Arsenal welcome new Ireland signing McDermott
07.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Arsenal have welcomed new goalkeeper signing Sean McDermott from Norway's IK Vag.

The Republic of Ireland U17 goalkeeper said: “It feels really great, Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs and one of the best at developing players.

“I think I can be the first choice keeper there when I’m a little over 20 years old. I’m not going to Arsenal for nothing – I will be the first choice keeper.”

The Gunners have settled on a £4 million-plus fee for the teenager based on appearances and success.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/arsena...dermott-249181

Gunners close to first summer signing

Arsenal, 12:03, June 7, 2009

Arsenal have sealed an £11.4million deal for Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to reports in Belgium.
The centre-back has been heavily linked with the Gunners over the past two weeks and Arsene Wenger has reportedly sealed a deal for the 23-year-old.

Het Laatste Nieuws have reported that Arsenal agreed a transfer with the Dutch club on Saturday night and say Vermaelen will sign a four-year contract with the Gunners.

If Vermaelen does arrive at the Emirates Stadium it will help to placate Arsenal fans who have been calling for more investment in the side and should also go a long way to helping Wenger achieve his dream of making the Gunners a stronger defensive force.

"The defensive record, that is an area that we want to work on and that we want to improve," the boss said.

Arsenal set to bid £9million for Udinese defender Cristian Zapata

07/06/2009
The News of the World have jumped on claims from Udinese defender Cristian Zapata to suggest that Arsene Wenger is set to bid £9million for the Colombian defender.

Zapata said last week: "Juventus, Fiorentina, Milan, Arsenal and Villarreal have requested information about me. There are many teams that are keen to sign me but an official offer has not been made so far."

As a result, Gary Ward in the Sunday tabloid claims: "The Arsenal boss tried to sign the Udinese centre-back last year but was rebuffed by the Serie A club. With a central defender again top of his shopping list, Wenger is planning a fresh bid for the Colombian."

The 6.1ft central defender, who can also play as a right back, has been at Udinese since the 2005/2006 season after moving from Deportivo Cali. Last season, Zapata played 24 times, scoring once and picking up three yellow cards.

The 22-year-old is contracted to Udinese until the end of the 2010/2011 season and crucially speaks English which would aid his integration into English football.

IMScouting’s network of scouts in Italy describe Zapata as "tall, quick, aggressive, the kind of central defender who can dominate a game. He can anticipate what a striker will do and stop them. Zapata is ready for a high calibre team."

Zapata’s solitary goal last season came in a 2-1 win over AC Milan in the middle of May.

Arsenal have opened talks with Wolfsburg star Edin Dzeko.

:bouncy:

http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/20...-crouch-report


Liverpool To Make Shock Move For Peter Crouch – Report
Could the beanpole striker really be heading back to Merseyside? A British tabloid seems to think so ...

7 Jun 2009 11:25:12


Liverpool are reportedly hoping to make a shock bid for former striker Peter Crouch in an attempt to lure the Portsmouth man back to Anfield.

The Sunday Mirror claims that Rafael Benitez is hoping to sign the England international for a cut-price £4 million, despite having sold him to Pompey for more than twice that amount less than 12 months ago.

The tabloid claims that Benitez is having to work under financial constraints and, with that in mind, he has set his sights on a move for Crouch.

The report goes on to say that the Reds feel confident they can make the move happen, as Portsmouth still owe the club half of the transfer fee they agreed to pay Liverpool for the striker.

Whether Crouch can be tempted to return to Anfield, however, remains to be seen.

Despite a decent goalscoring record during his time on Merseyside, Crouch grew increasingly frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities at the club and decided to leave.

He has since admitted that he feels he made the right decision in quitting Anfield and therefore may be in no rush to return.

Gill Clark, Goal.com

http://www.tribalfootball.com/benite...ollapse-249140


Benitez fears Liverpool title bid set to collapse
07.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez fears next season's expected title push is set to collapse due to the club's financial problems.

The Mail on Sunday says Benitez is resigned to watching transfer targets follow Gareth Barry and, in all likelihood, Glen Johnson into the clutches of rivals.

Benitez seems unlikely to be able to make the one or two significant signings which captain Steven Gerrard believes the squad need, with the Americans struggling to make ends meet, let alone compete in the transfer market with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

The publication of accounts for the club and their holding companies last week laid bare the danger of financial meltdown if Hicks and Gillett fail to refinance their £350million loan facility with Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia.






Yet a random insuder has apparently said the minimum transfer budget will be 20m and they can outbid anyone but Chelsea in the premiership, aha i doubt it.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/trans...d-with-chelsea


Sergio Aguero ‘Proud’ To Be Linked With Chelsea
The Argentine ace admits that he is happy to hear about interest from the Blues...
7 Jun 2009 10:37:36


Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero has admitted that he is flattered to be linked with a move to Premier League side Chelsea.

The Blues have been rumoured to be interested in signing the Argentine international, as they look to strengthen their front line.

‘El Kun’ has enjoyed another impressive season in La Liga, scoring 12 goals in 25 league games and helping Atletico finish the season in fourth place.

His performances have ensured that a number of clubs have been linked with a move for the striker, who has previously admitted he is happy at the club and would like to stay.

However, his latest comments suggest that he could be tempted by a move to the Premier League with Stamford Bridge, in particular, looking an attractive proposition for the 21-year-old.

Speaking to the Sunday People, the Argentinean said, “It makes me feel proud a team as important as Chelsea notices me.”

The news is likely to be welcomed by Chelsea, who have been linked with a number of strikers in recent weeks including David Villa, Samuel Eto’o and Alex Pato.

Gill Clark, Goal.co

http://www.tribalfootball.com/johnso...tsmouth-249177

Johnson's Chelsea move makes good business sense for Portsmouth
07.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Chelsea will soon close a deal for Portsmouth fullback Glen Johnson.

The Daily Star Sunday says Johnson moved to Fratton Park from Chelsea for £4.5m but has since established himself as England’s first-choice right-back.

He played in Almaty against Kazakhstan last night and is due to face Andorra at Wembley on Wednesday.

His deal to rejoin FA Cup winners Chelsea will be valued at £16.5m but less than that will change hands as Pompey still owe money on the original deal.

Chelsea consider £20million Aston Villa swoop?
11:46 AM 07 June, 2009
Ashley Young is a target for Chelsea Football Club, according to reports.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking to add more flair to the Blues side, and Roman Abramovich is said to be willing to sanction a number of transfer during the summer.

It is believed Aston Villa’s Young is a top target for the Italian coach, with an offer of around £20million being lined up for the England international.

The Midlands club have just lost midfielder Gareth Barry to Manchester City, and they are likely to fight tooth and nail to ensure they don’t lose another of their top stars.

http://www.fansfc.com/story/12165.html

OKay im done on transfer rumours of the day.

HULL BID FOR CAMPBELL

Hull City are reported to have made a £6million bid for Manchester United youngster Fraizer Campbell.

However the Tigers are expected to face competition from fellow Premier League sides Sunderland, Stoke City and Fulham, according to Sky Sports News.

The 21-year-old spent seven months on loan at the KC Stadium in October 2007, where his 15 goals helped Phil Brown's men achieve promotion to the top flight.

Despite his successful loan stint the England Under-21 international rejected the chance to join the Tigers on a permanent deal last summer, opting instead to go out on loan to Tottenham as part of the deal which saw Dimitar Berbatov move to Old Trafford.

But chances were few and far between at Spurs with manager Harry Redknapp handing the striker just one Premier League start.

The Red Devils ace still proved he could cut it at the highest level when he fired a brace to knock Liverpool out of the Carling Cup at White Hart Lane back in November.

Campbell's only other strike for Spurs came in the following game where he scored a consolation against Fulham.

"It'll be tight as I know Stevie Bruce, Tony Pulis and Roy Hodgson are admirers," Phil Brown told the Sunday Mirror.

MOYES RULES OUT EVERTON SALES

Everton boss David Moyes has warned rival clubs that his best players are not for sale this summer.

England defender Joleon Lescott has been strongly linked with moneybags Manchester City, while Australia midfielder Tim Cahill has also been asked questions about his future.

But Moyes has insisted that nobody is for sale as he is keen to add to the squad that finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League and made it to the FA Cup final last season.

"People are always going to be linked with your good players, and they might see Everton as not having that much finance, but there's no way we'll be letting any of our players leave," he said on Radio Five Live's Sportsweek.

"The chairman's said that and I've made it clear. Everyone is under contract. The one thing we've got at Everton is stability with our players. They are all under long-term contracts and we don't need the money.

"I'd like money to spend, but I won't be giving up any of my players to raise that money."

While Everton are likely to come under threat next season from big spending clubs around them, Moyes insisted he was happy working at a club where he has to be more careful with his money.

"I feel the way we've done it where we've had to build and work with players and make them better, and juggle one or two a little bit, I think that gives you more pleasure than going out and buying the finished article," he said.

HREIDARSSON INTERESTED IN RANGERS

Hermann Hreidarsson has revealed he would be interested in joining Rangers if he leaves Portsmouth this summer.

The veteran Iceland defender, 34, is out of contract at Fratton Park but is waiting for Pompey to appoint a new manager before making a decision on his future.

He said in the News of the World: "I would be interested but as yet nothing's been offered - at least nothing concrete.

"I'm still waiting on Portsmouth to appoint a new manager. I will have a word with him and see what he's got to say. But I would look upon the Scottish League as a good, new challenge for me.

"Rangers would be a good club for any player to move to, especially when they have the Champions League coming up next season."

Meanwhile, on-loan midfielder Aaron Niguez looks set to cut short his stay at Ibrox and return to Valencia this summer.

The winger, 20, has made just one start and three substitute appearances since joining Rangers in August.

Valencia sporting director Fernando Gomez said in the Sunday Mail: "We would have liked Niguez to play more matches in Scotland but, overall, we are pleased with his progression.

"It's been a beneficial experience for him playing in the Scottish Premier League. However, it's now time for him on come back."

WEIR: NEW DEAL STRAIGHTFORWARD

Rangers captain David Weir is confident a new deal will be thrashed out without any problems.

Boss Walter Smith revealed earlier in the week that he was keen for the 39-year-old defender to remain at Ibrox for another year and Weir expects contract talks to be straightforward.

"I don't think there will be any problem agreeing a new deal," he told the Evening Times.

"I haven't spoken to the manager this week because I have been on a coaching course.

"But before the end of the season he gave me the option of staying on for another year and I want to take it.

"There is a willingness to reach an agreement from both parties."

BIG DUO BID FOR VALENCIA - REPORT

Wigan have received bids in excess of £16million from Manchester United and Real Madrid for Antonio Valencia, according to Sky Sports News.

The Ecuadorian winger has long been linked with the two European giants and it is now reported that the pair have tabled bids.

United are searching for creativity on the right after big-money signing Nani has failed to live up to expectations and Valencia is said to have impressed boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Real are desperate to overthrow Spanish and continental champions Barcelona and the 23-year-old was thought to be close to a move in the winter transfer window.

A switch failed to materialise, but it is now understood that newly-elected president Florentino Perez, who has pledged a return to the dazzling days of star signings from his first spell at the Bernabeu, is ready to test Wigan's resolve.

Valencia joined Wigan in 2006 in a loan move from Recreativo de Huelva and the deal was made permanent in January 2008.

The Latics are currently without a manager following Steve Bruce's move to Sunderland, but Roberto Martinez is expected to be unveiled as successor on Wednesday.

Crouch... Wouldn't mind having him back.

TOFFEES LAND US STARLET

Everton have completed a deal for American midfielder Anton Peterlin.

The 22-year-old has been on trial at Goodison Park and has done enough to earn a permanent deal with The Toffees.

Peterlin currently plies his trade for Californian-based Ventura County Fusion - who play in the fourth tier of American football.

Fusion are coached by Englishman Graham Smith and he recommended Peterlin to Everton boss David Moyes.

"I felt he had a chance," said Smith.

"He's a very intelligent young boy. He will go into medicine if he doesn't make it as a soccer player. He has the mental capacity as well as the physical capacity to succeed.

"Moyes put him immediately with the first team and Anton did not look out of place. For eight days, he applied himself tremendously well."

Moyes himself admitted Peterlin made a big impact and he is pleased to have signed him.

"Anton really impressed myself and the coaching staff with his attitude and undoubted ability," said Moyes.

"We are therefore delighted to give him the chance to establish a professional career here at Everton."

The player, who recently had trials with MLS side San Jose and Chicago, is understandably ecstatic to have earned himself a move to England.

"It's a cliche to say, but it really is a dream come true," said Peterlin.

"I've always aspired to play at the highest level."

FALKIRK MAY LET HUGHES GO

Falkirk will consider allowing John Hughes to talk to Swansea should they ask permission to sound him out about succeeding Roberto Martinez as manager.

Hughes has expressed an interest in returning to his former club once Martinez completes his move to Wigan on Wednesday.

Falkirk managing director George Craig insists there has been no official approach for Hughes but understands the 44-year-old's burning desire to test himself south of the border.

"There's no approaches been made - at the moment, it's all speculation," Craig told BBC Sport Wales.

"John has been making it known that maybe he's reaching that stage in his managerial career where it's time to see if he can face another challenge.

"He's been particularly specific to say that if an opportunity arose down south, he would be interested.

"If an opportunity was to come along for John, I would certainly not hold that against him to at least consider it.

"We would be very understanding and would hope that - between ourselves and John and whatever club that came in for him - we would be able to come to some amicable settlement."

Former Swansea striker Hughes took his first steps into management with Falkirk in January 2003, initially in a joint role with now-Burnley manager Owen Coyle.

He twice won the First Division, with Falkirk gaining entry to the Scottish Premier League at the second time of asking in 2005 after building a new stadium.

The Bairns thrived in the SPL until this season, when they completed a remarkable escape from relegation on the final day of the campaign.

But they reached the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final and the Homecoming Scottish Cup final, qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.

Craig added: "He's done some remarkable things in his time at Falkirk.

"We don't want to lose our manager in the same way Swansea didn't want to lose theirs.

"What I've got to do is react to situations as they develop. Nothing's developed at the moment."

KAKA CLOSE TO DECISION

Brazil superstar Kaka has announced that he will make his decision on whether to join Real Madrid or stay at AC Milan in the near future.

The 27-year-old was speaking after he had helped Brazil to a comfortable 4-0 World Cup qualifying win in Uruguay and is said to be ready to reveal his plans for the future on Monday.

Zinedine Zidane, now an advisor to Real Madrid, stated last week that a deal to bring the former World Player of the Year to the Bernabeu was all but done, however, Milan are set to hold talks with their star man on Monday at the latest.

Owner Silvio Berlusconi will sit down with the player and his father in what is seen as the last chance to persuade the Brazilian to stay at the San Siro.

Manchester United have accepted a bid from Hull City for England Under-21 striker Fraizer Campbell.

Hull have been given permission to discuss personal terms with Campbell after agreeing a reported £6m fee.

Everton manager David Moyes insists he will not cash in on any of his star players to increase his transfer funds.

Defender Joleon Lescott is the latest to be linked with a big-money move away from Goodison Park, with Manchester City rumoured to be preparing a bid.

"There is no way that we are going to be letting any players go," Moyes told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportweek.

"I would like money to spend, but I certainly wouldn't give up any of my players to raise that money."

Moyes has been restricted in the transfer market by uncertainty over the club's commitments.

Newcastle expect a deal to sell the club will be completed by the end of June, according to the man responsible for brokering the arrangement.

Keith Harris, chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce, also revealed there were "two or three" rival parties vying to buy the club.

"I'm confident there will be offers to consider in quite short order," Harris told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.

"It's a decent guess that there are two or three interested parties."

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who bought the Magpies in 2007, first put the club up for sale in September 2008, having invested £250m.

Page last updated at 17:38 GMT, Saturday, 6 June 2009 18:38 UK
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Toshack happy with Wales victory

Toshack pleased with youngsters

Wales manager John Toshack praised his depleted young side after their 1-0 World Cup qualifying win in Azerbaijan.

Dave Edwards scored the winner three minutes before the break after making the most of panic in the home defence.

"I think we are pleased to have got a positive result, particularly under the circumstances," Toshack told BBC Sport Wales.

"In view of the absentees which has been well documented, I think the side did ever so well."

Toshack admitted that the heat and lack of match practice took its toll on many of the players, but was happy with the way they held out.

Portsmouth defender Hermann Hreidarsson has admitted a move to Rangers during the summer would appeal to him.

Manchester United and Real Madrid have both made bids in excess of £16m for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia.

Brazil superstar Kaka has announced that he will make his decision on whether to join Real Madrid or stay at AC Milan in the near future.

John Gorman is to be offered the job of QPR assistant manager following Jim Magilton's arrival at Loftus Road.

Gorman, 59, was Glenn Hoddle's right-hand man when he managed England and has also had spells in charge of Swindon, Wycombe and Northampton.

He worked at Ipswich under Magilton, who was recently installed as Rangers boss and is keen for the Scot to join him at his new club.

Magilton was sacked by Ipswich in April after nearly three years at the helm.

Mark McGhee will be named as the new manager of Aberdeen once the Pittodrie club agree compensation with his current employer Motherwell.

The Dons made their move when it became apparent that Tony Mowbray was going to pip McGhee to the Celtic manager's job.

McGhee will be reunited with his former Dons team-mate Willie Miller, who is now Aberdeen's director of football.

In his two seasons at Motherwell, McGhee, 52, led them to third and seventh-place finishes in the league.

An Aberdeen spokesperson told BBC Scotland that there are still some matters to be resolved before McGhee can be officially named as Jimmy Calderwood's successor, but these should be sorted out in the next few days.

McGhee will be returning to a club which he served with distinction, under Alex Ferguson, from 1978 until 1984, when he left to play for Hamburg.

In that time he scored 63 goals in 164 appearances for the north-east club.

He was the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1982 and a year later helped the Dons defeat Real Madrid to lift the European Cup-Winners' Cup.