He's pretty good wide on the right too. He'd be a good signing for a top four club.

Roll on 15th August!! :cheer::cheer2:

No!!!!

He is a good player but 70 Mil!!!

EFC will buy Kyle Naughton the Sheffield United full back for 3.5 m wiv a further 2 m depending on international appearences and league appearences. They will also sign fabian delph for 4m up front that could rise to 5.5m. Jo will go back on loan for a season, and will be joined by David Bentley on loan. Micheal Owen is in the process of deciding whether to join them on a free, on 50k per week as the papers correctly state. Victor Anichebe will leave for 2.7 million.

Javi Martinez is signing for Liverpool in the next 2 weeks for 9m on a five year contract

If Kaka joins Chelsea then he will be on £192,000 per week!! Lol.

MAN CITY BOSS HUGHES EYES TEVEZ DEAL

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed his interest in signing Carlos Tevez.

Tevez's future has been the subject of constant speculation with his two-year loan deal at Manchester United expiring at the end of the campaign.

United have first refusal on signing the striker, but they are thought to be reluctant to pay the price-tag on the Argentina international's head.

Reports suggest City are ready to meet the asking price for the former West Ham forward and Hughes admits he would be interested in signing Tevez if he becomes available.

"Carlos Tevez is a good player. If good players become available then obviously every manager is interested," Hughes told Sky Sports News.

Meanwhile, Hughes has admitted Daniel Sturridge could be on his way out of Eastlands.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the 19-year-old forward, who has so far failed to agree a new deal at City.

Hughes admits Sturridge's future is out of his hands as the player is now a free agent.

"We are not in a position to dictate that [Sturridge's future] really," added Hughes. "We have offered Daniel a deal that we think is at the level he should be at.

"He is in a strong position because he is in the last year of his contract

"He is keeping his options open, which he has done for quite some time, we just have to wait and see.

"Obviously I have made my intentions very clear to him I would like him to stay but it may be out of our hands."

PATO WANTS TO STAY AT MILAN

Alexandre Pato, who is reportedly a £45million transfer target for Chelsea, says he wants to stay at AC Milan and "win everything".

The 19-year-old Brazilian - who scored 15 goals in Serie A last season - is being strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge to follow manager Carlo Ancelotti.

But he told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I have read the reports linking me with Chelsea, but my agent and the club deal with this type of thing. I want to win everything with Milan."

The striker also commented on reports linking Kaka with a move away from Milan, saying: "I just hope that everybody will be happy in the end: Kaka, Milan and Real. Or, perhaps, even Chelsea, who are also interested in 'Ricky'.

"I'm sure that Kaka will make the right choice for him and for Milan."

Barry - joined City for £12million.

BARRY: I NEEDED A NEW CHALLENGE

Gareth Barry has admitted the fear of "going stale and falling into a comfort zone" was a major factor in him deciding to quit Aston Villa and join Manchester City in a £12million move.

And the England midfielder revealed the regret he felt in not being able to help bring trophy glory to the Villa Park outfit for whom he made 440 appearances.

But he is confident that he can achieve such goals with City after holding talks with manager Mark Hughes despite being made a "fantastic" new contract offer by Villa.

Barry, who came close to moving to Liverpool last summer, took the unusual step of explaining his reasons to leave Villa after 12 years in a letter to the Birmingham Mail.

He wrote: "After all the speculation over the last 12 months, I want the chance to explain my decision to the Aston Villa fans.

"I want to thank them for the incredible support I have received over the last 12 years and this football club has been a huge part of my life.

"I joined as a 16-year-old boy and 12 years later I am moving on as a 28-year-old man with a wife and two children. A lot of things have changed in that time - players, management and a chairman.

"But every season bar none, whether we have been bottom half, mid-table or challenging for Europe, the support myself and the team have received has been fantastic.

"My one huge regret is that during my time at this club we have not brought the fans the success they deserve and I obviously have to take my share of responsibility that we have not been good enough to win trophies.

"I feel the club is in the best position it has been in during my time here. I think we have a group of very good young players, we have a fantastic chairman who is here for the good of the club, and one of the best managers in the game."

Barry added: "Obviously people will ask why I am leaving if I feel like that. I have honestly been very undecided what to do.

"The manager and the whole club have bent over backwards to try and persuade me to stay and made me a fantastic offer which I am extremely grateful for.

"But, after changing my mind lots of times, I came to the decision that the time was right for me and for the club to part company.

"I need a new challenge, I have a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone.

"I believe the deal is a good one for the club. I am sure the manager will use the money well to strengthen the team and the club will go from strength to strength. I am also excited now about my new challenge."

Barry had spoken of his desire to play Champions League football and admitted: "A lot of people will question my decision to join Manchester City.

"They were the club prepared to meet the valuation which, for a 28-year-old with a year left on his contract I think shows how much they wanted me.

"Once I had spoke to Mark Hughes, there was nowhere else I wanted to go, I was also desperate to avoid any long drawn-out saga. I feel I am joining a club that will seriously challenge to win major honours.

"People might doubt that, but I am convinced with the plans the club has short term and long term, and the backing the manager will receive from the owners, that we will be a major force."

Barry also feels he will have the best chance of staking a claim to be part of the England team at the 2010 World Cup under the role he will be operated in by Hughes.

He said: "Also the World Cup has always been a major part of my thinking and I feel at Man City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side.

"Time will tell if I am right or not, but those are my reasons."

Barry insists he will be leaving Villa on good terms this summer after all the speculation surrounding the move to Anfield 12 months ago.

He said: "I have grown bored of all the speculation surrounding me over the last 12 months and I am sure all the fans have as well. I am glad I never left last summer because I would have left under a huge cloud. This year I feel things are different.

"I haven't used an agent. I have discussed things with my best friend but ultimately made my own choices and I think the situation has been handled properly by everybody involved and once again I have to thank the manager and the club for that.

"I genuinely wish the club all the best for the future, and want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me in my time here. For the rest of my life, Aston Villa will be the first result I look for."

PRESSLEY EYES CELTIC COACHING POST

Steven Pressley revealed he would relish a return to Celtic as part of their new management team after announcing he was hanging up his boots.

The 35-year-old Falkirk defender is calling time on his 19-year playing career and wants to go straight into full-time coaching.

Pressley, who won the double with Celtic in 2007 during an 18-month spell there, believes he is ready to walk straight into a big job, including working under Gordon Strachan's successor at Parkhead.

He said: "It's a very attractive proposition and if the opportunity came around to assist somebody at Celtic then of course I'd be very interested.

"I feel confident in my own ability to do that type of job and if the right man comes along that needs assistance then hopefully I'll be that man."

Pressley is already an assistant to Scotland boss George Burley and has been studying for his UEFA Pro Licence for the past year.

So self-confident is he, the former Hearts captain would even have no fears about taking over the managerial reins at the likes of Aberdeen and Hibernian.

"I believe that I'm ready for management but I'm not ruling anything out," said Pressley, before conceding his eight-year spell at Tynecastle would probably prevent him becoming Hibs boss.

"If the right coaching opportunity came along then I'd definitely be interested.

"But, at this moment in time, I have a belief in my own ability to manage or coach and I'll definitely consider any opportunity.

"I've got my own ideas about how a club should function and a team should function and I do genuinely believe that I'm ready to take on that type of responsibility."

Pressley, who insisted he had not applied for any job, was more coy about the prospect of taking over at Falkirk should John Hughes leave this summer.

He said: "The one thing for sure is that I have a great deal of respect for John as a person and as a manager and to comment on his position would be wrong."

Pressley has been preparing for a move into management for some time, revealing he had reached the decision to retire "several months ago".

He added: "To be honest, it was a relatively easy decision for myself and that's why I knew it was the correct time.

"My involvement with the national team, my involvement in the UEFA Pro Licence has certainly whetted my appetite.

"I'm far more motivated by that than the playing of the game.

"And also, physically, I felt that I could no longer produce the types of performances that I expect of myself and I just thought it was the right time in my career to close that book and start another chapter."

Pressley started his senior career at Rangers in 1990 and went on to play for Coventry and Dundee United before joining Hearts in 1998.

It was at Tynecastle where he made the most impact, spending eight years there and becoming club captain.

After lifting the Scottish Cup in 2006, he left controversially at the end of that year when he and team-mates Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley publicly criticised majority shareholder Vladmir Romanov.

After his spell at Celtic, Pressley had a four-month stint at Danish side Randers late last year, which was followed by a return to Scotland with Falkirk, who he helped avoid Clydesdale Bank Premier League relegation this season.

Pressley also earned 32 Scotland caps between 2000 and 2006.

Asked about his career highs and lows, he said: "Once you finish playing, I don't believe there are any low points. I think former players never tend to have bad games, do they?

"In their own minds, they never made mistakes.

"All my experiences very much helped me as a person and developed me as a person and I've been very fortunate to be in that type of environment.

"Highs? Possibly the highlight was leading Hearts to the Scottish Cup in 2006.

"With my association with the club at that time, I think that it was a truly memorable moment for myself."

Pressley believes his taking a stand against Romanov three years ago showed he would have what it takes to be a manager.

"I found myself at Hearts managing many situations that I think has certainly benefited me," he said.

"As a person, I've always had very high morals and very high values.

"I've grown to understand people over the course of my career and I think all these factors, along with the tactical aspects, have made me very keen to be involved in coaching and management."

LATICS STEP UP MARTINEZ INTEREST

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan feels "devastated" by the departure of manager Steve Bruce to Sunderland but insists the club will move on quickly.

Bruce was finally confirmed as Black Cats boss when the Wearsiders agreed a suitable compensation package with the Latics following two days of negotiations.

"Everyone associated with Wigan is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different," said Whelan.

"But things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in anyone's way who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan.

"What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent.

"After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future.

"We finished in our second-highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward."

Whelan's most important job now is to get the right man to take over.

He has already approached Swansea to speak to their highly-rated manager Roberto Martinez but was taken aback by the £2million-plus compensation fee demanded by the south Wales club.

However, that does not mean Whelan, a successful businessman, will not negotiate hard if he feels the Spaniard is the best candidate.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins admits the two parties are "miles apart" in their valuation of the 35-year-old former Wigan player.

"Wigan asked for permission to speak to Roberto. They asked what compensation we would be looking for and we talked about different figures," he told the Press Association.

"I told them what I valued Roberto at and they told me what they thought - we were miles apart to say the least.

"I have not given them permission to talk to Roberto."

Other names being linked to the vacancy include Peterborough's Darren Ferguson, who has just guided his side to promotion from League One, and former manager Paul Jewell.

Whelan hopes to be able to make inroads in his search over the next week but is conscious he cannot afford to get it wrong - as he did when he promoted Chris Hutchings from within when Jewell quit in May 2007.

"As for a new manager, we have several options to consider and we will be talking to clubs and candidates over the next seven days," added the Wigan chairman.

"We will not rush the appointment as it is a decision not to be taken lightly."

LEEDS DENY MAGPIES BECKFORD BID

Leeds chairman Ken Bates has revealed he has received no inquiries about striker Jermaine Beckford.

Beckford, who scored 34 goals this season, has turned down a new three-year deal at Elland Road with just a year of his current contract to run.

Newcastle have been linked with a £2million move for the 25-year-old, but Bates told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We have had no inquiries yet, but that is not unusual at this time because the season has just ended and most managers, scouts and coaches are away winding down.

"They come back in the middle of June and start thinking.

"But we are in no hurry. Jermaine is with us until June 2010 and if we don't get what we consider to be a reasonable offer, we will keep him."

Tevez should join Man City..

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Barry is in, now Hughes wants more.

CITY BOSS HUGHES TARGETS MORE DEALS

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is keen to complete some more early summer transfer business following the £12million arrival of Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

The 28-year-old England international has signed a five-year contract at Eastlands having completed a successful medical.

Barry, who was a target for Liverpool last summer, leaves Villa after 12 years and more than 400 matches.

Hughes said: "I was looking to get a number of deals done as soon as possible and we have had a great start with Gareth joining us.

"I hope we can conclude some more so that when we come back for pre-season training we have everybody fit and well and set for a successful campaign."

Barry said he joined City because their ambition matched his own.

Currently with the England squad preparing for a World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on Saturday, he told City's official website. "I'm delighted to be joining City.

"It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go.

"There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."

Club captain Richard Dunne welcomed Barry on board.

"I heard he was in talks with the club, he is a really good player and a player the Aston Villa fans will really miss, " said the Republic of Ireland defender.

"It shows the pulling power of the club. It's the sort of signing the manager is looking for - players with Premier League experience who can push the squad on."

Barry had publicly stated he wanted to play in the Champions League and manager Martin O'Neill knew it would be difficult to hang on to the player should one of the top four come calling.

However, Barry's decision to join the revolution - bankrolled by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - being undertaken by Hughes at Eastlands will have come as a shock to Neill and Villa fans alike.

City have not even qualified for next season's revamped Europa League and some supporters are certain to believe Barry has moved because of the £80,000-a-week salary at Eastlands.

But it is understood Barry has received assurances regarding the quality of player Hughes is looking to bring in this summer to help establish City as major force.

And he is likely to be assured of regular first-team football - a crucial factor in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, assuming England qualify.

Hughes said: "Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and that is a recommendation in itself.

"With Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world.

"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game and we are thrilled he is joining us."



Copyright © 2009 Football-Rumours.com All Rights Reserved.

PARK: I'M STAYING AT UNITED

Park Ji-Sung has denied rumours that he is set to quit Manchester United for a lucrative offer to join Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.

The 28-year-old was one of a host of players said to be on their way out of Old Trafford after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Despite a poor showing in Rome the South Korean has arguably played his best football in a United shirt - since joining from PSV for £4million in July 2005 - in the months leading up to the final.

Now settled in England Park highlighted that he wanted to continue plying his trade in Europe and that he had heard nothing of the proposed Al-Jazira switch.

"That's the first time I heard that. It's not true," he told Goal.com. "I want to stay and play in Europe."

SAHA EYES NEW EVERTON DEAL

Louis Saha is hoping to play a major part in Everton's future by earning a new long-term deal.

The French striker joined the Toffees from Manchester United last summer on a two-year 'pay-as-you-play' contract.

Having seen his time at Old Trafford disrupted by injury, David Moyes was reluctant to offer Saha a regular deal.

The 30-year-old once again found himself on the treatment table at regular intervals last season, but did manager 14 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals.

Saha also made history last Saturday as he scored the fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final.

His early strike was unable to prevent the Toffees slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea, although he did waste a glorious second half opportunity, with the scores tied at 1-1, to hand Everton the advantage.

He admits that miss still weighs on his mind, but he is determined to look to the future - a future he hopes will be at Goodison Park.

"I wish I had hit the target but it wasn't to be," Saha said in The Sun.

"I'll have to move on from that and hope I can prove I'm worth a long stay with Everton."

ROSSI: I'M LEAVING LAZIO

Delio Rossi has announced he is quitting as Lazio coach.

The 48-year-old led the Biancocelesti to their first trophy in five years this season, beating Sampdoria on penalties in the Coppa Italia final.

However, he confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that he is leaving the capital club after four seasons in charge.

"Next year I will not be Lazio coach any more," Rossi told stadionews.it. "Tonight I will meet with president (Claudio) Lotito and tell him my decision.

"Tomorrow, most probably, I will call a press conference to announce my decision to the media."

Speculation has been rife that Rossi will switch jobs with Davide Ballardini, who revealed he wants to leave Palermo at the weekend.

However, the former Lecce and Atalanta coach insists he has no destination in mind.

"Before looking for any other club I want to sort out the situation with Lazio," Rossi added. "I am pleased with (Palermo president Maurizio) Zamparini's appreciation but it is still too early to talk about a future destination."

PEDERSEN HOPES TO EARN NEW DEAL

Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen has revealed his intention to earn a new contract at Ewood Park when his current deal expires next summer.

The Norway international has spent the last five years with the Lancashire outfit and he has admitted he would be happy to prolong his stay.

Pedersen accepts that this season a turbulent year for Rovers, with Sam Allardyce brought in midway through the season to rectify the failings of Paul Ince, but the 27-year-old believes the club are heading in the right direction.

"There were a lot of poor performances under Ince, but Allardyce has helped to bring back consistency and results have improved," Pedersen told Aftenposten.

"I have a year left on my contract and I like it at Blackburn."

On the possibility of penning an extension, he added: "We have talked about it, but not sat down yet.

"I know they want to talk about an extension, so I am calm at the moment."

Pedersen has also welcomed the recent arrival of South African star Elrio van Heerden to Ewood Park, insisting competition for places is precisely what the club needs to establish.

"It's good to have competition. Buying and selling is part of football," he said.

"I can play several positions and I plan to keep playing regularly next season."

ADVOCAAT TO TAKE BELGIUM JOB

Dick Advocaat has confirmed he is leaving Zenit St Petersburg to become Belgium coach.

The Dutchman has turned down the offer of a new deal with the Russian side to return to the international scene.

"I have told them that pressing me is no use. I have chosen to be the coach of Belgium," Advocaat told newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws on Wednesday.

The Belgium FA (KBVB) revealed the appointment of the former Holland boss is not yet official, but they are hopeful of unveiling him soon.

"He only needs to get the number of his pension fund," said KBVB board member Philippe Collin.

"But nothing can take place before Friday because until then the KBVB chairman (Francois De Keersmaecker) and (chief executive) Jean-Marie Philips are in the Bahamas."

Belgium's players welcomed Advocaat's arrival.

"He is someone with personality," said PSV Eindhoven midfielder Timmy Simons.

"He is a quiet man, but when he doesn't like something, you must be careful. I have nothing against him being a man from outside of Belgium. It's important that he has charisma. "

Simons felt it was logical for the KBVB to opt for a Dutch coach.

"Dutch national team coaches have something that others don't have, it's no coincidence that they lead national teams all over the world," he said.

AZ Alkmaar's Maarten Martens added: "I have played against Zenit with AZ. He likes to play attacking football.

"A Dutchman is in my opinion a good thing, they are known for their training methods and their tactical ability.

"And he is a coach with experience."

Man City will need more big signings if they want to be in the top 4..

JACOBSEN READY FOR CONTRACT TALKS

Everton defender Lars Jacobsen will hold talks over a new deal with David Moyes when he returns from international duty with Denmark.

The Danes take on Scandinavian rivals Sweden on Saturday in a World Cup qualifier as Jacobsen hopes to steer them towards an automatic route to South Africa.

The full-back has had his first-team opportunities limited through injuries in his debut season at Goodison Park and has had offers from other clubs as his one-year deal nears an end.

However, Jacobsen insists his wish is to remain at the club and will hold talks with the boss when he returns.

"Everton comes first for me, if we can find a way to proceed," Jacobsen told Sporten.dk.

"I've had a meeting with David Moyes and we have arranged for a new meeting after the qualifying game. Then we will see if we can get a new deal in place.

"Right now I am only concentrating on the qualifier and don't want to waste time and energy on negotiating with Everton before the game is played.

"The game against Sweden is big, because it's one of my biggest goals in my career to get to a World Cup."

The 29-year-old has admitted that he has no shortage of admirers and should talks with Everton break down he would be willing to remain in English football.

"I have other possibilities, both in England and other countries if things don't fall out as I hope with Everton," said Jacobsen.

"I can see myself playing for another club in Premier League, because I like the mentality and the game."

Jacobsen was a substitute in last week's FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, coming on to replace Tony Hibbert at half-time and says despite the loss, he enjoyed the experience.

He added: "I was really annoyed not to start in the FA Cup final, but I got substituted on at half-time. It was a great experience, even though we lost to Chelsea.

"90,000 fans at Wembley is something you've only seen on TV before."

COLOGNE: WE COULD NOT KEEP DAUM

Cologne general manager Michael Meier admitted "nothing could be done" to convince Christoph Daum to stay on as coach after he received a lucrative offer from abroad.

Daum resigned as coach of the Bundesliga side on Monday after receiving an offer, believed to be from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, that was too good to turn down.

"I told him that we would do all we could to keep him, but we had no chance," said Meier.

"He told me he had already signed a new contract.

"He said that it was a sensational offer financially and he could not forgive himself, nor would his family forgive him, if he said no."

However, Meier insisted there he felt no resentment towards the man who led Cologne into the Bundesliga last season and kept them there this year.

Asked by the Express newspaper if he was angry, he said: "Why should I be? Christoph received a four-year contract which was so lucrative that it made him weak at the knees.

"Furthermore, he can get to work at a top European club."

Although the fans will find it hard to forgive Daum for walking out on the club, Cologne president Wolfgang Overath thanked Daum for the work he had done.

"He took over the club in a difficult phase in the second division in 2006 and led us back into the Bundesliga," he said.

"By securing a safe 12th-placed finish, he has carried FC Cologne's development forward.

"We wish Christoph good luck with his new task."

Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who has rejoined home Cologne from Bayern Munich for the coming season, does not believe Daum's departure will harm the club.

"Cologne will not collapse because of this," he said after Germany's friendly win over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday night.

"It came as a shock, but I am sure Cologne will find the right man to replace him and still be able to reach the goals we have set."

AUSTIN EYES VILLA SWITCH

Brann midfielder Rodolph Austin has admitted a move to Aston Villa is "tempting" after being linked with a switch to the Premier League club.

Villa scouts are said to have attended Brann's clash against Stromsgodse on Tuesday in order to have a closer look at Jamaica international Austin.

The 23-year-old is flattered by the reported interest, with Villa thought to be in the market for Gareth Barry's replacement, but he remains committed to his current club.

Austin told Dagbladet: "All players want to play in the Premier League, so of course me to. I didn't know that Aston Villa were here, but even if it is tempting, I am keeping to the contract I have in Brann."

Brann sports director Roald Bruun-Hansen added: "We have given Aston Villa tickets for some of our games, and know of the interest.

"But there are no concrete talks, and far from any offers so we are keeping our pace. It is normal for clubs to look at players and keep an eye on the market at this time."

Wonder when work starts on new Liverpool stadium.

BOATENG EXPECTS SPURS RETURN

Kevin-Prince Boateng expects to start next season at Tottenham after failing to secure a permanent deal at Borussia Dortmund.

The midfielder joined the Bundesliga outfit on loan in the January transfer window but the club will not make the move permanent after failing to qualify for the Europa League.

Boateng's time at Dortmund was blighted by injury and manager Michael Zork admitted in March that he felt the player was overpriced.

The midfielder has failed to make an impact in the Premier League since his £5.4million move from Hertha Berlin in 2007 under then-boss Martin Jol, but can confirm that he is set to return to Spurs next term.

"I have just heard from my advisor that there is no future for me at Dortmund," he told German Newspaper Bild.

"I will probably have to start next season back at Spurs."