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| Transfer News And Gossip | |
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| Topic Started: Jun 7 2006, 01:59 AM (20,608 Views) | |
| Musty | Jun 7 2006, 01:59 AM Post #1 |
GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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MILAN WILL WAIT FOR GALLAS Who? - William Gallas Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - AC Milan AC Milan say they are prepared to wait another year to sign Chelsea's France defender William Gallas. The 28-year-old has signalled his desire to exit Stamford Bridge this summer, but the Blues aren't keen for him to leave and may force Gallas to see out the last 12 months of his current contract. That stance seems likely to thwart Milan for the time being, with vice-president Adriano Galliani telling the club's official website: 'Gallas still has one year left on his contract. The English club and their executives have told us that they expect him to respect his contract. If he doesn't renew his contract, he will be free to evaluate his future.' BLUES WAITING ON CARLOS Who? - Roberto Carlos Where is he? - Real Madrid Who is he linked with? - Chelsea Chelsea will have to wait until next month to find out whether their bid to sign Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos has been successful. The Blues have offered the 33-year-old a three-year contract, but he still has 12 months remaining on his current deal with Real Madrid and the Spanish side will not make any decisions about the sale of players until a new club president has been elected. Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno told The Sun: "We believe it would be better not to decide anything until after the elections on July 2. It's logical the next president and his advisors should decide if they want Roberto. We'll see how they feel about him and Chelsea and a definite decision will be taken on his future.' Rumours in the Spanish press have suggested Carlos is likely to join the Blues in a swap deal that would see Asier del Horno move to Madrid. ZOKORA LINKED TO SPURS Who? - Didier Zokora Where is he? - St Etienne Who is he linked with? - Spurs Didier Zokora's agent has revealed that his player could be heading to Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The Ivory Coast midfielder was linked with both Manchester United and Arsenal last season, but now Franck Belhassen has told the News of the World that Zokora would prefer a move to White Hart Lane. "I know Tottenham are interested,' he explained. 'I know they've already spoken with St Etienne and have made their first bid. But for the moment nothing is done. What is certain is that Damien Comolli knows Didier very, very well. And Didi is very, very interested in moving to Tottenham." CHELSEA FEEL THE FORCE IN OBI Who? - Jon Obi Mikel Where was he? - Lyn Oslo Where is he now? - Chelsea Chelsea have confirmed that they have completed the controversial signing of Nigerian teenager Jon Obi Mikel. The Premiership champions have agreed to pay a combined £16million transfer fee for the 19-year-old, with £12million going to Manchester United and £4million to Norwegian club Lyn Oslo. United thought they had sealed a deal for Mikel when he signed a pre-contract agreement with them just over one year ago. However, the Nigerian then claimed he had been pressured into signing the contract and wanted to join Chelsea instead. United have now agreed "to terminate their option agreement" with the player whose registration goes to Chelsea. A statement from the Blues said: "As a result of this settlement all claims in this matter, which Chelsea were never an official party to, are now withdrawn. The payments do not in any way imply the acceptance of any such claims and have been made solely so that Mikel can resume his career. United will support Chelsea in any work permit application if necessary. All parties have agreed that there will be no further comment on the settlement or any of the allegations or claims." VILLA IN ROBERTS LINK Who? - Jason Roberts Where is he? - Wigan Athletic Who is he linked with? - Aston Villa Aston Villa have been linked with an interest in striker Jason Roberts, who will leave Wigan Athletic this summer. The 28-year-old, who netted 14 goals last season for the Latics, is definitely on the wanted list of Turkish side Besiktas, but his agent claims that a number of Barclays Premiership sides are also monitoring the situation. Willie McKay told the Birmingham Mail: 'There have been three different offers from Besiktas, but they have been rejected by Wigan. Jason is looking to get the okay from Wigan to allow him to talk to them. I am aware of the interest from Birmingham, but as far as we know there has been no offer. There has been a lot of talk but nothing has been done. I believe Aston Villa, Charlton and Blackburn are also keeping tabs on him.' MEITE TALKS UP BOLTON MOVE Who? - Abdoulaye Meite Where is he? - Marseille Who is he linked with? - Bolton Wanderers Marseille defender Abdoulaye Meite has revealed he may move to Bolton Wanderers in the summer. Sam Allardyce has already let his interest in the talented Ivory Coast international be known and with Meite openly unhappy at his lack of first team opportunities in France, the move looks like it will come into fruition. "I am leaving Marseille to go The Premiership," Meite told Sky Sports. "I did not play too much this season, I was utilised only 12 times and that is not much for me. I deserve better. Bolton? Maybe I will be there next season, however you can tell Marseille, I am leaving." RUUD NOT THINKING ABOUT FUTURE Who? - Ruud Van Nistelrooy Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - AC Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea Frustrated Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has insisted that he will not be thinking about his domestic future until the World Cup is over, unless his agent comes to him with something other than gossip. "I've told Rodger [Linse, Van Nistelrooy's agent] I'm not interested in rumours and speculation," the 29-year-old explained. "All that stuff gets into my head and I can't play with rumours on my mind. So I've told him that when something is really happening, when I can sign something, when there's a contract to be discussed - that's when I'll be interested and that's when I'll make my decision." LESCOTT DEAL STALLS Who? - Joleon Lescott Where is he? - Wolves Who is he linked with? - Everton Joleon Lescott's transfer to Everton is still to be completed amid rumours surrounding the results of the Wolves defender's medical. The Toffees have already agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £5million, with Wolves and personal terms with the player, but have stalled on signing off the deal. Officials from the Championship club claimed at the weekend Lescott had passed a medical, but subsequent reports in the Merseyside press suggested that is not the case. Everton's doctors are believed to be concerned about the condition of Lescott's knee, as the 23-year-old has a history of problems with the joint. Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey is keen to push the deal through, but admitted that may not happen for some time. "The ball is now in Everton's court," Moxey told his club's official website. "Their medical team first saw Joleon on Thursday and then again on Friday. It is now Monday and transfers normally happen quicker than this. But Everton have informed us they want more time and we have to respect that." CRESPO REJECTS NEW DEAL Who? - Hernan Crespo Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - AC Milan Hernan Crepso has rejected the opportunity to sign a new contract with Chelsea, saying he is happy to see out the remaining two years of his existing deal, but would rather return to AC Milan with whom he spent the majority of the 2004/05 campaign. "I have two years left on my contract and everybody knows my intention is to return to Italy," the Argentine told the News of the World. "But that doesn't depend on me. If Chelsea decide I won't be leaving, then I'm satisfied. But when I spoke with Roman Abramovich, he couldn't understand my feelings. He said 'How can it be?' The fans want you - Jose Mourinho, too. I'm offering to extend your contract and you want to go'." LEHMANN NOT LEAVING ARSENAL Who? - Jens Lehmann Where is he? - Arsenal Who is he linked with? - An unnamed German side Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has insisted he has no intention of leaving Arsenal after the World Cup finals. Reports in the German media had suggested the 36-year-old would join a Bundesliga club after the tournament, but he plans to spend at least another year in London. "Not next season. I am fit, like a 26-year-old. And I am much fitter than when I was 30 years old," said the veteran. Lehmann, who has played over 100 Premiership games for the Gunners since leaving Borussia Dortmund in 2003, enjoyed the best form of his career last term and was a key figure in the club's surprise march to the Champions League final. |
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| Dan Le Batard | Jun 7 2006, 05:54 AM Post #2 |
Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.
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I noticed Chelsea named in nearly all thos transfers :rolleyes: |
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| Musty | Jun 7 2006, 03:55 PM Post #3 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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Hey do you reckon we can get this thread pinned? Ill keep adding to it when i get more goss |
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| muddyfunster | Jun 8 2006, 10:00 AM Post #4 |
Straight
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Good piece of work Dougz. |
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| Musty | Jun 8 2006, 11:30 AM Post #5 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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SOUTHGATE TAKES THE REINS AT BORO Who? - Gareth Southate Where was he? - Middlesbrough (player) Where is he now? - Middlesbrough (manager) Gareth Southgate has decided to end his playing career after being named as Steve McClaren's successor as Middlesbrough manager. The 35-year-old defender had not intended to hang up his boots for at least another 12 months but feels it would be impossible to combine his new duties with playing Barclays Premiership football. "I'm absolutely delighted, it's a fantastic opportunity for me," Southgate told Boro's official website, after signing a five-year contract. 'I sat down with the chairman at the end of the season and offered my help in any way possible. Obviously, I would have liked to play on for another year but after the chairman asked me to reconsider, it didn't take me too long to come to a decision. I've thoroughly enjoyed my playing career but I'm genuinely excited by the challenge ahead. I want to take this club forward to the next level. My heart is with Middlesbrough and this is a great opportunity for me to bring success to this football club. I have had five fantastic years here and I want the next five to be even better.' Southgate made over 200 first-team appearances for Boro following his £6.5million move from Aston Villa in 2001. BORO CLOSE IN ON HUTH Who? - Robert Huth Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Middlesbrough And it seems Southgate has already got his first signing lined up as Robert Huth's agent has revealed that the Chelsea defender is close to sealing a switch to Middlesbrough after the club agreed an undisclosed fee for the Germany international. Boro are keen to find a replacement for Southgate and believe Huth is the man. Huth's agent, Manfred Schulte, says personal terms have been agreed with the Teessiders and a deal should be concluded shortly. Wigan Athletic, Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have all been linked with the 21-year-old, who is currently training with the rest of the Germany squad in readiness for his country's first game of the tournament - against Costa Rica on Friday. SOL LOOKS FOR TURKISH DELIGHT Who? - Sol Campbell Where is he? - Arsenal Who is he linked with? - Fenerbahce Arsenal defender Sol Campbell hopes to sign for Fenerbahce after the World Cup, according to reports in the Turkish press. The Gunners are believed to be keen to offload the 31-year-old after he struggled with form, fitness and off-field problems last season and it now appears his future lies in Istanbul. "The probability of me joining Fenerbahce is very high," the England centre-back is quoted as saying in the Vatan newspaper. "Not because they've offered me a lot of money, but because they have challenged me. Everything will be clearer after the World Cup. It is obvious that they are considering me seriously. They made me a good and full offer. We are progressing step-by-step. I will give my decision after the World Cup. But, the probability of me joining Fenerbahce is bigger than that of refusing the offer." LESCOTT DEAL CLOSE Who? - Jolean Lescott Where is he? - Wolves Who is he linked with? - Everton Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey is confident Joleon Lescott's move to Everton will go through before the end of the week. The Toffees agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £5million, with Wolves last Friday and also agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old centre-back. The Premiership club then stalled on signing off the deal because of concerns about Lescott's long-term fitness, but Moxey expects the uncertainty to end in the near future. "We are into the final details of the deal," he told Wolves' official website. I have been confident of this transfer being completed throughout and I'm optimistic it could be finalised in the next day or two." Lescott has made more than 200 League appearances for Wolves since breaking in to the first team as a teenager, but missed the entire 2003-04 season because of a serious knee injury. MARCO AND MATTEO INTEREST ROVERS Who? - Marco Materazzi and Matteo Ferrari Where are they? - Inter Milan and AS Roma Where are they linked with? - Blackburn Rovers Blackburn Rovers have admitted that they are keen to bring Italian defenders Marco Materazzi and Matteo Ferrari to Ewood Park. Centre-half Materazzi, 32, is currently with Internazionale, having had a one-year stint with Everton earlier on in his career. The versatile Ferrari has just finished a season-long loan with the Toffees and has returned to his parent club, AS Roma. Rovers chairman John Williams said: "Marco Materazzi and Matteo Ferrari are two of the names on our list. We've had a look at Marco and we know all about him, while Matteo was well regarded before he came to Everton last season. But at the moment our main priority remains a striker and that's where we are channelling all our energies.' Rovers are believed to be targeting Ferrari's Roma team-mate Mido, after the Egypt international ended a lengthy loan stint with Spurs. POMPEY IN DAVIES LINK Who? - Curtis Davies Where is he? - West Brom Who is he linked with? - Portsmouth West Bromwich Albion defender Curtis Davies has attracted interest from Portsmouth, with Pompey boss Harry Redknapp admitting he is a big fan of the centre-back. The 21-year-old has already been the subject of a £3.5million bid from Tottenham Hotspur since the Baggies were relegated, but Albion are not keen to let one of their star players leave. However, that doesn't appear to have put off Pompey, who are reported to be lining up a £5million offer for the former Luton Town stopper. Redknapp told The News: "Curtis Davies is a young one with great potential, but it all depends on how much he costs." HESKEY LINKED TO THE COTTAGE Who? - Emile Heskey Where is he? - Birmingham City Who is he linked with? - Fulham The rumoured exodus from relegated clubs continued with news that Fulham have been linked with a £3million move for Birmingham City striker Emile Heskey. The 28-year-old is almost certain to leave the Blues following their relegation from the Barclays Premiership, with a number of clubs lining up for his services, including the Cottagers and Blackburn Rovers. Heskey joined City in the summer of 2004 for £6.2million from Liverpool and went on to score 14 goals in 68 league appearances for the Blues. He had spent just over four years at Anfield, having made a massive £11million switch from Leicester City in March 2000. Heskey has also won more than 40 caps for England during his career, but missed out on selection for this summer's World Cup finals. LATICS PLAY DOWN CAMARA TALK Who? - Henri Camara Where is he? - Wigan Athletic Who is he linked with? - Portsmouth Wigan Athletic have moved to quell speculation linking pacy striker Henri Camara with a summer switch to Portsmouth. The 29-year-old is unhappy at Wigan and both he and his agent, Willie McKay, have hinted a move to Fratton Park would suit him. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp worked with the Senegal international during his time at Southampton and has admitted he is interested in the forward. However, a Latics spokesman told the Manchester Evening News: "Henri is very much our player. He has a minimum of two years left on his contract and we've had no bids." |
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| Musty | Jun 9 2006, 01:53 AM Post #6 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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Sol Campbell is getting a bit old, and had a up and down last season. Wouldnt be a majore loss if he leaves, just hope we buy a suitable replacement. |
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| Musty | Jun 10 2006, 08:35 AM Post #7 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is celebrating the dramatic capture of Michael Carrick after reaching agreement with Tottenham in a deal worth £14 million. |
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| Musty | Jun 12 2006, 04:56 PM Post #8 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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SPURS AIMING TO KEEP CARRICK Who? - Michael Carrick Where is he? - Spurs Who is he linked with? - Manchester United Spurs head coach Martin Jol has stated his desire to keep midfielder Michael Carrick at the club, despite Manchester United making a bid for the England international. The 24-year-old was the subject of a rejected £10million bid by the Red Devils in the last few days, with several reports suggesting that United will return with an improved offer. However, Jol told BBC Five Live Sport: "Manchester United put a bid in, we turned it down and that's it. Michael knows I gave him the chance ahead of Pedro Mendes, another terrific player, so he owes this club. I don't want to lose a player like Michael, who was probably our best midfielder last season. We are building something here and I can't do without him. I told the chairman I want to keep him and the board don't want to sell him. He's got a contract for two years and that's it. Spurs is a good club and Michael knows that. We will do a good job in the next couple of seasons and he will be happy at Spurs.' POMPEY FAIL TO LAND DEFOE Who? - Jermain Defoe Where is he? - Spurs Who is he linked with? - Portsmouth Portsmouth have reportedly failed with a £12million bid to sign Tottenham Hotspur's England striker Jermain Defoe. Pompey's co-owner Sacha Gaydamak has given manager Harry Redknapp the go-ahead for a summer spending spree in hope of the club challenging in the top half of the table next season. Top of Redknapp's wanted list is a regular goalscorer and he was prepared to almost treble Portsmouth's transfer record to land Defoe, who he worked with during his time in charge at West Ham United. The offer was not enough to tempt Tottenham to sell and it is not known whether Pompey intend to go back with an improved bid, as Redknapp also has other strike targets in mind. He has admitted to being interested in Wigan Athletic's Henri Camara and has enquired about the availability of Fenerbahce's former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka. Redknapp is also chasing the signatures of Wolfsburg midfielder Andres D'Alessandro, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fratton Park, and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell. HUTH HEADS DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE Who? - Robert Huth Where was he? - Chelsea Where is he now? - Middesbrough Germany defender Robert Huth has agreed a transfer from Chelsea to Middlesbrough and expects to sign a five-year contract in the near future. The 21-year-old, currently on World Cup finals duty on home soil, has found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge and has opted to move to the Riverside, where he will take the place of new Boro boss Gareth Southgate. Huth confirmed: "Nothing has been signed but I think we will do it in the next few weeks. They approached me after the season and I was very affected by the offer. I met with Gareth Southgate and I had an intensive conversation with him. It was very interesting. For me the most important thing was to play. I had offers from other English clubs, but they all had four or five central defenders. I decided to go to Middlesbrough where I will see enough playing time." VAN DER MEYDE WANTS OUT Who? - Andy van der Meyde Where is he? - Everton Who is he linked with? - Juventus and Porto Everton winger Andy van der Meyde has admitted that he is likely to leave Goodison Park this summer after enduring an injury-ravaged first season with David Moyes' side. The 26-year-old Dutch international started only seven Premiership games for the club in the season just ended following his August 2005 transfer from Internazionale and he failed to land a place in his country's World Cup squad. Juventus and FC Porto are interested in van der Meyde, who told the Liverpool Echo: "I am sorry to have quit Italian football and Inter. I had a real will to play [in Germany]. I wanted to show my value and earn a place in van Basten's team for the World Cup. It is like I have lost a whole year, because I have played only 10 matches in the Premier League due to injuries. I hope there can be a place for me [in Italy]. I want to start from scratch. I would certainly be attracted to play for Juventus if they get relegated. But my old coach Adriaanse would like me to help him at Porto. I worked a lot with him at Ajax, but I really hope there could be a place for me somewhere in Italy." HAMANN WANDERING TO BOLTON? Who? - Dietmar Hamann Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - Bolton Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann is reportedly on the verge of joining Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer. The 32-year-old German is not in Rafael Benitez's plans for next season and has been given permission to open negotiations with Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce. Hamann is still undecided about the move, but Benitez's willingness to allow him to leave means his days at Anfield are almost certainly over. The holding midfielder joined the Reds from Newcastle United in an £8million deal in 1999 and has since made 283 first-team appearances on his way to picking up two FA Cup, a Champions League, a UEFA Cup and a League Cup winner's medals. ANDRES KEEN ON POMPEY STAY Who? - Andres D'Allessandro Where is he? - Portsmouth Who is he linked with? - 'A bigger club' Andres D'Alessandro has denied saying that he wants to leave Portsmouth to play for a club with "bigger ambitions". The Wolfsburg midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Fratton Park and was instrumental in Pompey's successful battle against relegation to the Championship. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is determined to sign the Argentina international on a permanent basis, but a report in a Portuguese newspaper quoted the 25-year-old as saying he would prefer to join Benfica. However, an irate D'Alessandro told Portsmouth's official website: "I don't know where these quotes have come from but I have not said anything like it. At the moment I honestly don't know where my future lies but I know that Pompey have been talking to my representatives and to Wolfsburg about options that would see me back in Portsmouth next season. I made it clear at the end of the season that I really enjoyed my time at Pompey and I also said I would like to stay at the club and try and achieve even greater success with a great group of players. Harry Redknapp is a manager who rated me and wanted me and that is so important. I could also sense that with the new co-owner Alexandre Gaydamak involved, the future for Pompey is very promising and I want people to know it is still an option for me. The negotiations are continuing." DROGBA EYES CHELSEA STAY Who? - Didier Drogba Where is he? - Chelsea What is he linked with? - Staying Didier Drogba is set to end rumours over his Chelsea future by signing a new deal with the club once the World Cup is over. The Ivory Coast striker was rumoured to be keen to leave Stamford Bridge even before the signing of Andriy Shevchenko and French champions Lyon have made no secret of their desire to secure his services. However, he has since been reassured he still has a vital role to play in Jose Mourinho's first team and his agent has now revealed that negotiations over a new deal are in progress. "We are in talks with Chelsea over a new contract for Didier," Pierre Frelot told the News of the World. "Mourinho absolutely wants him to stay." PEARCE ADMITS SWP INTEREST Who? - Shaun Wright-Phillips Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Manchester City (loan) Shaun Wright-Phillips could be in line for a loan move back to Manchester City. The 24-year-old forward only moved from City to Chelsea last summer, but has struggled to break into Jose Mourinho's star-studded squad - leaving Citizens boss Stuart Pearce to ponder a loan deal. "It is true we have enquired about a loan deal, but I do think it is a long shot," Pearce said. "I would love to have him return but we cannot afford to buy him." RONALDO HAPPY AT UNITED Who? - Cristiano Ronaldo Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Valencia Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he is happy at Manchester United and does not want to move away, despite reported interest from Spanish club Valencia. "It's very important to me to be a Manchester United player," he told the Sun. "It [the speculation] is a sign that people appreciate my work and like me. I believe I'm going to improve even more, win titles and help my club achieve its aims." |
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| Musty | Jun 16 2006, 05:19 AM Post #9 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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PETIT AND MUNTARI FANCY UNITED MOVE Who? - Armando Petit/Sulley Muntari Where are they? - Benfica/Udinese Who are they linked with? - Man United After last week's failed bid for Michael Carrick, Manchester United's search for a midfielder or three continues with Armando Petit of Benfica claiming that he's had an offer from them. "Yes, it is true - I have received the offer of a contract from Manchester United," said Petit. "Anyone would like to play for Manchester United. "If a proposal appears for me and Benfica, I have the possibility to leave." Petit is currently on duty at the World Cup with Portugal, and another WC star linked with Old Trafford is Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari. The 21-year-old was close to joining the Red Devils as a teenager but was unable to obtain a work permit and instead signed for Italian side Udinese. Muntari remains keen to test himself in the Premiership and although he has not spoken to anyone from United, he hopes to use the platform of the World Cup to persuade Sir Alex Ferguson he is the right man to replace Roy Keane. I was very close to joining United when I was younger," he said. "At the time I had a problem getting a work permit because I was not playing for the international team. But now I am in the Ghana squad, the permit would not be a problem. I have been in Italy for four years now and think it is time for a change. I would like to play in the Premiership and, if possible, I would like to return to Manchester United. They are one of the greatest clubs in the world. If I got a call to play there I would be really happy." EIDUR SEALS NOU CAMP MOVE Who? - Eidur Gudjohnsen Where was he? - Chelsea Where has he gone? - Barcelona Eidur Gudjohnsen has sealed his move to Barcelona after passing a medical and signing a 4 year deal with the Spanish giants worth £8million. "There were other big clubs interested in me but when Barca show their interest, it is not possible to say 'no'," he told the club's official website. "I now have to win the confidence of the coach and make it difficult for him to leave me out. I was at a big team before at Chelsea and everyone needed to be motivated to succeed, and I have the same aim here." Gudjohnsen moved to Stamford Bridge for £5million from Bolton Wanderers and has scored 54 goals in 186 Premiership appearances for the Blues. However, he was often used as a substitute by boss Jose Mourinho in the season just ended and scored only two Premiership goals. WARNOCK HAILS DAVIS DEAL Who? - Claude Davis Where was he? - Preston North End Where is he now? - Sheffield United Sheffield United have continued preparations for life in the Barclays Premiership with the capture of Preston North End defender Claude Davis in a deal that could eventually cost the Blades £3million. The 27-year-old stopper has become United's record signing, but boss Neil Warnock believes that the money will prove to be well spent. He told the club's official website: "I watched Claude on several occasions over the last couple of seasons and am absolutely delighted to get him. He and Joleon Lescott were my number one targets and when Lescott was beyond us I concentrated on getting Claude. It was touch and go, a hard grind, because other clubs were in for him, but I think we have done a good deal. It's a lot of money but that is what you have to pay to get that sort of quality in. He's a good athlete, very quick and I think he can only get better against better players." TOFFEES SEAL LESCOTT DEAL Who? - Joleon Lescott Where was he? - Wolves Where is he now? - Everton Everton have wrapped up the signing of Wolves centre-back Joleon Lescott for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract. The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premiership for a couple of years and has finally sealed a switch to the top-flight after several weeks of talks between Wolves and the Toffees. The transfer fee involved in Lescott's move is reported to be around the £5million mark overall and he revealed he is excited by the prospect of Premiership football. 'I am delighted with the move," he told Sky Sports. "It is a dream come true. I am an ambitious player and I am looking forward to playing in The Premiership next season. If I am playing in a top team hopefully I can try and break my way into the England squad." KUSZCZAK COOLS UNITED LINKS Who? -Tomasz Kuszczak Where is he? - West Brom Who is he linked with? - Manchester United West Bromwich Albion's Poland goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has played down talk of interest in his services from Manchester United. The 24-year-old is currently on duty with his country at the World Cup finals and says he knows little of the rumours suggesting that the Red Devils are on his trail. He told the Birmingham Mail: "I cannot do anything about the press in Poland. There's been lots of gossip about Manchester United and other clubs but to be honest I take no notice of it - some people have very little to write about at this time of year. I still have a contract with West Brom and that is all people need to know. Sometimes clubs do become interested in players and I, like any other player, would find that flattering but I am contracted to Albion. My main focus is with Poland and that's my only priority right now." ROEDER HOPES FOR HARPER STAY Who? - Steven Harper Where is he? - Newcastle United Who is he linked with? - The exit door Staying with goalkeepers, Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder is hopeful that shot-stopper Steve Harper will put aside worries about his lack of first-team action and stay with the Magpies. The 31-year-old is thought to be weighing up a move despite having another year left on his current contract with United, but Roeder hopes that Shay Given's back-up opts to stay put. He told the Evening Chronicle: "Everyone knows Steve Harper's situation and I would be unhappy if we lost him, as he is very much a Premiership goalkeeper in my eyes. I suppose his situation with us can be summed up by the fact that Shay has just been voted the top keeper in the Premiership by his fellow professionals. He trains brilliantly and he is very fit and I would never have any hesitation about putting him in. What is good about the goalkeeper situation we have at St James' Park is that the pair of them have a great relationship and they are great pals. They watch each other's back and if anyone has a go at one of them, he will find the other one sticking up for him. That's why we want Steve Harper to stay with us and we are hoping, and quite confident, that he will." CITY IN FORTUNE BATTLE Who? - Quinton Fortune Where is he? - Unattached Who is he linked with? - Bolton and Man City Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers look set to battle it out for the signature of former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune. The South Africa international is a free agent after being allowed to exit Old Trafford and had been expected to join SPL champions Celtic, before rejecting the offer of a one-year deal from the Bhoys. Fortune's agent, Francis Martin, said: "I spoke to Celtic and they said, because of Quinton's injury history, they could only offer him a one-year deal. Celtic had some concerns about his scans, but it was more to do with his injury record. However, Quinton did not want to uproot his family for one year. He is the type of person who would move lock, stock and barrel to a new club. So he wants to stay in the North-West and will probably sign for Manchester City or Bolton. All the clubs have offered much the same and, if other interested parties had offered Quinton three or four years, then Celtic's 12-month offer would have been a concern for us." BAYERN KEEN ON RUUD Who? - Ruud Van Nistelrooy Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Bayern Munich The latest rumour to arise concerning the future of unsettled Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy is that German side Bayern Munich are keen on signing him. The Dutch international is certain to leave Old Trafford this summer after falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season. The likes of Chelsea and AC Milan have been linked with a move, but now Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed his side are keeping tabs on van Nistelrooy's progress, telling German newspaper Bild: "We will do nothing behind the backs of Manchester United, first we must find out if he really is on the market." VILLA WON'T SWAP BARRY FOR MILNER Who? - Gareth Barry Where is he? - Aston Villa Who is he linked with? - Newcastle Aston Villa have rubbished rumours they are prepared to offer Gareth Barry as the bait in a part-exchange deal to tempt Newcastle United to sell James Milner. Villains boss David O'Leary has made no secret of his desire to sign Milner on a permanent basis after he impressed during a season-long loan at Villa Park, but the Midlanders have not been able to find the money to meet Newcastle's valuation. However, Villa are not prepared to allow the versatile Barry to move on in order to land the 20-year-old. Operations director Steve Stride told the club's official website: "I've had no bids for Gareth and I wouldn't welcome them. I had a long chat with Graeme Souness when he was Newcastle boss and got the feeling he was ready to make a bid, but I would have told him to forget about it." If Villa are unable to agree a deal for Milner soon they are likely to miss out on his signature as Wigan Athletic have confirmed their interest in the England Under-21 winger. |
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| Hodgo | Jun 16 2006, 09:46 PM Post #10 |
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Professional Punter
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What about Chelsea after German Lahm as a left-back replacement for Del Horno. Supposedly Bayern have slapped a 10million pound price tag on him. His price has obvioulsy soared with his early WC form. |
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| Musty | Jun 17 2006, 04:44 AM Post #11 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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Blues target German star Thursday 15 Jun 2006 Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is rumoured to be lining up a bid for Germany full-back Philipp Lahm. Press reports in Germany have suggested the Premiership champions are prepared to pay £10.25million for the World Cup star. However, Bayern Munich are determined to hang on to the 22-year-old. Bayern director Karl Hopfner told Bild: "We don't want to sell Philipp Lahm. We still need him." Lahm, who scored the first goal of the World Cup finals during the hosts' 4-2 win against Costa Rica, refused to rule out a move, but insisted he would not allow anything to distract him from Germany's bid for glory. "This is the World Cup and that's the only thing I'm interested in," he said. "I'm not thinking about what will happen afterwards. |
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| Musty | Jun 20 2006, 05:22 AM Post #12 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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GARCIA CALLS FOR VILLA MOVE Who? - David Villa Where is he? - Valencia Who is he linked with? - Liverpool Luis Garcia has called on his Spain team-mate David Villa to join Liverpool this summer. After the sale of Fernando Morientes and recent injury to Djibril Cisse, Reds boss Rafa Benitez is known to be on the look-out for a new striker, with Villa, along with Craig Bellamy, Jermain Defoe and Dirk Kuyt, amongst the targets. "He scored 24 goals last season for Valencia and he's improving,' said Garcia. 'But Villa is not just a goalscorer, he's also a very good worker for the team. He's a fighter and that is an important quality we like to have at Anfield." MARSEILLE STILL CHASING CISSE Who? - Djibril Cisse Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - Marseille Marseille have confirmed they remain keen to sign Djibril Cisse despite the Liverpool striker breaking his right leg during an international friendly. The Reds were resigned to being unable to offload the out of favour forward until January after he suffered the injury in France's World Cup warm-up game against China. However, Marseille president Pape Diouf is determined not to miss out on Cisse's signature, although reports in the French press claiming a deal has already been agreed are premature. "We are very interested in Djibril Cisse. I deny that Cisse has signed at Marseille but there has been contact between the clubs," said Diouf. "I keep in touch with Liverpool, and I will be going there in few days to talk about Cisse. I have confidence in Cisse and I think he will be okay in September or October to recover his potential. There is no agreement between Liverpool and Marseille yet, but we are working towards that. Cisse likes Marseille and Marseille is waiting for him, but there has been no signing yet." ROEDER EYES SUMMER SPENDING Article continues below Click here! Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder is planning to add at least five new players to his squad before the start of the Barclays Premiership season. A new centre forward to replace the retired Alan Shearer is Roeder's top priority, but he hopes to strengthen all areas of the squad he inherited from Graeme Souness. "We need to add to the squad," he told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme. "We've already lost one or two players - sadly Alan Shearer has retired, Lee Bowyer has gone to West Ham and Michael Chopra, who was a good squad player, has gone to Cardiff. That's three players down straight away and it wasn't a big squad in the first place. The chairman and I need to be busy signing quite a few players to bring us up to the number we need to have a good season. We won't be signing anybody this week but we are talking to players at the moment. Hopefully by the time the Intertoto comes around in July we'll have one or two more new faces. Maybe there will be five or six in total before the new season. It's important for the players we have that they see us bringing in new faces over the coming weeks." ROYALS HOPEFUL ON SIDWELL Who? - Steve Sidwell Where is he? - Reading Who is he linked with? - Charlton, Everton, Aston Villa Reading are confident that star midfielder Steve Sidwell will pen a new contract to try his luck in the Barclays Premiership with the Royals. Charlton, Everton and Aston Villa have all been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old schemer, but Royals chief executive Nigel Howe is upbeat about the prospects of keeping hold of Sidwell. He told the Reading Chronicle: "We've made it clear that Steve is not for sale. We have no intention of selling him whatsoever. While a lot of clubs have intimated that he has a talkclause, in his contract, they can talk to him as much as they like because he's not leaving. But we've had no official bid for him. It's all conjecture. We've had an on-going discussion with Steve's agent and we're confident we will agree terms, it's just a matter of fine tuning." MOYES CONSIDERS EMERTON MOVE Who? - Brett Emerton Where is he? - Blackburn Rovers Who is he linked with? - Everton Everton have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers' Australia international midfielder Brett Emerton. The 27-year-old has been at Ewood Park for three seasons, but has struggled to find the form that earned him a £2.5million move from Feyenoord in the summer of 2003. Toffees boss David Moyes admitted: "With a bit of luck we might add one or two more before the start of the season, but I would expect that to be a lot nearer the deadline than now. I'm looking closely at the World Cup to see if there is anything there. I would still like to add another couple of players before the season kicks off for numbers and better competition, so I'm going to push hard for that." Emerton has scored just seven times in 103 league appearances for Rovers. VAN DER MEYDE WANTS EVERTON STAY Who? - Andy van der Meyde Where is he? - Everton Who is he linked with? - A move back to Italy Staying with Everton and winger Andy van der Meyde has dismissed claims that he wants to leave the club this summer. The Dutch international's stay at Goodison Park has been plagued by injuries and, after failing to make it into the Holland World Cup squad, it was understood he was eyeing up a move back to Italy, where he played for Inter Milan before his £2million move to Merseyside in August last year. However, now van der Meyde has insisted he is happy in England and would like the opportunity to prove himself in the Barclays Premiership. "I love it here. Everything suits my game. Why would I want to go back to Italy?" he told the official Everton website. "I'm happy in England. I want to show I can really play football. If I get the chance next season, I'll do it. The gaffer has been great and I just want to do what I enjoy most now and that is play football. I want to do it for Everton." DE LA CRUZ EYES SPAIN SWITCH Who? - Ulises De La Cruz Where is he? - Aston Villa Who is he linked with? - Villarreal Ecuador wing-back Ulises De la Cruz claims that Spanish side Villarreal want to sign him after the World Cup finals and end his Aston Villa nightmare. The 32-year-old has been with Villa for four years, but has failed to nail down a regular starting spot and is hoping to move on later on in the summer. De la Cruz told AS: 'An approach from Villarreal has always existed, but my contract with Aston Villa finishes next month. We will go into talks and see what happens. There are many things that happen in life, I only ask God that he helps us continue in the World Cup and that we can continue enjoying these good moments.' PAIN OF SPAIN FOR POMPEY Who? - Andres D'Alessandro Where was he? - Portsmouth Where is he now? - Real Zaragoza Portsmouth have missed out on the signing of Andres D'Alessandro after the Wolfsburg midfielder agreed to join Real Zaragoza on a season-long loan. The Argentina international spent the second half of last season on loan at Fratton Park and was instrumental in Pompey's successful battle against relegation from the Premiership. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was keen to turn the loan deal into a permanent arrangement, but the 25-year-old has decided to test himself in Spain. "When you start your football career you have various dreams and one of mine was to play in the Spanish league, which is the best," explained D'Alessandro. "I am thankful to Zaragoza for giving me the chance of fulfilling my dream of playing in the Spanish league." HESKEY WAR BREAKS OUT Who? - Emile Heskey Where is he? - Birmingham City Who is he linked with? - Wigan Athletic Wigan's hopes of signing Emile Heskey have taken a blow over the weekend, with Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan lashing out at the way the Latics have conducted their chase of the former England striker. Lots of hints have been dropped by Wigan in the media without a significant approach to the club, and Sullivan is fuming: "What has been said by Wigan does amount to an illegal approach," he said. "It is unacceptable that they are trying to unsettle our players and we have made it clear they cannot carry on doing this." CITY CHASE VARGAS Who? - Juan Vargas Where is he? - Colon Who is he linked with? - Manchester City Peruvian full-back Juan Vargas has recently been cautiously talking up his chances of getting a loan move to Manchester City from Argentinean club Colon. Vargas told the media that he would be happy to move on: "Yes sure, because one works to leave at any time and if rumours exist then perhaps there is interest," he said. "At the moment I must only return to Colon. (My agent) Carlos Delgado is in Germany seeing the World Cup and we have not spoken. Yes I found out (about interest from an English club), but as I repeat to you there is nothing." |
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| Dan Le Batard | Jun 20 2006, 06:27 AM Post #13 |
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Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.
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That is damn risky surely the price they pay will be heavily discounted seen he has a major injury. |
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| Musty | Jun 22 2006, 01:25 PM Post #14 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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I think they will try and take advantage of his injury by getting him cheaper. |
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| Musty | Jun 22 2006, 01:27 PM Post #15 |
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GIVE EM HELL SAINT BENNY!
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SHEPHERD SEEKING STRIKERS Who? - Two fit strikers. Any fit strikers! Where are they? - 'Somewhere' Who are they linked with? - Newcastle United After it was confirmed that the injury Michael Owen sustained against Sweden on Tuesday night will keep the striker out for up to six months, Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has revealed he and his team are on the lookout for two new strikers to replace not only Owen, but the now-retired Alan Shearer. "We've always knew Alan's retired and that we had to bring in someone to go alongside Michael, that hasn't changed," Shepherd told Sky Sports. "It's never easy, but how do you replace Owen and Shearer? It's very difficult. They are somewhere so we'll have to go and find them. We've always delivered in the transfer market. I'm speaking to Glen [Roeder], he's on his Pro Licence course and back at the weekend, we'll be sorting it then." BELLAMY SET FOR LIVERPOOL TALKS Who? - Craig Bellamy Where is he? - Blackburn Rovers Who is he linked with? - Liverpool Blackburn Rovers have granted Liverpool permission to talk to striker Craig Bellamy as the Reds seek to bolster their striking options after the injury to Djibril Cisse and sale of Fernando Morientes. "We have an agreement which allows us to talk to the player," said Rafa Benitez. "He is on holiday, but we will talk over the next few days. I know the player's qualities very well. He is a very good footballer and now we need to see if he has the passion to play for our club. I don't think this will be a problem because he is a Liverpool fan, so I think it will be easy for him. I will be talking to him to express my ideas. He has the ability, the pace and the talent we've been looking for and now we need to talk about other things." CELTIC KEEN ON JIMMY Who? - Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Where is he? - Middlesbrough Who is he linked with? - Celtic Middlesbrough striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is flattered to have attracted interest from SPL champions Celtic. The 34-year-old former Netherlands international is out of contract with Boro at the end of the month and is weighing up a number of offers, before deciding where his future lies. Hasselbaink's agent, Humphry Nijmen, told The Herald: "I spoke to Jimmy about the possibility when I first heard of it and he would be very interested. He said they are a great club and would be charmed to play for them. It is now up to Celtic but we are willing to listen. At 34, he still has plenty to offer and still has ambitions at the highest level. It would not be a gamble for Celtic because he is already preparing his body for next season. He is a very dedicated and very fit professional." WARNOCK DOESN'T FANCY BUTT Who? - Nicky Butt Where is he? - Newcastle United Who is he linked with? - Sheffield United Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has denied he is interested in bringing Nicky Butt to Bramall Lane as the Blades continue to prepare for life in the Barclays Premiership. "I've not spoken to Nicky Butt and I've not thought about him," Warnock told the club's official website. "With the wages I've seen mentioned I'd want three players in. People can turn up at the ground and meet him if they like but there won't be anybody there." Butt has struggled with life at St. James' Park since moving from Manchester United in July 2004, and spent last season on loan at Birmingham City. MILLWALL SIGN MORAIS Who? - Felipe Morais Where was he? - Chelsea Where is he now? - Millwall Millwall have signed Chelsea winger Felipe Morais on a two-year deal. The 20-year-old was born in Portugal but grew up in London and has been at Stamford Bridge since signing as a trainee in 2005. He struggled to break into Jose Mourinho's star-studded starting line up and spend the early part of this year on loan at MK Dons. He is new Lions boss Nigel Spackman's fourth signing of the summer after Darren Byfield, Lenny Pidgeley (also from Chelsea) and Liverpool's Zak Whitbread. CITY SEAL DABO DEAL Who? - Ousmane Dabo Where was he? - Lazio Where is he now? - Manchester City Manchester City have completed the signing of Lazio's French midfielder Ousmane Dabo on a three-year contract. The 29-year-old had been offered a new contract by the Serie A club, but decided to move on and try his luck in England. Citizens boss Stuart Pearce told the club's official website: "I am delighted Ousmane is joining us. He is a vastly experienced holding midfield player and I feel he will be a major asset to the squad. He received offers from other big clubs, as well as ourselves, but the great thing about him is that I didn't have to sell this football club to him. He has played in Serie A for a number of seasons and when you look at our away form last season you see that it was a position we struggled to fill. Dabo joining gives us more midfield options." MANDARIC WANTS NUNO Who? - Nuno Gomes Where is he? - Benfica Who is he linked with? - Portsmouth Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has admitted that his club are interested in signing Benfica's Portugal World Cup striker Nuno Gomes. The 29-year-old is currently in his second spell with the Lisbon Eagles, having failed to make the grade during a two-year stint in Italy with Fiorentina. However, Mandaric is keen to bring Gomes to England, as he told Radio Renaissance: "For now, I can only say that we have interest in Nuno Gomes. He is a quality player and we know there are more people interested in him.' Meanwhile, Pompey are reportedly closing in on a deal for Steaua Bucharest defender Mirel Radoi and are also maintaining their bid to bring England stopper Sol Campbell to Fratton Park. However, Toulouse defender Achille Emana has denied reports suggesting that he has already agreed a move to Pompey. He told Sky Sports: "I am still in Toulouse. People say I have signed with Pompey, but it is false. If I had signed, I would not be here, I would be looking for a house in England." UNITED CHASE MIDFIELD DUO Who? - Michael Carrick/Marcos Senna Where are they? - Tottenham Hotspur/Villarreal Who are they linked with? - Man United Manchester United have stepped their pursuit of Michael Carrick and Marcos Senna, according to press reports. Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to strengthen his midfield in order to plug the gap left by Roy Keane's departure and has made England international Carrick his number one target. Tottenham have already rejected a £10million offer for the 24-year-old, but United are now rumoured to be preparing a new £14.2million bid. Ferguson has also been scouring Europe for midfield reinforcements and Spain international Senna has caught his eye with some impressive performances for club and country. Villarreal value the Brazilian-born 29-year-old at £8million, but United officials are confident a £5million bid would persuade the Primera Liga side to sell. BARCA DON'T WANT LAMPARD Who? - Frank Lampard Where is he? - Chelsea Who was he linked with? - Barcelona Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed the European champions will not be pursuing their interest in Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard this summer. The England international is a long-time target of Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, but Laporta insisted £8million new boy Eidur Gudjohnsen would be the club's only close season signing. "Lampard is a fantastic player, one I admire," he said. "But I can say that we definitely will not be signing him this summer. Our central midfield is closed now. We have a squad we are very happy with and we are very satisfied with Gudjohnsen and that's enough for us. Gudjohnsen is a class player who can play in midfield and in attack. So I am happy and the coach and the general manager are very happy with the squad that we have." |
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11:44 PM Sep 4
