Talk Football Here... - Part 3

[Locke.]

Kicked off?

Hope Gerrard scores.

[Jayson]

Originally posted by David
Kicked off?

Hope Gerrard scores. No, its just pre match build up so far

[HeatherTWx]

Originally posted by Showtyme
Originally posted by lil_star11
Whats the england team playing tonightt? Andorra

Oh no i ment which players are playing. lol.

[Jayson]

Its good to see becks is starting

[andyman]

20:15pm kick off.

[Jayson]

Originally posted by lil_star11
Originally posted by Showtyme
Originally posted by lil_star11
Whats the england team playing tonightt? Andorra

Oh no i ment which players are playing. lol. Ohh, I can remember a few
gk- Green, mid- Becks, str- Rooney, Crouchy, Def- Terry

[Gemmer-x]

GOD SAVED OUR GRACIOUS QUEEEEN!
i love it when they sing :lovedup:

[Gemmer-x]

ahh whats with the dodgy thread :S

[andyman]

Thread fkin up!

God save the queeeeeen!!

[Jayson]

Originally posted by andyman
Thread fkin up!

God save the queeeeeen!! Why does the comments keep on disappearing then reapearing?

[andyman]

Ahhhhh god save the queen will be loud next year at the world cup!


Kick off! :dance:

[Jayson]

Ohh stevie G had a nice run going there

[Locke.]

Gerrard will score twice tonight.

[JohnnyBB]

go on stevie g!!

[Jayson]

and its nice to see theo playing, us gooners only english player :bigsmile:

[Jayson]

Originally posted by David
Gerrard will score twice tonight. I can see him getting a hat trick, im feeling him OHH CROSS BAR BY ROONEY

[Gemmer-x]

oooft Rooney close there

[andyman]

A hat trick must be scored today...



fek.. Nearly 1-0.

[Jayson]

Originally posted by andyman
A hat trick must be scored today...



fek.. Nearly 1-0. NOW IT IS!!

[Gemmer-x]

ROONEY! :dance:

[HeatherTWx]

ROONEEYYY!!! 1-0!!

[Locke.]

1-0 already, Rooney.

[JohnnyBB]

ROOOOONEY!!

[Jayson]

go shrek :tongue:

[andyman]

I want to see a goal fest! An orgy of goals..

[Jayson]

I hope they stay in attack mode, otherwise itll be boring with both in defence

[HeatherTWx]

Its gonna be a high scoring game tonight. I think.

[Jayson]

Becks should have gone for goal, GK was in a shitty pos.

[andyman]

Good training for England.

[Jayson]

Andorra are being ****ed

[Locke.]

7-0 tonight

Rooney [2]
Gerrard [2]
Crouch
Lampard
Walcott

[andyman]

A goal for each England player would be good.


... Daddy long legs.:mad:

[Novo]

Great free kick by becks

[Jayson]

how do i get my second star under my name btw?

[Locke.]

Originally posted by Showtyme
how do i get my second star under my name btw?

1000 posts I think

[andyman]

Becks could practice his free kicks tonight.

Good to hear that England are 4th fave with the bookies to win the World Cup next year.

[Jayson]

Originally posted by David
Originally posted by Showtyme
how do i get my second star under my name btw?

1000 posts I think dang, how did you get 4?

[Jayson]

is it every landmark you get a star?

[andyman]

Lol, now if that was in the world cup and against England then ref would have blown..

[Jayson]

oohh gerrard pised that shot right up the wall

[HeatherTWx]

My dad has just changed it to a film so i cant watch the game :mad:

[Locke.]

Originally posted by Showtyme
Originally posted by David
Originally posted by Showtyme
how do i get my second star under my name btw?

1000 posts I think dang, how did you get 4?

I think its

* - 500 Posts
** - 1000 Posts
*** - 5000 Posts
**** - 10000

I think I have about 12000 posts

[andyman]

Ball being over hit too many times..

England need to pass play more.

[Jayson]

Weve been passing nicely tonight, should be a good match to watch. I usually turn off at half time and switch back off with 2mins left, but might watch it all tonight.

[Jayson]

Originally posted by David
Originally posted by Showtyme
Originally posted by David
Originally posted by Showtyme
how do i get my second star under my name btw?

1000 posts I think dang, how did you get 4?

I think its

* - 500 Posts
** - 1000 Posts
*** - 5000 Posts
**** - 10000

I think I have about 12000 posts lol, omg how do some people get like 8 stars :shrug:

[andyman]

Originally posted by lil_star11
My dad has just changed it to a film so i cant watch the game :mad: No other tv?

[Jayson]

Becks shouldve crossed it

[Locke.]

Markus must havee a lot of stars, he has over 30000 posts :shocked:

[Jayson]

Is 30stone a lesbian female?

[Gemmer-x]

Originally posted by Showtyme
Is 30stone a lesbian female?

yes :bigsmile:

[HeatherTWx]

Originally posted by andyman
Originally posted by lil_star11
My dad has just changed it to a film so i cant watch the game :mad: No other tv?

yeah but its upstairs and im on the computer downstairs :/

[Locke.]

Originally posted by Gemmer-x
Originally posted by Showtyme
Is 30stone a lesbian female?

yes :bigsmile:

Lol yeah, she is.

[Jayson]

Its because he/she has the female symbol next to his/her name

[Jayson]

anyone want to exchange +K, i want to get to 20

[Ninastar]

Originally posted by Showtyme
Is 30stone a lesbian female?

Lmao. I totally thought the same. When he got a name change I didnt know who he was and he u2ued me saying he was a pedophile lmao x

edit: Ok maybe that makes him sound like a rapist but we are friends. and we love eachother alot.
We have baby white lions cause we are cool :lovedup:

[Jayson]

Originally posted by Ninastar
Originally posted by Showtyme
Is 30stone a lesbian female?

Lmao. I totally thought the same. When he got a name change I didnt know who he was and he u2ued me saying he was a pedophile lmao x

edit: Ok maybe that makes him sound like a rapist but we are friends. and we love eachother alot.
We have baby white lions cause we are cool :lovedup: why doesnt he change the female thing

[Jayson]

go lampard

[Gemmer-x]

LAMPARD! :lovedup::lovedup::lovedup::love::love::love:
2-0 YAY!

[andyman]

Originally posted by lil_star11
Originally posted by andyman
Originally posted by lil_star11
My dad has just changed it to a film so i cant watch the game :mad: No other tv?

yeah but its upstairs and im on the computer downstairs :/ You need a laptop and a USB pay&go broadband thingy on 3network.. Then you have freedom!

[Jayson]

wheres everyone else gone?

[Locke.]

Fat Frank and Shrek on the score sheet.

[Novo]

Go fat frank!!!

[andyman]

About flippin time it was 2-0.

[Jayson]

someone +K me :bawling:

[andyman]

Fat Wank Frank.
Frankie wankie
Fat skank frank

[Ninastar]

Originally posted by Showtyme
Originally posted by Ninastar
Originally posted by Showtyme
Is 30stone a lesbian female?

Lmao. I totally thought the same. When he got a name change I didnt know who he was and he u2ued me saying he was a pedophile lmao x

edit: Ok maybe that makes him sound like a rapist but we are friends. and we love eachother alot.
We have baby white lions cause we are cool :lovedup: why doesnt he change the female thing

I think he is just confused. :tongue:

[Jayson]

Me and David have the same frugging Karma

[andyman]

Stop picking on Ben! People can't help the way they are born.

[andyman]

Game bit slow at the mo.

[HeatherTWx]

Originally posted by andyman
Originally posted by lil_star11
Originally posted by andyman
Originally posted by lil_star11
My dad has just changed it to a film so i cant watch the game :mad: No other tv?

yeah but its upstairs and im on the computer downstairs :/ You need a laptop and a USB pay&go broadband thingy on 3network.. Then you have freedom!

I do have a laptop, well its not mine its my brothers, and he's gone out so i just ran upstairs then to try and figure out his password but i dont know it :/

[Locke.]

I +ed you earlier, won't let me edit you again because of the time limit

[andyman]

England need another goal before half time.. This aint good enough.

[Jayson]

Originally posted by David
I +ed you earlier, won't let me edit you again because of the time limit Yeah, I know. If you +K me again ill +K u again and well always have the same Karma :bored:

GO ROONEY

[Gemmer-x]

3-0 Rooney! woop hoping for 7-0 win :P

[Jayson]

Originally posted by andyman
England need another goal before half time.. This aint good enough. 20 seconds later, 3-0.
Keep on saying that!

[andyman]

We have the goal..

6-0 at must at full time!

[Locke.]

Must make it 4 before half time!

[Jayson]

thanks for the karma, who was it? ill + you

[andyman]

6-0/7-0 should be the full time score! Above that then thats great.

[Jayson]

im reckoning that capello will, unforunately, go defensive in the second half, and take off the major players

[Gemmer-x]

half-time!

[Jayson]

half time

[Jayson]

whose gonna be on live feed discussion 2nite?

[Ninastar]

So when is the next world cup final???

[Novo]

Gerrard to score next 4/1

[Jayson]

im gonna reheat a takaway, back in 5 mins

[andyman]

Yeah il be on live feed, 12.25am i think it starts.

Next world cup is next summer starting in June.. South Africa 2010.

[Locke.]

yeah I'll be on the live feed thread, just wish it would start earlier than it does

[andyman]

Nearly the 2nd half!

3 goals need to be scored at least in the 2nd half.

[Jayson]

back

[Jayson]

Who Wants to Be A Millionare's back!

[andyman]

Been looking at the E4 listings and midnight or just after is now the normal time for live feed! Another 1.15am live feed start time is next week i think, fantastic.

Just hope we got few more 11pm starts.

[Ninastar]

Originally posted by andyman
Yeah il be on live feed, 12.25am i think it starts.

Next world cup is next summer starting in June.. South Africa 2010.

Aww cool! Thanks x

[Jayson]

lol jimmy greaves hates andorra

[andyman]

Yey Jimmy!! He used to have a itv footy show with Mr Saint.

[Jayson]

they brought gerrard off :shocked:

[Jayson]

that Tony Lima bloke is fkin old

[andyman]

Ashley Young.... WTF?!?!

[Locke.]

Defore will score twice, class player.

[Jayson]

defoe came close there

[andyman]

Other players need a lil play, end of the day we have the 3pts, 7 wins out of 7 and top of the group.

[Jayson]

yeah, but gerrard?!
why not take beckham off, he was never gonna score

[andyman]

Who do England play next? 3 more points and we are in the world cup! :bouncy:

[Jayson]

Originally posted by andyman
Who do England play next? 3 more points and we are in the world cup! :bouncy: 9th September vs Croatia

[andyman]

Originally posted by Showtyme
Originally posted by andyman
Who do England play next? 3 more points and we are in the world cup! :bouncy: 9th september vs Croatia We beat them then the work is done.. Thats if we beat them.

[andyman]

Too many mistakes! This aint good enough!

[Jayson]

even if we lose well still qualify IMO

[andyman]

We will need a fully fit team for the world cup... Just hope next season brings no fk ups.

[Jayson]

I knew we'd hold back this half

[Shaun]

I think it's safe to say Andorra will win this.

[Jayson]

Originally posted by andyman
We will need a fully fit team for the world cup... Just hope next season brings no fk ups. I can see Beckham getting injured, hes playing La, then going straight to another european team, so he wont get a break. But hes not gonna be too important anyway.

[andyman]

Originally posted by Showtyme
even if we lose well still qualify IMO True, but 3pts from the next game will end the group, sooner the better..

[Jayson]

Originally posted by Shaun
I think it's safe to say Andorra will win this. lol

[Gemmer-x]

Bridge on for Cole

[Gemmer-x]

i miss Joe Cole, he better be fit next season :love:

[andyman]

Originally posted by Shaun
I think it's safe to say Andorra will win this. Too early yet, but England keep fkin up so you might be right.. Fingers crossed that you are wrong.

[Jayson]

nearly a goal there

[andyman]

Still not good enough by England.

[andyman]

Peter is a lucky sod.

[andyman]

We are playing sh*t... P*ss poor!

[Gemmer-x]

4-0 Defoe!
i was just about to comment how bored i was then :P

[Jayson]

changed my sig, was voted best hyphenated name by my mates earlier this week :blush2:

[Locke.]

Jermaine Defoe.

[andyman]

About fkin time! But still our game play is weak.

[Gemmer-x]

yeah we're playing pretty rubbish.. [surprise surprise?]

[Gemmer-x]

5-0! :colour:
clumsy mistake by the goalie hahahaha

[Jayson]

5-0 Jermain Defoe agenz

[Locke.]

Originally posted by David
Defore will score twice, class player.

:dance2:

[Gemmer-x]

Originally posted by David
Originally posted by David
Defore will score twice, class player.

:dance2:

Lottery numbers - saturday night please? :tongue:

[andyman]

Poor freek by Becks.. I'm sure we will do another Greece free kick in the world cup next year, if he is picked! Fookin better.. He could come on for the 2nd half in the games.

[Locke.]

Originally posted by Gemmer-x
Originally posted by David
Originally posted by David
Defore will score twice, class player.

:dance2:

Lottery numbers - saturday night please? :tongue:

6, 13, 19, 27, 33, 39

[Gemmer-x]

Originally posted by David
Originally posted by Gemmer-x
Originally posted by David
Originally posted by David
Defore will score twice, class player.

:dance2:

Lottery numbers - saturday night please? :tongue:

6, 13, 19, 27, 33, 39

i actually am going to have them LOL if i win big, i'l throw you a tenner :D

[Jayson]

6 0

[Gemmer-x]

6-0 Crouchy!

[Jayson]

does anyone know where to get a fake doctors signature?

[andyman]

6-0... Fair score, Heskey should be on the pitch.

[Locke.]

Originally posted by Gemmer-x
Originally posted by David
Originally posted by Gemmer-x
Originally posted by David
Originally posted by David
Defore will score twice, class player.

:dance2:

Lottery numbers - saturday night please? :tongue:

6, 13, 19, 27, 33, 39

i actually am going to have them LOL if i win big, i'l throw you a tenner :D

LOL. Haven't done the lottery for months!

[andyman]

Originally posted by Showtyme
does anyone know where to get a fake doctors signature? DIY.

[Locke.]

You wouldn't think a game with 6+ goals in could be so boring.

Switching over to BB in a minute, game is won.

[Gemmer-x]

i know David, it's great we've got a win but it's been so boring, not very entertaining :/

[Jayson]

Originally posted by andyman
Originally posted by Showtyme
does anyone know where to get a fake doctors signature? DIY. Im shidd at doing diy.
my stupid english lit. teacher only lets us off of lectures if we have a note, and ive got a lecture when ive got a date

[Jayson]

just switched to BB to find a vagina on my screen...

[andyman]

3pts in the bag, 3 more and group is over! Sooner we wrap up the group the better.

[Gemmer-x]

i was reading somewhere today that the whole of Andora's population could fit inside Wembley, didn't realise it was such a small country

[Jayson]

Im going on the BB HL thread, cya

[Gemmer-x]

wahey game over. :D

[Iceman]

Well done to England, all you aEnglish are pretty happy I guess.

[Novo]

GOAL: Italy 4-3 New Zealand: Iaquinta (73)

GOAL: Italy 3-3 New Zealand: Iaquinta (68)

[andyman]

ITALIA!!!

[andyman]

Some live football on BBC3 starts this Saturday or Sunday... Pukka.

[Novo]

Yeah it's that Confederations Cup

The groups are shown below
Groups
Group A-----------------Group B--------------
South Africa-------------United States--------
Iraq-----------------------Italy----------------
New-Zealand------------Brazil----------------
Spain---------------------Egypt----------------

[andyman]

Pukka! :dance2:

And we shall talk about the games in this lovely thread. :thumbs2:

[andyman]

E4, women!

[Novo]

I'll be supporting South africa/ Brazil

[andyman]

Italy, Spain & Brazil. :thumbs:

[Novo]

Ben could you put this on the front page

looks Good people can see what is on then

.................................................. .......................................

Sunday, 14 June 2009

FIFA Confederations Cup

New Zealand v Spain, A, 19:30
South Africa v Iraq, A, 15:00

Monday, 15 June 2009

European Under-21 Championship

England U21 v Finland U21, B, 17:15
Spain U21 v Germany U21, B, 19:45

FIFA Confederations Cup

Brazil v Egypt, B, 15:00
USA v Italy, B, 19:30

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

European Under-21 Championship

Italy U21 v Serbia U21, A, 19:45
Sweden U21 v Belarus U21, A, 17:15

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

FIFA Confederations Cup
South Africa v New Zealand, A, 19:30
Spain v Iraq, A, 15:00

[andyman]

He will do.. But don't want a big title.

Any big player names taking part? Can't really see full main teams being used.

[30stone]

Why at the start of the England game this become a "Ben Haters" thread lol.

I am a male not a lesbian lol.

[andyman]

Roll on Sunday! BBC3 live footy.

[30stone]

http://www.arsenalnewsreview.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1293&cntnt01returnid=42

Cristiano Ronaldo joins adidas and Real Madrid

By Myles Palmer

Manchester United have accepted a bid of £80 million.

But will Cristiano Ronaldo sell as many shirts as David Beckham?

Becks was married to a pop star and was as cuddly as a sheepdog and he also had a certain metrosexual charisma.

Cristiano is the biggest star in world football because he's six foot one and very good-looking and he scored 42 goals for United in 2007-2008 and he's spearheaded three consecutive Man United title victories in 2007 and 2008 and 2009.

Losing the Champions League Final showed Cristiano that he needs a new challenge.

He's been playing for a manager who turned him from a skinny teenage winger into a powerhouse match-winner who could make maximum use of his phenomenal natural skills.

As a Latin, he appeals to a South American market and he might become an even bigger icon in Asia than Becks was.

He is very highly-motivated pro but he's also petulant and rebellious and that appeals to teenagers. His tantrums can reflect their doubts, their confusions, their emotional strife, better than nice guy Beckham did.

It will be interesting. I wish the lad well. I wish him all the luck in the world.

Obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo's exit makes Man United weaker and it therefore makes Liverpool and Chelsea stronger. It should also give Arsenal a better chance.

It's also a massive boost to adidas in their sales war with Nike.

[30stone]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/man-utd-announce-%C2%A380m-real-madrid-offer-accepted-ronaldo-250052


Man Utd announce £80M Real Madrid offer accepted for Ronaldo
11.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United have accepted a world record bid for star Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

United's website released a statement this morning which read: "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80 million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

[30stone]

http://www.insidefutbol.com/2009/06/11/liverpool-alonso-and-man-utd-ronaldo-madrid-bound-emana-link-wolfsburg-firm-on-dzeko/

Man Utd: Ferguson has failed to convince Tevez his future is with Utd.

Liverpool: Benitez Is down to accepting Alonso will Join Perez Galactico revelution.

Wolfsburg: Edin Dzeko could go for up to 30mil euro's now, finally and offer hes worth.

[arsenalforever]

Jesus real mardid are signing everyone:sad:

ribery is decent at best but Mardid will sign him for £30million

Villa will go to Mardid too for £32 million

[andyman]

Kaka, Ronaldo... Villa next?

Where is Real Madrid getting the money from?
They already spent over £130m and Villa could be £40m topping £170m on 3 players!

Looks like Barcelona winning La liga and the Champions League has got up Real Madrids nose.

[Locke.]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The twat is finally leaving!

[andyman]

But the Premiership needs few more big names!

[Locke.]

Real Madrid could use strikers Alvaro Negredo, 23, and Alberto Bueno, 21 as part of a cash plus players deal to lure Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso to the Bernabeu.

Valencia have turned down a reported offer from Chelsea for David Villa, with the Spain international seemingly set to join Real Madrid instead, according to the player's agent.

Barcelona are preparing a bid for Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun. [:shocked:]

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo has revealed that if he is forced to leave the Bernabeu then Liverpool would be an attractive destination.

Sporting Lisbon have initiated talks with Manchester United about re-signing winger Nani on an extended loan spell or arranging a player-plus-cash exchange involving their captain, the attacking midfielder Joao Moutinho.

[Locke.]

Ryan Babel Intent On Liverpool Stay - Agent

The agent of Liverpool striker Ryan Babel has today revealed that his client is intent on staying at Anfield, so that he can reverse the flop status that he has been slapped with.

Babel has been an intermittent player throughout the past campaign, often wasted on the wings, and has therefore failed to exert his game and become an established member of Rafael Benitez's first team plans.

Despite any speculated interest from other clubs, Winnie Haatrecht, Babel's representative, has declared that Babel wants to honour his initial contract, “Ryan is very happy at Liverpool and clearly doesn't want to leave,” he is reported to have told the press.

“He still has a three-year contract.”

It has also been alleged in the press this week that Benitez may have a minimal transfer budget to work with this summer due to the debts accrued by the club's parent company: Kop Holdings Ltd.

The Spanish boss has therefore called on a number of Liverpool's fringe players to step their game up a gear next season to make amends for the lack of squad bolstering. Babel was one of the players Benitez has tried to publicly motivate.

[30stone]

You should get rid of babel hes average.


http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2009/06/11/1319084/schwarzer-claims-australian-player-of-the-year-honour


Schwarzer Claims Australian Player Of The Year Honour
The Cottagers stopper has become Australia's first ever Player of the Year.
Jun 11, 2009 8:35:10 AM

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been named the inaugural Australian Footballer of the Year.

The 36-year-old has had a stand out season since making the switch to London from former club Middlesbrough and has won much praise for his performances in the Premier League.

The award will cap a superb season for Schwarzer, who helped lead Fulham to seventh place in the Premier League and into Europe next season

The keeper has also excelled on the international stage and set an Australian shut-out record by keeping a clean sheet in seven consecutive World Cup qualifiers.

The experienced stopper revealed to FOX Sports that he was delighted with his successes this season and was looking forward to setting himself new goals for the next campaign.

"It's been a fantastic season," said Schwarzer. "Obviously you have dreams and ambitions in life and I've been very fortunate to live out my dream and along the way accomplish a lot of my life-long goals.

"Now I'm going to have to keep looking for new ones, which is great. I love being in that position."

David Kifford, Goal.com


Well done Schwarzer, He was best Goalkeeper in premiership.

[30stone]

Utd could struggle if they don't isgn anyone big.


No Ronaldo, their top goalscorer and usually 1st / 2nd in the league.

Tevez is leaving to...

[30stone]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/arsenal-offer-big-money-barcelonas-toure-250108


Arsenal offer big money for Barcelona's Toure
11.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Arsenal are ready to spend big to land Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure.

Toure's brother, Kolo, plays at Arsenal and has urged the midfielder to join him in London.

Sport says Arsenal are willing to offer £16 million for the Ivory Coast international, whose agent has already given the green light to the move.


Not bad 16m

Hope we get him they would play well together weathe he plays defence of defensive midfield.

[30stone]

http://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/arsenal-chase-french-defender-911492.html

Arsenal chase French defender

Arsenal, 13:07, June 11, 2009

Arsenal target Sebastien Bassong says he wants to leave Newcastle and play in the Premier League next season.
In a desperate season for the north-east club Bassong was one of only a few players to emerge with any credit following some impressive performances for Newcastle.

Arsene Wenger was reportedly impressed with what he saw of the 22-year-old centre-back and is now considering whether to make a move for the former Metz player.

However, with the Gunners on the verge of signing Dutch defender Thomas Vermaelen Bassong's move to the Emirates Stadium could be in doubt.

Bassong has once again expressed his desire to leave St James Park and looks likely to end up in north London, if not with Arsenal then with Tottenham who are reportedly interested in the defender.

"I want to play Premier League football. I want to leave Newcastle," Bassong told L'Equipe.

'I am going to have to assess the offers, study the sporting project as well as the time of play that they want to offer me."

[Locke.]

12 million Newcastle want for him, he isn't worth it.

[30stone]

Hes Still a good player.

Toure would be the best for Arsenal.

[Lauren]

Premiership without Ronaldo or Newcastle.
Suddenly becomes appealing!

[30stone]

Villa is definately, not going Chelsea, would be good to have him the the premiership..

[30stone]

http://www.fansfc.com/story/12348.html


Turkish move for £11.5million Liverpool star?
02:00 PM 11 June, 2009
Galatasaray have been linked with a move for Ryan Babel.

The Dutch international forward joined Liverpool from Ajax in a £11.5million deal in the summer of 2007, but he has failed to establish himself in the Reds starting eleven.

Reports now suggest Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard, appointed by Galatasaray earlier this month, is keen to take the 22-year-old Babel to Turkey during the summer.

[30stone]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/liverpool-keen-real-madrid-striker-saviola-250104


Liverpool keen on Real Madrid striker Saviola
11.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Liverpool are interested in Real Madrid striker Javier Saviola.

Forced to revise his ambitious summer transfer plans, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez sees Saviola as a quality strike-partner for Fernando Torres.

Real are willing to sell the Argentina international for around £4 million.

[30stone]

Edwin van der Sar
Ryan Giggs
Paul Scholes
Gary Neville

All are nearing end of their careers, Scholes may leave.
Id say the only one that will play a lot of first team football next year will be Van Der Sar.

And having Tevez and Ronaldo leaving it will be harder during the transfer market and harder season next year.

Will Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool Capitalise on Man Utd losing stars.

[Locke.]

We were linked with Saviola a few minutes before the transfer window closed at the end of january, can remember watching it on Sky Sports News. Always been a fan of Saviola's, would love for us to sign him.

[Locke.]

Carlos Tevez Set To Follow Cristiano Ronaldo Out Of Manchester United - Report

Carlos Tevez will be the next big name to leave Manchester United after it was confirmed today that Real Madrid's offer of a reported £80 million had been accepted by the Red Devils for Cristiano Ronaldo

The Argentine is reportedly highly unimpressed with Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson's last-ditch attempt to persuade the player to stay via a telephone call, with the player feeling that he has been dealt with shabbily for the whole of last season.

That is the view expressed in a report in respected British football magazine FourFourTwo, with an unnamed source, reported to be close to the player and his advisers, claiming, "You treat someone badly for a whole year, you don't make it up with a telephone call, right?"

There is still apparently the possibility that the diminutive striker, popular amongst United fans for his hard-working attitiude and commitment, could swap a red Mancunian shirt for a blue and move acros town to Manchester City, but that is only one choice amongst many for the player, according to the magazine's source.

He added, "It's an option. But no one option is more serious than another – City, Chelsea, Liverpool: they're all options."

Negotiations about the player's future will reportedly begin soon, and the Premier League is his desired location, with FourFourTwo's source concluding, "It should take two to three weeks for *Carlos's future to be finally decided."

http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/06/11/1319522/carlos-tevez-set-to-follow-cristiano-ronaldo-out-of

[andyman]

This could back fire for Real Madrid, they want the David Beckham effect with world wide shirt sales, more ticket sales, word wide name rights on the Kaka, Ronaldo brand, but Beckham is more of a world wide brand name than them two.. Could take few years at least before we know if this investment pays off, plus Real Madrid must win the Champions League within two years to drum up world wide shirt sales and more sponsorship.

[andyman]

Players ego become too big for the club.. Beckham, Ronaldo.. But that is down to their age, Beckham has gone through all that and seems to be more grounded, again down to age. Sir Alex would get more out of Beckam now than he did years ago.

[30stone]

Man Utd squad will be a bit smaller next season, if they don't buy at least 2 world class players, i think they will struggle a little.


Chelsea Arsenal or Liverpool could come top.

[Locke.]

Originally posted by 30stone
Man Utd squad will be a bit smaller next season, if they don't buy at least 2 world class players, i think they will struggle a little.


Chelsea Arsenal or Liverpool could come top.

They have 80 million to spend now though... they will sign at least one world class player before the season starts :sad:

[Novo]

Real madrid still have 100 Million to spend

[Novo]

Midfielder Deco has admitted he is unhappy at Chelsea and wants to be reunited with his former Porto manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

He arrived for £8m from Barcelona last summer but fell out of favour after boss Phil Scolari left and was replaced by temporary coach Guus Hiddink.

"I want to feel happy and this is not the case at Chelsea," he said.

"I would like to return to work with Mourinho, he is synonymous with success and I would be very happy."

The Portuguese international did not cross paths at Stamford Bridge with Mourinho but he spent two of his four seasons at Porto playing under him.

[30stone]

Originally posted by David
Originally posted by 30stone
Man Utd squad will be a bit smaller next season, if they don't buy at least 2 world class players, i think they will struggle a little.


Chelsea Arsenal or Liverpool could come top.

They have 80 million to spend now though... they will sign at least one world class player before the season starts :sad:

They only now have 2 forwards.
No back up if one is injured.

Scholes could leave.
Giggs is becoming pretty meh,

The have Fletcher
Anderson
Carick
in midfield.

Nani and Park to, but reports say they could both be leaving..

They may have to rely on some youngsters.

[Novo]

Wayne Rooney says he has set his sights on breaking Bobby Charlton's England goalscoring record after his double against Andorra on Wednesday.

The Manchester United striker moved on to 24 goals for his country as England enjoyed a 6-0 rout of Andorra.

It moved him level on goals with Geoff Hurst, but Rooney says he is now after Charlton's long-standing record of 49.

"If I could beat Charlton's record, it would be a great achievement and I do have that record in mind," said Rooney.

Rooney's two goals at Wembley marked a fine international season for the 23-year-old as England moved a step closer to achieving World Cup qualification.

[andyman]

Man Utd could be in two minds.. £80m in the pot..

A: pay debt.
B: pay debt and buy few players.
C: blow on some class players.
D: keep it in the bank.

[Novo]

C: blow on some class players. <<<<

[Novo]

Real Madrid might not be finished spending, even with Kaka, Ronaldo
12:15 PM, June 11, 2009

Some thought that when Real Madrid President Florentino Perez completed the signing of Kaka, it was going to be the biggest signing that signaled a new era was set to begin at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As we head into the end of the second week in June, it looks like that was just the beginning, as the Brazilian midfielder will likely be joined soon by a new high-profile teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was no surprise to many, but the way the final result developed seemingly overnight was a shock to quite a few.

Perez had always stated his desire to bring Ronaldo to Real since he was re-elected as club president, but nothing had been coming from the Ronaldo camp lately saying that he was looking to be on his way out of England.

As the club statement said, however, it seemed as though this transfer was bound to happen in only a matter of time.

Galáctico Version 2.0 is in full effect.

The amount of money spent by Real Madrid this week is completely astonishing. While the rest of the world is trying to get out of an economic crisis, Perez and Real have spent more than $210 million in just a three-day span.

Money was tight in Milan and was the main reason behind Kaka being sold, but there are no problems finding extra cash to fund these kind of moves in Madrid.

And you have to think that Perez isn't done wheeling and dealing with plenty of time left in the summer transfer window.

So much for Kaka saying he was the most expensive player in the world. Well, he can, but only for a matter of three days.

Perez has said in the media since his re-election that he will bring stars back to Madrid, and he is doing that. You may hate what he is doing to the game, signing big-time players for even bigger prices, but he is building what he feels is a team that can win La Liga and the Champions League with ease.

I think it's safe to say he's delivered, and he's certainly redirecting all the media attention away from rival Barcelona and onto him and his club.

He vowed to do "everything possible" to bring Ronaldo to the Spanish capital, and now he has done so. Perez may be a cocky guy, but at least he delivers with his word.

Reports have Perez still on the lookout to bring big talent to the Bernabeu, and with the kind of moves he has made in such a short period of time, you can't think that he's done.

He's got the cash; that doesn't seem to be a problem. We may never know the kind of figures that he has to work with until the summer transfer window is over and done with, but you have to think there are still a couple of bucks left in the piggy bank for Perez to sift through.

But how does all of this offensive star power help an average defense at best?

[Novo]

BARCELONA STUNNED BY REAL DEALS

Barcelona finance director Xavier Sala i Martin is bewildered as to how Real Madrid are funding their summer spending spree.

With a reported transfer budget of 300million euros at their disposal, Madrid president Florentino Perez has this week set about creating a second 'galacticos' era.

The Spanish giants had a world-record bid of £80million for Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo accepted by Manchester United on Thursday, hot on the heels of Monday's 68million euros acquisition of Brazil playmaker Kaka from AC Milan.

And Sala i Martin, whose team finished nine points clear of Madrid at the Primera Division summit last month, is puzzled by how the purchases are being financed.

He told Radio Station RAC1: "I don't know where the 300million euros that Florentino Perez expects to invest on signings are coming from.

"He says he will recover that money by selling shirts but, in order to do that, he will have to sell 30million shirts. That is impossible."

Sala i Martin is stunned Madrid are able to spend so much money in such a difficult economic climate.

He added: "I guess someone will have to give him that money and it would be good for him to explain where it will come from.

"How can it be that a football team is loaned so much money, considering the current financial crisis in the country and the policy of restricting credits that banks are currently following?

"I can assure you that we will not pay 65million euros for a player.

"For that amount we would buy the whole Barcelona team that won the Champions League in Rome."

[Novo]

FABREGAS COMMITTED TO GUNNERS

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has no intention of following Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain or moving anywhere else as he targets Champions League glory with the Gunners.

The 22-year-old is no stranger to speculation over his own future, having broken into the Arsenal first-team while still a teenager.

However, the former Barcelona youth player firmly believes he can achieve all of his club ambitions at the Emirates Stadium, where he is the heartbeat of Arsene Wenger's young side.

"Of course I see my future at Arsenal. I have a very long contract with the club," Fabregas said in an interview with Arsenal TV Online, which was conducted before Thursday's official announcement on Ronaldo's impending £80million move from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

"I would have never signed that if I did not think I was capable of making it (to the end of the contract).

"The boss knows that I really want to stay here.

"What you cannot stop is what people say about you. The press can write or say whatever they want.

"Here, I do not get involved at all.

"Since I am 18, they have been saying that - but I am still here."

Fabregas, committed to Arsenal until at least 2014, added: "I just say what I feel - and what I feel is that I hope I can be at Arsenal for many years and lift trophies which they have never lifted before, like the Champions League, to lift the Premier League, FA Cups.

"I am really looking forward to it because I am sure the future is bright here."

Fabregas spent the best part of four months on the sidelines in the middle of last season following a knee problem.

The Spain midfielder, though, is not set for an extended rest this summer as he heads with the European champions to the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

"It is a pleasure to be involved," he said.

"With Spain we are going through a moment which is historic, and have not lost a match in something like 30, which is unbelievable.

"Now, when you see Spain play, even if they are losing you are not worried because you know they will come back."

[Novo]

CHELSEA: NO BID FOR VILLA

Chelsea insist they have not made a bid for Real Madrid-bound Valencia striker David Villa.

The Blues' Spanish scout, Juan Cruz Sol, met with Los Che president Manuel Llorente on Thursday in the club's headquarters to discuss the future of the 27-year-old striker.

However, the Spain international is on the verge of signing for big-spending Madrid and Chelsea's interest never developed into a formal offer.

Cruz Sol spoke to the Spanish media after the meeting, with Valencian newspaper Levante quoting him as saying: "Chelsea made an important offer for him (Villa).

"But the answer (from Valencia) was 'no' because negotiations with Real Madrid are very advanced.

"Hence, there's no possibility that Villa will go to Chelsea because he wants to go to Real Madrid.

"The purpose of the meeting was to have have some contact and know with certainty what Villa's situation is.

"Now we have clear ideas and we know that to expect."

A Chelsea spokesman told PA Sport no formal bid was made after exploratory discussions with the financially-stricken La Liga outfit.

"We have made no offer for David Villa," he said.

Valencia president Llorente earlier revealed an offer for Villa had been received but refused to confirm whether it was from Chelsea.

He told regional newspaper Las Provincias: "Yes, we have an offer for Villa but not from Spain."

Speculation has been rife Valencia could be forced to sell prize assets Villa and David Silva to ease their financial worries.

Madrid splashed out £59million on Kaka on Monday and then had a world-record £80million bid accepted by Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo this morning.

And it seems their summer spending, as new president Florentino Perez looks to re-establish his 'galacticos' policy, may not end there.

On whether he had spoken to Perez regarding Villa, Llorente added: "We had another conversation on Tuesday and we have started talking about the matter."

[Novo]

BAYERN TARGET BOSINGWA DEAL

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has confirmed the Bundesliga club want to sign Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa.

The right-back slot is the only area Bayern are still looking to strengthen after making seven signings already this summer - and Hoeness feels Bosingwa fits the bill.

"Our transfer activities are basically closed," he told Munich's tz newspaper. "We are only looking at whether there are possibilities for the right-back position."

He added: "We are interested in Bosingwa. That's correct."

The Portugal international only moved to Stamford Bridge last summer, but Bayern are noticeably short of cover in his position.

Hoeness also hinted Bayern could change their stance on Franck Ribery who has been linked with Manchester United.

The Bavarian giants have repeatedly stressed the France midfielder is not for sale, but that determination could now be wavering.

"We have said we will only deal under certain conditions," said Hoeness. "Namely if the others want to do really crazy things."

That suggests a huge offer - thought to be at least £51million - could persuade Bayern to part with their prized asset.

Manchester United - who will certainly have the money to finance a deal should Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid go through - and Madrid themselves have been linked with Ribery.

[Novo]

SPEED SET FOR SWANS TALKS

Sheffield United have given Swansea permission to speak with Gary Speed about the soon to be vacant manager's job at the Liberty Stadium.

Speed, 39, coach under Kevin Blackwell at Bramall Lane since being sidelined by a back injury in November, is one of several candidates Swansea have approached following Roberto Martinez's decision to succeed Steve Bruce as manager at former club Wigan.

Blades manager Blackwell told the Yorkshire Post: "We would never deny anyone an opportunity to further their career and if Gary feels that this would, we won't stand in his way.

"He may speak to them and decide that he wants to stay with us, which would be great news as far as I am concerned. But it is important Gary has no regrets."

Speed, who has played for Everton, Newcastle and Bolton after starting his career at Leeds, joined the Blades, initially on loan in January 2008, before completing a permanent £250,000 transfer soon after.

[andyman]

Next player Real Madrid buy could be Villa, but nothing over £40m.. Real Madrid want to build a new world brand to gain back the money they have spent, hence buying Kaka and Ronaldo.

Ticket prices could go up at Real Madrid, shirt prices..

[30stone]

Originally posted by andyman
Man Utd could be in two minds.. £80m in the pot..

A: pay debt.
B: pay debt and buy few players.
C: blow on some class players.
D: keep it in the bank.

They have a possiblility of haing 105million on transfers.

Since they will get 25m + transfer budget anyway, and if park and nani leave to...

They will buy 2 - 3 Players, i reckon 2 pretty good ones 1 world class.

Then they will pay debt with the rest.

[Novo]

LYON TARGET PATRICK VIEIRA

Lyon have declared an interest in bringing Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira to the Stade Gerland.

The future of the France captain at Inter is shrouded in doubt, with Vieira no longer a first-team regular at the Italian champions.

Some reports suggest Inter coach Jose Mourinho is ready to offload Vieira this summer and if that was the case, the midfielder is likely to return to France.

Lyon, the deposed French champions, would be interested in signing him, according to the club's president Jean-Michel Aulas.

"This season, (coach) Claude Puel regretted not having a leader," Aulas told French newspaper Le Progres.

"Patrick has this charisma that can create the conditions for Lyon to be more ambitious.

"For this reason, he is one of the players who can interest Lyon."

Vieira, who turns 33 this month, admits getting some game time ahead of next summer's World Cup is a must.

"I still have a year left on my contract and I count on seeing it out. But if my coach at Milan was to say to me that he no longer wanted me, I would leave the club," he said.

"Paris St Germain, Lyon can be good challenges. What's important for me is to play before the World Cup. It will be a sporting decision."

[Novo]

LIPPI: PIRLO MOVE NO PROBLEM

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has received Italy coach Marcello Lippi's blessing to move to Chelsea this summer.

The World Cup-winning midfielder has been strongly linked with a £20million move to Stamford Bridge, where he would join his former coach Carlo Ancelotti in London.

When asked if a move to Chelsea would jeopardise Pirlo's place in Italy's squad, Lippi said: "It wouldn't be a problem, regardless of where he plays.

"A flight from London to Rome is like a flight from Milan to Rome."

Pirlo, who is under contract at the San Siro until June 2011, made 26 league appearances to help AC Milan finish third in Serie A this season.

The 30-year-old is in South Africa training with the Italian national team in preparation for the Confederations Cu

[Novo]

BAGGIES PURSUE DUO

West Brom are pressing ahead with attempts to sign Youssouf Mulumbu and Juan Carlos Menseguez on a permanent basis even though doubt remains over the future of manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray made it clear at the end of the campaign that he wanted to keep winger Menseguez and midfielder Mulumbu, whom he signed on loan during the January transfer window.

And the Baggies are to maintain that stance with Menseguez, available for around £1million from San Lorenzo, and Mulumbu who would cost around £200,000 from Paris St Germain.

But it remains to be seen whether the duo would be keen to commit full-time given it is unclear whether Mowbray will stay at the helm or move to Celtic as Gordon Strachan's successor.

The Bhoys will not be given permission to speak to Mowbray unless they meet Albion's £2million compensation figure.

And it is understood that reports north of the border claiming the figure will drop after July 1 are wide of the mark.

The £2million being asked is based on Mowbray being a Coca-Cola Championship manager as opposed to a Barclays Premier League boss.

Mulumbu and Menseguez took time to adjust to life in the top flight but showed enough potential in the final part of the season to convince Mowbray they should remain at the Hawthorns.

[Novo]

IBRAHIMOVIC COY ON TRANSFER REPORTS

Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unfazed by transfer rumours and admits he already knows where his future lies.

The Sweden international has been strongly linked with a move to the Primera Liga this summer with Barcelona among the clubs keen to sign him.

"I speak to my agent every day and I know already what my future is," Ibrahimovic told Swedish network TV 4 after his national team's 4-0 triumph over Malta on Wednesday.

"I prefer not to reveal it for the time being where I will play as I'd rather keep it to myself.

"I am not worried, in fact, I feel very well."

Inter denied last night they have reached an agreement with Barcelona over the transfer of Ibrahimovic.

The 27-year-old, who finished as Serie A's top scorer with 25 goals, is under contract with the Italian champions until June 2010.

[Novo]

NAFTI MAKES GREEK MOVE

Released Birmingham midfielder Mehdi Nafti has agreed to join Aris on a two-year contract which will keep him in Greece until 2012.

The 30-year-old Tunisian moves to Thessaloniki on the back of four years at St Andrew's where he made 84 appearances.

He was released by boss Alex McLeish at the end of last season's Championship promotion campaign.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "I am satisfied that my transfer to Aris has been completed.

"I know that I have arrived at one of the biggest teams in Greece and will try to give my all to help Aris achieve their objectives.

"I've heard about the passion of the supporters and I'm impatient to play for them."

[Novo]

JUVE CLOSE IN ON D'AGOSTINO

Juventus have confirmed they are in negotiations with Udinese over the transfer of Italy international Gaetano D'Agostino to Turin this summer.

The Udinese playmaker has been a target of top Serie A clubs after a great season with the Friuli outfit in which he scored 11 goals.

"With regards to D'Agostino's transfer we are only half way in our negotiations with Udinese," said Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

"The negotiations are long but we have a lot of hope that we will be successful.

"We just need to make sure that the amount requested and the offer we make match."

Should Juve be successful, 27-year-old D'Agostino would become the Bianconeri's third signing of the summer after Diego and Fabio Cannavaro.

[Novo]

DZEKO HAS HEART SET ON MILAN MOVE

Edin Dzeko admits that it is his dream to play for AC Milan but if the move doesn't materialise he will remain at Wolfsburg ruling out a move to England.

The Italian giants confirmed their interest in the 23-year-old last week but were warned off the striker by the German club.

The Bosnian international shot to club's attention after he scored 26 goals in the Bundesliga this term helping The Wolves clinch the league title.

The news should disappoint the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, who have also been linked with the player, with Dzeko seemingly willing to dismiss other interest in his services if the Milan deal doesn't go through.

"My dream is Milan, which everyone knows, but I am a VfL player," he told Bild.

"However, no ones knows what will happen in 20 days. Maybe I will join up with Wolfsburg for pre-season or maybe I will be in Milan.

"Whatever happens, there are only two options."

Wolfsburg remain bullish in their stance over the frontman and insist they will not be selling him in the summer.

"We will not sell him," club official Stephan Gruhsem said. "There is no reason for us to negotiate."

[30stone]

Originally posted by .Andy.
FABREGAS COMMITTED TO GUNNERS

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has no intention of following Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain or moving anywhere else as he targets Champions League glory with the Gunners.

The 22-year-old is no stranger to speculation over his own future, having broken into the Arsenal first-team while still a teenager.

However, the former Barcelona youth player firmly believes he can achieve all of his club ambitions at the Emirates Stadium, where he is the heartbeat of Arsene Wenger's young side.

"Of course I see my future at Arsenal. I have a very long contract with the club," Fabregas said in an interview with Arsenal TV Online, which was conducted before Thursday's official announcement on Ronaldo's impending £80million move from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

"I would have never signed that if I did not think I was capable of making it (to the end of the contract).

"The boss knows that I really want to stay here.

"What you cannot stop is what people say about you. The press can write or say whatever they want.

"Here, I do not get involved at all.

"Since I am 18, they have been saying that - but I am still here."

Fabregas, committed to Arsenal until at least 2014, added: "I just say what I feel - and what I feel is that I hope I can be at Arsenal for many years and lift trophies which they have never lifted before, like the Champions League, to lift the Premier League, FA Cups.

"I am really looking forward to it because I am sure the future is bright here."

Fabregas spent the best part of four months on the sidelines in the middle of last season following a knee problem.

The Spain midfielder, though, is not set for an extended rest this summer as he heads with the European champions to the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

"It is a pleasure to be involved," he said.

"With Spain we are going through a moment which is historic, and have not lost a match in something like 30, which is unbelievable.

"Now, when you see Spain play, even if they are losing you are not worried because you know they will come back."


He seems mature for someone still so young.

Im happy he is staying and i think he will lift cups with Arsenal.

[Novo]

NEGREDO OPEN TO LIVERPOOL MOVE

Alvaro Negredo has revealed that if he is forced to leave Real Madrid then Liverpool or Valencia would be great destinations, but his first choice is stay at the Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old striker has been bought back by Los Merengues after two years with Almeria and there is some confusion about whether he will stay or be sold as part of another deal.

Reports have linked Negredo with an immediate move away from the Spanish capital, but the player himself wants to show that he could be the forward that Madrid need if he is given the chance.

"I am delighted that they are going exercise it because my dream is to triumph in Madrid," he told AS.

"I still do not know what will happen, but the fact they have decided to buy me back is testament to my work over the last two seasons that I feel has been good.

"Now I want to stay with Madrid.

"He [Florentino Perez] called me to tell me of the intention to exercise the buy-back clause. He told me to rest and that when I returned we would see what happens.

"My first option is to stay, but we will have to see how many forwards there are at Madrid. For a player like me, who comes from the youth team, it is difficult to win a place.

"What I need is to play games and I want to be able to do that with Madrid."

Valencia are reported to want Negredo as part of a deal that could see David Villa head to Real Madrid and the young striker would not object if the Mestalla was his new home.

"If I do have to go then Valencia would a great option. They are a big club and they have Unai Emery as coach, who I had a great relationship with at Almeria," he continued.

"Whatever happens, if Madrid do not want me I will not see myself as a bargaining chip for them to use.

"Technically they may think that, but I would not see myself like that because I will go where I think is best for my career.

"It would hurt a bit. The club has spoken about having more Spanish players and for the time being they are showing me respect and that means a lot.

"But if they decide to sell me then I will not leave with any problems."

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Negredo and while he has not hidden the fact he would like to play with Fernando Torres, he is not pushing for a move to Anfield.

"I have already said that I think that is a great club and it would be incredible to play alongside Torres. But I prefer not to talk about that, because for now I am a Madrid player," he added.

[30stone]

Bosingwa will stay at Chelsea.

[Novo]

UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR BECKHAM

David Beckham has cast uncertainty over where his future lies at club level after admitting there is no firm commitment in place to return to AC Milan next season.

Beckham made his 100th start for England in Wednesday night's 6-0 win over Andorra at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier.

His form for Milan, while on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in the final third of last season, was crucial to Fabio Capello keeping Beckham as part of his plans.

But Beckham admits there is "nothing definite" in place in terms of where he will be playing when the 2009 season with Galaxy ends.

It had been widely anticipated the former Manchester United star would return to the San Siro.

But, asked when his future with Milan will be sorted out, Beckham said: "I don't know. In the next few months. We will have to wait and see. There is nothing definite at all.

"I've got a break of four weeks. I don't go back to LA Galaxy until the 10-11 July and I'll start playing then. I'll get a couple of weeks rest and then start training again.

"I am going back to Galaxy to finish off the season and then in December I'll see where I go, whether it be Milan or somewhere else. I'll have to wait and see."

Beckham will be conscious of the need to play at a high standard ahead if he is to participate in a fourth World Cup finals in South Africa.

But he insisted: "I am not looking that far ahead. At the end of the day, I am happy to be in the squads I have been in with England.

"I am happy to have played the games I have played. It is a good squad to be in and I am happy. It is a great squad to be around and a great team to be in.

"People told me that against Andorra was my first 90 minutes for England since the 2006 World Cup and I knew it was quite a while ago.

"But I enjoy playing, whether it is coming on for 15 minutes or playing 90 minutes - especially when we perform like we have been doing."

Beckham added: "We have ended the season on a high. That is what we wanted to do. You can't get any better than seven wins out of seven. We go away for a few weeks break now and we can enjoy it.

"We still haven't qualified yet for the World Cup. We will be happy once we do that and then we can go on from there."

Beckham was delighted to have completed a century of starts for his country but is adamant he has also played an important role as a substitute.

He said: "The 100th start is special. There have been a lot of people talking about me getting 'easy' caps.

"People can say that but substitutes can come on and make a difference in a game. I've done that at times and other players have done that."

[andyman]

Originally posted by .Andy.
C: blow on some class players. <<<< hmmm given their huge debt i can see the Man Utd owner wanting to pay off bit of the debt.. Sir Alex hands could be tied, then again he could be given £40 to blow, maybe bit more if they sell few more dead weights.

Man Utd will have few good youth team players comming through to shine on the pitch.

[Novo]

PLATINI: RONALDO FEE IS 'EXCESSIVE'

The £80million transfer fee for Cristiano Ronaldo has been described as "excessive" by UEFA president Michel Platini.

Real Madrid's offer for the Portuguese winger, which has been accepted by Manchester United, follows soon after the Spanish club's £56million swoop for Kaka.

Platini said in a statement: "These excessive transfers are happening almost every day.

"These transfers represent a serious challenge to the idea of fair play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions.

"UEFA are working hard with clubs to establish a new set of rules as soon as is possible to clean up the system and give it a more solid and more transparent base.

"That is our top priority today."

Earlier, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe had called the £80million fee beyond the comprehension of the ordinary fan.

Sutcliffe, a Salford-born Manchester United fan, said the money offered by Rea highlighted the growing gap between a few rich clubs and the rest.

The minister said: "These are astronomical figure and from the wider perspective this transfer, added to the one of Kaka [for £56million], continues to give us cause for concern.

"Competitive balance is not just a UK issue now, it's a European issue especially since Florentino Perez is now bringing the galacticos back to Real Madrid.

"These figures are simply beyond the understanding of most ordinary fans.

"I am worried that a small group of rich clubs are getting richer and that does affect the balance and the opportunities for the wider game.

"It is what motivated us to write to the Premier League, FA and Football League to express our concerns about transparency and competitive balance."

Sutcliffe admitted that with Ronaldo wanting the transfer, £80million was too good a fee for United to turn down.

He added: "As a United supporter I am disappointed to see him go because he has been a wonderful player for us but I accept it's good business for the club to sign him for £12million and sell him for £80million."

[andyman]

Did Man Utd buy Ronaldo in 2003 for £12m?

[andyman]

Originally posted by .Andy.
PLATINI: RONALDO FEE IS 'EXCESSIVE'

The £80million transfer fee for Cristiano Ronaldo has been described as "excessive" by UEFA president Michel Platini.

Real Madrid's offer for the Portuguese winger, which has been accepted by Manchester United, follows soon after the Spanish club's £56million swoop for Kaka.

Platini said in a statement: "These excessive transfers are happening almost every day.

"These transfers represent a serious challenge to the idea of fair play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions.

"UEFA are working hard with clubs to establish a new set of rules as soon as is possible to clean up the system and give it a more solid and more transparent base.

"That is our top priority today."

Earlier, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe had called the £80million fee beyond the comprehension of the ordinary fan.

Sutcliffe, a Salford-born Manchester United fan, said the money offered by Rea highlighted the growing gap between a few rich clubs and the rest.

The minister said: "These are astronomical figure and from the wider perspective this transfer, added to the one of Kaka [for £56million], continues to give us cause for concern.

"Competitive balance is not just a UK issue now, it's a European issue especially since Florentino Perez is now bringing the galacticos back to Real Madrid.

"These figures are simply beyond the understanding of most ordinary fans.

"I am worried that a small group of rich clubs are getting richer and that does affect the balance and the opportunities for the wider game.

"It is what motivated us to write to the Premier League, FA and Football League to express our concerns about transparency and competitive balance."

Sutcliffe admitted that with Ronaldo wanting the transfer, £80million was too good a fee for United to turn down.

He added: "As a United supporter I am disappointed to see him go because he has been a wonderful player for us but I accept it's good business for the club to sign him for £12million and sell him for £80million." £80m is ok, Real could earn that from his name brand within few years, same with Kaka.

[Novo]

Originally posted by andyman
Did Man Utd buy Ronaldo in 2003 for £12m?

Yeah something like that

Biggest bargain ever

[Novo]

FERGIE KNOWS BEST - MARK HUGHES

Mark Hughes is adamant Sir Alex Ferguson is only letting Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United because he believes it is in the best interests of the Old Trafford club.

United have confirmed they have accepted a world-record £80million bid for the FIFA World Player of the Year from Real Madrid, with a deal likely to be concluded by June 30.

The news is bound to be greeted with some scepticism given Ferguson's previous statements on the matter, including a famous declaration that he "would not sell that mob a virus" when speculation of a deal with Real being done arose last December.

Mixed with that will be an anxiety about where United go from here, knowing Carlos Tevez is also likely to leave this summer.

But Hughes feels certain Ferguson has only made his decision because he believes the Red Devils will emerge as a stronger force.

"There seems to have been a lot of speculation about Ronaldo's future for a number of seasons, to the extent it has started to become predictable," said Hughes.

"Obviously Manchester United feel it is good business for them.

"Sir Alex Ferguson makes key decisions very quickly and I suspect he will have been very much involved in what has happened.

"He has made what he thinks is the right decision for the club and we have to respect that."

Hughes has been interested to see the positive light in which Real's approach for Ronaldo and their world-record £56million purchase of Kaka has been viewed.

The reaction compares sharply to the adverse publicity City received for their own, unsuccessful, approach for Kaka last January.

"It is a significant amount of money and I am sure Real Madrid will be very pleased with the business they have been able to do," said Hughes.

"Obviously we pursued one of the players involved and the reaction that approach was viewed in was somewhat different."

Hughes certainly does not believe Real's vast spending will have a negative impact on the transfer market, given his old club now have vast spending power, with an expectancy a replacement for Ronaldo will be brought in quickly.

"If anything, it will stimulate the market," he said.

"There is a lot of money out there now, with some big clubs eager to spend it. It should make for an interesting market now."

Former Manchester United player Frank Stapleton believes the club should not panic over the loss of Ronaldo.

Stapleton pointed out that United had sold star players in the past and had not suffered when David Beckham and Jaap Stam left the club, or when Eric Cantona retired.

Stapleton told Sky Sports News: "I feel that money will be used very, very quickly.

"When the top players have left Manchester United the actual team has not been diminished in any way, they have gone on to be stronger again.

"The Champions League final for Sir Alex Ferguson will have opened his eyes, what Man United need to do to stay top, not only in England but in Europe."

Former United full-back Arthur Albiston believes Ronaldo's exit could lead to Carlos Tevez remaining at Old Trafford next season.

Albiston, who made 485 appearances for United, told BBC Radio Manchester: "Cristiano might end up staying but I very much doubt it.

"Once the club have given him permission to speak to Real Madrid, I think that will be it and he will be on his way.

"It (the news) has not come as a great shock. There were a lot of rumours last season about him leaving.

"You do not want to hold on to a player who is not going to show total commitment to the club.

"Having said that, he has been a fantastic ambassador for the club. United have had six years out of him; supporters probably do not realise that as he is so young."

Argentina striker Tevez's loan spell runs out this summer and his future remains unclear.

Albiston added: "I don't think they can turn it (the transfer fee) down. The only problem the manager has got is to find someone to replace Cristiano given the number of goals he has scored.

"When (Ruud) van Nistelrooy left, people said the manager did not know what he is doing but Ronaldo stepped up to the plate.

"Whether this might allow them to sign Tevez now and still have money left in the kitty to get other players... the manager will not have his head buried in the sand. He will be looking and scouring the market worldwide."

Former United boss Tommy Docherty believes the Old Trafford club should "cut their (Real's) hands off" and feels they should wash their hands of the Portugal winger.

Docherty, who led United for five years in the 1970s, told Sky Sports News: "I think it's fantastic business. It was £40million, it was £50million, it was 60, now it's 80 and I think they should cut their hands off and run and don't even consider about it at all."

He added: "There is no way they would sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid without Sir Alex Ferguson's say-so.

"I can only think Alex has come to the conclusion - and I think he's quite right - get rid of him because the same problem is going to arise next year again and the year after.

"And I sit at home giggling sometimes when managers say 'he is not available at any price' and a fortnight later he is gone.

"Every player has got a price and if a club is prepared to pay that price then he will go.

"When you fall out with Sir Alex, whatever may be the reasons - Beckham did it as well with the entourage he carried with him - they're on their way.

"You can't have this disharmony brought upon the players and the club every year and I think United - £80million - cut their hands off and give Real Madrid the problem of handling Ronaldo from now on in."

The Glasgow-born former United boss also believes there have been strains between Ferguson, Ronaldo and the player's agent Jorge Mendes.

"I think he (Ronaldo) has fallen out with him (Ferguson) once or twice," Docherty continued.

"Not Sir Alex's fault I might add, I think the problem (is) between Ronaldo and his agent Mendes that (leads to a) fall-out.

"It's every year; he's staying, he's going, he's coming, he's happy, he's not happy. You can't have that every year.

"Man United are the biggest club in the world: talk about Real Madrid and Barcelona. No, when you leave Man United you go downhill."

United and Portugal team-mate Nani admits Ronaldo will be missed but believes they have enough quality already at Old Trafford to ensure his absence is not felt too keenly.

"Cristiano's departure is not impossible to fix," he told the Portuguese press. "He will be missed but United have other players who can replace him."

Prospective team-mate and compatriot Pepe is eager to welcome Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

He said: "I'm very happy because it is another Portuguese player who will be in Spanish football and I hope it's completed as soon as possible to have him for next season.

"The transfer has made history, but Real know Cristiano Ronaldo's potential well and the qualities he has to help the club perform."

If the transfer goes through, Madrid will have spent an unprecedented amount of money in such a short period of time following their successful pursuit of Kaka earlier this week.

It is not likely to be the end of their summer spending spree and Pepe hopes the newcomers will gel quickly to create a side capable of challenging bitter rivals Barcelona, who won the treble last season

"I hope we have a united team, with a good style of play," he added. "I hope it will be a competitive team to do well in the Champions League and go as far as possible."

Bruno Alves, meanwhile, believes his Portugal team-mate is worth every penny.

"For me he is the best in the world," he said. "I think this is his real value, if Real Madrid are prepared to pay this.

"It's good for him and I think he will do even better there."

[Novo]

Picture
Ronaldo - set for £80million move.

CALDERON: RONALDO MOVE IS DESTINY

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer from Manchester United was agreed last summer.

Ronaldo is finally set to join the Spanish side for £80million after United accepted a bid for the Portugal winger today following protracted speculation since last summer.

Calderon, who stepped down at the Bernabeu midway through last season, stopped short of confirming a pre-contract agreement was in place since last summer but confirmed the deal was always in the pipeline.

"I think it's going to be big event for Real Madrid, he is one of the best players in the world. He is going to help my former club get titles next season," Calderon told Five Live.

"Last season United decided not to do it because they thought it was too early and everyone agreed to do it this season.

"And I think it's okay for the player - he wanted to come, he said that many times - it's okay for Real Madrid and also for Manchester United, who will get a lot of money for the transfer."

It is believed an agreement was in place since last summer for the transfer despite new president Florentino Perez now taking the credit for the coup but Calderon refused to confirm there was anything official.

"Let's say that everyone involved in the operation agreed to do it this season," he said. "That is what I can say. It has happened now, it was a bit early last season."

[Novo]

LEONARDO: DUO WILL STAY AT MILAN

New AC Milan manager Leonardo insists that Andrea Pirlo and Alexandre Pato are staying at the San Siro, after ruling out a possible transfer to Chelsea for either of them.

The Brazilian took over the reins at the Rossoneri after Carlo Ancelotti saw his contract ended by mutual consent last month.

Ancelotti was named as Chelsea boss just a day later and ever since a whole host of his former players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Two names who have been mentioned more than most are Pirlo, who is rumoured to be rated at around the £20million mark, and Pato, who has already stated he will discuss his future with his former boss before he talks to Milan.

Leonardo, though, is desperate to keep the nucleus of his squad together after the sale of influential midfielder Kaka to Real Madrid for £56million earlier this week.

"They are not moving from Milan," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"They are both very important for the team. They are fundamental parts of a recent victorious past, Pirlo especially."

[Novo]

WHELAN: RON SALE IS FABULOUS BUSINESS

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has hailed the prospective sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid as a "fabulous piece of business" for Manchester United.

United have accepted a bid of £80million from the Spanish giants for the Portugal winger, who signed for United for £12million six years ago.

Some have questioned the wisdom of losing such a talented player while others have pointed to the economic sense of accepting an offer of this magnitude.

Whelan is in the latter camp while he also expressed concern at how the deal could impact the game as a whole.

He told Sky News: "When you look at this deal you think football has gone absolutely mad.

"For Ronaldo to be worth £80m is just staggering. Something has to happen in this game because things can't go on like this.

"The world record fee has just been broken while at Newcastle, the whole club can be bought for £100m."

Whelan pointed out Wigan's total income per year is much less than Ronaldo's transfer fee.

"Including what we get from the Premier League, our total revenue is just under £50m," he said.

"We have to survive, pay the wages and when you see something like this, it's a fabulous piece of business for Manchester United."

Whelan's solution to the problem of clubs in the same division enjoying vastly different revenues is to prevent clubs from wracking up huge debts and paying silly wages.

He added: "There has to be a brake on wages, you can't just keep on putting up entrance fees. Supporters can't afford some of the prices being asked.

"What is going on in football is worrying. I have been pushing the Premier League to put a complete brake on debts that clubs can incur.

"Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all in massive debt and the rest of the Premier League is in debt. There is only one club that is debt-free and that is Birmingham.

"Everyone else is carrying too much debt."

Ferguson may turn to Wigan to find a replacement for Ronaldo with Antonio Valencia linked with a move to Old Trafford.

And Whelan admitted Ferguson is a fan of the Ecuador international.

"Will Sir Alex pay a big, juicy price for Antonio? He had him watched in every game last season and he holds Antonio in high regard. There is no question he is interested.

"Sir Alex is a shrewd operator. He is the finest manager the world has ever seen. We have to take our hats off to him."

[Novo]

HUGHES EXPECTING MARKET TO HEAT UP

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes Real Madrid's massive spending spree will stimulate the transfer market this summer.

Providing Real's astounding £80million move for Cristiano Ronaldo reaches a positive conclusion later this month, almost £140million of new money will be swishing about given Kaka has already made a record-breaking move to the Bernabeu from Real Madrid.

And, as he unveiled his new £12million capture Gareth Barry, Hughes confirmed his belief that a flurry of activity can now be anticipated.

"This may well stimulate the market," said Hughes.

"There is a lot of money out there with some big clubs going to the market, so it could be an interesting time for everybody."

After getting their own fingers burned trying to lure Kaka to Eastlands in January, Hughes is interested to see the difference in attitude to Real's work.

And he notes the finance his own club will have to come up with should they eventually wish to compete on the same level.

"It is a huge amount of money," said Hughes.

"We pursued one of those players but that was viewed in a different light. I will be interested to see if the reaction to Real Madrid is similar to when we tried to bring Kaka here.

"But we have shown a willingness to attract the top players in the world and we will continue to try and do that.

"The level of investment you need to allocate is huge, which is illustrated by the deals that have been done in the last few days.

"If you want to compete in that market you have to pay that money, although there is no indication we will be doing it in the near future."

Given Hughes smashed the British transfer record to sign Robinho last August, the City chief has shown a willingness to fork out big sums himself.

However, he is convinced the money spent on Barry will ultimately prove to be a bargain even if the England star only had a year remaining on his Aston Villa contract.

"We have got a bargain because Gareth is coming into the best years of his career," said Hughes.

"He is now a senior player but I only became a stronger person when I moved somewhere else.

"His standing in the game will raise as a result of us paying a significant amount of money for him."

Hughes confirmed he sees Barry's leadership qualities and passing abilities as being best utilised in central midfield, the role he fulfils for England.

With Nigel de Jong and Vincent Kompany also excelling in that area of the field, it gives a clear indication to Hughes thinking as he looks to build a stronger unit, capable of withstanding Premier League combat.

Other targets, particularly Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz continue to be mentioned, although Hughes is shedding little light on their current progress.

"We are not going to go into speculation and hypothetical situations. It is not something worth discussing," he said.

"When good players come onto the market you have to look at each situation and decide whether it is right for you at that moment in time.

"There are a lot of players who would like to be part of what we are doing.

"We do our homework and due diligence and then make a decision on whether a player can be a Manchester City player. If so, we try to acquire them.

"But we will not specify certain individuals whether people want us to or not."

[Novo]

MILNER DISAPPOINTED BY BARRY EXIT

James Milner has expressed disappointment at Aston Villa losing Gareth Barry to Manchester City but is confident Martin O'Neill will bring in quality signings to replace the England midfielder.

Barry ended a 12-year association with Villa by making a £12million switch to Eastlands even though he had claimed he would seek fresh pastures to play Champions League football.

Milner, in the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Andorra, is a big fan of the 28-year-old and knows Barry's departure will be a big loss for Villa.

But he has faith in the rest of the squad and is backing O'Neill to make significant additions before the new season gets under way in two months' time.

Milner said: "After last summer, maybe a move was on the cards for Gareth.

"There were things being said in the media three quarters of the way through the year about how we needed Champions League football for him to consider staying.

"It's disappointing for me because you want to play with the best players and he is definitely one of them as he has proven over the last two seasons.

"I think he has improved and is even better than he was before and has moved onto the next level through playing for England. Any club losing a player of his quality and calibre is going to miss him.

"He was a major player for us. He is a top class player and it's disappointing that he's gone but we've got some top class players and I am sure the manager will bring players in to replace him."

Milner added: "Stiliyan Petrov is still here and is a great player who has just signed a new contract and will give us experience.

"Craig Gardner is always improving and will want more games. Steve Sidwell has had a bit of trouble with injuries but he is still there. There is already quality here in our squad."

Regarding Barry's decision to join City rather than seek Champions League football, Milner said: "Gareth made that decision and thought that was the best move for him.

"He has been at Villa for a long time and I suppose he has reached the point where he feels he needs a fresh start and a fresh challenge.

"He has made what he thinks is the best decision for him and he gave his all for Villa all the time he was there. He did it every day in training. He was a great example and a great player for Villa."

Milner will now link up with the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships in Sweden and will have little break this summer.

But he said: "You want to play in these tournaments because, if you are eventually picked for the senior squad in a tournament, the experience can only stand you in good stead."

[Novo]

HARTLEY REVEALS HEARTS INTEREST

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley has revealed former club Hearts are interested in re-signing him.

The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer and has received interest from Hearts, as well as other sides in England and Greece.

While it is thought that he favours staying at Parkhead, he must first wait for the Scottish giants to appoint their new boss before a possible deal comes his way.

Hartley told the Glasgow Evening Times: "I've got a massive decision to make.

"You never know about staying with Celtic - but there has been no offer from them.

"But I've got a few options to consider.

"There has been interest from Hearts and I've got a few options so I'm not ruling anything in or out."

[Novo]

PLAYERS RELAXED ABOUT VACANCY: McMANUS

Stephen McManus insists the Celtic players are unconcerned about their board's delay in appointing a new boss.

The Parkhead club are still looking for a replacement for Gordon Strachan who departed three weeks ago after failing to win his fourth Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League title in succession.

Tony Mowbray appears to be the front-runner but Celtic have also been linked with Owen Coyle, Roberto Martinez and Mark McGhee in recent weeks.

With the first Champions League qualifier looming on July 28 or 29, Celtic fans are anxiously awaiting the unveiling of their new manager.

However, the Hoops' captain, who confirmed he would miss the start of the season with a knee injury, believes the players are more laid back about the situation.

He said: "I've not been following it as much as other people.

"Obviously, you are the same as everyone else, you want to see who is appointed but we will get on with it.

"As players, you are not looking at your first game, you are trying to enjoy your holidays.

"It was a long hard season and you like to take the whole of June for your holidays so none of the players are concerned whatsoever."

McManus, at Celtic Park to model the club's new international strip, added: "There have been a few names that have caught the eye but it is still early days.

"The good thing is the names that have been mentioned are all good managers and ones that you would look forward to working with.

But the players are not losing any sleep over it.

"The board have got the last two managers spot on.

"If you look at the success Martin O'Neill had, and then Gordon Strachan came in and no-one could have expected the success that he had but he has done it.

"So we are in the exact same position as when Martin O'Neill left (in 2005), we have lost the league and whoever comes in will give the place a lift."

[Novo]

NAPOLI: NO LAVEZZI BIDS

Napoli have denied receiving any official offers for Argentina striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Lavezzi has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with his agent revealing last week several clubs, including Liverpool, were keen to acquire the South American's services - although Reds boss Rafael Benitez has denied any interest.

Napoli general director Pierpaolo Marino said: "Napoli have not received any requests for Lavezzi from official channels. We own his contract and we have not placed Lavezzi on the market."

Lavezzi, who joined the Naples-based outfit in the summer of 2007, scored seven goals for the Serie A club this season.

The 24-year-old is under contract with Napoli until June 2012.

[andyman]

Originally posted by .Andy.
Originally posted by andyman
Did Man Utd buy Ronaldo in 2003 for £12m?

Yeah something like that

Biggest bargain ever True real bargain, get nearly 6 years out of him and sell for £80m.. Will be along time when that happens again. :shocked:

[Novo]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45903000/jpg/_45903185_sporting2002_getty766.jpg

[Novo]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45903000/jpg/_45903186_klebsaf_getty766.jpg

[Novo]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45904000/jpg/_45904240_champions2007_getty766.jpg

[Novo]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45903000/jpg/_45903788_vengland_afp766.jpg

[Novo]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45905000/jpg/_45905727_champsleaguefinalmedal.jpg

[Novo]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45906000/jpg/_45906722_ballon_getty766.jpg

[Locke.]

Negredo's scoring record is quite good. In the top division in Spain he has 32 goals in 73 games, almost a goal every 2 games.

Madrid only bought him this month though?

[Novo]

Might have been on loan

[Novo]

Liverpool need a better striker then him

[30stone]

Originally posted by andyman
Originally posted by .Andy.
Originally posted by andyman
Did Man Utd buy Ronaldo in 2003 for £12m?

Yeah something like that

Biggest bargain ever True real bargain, get nearly 6 years out of him and sell for £80m.. Will be along time when that happens again. :shocked:

Arsenal got Fabregas for 1.6m

And they offered 40m to but him back.

[Locke.]

From Wiki

Negredo finished the season as Almería's topscorer with 13 goals, as the side from Andalusia finished 8th. In 2008-09, he netted five in the side's first six matches, including a 95' minute scored against neighbours Recreativo de Huelva (1-0), on September 28, 2008. In February of the following year, he scored a brace against Valencia CF, which took his league tally to 10, albeit in a 2-3 away loss (he finished the campaign at 19, with the club producing a slightly less successful season).

Negredo was bought back from Almeria by Madrid in June 2009.

Quite stupid if they sign him and sell him in the same month.

[Novo]

Real madrid aint a very good negotiating team

[30stone]

Originally posted by .Andy.
Real madrid aint a very good negotiating team



Not at all, they throw large amounts at players, and because they know they will be in title race and in champions league football they go.


Man city do the same, but at the moment, they arent challenging the premiership and they wouldnt even be in uefa cup football.

[Locke.]

Going Real on footie manager now, hope it doesn't mess my laptop up again.

[30stone]

I might try football manager tonight, probs wont even load.

[Novo]

Man city are awful hope they they go down

[Novo]

Am not playing football manager until 2010 comes out now

[30stone]

Originally posted by .Andy.
Man city are awful hope they they go down

They are okay, boring to watch imo other than S. Ireland.

Hopefully someone will buy ireland for cheap when they buy big stars he will be good.




They will finish mid table again, still not get into Uefa spots i dont think.

[Novo]

Ireland is good yeah

Woudnt mind him taking leon osmans place for everton

[Novo]

Mark Hughes thinks Cristiano Ronaldo's £80m move to Real Madrid could spark a summer of massive transfer spending.

"There is a lot of money out there now, with some big clubs eager to spend it," said the Manchester City boss. "It should make for an interesting market."

Real have already spent £56m on AC Milan striker Kaka while City paid £12m to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

City have also been linked with moves for Carlos Tevez and Samuel Eto'o while Chelsea are expected to spend big, too.

"We are still looking to address areas of the team and squad but we have to make sure that the quality we attract here is the right quality," added Hughes.

Meanwhile, Hughes has backed United's decision to accept Real's world record offer for Portuguese star Ronaldo.

"Sir Alex Ferguson has made what he thinks is the right decision for United," said the Welshman. "United feel it is good business."

Ferguson had been previously quoted as saying he would not sell his prize asset to Spanish side Real but Hughes believes the Scot would have been fully involved in the decision to offload Ronaldo.

[Novo]

Problem City will have with buying players is that they wont have any european football

[Novo]

FORMER REAL MADRID PRESIDENT RAMON CALDERON

"It's going to be a big event for Real Madrid - Ronaldo is going to add a lot to my club.

"Last season, Manchester United decided not to do it because they thought it was too early. Everyone involved in the operation agreed to do it this season. That is what I can say.

"I don't mind that I was unable to sign him during my presidency. I am a Real fan and I'm very happy. The most important thing is the club.

"Real are very well organised with a lot of income, and the new president [Perez] can now spend the money I made and saved.

"We needed to improve by one or two players, and that's what Perez has done by signing Kaka and Ronaldo."

UEFA PRESIDENT MICHEL PLATINI

"These excessive transfers are happening almost every day. It is very puzzling at a time when football faces some of its worst ever financial challenges.

"These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fairplay and the concept of financial balance in our competitions."

FORMER REAL MADRID COACH JUANDE RAMOS

Am I suprised? No, because we knew the transfer was going to happen at some stage.

"We all knew Real had a pre-contract agreement with Ronaldo to join them."

REAL MADRID DEFENDER PEPE

"I'm very happy because it is another Portuguese player who will be in Spanish football and I hope it's completed as soon as possible.

"The transfer will make history, but Real know Cristiano Ronaldo's potential well and the qualities he has to help the club perform."

TOMMY DOCHERTY, FORMER MAN UTD MANAGER

"When you fall out with Sir Alex, whatever may be the reasons - David Beckham did it as well with the entourage he carried with him - they're on their way.

"You can't have this disharmony brought upon the players and the club every year and I think United - £80m - cut their hands off and give Real Madrid the problem of handling Ronaldo from now on in.

"Man United are the biggest club in the world: talk about Real Madrid and Barcelona. No, when you leave Man United you go downhill."


PORTUGAL AND MAN UTD TEAM-MATE NANI

"Cristiano's departure is not impossible to fix.

"He will be missed but United have other players who can replace him."


FORMER MAN UTD PLAYER PADDY CRERAND

"My reaction is disappointment more than anything because he's a great, great player - this situation of 'is he or isn't he?' has been going on for last 12 months. I honestly thought he'd stay there as long as the manager would but it hasn't worked out that way, he obviously wants to go.

Crerand sorry to see Ronaldo go

"He's a great player - there's a lot of jealousy out there about great players and about Manchester United being successful so that comes into it, there's not many foreign players in England who don't do the occasional dive but he's a fantastic player.

"I never thought for one moment that he'd leave, I thought he might have stayed for another couple of years, it's a great disappointment."

SPORTS BUSINESS EXPERT PROFESSOR SIMON CHADWICK

"Manchester United are a private company and like any other private company have to think about their financial considerations. We have no indication of how much of the £80m they might use to service the debt, but clearly servicing their debt is very important to them.

Every player has a price - Chadwick

"Real Madrid's structure allows them to be much more ostentatious in terms of their spending. United are a private company, a profit-making organisation if they can, so there is an imperative to control costs while generating revenue.

"The debt is there, we are told they are controlling the debt, even so they have to pay some of the debt off on a regular basis.

ANDY MITTEN, UNITED WE STAND FANZINE EDITOR

"History will remember him very well in terms of his contribution as a footballer - he'll also be seen as petulant, egotistical and stubborn but he's been a wonderful player.

"We'll make a lot money out of him, the club is not going to die. When David Beckham left it was because the club wanted to sell him.

"I think Sir Alex Ferguson has been very clever, he has resources to replace Ronaldo and he doesn't see Madrid as a great threat - it's another stage in the history of Manchester United, we've got a brilliant manager, which is more important than a very talented winger."

FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER ARTHUR ALBISTON

"I don't think they can turn it down. The only problem the manager has got is to find someone to replace Cristiano, given the number of goals he has scored.

"When Ruud van Nistelrooy left, people said the manager did not know what he is doing but Ronaldo stepped up to the plate.

"Whether this might allow them to sign Carlos Tevez now and still have money left in the kitty to get other players... the manager will not have his head buried in the sand. He will be looking and scouring the market worldwide."

MAN UTD SUPPORTERS TRUST CHIEF DUNCAN DRASDO

"We are calling upon the owners to make a statement of intent that all incoming transfer funds will be made available to Sir Alex Ferguson to allow the manager to strengthen the squad.

"With the expected £25-30m annual spend and other potential transfers (such as Fraizer Campbell) this should amount to at least £115m.

"There will be a spotlight shining on Manchester United transfer activity this summer to ensure the manager is given the resources he requires and that this money stays in the club."

SPORTS MINISTER AND MAN UTD FAN GERRY SUTCLIFFE

"If a player wants to go you've got to let him go but it's great business for the club; they bought him for £12m and they've sold him now for £80m.

Sutcliffe concern over huge transfer fees

"We saw Madrid spend £59m on Kaka from AC Milan just recently and that's why we've written to the Premier League and to the Football Association - and we are concerned about the sustainability of the game.

"They are big businesses now and this type of money is around but we've got to make sure that there's a link and there's a sustainability for this because we don't want to see clubs go to the wall."

FRENCH LEAGUE CHAIRMAN FREDERIC THIRIEZ

"Those amounts are neither understandable nor justifiable.

"These excesses will lead the sport to the wall... I ask for a European financial regulator."

PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN

"He's one of the most brilliant players in the world. I think people will be sad that he's lost to the game in England.

"At the same time, I know Sir Alex Ferguson well, and I know he'll have plans that will be rebuilding and renewing his team. And I would expect that Manchester United and English football will emerge not weaker, but emerge in a new way and probably stronger in the long run".

[Novo]

Northwich Victoria will play in the Blue Square North next season after winning their appeal at a Football Association hearing.

Owner Jim Rushe appealed against the Football Conference's decision to kick them out because of financial problems.

Although the club's short-term future has been assured, Northwich will start next season with a 10-point deduction.

The Vics went into administration in May, owing around £500,000 in unpaid bills and to creditors.

Northwich were relegated from Blue Square Premier League last season after finishing third from bottom in the table.

[Novo]

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes says he is considering allowing goalkeeper Joe Hart to join Birmingham on a year-long loan deal.

Hart, 22, lost his place in the City side following the signing of Shay Given from Newcastle in February.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is thought to have contacted City over a loan move that offers Hart first team football.

"A loan move is something we are seriously considering and it might well happen," said Hughes.

"He'd be playing on a regular basis and, given his ability, he would no doubt improve his standing in the game and help his development and value to the club."

Hart, who is in the England Under-21 squad for the European Championship finals in Sweden next month, signed a five-year contract with City in October 2008 and was described by Hughes at the time as "one of the most promising keepers in the country".

He began last season as City's first-choice keeper, but moved to the bench following Given's arrival for an undisclosed fee on 1 February.

[Novo]

Southampton head coach Mark Wotte has backed Saints legend Matt Le Tissier to become the next chairman of the club.

Former midfielder Le Tissier is set to play a key role at St Mary's if the club is taken over by Pinnacle Group.

Wotte said: "If Matt Le Tissier wants to help the club for a better future we have to open the doors and invite him.

"It's so much better to speak with an ex-player, a great player, a superb player, than with a chairman that doesn't have any football background."

The administrators of Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC remain locked in talks with the Pinnacle Group.

Le Tissier has publically backed the consortium fronted by businessman Tony Lynam, but the identity of the main investor remains a closely guarded secret. A period of exclusivity ends on Friday 19 June 2009.

Wotte is scheduled to return to St Mary's on Monday 15 June to oversee fitness tests as the players return from holiday. Pre-season training starts the following week.

The Dutch coach failed to keep Southampton in the Championship last season after taking over from Jan Poortvliet in January. Saints won only four out of 18 matches with Wotte at the helm, but the club faced multiple setbacks off the pitch.

And Southampton are preparing for life in League One with a 10-point penalty after entering administration in February.

Saints problems have been compounded by several changes in the boardroom and the managerial hot-seat over the past six years.

Wotte said: "I think this club needs stability and continuity and one good chairman to take the club forward, and the rest working their socks off for a better future."