.5m, you never minus off... LOL

even can bring the tevez up to 30m pounds when that includes wages and all in 3 yrs time wtf :s13: :s13:

[BoyWithBigToy]

quite ex but if i were jose i sure buy...he is young and he is one of the best in the world...so why not?

[ceLsius]

you one standard leh....

chelsea havent sell robben, you already minus off the numbers...

man utd sold smith and richardson for total of 11.5m, you never minus off... LOL

even can bring the tevez up to 30m pounds when that includes wages and all in 3 yrs time wtf :s13: :s13:

I use Tevez price to minus off smith and richardson lah, still got $$$ add to 50 million. :s8:

[Cressi]

tevez only cost us 5m for this season...

[ghimpheng]

13.5 + 21.5 = 35

really not alot :s13:


alves not yet in you already also count him in =/ :s22:

[ahgohgoh]

alves not yet in you already also count him in =/ :s22:

i see dreamer's news...

it said capture...

now chelsea say no capture...

[ahgohgoh]

Sevilla reject Chelsea Alves bid

Sevilla have dismissed a bid from Chelsea for Daniel Alves as 'way below' what they would accept.

Click here
The UEFA Cup holders have been fending off interest from the Stamford Bridge side for the 24-year-old Brazil international defender, who has indicated that he would like to move to England.

A statement posted on the Sevilla website read: 'Sevilla would like to clarify, in relation to the news in various media stories relating to negotiations between this club and Chelsea of England for the transfer of the player to the London club, that Sevilla has considered the offer made by Chelsea to acquire the player as way below the level expected by the club (Sevilla).

'This being the case, Daniel remains a player of Sevilla FC.'

[ahgohgoh]

West Ham sign Magpies midfielder Dyer

Kieron Dyer's on-off move from Newcastle to West Ham has finally been concluded after the two sides agreed terms.

The England midfielder, who has been keen to leave St James' Park to be closer to his family, looked like he had missed out on the chance to join the Hammers when the deal stalled earlier this month.

West Ham had agreed a fee for the 28-year-old, who can play across the midfield or as a support striker, but the deal hit the buffers when the Magpies decided to up their valuation of the player from around £6million to nearer £8million.

Dyer, who has earned 32 England caps since making his debut in 1999, will link up with a clutch of former Newcastle team-mates including Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Lee Bowyer - with whom he had a infamous on-field scuffle in April 2005 - at Upton Park.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley, who had previously declared the deal dead following Newcastle's change in stance, has already signed Julien Faubert, Freddie Ljungberg and Richard Wright in addition to Bellamy and Parker this summer.

good player if he can stay fit

[spykid]

Dyer, Bowyer, Bellamy. Guess what will happen? :s31:

[MrWeiWei]

royal rumble

[snake_lover]

Dyer, Bowyer, Bellamy. Guess what will happen? :s31:
maybe robbie savage balls will shrink if the trio play against blackburn

[snake_lover]

Sol Campbell, whose Portsmouth deal expires next summer, says "the clock is ticking" and it is in the club's hands whether or not he stays (News of the World).

Middlesbrough have rejected Sunderland's attempt to re-sign Julio Arca (News of the World).

Manchester City could make a move for Real Madrid's Spanish international Guti before the transfer window closes (Express).

Manchester United have offered Gabriel Heinze to Lyon, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus but he is only interested in going to Liverpool (Express).

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are in a £10m battle for Croatian midfielder Luka Modric (Mail).


Newcastle will offer Emre to Barcelona in an attempt to sign Deco (News of the World).

After their loss at Wigan, Sunderland boss Roy Keane has vowed never again to "cross the line between loyalty and stupidity" over team selection (Observer).

England boss Steve McClaren is angry because so many players have to play on a Sunday only days before the friendly with Germany (Independent).

Tottenham representatives met Sevilla boss Juande Ramos in Spain on Friday (News of the World).

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has stumped up £30m of his own money to cut the club's debts (News of the World).

New Leicester boss Martin Allen has already had a major bust-up with owner Milan Mandaric after failing to sign Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (News of the World).

Reading boss Steve Coppell says the top sides are treated more leniently by referees, with his side already having players sent off against Manchester United and Chelsea this season (Express).

Sunderland have registered goalkeeping coach Raimond van der Gouw as an emergency back-up player - at the age of 44 (Express).

Former Tottenham striker Jurgen Klinsmann could be the London club's new manager if Martin Jol leaves the club (Mail).

Renault Formula One boss Flavio Briatore's takeover of QPR should be completed by the end of the week (Sunday Times).

[ahgohgoh]

Dyer, Bowyer, Bellamy. Guess what will happen? :s31:

triple threat no holds barr

[ahgohgoh]

Boro bid £6m for Heerenveen striker Alves

Middlesbrough have offered Heerenveen £6.1million for star striker Afonso Alves, according to a report in Holland.

Click here
The 26-year-old Brazilian was top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie last season with 34 goals and says he could move to Boro.

'They are seriously interested in me,' Alves told De Telegraaf. 'Middlesbrough have shown this, too, with their offer.

'For such a big club and for the Premier League, I am always open and the first talks are really hopeful. That will not be the problem.'

De Telegraaf claims Heerenveen have already lined up a replacement for Alves should the move go through. The club have been tracking 18-year-old Atletico Mineiro striker Paulo Henrique at a youth tournament in Terborg.

whao this guy is not bad!!
no offence... but boro... big club?!

[Toturisc]

Spurs in for Riquelme

Juan Roman Riquelme's agent claims Tottenham Hotspur have made an offer for the Argentinian playmaker.

Villarreal are willing to sell Riquelme after the player spent the second half of last season back in Argentina with Boca Juniors.

There has been interest from several clubs across Europe, but reports suggest Spurs have lodged a 15million euros (£10million) bid.

Riquelme's representative Marcos Franchi feels Villarreal should accept the offer from Tottenham, who have already spent heavily over the summer.

The Spanish side's president Fernando Roig is considering the bid and Franchi is waiting for an official response from Riquelme's current club.

Good offer

"Despite that we haven't been told anything officially, we know that Villarreal has received a very important offer from Tottenham and that the president Fernando Roig is analysing it," Franchi told Radio La Red.

"They have to make a decision before August 31, otherwise Riquelme will stay at Villarreal as there aren't any other serious negotiations.

"If nothing new appears I think that they should accept this offer as it is good for the club and the player.

"I don't think that Riquelme would be useful for Villarreal without playing.

"It would be much more useful for them to sell him so they recover what they invested in him when they bought him."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_2673635,00.html

[vasilli07]

Hmm...not sure if he can succeed in the fast-paced epl anot or will he be another veron? :s8:

I would rather have Van Der Vaart as our playmaker...

[yourmother]

Riquelme is class, but yay the question of adapting to the Premier League, especially for someone near his age.

[RVN]

Anelka could trot off from Bolton

Nicolas Anelka admits it is "possible" he could leave Bolton before the close of the transfer window - with four clubs vying for his signature.

The French striker has been linked with Manchester rivals City and United as well as West Ham and Portsmouth following the Trotters' disappointing start to the new season.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is in the hunt for a new striker and has been heavily linked with Anelka all summer, though reports in The Sun suggest Newcastle's Obafemi Martins is now his top target.

Whether he turns to Anelka or not, it seems the Frenchman is prepared to leave the Reebok, though he insists he wants to stay in the Premier League.

"Even if I feel comfortable at Bolton, the club needs money, so it is possible that I will leave before the close of the transfer window," Anelka told Le Journal du Dimanche.

"But I won't join Lyon. I have nothing against them - they are a good club, but I repeat it another time, I won't come back and play in France.

"It is a definitive 'no'. So there is zero per cent chance of me joining Lyon."

Bolton boss Sammy Lee, who could also lose El Hadji Diouf, hinted Anelka could be on his way after drawing up a contingency plan.

Lee told the Bolton News: "You don't want to lose quality players, but other things dictate.

"It would be remiss of me to get involved in the speculation, but all I would say is that everybody's aware of his qualities and we are just making sure we have the right preparation, to cover for every eventuality."

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2673621,00.html

[Toturisc]

Carlo's Chelsea conundrum
Cudicini ready to quit Chelsea

Carlo Cudicini is unhappy with Chelsea's decision not to sanction his departure, despite the fact he spent much of last season as third choice.

The capable Italian, prior to Petr Cech's arrival at Stamford Bridge, had been rated as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers but in the past three years he has started just 15 league games.

At 34-years-old he has now concluded that he wants to quit West London in the pursuit of first-team football, but Chelsea are refusing to let him move on.

Both Manchester City and Newcastle have been linked with an approach, possibly in a loan swoop, and Cudicini's agent, Fernando Pastorello, is far from enamoured with his present employer's standpoint.

Unhappy camper

"Carlo is not happy," he told the Daily Mail.

"He had an opportunity to leave and play a bit more but Chelsea said no.

"They told him he had to stay because there was not enough time to find a new goalkeeper to replace him.

"Carlo thinks it is time for him to play a bit more. At Chelsea he expects to be the second choice but when you get the chance to play it is something you have to be interested in."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2673643,00.html

[Toturisc]

HEINZE VERDICT EXPECTED TODAY

A Premier League arbitration panel are today expected to deliver their verdict on whether Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze should be allowed to join Liverpool.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill yesterday travelled to a tribunal in London.

The Argentina defender has asked for a three-man panel to decide whether United gave him permission to leave the club for an agreed fee.

Heinze wants to join Liverpool and claims he has a letter from United allowing him to leave if a club offered a fee of £6.8million.

However, United maintain they made it clear to Heinze both orally and by letter that he would not be permitted to join one of their title rivals in the top flight.

A verdict was expected yesterday but shortly after 6.30pm it became clear that nothing would be forthcoming until today.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/transfer_centre/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/08/21/SOCCER_Heinze_Panel.html

[Toturisc]

Milan strike Emerson deal

Milan have confirmed that they have agreed a deal with Real Madrid for Emerson, just days after giving up on the deal.

The Italian giants had grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress over talks and announced they had pulled out of the deal.

However, they have now confirmed they have landed one of their top transfer targets after they agreed terms with Real on the transfer which will be worth around 5 million euros (£3.3million) to the Spanish champions.

Emerson is now due in Italy in the next 24 hours where he will sign a two-year deal at the Giuseppe Meazza.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_2676628,00.html

[Cressi]

Everton strike Yakubu deal

Toffees agree record deal

Skysports.com understands that Everton have agreed a deal with Middlesbrough for Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

The two clubs have been locked in talks for the last few weeks and have now finally agreed terms.

Portsmouth and West Ham were also interested, but the player's first option was always to seal a move to Goodison Park.

Boro had been looking for £12million the 24-year-old - but they have relented and accepted a deal worth just over £11million.

Yakubu, who trained with Middlesbrough on Wednesday, is now due on Merseyside to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

The Nigerian will become Everton's record signing and if all goes according to plan he should be available to make his Toffees debut against Blackburn on Saturday.

[ahgohgoh]

wah seh everton getting stronggggg

[Cressi]

provided yakubu get back his form for portsmouth, sign up for some weight loss session than he dangerous liao.

[spykid]

11m for Yakubu. Is he worth it? Him and AJ upfront looks good though, pace and power.

[yourmother]

The market has been spoil by Chelski.

[Rappelz]

inflations....

[martinweng]

The market has been spoil by Chelski.

i dun think chelsea has anything to do with darren bent's 16.5m move.

and yakubu was signed by boro for 7m...only reasonable to sell him off at a profit.

[yourmother]

Of course there, every club think it's fine to sell at a inflated price now.

[version10]

but look at how much henry went for =/

might be a good deal for everton =/ the players still 24 u know

[vasilli07]

Chelsea Strike 5.5M Belletti Agreement
Frustrated by Sevilla's inflated valuation of Daniel Alves, Chelsea have chosen to look for alternative solutions, and sealed a 5.5 million euro deal for Barcelona's Juliano Belletti.

Chelsea have been in the market for a right back pretty much since the start of the summer, and Daniel Alves has been the number one target for a while now.

However, Sevilla have refused to budge from their 36 million euro valuation of the right-back, and in fact raised it to 40 million on Wednesday.

It was a clear indication that they wanted to hang on to their star player as they head for their maiden Champions League campaign. Chelsea understood the signs full well (alternatively, you could say that their patience finally wore thin).

With Real Madrid selling fellow Brazilian right-back Cicinho to Roma, another avenue was closed, and the Blues have pitched for yet another Brazilian full-back in Juliano Belletti.

Belletti had a reasonably good first two seasons at the Nou Camp after moving from Villarreal in a swap deal involving Jose Reina in 2004. In fact, he wrote himself into Barcelona's history books in May 2006, when he scored the winner against Arsenal in the Champions League final.

However, he has since been demoted to the bench due to the arrival of Gianluca Zambrotta from Juventus, and was keen on a move away in order to get more first team chances.

That he will get at Chelsea, who actually played Michael Essien at right-back against Liverpool last weekend. A 5.5 million euro deal has been struck, and the 31-year-old is expected to sign a three year contract at Stamford Bridge later today.

He has won two La Liga titles and the Champions League with Barcelona, as well as the 2002 World Cup with Brazil.



Hmm...quite a surprising transfer...looks like Alves will be going to R.madrid then...:o

[vasilli07]

Chelsea And Madrid Agree 36m Robben Deal
Arjen Robben's move to Real Madrid is finally set to go through after Chelsea agreed a fee with the Spanish champions for the Dutchman.

The 23-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu ever since Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon promised to land him during his election campaign last summer.

The deal had stalled over the player's valuation, with Real Madrid scoffing at the 36 million euro price tag.

However, the pre-season set-backs suffered by Los Merengues have forced their hand in some ways, and with the La Liga start less that 72 hours away, they have agreed to meet Chelsea's asking price.

Reads a statement released by the club:

Real Madrid CF and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben to the Spanish Club. The Dutch player will sign a five-year contract with the Whites. The player still has to pass a medical exam.

The former PSV Eindhoven star, who was initially a massive success at Stamford Bridge before losing his way under manager Jose Mourinho last year, will travel to Madrid today, and put pen to paper on a five year deal after completing a medical.

The move sees Real president Ramon Calderon finally come good on a part of his election promise, which was to sign Cest Fabrages, Kaka and Arjen Robben.

Real Madrid have also signed Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United on Wednesday, the Argentine having been forced to leave Old Trafford anyway after his attempts to move to Liverpool crashed and burned.

The signings take Real Madrid's summer spending well beyond the 100 million euro mark. The breakdown is as follows:

Pepe: 30m, Drenthe: 18m, Sneijder: 27m, Robben: 36m, Heinze: 10m; Total: 121m.

Deducting the maximum of 11 million that they may net for Cicinho, it brings the total spending to 110 million euros. Javier Saviola, Christoph Metzelder and Jersy Dudek were signed on free transfers.

Abhishek Thakur

[ceLsius]

The market has been spoil by Chelski.

The market spoil or not Arsenal also stingy 1 lah.

[BoyWithBigToy]

The market spoil or not Arsenal also stingy 1 lah.

arsenal not like chelsea gt alot of money....anyway arsenal is the only top 4 club owned by english man for yr info...not everybody gt the luxury to buy players like sheva to warm up benches and buy drink for players

[ceLsius]

arsenal not like chelsea gt alot of money....anyway arsenal is the only top 4 club owned by english man for yr info...not everybody gt the luxury to buy players like sheva to warm up benches and buy drink for players

Own by English man so? The players who are English in the club are? :s13:

[yourmother]

Players come and go. The board is here to stay. I'm sure twats like you prefer the money over your English players. So you understand those three sentences? Is it too much for your brain(I'm sure if you have one anyway) to process?

Taking cheap shots here and there seems like the only things Chelski loving losers can do. :s13:

[ceLsius]

Players come and go. The board is here to stay. I'm sure twats like you prefer the money over your English players. So you understand those three sentences? Is it too much for your brain(I'm sure if you have one anyway) to process?

Taking cheap shots here and there seems like the only things Chelski loving losers can do. :s13:

Please tell me how a club manage by "English" can contribute to English football with almost the entire squad full of foreign players. Ironic that Arsenal fans keep claiming and sound as if that they are so holy that they stick to English management, but on the hand, recruiting tons of foreign players. English management that don't support English players are far worse that foreign owned clubs that recruit English players. And pls my dear Arsenal fans, please stop giving me the damn stupid excuse that English players are expensive.

[Rappelz]

Please tell me how a club manage by "English" can contribute to English football with almost the entire squad full of foreign players. Ironic that Arsenal fans keep claiming and sound as if that they are so holy that they stick to English management, but on the hand, recruiting tons of foreign players. English management that don't support English players are far worse that foreign owned clubs that recruit English players. And pls my dear Arsenal fans, please stop giving me the damn stupid excuse that English players are expensive.
SG govt over many FT or FT ministers and no FTs..?
whatever.. i dun like FTs...

[yourmother]

Please tell me how a club manage by "English" can contribute to English football with almost the entire squad full of foreign players. Ironic that Arsenal fans keep claiming and sound as if that they are so holy that they stick to English management, but on the hand, recruiting tons of foreign players. English management that don't support English players are far worse that foreign owned clubs that recruit English players. And pls my dear Arsenal fans, please stop giving me the damn stupid excuse that English players are expensive.
Don't call us dear, since we prefer you lot as dickheads. Do Arsenal fans keep claiming we are holy because we retain our English roots? Who started the whole English players thing again? Are you blind or are you blind? Refer to post #1080, dickhead.

Over the years we have chuck out a fair amount of English players who although are not good enough for us but they went on to other Premier League teams. You have one Arsenal reject in the form of Steve Sidwell yourself. Jermaine Pennant, David Bentley, Matthew Upson, Fabrice Muamba. Sounds familiar to you, dickhead?

The Arsenal Academy which consist of 80% English players has consistently produced footballers ready for first-team action with both Arsenal and other professional football clubs. What have your Chelski done? Oh for your info we just beat you 3-1 in the FA Premier Under-18s Academy League.

English players are not expensive? This strengthens the claim that Chelski's plastic fans are the dickhead of dickheads.

Please just go back to your usual cheap shots here and there, attempting to write a constructive post and having a debates/discussion just make you look more clueless.

[ahgohgoh]

heinze from man utd to real...
robben from chelsea to real....

[dreamer75]

I don't understand Chelsea's acquisition of Balletti ....Okay, so he scored a goal in the Champions League final and ended Arsenal's dreams, so he can't all be bad; but he was second choice at Barca, and he's no spring chicken at 31 years young.

[ahgohgoh]

geremi out = one must come in.... mourinho's policy

[SapMao]

Roman's dream scheme: Get me Ronaldinho, the best player in the world... by Friday!

Roman Abramovich has held two meetings with Ronaldinho's brother and adviser, the second in London this weekend, in the hope of bringing the Barcelona superstar to Chelsea.

In the most audacious transfer business of his Chelsea tenure, the Russian billionaire spent the weekend entertaining Roberto de Assis Moreira, flying him in on his private jet and putting him up at the exclusive Lanesborough Hotel in Mayfair. Abramovich held the second meeting with Moreira at his Knightsbridge house on Saturday morning and is understood to have put an offer to him that would make the Brazil star the highest paid player in Europe.

Sources at Chelsea last night insisted that the first approach came from Ronaldinho's camp and it is unclear what exact figures have been discussed. It will, however, dwarf the £130,000-a-week deal recently agreed with captain John Terry. Luring Ronaldinho from the Nou Camp is not going to be easy, and not just because the summer transfer window closes this Friday.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=477969&in_page_id=1779

[ceLsius]

Roman's dream scheme: Get me Ronaldinho, the best player in the world... by Friday!

Roman Abramovich has held two meetings with Ronaldinho's brother and adviser, the second in London this weekend, in the hope of bringing the Barcelona superstar to Chelsea.

In the most audacious transfer business of his Chelsea tenure, the Russian billionaire spent the weekend entertaining Roberto de Assis Moreira, flying him in on his private jet and putting him up at the exclusive Lanesborough Hotel in Mayfair. Abramovich held the second meeting with Moreira at his Knightsbridge house on Saturday morning and is understood to have put an offer to him that would make the Brazil star the highest paid player in Europe.

Sources at Chelsea last night insisted that the first approach came from Ronaldinho's camp and it is unclear what exact figures have been discussed. It will, however, dwarf the £130,000-a-week deal recently agreed with captain John Terry. Luring Ronaldinho from the Nou Camp is not going to be easy, and not just because the summer transfer window closes this Friday.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=477969&in_page_id=1779

No wonder barcelona drew 0-0 last night against 10 men Racing Santander. :s13:

[Arbalest]

Everton anger at Fernandes snub

Everton have been stunned by Manuel Fernandes' decision to join Valencia - less than 24 hours after he was their guest at yesterday's home game with Blackburn.

The Benfica midfielder even spent an hour with chairman and owner Bill Kenwright assuring the Merseysiders that he would be joining them, before apparently heading home.

In fact, Fernandes flew to Valencia, and now looks certain to join them for a £12million fee.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457269&cc=4716

Walao.. Fernandes good sia.. pull this kind of stunt.. but guess that's the way clubs play it nowadays

[ahgohgoh]

No wonder barcelona drew 0-0 last night against 10 men Racing Santander. :s13:

tap up sia.... again......

[Arbalest]

If Ronaldhinho move.. Chelski must pay Barca £85 Million! Fwah!

[vasilli07]

Everton appeal against Yakubu work permit decision

LONDON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - The 11.25 million pound ($22.53 million) transfer of Nigerian Yakubu Aiyegbeni from Middlesbrough cannot be completed because the striker has been refused a new work permit, buying club Everton said on Sunday.

Although the 24-year-old has played in England since January 2003 when he joined Portsmouth from Maccabi Haifa, he quit playing for Nigeria in 2006 so now fails to meet the British Home Office requirement of involvement in 75 percent of his country's internationals in the last two years.

Everton said on their Web site (www.evertonfc.com) they have appealed against the decision and expect to hear the result on Wednesday.

Yakubu left Portsmouth for Middlesbrough in 2005 and has scored 35 goals in 104 cup and league appearances for the north east club.

He played in Middlesbrough's first two games of the season but has not featured in their last two, including Sunday's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

Everton, who will compete in this season's UEFA Cup, decided to move for Yakubu after selling James Beattie to relegated Sheffield United and losing two key attacking players, Tim Cahill and James Vaughan, to injuries.

A Middlesbrough spokesman said the clubs had agreed a fee for the player but that the deal had not yet been completed.

[martinweng]

Everton appeal against Yakubu work permit decision

LONDON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - The 11.25 million pound ($22.53 million) transfer of Nigerian Yakubu Aiyegbeni from Middlesbrough cannot be completed because the striker has been refused a new work permit, buying club Everton said on Sunday.

Although the 24-year-old has played in England since January 2003 when he joined Portsmouth from Maccabi Haifa, he quit playing for Nigeria in 2006 so now fails to meet the British Home Office requirement of involvement in 75 percent of his country's internationals in the last two years.

Everton said on their Web site (www.evertonfc.com) they have appealed against the decision and expect to hear the result on Wednesday.

Yakubu left Portsmouth for Middlesbrough in 2005 and has scored 35 goals in 104 cup and league appearances for the north east club.

He played in Middlesbrough's first two games of the season but has not featured in their last two, including Sunday's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

Everton, who will compete in this season's UEFA Cup, decided to move for Yakubu after selling James Beattie to relegated Sheffield United and losing two key attacking players, Tim Cahill and James Vaughan, to injuries.

A Middlesbrough spokesman said the clubs had agreed a fee for the player but that the deal had not yet been completed.

wtf?

why?

yakubu has been in england for so long liao.

EDIT: ok juz saw it....

[Rappelz]

Everton appeal against Yakubu work permit decision

LONDON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - The 11.25 million pound ($22.53 million) transfer of Nigerian Yakubu Aiyegbeni from Middlesbrough cannot be completed because the striker has been refused a new work permit, buying club Everton said on Sunday.

Although the 24-year-old has played in England since January 2003 when he joined Portsmouth from Maccabi Haifa, he quit playing for Nigeria in 2006 so now fails to meet the British Home Office requirement of involvement in 75 percent of his country's internationals in the last two years.

Everton said on their Web site (www.evertonfc.com) they have appealed against the decision and expect to hear the result on Wednesday.

Yakubu left Portsmouth for Middlesbrough in 2005 and has scored 35 goals in 104 cup and league appearances for the north east club.

He played in Middlesbrough's first two games of the season but has not featured in their last two, including Sunday's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

Everton, who will compete in this season's UEFA Cup, decided to move for Yakubu after selling James Beattie to relegated Sheffield United and losing two key attacking players, Tim Cahill and James Vaughan, to injuries.

A Middlesbrough spokesman said the clubs had agreed a fee for the player but that the deal had not yet been completed.

why can play 2 games for boro but cannot for everton..?

[spinelli]

Everton anger at Fernandes snub

Everton have been stunned by Manuel Fernandes' decision to join Valencia - less than 24 hours after he was their guest at yesterday's home game with Blackburn.

The Benfica midfielder even spent an hour with chairman and owner Bill Kenwright assuring the Merseysiders that he would be joining them, before apparently heading home.

In fact, Fernandes flew to Valencia, and now looks certain to join them for a £12million fee.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457269&cc=4716

Walao.. Fernandes good sia.. pull this kind of stunt.. but guess that's the way clubs play it nowadays


I love it.Players seem to enjoy doing this to Everton aka small club :s13: :s13:

And yes AGG Im back

[spinelli]

why can play 2 games for boro but cannot for everton..?


Its different...he has an existing contract with Boro from the last permit.Cant be the FA ask him to go back for nothing right?In this case its considered a new application hence the requirement comes in

[ahgohgoh]

I love it.Players seem to enjoy doing this to Everton aka small club :s13: :s13:

And yes AGG Im back

WAH LAU EH where you go ah miss you deep deep :s13:

[ahgohgoh]

i think everton can appeal with the excuse that he is a ....... exceptional talent...

[Rappelz]

Its different...he has an existing contract with Boro from the last permit.Cant be the FA ask him to go back for nothing right?In this case its considered a new application hence the requirement comes in
icic.. so the permit is bound to contract..
i thought is every season..

[the_ron]

I don't understand Chelsea's acquisition of Balletti ....Okay, so he scored a goal in the Champions League final and ended Arsenal's dreams, so he can't all be bad; but he was second choice at Barca, and he's no spring chicken at 31 years young.guess he's just desperate to fill in that rightback hole
he clearly has no trust in Johnson or Ferreira...

that signing was out of the blue

[martinweng]

icic.. so the permit is bound to contract..
i thought is every season..

ya but...

i always presumed that work permit is affected mostly by the fame factor.

obvious a more well-known South American player e.g. Ronaldo could just come England and there is no way English governing body could reject him.

whereas those not very well-known and young starlets will find it hard to get a work permit (thru my experience in CM and FM these few years)

so i dun understand why yakubu, despite not playing for nigeria, is not allowed a work permit.

[yourmother]

No fish prawn also can for Chelski

[spinelli]

icic.. so the permit is bound to contract..
i thought is every season..


You see.The work permit works like our's.When its issued,its meant for that particular employer(club for this case).If he moves to another employer,naturally another one need to be issued.Not sure if they need to renew the WP if they choose to extend the contract or what,doubt so since I dun recall any before

[spinelli]

WAH LAU EH where you go ah miss you deep deep :s13:


You want the truth ah?

for as long as I can remember,i din touch any news on soccer since we lost that final.Subsequently I started my studying,plus work at the same time.damn siong lei :s13:
i only manage to find time to come here once in a while to Liverpool thread only.Now abit free cos on break :D

[MrWeiWei]

You want the truth ah?

for as long as I can remember,i din touch any news on soccer since we lost that final.Subsequently I started my studying,plus work at the same time.damn siong lei :s13:
i only manage to find time to come here once in a while to Liverpool thread only.Now abit free cos on break :D
u came back with a pruss wan on GP's thread hahahahah

[SapMao]

West Ham reveal Adriano approach

West Ham have confirmed they are in talks about a potential loan deal for Inter Milan's out-of-favour Brazilian striker Adriano. A statement by the Hammers said: "The possible deal is in its early stages and money has not yet been discussed.

"We are investigating the possibility of a loan deal at this stage." Adriano, 25, has slipped down the pecking order at Inter and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he rejected a chance to take him on loan. The Brazilian has scored 25 goals in 37 games for his country but has suffered a loss of form amid a succession of injuries and doubts over his commitment.

Part of Wenger's refusal to do business with Inter was because they wanted an unnamed Arsenal player on loan as part of the deal. But the Gunners boss says he feels that area of his squad is strong enough, explaining: "We do not need him and it was an easy decision to make because we're not out there to sign another striker. "The agreement was for a loan. Adriano has qualities we don't need. They wanted to give us a player but wanted one back in return. I won't say who it was. I didn't want to lose the player they requested. I didn't necessarily think Adriano would upset the balance of the squad."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/6967593.stm

[ahgohgoh]

haha west ham...

but they are london club right.... i think although it's audacious there's a slight possibility

[the_ron]

he rejected a loan move already, but SSN says West Ham will be trying again

well.. Adriano is known for enjoying nightlife and breaking curfews, he'll enjoy London :D

[blurrry]

haha i don't think adriano would join the likes of west ham.

[yourmother]

CHELSEA and Spurs are haggling over a swap deal involving Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe.

And SunSport can reveal the transfers are being held up over the valuation of Defoe.

Manchester United are lurking in the wings and are weighing up a bid to sign Tottenham ace Defoe.

The Blues want a straight swap but Spurs insist their striker is worth SWP plus around £4million.

Both players have agreed to the switch although the clubs remain at loggerheads over the details. Chelsea enquired about Defoe, 24, and were asked if they would consider making winger Wright-Phillips, 25, part of the deal.

A proposal without cash was put forward and then scuppered by Spurs.

They cited Chelsea had agreed a £10.5m fee for SWP with West Ham and Aston Villa in the last transfer window but the player refused to move. Spurs have so far rebuffed all offers for England hitman Defoe and claimed his valuation is £15m.

The deal remains on ice until one of the London rivals offers a compromise.

But officials at both sides are prepared to let it go to Friday’s transfer deadline.

That may leave room for United to make a cash-only bid. If Defoe moves to Stamford Bridge, it could allow striker Andriy Shevchenko to return to AC Milan.

Defoe’s current deal expires in 2009 and Tottenham have indicated a desire to extend it but the player is aware his future may now lie elsewhere.

He is the fourth-choice forward at White Hart Lane behind Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane and Darren Bent.


- The Sun

[yellowsubmarine]

Didnt realised SWP is older than Defoe by 1 year.

[MrWeiWei]

Pompey clinch four-year Johnson deal

Former England right-back Glen Johnson has joined Portsmouth from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. The ex-West Ham defender has signed a four-year deal at Fratton Park after agreeing the terms of a transfer thought to be worth around £4million to the London club. Johnson, 23, returns to the south coast after spending last season on loan with Pompey

sauce : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=458739&cc=4716

sudden news sia

[1920_me]

A mad day of transfer begins...here is the update:

=>Gravesan back at Everton n a season-long loan deal

=>Wigan Sign Marcus Bent on a season-long loan deal

=>Stefanovic moves to Fulham

http://www.skysports.com/football/transfer_centre

[ahgohgoh]

chelsea's been using glen johnsen but looks like he buay zai... he made quite a num of mistake... so jose sell him off sign the barca guy lol

[1920_me]

its weird they sold glen and diarra both right-back, dont think they have cover for right-back (barring essien).

[vasilli07]

A mad day of transfer begins...here is the update:

=>Gravesan back at Everton n a season-long loan deal

=>Wigan Sign Marcus Bent on a season-long loan deal

=>Stefanovic moves to Fulham

http://www.skysports.com/football/transfer_centre


Another shocking transfer, solano to west ham.

[vasilli07]

its weird they sold glen and diarra both right-back, dont think they have cover for right-back (barring essien).

They have, ben haim, belletti and p.ferreria.(spelling) :o

[dle4e_2005]

Another shocking transfer, solano to west ham.

Why Newcastle sell him again?
One of the fans frav player in Toon if I'm not wrong.

[waitforyou]

Didnt realised SWP is older than Defoe by 1 year.

Defoe is like playing forever already...

[ahgohgoh]

Arsenal sign Diarra from Chelsea

Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle left it late to beat the transfer deadline and make last-minute signings on Friday night.

Click here
Arsenal have signed France international midfielder Lassana Diarra from Chelsea on a 'long-term contract' for an undisclosed fee.

West Ham confirmed they signed Henri Camara from Wigan and Nolberto Solano from Newcastle, while the Magpies beat the transfer deadline to complete the signings of Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye.

Versatile 22-year-old Diarra had found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge and told the club's website, arsenal.com: 'I have great respect for the manager Arsene Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays.

'Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come.'

Striker Camara has signed on a season-long loan at Upton Park while Solano joins on a one-year contract with the option of another year.

Neither signed in time to play for the Hammers against Reading today.

Defensive pair Beye and Faye had been expected to make the move to St James' Park but left it late to confirm their three-year deals.

Middlesbrough overcame a late complication to complete the £5million signing of Gary O'Neil from Portsmouth less than an hour before the transfer deadline.

The 24-year-old underwent a medical on Teesside after the two clubs agreed a £5million fee.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate told Sky Sports: 'We've just completed the deal, we've very pleased and I'm looking forward to getting home to bed!'

Southgate was also able to complete the signing of Mohamed Shawky from Egyptian side Al-Ahly for £650,000 on a three-year deal, while releasing the experienced Jason Euell to make a free transfer to Southampton.

As the midnight deadline approached, Reading signed Liam Rosenior from Fulham with Seol Ki-Hyeon moving in the opposite direction.

Fulham were one of the most active teams, Danny Murphy also joining on a one-year deal from Tottenham.

Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop became Portsmouth's second signing of transfer deadline day.

Having already signed spent £4million to sign Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson on a four-year contract, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp signed the Senegal international on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

One player who had already departed Fratton Park was Dejan Stefanovic, who joined Fulham for £1million on a two-year deal, subject to a work permit.

Elsewhere, the busiest managers could be found in the midlands with Aston Villa, Birmingham and Derby all making moves.

Martin O'Neill's pursuit of defender Curtis Davies finally came to a successful conclusion in what could be a potential club-record deal.

The West Brom centre-half secured a season-long loan at Villa with a view to a permanent switch which would be worth an initial £8.5million, possibly rising to £10million with add-ons.

O'Neill, who also signed Zat Knight this week, then made Togo midfielder Moustapha Salifou his third buy during the last 48 hours, signing him from Swiss club FC Wil on a one-year contract.

Scotland striker Kenny Miller swapped Celtic Park for Pride Park after joining Derby for an undisclosed fee.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce secured the services of free agent Mohammed Kallon, midfielder Wilson Palacios on loan from Honduran club Olimpia until the end of December and Borja Oubina on a season-long loan from Celta Vigo with 'minutes to spare'.

Manchester City striker Bernardo Corradi joined Parma on loan until the end of the season.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings made his ninth signing of the summer by bringing striker Marcus Bent in on loan from Charlton. Bent's arrival has allowed Wigan to sell Caleb Folan to Hull.

Liverpool's Anthony Le Tallec has joined French side Le Mans on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Crystal Palace have signed Manchester City striker Paul Dickov on loan until January while Finland international Shefki Kuqi has joined Fulham on a similar deal.

whao arsenal... diarra!!

[xaiver0510]

whao arsenal... diarra!!

we are shocked also.
got a fellow arsenal man sms me in the mornign abt this news.

surprised considering no news on any media, only reported on arsenal.com initially.