[Lucky7]

The Portuguese hero’s heart belonged to the Red Devils, she said.


In an exclusive interview with Telelombardia e Antenna 3, Ronaldinho’s brother and agent, Roberto De Assis, admitted, "Yes, it is true. There is a good probability that my brother will obtain a transfer to Milan - let’s say between 80-90%.

"The important thing is that he is healthy now and working for the future."

De Assis added, "Yet it is true, it is possible that he will arrive at Milan, everything is ready."

Still, it appears that at this time other options remain on the table: "There is a contract with Barça, there are other possibilities, we will see in the next fifteen days," he continued.

What De Assis did categorically rule out was any contact with the Los Angeles Galaxy: "L.A. Galaxy? I will be traveling to Houston to accompany Ronaldinho on a tournament. I completely exclude the Galaxy as a possibility," he continued.

"It simply is not possible because he is 28 years old and wants to play another five or six years of top-level football."

http://www.goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=762453

[Lucky7]

One Last Barca Bid For Adebayor?

It was initially thought Barca had given up on Adebayor after having a ₤24million bid rejected recently, but The Guardian reports that the Catalan club will up their bid to ₤30million.

AC Milan were also keen to capture to Togolese hitman, but the Italians have publicly pulled out of the race because they refused to meet the Gunners’ ₤35million asking price.

The north London club would have been happy to leave it at that a few weeks ago, but recent developments mean the status quo no longer appears a feasible option.

Adebayor has effectively cut his ties at the Emirates after rejecting doubled wages of ₤60,000-per-week and threatening to leave if he does not get twice as much again – demands which Arsene Wenger and co have flat-out refused to meet.

Hence, the Gunners now have an open auction but no bidders due to their own monetary demands, and Barca are prepared to take advantage of the situation by meeting them halfway.

However, it is unlikely any move will materialise until Wenger can secure a replacement, with Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz looking the most likely candidate.

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=762603

[Lucky7]

Atleti To Up Arteta Interest
The Sun claims that Atletico will make a formal approach for Arteta in the very near future, having been consistently linked with the 26-year-old during the course of last season.

Furthermore, it is believed the Basque playmaker has been eyeing a return to Spain after receiving virtually no recognition from national coach Luis Aragones, despite establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders.

And speculation has only intensified further following La Furia Roja’s historic victory in the EURO 2008 final, suggesting the ex-Rangers man is set for a ₤12million move to the Vicente Calderon.

Toffees boss David Moyes is unlikely to let Arteta leave on a whim, however, as he is determined to maintain the club’s push for Champions League qualification – which means holding onto their star players.

But if Arteta’s childhood friend Xabi Alonso makes the long-anticipated switch from Liverpool to Juventus, there may be little Moyes can do to prevent the former Barcelona youth leaving Merseyside too.



Mutu Staying 100 Percent - Agent
Mutu has been embroiled in talks with the club over his contract but Fiorentina were not willing to succumb to his demands, leading to rife speculation that the player was on his way out with a number of clubs lining up for his services.

However, Moggi has categorically denied his client will leave.

“The club offered Adrian an enhanced deal and an extension until 2012,” Moggi told Mediaset.

“That's the deal but I cannot go into all the details but that player has appreciated the club's offer.

“It's the journalists who are creating all the hassle. Please, you guys do your jobs and we will do ours.

“We have not received any offer from other clubs. Mutu is attached to the club and he would be honoured to wear the captain's arm band.

“Mutu will stay with Fiorentina 100 percent, I am sure.”

Roma, Arsenal and Bayern Munich were all believed to be interested in the Romanian striker but it seems as if he will be staying at the Artemio Franchi.

The Viola will be involved in the Champions League this term and they will need to ensure they have a strong squad in order to compete in Europe's elite club competition.



Barcelona Attempt To Shackle Xavi

The Spanish international was outstanding during the European Champiosnships last month and his brilliance on the pitch attracted the interest of several major clubs.

Barcelona are now ready to offer him an enhanced contract to keep things sweet as well as keep Xavi at Camp Nou. The Blaugrana know the affluence of the Premier League may tempt Xavi away from Spain and thus the club are trying hard to prevent this from happening.

Barcelona director Txiki Begiristain is set to meet with the midfielder and his entourage within the next few days in order to offer him a new deal.

Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United are all keen on the player and this has lead to speculation that he may leave. The Blaugrana are worried as a decent offer from abroad could see Xavi jump ship and ply his trade elsewhere.

Sport claims that the clubs interested in the player have already made enquiries leading to new questions being raised over Xavi's stay in La Liga.

Xavi's deal expires in 2010 and Barcelona will offer him an extension until 2013 with a better salary in order to patch up the cracks and keep the midfielder where they want him.



Goal.com

[RedForceRising]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/050720...-set-hull.html

Hull City are in talks to sign Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng and are close to finalising a deal for Geovanni.

Dutchman Boateng is entering the final year of his contract at the Riverside and fell out with Boro boss Gareth Southgate last season.

A fee has yet to be agreed between the two clubs, but Tigers chairman Paul Duffen confirmed discussions have been held with Boateng.

"Talks have been going on for a couple of weeks now, but it's important to say we are talking to him with the consent of Middlesbrough Football Club," Duffen told the Hull Daily Mail.

"We are hopeful that we might be able to reach an agreement with him.

"Talks with the player and Middlesbrough are at a very advanced stage."

Meanwhile, Duffen confirmed the club are finalising a deal for Brazilian midfielder Geovanni, who has been released by Manchester City.

"The Geovanni deal is now very close to completion" added Duffen.

"He had a medical yesterday and if the scan results come back clear we should be in a position to confirm the transfer is completed."

Geovanni's former City team-mate Emile Mpenza, who has also been released by Mark Hughes, is due to link up with Hull during their pre-season training camp in Italy.

[thekeanefella]

kazim richards to citeh 4m. the mirror reports.

[Lucky7]

Huntelaar Favours Old Trafford Move
Huntelaar is one of the most sought-after commodities in this transfer window, with Real Madrid also competing for his signature.

The striker’s Ajax departure now looks imminent after the Amsterdam club smashed the Dutch transfer record with the signing of Miralem Sulejmani from Heerenveen.

Ajax have slapped a £20 million price tag on Huntelaar’s head, which could deter potential suitors. However, the player is adamant that a move to Old Trafford would be his preference.

Huntelaar has an outstanding scoring record for Ajax, with 70 goals in just over 80 league appearances for the club. He has also netted eight strikes in 13 international outings.

He now hopes to emulate his Oranje team-mate Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who spent five fruitful seasons at Manchester United.

He told the Dutch media: "I love clubs with great history like Ajax. I also love United. It`s a club that makes me dream, especially as Ruud van Nistelrooy played there and did great things with them.

“I know certain English clubs are following me, like Manchester United, who are very interested in me."


Goal.com

[Lucky7]

City Agree Fee For Ronaldinho?

If the former back-to-back World Player of the Year were to choose the blue half of Manchester over the red and black of Milan, then it would be considered City’s finest ever coup.

Eastland’s boss Mark Hughes believes he has what it takes to revive the 28-year old forward’s career.

“With City, Ronaldinho could help drive the club to the top and play a part in something exciting and new,” he added that the “Manchester City project” could be just as tempting as playing Champions League football.

Ever since Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra confessed his admiration for the Barcelona man, officials have been in talks with the club, and the player’s representative, over how a deal can be reached.

Catalunya Radio even suggests that Ronaldinho’s brother-agent, Roberto De Assis, is meeting with club directors this weekend in order to close the deal.

The Sky Blues would have to depart with a figure exceeding £20million if they are to capture their man, but they may yet face competition from AC Milan, whom De Assis says his client has a much better chance of joining.

However, a stumbling block could prove costly. Milan president Silvio Berlusconi admitted the price tag set by the Catalan club is too high.

Ronaldinho has also been linked with Internazionale, and Chelsea.




Perrotta Staying Put - Prade

Speculation regarding a possible move to Fiorentina for the midfielder was rife earlier this week and there were reports that Roma had slapped a €15m price tag on him.

However, Prade has rubbished the rumours and he insists that the Italian international is as important to the team now as he ever was.

“The relationship between the club and player are excellent and he has been a key element to Roma over the last few seasons,” Prade told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

“He has always been an exemplary professional.

“We don’t even want to consider the possibility of selling him because he will be an important player for Roma, now and in the future.”

Perrotta has been outstanding for the Giallorossi ever since he signed for them in 2004 from Chievo Verona and it doesn’t seem as if he is heading for Florence following Prade’s latest speech on his players.

He won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and he was one of La Nazionale’s best players during the tournament.



Tottenham Eyeing Valencia's Joaquín

The 26-year-old has demanded answers from the club in recent weeks about their plans for him after los Ché persuaded both David Villa and David Silva to stay, according to Marca.

Valencia made it clear towards the end of last term that they would have to sell one of their big names and it now appears that Joaquín will be allowed to leave for the right price.

After waiting until after the European Championships, Joaquín's agent is due to hold negotiations with sporting director Juan Sánchez this week where he will divulge which clubs are interested.

Juande Ramos is a fan of the right-sided winger and looks set to offer him a chance to resurrect his career in the Premier League as part of his new look side at White Hart Lane.

Valencia's asking price of €20m could be negotiable, but would not be out of Tottenham's reach and if Valencia tell the player that they will listen then he will help speed up any transfer.

Joaquín was said to be devastated after missing out on Spain's Euro 2008 squad having been a regular during the qualifiers and blamed his absence on Valencia.

Ronald Koeman publicly accused him of being worth €30 and not €30m and did not use him regularly during his troubled spell at Mestalla.

José Mourinho was a big fan of the Andalucian trickster and attempted to sign him from Real Betis during his first couple of seasons at Stamford Bridge.



Noble Not Interested In Arsenal

Quite how much truth there was to the initial speculation aside, Noble has declared his loyalty to hometown club West Ham by shrugging off interest from Arsenal.

Noble, 21, was mooted as a replacement for Mathieu Flamini, who left the Gunners on a free transfer for Milan.

The youngster, who had loan spells at Hull City and Ipswich Town in 2006, was flattered but spoken for when confronted about the speculation.

"Talk about the way I play is flattering, but I want to concentrate on West Ham," he said, according to Sky Sports.

And when asked directly about a move to Arsenal, he answered: "No, I think it is just rumours. I am happy where I am."



Goal.com

[versa]

bbc

Tottenham have moved to stress that Aaron Lennon - who has been linked in a number deals as a potential makeweight as Spurs look to bring in new players - is not for sale, having only recent signed a long-term contract at the club. (Press Association, 1433 BST)

Ajax striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar claims Manchester United are "very interested" in signing him. "I love clubs with great history like Ajax, I also love Manchester United," he told Dutch reporters. (Press Association, 1419 BST)

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has said the Italian club have received a "huge" offer from Chelsea for Brazilian playmaker Kaka. (La Stampa, 1342 BST)

Galliani has also revealed that Ronaldinho has rejected an offer from Manchester City, despite the club offering him double what Milan have tabled. (La Stampa, 1024 BST)

Arsenal are ready to launch an £18m bid for Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. (News of the World)

Manchester United chief executive David Gill will tell Real Madrid in person on Monday that Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale at any price. (News of the World)

Arsenal have emerged as favourites to sign Andrei Arshavin after Chelsea ended their interest in the Russian playmaker. (Sunday Telegraph)

Didier Drogba has said he is still desperate to leave Chelsea and he could be replaced at Stamford Bridge by Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. (The Observer)

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is preparing a £15m bid for Blackburn midfielder David Bentley. (Mail on Sunday)

Everton manager David Moyes is also keen to launch a bid for Bentley, if they lose Mikel Arteta to Atletico Madrid. (The People)

Sunderland want £10m Everton striker Andrew Johnson after failing in an attempt to sign Darren Bent from Tottenham. (The People)

But Black Cats boss Roy Keane has been told he will need to offer £12m for the striker after both they and Wigan had £10m bids rejected by Everton. (News of the World)

Liverpool are willing to offer Irish defender Steve Finnan as well as £15m plus add-ons to secure Gareth Barry from Aston Villa. (News of the World)

The Anfield club are also still interested in Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera despite having a £9.5m bid rejected by the Spanish club. (The People)

New Chelsea signing Deco has pleaded with Frank Lampard to stay at the club so they can form a dangerous midfield partnership. (The People)

Everton have entered the race to sign £10m-rated Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon. (The People)

Newcastle, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Sunderland are all chasing Reading striker Leroy Lita. (News of the World)

Celtic are hoping to sign Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng with 48 hours. (Sunday Mail)

Aston Villa want £2m more from Celtic as the clubs attempt a swap involving Shaun Maloney and Celtic's Lee Naylor. (News of the World)

Celtic are considering an approach to take left-back Nadir Belhadj on loan from Lens. (Sunday Mail)>

Shakhtar Donetsk left-back Razvan Rat would consider joining Celtic, but Bologna, Lazio, Newcastle and Sunderland are also interested. (News of the World)

Celtic will step up their bid this week to land Spartak Moscow defender Martin Stranzl. (News of the World)

Inverness have ruled out selling striker Marius Niculae to another Scottish Premier League club. (News of the World)

Stoke City are targeting Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson. (Mail on Sunday)

West Ham are interested in signing Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre but could be put off by his £60,000-a-week wage demands. (The People)

Further doubt has been cast over Joey Barton's Newcastle future after it emerged Kevin Keegan is planning a £5m bid for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell. (The People)

West Ham are set to pay £9m for Lazio right-back Valon Behrami of Switzerland. (News of the World)

Portsmouth are lining up a £4m bid for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (The People)

Bolton are prepared to sell Heidar Helguson and Abdoulaye Meite to raise around £4m. (The People)

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is a £3m target for Wolves. (The People)

Paul Ince has made James McFadden his top target for Blackburn and will offer £5.5m for the Birmingham striker. (News of the World)

Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda could join up with former boss Martin Jol at Hamburg if the German club meet Spurs' £4m valuation of the player. (News of the World)

Kevin Kilbane could be on his way out of Wigan and replaced by £3m-rated Birmingham forward Olivier Kapo. (The People)

Cardiff want unsettled striker Marcus Bent after Wigan pulled out of a permanent deal to sign the 30-year-old. (The People)

Nottingham Forest are hoping to sign Derby midfielder Stephen Pearson and Carlisle striker Joe Garner, both for around £1m. (The People)

Eric Cantona is seriously considering Manchester United's long-standing offer to return to Old Trafford as a coach. (Sunday Express)

Cristiano Ronaldo, who will have surgery on his right ankle in the next 48 hours, could be out of action for up to three months. (The People)

A wealthy construction company run by the family of terrorist Osama bin Laden has emerged as a front-runner to buy Newcastle United. (Mail on Sunday)

Arsene Wenger has said Arsenal need to sell every year and buy less expensive players to replace them in order to pay the club's £24m-a-year bill for the Emirates Stadium. (News of the World)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is resigned to losing assistant coach Carlos Queiroz to Portugal on a deal worth around £1.2m a year. (Sunday Times)

Tottenham have approached MK Dons about using their new stadium if White Lane is revamped. (News of the World)

Sam Allardyce could return to management with Spanish side Real Mallorca if former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is successful with a takeover bid. (The People)

Blackburn have rejected a £30m bid for the club from property tycoon Nabeel Chowdery and are holding out for £40m. (The People)

Sam Allardyce fears Joey Barton could become suicidal if Newcastle sack him. (News of the World)

Manchester United will employ continental-style electric vans to ferry injured players off the pitch next season. (Sunday Express)




the independent

Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin's agent said his client is in no rush to find another club, and believes his eventual destination may depend on the outcome of some of the summer's other transfers. The Zenit St Petersburg player was impressive at Euro 2008, and yesterday the Zenit coach Dick Advocaat said he had given the 27-year-old leave to decide on his future, with reports in the Russian press suggesting that he is set to travel to London to hold talks with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Barcelona are also said to be interested in Arshavin (right), who has described a move to the Nou Camp as a "dream". But his agent Dennis Lachter said, "The push for Andrei Arshavin has only just got going. The transfer window doesn't close until August 31 and the clubs who are following him are only just warming up their engines."

Lachter added that, "Arshavin's future depends on what happens with [Arsenal's Alexander] Hleb and [Emmanuel] Adebayor, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo." Barça are believed to be keen on signing Hleb and Adebayor, meaning they may be out of the running for the Russian. Should Hleb and/or Adebayor leave north London, that would appear to put the Gunners in a strong position to land Arshavin.

Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, claims that Ronaldinho has rejected a lucrative offer from Manchester City, despite the English club offering twice what the Italians can. The Rossoneri are short on cash and have admitted they cannot compete financially with City's offer. However, the Brazilian has said he would prefer a move to Milan or even Chelsea, and Galliani claims he has made good on that claim by turning down a higher wage – reportedly up to €250,000 [£198,000] a week – from City to focus on a move to Milan. Galliani said the main stumbling block to joining Milan would be Ronaldinho's wages, not the transfer fee. "He is not in the plans of [the Barça coach Pep] Guardiola, so he has a more favourable price," Galliani said.

Chelsea yesterday denied making a large offer for Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka. The Italian club's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, said in the Italian press: "An astronomical offer has come in from Chelsea for Kaka." He added that the English club had also expressed interest in the 2006 World Cup-winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Despite failing to qualify for the Champions League, Galliani said the Rossoneri had been strengthening their squad and increasing salaries. "This means we'll be €50m [£39.6m] in the red," he said. "All we would need to do in order to wipe out our debts is sell Kaka."

Watford's chairman, Graham Simpson, said Danny ****tu is not for sale following reported interest from both halves of the Old Firm. The 27-year-old defender, who has 12 caps for Nigeria, has been linked with Celtic and Rangers, with both Glasgow sides seeking to strengthen ahead of the new season. The Nigerian has impressed since his arrival from Queen's Park Rangers in 2006 and is set to return for pre-season training with the rest of the squad today. No firm offers have been tabled for ****tu yet and Simpson says bids would not be welcomed. "We had inquiries from Premier League clubs but no offers for Danny," Simpson said yesterday. "Danny is still with us and that's the way it is staying."

[versa]

bbc

Inter Milan have made an official £6.5m opening offer for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. (The Sun)

Chelsea are ready to bid £75m for AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka after their initial "astronomical" bid was turned down. (Daily Express)

Another Brazil superstar, Barcelona's Ronaldinho, has turned down a move to Manchester City, despite the offer of a salary of £200,000 a week. (Various)

Ronaldinho will join AC Milan, says Brazil boss Carlos Dunga. (Daily Mirror)

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has insisted his club are odds-on favourites to sign Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. (The Sun)

But Calderon has said any deal for the £70m-rated winger is off until he proves his fitness after he undergoes ankle surgery. (The Mirror)

Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa are battling to sign Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red. (Daily Mail)

Blackburn want to sign Fulham midfielder Steve Davis. (Daily Telegraph)

Tottenham full-back Pascal Chimbonda will this week seal an £8m switch to Valencia. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool hope to tempt Aston Villa to part with Gareth Barry by adding Steve Finnan to their existing £15m offer for the England midfielder. (Telegraph)

Manchester United and Arsenal are locked in an £18m battle to sign Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. (Daily Star)

Newcastle are preparing a £4m bid for Switzerland international midfielder Gokhan Inler. (Telegraph)

Portsmouth have sealed a club record £10m deal for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. (Various)

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp will now sell striker David Nugent to Hull for £3m. (Various)

Redknapp is also preparing to make moves for Reading full-back Nicky Shorey and Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul. (Various)

Fulham are leading the chase to capture Rosenborg full-back Fredrik Stoor, who is also wanted by Blackburn, Manchester City and Wigan. (Daily Mail)

Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin is stalling on a move to Arsenal, while the futures of Alex Hleb and Emmanuel Adebayor are uncertain. (Various)

Adebayor is wanted by Barcelona and the Spanish giants are set to push on with their pursuit. (Daily Mail)

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says the club will not sell Adebayor but admits Hleb may leave. (Various)

But if Adebayor does move, the Gunners will try to sign Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz. (Daily Mail)

Hull manager Phil Brown is set to bid £1.4m for QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands. (Various)

Brown also wants Dutch striker Roy Makaay, who is available from Feyenoord for £1,5m, and £3m-rated Wolves midfielder Seyi Olofinjana. (Telegraph)

Bolton's young German midfielder Kevin Wolze plans to sign for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton and Middlesbrough want to sign Reading's £3.5m-rated midfielder James Harper. (Daily Mirror)

Wigan boss Steve Bruce has pulled out of the race for Croatia striker Ivan Klasnic after the player said it is too cold for him in England. (Various)

Birmingham are determined to hold on to James McFadden, who is wanted by Blackburn and Celtic. (Daily Star)

Watford say defender Danny ****tu is not for sale, despite interest from Premier League clubs and Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic. (Various)

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric is ion the verge of completing an £800,000 deal for CSKA Sofia defender Aleksander Tunchev. (Daily Mirror)

Carlisle striker Joe Garner will join Nottingham Forest this week in a £500,000 deal. (Daily Mirror)

Burnley are set to beat off competition from Cardiff to sign Dutch midfielder Remco van der Schaaf. (Daily Mail)

But the Bluebirds are set to lose striker Robbie Fowler, who will join Dubai club Al-Ahli. (The Sun)

Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz is set to take over as Portugal manager. (The Sun)

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to promote from within to replace Queiroz, with Academy boss Brian McClair a leading contender. (Mirror)

Newcastle fans have reacted furiously after learning that relatives of Osama Bin Laden are among the front runners to buy their club. The Bin Ladens, who own a Saudi Arabian building firm, are set to bid £300m for the Premier League club. (The Sun)

[Andreas_svan]

chelsea have Ballack, Essien, Lampard and Deco. But they still want kaka and such players as Ronaldinho. lol