Ki Koja Mire??(European Transfer News) Robinho to ... - Page 2

**nobodynoone** · 09-05-08, 15:10

PSV chasing Mexican defender Rodriguez

Dutch champions, PSV, are looking to reinforce their defense for next season. Their first defensive target appears to be Mexican international Francisco Rodriguez, who currently plays for the Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara.

Scouts from PSV along with their managing director Jan Reker, travelled to Mexico to see their target in action. Club chiefs are now in negotiations to seal a deal for the defender.

Rodríguez is the tallest player for Chivas, standing 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in).

Juventus closing in on Amauri

The Brazilian-born striker, who currently plays for Palermo, is on the verge to sign for Juventus.

In recent weeks, Amauri has been linked with Roma and Milan, and a host of Premier League clubs. But now it looks like the Turin giants have sealed the deal for one of their top transfer targets this summer.

Amauri joined Palermo in 2006 from Chievo Verona, and since then his career has really taken off. The 27-year-old has scored an impressive 15 goals in just 33 Serie A games this campaign.

Diarra wanted by Tottenham for £10million

Lassana Diarra, who just recently moved to Portsmouth from Arsenal, is one of Tottenham’s top targets for this season.

Tottenham manager, Juande Ramos, wants to add the talented 23-year old French international to their ranks. Although, Porstmouth would be reluctant to see him leave, it would be hard to refuse an offer of €10million for a player that they themselves paid €5million for.

If Diarra moves to Tottenham, it will be his fourth Premiership club in just four years that he spent there.

2003-2005 Le Havre
2005-2007 Chelsea
2007-2008 Arsenal
2008- Portsmouth

Clubs chase Sun Jihai with Man City future in doubt

Sun Jihai’s future at Manchester City is in doubt with reports saying he will not be offered a new contract, but the Chinese star remains upbeat with other English clubs showing an interest.

Sun, 30, has played 150 games for City since joining in February 2002 from domestic league champions Dalian, and he is the only player remaining from that era along with captain Richard Dunne.

But Britain’s Daily Mirror reported this week that China’s most successful overseas export would be shown the door at the end of the season by Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sun, the first Chinese player to score a goal in England’s top flight, told local media here he was in the dark, but admitted other Premier League and Championships clubs had approached him.

“No one from the club told me or my agent that the club would not extend the contract. So, before the final decision is announced, nothing is guaranteed,” he was quoted as saying by China Daily.

“Six years and 150 matches. How could you have such a record if you have no ability? I am only 30 and I feel I’m still at my best.”

Sun said he would prefer to remain at City.

“It’s for sure that I have become emotionally linked to the city. And I’ve got used to everything here. My first choice is to stay at Manchester City,” he said, but revealed there was keen interest from elsewhere.

“Clubs in the Premier League and Championship are very interested. A Premier League club even faxed me the draft contract.

“But I cannot tell you which club. The league has not finished yet and I think it will take some time to know the final result.

“Fans do not have to be worried about me. I can 100 percent stay in England if I want to.”

City play their final game of the season this weekend against Middlesbrough before embarking on a promotional tour to Asia, with matches in Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Arsenal despair as first Flamini and now maybe Hleb leave the Emirates. Who will be next?

Arsenal fans will be reading their newspapers this morning with a mixture of confusion and despair.

Following the sale of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan earlier this week, there are very strong rumours that Alexander Hleb is likely to leave The Emirates and head to Italy as well, signing for Inter.

In the Daily Mail this morning, Emmanuel Adebayor is quoted as saying, “Pay up, or I’m off.” He is said to be demanding eighty thousand pounds a week in order to stay.

Real Madrid have made it clear that they will do all they can to lure Cesc Fabrigas to the Bernabau this summer. Fabrigas has said he is happy at Arsenal but will he remain so if Flamini and Hleb and maybe Adebayor all jump ship?

Over the past couple of weeks, when asked if he would be investing in the transfer market, Arsene Wenger has said that his biggest challenge would be to keep his current squad together. It is now clear what he meant, and it seems that he might not be able to meet that challenge.

Arsenal’s season blew up in Wenger’s face when a run of only two wins in eleven games saw their challenge for both the Premier League and the Champions League fall apart, when they had been in a great position to win both just a few weeks earlier. The question has to be asked now what came first? Did the run of poor form cause unrest, or did the unrest cause the poor form?

We shall probably not know the answer to that question until somebody writes an autobiography and tells us what went on behind the scenes. One person who did write about their time at Arsenal was England left back Ashley Cole, or Cashley Cole as he is now known. In his book he explained that the main reason he left Arsenal was because he felt he was worth sixty-thousand pounds a week and Arsenal offered him only the ‘insulting amount’ of fifty-five thousand. I’m not surprised he left! Fifty-five thousand a week is hardly worth getting out of bed for! That extra five thousand a week would have kept him out of the poverty trap!

Famously Arsenal do not ‘spend big’ in the transfer market and they do not pay the same levels of ridiculous wages that some of the other clubs do. It could be that this policy will backfire on them as their best players look to go elsewhere.

So, why do these players want to leave? We are often told by players and pundits that ‘it isn’t about the money’. We are told that players want to be challenged and to play at the highest level. They want to go as far as they can in the game and the money is secondary.

I’ve always questioned this view and the current goings-on at The Emirates would suggest that I am absolutely right to do so.

Which league in Europe is the top league to play in at the moment? Yes, that’s right, the English Premier League. Which country is most likely to produce the teams that compete in the latter stages of the premier European competition? Yes, England again. Which teams are almost certain to be battling for the honours, domestically and Internationally in England? The big four of course, which very much includes the Gunners.

So if Flamini, Hleb and maybe Adebayor and Fabrigas want to challenge themselves at the highest possible level in Europe, why would they want to move elsewhere? It can only be for one of two reasons. Either the atmosphere at the Emirates is so terrible that they need to get away, or, more likely, they are going purely for the money.

Flamini has moved to Milan who are by no means certain of a place in next season’s Champions League. How can that possibly be a career enhancing move? Hleb is talking about Inter who were easily disposed of by a Liverpool team who have finished some way behind Arsenal in the League. Career enhancing? I don’t think so.

The players are maybe just going where the money is, which is probably why so many overseas stars are playing in England already. The big clubs in Europe have seen the success being achieved by the English game and the English clubs and are now offering even sillier money to attract the best players. Whilst we talk about greed and lack of loyalty, we should maybe put ourselves in the shoes of the players.

I write for Soccer News and I am a very loyal person. If another organisation offered me a ridiculous amount of money to write for them and leave Soccer News, would I take the moral high ground and turn it down through loyalty? Think about who you work for. If a similar company offered you twice the salary to do the same job, would you not jump at the chance?

Maybe we are all a bit naïve to think that footballers should show a higher level of loyalty than the rest of us would be likely to do.

The only thing against the argument I have put forward is the fact that these guys are already earning sixty-thousand pounds a week! Just how much money can you spend? Surely, if you are already financially secure for the rest of your life, you would be looking to test yourself at the highest possible level.

For some reason, these players do not seem to feel that they are getting what they need at Arsenal. Is it purely financial greed or is there something more sinister behind what is going on?

Juventus and Inter battling for Roma’s Mancini

Roma’s Brazilian star winger, Mancini, looks to continue his stay in Serie A with both Juvenus and Inter chasing his signature.

Inter looked like they were winning the chase for the Brazilian international, but then Juventus offered striker Vincenzo Iaquinta in exchange for Mancini, which seems to have appealed to Roma better.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus are ready to sign off on a straight swap deal, which will see the 27-year old Brazilian arrive in Turin in exchange for striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Gattuso off to Bayern Munich

It appears that Gennaro Gattuso has already reached an agreement with German champions Bayern Munich.

The combative 30-year old midfielder, who had an earlier spell with Rangers, wants to play Champions League football next season, which AC Milan can’t offer. With AC Milan having signed Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal earlier in the week, will be the ideal replacement for Gattuso.

The price tag is believed to be around €20million euros, and AC Milan might also ask for Willy Sagnol, a French international full-back, as a makeweight for a deal.

Inter switch to Roma’s Aquilani

Inter Milan tried to lure Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb away from the Emirates, but now it seems like they have set their sights on Roma’s young talented midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

According to reports, Alberto Aquilani is now the primary target for Inter Milan, but will face a tough task trying to bring him to Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. Roma is holding out for at least €25 million, which Inter is not willing to pay. Now they are considering including players to drive the price down.

Julio Cruz and Hernan Crespo have been mentioned in a cash-and-swap deal.

Liverpool want 15 million pounds for Crouch

Liverpool have slapped a 15-million-pound (30-million-dollar) price tag on unsettled England striker Peter Crouch while Tottenham have indicated that they are resigned to losing Dimitar Berbatov at the end of this season.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez accepts that Crouch has grown frustrated with playing second fiddle to Fernando Torres at Anfield, but made it clear it would take a significant offer for him to release a player he regards as a valuable squad member.

“Crouch wants to play every week but knows he must fight it out with Fernando Torres,” Benitez said. “We keep seeing Portsmouth linked with the player but we have had no offer as yet. A 15 million pound price tag would not be unreasonable.”

Benitez, who confirmed that out-of-contract winger Harry Kewell will leave the club at the end of the season, is hoping to bring England midfielder Gareth Barry to Anfield.

“I have spoken to (Villa boss) Martin O'Neill, he knows my ideas,” the Spaniard said. “But we agreed to wait until the end of the season for any more discussions.”

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos said Berbatov had made his mind up on his future, which will not be at White Hart Lane if a Champions League club comes in with a sufficiently large offer.

“I've spoken to him many times and know exactly what he wants,” Ramos said. “I understand perfectly well that big clubs want to sign him.”

Spurs have been looking at possible replacements for Berbatov, including Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.

Ramos said: “Obviously we have to cover our backs in case the player decides to leave and we have to have options to replace him.

“I would obviously like him to stay here but we don't know how future negotiations will go so it is something I cannot guarantee.

“If there are offers coming in for the player we will see if they convince the club and the player as well.

“What we want is for the player to be happy and enjoy his football. The player has the key to this and it is up to him at the end of the day.

“If that happened I'm sure the club would prefer to have the money because with the money they would be able to sign the players necessary.”

Ramos added: “Of course there are great players in Europe that can do just as well as Berbatov.”

Spanish ace Joaquin coming to the Premiership?

With Spanish giant Valencia in crisis, a lot of players are rumored to leave the club this summer. Now, it has been reported that Everton are planning to place a £15million bid for Spanish international winger Joaquin. But a late bid from Liverpool, could hijack Everton’s swoop.

26-year old Joaquin moved from Real Betis to Valencia in 2006, but has struggled to live up to the hype surrounding his move there. With fellow star team-mates Villa and Silva looking more and more destined to leave the club, Joaquin could as well be another player departuring from the Mestalla stadium this summer.

**fenor003** · 09-05-08, 16:31

Intresting out of todays Transfer:

-- Gattuso be bayern ba ye gharardade 4 saale. Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Gattuso Agrees Terms With Bayern
-- Emmanuel Adebayor : Arsenal ro tark nemikonam.
-- Barca, Inter, Madrid be donbale Silva.

**fenor003** · 10-05-08, 11:33

Chelsea Sign Bosingwa

Avram Grant was desperate to bring in a new right-sided defender as he was reportedly unhappy with the current options available at Stamford Bridge for this position.
O Jogo says the two clubs concurred on a €20 million deal yesterday, suggesting that the deal will be formally announced on Monday.

Even as Bosingwa was being widely tipped for a move to Manchester United, Chelsea were working behind the scenes in their attempt to lure the 25-year-old into their ranks, and quickly gathered the fee Porto were requesting - something United were not keen on.

What is more, the Blues managed to prevent their domestic rivals from knowing about their approach, making sure the Red Devils did not have time to burst into action.

The Portuguese international is expected to face stiff competition for a place in the starting XI from compatriot Paulo Ferreira and Brazilian Juliano Belletti, although one of them will reportedly leave the club in the summer.

Bosingwa joined Porto from Boavista in 2003 and has cemented his position as Jesualdo Ferreira's first choice in the right side of the defence since Ferreira departed for the London-based club.

Huntelaar Keen On United Move, Says Agent

24-year-old striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar has been linked with a move to an elite league, with his agent hinting at Old Trafford as a possible destination.

The Dutchman has finished top-scorer in the Netherlands for two of the last three seasons and the starlet is frequently tipped to seek an elite club to showcase his talents.

Ajax have spoken this week about their desire to extend the hitman's contract, but rumours linking him with a summer departure persist. Barcelona lead the club's reportedly monitoring his situation, with his price-tag rumoured to be £16million.

Huntelaar's agent Arnold Oosterveer told the Daily Express: "Klaas could make the step up to a top-level club in Europe this summer. He likes English football and watches the Premier League.

"Of course he would love to join United. He wants to make the next step."

**nobodynoone** · 10-05-08, 17:50

Arsenal won the race for Lyon’s Ben Arfa

Reportedly, Arsenal will complete their first signing for next season by signing 21-year old winger Hatem Ben Arfa from Lyon.

Aresene Wenger should be very pleased with his first signing, as they beat off competition from clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Earlier, Wenger was quoted saying, “He is a great player and Arsenal is a potential destination for any great player.”

Ben Arfa is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe after impressing for Lyon in the last few seasons.

The 21-year old, who debuted in the French national team last year, will cost Arsenal £16million.

Wolfsburg sign Italy defender Zaccardo

Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg confirmed today that they will sign Palermo defender Cristian Zaccardo in the summer.

The 26-year old , a World Cup winner for Italy, has agreed to a three-year contract for a fee of around €8million euros.

Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath is very pleased with his new signing and said the following, “He is very flexible and strong with his head and in the tackle. I am sure he can also become a great player for Italy by transfering to the Bundesliga.”

Barcelona and Valencia compete for Dani Guiza

After putting a miserable season behind them, the Spanish giants Barcelona and Valencia are looking to reshape their squads. One of their first targets this summer appears to be Real Mallorca striker Dani Guiza.

The 27-year old Spanish international has a a buy-out clause of €15m in his contract that was included when he rejoined from Getafe last summer.

The prolific Spain international has been linked with Roma and Napoli, but his agent Bronzetti has stated that: “Barcelona are in first place for him.”

The 27-year-old has scored 24 goals in 36 games, which makes him the goal scoring leader of La Liga followed by Fabiano with 23 goals.

Berbatov to bid goodbye to Spurs

Tottenham star Dimitar Berbatov looks set to play his last game for the club against Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday in what promises to be a farewell fixture for a number of players on both sides.

The Bulgaria striker is expected to be the most high-profile departure from Spurs after manger Juande Ramos admitted that he may be powerless to prevent his prize asset seeking Champions League football at a bigger club.

“It's difficult to say whether it will be his last game. I would obviously like him to stay here but we don't know how future negotiations will go, so it's something I can't guarantee,” the Spanish coach said.

“I've spoken to him many times and I know exactly what he wants. But it is a private conversation and I won't say what he told me.”

Ramos is expected to make wholesale changes to the squad in the close season with Pascal Chimbonda, Ricardo Rocha, Young-Pyo Lee, Teemu Tainio, Radek Cerny and Younes Kaboul all knowing that Sunday's game could be their last in the white of Spurs.

The former Valencia boss took charge after the chaotic end to Martin Jol's reign in October, and led the club to League Cup victory and UEFA Cup qualification, but is now keen to bring in his own players as part of ambitious plans for next season.

The Spaniard signalled his intentions with the 15-million-pound capture of 22-year-old Croatian playmaker Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb last week and he has also been linked with big money bids for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra and West Ham's Anton Ferdinand.

England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is also expected to move in the summer but is unlikely to be fit for Sunday's game due to an ankle injury, denying him the chance of a last appearance in-front of his home supporters.

Opponents Liverpool have had a similarly dramatic season on and off the pitch but will be in a relaxed mood for Sunday's game after securing Champions League qualification last month.

Manager Rafael Benitez and American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett had high hopes of a title challenge at the beginning of the season but after a largely disappointing campaign will be refreshing their squad ready for a more sustained attempt next year.

Players who could be appearing in their last game for the Reds on Sunday include John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant, Steve Finnan and Andriy Voronin.

The Spanish coach has already made a bid for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, fuelling rumours that midfielder Xavi Alonso could also be saying goodbye on Sunday.

However, Benitez scoffed at the reports, saying: “(Alonso) is our player, he has a contract. Barry can play in three different positions, so I don't think we need to worry about this.”

England forward Peter Crouch could also be making his 'Pool swansong against Spurs, the club who gave him his first professional contract, after publicly stating he wants to leave to seek first-team football.

Again, the Spanish boss played down suggestions. He said: “If we receive a very good offer — and by that I mean 15 million pounds — we will consider it. I'm happy to keep him.”

Sunday's fixture could also be the Reds' last under the ownership of Gillett and Hicks following their acrimonious falling out earlier in the season.

Supporters of the famous club are banking on a takeover offer from Dubai based consortium DIC over the summer to provide the stability needed for improvement.

Liverpool are guaranteed a fourth place finish, whatever Sunday's result, while Spurs can still finish in the top ten if they win and West Ham slip up against Aston Villa.

**nobodynoone** · 11-05-08, 16:06

Football Transfer Rumours: Wrap-Up

--Arsenal are looking to add some firing power to their attack, and are set to make a £10million swoop for Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez. The German international has scored 16 goals in the Bundesliga so far. Arsenal will face stiff competition from Serie A oufit Fiorentina who also have expressed their interest for the striker.

--Sunderland manager Roy Keane is planning a £10million double swoop for Reading duo Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt. Keane failed his attempts to land the Irish winger Hunt in the January transfer window, but it looks like he will get his man this summer.

--After signing Anelka for a staggering £15million in the January transfer window, it looks like Chelsea are set to let him go this summer. Chelsea have also placed Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma at the top of their summer shopping list.

--After criticising new manager Juan Ramos publicly, Younes Kaboul will be allowed to leave Tottenham this summer. Portsmouth have expressed their interest for the French defender.

--Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he intends to buy a forward this summer. Injury prone Luis Saha has offered little support to fellow strikers Tevez and Rooney this season, and United need a third striker to help them out. Michael Owen is the latest name to be linked with the club. Dimitar Berbatov, Klaas- Jan Huntelaar and Luis Fabiano are also said to be under consideration

Barcelona swap Eto’o for Inter Milan’s Ibrahimovic

Officially not the new manager of Barcelona yet, it has not stopped Josep “Pep” Guardiola to start preparations of an overhaul of Frank Rijkaard’s squad for next season’s campaign.

According to reports from Spain, Barcelona are ready to offer Samuel Eto’o to Inter Milan for their super Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The 26-year old Ibrahimovic has played two seasons for Inter after joining them from Juventus in 2006. Currently injured and having missed all the games in the later stages for Inter, he has still managed to score 15 goals in 22 appearaces in Serie A this season.

Chelsea snatch Bosingwa from Man Utd

According to reports emerging from Portugal, Chelsea have beaten Manchester Utd to the signature of Portugal international full-back, Jose Bosingwa.

Since the long-term injury to Gary Neville, Man Utd have struggled to fill the right-back position with a player of highest calibre. The 25-year old Bosingwa has shown for many years, while playing in the UEFA Champions League for his side Porto, that he can compete with the best. Alex Ferguson will be truly disappointed to lose this player to one of their fiercest rivals.

A fee of €20million (£15.8million) is thought to have been the agreed fee between Porto and Chelsea, with Bosingwa to pen a five-year deal with the West London club.

**fenor003** · 11-05-08, 16:32

Intresting out of todays Transfer:

-- Swap kardane Eto ba Ibrahimovich Barca va Inter. Jaleb mishe agar Henry va Ibrahimivoch baham khate hamleye Barca ro tashkil bedan. mitoone yeki az behtarin kharidhaye Barca bashe.

-- Bosingwa be Chelsea.

**fenor003** · 13-05-08, 09:17

Milan Set For €48m Cech Offer
AC Milan are set to make a €48m offer for Cheslea goalkeeper Petr Cech, according to reports in Italy.

With Nelson Dida seemingly set to be released on a free transfer, and doubts still remaining over the ability of Zeljko Kalac, Milan have identified the signing of a new goalkeeper as their primary transfer target this summer.

A host of names have been linked with a move to San Siro, most notably Fiorentina’s Sebastien Frey, Celtic’s Artur Boruc, and PSV Eindoven’s Heurelho Gomes.

Latest reports in Italy suggest that Milan are now set to table a huge offer to Chelsea for Czech shot-stopper Petr Cech. Last week, Cech’s agent Pavel Zika, told Czech newspaper Pravo that a big European club were ready invest heavily in his client.

Zika said: "I know quite a large European club is ready to pay over 30 million euros for Petr Cech. It is an important sum for a goalkeeper. At the end of the season, we will consider the current contract of Petr and see whether we can improve it."

While many believe that these statements were intended as a bargaining chip into contract negations, reports in Italy insist that Milan are serious about signing Cech.

The 25-year-old, who has won 56 caps for his country, is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

**nobodynoone** · 13-05-08, 09:31

Atletico Madrid target players for next season

Atletico Madrid have started to look at reinforcements after confirming their spot in next season’s competition for the best clubs in Europe, the Champions League.

According to reports in Spain, they have already secured a deal for Ajax stopper and Dutch international Johnny Heitinga. The 24-year old has been of the best players for Ajax this season, and can play as central defender, right-back and defensive midfielder.

Atletico is also linked with the Czech Republic international Tomas Ujfalusi, who will be out of contract this summer. The 30-year old have turned down a move to both Liverpool and Spurs recently, and has been quoted saying: “As for England, I have decided against it. I think that it will turn out that I will either stay at Fiorentina or I will move to Spain. “

Manchester Utd after Sevilla’s duo Alves & Fabiano

After losing the race for right-back Jose Bosingwa to Chelsea, Manchester Utd have now set their sights on former Chelsea target Daniel Alves of Sevilla.

The 25-year old Alves is a Brazilian international who can operate both as right-back or right-winger. Manchester Utd is looking for a long-term successor to Gary Neville, whose future in the club is in doubt after spending almost a year on the sidelines injured.

Another player Utd is targeting is 27-year old Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano, who had his best season in La Liga this year, scoring a staggering 24 goals in just 28 games for his club.

Manchester United are expected to offer £30million for the two Brazilian internationals.

Barcelona chasing Inter defender Christian Chivu

New Barcelona manager, Josep “Pep” Guardiola, looks to have a busy summer ahead of him with a lot of transfer targets linked to his name. The latest name to be linked to the club is Romanian international Christian Chivu.

With the recent injury to center-back Gabriel Milito, who will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for half a year, adding a new central defender has become the top priority for Guardiola.

Chivu, who currently plays for Inter Milan, can play both as a central defender and left-back.

Chelsea agree deal for Porto defender Bosingwa

Chelsea are close to signing Portugal right-back Jose Bosingwa after Porto announced they have accepted the Premier League club's 16.2 million pounds (20.5 million euros) offer.

Bosingwa, 25, has flown to London with his agent Jorge Mendes for contract talks and a medical and the transfer could be completed in the next 48 hours.

After missing out on the English title to Manchester United on Sunday, Chelsea have gained a small measure of revenge by beating United in the race to sign Bosingwa, who was also attracting interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Juliano Belletti's brief stay at Stamford Bridge could be ended by Bosingwa's imminent arrival after a series of mediocre performances from the Brazilian.

Bosingwa was born in Congo but moved to Portugal with his parents when he was a child. His performances for Boavista convinced Jose Mourinho to sign him for Porto in 2003 and he has helped continue the club's domestic dominance as well as winning six caps for Portugal.

Porto announced a deal was done in a statement to the Portuguese Stock Exchange: “We inform the market that we have an understanding with Chelsea for the rights to our player Jose Bosingwa for the price of 20.5million euros.

“More information on the relative agreement of the transfer will be legalised once the player concludes the medical examinations that he is now having with the permission of Porto football club.”

Arsenal linked with Barcelona’s Toure

With Flamini leaving the club in the summer for AC Milan, Arsenal has a defensive gap to fill in their midfield. Arsenal have set their sights on Kolo Toure’s younger brother, Yaya, who currently plays for Barcelona.

Having signed from AS Monaco last summer, the 24-year old Yaya has been one of Barcelona’s better player all throughout the season.

Wenger is said to be willing to offer €10million for the star midfielder, and he hopes that Yaya will become the “new” Patrick Viera of his side.

**nobodynoone** · 14-05-08, 16:47

Real Madrid: “We can afford Cristiano Ronaldo”

Real Madrid general director Angel Arroyo has just recently claimed that the club could afford to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

For the past two seasons, the Portugese winger has constantly been linked to Real Madrid, and the Spanish giants are doing all they can to unsettle the player away from England.

Reports suggest that it would take a record-breaking £100million to at least get the negotiations going, but even at that amount, Manchester United are unlikely to be interested.

Angel Arroyo stated, “Real Madrid have the solvency and the financial liquidity to be able to take on a signing of the magnitude of Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Fiorentina chasing £12 million Milan striker Gilardino

Alberto Gilardino has had a poor season for AC Milan, having just scored nine goals in Serie A this term. He has not been a regular in the team and has often played second fiddle to strikers Pato and Inzaghi.

The former Parma man is looking for a way out so he can get more playing time, and has been linked with several clubs. One of them, Fiorentina, are said to be willing to meet Milan’s £12 million asking price with a straight cash offer. Another possibility would be a straight swap between Fiorentina’s French goalkeeper, Frey, and Gilardino.

The 25-year old striker has scored 36 goals in 94 for games for Milan since his move from Parma in 2005. He is also a Italian international with 25 caps to his belt, and is exepected to be selected for the European Championships this summer.

Roy Keane ready to spend £50million warchest

Roy Keane has be handed a £50million warchest to take Sunderland onto the next level.

Finishing 15th, Keane has endured a rather difficult season in his first year in the Premier Leauge as a manager. However, now he is determined to see the club become an established top flight side.

According to the Daily Telegraph, “Among Keane’s targets could be the Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan, a former Manchester United team-mate; Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell, whose £50,000-a-week wage demands could prove a hurdle; Jonny Evans, the £7 million-rated United defender; and Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, who could cost £10 million.” Fellow Irishman and Reading player, Stephen Hunt, has also been linked with Keane this summer.

The Irishman has already spent £44million since the Black Cats booked their place among England’s elite back in 2007, but will seemingly be given free reign to splash out again this summer.

Yaya wants to join brother Kolo at Arsenal

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has admitted he would love to play alongside his brother Kolo in the Premier League at Arsenal. Both brothers are team mates on a national-level for Ivory Coast, but would love to chance to link up on a club-level as well.

With Josep Guardiola stepping in as new manager for Barcelona, the Ivory Coast international could be surplus to requirements.

Arsenal manager, Wenger, wants a midfielder to replace the departed Flamini and the 24-year old Yaya is a player who has been on his radar for years. In 2002, he spent time on trial with the Gunners but a deal was not struck, and he eventually moved on Metalurg Donetsk, Ukraine.

In an exclusive interview with Skysports, “I am aware of the interest from the Premier League. But I can’t say anything yet - however it would be great to play in a big team with my brother, it would be fantastic but you never know,” Yaya stated.

Drogba close to playing his final match for Chelsea?

Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba, has admitted that he held talks with AC Milan at the start of least season.

Drogba confesses that he still dreams of a move to the Italian giants, and the 30-year-old could be making his final appearance for Chelsea in next week’s UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United. “All footballers dream of signing for Milan.” , said Drogba.

Drogba joined Chelsea from Marseille for €24million in 2004, and has made just over 100 appearances for Chelsea and has scored a staggering 68 goals.

Spanish club Real Betis want Championship star

According to reports, Championship side, Charlton, have turned down a 2million euros (£1.5million) offer from Real Betis for 25-year old Madjid Bougherra.

The Algerian defender has only been with the club for 18 months, but has already managed to attract interest from clubs across the continent. Betis is the first club to make a concrete offer.

Most likely, Betis will come back with an improved offer and try to secure a player they think can boost their defensive ranks for next season.

Angry Eto’o leaving? Tottenham & Inter want him

After Barcelona’s humiliating defeat to their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who won 4-1, the team has been heavily criticized by many supporters. This is said to have upset Eto’o greatly, who was also whistled and booed at during the match against Mallorca. It was believed that he deliberately picked up a yellow card in order to miss the Real Madrid game.

This have alerted Tottenham and Inter Milan, who both want to add the Cameroonian striker to their ranks.

Reports say that Tottenham are leading the chase, and they are currently organising a package to try and tempt him to White Hart Lane.

Reports also say that club officials and friends have tried to calm Eto’o down and convince him not to leave, but the latest treatment from his own fans might be more than he can take.

Lee heads Middlesbrough´s clear-out

South Korea striker Lee Dong-Gook was released by Middlesbrough on Tuesday as Gareth Southgate started a clear-out that also saw Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta leave the Premier League club.

Lee, 29, struggled to break into the first team at the Riverside Stadium after his free transfer from Pohang Steelers in January 2007.

He scored only twice in 29 appearances and hadn’t played for Southgate’s side since February, making his exit inevitable.

“We took a chance on signing Dong Gook at a time when money was tight,” Southgate told Middlesbrough’s website. “By his own admission he didn’t play as well as he thought he could, but he was never a minute’s problem.

“He has offers from clubs in Japan and possibly Germany so we wish him well.”

Brazilian midfielder Rochemback would have been out of contract in June and is already talking to Sporting Lisbon about a move to the Portuguese club.

Mendieta’s four-year spell at the Riverside Stadium is also over. The 34-year-old helped Middlesbrough win their first major trophy when they beat Bolton in the 2004 League Cup final, but had not played since December 2006.

Jens Lehmann in discussions with Stuttgart

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, out of contract at Arsenal this summer, is in discussions to join Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart according to German tabloid Bild on Tuesday.

“If I were to continue my career, I think I could do it there (in Stuttgart),” Lehmann told Bild.

“They are a club who belong at the top of the Bundesliga.”

Stuttgart general manager Heldt Horst confirmed that Bild Stuttgart are interested in signing Lehmann and have spoken to him on the telephone, but no decision has been made.

The search for a new goalkeeper intensified in Stuttgart last weekend after the 2007 Bundesliga champions were hammered 4-0 by VfL Wolfsburg, but VfB are still in the hunt for a UEFA Cup place next season.

Although seventh in the league, they are one of four clubs on 51 points and a win this weekend against struggling Arminia Bielefeld could give them a European berth next season.

Current Stuttgart shot-stopper Raphael Schaefer has been a disappointment since his transfer from Nuremberg last summer and was responsible for two of the goals against Nuremberg.

He has been dropped for the Bielefeld game and has hinted he will leave at the end of the season.

Lehmann, 38, has spent most of this season on the bench at Arsenal and has yet to decide where he will play next season after June’s Euro 2008 tournament.

Before joining Arsenal in 2003, Lehmann previously played for Schalke 04 (1988-98 ), AC Milan (1998-99) and Borussia Dortmund (1999-2003).

He was offered the chance to join Wolfsburg and Dortmund in January, but rejected both offers.

**nobodynoone** · 16-05-08, 09:36

Monaco chase Real Madrid’s Cannavaro

Italian World Cup winner, Fabio Cannavaro, might leave Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer.

The 34-year old veteran is being chased by French outfit Monaco, and they want a big-name signing for next season.

Cannavaro is a former World Player of the Year, joined Real Madrid from Juventus in 2006. During his time in Spain, he has won the Spanish leagu