MILLER CALLS FOR PATIENCE

Aberdeen director of football Willie Miller has urged fans to be patient as the club continue their search for a new manager.

Miller claims the number of vacancies that have arisen since Jimmy Calderwood left Pittodrie a week and a half ago are making the job of finding the 54-year-old's successor more difficult.

He told the club's official website: "The simple fact is, these things do take a bit of time.

"The fact there are several senior vacancies up for grabs at present probably hasn't helped either."

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee, who has also been linked with the Celtic job, remains the favourite for the post but he insisted on Tuesday he had heard nothing from either club.

Falkirk's John Hughes, Plymouth's Paul Sturrock and Wigan assistant Eric Black have also been linked with the vacancy, while former Aberdeen players Lee Richardson and Noel Whelan have declared their interest.

"I know patience is not something that sits easily in football but that really is the message right now," said Miller, who yesterday expressed delight at the calibre of applicants for the role.

"The fact nobody has been appointed yet has not affected plans for the new season in that we are currently finalising our pre-season plans and the players are all aware of what is expected of them in terms of fitness levels on their return.

"I am working flat out to finalise matters and as soon as I have done that, we will be in a position to make an announcement ahead of what I am confident will be an exciting era for the club."

Miller said on Tuesday former international managers, former Scotland players, ex-international players from throughout Europe and people working in the Barclays Premier League had already submitted applications.

He also revealed there had been expressions of interest from former UEFA Cup winners and from Holland, Poland and the Faroe Islands.

Calderwood left Pittodrie 10 days ago, hours after leading them into the Europa League with a 2-1 victory over Hibernian in the final game of his five-year reign.

Aberdeen players will return to training on June 29, with a pre-season tour of Austria planned, while their season begins in the Europa League qualifiers on July 30.

NOGUES LEAVES BETIS POST

Jose Maria Nogues has resigned as coach of Real Betis following their relegation to the Segunda Division.

The 50-year-old was offered the opportunity to remain at the helm of the Verdiblancos despite the loss of their top-flight status, but he felt he should stand down.

"I have agreed not to continue because my staying on was subject to the team's survival," he said. "I could not achieve the goal.

"I understand the situation of the club and it is advisable to start afresh."

Big-spending Betis were one of five teams who were fighting against joining Numancia and Recreativo Huelva in suffering the drop, and they held a one-point advantage over fellow strugglers Osasuna and Sporting Gijon heading into the final round of matches.

However, while Osasuna and Sporting both managed wins in their matches, Betis could only draw 1-1 at home to another team battling relegation, Real Valladolid.

That meant Betis finished level on 42 points with Getafe, who drew 1-1 with Racing Santander, but it was the Andalusian side who dropped through the trapdoor due to an inferior goal difference of just one.

CRUZEIRO REJECT KLEBER RUMOURS

Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro insist they have received no approach for star striker Kleber.

The player had announced on Monday that he was the subject of a 7million euros (£6million) offer from Liverpool.

However, his current employers have reported that no such bid has been lodged, and claim they would not be prepared to do business for anything less than 15million euros (£13million).

Kleber is keen for the issue to be settled, but has admitted that he would be happy to strike a deal with a European club this summer should an opportunity arise.

"I don't want to speak about this anymore, it's getting annoying," said the former Dynamo Kiev forward.

"Quite soon, if we start playing badly, the fans will start to say it's because I want out.

"If there was an offer, it would be good for me and Cruzeiro.

"My agent (Pepe) and Zeze (Perrella, club president) are going to sit down and sought this out."

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Higginbotham - wants to stay at Stoke.

HIGGINBOTHAM HAPPY AT STOKE

Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham has labelled rumours of a possible move to Ipswich as "pie in the sky".

Ipswich manager Roy Keane was responsible for bringing the 30-year-old to Sunderland in 2007, only for the defender to re-join Stoke last September.

Keane has been heavily linked with signing the left-back this summer, but Higginbotham insists he is going nowhere.

Higginbotham told the Sentinel: "This is where I have been happiest. I really enjoyed last season.

"These reports are pie in the sky and, besides, I don't see any reason why I would want to move.

"I played 30 games last season in the best league in the world and we finished 12th. Now I want to be part of the club's success for the next few years."



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

Kaka should see it will be better for him joining Chelsea, plus back with his old manager, champions league every year, huge wage packet!

ELANO: INTER WANT TO SIGN ME

Manchester City midfielder Elano admits he is open to a move to Inter Milan and claims talks have already begun.

The Brazilian, who was signed by former City boss Sven Goran Eriksson from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2007, was in and out of Mark Hughes' team last term and has revealed his wish is for a move to San Siro.

"There is an opened negotiation," he told Gazetta dello Sport.

"I like Inter a lot. Sure, I'm bounded with a contract with Manchester City, but I hope Nerazzurri officials won't stop facing to this - I would like to wear the Inter jersey."

The 27-year-old, who netted five Premier League goals last season, has also revealed his admiration for Inter boss Jose Mourinho and hopes that his compatriots within the club can help swing the deal.

"He's great [Mourinho]. His sides have always left a sign. And all the players who have played with him consider him a phenomenon," said Elano.

"Inter have a big coach but also many great champions. I hope my friend Julio Cesar could spend a word in my favour."

REPORT: NEW CONTRACT OFFER FOR DROGBA

Striker Didier Drogba will be offered a new three-year contract by Chelsea.

Contrary to media speculation that the Blues were not prepared to hand him a fresh long-term deal, one will be put before the Ivory Coast international within the next week, according to PA Sport.

Drogba is seen by Chelsea as being irreplaceable and has proved his worth to the capital club yet again this season.

Despite his earlier problems with former boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, Drogba returned to his best form under the managerial tenure of interim coach Guus Hiddink.

He was at the centre of controversy following Chelsea's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona when he confronted Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the final whistle.

Drogba's foul-mouthed rant was seen by millions as he swore straight at the TV cameras.

However Chelsea have been impressed by his behaviour since the incident, for which he apologised almost immediately.

Chelsea now believe that it is better to keep Drogba than look for a replacement.

The club are convinced he can play a major part in their search for silverware under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian will take charge of Chelsea in July and Drogba will be a major part of his plans for the coming season.

ADAMS: BOARD NOT FULLY BEHIND WENGER

Arsenal legend Tony Adams has claimed manager Arsene Wenger does not have the backing of the whole of the Gunners' board.

Adams, who spent his entire playing career at Highbury, believes the club are not providing sufficient financial backing for Wenger.

"People on the board - and the fans - want more," he said at a Nationwide event.

"But they can't actually back it up with financial weight to do it. They're not financing him. I don't think Arsenal have got any finance.

"I don't know who it is, but I think there's someone on the board who's not pro-Arsene. I don't know who it is, but that's what I've heard."

Wenger faced something of a backlash from fans this season over their failure to challenge for the Premier League title.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis also voiced his disappointment but Adams believes it would be "unrealistic" to expect an improvement next season.

Adams continued: "The fans have got very high standards now. I remember when I first broke into the team, losing 4-0 at Maine Road and the fans were doing the conga. They didn't expect much.

"But they expect a lot now. They're crying out for experience and the fans are not silly, they know the team needs experience at the back and in central midfield.

"Arsene knows, too. He's not a silly man. But you tell me a player they can get for the money they've got. It's unrealistic."

Birmingham have broken their own transfer record.

CITY CONSIDER HART LOAN MOVE

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is debating whether to allow goalkeeper Joe Hart to go out on a season-long loan deal.

Hart is keen to get regular games with the World Cup looming in 2010 after losing his place to Shay Given.

Hughes told the club's official website: "Joe is frustrated and obviously wants to play.

"We will look at his situation in the coming weeks and it might be to both Joe's and the club's benefit if he did go out on loan.

"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."

Hart, who is in the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships, has been linked with a loan move to newly-promoted Birmingham.

Yeah i saw that buying benitez from ecuador

MILAN: KAKA BID NOT BEING DISCUSSED

AC Milan have denied general manager Adriano Galliani was negotiating the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid during a visit to Spain.

Speculation has been mounting that the Brazilian playmaker will swap the San Siro for the Bernabeu following Florentino Perez's return as Real Madrid president, and reports on Tuesday evening in Spain claimed a deal had been agreed between the clubs during talks in the Spanish capital.

But in a statement released on the club's official website, Milan insisted Galliani had only travelled to Madrid to attend a dinner for Perez.

The statement read: "The general manager of the Rosseneri, Adriano Galliani, is in the city of Madrid exclusively for the investiture dinner of Florentino Perez, the new president of Real Madrid."

Earlier on Tuesday Kaka, who turned down a move to Manchester City in January, claimed he wants to stay at the San Siro.

"I'll say it for the last time. The last time. I don't want to leave Milan," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"In this period I prefer to remain silent because I don't want to be misunderstood. Or, worse still, to be used.

"To the millions of Milan supporters, I say that I have made my choice. I have said what I want to stay.

"Leave me in peace, please."

Kaka was the subject of a big-money bid from City in January but the audacious swoop failed, with the player insisting he had no desire to leave Milan.

Since then he has been linked with a move to Madrid and speculation increased still further as the return of Perez - who was in charge during the Spanish club's famous Galacticos era - grew ever more likely.

FRANZ HEADS TO FRANKFURT

Maik Franz will be playing Bundesliga football again next season despite being relegated with Karlsruhe after agreeing to join Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 27-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Frankfurt to complete the move for an undisclosed fee.

The defender should shore up one of the leakiest back-lines from the 2008/09 campaign.

Frankfurt conceded 60 goals in 34 matches and were close to being sucked into a relegation tussle along with Karlsruhe.

Obtaining safety was still not enough to save the job of coach Friedhelm Funkel, who left by mutual consent. No replacement has yet been appointed, so Franz will have to wait a little longer to find out who will be his coach next season.

DEL NERI BUILDING FOR FUTURE

New Sampdoria coach Luigi Del Neri has vowed to build a squad for the future despite only signing a one-year deal at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Del Neri, who had already announced he was set to leave Atalanta after two solid seasons in charge, was officially unveiled as Samp boss today.

And the 58-year-old is delighted to be returning to Samp, where he spent a season as a player in 1980.

"I am very happy to be here," he said. "I consider this club to be at the forefront of Italian football, they have clearly shown it in the last few years: there is everything to work well.

"We will try to create something significant but it is logical that you can't predict or guarantee anything about the final result.

"It depends on too many variables which have to be looked at one by one."

He added: "As I have done for many years, I will give space to young players, trying to create a mix of experience and youth.

"I want them to play a good football, well organised and imaginative.

"I start from there, and if these foundations are well looked after, then the results can also arrive."

One of Del Neri's first tasks will be to try to secure the future of star striker Antonio Cassano, who has been linked to a host of clubs including Inter Milan.

The pair never saw eye to eye during Del Neri's brief spell in charge of Roma five years back, but the coach insists he would love to keep the 26-year-old in his team.

"We have known each other since our time at Roma and I am happy if he stays at Samp," Del Neri said.

"I hope he stays with us because he is a fantastic footballer, he can change the match from one moment to the next, he is the element that has the skill to create and take advantage of tactics.

"His behaviour has improved a lot. We have always calmly greeted each other since the experience at Roma, so I don't think there will be any problem."

Wonder if messi will ever leave barcelona

England win next two games then we are going to South Africa next summer! :hello:

Man utd rumours.
Nani will be leaving as will Kuzchak (spelling) and Ronaldo finally to madrid.
Fergie will either get huntelaar, tevez or benzema with huntelaar looking most likely. There is a 50 percent chance that berbatov will leave to either bayern, either milan team, man city and don't be suprised to see him back at spurs. Dodo Valencia and Douglas Costa are all likely to be signed. With Ljallic returning from his loan.

I can see Wenger going if we don't win anything next season. Which would be a shame because he's been an amazing manager on the whole.

Karim Benzema, Yohann Gourcuff and Alexander Pato are a target for Manchester United. One are coming for sure, maybe two.

Out are Berbatov with Juventus, Bayern, Man City and Inter lurking around.
Nani could be used in a deal to secure Pato.
Tevez will not be signed.
Inter, Tottenham and Real Madrid are interested in Park.

I know that Gill and Fergie are working overtime these days. Alot of the chiefscouts are also at OT a the moment.

Expect something to happen i a fourthnight.

MUFC rumours


IN'

Benzema (40 mil)
Huntelaar (20 mil)
Ribery (60 mil)


OUT

Berbatov – back to spurs (20 mil)
Ronaldo – Madrid is callin (60 mil)


watch this space. .

Liverpool have one of the best starting 10 going around not only in the English league but also Europe,

Benitez has identified that the left forward role needs improving.

the depth in central midfield is very weak either Mascherano or Alonso miss from the first team, Leiva is not good enough.

also we need cover for Torres as loan striker and finally cover at right back.

So in total 5 players are I needed,

Alonso is going to be sacrificed, which would allow Benitez to buy three players without blowing his budget for that one big signing.

Benitez has identified Higuain part of the Alonso deal to Real Madrid also Madrid a going to waver their rights to buy Negredo for 5 million which will allow him to join Liverpool to 5 million.

Finally Martinez will be brought from the Alonso sale,

so out will be Lucas be loaned out, with Ngog/Spearing/Plessis/Nemeth/Darby/Kelly/San Jose

sold would be
Leto 2m
El Zhar 2m
Itandje contract terminated
Babel 8m
Alonso 20m
Anderson 400,000
Martin 400,000
Voronin 2m
Dossena 6m
Cavalieri 1m
Come in
Martinez 12M
Negredo 5M
Higuain P/X
Barry 10m
12m for new right back

*****celti*********

moyes– will not be new boss, he is commited to everton.

coyle– to soon, would have jumped at chance if burnley didnt get promoted.

mcghee– over rated! if he can't get his side in to the top6 in the SPL then why should he even be considered for celtic job?

possibles. .

keane– friends with dermot desmond, however would be reluctant to let ipswich down. outsider for post

martinez– cheap and the guy would jump at chance to challenge for trophies and play in europe.

Bilic– his agent (rudi vata) is an ex celt, lure of champs league and tophies could sway it.

Killgallon to Burnley
Wellbeck and Nani on loan to the Clarets
(Fergy has a soft spot for BFC)

Transfer news:
–Gareth Barry is in talks with Manchester City regarding a possible move, however no fee has yet been agreed.
–Elrio van Heeden has signed a two–year deal at Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer from Bruges.
–Aaron Mokoena has signed for Portsmouth on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers on a three–year deal.
–Kaka hasreiterated his desire to stay at San Siro amid reports he is being monitored by Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Transfer rumours:
–Titus Bramble will become a Sunderland player for £5m if Steve Bruce agrees a deal to join them.
–Djibril Cisse is on the brink of a £3m move to Tottenham for Marseilles.
–Pirlo has said he is interested in a move to join Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea.

To all people planning to use Newcastle players in rumours, the following have decided they want to stay definately:
Damian Duff
Steven Taylor
Habib Beye
Jose Enrique

There are also players that i believe will stay anyway:
Nicky Butt
Andy Carroll
Steve Harper
Ryan Taylor

–Martins is set to join Fiorentina for £8m.
–Owen is close to agreeing a deal to sign for Everton or Aston Villa.
–Leroy Lita is being targetted on a free transfer as he's a free agent.