07-05-08, 06:47
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#5 (permalink)
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Man Utd after Wigan’s Palacios for €8m
Reportedly, Man Utd are ready to start talk with Wigan for Honduran international Wilson Palacios.
The 23-year old midfielder has made a name for himself in the Premiership after just one season, and Palacios was initially recommended to Wigan manager Steve Bruce by Aresene Wenger after Arsenal had him on trial first.
Bruce admits it will be hard to hold on to him when a club of United’s stature come knocking on the door. According to The Sun, United will sit down with Wigan next week to thrash out an £8million deal for Palacios.
Wigan want Egypt star
The Premiership season has not ended yet, but that have not stopped Premiership sides to target new players for next season. It has been reported that Wigan manager Steve Bruce is looking to add Egypt star striker Amr Zaki to their ranks over the next few weeks.
Wigan secured their Premiership status with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa last Saturday, and now Bruce is eager to strengthen his squad for next season.
25-year old Zaki, has scored 21 goals in 40 internationals, and currently plays for Egyptian Side El Zamalek.
Fiorentina after Stuttgart’s Mario Gomez
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina have opened talks to land Stuttgart’s 22-year old striker Mario Gomez. The German international managed to net 16 goals for his side this season.
The striker, who comes from a German-Spanish descent, is one of the most talented strikers to come out of Germany for quite some time.
A hot South American prospect, Bruno
20-year old Uruguayan startlet Bruno Fornaroli, one of the hottest young players in South America, has scored 13 goals this season for his side Nacional.
Recently West Ham joined the race for his signature, a race that already consisted of clubs like Totteham, Napoli and Lazio.
Spurs, through their number two Gus Poyet who is also from Uruguay, have shown an interest whilst Napoli and Lazio have already held talks about a possible deal.
Fornaroli is currently in the process of gaining an EU passport, which will be a major part of any possible move.
Lyon’s Ben Arfa still on Wenger’s list
With Flamini departuring the club for AC Milan and the speculation surrounding Hleb’s future in the club in doubt with Inter Milan chasing his signature, Wenger is looking to reinforce his midfield.
It has been mentioned that Ben Afra of Olympique Lyon is one of Wenger’s top targets for next season. Ben Arfa is still to sign a new contract with Lyon and is also confirmed target for Manchester United.
Wenger is expected to stick to his philosophy of developing emerging young players and the 20-year old Ben Arfa would make a perfect acquistion.
Barcelona enter race for Villa
Barcelona and Real Madrid are battling for the signature of Valencia star David Villa.
DiarioSport says Barca sports director Txiki Begiristain discussed signing the Spain international with board members during a marathon meeting yesterday, which among many points included an agreement over the appointment of Pep Guardiola as coach for next season.
Villa has stated previously that his prefered destination would be playing for the champions Real Madrid. Now when Barcelona seem to have entered the race, Villa might have a change of heart.
Liverpool to offer £8M for Barcelona’s Abidal
It has been reported that Liverpool are launching an £8 million bid for Barcelona fullback Eric Abidal.
The Daily Mail says Reds boss Rafa Benitez has set his sights on France international left-back Abidal, 28, who has been a regular for Barca since his arrival from Lyon last summer.
This is further indication that John Arne Riise might be leaving Anfield soon. New destinations mentioned are Newcastle and Portsmouth.
Carr out as Keegan starts Newcastle clear-out
Kevin Keegan started his Newcastle clear-out on Tuesday as Stephen Carr, Peter Ramage and Australian youngster James Troisi were told they are free to leave the Premier League club.
Keegan wants to overhaul his squad after Newcastle once again underachieved this season and Republic of Ireland right-back Carr is the first high-profile casualty.
The former Tottenham star is joined at the St James' Park exit door by centre-back Ramage, who is leaving in search of regular first-team football and Troisi, who will play for Australia at the Olympics later this year.
“We wanted to keep Ramage, but he wants to play regular football, and I couldn't guarantee that here,” Keegan told Newcastle's website.
“He goes with our best wishes, as does Stephen Carr, who's been a great pro for this club. He wasn't offered a contract and I explained the reasons why.
“James Troisi has also gone. He has gone to play for Australia in the Olympics, but he has not been offered a contract.” |
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