Talk Football Here... - Part 7

[Novo]

Yeah O'neill and Keane both Scum

they will suit each other

[King Gizzard]

Kris Boyd has a phenomenal scoring rate. I think he may be off to Turkey.

Phenominal scoring rate..in the SPL lol

[Nemo123]

101 gls in 144 games for Rangers, a goal every 2 games for Scotland.

[Nemo123]

Tottenham will need Keane in the CL.

[Novo]

Who do you support Nemo

[bbfan1991]

I hope to god no his attitude is awful, he can go to Birmingham they suit each other

We will get Keano hopefully

Yeah I saw the Keano thing tonight that will be good:).. although the Wolves fans won't be impressed LOL:joker:.

I think Villa could sign a few established young players and develop them.

[Nemo123]

Who do you support Nemo

Leeds.

Ure Rangers I'm guessing.

[King Gizzard]

Yeah I saw the Keano thing tonight that will be good:).. although the Wolves fans won't be impressed LOL:joker:.

I think Villa could sign a few established young players and develop them.

Talk of us getting Gregory Van Der Wiel Hollands young player of the year for 2009/2010 season

[bbfan1991]

Talk of us getting Gregory Van Der Wiel Hollands young player of the year for 2009/2010 season

Cool:).

Do you think Milner will go?, tbh if City offered 25 million it's worth considering because then a couple of players could be brought in with the cash;).

[King Gizzard]

http://www.brethart.com/files/images/112008.uk.anthony2.JPG

The Excellence of Execution supports villa :)

[30stone]

Edit..

[bbfan1991]

Does anyone remember when Sylvester Stallone was spotted at Goodison Park?:D.

Arsenal looks like getting Gourcuff then because it's almost a certainty Cesc is going no matter how hard they try

Looks like Mourinho will be staying at Madrid for a few years because according to the NOTW he's waiting for the United job once Fergie leaves and considers it a long term product.. if it's true of course:).

[King Gizzard]

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_02/AstonVillaHanksPA_468x294.jpg

[bbfan1991]

Prince William supports Villa:p.

[bbfan1991]

He was only there on some business thing I think

Yeah some film thing but the cameras on MOTD were on him and he had a Everton scarf on:).

[Nemo123]

Prince William supports Villa:p.

Why?

[bbfan1991]

WBA are my second team:thumbs:.

[Nemo123]

Because he sees sense :)

The mind boggles.

[Nemo123]

Here's a good site to watch football. Don't know whether you've heard of it:

www.iraqgoals.net

Portugal Cameroon tomorrow. Should be good.

[King Gizzard]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/incoming/article133825.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/aston+villa+john+carew.jpg

My favourite ever player

him and Schmeicel probably

[Nemo123]

Kasper Schmeical's joined Leeds.

[30stone]

Robert Pires
http://tomvictor.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/pires_robert_afc_profile_2005.jpg

Dennis Bergkamp
http://www.totalfootballforums.com/legends/bergkamp.jpg


Robin Van Persie
http://sonofagunner.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/robin-van-persie-001.jpg


Thierry Henry
http://lanktank.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/thierry-henry-7.jpeg


Luis Figo
http://www.football-pictures.net/data/media/257/Luis_Figo_pic.jpg


Can't think of any others right now.

[30stone]

But they are all awesome players!

[bbfan1991]

Eric Cantona, Peter Schemichel, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Yorkey and Coley- United

Elsewhere- Christian Vieri, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Figo, Javier Zanetti.

[30stone]

Cant name great players without naming the don..

Went out on a legendary high..
zAjWi663kXc

Funny how camp that ref is lol.

[30stone]

That player must be a right wanker.. been headbutted loadsa times..


RXbzdjJBqhM&feature=related


IXF1lrZWTso&feature=relatedg

[30stone]

Ohhh right, hes a ****..


zq6HosVlskQ&feature=related

[Novo]

Going to start a new game with Arsenal on FM now

[bbfan1991]

Rui Costa:).

Fillipo Inzaghi

[Novo]

A blast from the past at Euro 2004


Rui costa

[30stone]

Arsenal Line Up £21.8m Fabregas Replacement: Wenger Set for Big Bid for French International Gourcuff


ARSENE WENGER has lined up a £21.8million deal for Bordeaux ace Yoann Gourcuff – his No 1 choice to replace Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal have already spoken to the France star’s dad Christian to pave the way for a switch that will make Gourcuff the Gunners’ record signing.

An Arsenal source said: “While every effort is being made to keep Cesc at the club the boss is working towards an alternative.

“He believes Gourcuff’s finesse and grace will fit perfectly to Arsenal’s way of playing and will make it an almost seamless transition if Cesc does go.”

Wenger is desperate to keep Fabregas after the skipper asked for a move to boyhood club Barcelona.

Arsenal slapped an £80m price tag on their prized asset but it is accepted Fabregas will eventually sign for Barca for around £45m.

Gourcuff, 23, will be France’s first-choice playmaker in the World Cup but has a £21.8m get-out clause at Bordeaux.

Wenger may struggle to bring that price down as Bordeaux president Jean Louis Triaud is still fuming at Wenger for nabbing his striker Marouane Chamakh on a free.

Yet cash-strapped Bordeaux are desperate to get Gourcuff off their wage bill after failing to net a European spot following a late-season collapse in the French League. (The Sun)



YES!!!!

Keep fabregas and buy gourcuff imagine that! lol.

Gourcuff is amazing though and am happy if he joins us :) and its good because we have french players, and chamakh links well with gourcuff.

[Novo]

I would hold out for 60 Mil

45 Mil for Fabregas seems cheap considering what Ronaldo went for

[bbfan1991]

Tbh even if Cesc was to stay for a bit longer only a matter of time he would go to Barca before his career ends.. last summer United had the situation with Ronaldo where it was obvious he would go one day to Madrid so eventually gave up trying to keep him and end the speculation that kept happening every year:).

Looking forward to WBA, Newcastle and Blackpool in the PL:thumbs:,

[30stone]

Well they were on about getting him for 35m and id lose all faith in wenger selling him at that price.


Peter hill wood wants to keep him.

For me 50 - 55m is a good price.

[King Gizzard]

I am going to get so pissed off in this window I know it

Martin Oneill is frustrating and pretty shocking in the market

[bbfan1991]

Well they were on about getting him for 35m and id lose all faith in wenger selling him at that price.


Peter hill wood wants to keep him.

For me 50 - 55m is a good price.

35 million is better than nothing.. plus it would be enough to buy a couple of players.

Shame Arsenal don't have much of an English nucleus because when they had players like Keown, Wright, Seaman etc combined with the foreign players.

[bbfan1991]

I am going to get so pissed off in this window I know it

Martin Oneill is frustrating and pretty shocking in the market

LOL probably be last minute deals:D. What positions do you think need strengthening in?.

I'm annoyed that Man U will be getting only one or two players in because the team needs improving but with the debts not surprising...

[King Gizzard]

My wish list

Richards/Onuaha, Ireland and Keano

[King Gizzard]

I cant believe villa a couple of seasons before vidic joined manure nearly got him but he didn't get a permit or something


And Sneijder just before he signed for Real Madrid from Ajax was just about to sign for us, but they came in with an 11th hour bid

[bbfan1991]

My wish list

Richards/Onuaha, Ireland and Keano

3 for 1 swap for Milner?:p. Although I did read a rumour City were interested in Ashley Young.

Think even though Villa have some younger players coming through the ranks need some experience to replace the likes of Nigel RC, Luke Young etc the players that are on the transfer list and likely to be sold.

[bbfan1991]

I cant believe villa a couple of seasons before vidic joined manure nearly got him but he didn't get a permit or something


And Sneijder just before he signed for Real Madrid from Ajax was just about to sign for us, but they came in with an 11th hour bid

Ha Ha Nemanja is a bargain for £7 million:p. LOL Manure:laugh: in good humour.

Gutting to miss out on Wesley:shocked:.

[30stone]

35 million is better than nothing.. plus it would be enough to buy a couple of players.

Shame Arsenal don't have much of an English nucleus because when they had players like Keown, Wright, Seaman etc combined with the foreign players.

But its so average... you see what happens when you hold out.


City offered us 14m for toure 25m for adebayor..

We sold.

David moyes told city to **** off, and they spent 24m on lescott, we could have easily got 30 - 35 for ade and 18 ish for toure.. but he doesnt try.



Will be good when Ramsey wilshire and walcott all playing, along with a couple of other youngsters..

[bbfan1991]

I know hes one of my favourite players

There was talk of us trying to get him again but of course he went to Inter lol

Well if Villa continue to get noticed then maybe players of that calibre could decide that Villa Park is the place to be?:D.

Think that Freidel is class but only has about one or two seasons left IMO so should be on the hunt for a GK before or after then even though Guzan is there.

[bbfan1991]

But its so average... you see what happens when you hold out.


City offered us 14m for toure 25m for adebayor..

We sold.

David moyes told city to **** off, and they spent 24m on lescott, we could have easily got 30 - 35 for ade and 18 ish for toure.. but he doesnt try.



Will be good when Ramsey wilshire and walcott all playing, along with a couple of other youngsters..

Even if the offer that Barcelona will make isn't not near then what the club demand then fair enough entitled to express that but if he wants to go can't be hold against his will.. although since he's still under contract then you can keep him till it runs out then do a deal?.

[Raph]

RIO FERDINAND fears England will become a team of half-wits.
England are out of World Cup warm-up games but have yet to cure the on-going problem of their slow starts.

Even skipper Ferdinand admitted there was little "thought process" after the side fell behind in the seventh minute to Japan on Sunday.

The Three Lions did not get to grips with the Asians until receiving a second-half wake-up call, in the same way Mexico played them off the park in the first 45 minutes at Wembley last week.

England ended up 2-1 winners but the Japan game only highlighted the weaknesses which need urgent attention.

There are only 11 days until England start their World Cup bid against USA.

But Ferdinand believes there is still time to work on the problem areas.

He said: "In the first half we were a bit too slow. There wasn't much thought process in the way we played.

"We are getting to the point where we are working it out and sorting it ourselves. We went on to look quite dangerous in the second half.

"I thought the subs made a big impact in the second half.

"Going into a tournament you need players who are going to come off the bench and make a difference.

"To come back from a goal down against a good Japanese side was good.

"They didn't have many chances on goal apart from the set piece. That is a good sign. But there is a lot of hard work in front of us.

"Japan are a good side. They have always got good imagination. They work hard and they have very good players."

Frustrated boss Fabio Capello resorted to a few old faces to kick-start slow coaches England into life. The exasperated Italian delivered a fierce rollicking to his players at half-time at Wembley eight days ago to force some life into the performance.

But the problem does not seem to be going away whichever ploy Capello chooses to get his team sprinting out of the blocks.

By the final whistle in Graz on Sunday, much of the established old guard had been wheeled out.

Steven Gerrard joined forces with Frank Lampard in midfield, Joe Cole turned the game around as link man between the middle and striker Wayne Rooney while Jamie Carragher played at right-back to restore stability.

It could prove Capello sticks with experience and takes a relative Dad's Army to South Africa when he names his final 23-man squad today.

Ferdinand said: "I've never had any doubt Steve and Frank could play together. They both did against Japan.

"It worked well and we looked very dangerous.

"Whether it is just down to those two or whether other players have to do stuff I don't know. But good players can play anywhere and play with any players. We have seen that in the past. It is the same with them.

"It is where the manager sees them both in the team. Will he play them together? We'll have to wait and see.

Advertisement

"We've been a bit predictable in the last couple of tournaments. People know what they are going to get from us.

"We have players here who can change things and have an impact in different areas of the pitch.

"A little of that 'not knowing what we have got' from other teams is good for us."

John Terry believes England have an the edge over many their rivals because of the squad's strength-in-depth.

And he insists the rigours of the Premier League make English players better equipped to handle tough games.

JT said: "In the last couple of games we didn't start as well as we could have done.

"But it's been good enough because late on you saw the fitness, we came on strong and the fitness has shown."

He added: "The manager has stressed with the pace and quality we have going forward we're always going to create chances and score goals."



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2994343/Rio-Were-too-slow-and-too-stupid.html#ixzz0pZtqRZwV

[Raph]

10*

yeah!! :colour:

[30stone]

-Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been confirmed as NOT up for sale, but has been said he could still leave given the right offer.

-Barcelona's Laporta will meet Arsenal half way in terms of money for the signing of Cesc Fabregas.

[30stone]

Valencia strike sensation Francisco ‘Paco’ Alcacer has picked up the European Under-17 Championship top scorer prize after his six goals helped Spain to the runner-up spot in UEFA’s showpiece tournament. The 16-year-old forward, who was heavily linked with Arsenal last week, equalled the best tally since the finals was reduced to eight teams in 2002-03. Moreover, added to the eight goals which he scored in qualification, Paco now holds the overall record for his age group with 14 goals in total.

Arriving on the Arsenal radar at the same time as speculation continues apace that Cesc Fabregas will return to Spain, Paco certainly looks like a prospect for the future. Tipped by many in recent months to be the natural successor to David Villa at the Mestalla, the teenager has not disappointed on the big stage, despite his team’s loss to England in the final. Although, the player of the tournament award has yet to be awarded, Paco, who also captained Spain, has been heavily tipped to follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Bojan Krkic by picking up the accolade.

News of the interest from the Gunners appears to be in keeping with Arsene Wenger’s strategy of targeting young continental stars and grooming them in the Arsenal philosophy at the club’s Academy, although fans have been calling recently for the French tactician to add more experience and muscle to his first team squad.

Arsenal fans will also be eagerly anticipating the progression of striker Benik Afobe who scored on seven occasions for England as the young Lions ran out overall winners in Liechtenstein. Afobe was recently the hero for Steve Bould’s Arsenal Youth side as he scored a hat-trick in the 5-3 win against Nottingham Forest to secure the Academy title.

[30stone]

-Arsenal signing Chamakh: Wenger will make me better player

Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh is confident he will improve as a player under manager Arsene Wenger.

After helping Bordeaux to a Ligue 1 title in 2009 and two French League cup crowns during his eight year stint at Parc Lescure, Chamakh said he was ready to mature in order to adapt to the challenges of the Premier League.

He told the Mirror: "I still have room for improvement. I have not yet acquired all of my qualities needed to progress in another league.

"When a manager like Arsene Wenger is interested it gives you the motivation to improve."

[Jayson]

Chamakh could do really well with us.

[30stone]

Posted in wrong thread lol.



I think signing gourcuff would be great as he has played for a few years with chamakh..

[30stone]

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce Welsh international Aaron Ramsey has today committed his future to the Club by signing a new long-term contract.

Ramsey (19) started the 2009/10 season with great promise and impressed in fixtures across all competitions, making a total of 29 appearances and scoring four goals before his campaign was prematurely cut short in February after sustaining fractures to the tibia and fibula in his right leg during the Gunners' 3-1 win at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium. Having joined the Club in the summer of 2008, Aaron has featured regularly for his country, amassing 11 caps and two goals in a short time since his first senior appearance at just 17 years of age.

On signing his new deal, Ramsey said: "I'm very happy here at Arsenal, it's a great club and I've learned a lot since I've been here. Every player wants to play in a team where they can play football and I feel that this is the way it should be played, so that's one of the reasons I signed a new contract. I think I can still develop my game a lot, and I'm in the right place to do that with the support of the manager and also a squad of very talented players. I'm convinced the next few years will be a time where my career kicks on to a new level, it's an exciting time to be part of the Club."

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club looks forward to Aaron's continued development and contribution in the coming years.

[bbfan1991]

World Cup squad to be confirmed at 4:00:).

[Mrluvaluva]

Nobody watched World Cups most shocking moments on BBC3? It's nearly over now.

[Raph]

Nobody watched World Cups most shocking moments on BBC3? It's nearly over now.

Nope, didn't even know it was on! Was it any good?

[30stone]

Fernando Torres: Steven Gerrard Is As Good As Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo
Spain striker believes Gerrard is a world beater...
By Adithya Ananth



Spain sharp-shooter Fernando Torres believes his Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard will prove to be an influential performer for England during the 2010 World Cup.

The 26-year-old is adament his club captain is amongst an elite set of five players in South Africa who can win a game all on their own.

He puts the Three Lions midfielder in the same bracket as Argentina wonderkid Lionel Messi and Portugal's flying winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Torres also believes that manager Fabio Capello will get the best out of the Merseyside-born player if he is handed an attacking role in the national setup.

"There are maybe five players at the World Cup who can win a big game on their own - Stevie [Steven Gerrard] is one of them," the Spaniard told the Daily Express.

"He's in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, that's how good he is.

"I prefer it when he plays further forward for England and supports [Wayne] Rooney. That is when England look at their most dangerous."

[Novo]

On his day gerrard can make as much impact as Messi and Ronaldo

We need him to have a great tournament

[Mrluvaluva]

Nope, didn't even know it was on! Was it any good?

It's on again now on BBC3. :thumbs:

[bbfan1991]

Jose Mourinho has no chance of luring Wazza to Madrid:joker:.

Gerrard is at his best playing behind the attackers for England:thumbs:.

[30stone]

On his day gerrard can make as much impact as Messi and Ronaldo

We need him to have a great tournament


Agreed hes important to england, needs to have a strig of good games.
On form hes a great player, lampard is important to i think.
It's on again now on BBC3. :thumbs:

Was it good?

[Mrluvaluva]

Was it good?

Yeah. Watch it, it's on now.

[30stone]

Got work at 8 so gotta go bed like now, wish i didnt stay up this late to be honest..

[Mrluvaluva]

I am sure it will be on again.

[30stone]

Hope so feels weird being up this early.

[Raph]

haha morning Ben! I missed the show as well!

[Claymores]

On his day gerrard can make as much impact as Messi and Ronaldo

We need him to have a great tournament

Or get sent off like he almost did being a petulant sprog against Japan in a 'friendly'.

The Beckham effect will come getcha when try to play Argentina in the quarter-finals.

[Claymores]

lampard is important to i think

Yup - Scotland/Wales/Ireland need a lampard - someone who can miss penalties all day long.

[bbfan1991]

Barcelona have confirmed that they have made a formal offer to Arsenal for midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Bye Bye Cesc:D:xyxwave:.


Edit Arsenal turn down the offer.. although they could keep Cesc to the end of his contract then he would simply leave unless he had a change of mind?.

[bbfan1991]

Aston Villa deny Nikola Zigic's claims that they were interested in him before he moved to Blues...

James Milner given a warning by Richard Dunne about going to Manchester City;).

[30stone]

Yup - Scotland/Wales/Ireland need a lampard - someone who can miss penalties all day long.

They also all need a midfielder who can score 20 goals in a season..

[bbfan1991]

West Brom sign Pablo Ibanez on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid:).

[bbfan1991]

Kenny Dalglish rumoured to be taking over as Liverpool boss once confirmed that Rafael Benitez has been sacked:shocked:.

Reading some thoughts from Liverpool fans about wanting Martin O'Neill no chance:nono:, he's said time and time again he's happy at Aston Villa and wants to continue with the project there.

[30stone]

Joe Cole 'to join Arsenal on free transfer after signing three-year deal'
Joe Cole could be on the verge of making a shock move from Chelsea to Arsenal on a free transfer after rumours emerged today he has signed a three-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.


According to reports, Cole's representatives met up with Arsenal officials yesterday to thrash out the terms of the deal while the midfield playmaker was being called up to England's World Cup squad by Fabio Capello.

Barring any complications in the process the transfer is expected to be finalised next week, with a view to announcing the move before the tournament in South Africa begins in ten days' time.

The rumours follow hot on the heels of comments by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp earlier today, when he admitted he believes Cole has agreed in principle to a move to another Premier League club.



'It looks to me that someone's going to make a great free transfer,' Redknapp is quoted as saying.

'I genuinely don't know who that is, but I don't think it's going to be Tottenham.

'I've got a feeling - and I may be wrong - that he's already agreed a deal with someone.

'I'm a big fan of Joe's, and I would be interested if he didn't stay at Chelsea, but the feedback we've had is that he might well have already done something.'

If true, the news would be a huge boost for Arsenal fans still reeling from the revelation that captain Cesc Fabregas could be leaving the club to join boyhood team Barcelona this summer.


Cole's signing also fits in with the Arsene Wenger transfer philosophy in that the England international would represent a shrewd bit of business.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea and would be available on a free transfer.

And while his wage demands may have presented a stumbling block - given the Blues are reluctant to meet his expectations - Wenger is said to be more willing to offer larger contracts to players in a bid to build a title-winning team.

Former West Ham United star Cole is also believed to be keen to stay in London, as partner Carly Zucker has recently given birth to a son and is reluctant to relocate.

[30stone]

Arsenal blast Barcelona over Fabregas offer



Arsenal yesterday turned down a £33million offer for Cesc Fabregas and told Barcelona: “He is not for sale at any price”.

The Catalan club finally tabled an official written bid and had planned to parade their new signing to supporters at the Nou Camp tomorrow, taking advantage of one of two remaining free days the player has before he goes to South Africa.

But Arsenal made it clear they value the midfielder as highly as Manchester Untied valued Cristiano Ronaldo and flatly refused to do business.

Fabregas will make his comeback from injury tonight in a friendly against South Korea before he returns from Spain's World Cup training camp in Austria.

Barcelona had hoped to unveil their number one summer target tomorrow in what will be a free day for the player but their advances were rejected in the strongest terms possible.

A club statement read: “We have followed recent speculation linking Cesc with a move away from the club but as there has never been any official approach for him, only two informal exchanges, in which we made it abundantly clear that we have no interest in transferring Cesc, we have refrained from publicly passing comment.

“However, on Tuesday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.

“To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.”

Time will tell whether the initial posturing can be sustained throughout the summer or if Barca can move closer to the £80m price tag the club has put on its number one target.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/arsenal-blast-barcelona-over-fabregas-offer-14829179.html#ixzz0plfRHM4H



I think we are holding out for 45m - 50m.

[AJ.]

Aww noo, wanted him at man u. He'll be wasted at Arsenal.

[30stone]

Don't be silly, he will be great for our team, big strong and experienced..
He will become a key player for us.


Glad to see we have made 2 signings already, need some defenders and a keeper now tho.

[bbfan1991]

Don't be silly, he will be great for our team, big strong and experienced..
He will become a key player for us.


Glad to see we have made 2 signings already, need some defenders and a keeper now tho.

I've read some reports contradicting this story, lets wait till it's confirmed:p.

[30stone]

Arsenal now pissed at how barca have gone about trying to sign fabregas, apparently ready to put in a second bid.


One of the candidates for barca president said "it should be easy to sign fabregas"..

Problem is fabregas is under contract for 5 more years.. if we dont want to sell.. well hes pretty buggered.

Offer 45m and we should take it.

buy gourcuff and HOPEFULLY get jcole.

[bbfan1991]

Arsenal now pissed at how barca have gone about trying to sign fabregas, apparently ready to put in a second bid.


One of the candidates for barca president said "it should be easy to sign fabregas"..

Problem is fabregas is under contract for 5 more years.. if we dont want to sell.. well hes pretty buggered.

Offer 45m and we should take it.

buy gourcuff and HOPEFULLY get jcole.

All he would have to do is put in a transfer request and if the club rejects then ask FIFA to look into it if he wants to go that bad...

[Novo]

http://i46.tinypic.com/14bj7tg.jpg

[expt]

Foot boll is a very nice game i also like playing foot boll and form on and off for the entire year for England and more detrimentally to Manchester United.I like the Chicago temporary loss of striker Joey Aldridge, that the loss of Rio Ferdinand won’t place England too many pegs down the potential World Cup winning pole as the once great defender has hard worked with fitness

[30stone]

Filipe melo wants to stay at juve instead of moving to arsenal because he wants to win trophies.

I dont think juve are even in europa, finishing 7th! in serie A..

lol goodluck.

[30stone]

Gunners in race for Richards.

Arsenal look to go into battle with North London rivals Tottenham to sign Micah Richards from Manchester City. According to various reports the English defender is able to leave Eastlands for a figure of £9m, as the mega-rich club look to sign high-profile defenders. The ex-England international is seen as an ideal replacement for the outgoing William Gallas

[30stone]

Arsenal in for "new Messi".

According to the Mirror, Arsenal lead the growing list for ‘the new Lionel Messi.’ The Israeli midfielder Guy Assulin is a free agent this summer and the Gunners look set to battle it out with Manchester City for his signature. The 19-year-old Barcelona playmaker is said to be keen on working with manager Arsene Wenger, if the deal goes ahead.

[30stone]

Valencia youngster turns down Arsenal chance.

15-year-old starlet Francisco Alcacer has play down talk of a move to Arsenal, pledging his future to Valencia. The striker recently caught Wenger’s eye after impressing at U17 European Championships, taking Spain to the final. "I am pleased to hear of the interest from big clubs but my heart is with Valencia. He told Sky Sports. "My future is with Valencia and the club shares my ambition."

[30stone]

Yaya Touré could be in line for a move to Liverpool after his agent claimed that the Barcelona midfielder has already agreed a deal to join a Premier League club.

Chelsea and Manchester United have both been in the hunt for the 27-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester City where he would link up with brother Kolo, as Barcelona continue to eye Cesc Fabregas.

But after Arsenal rejected a £29million bid earlier this week, the La Liga champions have once again turned their attention to Javier Mascherano after failing to lure the Liverpool holding midfielder to Spain last summer.

A swap deal has been mooted with Mascherano, 25, keen to leave Anfield whilst Liverpool are unable to meet Barca's €36million asking price, but Touré's agent, Dimitri Seluk, has remained tight-lipped until the Ivory Coast international returns from the World Cup.

He said: "If everything goes well, Yaya will go to England.

"But we can't talk about definite clubs. We already have a closed deal, and all will be resolved before the World Cup."

Liverpool supporters also claim that managing director Christian Purslow hinted at a deal for Touré was imminent when he was bombarded with phone calls yesterday following Rafael Benitez's departure.

[30stone]

Jose Mourinho's Summer Transfer Moves Will Cost Real Madrid €100 Million - Report
Mourinho has requested three or four players for his team, which will push the total cost of summer transfers to €100 million...

As reported by AS, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's summer transfer budget to form his ideal team will be in the €100 million range.

"I want three or four defensive-minded players but I want for us to improve in attack," said the Special One in a recent interview with the Spanish tabloid. And thus, Los Blancos are preparing to put the wheels in motion to make Mourinho's requests a reality.

The three defensive-minded players the Portuguese coach has his eye on are Inter's Maicon (right-back), Lazio's Aleksandar Kolarov (left-back) and a midfielder (either Roma's Daniele De Rossi or Liverpool's Steven Gerrard).

Negotiations for the Brazilian right-back have taken a favourable turn in that the player has publicly declared his desire to play at Real Madrid, effectively shutting Manchester City out of a swoop, but Inter are insisting on a fee of €35m, while Madrid seem unwilling to shell out more than €25m.

The same is the case for Kolarov, who Lazio price at €20m but Madrid are insisting on paying only €15m for him. For either De Rossi or Gerrard, Los Blancos are at liberty to pay €30m.

The only offensive player Mourinho is willing to shell out on is Benfica's Angel Di Maria and in that case the two teams are at an impasse; Madrid are unwilling to increase their offer past €30m, while Benfica continue to demand €40m for the star Argentine. Should Di Maria's transfer fail, Valencia's David Silva has also been strongly tied to the Bernabeu.

Madrid could be convinced to include players in their respective deals in cash plus player options and Royston Drenthe, Ezequiel Garay and Marcos Alonso are just some of the names that have been mentioned in reports.

Los Blancos are reportedy in no rush to make the signings should teams be unwilling to negotiate this early in the summer. In fact, Florentino Perez and co. are intent on waiting until August if needs be to see the price of some of the players come down.


Steven Gerrard is an attacking player really?

Having him and de rossi would be good.

[30stone]

Arsenal have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Dutch Under 17 international Kyle Ebecilio, according to RTV Rijnmond. The 16-year-old midfielder will join from Feyenoord on July 1st.

Ebecilio, a strong and powerful attacking midfielder, has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea in recent weeks, but a reported last minute move from the Gunners has seen them seal the deal, much to Feyenoord’s dismay. Kyle is the cousin of Blues defender Jeffrey Bruma.

[King Gizzard]

They spent 70-90 million on Kaka and Benzema

Bet they regret that lol, both have been pretty awful

[30stone]

Benzema will leave for half the price soon enough lol.
Good news for united.


No wonder teams are asking for such big price tags

[30stone]

Man united and Arsenal set to fight it out for joe cole, as chelsea withdraw their contract offer for cole.

[Locke.]

Need Mascherano to have an amazing World Cup so that we get a lot of money for him. So here's hoping he guides Argentina quite far into the tournament.

Obi Mikel ruled out the World Cup now too, the African squads are getting hit hard.

[Novo]

Robben is a doubt now as well

[30stone]

So many injured lol.

Need the spanish brazilians and argentinians to get injured now.

[30stone]

Arsenal and Manchester will lose out on signing Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole on a free transfer, while Manchester City and Tottenham remain firmly in the hunt for his signature.

Speculation has continued to mount over Cole's future, and he seems certain to leave Stamford Bridge as talks over a new contact stalled before he set off for South Africa after making Fabio Capello's final England squad.

Spurs, Arsenal, United and City have all been linked with a move for Cole, though it appears that Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are unlikely to have the midfielder at their disposal next season.

A source close to the transfer activity told Soccernet: "My information is that Joe Cole will not be going to Arsenal or to Manchester United, despite being linked with both of these clubs. Joe Cole has a few options, and has not made up his mind, and will do so when he returns from South Africa. It is still possible that he could decide to stay at Chelsea but that is only a small chance."

The source refused to rule out Spurs and Man City and, while Roberto Mancini's club can offer big bucks, Harry Redknapp has the lure of Champions League football for Cole, and that could be the deciding factor.

Redknapp has made it clear that he isn't looking to make a large number of signings, but instead wants one or two outstanding new players to reinforce Spurs' chances of making it past the qualifying stage of the Champions League. And it was Redknapp that gave Cole his debut in the Premier League when they were both at West Ham United.

Cole would be happy to stay at Chelsea, but the club have thus far shown no willingness to improve the contract offer which is still on the table.

With Cole available on a free, his advisors argue that his value in the open transfer market could be £18 million to £20 million, a huge saving for any prospective new club, which would justify an inflated wage packet.

[30stone]

Chelsea will fight to keep Joe Cole at Stamford Bridge.

The England midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal after saying he will not sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge when his current deal expires at the end of June.

He has also been a target for Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City and West Ham.

But Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins insists he and manager Carlo Ancelotti will be trying to persuade Cole to stay.

Wilkins, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme said: "We've obviously been in dialogue with Joe for months now and it's pretty evident that Carlo and myself would love Joe to stay but it's down now to the club to see what we can do.

"We sincerely hope Joe stays with us - he's a smashing guy and he's a wonderful footballer so we'll keep our fingers crossed."



What to believe ? lol

[30stone]

There has been heavy speculation over the future of Torres at Liverpool after the Merseyside giants failed to qualify for the Champions League next season. The frustrated Spanish striker has recently made it clear that he wants Liverpool to show ambition and sign some top players.

The Anfield exit of compatriot Rafa Benitez appears to have fuelled rumours of Torres' summer departure from Liverpool, with the Mail on Sunday reporting that Chelsea will intensify their interest in the striker.

Apparently, Chelsea are prepared to pay £70million for the Spaniard and although Manchester City could match the fee, they are unable to offer Torres Champions League football. Liverpool's owners apparently made it clear to Benitez before his departure that there is little money to spend over the summer and they may find it hard to resist a huge bid.

Last month, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti explicitly said that he would like to sign Torres, commenting "It's not only Drogba – I would like to play with Torres." It is thought that Roman Abramovich has sanctioned a massive bid for the Spanish striker.

Torres managed to score an impressive 22 goals for Liverpool in an injury-plagued season. He is set to star at the World Cup for tournament favourites Spain.

[30stone]

Fabregas reportedly told Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger that he would like to move to Barcelona, following intense speculation that the Arsenal skipper would move back to the Nou Camp, where he began his career.

Barcelona made an initial bid last week, reported to be around the £30million mark. Arsenal have firmly rejected the offer and insisted that Fabregas is not for sale at any price.

Sensing the stalemate, Spanish dailies Marca and Sport claim that Real Madrid have made enquiries about what would be a sensational move for Fabregas. With Jose Mourinho now at the helm at the Bernabeu, Real appear determined to sign a big name midfielder, with Steven Gerrard also linked with the Spanish giants.

However, Sport reports that Fabregas has told Real Madrid president Florentino Perez that he isn't interested in a move to the Bernabeu and that talks between Arsenal and Barcelona will intensify over the coming few days. Sport interprets Real's interest in Fabregas as "an attempt to interfere in negotiations" to bring the midfielder to the Nou Camp.

[30stone]

Fulham shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer gets green-light for Arsenal switch

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer looks set to complete a switch to London rivals Arsenal after holding emergency talks with manager Roy Hodgson.

According to the News of the World, the 37-year-old Australian shot-stopper is on the verge of a £3 million move out of Craven Cottage after telling Hodgson the opportunity was too good to turn down.

Schwarzer, who was in fine form for the Cottagers last season after guiding them to the Europa League final, is wanted by Arsene Wenger as a short-term solution to the Gunner's goalkeeping problems.

He's anticpated to replace current No.1 Manuel Almunia as the club’s first choice goalkeeper, while acting as an example for youngster's Lukas Fabianski and Vito Mannone.

Although Hodgson will be reluctant to let his veteran gloveman depart, especially with a year outstanding on his current deal, he's thought to have agreed in principle not to stand in Schwarzer's way.

Schwarzer, who will be part of the Socceroos World Cup 2010 squad this summer, moved to the Premier League from Kaiserslauten in 1996 and has represented Bradford City, Middlesbrough and Fulham.



Okay i like mark schwarzer but... hes marginally better than almunia.. and he is like 5 - 6 years older.

We would only be able to keep him for 2 seasons tops. Which i think is a waste, may aswell go for green or hart.

[30stone]

The Mirror and the Mail reported on Sunday that the diminutive midfielder would be joining the Gunners on a free transfer after the World Cup.

The 28-year-old is reportedly set to sign a four-year, £100,000-a-week deal at Arsenal.

Cole is out of contract at Chelsea and has rejected a new deal, with the Blues resisting his £100,000-per-week wage demands.

The midfielder has found it difficult to command a first-team place under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, playing just 31 times in all competitions last year, scoring two goals.
It had been thought that Tottenham were favourites to sign Cole, but Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said last week that "someone else" was in pole position to sign him.



How many times...

[30stone]

Arsenal are favourites to land Chelsea contract rebel Joe Cole.

The Sunday Mirror says Cole will return home from the World Cup and join Arsenal on a free transfer.

The England midfielder took the heartbreaking decision to leave Chelsea after failing to agree a new contract in the final months of the season.

His primary reason for leaving Stamford Bridge after seven years at the club was growing concerns about his chances of regular first-team football under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

He is expected to sign a four-year contract at the Emirates in a deal not dissimilar to the one Sol Campbell signed when he joined from Spurs on a free in 2001.That will see Cole’s potential earnings hit £100,000 a week.

It represents a great piece of business by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has seen off competition for Cole from Champions League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham.

Manchester City and Liverpool were also in the hunt for the 28-year-old, but it favoured Arsenal that Cole is settled living in London.


and again.. he needs to hurry up.

[30stone]

Manchester United Ready to Cash In On £18m Flop: Sir Alex Set to Accept Offers as Berbatov Lines Up Italian Move


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be ready to cut his losses and sell Dimitar Berbatov this summer and it appears that a move to Italy is the most likely to suit all parties. After two decidedly average seasons at Old Trafford the former Tottenham man will reportedly be shown to the exit as the club tries to retrieve as much of their £30.75m investment as possible.

Reports coming from Italy suggest that Juventus and AC Milan are both keen on the 29 year old Bulgarian but may only offer around £18m for the forward who has netted 26 goals in 86 appearances. Issues may become clearer with the two Serie A clubs once managerial changes are bedded in with the Turin outfit having only recently appointed Luigi Delneri and AC still without a replacement for the outgoing Leonardo.

Ferguson is apparently ready to listen to offers as he prepares to tighten his transfer belt. With the club saddled with heavy debt the Scot knows that he may need to sell some of his failing squad members to help fund new additions.

A number of Bundesliga sides are also apparently keen on bringing Berbatov back to the league he made his name in.

[Novo]

England centre-back Ledley King is confident his body would stand up to the rigours of playing matches in quick succession during the World Cup.
The Tottenham star, 29, can train only twice a week because of knee problems.
King could play against Platinum Stars in England's final warm-up on Monday and then in their World Cup opener against United States on 12 June.
He said: "I've shown this season I can play games in quick succession. Monday to Saturday shouldn't be a problem."
Coach Fabio Capello must decide who will partner John Terry after skipper Rio Ferdinand was forced to pull out of the tournament with knee ligament damage.
King looks to be the front runner ahead of Matthew Upson, Jamie Carragher and his Spurs team-mate Michael Dawson - but that could mean playing as many as seven games if England were to reach the final of the month-long tournament.

[Locke.]

Would rather have Torres than the 70 million. And I wish Madrid would **** off aswell trying to sign Gerrard.

[alc09]

SPL - worst league in the world.

Agree?

[Novo]

SPL - worst league in the world.

Agree?

No

That title goes to the Welsh league

[Ramsay]

the irish league is fairly ****e

[alc09]

Haha true comment.

SPL is League 1/2 standard mind, apart from Celtic and Rangers of course.

[30stone]

Arsenal line up 20m trio.

Arsenal are considered favourites in three seperate transfer deals worth a total cost to The Gunners of no more than £20 Million. Arsene Wenger is apparently ready to bring Serbian midfielder Milos Krasnic, Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer and Chelsea’s Joe Cole all to The Emirates with Krasnic costing Arsenal the most at £16 Million, Cole on a free and Schwarzer £3 Million.

Whether the Arsenal fans will be happy with these proposed signings is another matter, it will however please the Arsenal board with three quality signings brought in for less than £20 Million but questions will be asked about each of the three, especially Mark Schwarzer who at the age of 37 cannot be considered a long term replacement for Arsenal’s current keepers Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski.

25 year old Krasnic is highly rated but at £16 Million the question is does he represent value for money and while Joe Cole setting up camp at The Emirates is definitely a bargain his wages demands are sure to be an issue but with the prospect of Cesc Fabregas leaving for Barcelona still very real at least the blow be softened somewhat with the arrival of Cole and Krasnic.

Whether the reports in today’s Sunday papers are accurate is also another matter, at least on this occasion these three players have consistently been linked with Arsenal but until Wenger actually makes any concrete moves then nothing can be certain when it comes to the Frenchman’s intentions.

[30stone]

Manchester City are willing to make Fernando Torres the world's richest footballer as they look to tempt him to leave Liverpool.

However, ESPN are reporting that the Spanish international will reject City's advances in favour of a move to Chelsea as he wants to be playing Champions League football next season.

A source close to the Liverpool striker said: "City were ready to offer Fernando Torres a huge contract, and by that I mean the biggest for any footballer anywhere in the world.

But Torres said 'no', he was not interested."

No formal contract offer can be agreed though as City have not agreed a fee with Liverpool for the Spaniard, but any deal could see Torres earn more than £200,000 a week plus image rights and bonuses.

The source continued by saying that negotiations were underway behind the scenes at Chelsea who have also made Torres aware of their interest with Liverpool thought to be holding out for £70m in the way of compensation.

The Blues are reluctant to go that high however, and are confident they can land Torres for nearer £50m.

[30stone]

Liverpool expect Steven Gerrard to reject Jose Mourinho for a fourth time following Rafa Benitez's Anfield exit.

[30stone]

Arsenal set to beat Manchester City in race to sign Chelsea's Joe Cole
Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole has been strongly linked with a summer move to Arsenal.


Reports suggest the 28 year-old is prepared to leave Chelsea after the World Cup, and will turn down Manchester City in order to secure a switch to the Emirates.

With Cesc Fabregas' future at Arsenal in serious doubt following interest from Barcelona, the Daily Mail reports that Arsene Wenger views Cole as an ideal replacement for the Spaniard, especially as he will be a free agent when his contract expires at the end of June.

Chelsea, though, will fight to keep Cole at Stamford Bridge.

The playmaker has also been a target for Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham. But Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins insists he and manager Carlo Ancelotti will be trying to persuade Cole to stay.

Wilkins said: "We've obviously been in dialogue with Joe for months now and it's pretty evident that Carlo and myself would love Joe to stay but it's down now to the club to see what we can do.

"We sincerely hope Joe stays with us - he's a smashing guy and he's a wonderful footballer so we'll keep our fingers crossed."

[30stone]

Fans' favourite Guus Hiddink is unlikely to leave his role as Turkey boss to join Liverpool.


I said the other day, wonder if they will try for guss hiddink.. and what do you know.

[30stone]

Yaya Toure looks to be heading to England, with a deal to join a Premier League club next season already agreed. His agent Dimitri Seluk stated: “We can't talk about definite clubs. We already have a closed deal, and all will be resolved before the World Cup.” Wenger is a known admirer of the midfield enforcer, but his capture is unlikely to form part of any deal for Cesc Fabregas after the Gunners announced that they “will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion” over the Spaniard’s future.

[30stone]

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano uncertain over Anfield future and admires Inter Milan's targeting of ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez as their new coach.



Sven-Goran Eriksson: it would be a dream to manage Liverpool



Deposed Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly interested in taking the manager's job at Anfield

[30stone]

Dont understand why we are buying schwarzer.. he is only just better than almunia and gives 5 years on him..

[30stone]

Van Persie targets 30-goal season

Robin van Persie hopes to remain injury free for Arsenal and hit thirty goals next season.

The Dutchman has struggled with injuries throughout his whole career, but believes he can reach the heights of other world greats if he can stay fit.

His manager Arsène Wenger compared him to Lionel Messi earlier in the season, and van Persie is flattered, and hopes he can achieve what the Barcelona striker has.

He said: "Arsène Wenger said at the end of this season, once I'd come back into the team, that people would have been talking about me like Lionel Messi if I had not been injured.

"I can see what the manager meant when he said those things. But I still think I am not in the same class until I have gone a long period without an injury.

"And I want to go through next season where I score 30 goals and have 20 assists.

"Only then I will turn around to the manager and say, 'Yes boss, you are right'.

"But I admit that I have a massive desire to get to the level of Messi, Rooney and Ronaldo. And I'd rather do it today than tomorrow."

van Persie will be hoping to showcase his skills at this summer's World Cup for Holland, after showing impressive pre-tournament form for his country.

[bbfan1991]

Hmmm I do wonder whether these Berbatov rumours are true?, Fergie in public defends him but behind close doors must be wondering whether to get rid so he can have more money available for some transfer business:).

Can see Cole joining Arsenal tbh and good luck to him, his wife had a baby this year and moving to Manchester would be unsettling.

[30stone]

Arsenal demand Barcelona double their offer to £60m for Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal will demand £60million for Cesc Fabregas to join Barcelona after the Barclays Premier League side turned down a £29m bid from the Spanish champions.

The Gunners declared they have ‘no intention’ of selling their club captain, but it is believed they would cash in on the 23-year-old if Barcelona double their initial offer.

Meanwhile, international team-mate Xavi has continued to talk up the chances of the move by urging Fabregas to join him at Barcelona.

The midfielder said: 'I would love him to come. I have already told him so. He's a footballer made up of Barca DNA. I don't have any doubt that Cesc would triumph at Barca.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1284485/Arsenal-demand-Barcelona-double-offer-60m-Cesc-Fabregas.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0q7FWXnB6


Shut up Xavi you have said that EVERY month for the past 2 years shut up already!

[30stone]

Hmmm I do wonder whether these Berbatov rumours are true?, Fergie in public defends him but behind close doors must be wondering whether to get rid so he can have more money available for some transfer business:).

Can see Cole joining Arsenal tbh and good luck to him, his wife had a baby this year and moving to Manchester would be unsettling.

Yeah i still think berbatov will stay though.

And yes would be great signing for us..

Chamakh Joe cole and Schwarzer.. all for less than 5m.. lol.


Just think Joe hart would be the best.. or frey.

[bbfan1991]

Yeah i still think berbatov will stay though.

And yes would be great signing for us..

Chamakh Joe cole and Schwarzer.. all for less than 5m.. lol.


Just think Joe hart would be the best.. or frey.


No chance with Joe Hart. Manchester City have made it clear he's their future in terms of GK talent. As for Frey if he were to come to the PL then I think he would go to Chelsea or Man United.

I think Berbatov will stay tbh but I hope Carrick isn't sold:(.

[30stone]

Joe hart would get champions league with us tho and be england number 1 within 6 months!!

i wish they would let him go, maybe on free in the future..



Frey is great and i dont get why he isnt in french team?

[30stone]

Aston Villa are interested in frey.

[Kerry]

Paddy Kenny has gone from Sheffield United :(

[bbfan1991]

Joe hart would get champions league with us tho and be england number 1 within 6 months!!

i wish they would let him go, maybe on free in the future..



Frey is great and i dont get why he isnt in french team?

He would but with the money City have they probably will get CL season next or a couple more after that:(. They say money doesn't buy you success but in this instance that theory could be proved to be untrue:shocked:.

Frey is awesome but at the moment Lyon have Hugo Lloris who is a promising French goalkeeper, who they want to develop.. i've seen a bit of footage of him and can see why France rate him highly:D.

[bbfan1991]

Paddy Kenny has gone from Sheffield United :(

Oh dear by mutual consent?:(, that drug test thing was the end of his career at Bramall Lane sadly.

Hopefully he'll find another club:).

[30stone]

He would but with the money City have they probably will get CL season next or a couple more after that:(. They say money doesn't buy you success but in this instance that theory could be proved to be untrue:shocked:.

Frey is awesome but at the moment Lyon have Hugo Lloris who is a promising French goalkeeper, who they want to develop.. i've seen a bit of footage of him and can see why France rate him highly:D.

YEs but they are taking 3 keepers who are all older and not as good as frey?


Frey and lloris are the best 2.. no doubt, so dont know why he isnt at least 3rd choice..?

[30stone]

Arsenal demand Barcelona double their offer to £60m for Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal will demand £60million for Cesc Fabregas to join Barcelona after the Barclays Premier League side turned down a £29m bid from the Spanish champions.

The Gunners declared they have ‘no intention’ of selling their club captain, but it is believed they would cash in on the 23-year-old if Barcelona double their initial offer.

Meanwhile, international team-mate Xavi has continued to talk up the chances of the move by urging Fabregas to join him at Barcelona.

The midfielder said: 'I would love him to come. I have already told him so. He's a footballer made up of Barca DNA. I don't have any doubt that Cesc would triumph at Barca.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1284485/Arsenal-demand-Barcelona-double-offer-60m-Cesc-Fabregas.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0q7FWXnB6


Shut up Xavi you have said that EVERY month for the past 2 years shut up already!


This interested me. 60m + 40m we already have.. go out and spend wenger!

[Kerry]

Oh dear by mutual consent?:(, that drug test thing was the end of his career at Bramall Lane sadly.

Hopefully he'll find another club:).

Bloody Warnock snapped him up again at QPR!!

[bbfan1991]

Bloody Warnock snapped him up again at QPR!!

Oh the club that has had like 9 managers in like a couple of seasons:rolleyes:.

[bbfan1991]

The Liverpool job must be very tempting for Roy Hodgson but I really do hope he stays at Fulham and continues his brilliant work there:).

Andy Marshall leaves Aston Villa.. no surprise:D.

WBA want a fair price from clubs interested in Borja Valero:).

[Kerry]

Oh the club that has had like 9 managers in like a couple of seasons:rolleyes:.

I dunno. Warnock was never gonna do better than the Blades :D But seriously, he's a devout Blade and was good here. Many a good memory for me :) I met him too and have his autobiog :laugh2:. Lovely bloke but it's football hey.... shortlived career :/

Oh I met Paddy too :D And Jaggers....

[Kerry]

JAGGERS!!!!!!!!

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/JayeBB/jag.jpg

[DDRickyDD]

Aston Villa are interested in frey.

Nah, he won't want to play for a small club.

[30stone]

Ps3 not letting me add funds :(

[bbfan1991]

I dunno. Warnock was never gonna do better than the Blades :D But seriously, he's a devout Blade and was good here. Many a good memory for me :) I met him too and have his autobiog :laugh2:. Lovely bloke but it's football hey.... shortlived career :/

Oh I met Paddy too :D And Jaggers....

Warnock does sound like a nice bloke away from the footie pitch where he has a temper on him:laugh:.

[Kerry]

Warnock does sound like a nice bloke away from the footie pitch where he has a temper on him:laugh:.

He is great and it was great having a true Blade managing the team. He's very..... passionate though, shall we say :joker:

[30stone]

Malouda: France have problems
June 7, 2010


Florent Malouda will line up for France on Friday as they open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay in Cape Town.


At the age of 30, Malouda will be competing in his second World Cup, but the memories of a turbulent night in Berlin in 2006 still weigh heavy on his mind.

In a moment of violent indiscipline, Zinedine Zidane ended a glittering career in disgrace, and Malouda says that the moments after the incident were a haze of confusion for the players on the pitch.

"I was wondering what was going on because nobody understood," Malouda told the Guardian. "I asked the masseur: 'Did they use the video to see what happened?' Afterwards, the night was really terrible. It was really hard to watch the Italians lift the trophy.

"They put the World Cup between the two teams. I was just walking past this cup and it was so wonderful, so brilliant. I was just thinking, 'Wow, this is the real one'. I wanted to kiss it!"

After coming so close to success last time around, Malouda is hoping France can go one better in South Africa but, after a stop-start qualification campaign, France are not among the seeds or teams fancied for success.

"The problem is, after what we did in 2006 - and of course there was a great generation in 1998 and 2000 - expectations are very high. And the Euros in 2008 were a disaster. So when you are in a bad situation, everything is coming out, and people are pointing the finger.

"The World Cup is really close and honestly we have a lot of problems to fix. When there is tension, when there is high-pressure games, you need characters. You need people to come out and say 'I will take responsibility'."

Zidane was that man in 2006, but Malouda's own international career has also been turbulent in recent times. After publicly criticising the management, Raymond Domenech dropped Malouda for almost two years and it was only his consistent performances at club level for Chelsea that saw him win back his place in the side.

"I spoke about the management. I took my responsibility. I paid the consequences. But if I have to do it again I will do it. But I need to be followed by people who will express themselves. More people have to say what they think."

After the notorious Thierry Henry handball that decided the play-off against Republic of Ireland, Malouda feels that lessons should be learned.

"We need to remember what happened and be stronger. I don't think we need to be ashamed because these kinds of things are part of the game. I don't think Henry is a cheater."

[30stone]

World Cup 2010: Roy Hodgson's 10 players to watch in South Africa
England's Manager of the Year Roy Hodgson accepts that goal-grabbing glamour boys will steal the headlines at World Cup 2010 but picks 10 others who might make the difference this year.



It’s obvious where the focus will be at this World Cup. Much will be written on star forwards, goal-scorers and we all know the value of Rooney, Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, Torres.

We are also going to be hearing an awful lot about all the other England stars too. So let us turn it on its head. Let’s consider some other types of players who might just be as decisive.


I remember Brian Clough, when he was manager of Nottingham Forest, saying that the goalkeeper was the most important player in a team and he proved this by buying Peter Shilton for a then record sum.

I will, also, never forget the influence of Gordon Banks during England’s World Cup success in 1966.

In South Africa, with matches played at altitude, and the ball coming quickly through the air, the goalkeeper will become an even more influential figure.

It’s a vital job. There is so much to it - commanding the penalty area, reading the game, communicating and giving confidence and, of course, the saves that have to be made. A goalkeeper will have plenty of chances to show his worth – not least in matches decided by penalty shoot-outs.

It is why, from the 10 players I have chosen, three are goalkeepers and all three are outstanding. They may very well end up being the heroes for their countries.

[30stone]

1. Iker Casillas (Spain): An excellent shot-stopper with good reactions who’s used to the big occasions having been first-choice for Real Madrid for a decade and, though still just 29, is one of his club’s – and his country’s - most experienced players.

It’s eight years since he came on as a substitute in a Champions League Final and was making brilliant saves. He also now has 101 international caps. Given Spain’s attacking style he’s likely to be called upon to deal with counter-attacks.

Casillas is also a good distributor of the ball, is extremely confident and fits in with his country’s positive footballing philosophy. He’s 'at one’ with his team-mates and his greatest quality is the one all goalkeepers need: presence.


2. Julio Cesar (Brazil): High in confidence after four years of success with Inter Milan, where he dislodged the vastly-experienced Francesco Toldo, he is not as tall as many of his colleagues but is an agile goalkeeper, a prodigious leaper and a superb shot-stopper.

Brazil have often bemoaned the lack of a first-class goalkeeper in the past but they have found their man with Cesar. Like Casillas, he may have games when he does not have much to do but when he is called upon his ability is going to be decisive. And that is the sign of a world-class goalkeeper and a strong character.


3. Mark Schwarzer (Australia): He has all of the qualities that a top-class goalkeeper requires while his reassuring presence will be vital to his country’s chances of success as Australia find themselves in a difficult group with Germany, Serbia and Ghana.

And so he is likely to be called into action fairly often. I’m risking being accused of bias by choosing him, of course, as he has been my goalkeeper at Fulham for the past two seasons.

When the ball is crossed into the penalty area, however, you know that he is going to come and get it and be commanding. He’s a man who has been rightly praised and recognised this season.

Chooses his own player there ^ lol!


I’ve only chosen one defender. That’s not because I regard them as any less vital than the rest of the team but because I, perhaps unusually, wanted to include three goalkeepers and also pay attention to the midfield. But there was one interesting defender I did not want to leave out.


4. Juan (Brazil)
5. Xavi/ Andres Iniesta (Spain):
6. Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
7. Jeremy Toulalan (France)
8. Christian Poulsen (Denmark)
9. Wesley Sneijder (Holland)
10. Ji-Sung Park (South Korea)

[bbfan1991]

Glazer family are 1.1 billion pounds in debt that related to the businesses they have in the USA.. they really do need money by the sounds of it and although United are a valuable asset to them, hope that they give into the protests and just leave; in the summer;).

[30stone]

Arsenal To Demand €72 Million For Cesc Fabregas Transfer To Barcelona - Report
The Gunners value their superstar captain at €72m...

As reported by Marca, Premier League side Arsenal have requested that Barcelona pay at least €72 million should the Catalan giants wish to acquire former Barca youth product and current Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas.

The price tag comes on the heels of a €35m formal offer by the Blaugrana last week that was rejected by the London side. Instead, the Gunners have more than doubled the asking price, making Barca president Joan Laporta's hope of signing the young midfielder before the Catalan club's elections on June 13 a difficult task to accomplish.

Arsenal added in a public statement that the club had "no intention" of selling their star player and captain, but would study an offer twice Barca's initial bid for the youngster.

Fabregas' asking price, huge as it already is, could potentially climb even higher if the player has a strong World Cup tournament this summer in South Africa...


Score 4 goals and win the world cup fabregas and we can sell you for 80m euro :)

[30stone]

Wolfsburg very serious about Man Utd target

Wolfsburg are very serious about their interest in Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov and according to reports in Germany will offer as much as £20 Million to bring the Bulgarian International back to Germany. Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Berbatov will remain at Old Trafford and yet that has not stopped the speculation that Berbatov could be on his way out of Man Utd.

Berbatov has been linked with moves to AC Milan, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart and Wolfsburg and it is apparently Wolfsburg that are the most serious and the closest to making a bid for the 28 year old. Berbatov has not quite hit top gear at Old Trafford but according to comments from the Man Utd supremo Ferguson, Berbatov is going nowhere.

Ferguson has a reputation for saying one thing and doing something altogether different but in this case he does appear quite adamant about Berbatov and it begs the question why rumours keep swirling around the Bulgarian like a swarm of flies and not just from the sensationalistic tabloids.

Time will tell if Wolfsburg are as serious as they are being made out to be and only then will we see how true to his word is Sir Alex Ferguson.

[30stone]

Many people starting to agree, barcelona need to put up or shut up.


Everyone is sick of the rumours, sick of players like xavi and pique saying he has barca DNA.

If they want him they pay the valuation that Arsenal put on his head!

[30stone]

Real Madrid fans vote for Liverpool ace to be their number one signing

Real Madrid fans have made it absolutely clear who they want at the Bernabeau next season and it is Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and anyone reading Marca the Real Madrid mouthpiece they would be left with no doubts about Real’s intentions towards the Anfield legend.

The Poll in Marca had Gerrard as the number one choice with 66% of the vote, they have run an editorial claiming Gerrard has taken his first steps towards moving to Madrid and have even stated that Gerrard himself has said he wants to play for Real Madrid, all this reminds one of the Ronaldo saga and how Real Madrid and its assets went after the Portuguese superstar.

Jose Mourinho has never hidden his admiration for Gerrard and came very close to signing the England captain a few years back and it comes as no surprise that Mourinho is about to have another go at securing Gerrard’s signature.

This has all the hallmark of a classic Real Madrid move in the transfer market and the chances must be high now that Steven Gerrard will never pull on the red jersey of Liverpool FC again.

[30stone]

Manchester United Boss Places £24m Real Madrid Midfield Maestro On Transfer Wishlist: Ferguson Shows Interest In Lassana Diarra

Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be focusing his attention on making a move for Real Madrid’s defensive midfield battler Lassana Diarra and believes he may be able to lure the former Arsenal and Chelsea man to Old Trafford this summer with the promise of regular first team football.

The 25 year old French international started just over half of Real Madrid’s matches last term and it looks fairly likely that the pint sized battler will find it even harder to cement a place in the Bernabeu starting eleven with Jose Mourinho on board. The new boss is apparently ready to raid the San Siro for new recruits and could well bring in central midfielders Esteban Cambiasso and Sulley Muntari to the club.

Either way Diarra’s time in Spain has been very up and down and a move back to the Premier League may well be something that would tempt Parisian born man. Whilst his attempts to prove himself at Chelsea and Arsenal failed he did have a marvelous year at Portsmouth which propelled him to the attentions of the La Liga giants who then splashed out £20m for his services in January 2009.

Ferguson could well feel that another defence minded midfielder is just what he may need to help his side to wrestle back Premier League control from Stamford Bridge. Owen Hargreaves has of course proved a major headache and whilst the likes of Darren Fletcher have excelled Diarra could well be a more suitable player to sit in that position, which could well give the Scottish international more space to express himself.

The Old Trafford boss has been told he has funds to invest in his squad and the £24m rated Real Madrid man would be a very wise purchase.

[30stone]

Chelsea given go-ahead for Diego move.

Juventus General Manager Beppe Marotta has given Chelsea the go ahead to offer for Brazilian atatcking midfielder Diego, according to reports in Italian daily, Tuttosport. Diego has been in poor form this year for the Turin based side, and would not fit into the system played by new Juve Coach Gigi Del Neri. Marotta said how “There are offers for Diego… Del Neri’s tactical requirements have the priority and I don’t think the Brazilian fits into the 4-4-2, Faced with an impressive offer, I believe we could sell him”.

[30stone]

Ramos in £25m link.

Reports in the Spanish daily Sport, say that Chelsea are about to offer £25m for Real Madrid full-back Sergio Ramos. Ramos is said to become out of favour should Jose Mourinho complete his ideal signing at right-back, in Inter man Douglas Maicon, and Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is said to be a big admirer of the Spaniard.

[30stone]

Wilkins praises Cech.

Chelsea assistant Manager Ray Wilkins has praised goalkeeper Petr Cech for his contribution to the double-winning side. Talking to the clubs official website Wilkins said how “Playing for the top teams like Chelsea mean there is always great scrutiny placed on goalkeepers, any mistakes attract a lot of attention but again he has been incredibly consistent. His number of clean sheets is testament to that.”

[30stone]

Spain international forward Juan Mata said on Monday that he didn't see his own country among the favorites for the World Cup.

Spain is many people's favorites for the World Cup, which kicks off this week in South Africa. The reigning European Champions have an accessible group with Honduras, Switzerland and Chile, although their warm-up games have been disappointing with late goals needed to defeat South Korea and Saudi Arabia, but as the Valencia player pointed out, Spain is not the only country to be below their best in preparation.

England struggled to beat Japan 2-1, while Brazil was less than impressive against Zimbabwe, winning 3-0 against a side with very little football tradition.

"Independent of the warm-up games we are all playing, my favorites are Argentina, Brazil and England," said Mata in declarations published in sports paper Diario AS.

"They may be playing better or worse at the moment, but they are my three candidates, because of their squads, their coaches and because of the level of football they can play." he said.

Mata also considered the merits of reigning world champions Italy, who have also failed to hit top form in the run in to the competition.

"They drew with the Swiss and it seems they didn't play well, but Italy is a side that always improves in the major competitions. History tells us they are favorites and they are going to be there or thereabouts. You can say the same about France. They are experienced and they have very good players," said the Spaniard.

[30stone]

World Cup 2010 Analysis: Fabio Capello’s England Are Second Favourites To Reach Knock-Out Stages Behind Brazil, But Ahead Of Spain
Three Lions backed to roar through Group C.

Fabio Capello’s England side has been backed as the second most likely country to qualify for the knock-out stages of the World Cup finals, with only five-time winners Brazil ranked ahead of them.

To coincide with this summer’s tournament in South Africa, Castrol have released the Castrol FIFA World Cup™ Predictor, which measures past team and player performance based on every international match in the last 10 years to calculate the attack and defense ratings of each team competing in the tournament.

The system then simulates the tournament a staggering 100,000 times, before calculating each country’s chances of progressing through the competition.

Goal.com UK took a look at the results, and plucked these statistical gems for analysis...

England|Set to destroy Group C
Chance of progressing 90.4%
Finishing as group winners 65.1%
Third place finish 7.5%
Bottom of the group 2.1%

Brazil| Favourites to progress
Chance of progressing 91.8%
Finishing as group winners 70.6%
Third place finish 7.3%
Bottom of the group 0.9%


Italy | Reigning champions
Chance of progressing 84.9%
Finishing as group winners 53.0%
Third place finish 13.9%
Bottom of the group 1.2%


Spain | The readers favourites
Chance of progressing 88.8%
Finishing as group winners 68.2%
Third place finish 8.2%
Bottom of the group 3.1%

[30stone]

World Cup 2010 Analysis: Fabio Capello’s England Are Second Favourites To Reach Knock-Out Stages Behind Brazil, But Ahead Of Spain
Three Lions backed to roar through Group C.

Fabio Capello’s England side has been backed as the second most likely country to qualify for the knock-out stages of the World Cup finals, with only five-time winners Brazil ranked ahead of them.

To coincide with this summer’s tournament in South Africa, Castrol have released the Castrol FIFA World Cup™ Predictor, which measures past team and player performance based on every international match in the last 10 years to calculate the attack and defense ratings of each team competing in the tournament.

The system then simulates the tournament a staggering 100,000 times, before calculating each country’s chances of progressing through the competition.

Goal.com UK took a look at the results, and plucked these statistical gems for analysis...

England|Set to destroy Group C
Chance of progressing 90.4%
Finishing as group winners 65.1%
Third place finish 7.5%
Bottom of the group 2.1%

Brazil| Favourites to progress
Chance of progressing 91.8%
Finishing as group winners 70.6%
Third place finish 7.3%
Bottom of the group 0.9%


Italy | Reigning champions
Chance of progressing 84.9%
Finishing as group winners 53.0%
Third place finish 13.9%
Bottom of the group 1.2%


Spain | The readers favourites
Chance of progressing 88.8%
Finishing as group winners 68.2%
Third place finish 8.2%
Bottom of the group 3.1%

[bbfan1991]

I hope Lassana Diarra doesn't come to OT:nono:.. take these rumours as a pinch of salt.

Now you know how United feel with a Spanish team breathing down their necks;), they have lots of resources then you have Platini and co who come down harsh on the English clubs but let the Spanish and Italian clubs etc get away with what they want:rolleyes:.

[30stone]

Netherlands have a great record going into the world cup.

They are consistantly performing..

Wonder if they will be able to go the distance.

[setanta]

I think so, although it's more than likely they'll have to take out a big boy at the quater final stage or so. But yeah, I can see them knocking out a few big teams.

[30stone]

8 wins in 8 in the group stages..

Beat Ghana 4 - 1
Beat Hungary 6 - 1

[30stone]

I could see them making the final, but not winning.

[bbfan1991]

Netherlands have a great record going into the world cup.

They are consistantly performing..

Wonder if they will be able to go the distance.

If England are knocked out I hope Holland surprise every one.. about time the likes of Spain and Brazil miss out for once:p.

[30stone]

Spain have only one 1 thing (the euro 2008) in ages.


I would love spain to win it if england and holland cant.

[30stone]

Everyone forgets how good a team germany are to lol.

[bbfan1991]

I could see them making the final, but not winning.

You never know, let the pitch do the talking instead of paper;).

[bbfan1991]

Spain have only one 1 thing (the euro 2008) in ages.


I would love spain to win it if england and holland cant.

I would like Argentina to do well too but I can't see them tbh with Maradona in charge, he's soo pathetic:rolleyes:.

[30stone]

-David Villa has astonishingly backed England to win the World Cup - branding Fabio Capello’s team ‘The Perfect Generation’

Manchester City are ready to offer Robinho and £10million for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Yaya Toure - LOL Toure = 15-20m Zlatan = 30m+... Robinho.. 25m?lol

Manchester United will reluctantly end their pursuit of £30million goal machine Luis Suarez - because they cannot afford it

Harry Redknapp has declared his interest in signing Joe Cole on a free transfer from Chelsea - and is also putting together a £22million package to lure England reject Gabriel Agbonlahor to Tottenham.

[30stone]

Arsenal centre-half Phillippe Senderos is in talks with Fulham about a possible move to Craven Cottage, according to reports.


The Swiss international, who is currently with his national side preparing for the World Cup, is out of contract at the Emirates and free to find a new employer.

Senderos spent last season on loan at Everton and the 2008/2009 campaign with AC Milan and has already stated he is keen to find a new club.

It has now been reported the 25-year-old is in talks with Fulham and could possibly seal a move to the Cottagers before the World Cup kicks off on Friday.

[30stone]

Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed just how close he came to signing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s bitter rivals Arsenal FC prior to his move to Old Trafford in 2003. The former World and European player of the year was shown around the Gunners training facilities by Arsene Wenger on three separate occasions, with the Frenchman even offering the precocious youngster an Arsenal shirt as a memento of his visit.

Despite interest from Arsenal FC, Ronaldo eventually signed for Manchester United in a deal worth £12.24 million and he subsequently went on to win three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, as well as establishing himself as an Old Trafford legend and one the world’s best players.

Although he enjoyed an illustrious Manchester United playing career, Ronaldo recalls he and his mother watching a Premier League game involving Arsenal FC prior to his move to England, during which Arsene Wenger appeared on the screen. Ronaldo recalls his mother’s reaction to seeing the Frenchman, with her declaring how much she had liked the Gunners manager.

The Manchester United legend told the latest edition of GQ Magazine: “It’s true. I was an inch away from signing for Arsenal.”

“I saw Arsene Wenger three times with my mother. It was very close to being a done deal.”

“After I signed for United, she and I were sitting watching a Premier league game on television and she yelled out, ‘I know that guy – I liked him.’”

Although Arsenal had shown strong interest in the then Sporting Lisbon talent, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes, suggests Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had showed the greatest intent on signing the player by offering the Sporting Lisbon starlet the best deal.

Mendes told GQ: “This is what really happened. Everyone wanted Cristiano; Real, Juventus, Barcelona. But only Arsenal and Manchester United attempted to take him from Sporting Lisbon that season. The others wanted to leave him at Sporting at least a year.”

“But with United, everything was in place already, since an agreement had been reached the day before the match (a friendly involving Manchester United and Sporting).”

Ronaldo claims he was ready to leave Sporting Lisbon at the time, and despite his host of suitors from around Europe, he simply chose Manchester United because they offered him the best deal.

The Manchester United legend said: “The reason I went to United was because they were the team that made me the best offer.”

“I had never been to Manchester before, but what helped me was that my mother lived with me, my family visited a lot and I made friends with the players. What were my first impressions of the city? It rains a lot.”

[KG.]

Anybody heard anything about United signing Edin Dzeko?

I haven't seen any stories or anything on it just searching through google, but on Dzeko's wikipedia page, it says 2010- Manchester United?

I know wikipedia isn't the most reliable source but I just found this strange..

[Big Brother Fan]

Manchester United will reluctantly end their pursuit of £30million goal machine Luis Suarez - because they cannot afford it





United apperaently have the ronaldo money to spend. He is worth nowhere near that.

[30stone]

United apperaently have the ronaldo money to spend. He is worth nowhere near that.


We dont know, i think they have taken it in and most of it will come off their debt.

Luis suarez is worth 30m.. euro i think. if thats what you meant obviously not worth 80 lol.

He socred like 46 goals this season.. i know its only eredivisie but its still more goals than rooney drogba messi villa ronaldo..

[bbfan1991]

I really hope Nemanja Vidic doesn't leave United:(.

LOL apparently William Gallas isn't happy because Patrice Evra is the France captain:joker:.

Going to be more pressure on the lads now to win against Algeria which we will do:).

[30stone]

Rafa Benitez is rumoured to be interested in attempting to lure Anfield pair Alberto Aquilani and Lucas Leiva to the San Siro. The new installed Inter Milan manager apparently wants to bring the two midfielders to the Serie A side as he prepares to lose a number of his side in the summer as Jose Mourinho considers snapping up the likes of Esteban Cambiasso and Wesley Sneijder.

Brazilian international Lucas Leiva has come under a lot of fire during his three years at Liverpool but is clearly a player that Rafa Benitez had a lot of faith in. The 23 year old started 32 Premier League matches last term and has improved greatly during his time on Merseyside.

The signing of Alberto Aquilani was one that baffled many as the Roma man arrived at the club for a fee of £20 yet was in the middle of a spell out with a long term injury. When he was fit he was used sparingly and only showed patches of the form that had made him one of Italy’s leading lights.

[30stone]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, criticised by fans after his young side failed to win a trophy since 2005, is to splash out £30million on building a squad to end the drought.
Wenger will make the club’s biggest impact on the summer transfer market for more than a decade, with Everton defender Phil Jagielka the latest target, along with Chelsea’s England midfielder Joe Cole, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny.
Wenger is finally ready to make major signings after almost 10 years of being constrained by the club’s move to the Emirates Stadium.

And Everton centre-half Jagielka, controversially left out of Fabio Capello’s 30-man preparation squad for the World Cup finals, is the latest player to be targeted by the Frenchman, although Everton manager David Moyes will fight to keep the 27-year-old defender at Goodison Park.
But Arsenal now appear to be confident of adding Cole and Schwarzer to the squad after the World Cup finals, even though negotiations with Cole’s representatives have yet to reach a conclusion.

Fulham have rejected an initial inquiry for Schwarzer, but the Australian goalkeeper has only one year left on his contract at Craven Cottage and, at the age of 37, he will want to seize his last chance to play Champions League football.
Arsenal remain in talks for centre-half Koscielny but, with William Gallas out of contract and leaving the club, they are committed to signing another experienced Premier League defender.
Jagielka is their first choice and Wenger has been cleared to spend, with around £30m at his disposal plus any more he receives if Cesc Fabregas leaves for Barcelona.

[30stone]

Rising Dutch star Gregory van der Wiel has expressed his desire to seal a move to the Premier League with Arsenal from Ajax.

The 22-year-old full-back is attracting interest from a host of top clubs in Europe although for now his focus is on the World Cup with Holland.

However, the chances of him remaining in Amsterdam seem slim particularly with the player himself welcoming the talk surrounding him.

He said: "Of course it's nice to read that Arsenal are interested. I consider myself a good fit for the Premier League.

"Robin van Persie has told me many stories about the Premier League, Arsenal and Mr (Arsene) Wenger. Maybe he can put in a good word for me.

"I know that Barcelona and Real (Madrid) are interested, but now I am only thinking about doing well at the World Cup in South Africa."

[Novo]

Rangers are interested in taking Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan on loan.

The Frenchman, 21, has made a limited impact since arriving in a surprise deal from Bordeaux and Sir Alex Ferguson is keen for him to pick up more experience.

Rangers, however, would need United to subsidise the deal.


Would love him on loan at Rangers..

[30stone]

While Tottenham and Aston Villa are due for negotiations over a Gabriel Agbonlahor -Robbie Keane part-exchange deal, the Midlands club are set to battle it out with Spurs for Everton's Steven Pienaar , according to the Mirror.

Pienaar, who scored seven goals in 36 games for Everton last season, has one year left on his contract at Goodison Park, but the 28-year-old South African is yet to agree to an extension to the current deal.

Everton manager David Moyes is desperate to keep the midfield playmaker, and has reportedly slapped a £15m price tag on his head.

Villa will have a tough task competing for Pienaar's signature with Tottenham, who can offer the South Africa man the lure of Champions League football next season.

Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill may also have to compete will another Champions League club for Pienaar, with Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger reportedly pondering a move for the player.

[30stone]

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas says he is not even entertaining the thought of a transfer as he focuses on the World Cup.

The 23-year old midfielder is currently on international duty with Spain, preparing for their opening group stage match against Switzerland but is refusing to be drawn into transfer speculation which has him heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.

"I am isolated from it all and I am not thinking about anything else apart from the national team," he said.

"I have come to play a World Cup, which is the best thing possible for a player, with the same excitement that I had at the World Cup in Germany when I was 19.

"I am hungry to do something important and the only thing I will do is always give everything, with a lot of desire and make sure the hunger and competitiveness are never lacking."


Apparently wenger has said he will sell him for 36m..
the next day the same paper said he refuses to sell him or even discuss it.

[30stone]

Rangers are interested in taking Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan on loan.

The Frenchman, 21, has made a limited impact since arriving in a surprise deal from Bordeaux and Sir Alex Ferguson is keen for him to pick up more experience.

Rangers, however, would need United to subsidise the deal.


Would love him on loan at Rangers..

He would be a good player.
Wouldnt mind wilshire going out to rangers.

[30stone]

Arsenal to smash wage structure to land Chelsea’s Cole on £135,000-a-week

Arsenal are ready to smash their wage structure to land Chelsea Bosman prospect Joe Cole.

The Daily Star Sunday says Cole will be offered a massive £135,000-a-week deal with Arsenal once he returns from World Cup duty with England.

Arsene Wenger has put together a whopping financial package that would make the former Chelsea star the highest-paid player at The Emirates.

Cole, 28, has only to sign on a free transfer and agree a four-year package worth £20million.

The deal works out at £4m a year plus an additional £2.5m a year in signing on fees.

That is what will boost his earnings to the whopping weekly wage that would take him past wantaway Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas – on £110,000 a week – as the biggest earner at the club.

The offer is sure to wreck Harry Redknapp’s bid to try to land Cole, with Tottenham unable to match the big money Arsenal are prepared to pay.

A source revealed: “The offer is on the table and has been agreed in principle by both parties.

“The only way Joe won’t go to Arsenal is if he suffers an injury during the World Cup or another club comes in with an improved offer late on.

“Arsene is mindful that Joe spent a long time out with a serious knee injury but if he comes through England’s campaign in South Africa then he knows he is completely over that.

“What he likes about Joe is his versatility. It could be argued that his arrival might take the pain out of losing Fabregas to Barcelona. That and around £45m, which is what they’ll have to spend to get him.”

[Novo]

He would be a good player.
Wouldnt mind wilshire going out to rangers.

The SPL Mainly Rangers/Celtic is the best place to send players out on Loan.. They get early champions league expierence and plenty of game's

Wilshire would walk into the Rangers team at the minute.. Play him behind Boyd if he stays

Rhys Murphy looks a good player as well 9 goals in 18 games for England Under 17's and 3 in 7 for Under 19's

[30stone]

Thats true, people should consider it more often it would be great for wilshire to get champions league experience.

[30stone]

Manchester United Step Up Chase for £16m Winger Dubbed “The Next Cristiano Ronaldo”: Ferguson Wants Alexis Sanchez

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/06/19/manchester-united-step-up-chase-for-16m-winger-dubbed-the-next-cristiano-ronaldo-ferguson-wants-alexis-sanchez/




Manuel Pellegrini set to be unveiled as next Liverpool FC manager

http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/129551-manuel-pellegrini-set-to-be-unveiled-as-next-liverpool-fc-manager.html

[30stone]

Arsenal Consider Move for £12m Premier League Midfielder: Wenger Sets Sights on Manchester City Man Ireland

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/06/18/arsenal-consider-move-for-12m-premier-league-midfielder-wenger-sets-sights-on-manchester-city-man-ireland/

[30stone]

Spanish star opens door to Arsenal move
Juan Mata reveals desire for Premier League move

Valencia winger Juan Mata has opened the door to a Premier League move this summer, admiting admiration for a number of clubs - Arsenal in particular.

The Spanish international is one of the most coveted stars at the Mestalla stadium, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has an opportunity to make a move after comments by the player.


http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/spanish-star-opens-door-to-arsenal-move

[30stone]

Utd and Gunners chase defender

Arsenal and Manchester United are both linked with Serbian defender Neven Subotic although neither are likely to offer the £25m wanted.


http://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/utd-and-gunners-chase-defender-1071134.html

[30stone]

Arsenal are casting their net wide for a new goalkeeper after Fulham rejected their offer for Mark Schwarzer.
The Daily Mail says the Gunners are considering alternatives after having a £2m offer for Schwarzer rejected.

Cagliari's Italy keeper Federico Marchetti is in Arsenal's sights. The Gunners are also monitoring AZ Alkmaar's Argentina international Sergio Romero and Arsene Wenger is checking out targets first hand at the World Cup in South Africa.

[30stone]

Why Arsenal boss Wenger rejected £28M Man City target Toure in trials

More has emerged as to why Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger rejected the chance to sign Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure for next-to-nothing while he was with Beveren.

The Daily Mail says City have agreed a £28million deal to sign Barcelona’s Toure, making him the most expensive holding midfielder in English football history.

Wenger did give him a trial in 2003 in a friendly against Barnet. But afterwards he was more interested in signing a certain AS Cannes left back, Gael Clichy, who also played in that game.

It didn’t do Toure’s cause much good that he played up front and missed a sitter.

[30stone]

Why Arsenal boss Wenger rejected £28M Man City target Toure in trials

More has emerged as to why Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger rejected the chance to sign Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure for next-to-nothing while he was with Beveren.

The Daily Mail says City have agreed a £28million deal to sign Barcelona’s Toure, making him the most expensive holding midfielder in English football history.

Wenger did give him a trial in 2003 in a friendly against Barnet. But afterwards he was more interested in signing a certain AS Cannes left back, Gael Clichy, who also played in that game.

It didn’t do Toure’s cause much good that he played up front and missed a sitter.

[30stone]

Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny has revealed that he is currently in negotiations with Arsenal in regards to a move to the Premiership.

Manager Arsène Wenger has previously stated that he wants to recruit new defenders before the end of the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Koscielny has said that he's already met with Wenger, and is desperate not to miss out on the opportunity to move to North London.

The 24-year-old said: "Arsenal are one of the biggest European clubs, who plays in the Champions League. I think it's a good club to progress further. I do not want to miss this opportunity.

"They have contacted my representitives this week. I met with Arsène Wenger, as did my agents after the end of last season. It went well."

With a number of central defenders having left the club without having their contracts renewed, a partner for Thomas Vermaelen is crucial.

William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre have all left Arsenal as free agents.

[30stone]

Algerian centre-back Bougherra boosted by Arsenal link


Algerian centre-back Madjid Bougherra says he's delighted by reports linking him with a move to Arsenal.


"Wenger found a few kinds words for me. It's given me a big boost,” said the Rangers player, according to the Sun.

Arsenal manager Wenger has said that he is an admirer of Bougherra, and reports have surfaced that Arsenal could make a £4-million bid for the Algeria international.


Bougherra is exceptional in the air, be it in his defensive duties or offensive opportunities. He is incisive on the pitch and always willing to break forward and take the ball out of defence. He was named Algerian player of the year in 2009.

The 27-year-old played 19 times for the Scottish champions last year and even came up form the back to score two goals. He has 44 international caps under his belt.

His contract with Rangers is due to expire at the end of the 2011/2012 season



Andy will be happy and unhappy with this.

[30stone]

Arsenal captain Fabregas reiterates desire to play for Barcelona


"All I will say is that what I said in Port Aventura (" I want to go to Barça ") I said that because that is what I feel,” he was quoted as saying by Spanish daily the Marca. ”But I repeat, I have nothing more to say.”

Speaking from Spain’s World Cup training camp in South Africa, Fabregas said he preferred to concentrate on his national team at present.

“The less said on the (transfer) subject the better,” he said. “I'm very calm, but right now my objective, and everyone knows it, is trying to be selected in the World Cup. I want to help the team. After the World Cup, there will be other things on my mind, but I’m now focused on the World Cup, getting a win against Honduras and doing well.”

However, according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, new Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, who is “convinced” Fabregas will play at the Nou Camp next season, will talk to the Arsenal captain on a trip to South Africa.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that the 23-year-old is staying put, and has even said that the two have never even discussed the player's future, reminding him that he has a contract with the Gunners until 2015.

Rosell was elected as new Barcelona president earlier this weekm and reportedly made it known to other club officials that he has placed a 45 million-euro cap on a bid for Fabregas.

[30stone]

Bordeaux determined to keep hold of Manchester City & Arsenal target Yoann Gourcuff
France World Cup 2010 flop to stay in Ligue 1...

Bordeaux have insisted they could resist a big money bid from Manchester City or Arsenal for France World Cup 2010 midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

The ex-AC Milan star had earned rave reviews in Ligue 1 with his thrilling attacking play and this was reported to have brought the interest of the Premier League pair. City are determined to splash the cash to become a force in the game, while the Gunners are expected to turn to the 23-year-old if they lose Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas.

Speaking to L'Equipe, majority shareholder Nicolas de Tavernost insisted the club could turn down a £21 million offer.

"Contrary to what I have heard, we have the means to keep him at the club next season," de Tavernost said.

"He can stay with us. There is no reason for him to leave. Anyway, we will see how he feels after the World Cup."

[bbfan1991]

The Algeria match was very frustrating to watch, yet another nervous performance and the players really need to buck their ideas up:mad:.

Don't blame that man for going crazy and confronting them, however how he made it to the dressing room is a mystery:joker:. More pressure on us for Wednesday which obviously we really need to win.

[bbfan1991]

I hope the England players keep focused and ignore the backstage politics for this important game and get the win we need:).

[bbfan1991]

I hope United sign Luis Suarez:), he would work well with Rooney for sure...

Alexis Sanchez could be good too:D.

[bbfan1991]

Doug Ellis says that James Milner has done himself, Aston Villa and England proud at the World Cup:).

Hope that Milner sees that staying at Villa is for his own good despite how tempting Manchester City may be...

[Shaun]

my explanation of the football pitch to MarkWaldorf.

http://i49.tinypic.com/ftlkn.png

[Shaun]

my explanation of the football pitch to MarkWaldorf.

http://i49.tinypic.com/ftlkn.png

[King Gizzard]

You'd of got his attention if you put Britney in goal!!

[King Gizzard]

Doug Ellis says that James Milner has done himself, Aston Villa and England proud at the World Cup:).

Hope that Milner sees that staying at Villa is for his own good despite how tempting Manchester City may be...

He's as good as gone :(

[bbfan1991]

Lmao Shaun you're hilarious:laugh:.

Who knows Nath?, in a way his sale would at least guarantee a few new players;).

[King Gizzard]

We're not going to burst the bank on one single with MON in charge

We need a top striker but we won't get one lol

[bbfan1991]

We're not going to burst the bank on one single with MON in charge

We need a top striker but we won't get one lol

I think you need two strikers and sell Heskey;). I would perhaps try and bring in a LB since Bouma has left so there is cover for Warnock even though Cuellar can play there or Luke Young if he's still at VP next season.

[King Gizzard]

We'll never get rid of that useless lump :(

[bbfan1991]

We'll never get rid of that useless lump :(

No-one will want him:D. Shame because in his prime he actually was a clever player.

I'm impressed with Delfouneso so he should be given more of a chance next season:).

[30stone]

Liverpool are said to be close to agreeing a compensation package with Fulham for Roy Hodgson but the move is not cut and dried.

Whilst the Fulham boss is still the favourite to take over from Rafa Benitez it is thought he wants guarantees about the club's financial future and his possible transfer funds before he completes a deal.
Liverpool remain keen for a deal to go through as soon as possible as the possibility of the England post has cropped up with the spotlight falling on Fabio Capello following the woeful campaign in South Africa culminating in Sunday's humiliation at the hands of Germany.
Meanwhile former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson is now favourite to take over at Fulham if Hodgson departs.

[30stone]

Manchester United Given Green Light for £17m Wing Wizard Deal: Serie A Man Sanchez Wants Old Trafford Move


Before the world cup my mate was going on about this guy saying how good he will be and hopes he comes united..
Yet again he picked a great player to talk about lol.


He said the same about Arshavin and Nasri before Arsenal bought them and vermaelen, he said dont worry about toure vermaelen will be better..

[30stone]

Manchester United are reportedly considering offering Brazilian youngster Anderson in a deal that would bring Paris Saint Germain Stéphane Sessègnon to Old Trafford. The 26 year old Benin international has become a target for the best clubs across Europe after demanding a move away from the Parc des Princes and Sir Alex Ferguson is apparently a big fan of the all purpose midfielder.

Having seen Anderson put in a very sub standard season as well as upsetting the boss by making an authorized trip back to his homeland and is apparently a player who could be heading for the Old Trafford exit and he just so happens to be a target of the Ligue 1 side leaving many to put two and two together.

Both players are thought to be valued at around the same price of around £10-12m. The former Le Mans man can play anywhere across the midfield and even as an attacking player in the hole behind a striker so could be of good use to Ferguson

[30stone]

Joe Cole wants to sort out his club future sooner rather than later after claiming an unhappy final season at Chelsea was down to "political rather than footballing reasons".

Cole was "devastated" after England's World Cup campaign came to and end via a 4-1 reversal against Germany in Bloemfontein.

But now he wants to turn his attention to where he will be playing next season after the end of his spell at Stamford Bridge.

Inter Milan and Arsenal are amongst the clubs being linked with a move for Cole.

Cole said: "I want to get my future sorted as quickly as possible.

"My season for Chelsea wasn't great for what I believe were political reasons rather than footballing reasons.

"Carlo Ancelotti, I love him, I've got big respect for him. I don't want to go on into it now. It isn't the time.

"It is not financial and it is nothing to do with Carlo. I love Carlo. I think he is a top guy and a top manager.

"I loved my time at Chelsea, I love the fans but it is a story for another day and I will tell it but now is not the time."

Cole added: "I want to have a couple of weeks off, want to sort my future out as soon as possible, go on holiday with my family.

"Next season I want to have a fantastic season for England and whatever club I am out.

"The next contract I sign will be a footballing decision. I want to play in a more central position.

"I want a manager who has faith in me and I'm talking about club football here.

"It is a big decision for me and my family but I'm open to anything at the moment.

"I have purposely not spoken to anyone while I've been here because that wouldn't be fair on England.

"My phone has been turned off but now I want to sort it all out."

[30stone]

Chelsea are being linked with a move for Uruguayan hot shot Luis Suarez after he took his World Cup tally to three against South Korea.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is known to be a fan of the Ajax goal machine and is thought to be looking for a more youthful alternative to his current ageing striking duo of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus are all apparently keen on Suarez but with Roman Abramovich reportedly ready to spend big this summer Chelsea could well lead the race for his signature.
Valued at around £22m, the striker netted an amazing 49 goals in 48 games last term and that included 12 goals in European competition thus proving his ability to do well at the highest level and not just the relatively average Dutch league.
The Blues were reportedly close to signing him last year before the deal collapsed at a late stage.


49 goals in 48 games lol.

[30stone]

Manchester City are apparently lining up a shock move for Aston Villa pair Gabriel Agbonlahor and James Milner as Roberto Mancini looks to reshape his Eastlands squad. The Italian boss is hoping to bring in many new names so as to give his side the look of a team he has brought in rather than keeping faith with those signed by previous City managers.

Talks appear to be under way to nab England winger Milner but more heartache could hit the midlands club as Martin O’Neill attempts to keep striker Gabriel Agbonlahor from being tempted by a big salary and the potential for an arguably more realistic hope of Champions League football.

Both England men are also hoping to secure regular international starts and may feel that they could garner more attention at the City of Manchester Stadium. A projected bid of around £44m is apparently set to be made and whilst Randy Lerner may well turn down such a move he and O’Neill may find it hard to prevent the pair from having their heads turned by such interest.

[30stone]

Manchester City are apparently lining up a shock move for Aston Villa pair Gabriel Agbonlahor and James Milner as Roberto Mancini looks to reshape his Eastlands squad. The Italian boss is hoping to bring in many new names so as to give his side the look of a team he has brought in rather than keeping faith with those signed by previous City managers.

Talks appear to be under way to nab England winger Milner but more heartache could hit the midlands club as Martin O’Neill attempts to keep striker Gabriel Agbonlahor from being tempted by a big salary and the potential for an arguably more realistic hope of Champions League football.

Both England men are also hoping to secure regular international starts and may feel that they could garner more attention at the City of Manchester Stadium. A projected bid of around £44m is apparently set to be made and whilst Randy Lerner may well turn down such a move he and O’Neill may find it hard to prevent the pair from having their heads turned by such interest.

[30stone]

Eidur Gudjohnsen is poised to join Fulham unless Tottenham intervene either to extend his loan deal or sign him permanently from French club Monaco.

Gudjohnsen has been left in limbo at White Hart Lane despite the club’s promise to thrash out a new deal if they qualified for the Champions League.

The Icelandic striker has become increasingly frustrated by the situation, prompting Fulham, Stoke and Blackburn to tempt him to leave and sign for them instead.

Chairman Daniel Levy has refused to sign off the deal for the former Bolton, Chelsea and Barcelona star while Tottenham attempt to off-load some key squad players including Robbie Keane.

While Gudjohnsen was happy to remain at Tottenham and has ruled out a return to Monaco, unless there is a significant movement in the next few weeks he is likely to review his position.

And Fulham, finalists in the Europa League this season, are favourites to secure his signature. (Daily Mirror)

It had looked like Harry Redknapp was close to securing a permanent deal for the Icelandic attacker but that deal was not done and Fulham are eager to pick up one hell of a bargain. The 31 year old vastly experienced performer showed what he was capable of during his loan spell at White Hart Lane last term during which time his cameo appearances helped cement the north London sides place in the top four.

If Tottenham are not quick to act they will lose out on a player who would be ideal to have around during their historic Champions League campaign, after all the former Barcelona man has a winners medal of his own to prove his undoubted worth.

[30stone]

Eidur Gudjohnsen is poised to join Fulham unless Tottenham intervene either to extend his loan deal or sign him permanently from French club Monaco.

Gudjohnsen has been left in limbo at White Hart Lane despite the club’s promise to thrash out a new deal if they qualified for the Champions League.

The Icelandic striker has become increasingly frustrated by the situation, prompting Fulham, Stoke and Blackburn to tempt him to leave and sign for them instead.

Chairman Daniel Levy has refused to sign off the deal for the former Bolton, Chelsea and Barcelona star while Tottenham attempt to off-load some key squad players including Robbie Keane.

While Gudjohnsen was happy to remain at Tottenham and has ruled out a return to Monaco, unless there is a significant movement in the next few weeks he is likely to review his position.

And Fulham, finalists in the Europa League this season, are favourites to secure his signature. (Daily Mirror)

It had looked like Harry Redknapp was close to securing a permanent deal for the Icelandic attacker but that deal was not done and Fulham are eager to pick up one hell of a bargain. The 31 year old vastly experienced performer showed what he was capable of during his loan spell at White Hart Lane last term during which time his cameo appearances helped cement the north London sides place in the top four.

If Tottenham are not quick to act they will lose out on a player who would be ideal to have around during their historic Champions League campaign, after all the former Barcelona man has a winners medal of his own to prove his undoubted worth.

[30stone]

Madrid want Tevez.

http://www.insidefutbol.com/2010/06/28/real-madrid-to-sound-out-man-city-over-carlos-tevez-deal/26203/

[30stone]

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is ready to offer £20 million for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan.

The Mirror says Redknapp is ready to spend £20m to bring Forlan to Tottenham.

The Spurs boss is desperate to add a top class striker to his squad to spearhead a Champions League campaign next season, and has persuaded chairman Daniel Levy to sanction a big money move this summer.

Forlan turned down a move to Spurs last summer but the Uruguayan is now thought be keen on a switch to White Hart Lane now the club can offer European football.

Despite winning the Europa League last term Atletico Madrid are struggling with their finances and may be tempted to sell Forlan so they can hang on to their prized asset Sergio Aguero.

[30stone]

Barcelona enter Ozil race to block move to Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City


After another stunning World Cup performance by German playmaker Mesut Ozil , the race has intensified for his signature, with Barcelona entering the running.

According to Spanish reports, Barcelona Manager Josep 'Pep' Guardiola wants to stop the 21-year-old Werder Breman player from joining Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City , deeming all three to be potential close rivals on the European stage.

And according to Sport, Barcelona are looking to use Aliaksandr Hleb as a bargaining chip for Ozil,

Arsenal are interested in Ozil - an IMScouting Player-to-Watch all of two years ago - as a potential replacement for want-away captain Cesc Fabregas , while Manchester City were linked with the then-£20million-rated man in April.

Related: 'How much is that Ozil in the window?'

Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to have been tracking Ozil for two years and made tentative enquiries about his availability.

Ozil has so far refused to sign an extension to his Werder Bremen contract, which has a year to run.

[30stone]

Reports are coming in that striker Eduardo da Silva has been told by manager Arsène Wenger that he is surplus to requirements at the club.

The Brazilian, who plays for Croatia, did not have a good season with the club as he struggled to recover from several niggly injuries.

Featuring mainly as a substitute, the 27-year-old has not scored in 12 appearances.

With new signing Marouane Chamakh likely to be the preferred partner for main man Robin van Persie in attack, it leaves Eduardo with very limited opportunities at a club that has stood by him as he recovered from a career-threatening injury suffered in 2008.

Eduardo enjoyed a rich vein of form before his injury, proving himself to be most natural finisher at the club.

Dudu, as he is affectionately known by Arsenal fans, has reportedly said that if he was to move, it would preferably be to a European side, rather than remaining in the Premier League.



Dont know why but i like him and dont want him to leave i still think he has much to show.

[30stone]

Arsenal and Spurs are set to make their respective moves for Joe Cole as he is now keen to get his future sorted out.

Cole is wanted by both North London giants now that his contract at Chelsea is over and, following a disappointing World Cup, he is hoping to get his future sorted out as quickly as possible.

Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp look to be the pair ready to battle it out for his services after Manchester United apparently ruled themselves out of a move for the player.

Cole said: "I want to get my future sorted as quickly as possible.

"I want to have a couple of weeks off, want to sort my future out as soon as possible, go on holiday with my family.

"Next season I want to have a fantastic season for England and whatever club I am out.

"The next contract I sign will be a footballing decision. I want to play in a more central position.

"I want a manager who has faith in me and I'm talking about club football here.

"It is a big decision for me and my family but I'm open to anything at the moment.

"I have purposely not spoken to anyone while I've been here because that wouldn't be fair on England.

"My phone has been turned off but now I want to sort it all out."

[bbfan1991]

Good work Ben!:).

Luis Fabiano has rejected a move to Spurs in favour of Man Utd or AC Milan.. me thinks he will end up at the San Siro as he nearly ended up there next season!.

Fingers crossed Nottingham Forest come back up to the PL:cool:.

[bbfan1991]

Aston Villa have 'shown interest' in South Korea international Cho Yong-Hyung, according to his agent.

Also The Sun claims that they have agreed to sell Milner to Man City for £25 million.

[Raph]

Still can't believe Japan lost out in the very last minute. :/

[bbfan1991]

David Silva joins Manchester City on a 5 year deal from Valencia for £28 million.

[Big Brother Fan]

Will play two seasons, get frustrated and be signed by barcelona

[bbfan1991]

Will play two seasons, get frustrated and be signed by barcelona

Yes once the novelty of the money wears off:hugesmile:.. maybe he's got the two Manchester sides confused, he'll say it's always been his dream to play for them, which is what players say nowadays when they transfer:joker:.

[MissKittyFantastico]

Everton have had a £900,000 bid accepted for Strasbourg striker Magaye Gueye and are interested in Germany defender Arne Friedrich.

Sportsmail revealed Everton's bid for Gueye on Tuesday and the France U21 international will sign a three-year contract on Thursday.

He said: 'I was over the moon when I heard that Everton had agreed a fee with my club. I was so happy and I am looking forward to developing in the best league in the world.'
Meanwhile, Everton and Sunderland are leading the contingent of Barclays Premier League clubs chasing Germany defender Friedrich.

The 31-year old is available at a knockdown fee of £2million, after Hertha Berlin reluctantly agreed to sell him, in the wake of their relegation from the Bundesliga. Wolfsburg have had a £1m bid rejected.
But Friedrich said: 'There have been offers from England, and I am totally open to the idea of moving to the Premier League.'


I'm happy Moysey is looking at another defender, we have enough strikers and midfield players now but Distin is still the weak link at the back imo. Just hope we can hang onto Pienaar and Arteta (rumours are he might want to go home to Spain because of his baby having sight problems) :(

[bbfan1991]

I was going to mention that to you the other day Kitty about Arteta but forgot:blush:, think it might be a reluctant departure then for him...

[MissKittyFantastico]

I was going to mention that to you the other day Kitty about Arteta but forgot:blush:, think it might be a reluctant departure then for him...

Well Everton have come out and said that it's all just rumour and they are still negotiating his contract but I think he would have signed by now if he was definitely wanting to stay. I won't hold it against him if he goes back to Spain, I know he's really happy here but family comes first.

I'm pretty sure I read that Moysey is interested in signing Stephen Ireland as well the other day.....

[bbfan1991]

Well Everton have come out and said that it's all just rumour and they are still negotiating his contract but I think he would have signed by now if he was definitely wanting to stay. I won't hold it against him if he goes back to Spain, I know he's really happy here but family comes first.

I'm pretty sure I read that Moysey is interested in signing Stephen Ireland as well the other day.....

Indeed:), if he was to go then the £15 million that the club may get for him will be useful to buy other players (still think you're short up front:p).

Yeah can see Man City letting a few go.

[GiRTh]

I heard Arteta was coming to Arsenal if we lost Fabregas. I'd be happy with that swap.

[MissKittyFantastico]

I heard Arteta was coming to Arsenal if we lost Fabregas. I'd be happy with that swap.

Never going to happen. Mikel has said he's really happy at Everton and living up North and the only way he'll uproot his family is to go back to Spain. Wenger has had his eye on him for a long while but nah, that's a dead end as far as I'm concerned.

[bbfan1991]

The funniest rumour I heard was that Arsenal were interested in Kevin Doyle:joker:.

[setanta]

The funniest rumour I heard was that Arsenal were interested in Kevin Doyle:joker:.

Yep, heard that too. Doyle is an excellent forward to have, but not for Arsenal. Couldn't see that working although you never know.

[MissKittyFantastico]

Indeed:), if he was to go then the £15 million that the club may get for him will be useful to buy other players (still think you're short up front:p).

Yeah can see Man City letting a few go.

I think we need a clinical striker because Yak just hasn't been the same since his injury, but we have Beckford now who I have a good feeling about actually, if we play him as a pure goal poacher who basically sits up front then he could score a shed loads of goals. I personally think the Yak needs to go, he's lazy and not committed to the team imo but Moyes seems to want to keep him :/

[GiRTh]

Doyle is the kind of player we need. A bring strong old fashioned centre forward to give us some power in the box. I've always liked Kenwynne Jones. I'm surprised Wneger has never looked at him.

[setanta]

Doyle is the kind of player we need. A bring strong old fashioned centre forward to give us some power in the box. I've always liked Kenwynne Jones. I'm surprised Wneger has never looked at him.

Doyle was brilliant for Wolves all season. Just a pity he was on such a dirt team, that's all.

[bbfan1991]

Yep, heard that too. Doyle is an excellent forward to have, but not for Arsenal. Couldn't see that working although you never know.

Doyle actually spoke out about that in my local paper and said that it is flattering but it would never happen and that he's happy at the Molineux:):D.

[GiRTh]

Doyle actually spoke out about that in my local paper and said that it is flattering but it would never happen and that he's happy at the Molineux:):D.
I'm pretty much sure he'd rather be at the Emirates than Molineux if given a real choice. It makes me laugh when players say things like that - 'No I dont want to play at the highest level in the Champions league I'd rather the hard slog of a relegation dog fight in front of moaning, booing fans'.

[bbfan1991]

I'm pretty much sure he'd rather be at the Emirates than Molineux if given a real choice. It makes me laugh when players say things like that - 'No I dont want to play at the highest level in the Champions league I'd rather the hard slog of a relegation dog fight in front of moaning, booing fans'.

Definetly because the lure of winning trophies etc is tempting and playing in Europe. At least he is being realistic in saying that he would rather stay somewhere where he can develop as a player, get first team football and is happy rather than going somewhere to sit on the bench and not get much time to play at all...

[bbfan1991]

Roy Hodgson is rumoured to be confirmed as the new Liverpool manager tomorrow;)...

[King Gizzard]

Eduardo to Villa

[Locke.]

Hodgson is gonna have a harder job saving us than he had season before last at Fulham.

[GiRTh]

Hodgson is gonna have a harder job saving us than he had season before last at Fulham.If you give him time he'll do a good job but you guys are worse than England fans you want instant success.

[bbfan1991]

If you give him time he'll do a good job but you guys are worse than England fans you want instant success.

Agreed, there is no patience these days:(.

[King Gizzard]

I think the Liverpool fans are the most patient in the PL.

[bbfan1991]

I think the Liverpool fans are the most patient in the PL.

Yes they are patient but it was in Rafa we trust and then when they lost he was the bad guy again:conf:, hard to keep up with LOL.

[King Gizzard]

Yes they are patient but it was in Rafa we trust and then when they lost he was the bad guy again:conf:, hard to keep up with LOL.

On the whole, nearly everyone was right behind Rafa, it was a minority that wanted him out

[GiRTh]

I think the Liverpool fans are the most patient in the PL.
They were only patient with Rafa because he fluked a Champions league win and that meant they could lord it over Man Utd for a few years. For Liverpool fans to want the league given their mediocre squad is laughable. Other than Gerrard and Torres who have they got? Spurs, Man City have got strength in depth but Liverpool are too reliant on those two. Stephen Ireland cant get a game for Man city cuz of his attitude:conf: and it seems Harry doesnt like David Bentley so hardly ever plays him.:conf: Liverpool cant have that attitude with any of their better players cuz they've got no good back ups. And yet their fans still think they can win the league. Laughable.:joker::joker:

[bbfan1991]

On the whole, nearly everyone was right behind Rafa, it was a minority that wanted him out

Yes the majority were behind Rafa but tbh he did all he could and the backstage thing with the owners was a distraction..

He should have bought a striker when he sold Keane however he didn't, he got criticised for the players he bought when he spent over £200 million over a couple of years building up the team, although there is quite a few that flopped and are deadwood then those like Kuyt etc that impressed:).

[bbfan1991]

Man City can throw money at every player and whilst their fans are excited because they think they're reaching the big time or on the way to being an elite club which they have a long way to go to reach the giant teams, it's going to take ages for their players to establish bonds individually and as a team to gel..

Then they will have to deal with players unhappy at being rotated or not given time to play not much fist team football.

[Nemo123]

David Silva joins Manchester City on a 5 year deal from Valencia for £28 million.

Maybe they thought they were buying David Villa.

[MissKittyFantastico]

Man City can throw money at every player and whilst their fans are excited because they think they're reaching the big time or on the way to being an elite club which they have a long way to go to reach the giant teams, it's going to take ages for their players to establish bonds individually and as a team to gel..

Then they will have to deal with players unhappy at being rotated or not given time to play not much fist team football.

They're after Donovan as well now, well they can **** right off! Why would he want to go there, it's not like they even managed to reach the CL even with all the cash they splashed last season. They think they can flash their cheque book and get whoever they want, but like you said imo the only players in their right mind that would go there would purely be after the money, not the first team play because more than likely they won't get it! My most hated team in the whole PL.