more transfer news

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

Real Madrid midfield ace David Beckham will resist offers from Arsenal and Manchester United to return to England over the summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger expressed interest in signing Beckham earlier this month, while reports emerged over the weekend that new United owner Malcolm Glazer was to speak with manager Sir Alex Ferguson about bringing the England captain back to Old Trafford.

But Beckham is ready to sit down with Real president Florentino Perez at the end of the La Liga season to thrash out terms over a new contract.

The midfielder can count on the support of coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo and a source close to the player told AS yesterday: "He wants to win something important with the club (Real Madrid).

"He is so happy in Madrid that he is even making the type of serious decisions related to a very long stay

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to trump Real Madrid for Seville defender Sergio Ramos.

Real president Florentino Perez asked after Ramos during Sunday's 2-2 draw between the two clubs, but Laporta has instructed his representatives to accelerate negotiations with the youngster's agent and also Seville officials.

Seville president Jose Maria del Nido is reluctant to sell the Spanish international, but knows with both Real and Barca battling for Ramos' signature a very big profit can be made.

Ramos penned a new contract through to 2008 this season with a buyout clause of £18 million and Del Nido is unlikely to sell for anything less.

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed for the first time they're close to sealing a deal for PSV Eindhoven captain Mark van Bommel.

"The negotiations are very advanced and everything is positive because the coach is Dutch and the player has a big dream to come to Barça and a great city like Barcelona," revealed Laporta.

"Here he will live well and the Barcelonians are hospitable."

Laporta also revealed improved contracts would be offered to Ronaldinho and coach Frank Rijkaard.

"Ronaldinho and Rijkaard will stay for many years with the club. The base for everything is the players we already have and Rijkaard.

"The coach gives a great assuredness and makes us think that we must continue these modern methods

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Reports of a past co-ownership agreement between Parma and Verona are complicating the sale of Alberto Gilardino.

Gilardino joined Parma from Verona in 2002 with the deal involving a 50 per cent split of his registration. It emerged yesterday that Serie B Verona still hold a 'private' agreement with Parma that will entitle them to 50 per cent of any sell on fee.

Parma insiders have dismissed the report, however, as they negotiated the total purchase of Gilardino's registration later in 2002.

But the claims are sure to further muddy the waters for Parma as they insist on £35 million for the Italy international ahead of the summer market opening.

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Juventus midfielder Olivier Kapo has revealed he is considering offers from Newcastle United and Real Betis for next season.

The French international confirmed: "They're trying for me at Newcastle and Betis. I will have to make a decision.

"At Juve, Pavel (Nedved) has said to me to fight and stay in Turin."

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Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini wants to bring Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires to Italy.

The French veteran is disappointed with the Gunners over not offering him a new contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of next season.

Mancini knows Pires fancies a move away from the Premiership and has spoken with Inter supremo Massimo Moratti about drawing up a contract offer to tempt the 32 year-old

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Laurent Robert has again insisted he can no longer work with Newcastle boss Graeme Souness - and is urging the club to let him leave on a free transfer this summer.

The controversial Frenchman feels there is no point in Newcastle retaining his services for one more season when it is clear his relationship with Souness is fractious.

Robert said: "I played for the whole season and suddenly, nothing else. Souness didn't tell me anything.

"He is a little special coach, but he has trouble with a lot of players. It is just like that.

"I want to leave Newcastle because going on with Souness is not possible.

"I still have one year remaining on my contract, but I think the Newcastle officials will let me leave.

"I don't play anymore, so they don't need me anymore. They should let me go for free.

"If they prevent me from leaving I will stay, but I don't think it's in the club's interest to pay me for nothing."

"Several clubs have an interest in me," added Robert. "Nothing is concrete yet, but I have no worries. You never know what can happen, but I don't want to go back to France.

"There are some contacts in Spain but, above all, in England. I like the Premiership a lot and my family has adapted well."

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Real Madrid have agreed terms with goalkeeper Iker Casillas over a new, improved contract.

The Spanish international's new deal will run to 2011 and be worth £2.4 million-a-year. Casillas is expected to sign the new forms before the end of the week.

Real president Florentino Perez and Casillas' agent, Ginés Carvajal, have been locked in talks for several days. Neither party will confirm the agreement as Perez wants to make an official announcement at the end of the season to give Casillas' resigning a presentation in keeping with his best players

[Geordie Ahmed]

I like the look of Kapo - i think he would do well for us!

Also this player co-ownerrship thing is something i dont think i have seen with a Premiership team. Adriano was co owned and now Gilardino but there are many other players in Serie A aswell

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

Real Madrid are on the verge of agreeing a £12 million deal with Santos for Brazilian wing wizard Robinho.

Less than 24 hours after seeing Barcelona lift the Liga championship, Real president Florentino Perez was locked in talks with vice-president Emilio Butragueno and general manager Arrigo Sacchi about launching their rebuilding plans for next season.

The signing of Robinho is the first priority on a shortlist of four items drawn up by Perez. Along with the Brazilian's capture, a replacement for Luis Figo, a new central midfielder and multi-purpose defender are also in Real's sights.

Perez is pushing Santos to allow him to announce the signing of Robinho to boost the Real Madrid support. Santos doesn't want to confirm anything until after their Copa Liberatores campaign is over.

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Villarreal have joined Real Madrid and Barcelona in the chase for exciting Levante 'B' winger Jose Enrique.

Just 19, Enrique is already a Spanish U21 international and was watched by Real scouts on the weekend in Liga action.

Enrique is in talks over a new contract with Levante, but Real Madrid are stepping up their interest in the youngster ahead of a possible approach.

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

GA - the co ownership idea is a ridiculous one - inter are fanous for it - they loaned out adriano and mutu to parma but instead of a loan fee - they sold off 50% rights to each player - then when adriano started showinh his class they had to pay £20m for that 50% when they sold it for £8m!!!! and he was their player. it is confusing as etoo is owned 95% by barca and 5% by real still!

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Real Madrid will begin talks with winger Luis Figo next week about an early release from his contract.

The Portuguese has a year left on his Real deal, but won't be offered new terms and instead president Florentino Perez will seek to negotiate a pay-out for the final 12 months of his contract.

Figo has received mega offers from Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and also Qatar, but will insist on staying in Europe for another year at least after announcing his return from international retirement.

The winger, 32, has hopes of moving to Manchester United in the summer and playing for Portugal at next year's World Cup in Germany

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Villarreal director Jose Manuel Llaneza is focusing on the Italian market for a new goalkeeper.

Llaneza is preparing for the sale of No1 Pepe Reina, who is expected to move to Liverpool at the end of the Spanish season.

Inter Milan pair Francesco Toldo and Alberto Fontana are on Llaneza's shopping list, along with AC Milan reserve keeper Christian Abbiati.

Llaneza will be in Milan today to begin sounding out representatives of all three keepers about their interest in moving to Spain for next season

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Portsmouth midfielder Patrik Berger is set to join Aston Villa on a free transfer after agreeing personal terms with the Midlands club.

The 31 year old, who is out of contract at Fratton Park this summer, has agreed to sign a two-year deal with Villa.

The Czech international's agent Barry Silkman confirmed: "There has been a lot of interest in Patrik but he is going to Aston Villa. It is a done deal."

Berger is formally set to join Villa when his contract expires at the end of the month and O'Leary is hoping it will be the first of several new arrivals at the club

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Tottenham are set to land Crystal Palace winger Wayne Routledge for £2 million.
The England Under-21 star, 20, will move when his deal runs out next month. Spurs will have to cough up the fee as Palace take the deal to a tribunal.



HE IS A FINE PLAYER - spurs agan building for future

[Geordie Ahmed]

I like Wayne Routledge - a skillful player, he needs to work on getting an end product more consistently.

Spurs are signing a lot of good young players BUT i think unless they sign some senior one's then they will regret it!

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

that i true - the rewards they will reap wont come for a while untill these talented youngsters mature

[ImranR]

Rio the bait for Ramos
Manchester United may have to sell Rio Ferdinand if they want to sign Spanish sensation Sergio Ramos. The 19-year-old Sevilla defender is high on Sir Alex Ferguson's shopping list but United have been told Ramos will cost £20m. Fergie is reported to have around that amount to spend in the summer and, as a new goalkeeper is a high priority, may decide to cash in on Ferdinand, who
has yet to agree a new deal. United scouts have watched Ramos, who can play right-back or centre-half, but were hoping to swoop for around £5m. Seville president Jose Maria del Nido said: "Ferguson wants him and we are aware of that but that is the price we have set and for a 19-year-old it's cheap."
Pete Jenson, Daily Star

United net kid keeper(Our keeper for next season :))) )
Schoolboy goalkeeper Tom Lunn has got the world in his hands after signing for Manchester United - aged just EIGHT! The youngster was spotted playing in a seven-a-side league by an Old Trafford scout who saw him as an outstanding prospect. His dad Peter, from Barnsley, said: "It is every schoolboy footballer's ambition to be signed by the most famous club in the world."
Staff reporter, Daily Star

Benitez could beat United in race for Milito
Rafa Benitez is closing in on Manchester United transfer target Gabi Milito. Liverpool boss Benitez has sounded out Real Zaragoza about their 24-year-old Argentine defender and is confident of signing him if an agreement can be reached on a fee. Barcelona are also showing great interest with Zaragoza wanting at last £6million. Milito would have joined Real Madrid three years ago but for a knee problem which has since cleared up. United have been monitoring his progress and hope the presence of fellow-countryman Gabriel Heinze at Old Trafford might prove decisive.
Staff reporter, Daily Mail

[karachiite]

How man defenders is fergire gonna buy!!!!
We need good midfielders.

[pakistani pride]

V bommel has been offcially presented at a press conference in barcelona ! ! !

Sad as the dutch competition loses another star.....

[HAFRIDI]

the dutch league is rubbish..!

[HAFRIDI]

the dutch league is rubbish..!

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

it isnt that bad

[Jameel]

Samuel Eto'o has rejected reports claiming that he would never sign for Chelsea.

The Barcelona star is believed to be Chelsea's top summer transfer target as they look for a high-profile striker to bolster their star-studded squad.

The Blues have struggled for goals from their attack this season despite winning The Premiership and Carling Cup and they are thought to be weighing up a mega-money move for Eto'o.

Reports on Thursday claimed that Eto'o said he would never join Chelsea because of his dislike of Jose Mourinho.

However, Eto'o's lawyer insists the Cameroon international has no problem with Mourinho and that he was flattered by Chelsea's reported interest.

"These reports are rubbish," said lawyer Josep Maria Mesalles to skysports.com.

"Samuel has not spoken to anyone about Chelsea.

"He respects Jose Mourinho and he is flattered to be linked with Chelsea.

"But, at the minute, he is happy at Barcelona and he is looking forward to winning the European Golden Boot."

Barcelona have warned Chelsea off making a move for Eto'o and they are sure to fight any attempts by Chelsea to lure the African to West London.

[ImranR]

Reds to trade in Baros


DAILY STAR

Arsene Wenger fears Ashley Cole's agent will tell him to quit Arsenal this summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has appealed to Manchester United fans not to wreck the FA Cup final.

Chelsea target Samuel Eto'o has made it clear that he will never sign for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp will be offered a new one-year contract after the FA Cup final.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is poised to sign Southampton left-back Olivier Bernard on a free transfer.

Everton and Birmingham have been told they will have to pay £2m for Reading's former England U-21 midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is close to agreeing a new contract which will keep him at the Riverside until 2008.

THE SUN

Ashley Cole has revealed secret evidence that Arsenal were ready to offload him before he met with Chelsea.

Harry Redknapp last night pledged to stay with relegated Southampton.

Craig Bellamy will start an auction for his services as he makes David O'Leary sweat on a proposed £6m move to Aston Villa.

Sam Allardyce hopes to seal the signing of El-Hadji Diouf this week - before targeting Peter Crouch and Patrick Kluivert.

Lee Carsley and Tony Hibbert will be rewarded for Everton's unbelievable season with new deals.

DAILY MIRROR

Everton boss David Moyes wants to sign Liverpool's Djimi Traore and Charlton's Paul Konchesky in a £4m double raid.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants to trade Milan Baros for Valencia's highly-rated attacking midfielder Mohammed Sissoko.

Didier Drogba is seeking showdown talks with Jose Mourinho next week after admitting he is homesick at Chelsea.

Craig Bellamy is ready to declare war on Newcastle by snubbing a £5m move to Aston Villa.

DAILY MAIL

Tottenham will complete the signing of Crystal Palace Wayne Routledge when his contract expires at the end of June.

Stoke have opened talks with Nils-Eric Johansson after the defender was released by Blackburn manager Mark Hughes.

DAILY EXPRESS

Patrick Vieira has pledged he will still be at Arsenal next season because he is determined to see the new young Gunners take his club into a new era.

Birmingham are planning to steal Craig Bellamy away from Aston Villa as Newcastle last night denied they had accepted a £4m bid from Doug Ellis.

Chelsea are close to signing their first player of the summer after Athletic Bilbao agreed to sell their left-back Asier Del Horno.

DAILY RECORD

Celtic last night insisted they will not attempt to rush Craig Bellamy into a decision on his future - despite Aston Villa's bid to snatch him away from Parkhead.

Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Stilian Petrov and are preparing to table a £4m bid for the Celtic midfielder.

Djurgardens boss Kjell Jonewert last night admitted he would be powerless to stop Tobias Hysen moving to Rangers.

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LOL@jameel

if etoo does leave - barca would end up getting around £25m for a player they paid £17m for and then that £25m can be spent on getting either fernando torres, adriano or theirry henry - obviously need to add about £10m more from funds.

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Frank Rijkaard has warned his Barcelona players that they will all have to prove themselves from scratch following the arrival of Mark van Bommel from PSV Eindhoven.
The Dutch coach stated that nobody is assured of a place in his side despite winning their first title in six seasons and that they have it all to do in pre-season.
But Rijkaard also praised the club's latest recruit who has signed a three-year deal after joining on a free transfer from PSV.
"He is a great player with a very good mentality, a winning mentality," said Rijkaard.
"He understands his role on the pitch and is a real team player that has demonstrated his ability at PSV and with Holland.
"I see him as a midfielder who can also play on the left or the right, but he can also play in front of the defence too.
"We shall see what next season holds, but in pre-season we will all start again at zero.
"The most important thing is that we have another player that can help us. We do not need to go through all the midfielders at the club, because we have just signed a very good player."
Barca midfielder Xavi was also delighted with the club's first new signing of the summer and hopes that Van Bommel can have the same effect on the team as former Camp Nou hero Philip Cocu did.
"It is a great signing because Van Bommel is one of the best midfield players in Europe," Xavi said.
"Many people have compared him to Philip Cocu and I hope that he is like him.
"The truth is that if he is similar then that will be superb, because Philip had an outstanding time here and could also play in several different positions.
"I hope he is like Cocu, because he was an example to us all."



the insurance policy in midfield has arrived!

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Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is keen on a move to Real Madrid.

Sources close to Ronaldo's camp have told AS that the Portugal international is flattered by the interest of Real and would jump at the chance of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu over the summer.

"It's clear that he would like to play for Real Madrid," said the source. "Who wouldn't? His present situation at Manchester United is complicated and the boy is not calm in that sense."

Ronaldo's representatives are pressing United for a new, improved contract, but American billionaire Malcolm Glazer's takeover has forced talks on-hold.

The youngster has also been criticised by teammates this past season, further fueling reports that he is unsettled.

[Jameel]

From an article on Sky Sports

Yet the 20-year-old indicated this week that he wants to continue to compete for trophies in England.

"I'm optimistic and I hope to win many, many titles here," said Ronaldo ahead of the FA Cup final date with Arsenal on Saturday. "If we stay focused, I am confident that will happen.

"I think we can challenge for both titles next season - The Premiership and the Champions League.

"It is obvious that there is a lot of expectation surrounding this club, so when things don't go so well, many people are disappointed.

"But, in my opinion, next season we will improve and we can win both trophies

-----------------------------------------

LOL@WIY. Not really the words of an unsettled player is it.

Don't believe everything the Spanish media say.

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

we will see jameel - do u not know who ronaldo's agent is? same agent as likes of deco, rafa marquez - i know barca aint interested in him but real may well go for him only if they miss out on robinho, joaquin and julio baptista and vicente- he is probably fifth in line for them

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

plus would he seriously come out and say he wants to leave? - LOL - agents do a lot of work and negotiating behind the scenes

[Jameel]

He wont go. Firstly he doesn't want to leave. Secondly United wont let him go. And thirdly, you are right, Real want Robinho and Joaquin ahead of him.

The Spanish media are the worst in the world when it comes to unsettling players and clubs. They come out with more bull than the Sun.

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

jameel - they do try and unsettle any player- have seen it many a time - marca is the worst - they unsettled luis figo before he joined real and they can do it.


i agree that united wont let him leave but am not so sure he is 100% behind utd - has been criticised a lot - has a couple of years left on his contract - so man utd better re work his contract - to secure him otherwise real will work their stuff

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

Juan Roman Riquelme has rejected interest from Tottenham in favour of staying with Villarreal next season.

The Barcelona midfielder has starred on-loan with the Yellow Submarines this term and attracted an official inquiry from Spurs this month.

But a source close to Riquelme told Marca that it didn't take the Argentina international "two minutes" to consider and reject Spurs' approach.

Riquelme's priority is stay with Villarreal and is confident the two clubs can negotiate an agreement.



LOL- two minutes!!!!

[ImranR]

wow two minutes thats the longest time some one has considered joining spurs

[nufc]

lol add that to the nearly list..

[w4s1m786]

i think you forgot to add this aswell:

"It's not that I don't like Tottenham or the Premier League, the reason is that I don't want to move to another country once again. I prefer to stay where I am."
With Riquelme seemingly out of Spurs' reach, the London club could switch their attentions to Andres D'Alessandro who has admitted he would consider a move away from Wolfsburg.
D'Alessandro is extremely highly rated and Spurs would likely face competition from Hamburg, Real Sociedad and Villarreal for the former River Plate man.

[nufc]

hell be going on the nearly list as well..

[w4s1m786]

not really coz we didnt even put a bid in for him its just newspapre chattin sh!t

[pakistani pride]

Hafridi the dutch competition has produced one of the best players...

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

w4as1m - that is why levy and co - were at villareal's last 2 home games? im sure they werent interested in forlan! - they were after slick rick and i dont blame them - he is a special player