Transfer news/paper talk.

[Spunky]

With the big ol' transfer window looming, I though it was time to create a thread for it all to go in, So any news at all can go in here, Try and have a souce, But remember it is a non-spam zone.

Today's papertalk:

Everton manager David Moyes wants to offer Newcastle striker Michael Owen a chance to extend his Premier League career.
(Daily Mail)

If Michael Owen can keep fit, And Moyes plays Fellani, And Cahill off him he'd bag them a few more goals than Saha will.

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is set to undergo groin surgery, putting on hold his proposed £7.5m move to Italian side Fiorentina.
(Daily Star)

I'd say he was a little over priced at £7.5mil, But when he has good service he can score goals.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to overhaul his squad over the summer with utility player Emmanuel Eboue, striker Emmanuel Adebayor and defender William Gallas the likely departures. (Daily Mirror)

I would have thought Wenger would want to keep Eboue, And Adebayor. Because Eboue is a good utility player, And Arsenal could do with a couple more decent back ups. Adebayor is a mystery to me, unless they get a £20mil+ offer for him, He is a great target man. I'd get rid of Gallas, Anyone that disrupts the locker room like he does should be sold.

Russia and CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov will join Chelsea this summer for a fee of £18.6m.
(The Sun)

From what i've seen of "The Russian Ronaldinho" he would be a decent capture, But very over priced at £19mil, But so is every other Russian at the minute.

West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green has turned down the offer of a new contract, which will alert London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.
(Daily Star)

Green would be a great buy for around £5mil, He is always solid between the sticks.

Bolton want to give Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes one final season of first-team football.
(The Sun)

If it was to be his last season, Then I see no reason he couldn't do the job for Bolton, He can still do the running, But injuries have pushed him down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is questioning his Old Trafford future after being left on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League final. (Daily Mirror)

He should be questioning his future, he's a lazy bastard. Who wasn't worth his price tag by a long shot.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will have worried his bosses in London with comments that it would be a dream to play for Champions League winners Barcelona.
(Daily Express)

Real Madrid presidential hopeful Florentino Perez has claimed "an agreement" is in place for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club. (Various)
(The Guardian)

I call bull shit on this one, Presidential elections are coming up, And just like Laporta did at Barca he's telling everyone he will bring in the best player in the world.

Winger Stewart Downing has been told he can leave relegated Middlesbrough, as long as it is not for Tottenham.
(Daily Star)

LOL, Yeah I do believe this, Gibson was furious at Spurs for unsettling Downing during January.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has no intention of leaving the club over the summer, and according to his agent, he wants to honour the three years left on his contract.
(The Guardian)

He's a Championship player, At a championship club, Why wouldn't he want to stay?

New Ipswich boss Roy Keane could make a £500,000 bid for QPR defender Damien Delaney. (Daily Mirror)

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex, is wanted by Wigan to replace the Sunderland-bound Steve Bruce.
(Daily Mirror)

Darren has done brilliantly with Peterborough in the last two years, Getting them promotioned twice. If anyone could make the jump from League 1 to Premeirship it would be him. If I was Wealen, I'd want someone with a bit more experience, but if he takes the plunge and signs Darren then more power to him.

Darren Ferguson is also wanted by Reading but a row over his compensation fee could scupper a move to the Madejski Stadium.
(Daily Mail)

Celtic could make a surprise move for West Ham number two Steve Clarke as they look to fill the managerial vacancy left by Gordon Strachan's departure. (The Sun)

Did Steve Clarke recently reject an offer to become a manager?

Portsmouth could have problems if prospective new owner Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim wants to appoint a new manager, as Pompey have already agreed terms with caretaker boss Paul Hart.
(Daily Mail)

I'd feel very sorry for Forest's former manager, As he tends to get shit on in every manager job he gets, Personally I wouldn't have sacked him in favour of Gary Megson at the time.

The consequences of Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League has been brought into stark reality with the news that 120 administrative and commercial staff are set to lose their jobs.
(The Times)

Shit, Who gives a fuck?

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner wants to sign a new contract with the club, even though his current deal does not expire until 2012.
(Daily Mail)

Good news for Wenger, He could quite very well turn into Arsenal's best striker, A very good prospect indeed.

The Scottish Football Association has been lambasted over their decision to agree to allow England to field a British team at the London 2012 Olympics.
(Daily Record)

The rest of the British isles are afaird because of the poor showing their players would give, Nothing about being turned into a GB by Fifa.

Former Hearts captain Steven Pressley will hang up his boots after playing Saturday's Scottish Cup Final for Falkirk. (Daily Record)
(Daily Record)

I would have loved to have seen this guy play in England earlier in his career, A real fucking bruiser.

 

[Spunky]

Southampton winger Nathan Dyer is expected to join Swansea City on Monday for a fee understood to be £400,000.

The Swans have been trying to seal a permanent deal for the 21-year-old after he impressed on loan last season.

Saints manager Mark Wotte revealed last week that a deal was moving closer, but added that the club were waiting for a "better offer" from Swansea.

Dyer had set his heart on retuning to the south Wales club after scoring four goals in 21 appearances.

He is one of Southampton's prize assets and Wotte stressed the club were determined not to let him leave on the cheap.

"I think some clubs are trying just to pick up our players for a bargain and we are not prepared to let that happen," Wotte told Southampton's website.

Dyer came through the trainee ranks at St Mary's and was awarded a new three-year contract last summer.

But after making one start he was loaned out to Sheffield United, who later had a £1.2m bid for the player turned down.

Swansea moved to bring in the youngster on loan when the January transfer window opened, and he proved to be a valuable addition as Roberto Martinez's side pushed for a Championship play-off place.

The Swans were linked with making that move permanent as early as the end of the January transfer window, with Southampton reportedly holding out for £750,000.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said at the time that the club would not be "pushed into a corner" over a fee.

But while Dyer was on loan in south Wales, Southampton's holding company Southampton Leisure Holding was put into administration with debts of £27.5m.

Swansea have since made a bid for Dyer, which is reported to be in the region of £200,000, but the cash-strapped Saints are said to be looking for at least £500,000.

Dyer is not the only player looking for a move away from St Mary's Stadium, which will host League One football next year following the club's relegation from the Championship.

He was great for Swansea during the end of the season, And honestly I would love to have him at the City Ground, We could do with a speedy, skillful winger like young Dyer. £400,000 will be an absolute bargain.

Preston North End have rejected two bids from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Paul McKenna.

BBC Radio Nottingham understands that the bids for the 31-year-old were in the region of £600,000.

But North End chairman Derek Shaw told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I can confirm that we have rejected two bids from Nottingham Forest for Paul McKenna.

"I am extremely disappointed that Nottingham Forest have chosen to make this public."

McKenna has played over 450 times for Preston, including a spell under current Forest manager Billy Davies.

He is thought to be amongst a number of targets for Davies, which include striker Dexter Blackstock, and defenders Joel Lynch and Chris Gunter, who all ended the season on loan at the City Ground.

Meanwhile, Doncaster Rovers have denied reports that Forest have tabled a seven-figure bid for central defender Matt Mills.

Rovers confirmed that Forest have made an inquiry about the 22-year-old, but no bid has been received.

*marks out*

Nottingham Forest want Dexter Blackstock, Paul Mckenna, And defenders Joel Lynch and Chris Gunter. Blackstock, And Gunter were spectacular for Forest last season, So i'm glad the Chairman, And manager are showing some ambition, And trying to expanding on the successes of last season. Mckenna would add some REAL steel to midfield, Guy Moussi is a very good player, But lacks in the phsyical side of his game. Lynch although played well for us, Is very average for the Championship.

Forest manager Bily Davies is also very keen to bring back Paul Anderson, Isaiah Osbourne, Gary McSheffery, And Lee Camp. IF Billy could pull off these signing we wouldn't have to worry about religation, As we would have a VERY strong squad at the City Ground

 

[Spunky]

Italy international Fabio Quagliarella has joined Napoli from Udinese in a five-year deal.

The 26-year-old was Udinese's top scorer during the 2008/09 campaign with 13 goals.

He will play under coach Roberto Donadoni at Napoli, the former Italy boss who selected Quagliarella to play at Euro 2008.

"I am very happy," said Quagliarella. "This is what I wanted.

"This is a dream come true.

"I have always been a Napoli supporter."

Napoli endured a disappointing season last term, finishing 12th in the Serie A standings with 12 wins collected in 38 games.

Great coup for Serie A's underachiever's, He's a good finisher, Quick feet, Quite powerful for his size as well.

Juventus have completed the signing of Brazilian playmaker Diego from Werder Bremen.

The Serie A giants have splashed out 24million euros (£21m) in order to land the South American star.

The 24-year-old underwent a successful medical on Monday, before putting pen to paper on a five-year deal 24 hours later.

Diego, who will officially move to Stadio Olimpico at the end of the 2008/09 campaign, is now looking forward to starting an exciting new chapter in his career.

"I am enthusiastic and delighted to be a part of such a prestigious club," he told the club's official website.

"I have dreamt of this moment since I was a child.

Challenge
"After an experience in Portugal (with Porto) and in the Bundesliga, I will be able to prove my worth at a high level with difficult competition.

"It is the right time for me to take this important step and I am convinced that at Juventus I will be able to achieve great results."

Meanwhile, Juventus managing director Jean Claude Blanc has welcomed the arrival of Diego in Turin.

"He's a fundamental player in the strengthening of the side," he said.

"We have always said our aim is to put together a blend of youth and experience and Diego, at 24, is a player with both."

WOW! Great signing for Juve, He is a great young player, At the minute, He's like KAKA-lite, And has the pontential to be as good, He has skill, Strength, Speed, Great at passing, Can finish, And at range. Great all round player, Should fill Nedved's shoes easily.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Paul Scholes will stay at Man Utd until he retires. He won't move. He was in my local paper the other day. Apparently it was rumoured that Stoke had put in a bid. I laughed, won't happen. Even Pulis said it was stupid and anybody even making an offer would be wasting their time.

 

[Tastycles]

Paul Scholes says he wants a season at Oldham before he retires. It won't be next year though, and I think he may reassess that when he realises there will be 11 blokes trying to kick him week in week out.

Michael Owen won't go to Everton, if he does, it's incredibly short sighted by them. They don't want another injury prone striker, especially one who demands such high wages. In all honesty he is an Allardyce player through and thrrough: old, injury prone and on high wages, but good enough to do the biz. I expect Allardyce to sign Joey Barton too, as I think he's probably the only manager who's likely to buy him that could tame him.

I expect Villa and Arsenal will try and buy Babel off Liverpool, probably a swap with Barry is in the offing, which I'd take as long as we don't sell Alonso. I can see Liverpool trying to buy Hangeland, which while it would be a good signing, I'd prefer if we bought Wheater because a) he's younger b) will come cheaper and c) I've just bought a Fulham season ticket and don't want them to be shit.

Burnley will do well to look at Stoke's example for players that will keep you up, and I expect Stoke to continue in this vein. Hull desperately need to buy the good players that Newcastle have, and Newcastle need to hold on to Shola "I was born for the Championship" Ameobi, more than any of their other strikers who'll get kicked out of games by Blackpool.

 

[The Todd]

Kaka to Real Madrid for £52 million seems all but done apparantly. Kaka was the world's best player two years ago. Since then he has slipped from form and is not one of the leading players anymore. They're bigging this transfer up as a return to the Galactico era under President Perez, what they should call this is the 'signing of the best player outside of the players at clubs who are too good to step down to Real Madrid's level'.

Let's face it, the best teams are Barca, United, Chelsea and Liverpool. None of their players should even consider joining Real. A Real side made to look like amateurs by both Liverpool and Barca. Outside of those teams the only players considered world class are Fabregas and Kaka. I'm sure those two will help them topple Barca

Potential transfer of the summer so far: Dean Windass to Darlo as player-assistant manager. Would take us to a grand total of two players I think and he brings media attention. Brilliant.

 

[Spunky]

Premier League new boys Birmingham City have broken their transfer record to sign Ecuador striker Christian Benitez from Mexican club Santos Laguna.

The fee has not been disclosed but is thought to be more than the £6.25m they paid for striker Emile Heskey in 2004.

Personal terms have been agreed with Benitez who will travel to England for a medical with his new club next week.

Benitez, who is described as a creative player, has scored 31 goals in his past 58 Primera Division games.

The 23-year-old is the son of one of Ecuador's all-time leading goalscorers, Ermen Benitez, and played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

But he recently underwent surgery on a shoulder injury and is unlikely to be involved when Ecuador play World Cup qualifiers against Peru on 7 June and Argentina three days later.

If he can settle into Wigan quickly he should be a great buy, He has great vision, And flair for a striker. He also has a good scoring recording in the Mexican Primera with an average of about 1 goal, Every 2 games.

Barcelona are preparing a £50m bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas but could face competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

I'd think Cesc is a little over priced at £50m, But I can't see him doing a Cashley, And joining Chelsea. Madrid, And Barca I could, As he has always said he would love a return to his homeland.

Real Madrid have signed AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka for a world record fee of £62m.

Well, They haven't seeing as Chelsea have just offered AC Milan £73.5m for his sevices(according to sky sports)

Chelsea had come into the bidding for Kaka but failed with a late bid for the AC Milan forward.

See above.

If Chelsea do miss out on Kaka then they will prepare a £45m deal for AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato.

Chelsea will also look to sign Manchester City's highly rated 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge who is out of contract at Eastlands.

I know Pato will probably develop into the best attacker in the world, But fuck would i be paying that for someone that has yet to prove himself in Serie A, Which isn't on par with either the EPL, La Liga, Or The Bundesliga.

Honestly i think Sturridge will join Villa, A place that will help him develop into something more than a bit part player.

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez is to reject the chance of staying at Manchester United, despite the Premier League champions looking set to meet the £32m asking price.

I reckon he has set his sights on a better deal at a richer club.

Manchester City appear to be the favourites to land Tevez, with the 25-year-old's representative Kia Joorabchian claiming his client feels "humiliated" by United.

See above.

City will also target Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, Everton defender Joleon Lescott and Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure.

City setting their bar high is a great thing for them, Lescott ight be inclined to join, But Kolo, And Eto'o? Dont think so.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will also prepare a £15m bid for Didier Drogba, if the Chelsea striker turns down the offer of a new contract.

Drog has already said he is going to sign a contract at Chelsea.

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is ready to commit his long-term future to the club, having said in January he was ready to leave if he continued playing a bit part at the club. (The Sun)

However, Benayoun could yet turn his back on Anfield, with Manchester City, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal believed to be interested in the Israeli.
(Daily Mail)

I dont rate Yossi at all, I'd rather see him go than Babel.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has launched a £15m bid to sign Valencia forward David Silva.

But the Anfield boss faces a fight to hang on to midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is wanted by Real Madrid.

Rafa is trying to replce that disappointment, Albert Reira. Mascher will stay.

Despite appearing to have won the race to sign Kaka, Real Madrid will still go after Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and will pay £75m for the Portugal star.

I doubt they will spend over £120m for two players.

Steve Bruce will sign Tottenham striker Darren Bent for £10m once he is confirmed as Sunderland manager.

Needs the confidence he he at Charlton, Then he Would be worth that kind of sum.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is tracking St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who is valued at about £5m

I know absolutly nothing about this guy.

Bolton are preparing a £6m bid for Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone and are also keen on Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.

I like big Tom Huddlestone, On the slow side, But can get around, And do his job effectively. Distin is a good player, But i'm not that keen on him, But he would make a good partner for Gary Cahill.

 

[Spunky]

West Ham are favourites to sign Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates.

Personally I like this kid, Could do well under Zola, Like other members of West Ham's youngsters

Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim has ruled out a former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. becoming the new boss at Pompey.

I've always hed Sven in high regard when it comes to club managment, Why City got rid of him i'll never know, He had half of Pearce's squad still, So they couldn't say he had brought his own players in yet.

Aston Villa are targeting Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Gareth Barry who joined Manchester City on Tuesday.

Like i've always said Huddlestone could be an amazing Defensive midfielder, He needs an extra yard of pace though.

German side Bayern Munich are preparing a bid for Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa.

They do have a few players for right back, And seemingliy intrested in Glen Johnson as well. Fareira would be my right back out of the door, Doesn't have the ability of Belleti, Ivanonic, Or Bosingwa.

Manchester City believe they are close to the £20m signing of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

I don't why in the hell would Sammy join a mid table EPL team, From the European champions, When he is getting first team football.

City are also battling it out with rivals Manchester United for the signature of Argentine forward Carlos Tevez, who has been on a loan deal at Old Trafford.

I'm expecting a move to spain for Tevez.


[QUOTEDaily Express]If Chelsea miss out on Kaka then that acquisition could be his AC Milan team-mate Alexandre Pato and will offer £38m for the 19-year-old striker.[/QUOTE]
Very overpriced at that, But does have a great deal of potential.


[QUOTE-=The GuardianThe Blues are also targeting Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Valencia forward David Villa. [/QUOTE]
In the respective positions,I think they are currently the best in the world. Let's hope we see them next season.

Chelsea have opened talks with Portsmouth to sign right-back Glen Johnson in a deal that could be worth £17m.

After selling him to Pompy for £6m,

Blues midfielder Deco is on the verge of a move to Inter Milan on a free transfer.

Another guy they are wasting a big amount of money on, He joined for £10m, And is being let go for free?

Arsenal are closing in on the £10m signing of Ajax centre-half Thomas Vermaelen.

I rate this young Belgian, He is a strong tackler. And is an impressive physical specimin.

The Gunners are keen on Juventus and Italy central defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Easily Italy's next best defender, This kid has it all.

But Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be on his way to AC Milan with the Italian side set to bid £15m for the Togo international.

What a difference a year makes, He was touted to leave for £23m last year.

AC Milan and Barcelona are lining up Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic in a £25m deal.

I doubt Fergie will let him go, He had one bad game all of last season.

Real Madrid have tabled a £20m bid for unsettled Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Hasn't he already pledged his future?

Liverpool, meanwhile, are interested in Middlesbrough forward Tuncay.

They don't need another Kuyt.

The Merseyside club have also offered Portsmouth £2m for defender Sylvain Distin.

Clutching at straws here, Liverpool would only buy him if they were desperate for a replacement for Sami Hyypia.

Villa are also interested in bringing former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb back to the Premier League from Barcelona in a £10m deal.

No better than Young, But could do better than Milner on the right hand side.

Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan is attracting interest from Bolton, Blackburn and Hull.

Blackburn if anywhere, Big Sam is there.

Tottenham defender Chris Gunter is wanted by Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom.

And Forest, I wish we could get him permanently.

Manchester United trio, striker Fraizer Campbell, full-back Danny Simpson and midfielder Darron Gibson have been placed on the transfer list at Old Trafford.

Surpirsed by this, As they were touted as the next Michael Owen, Gary Neville, And Darren Fletcher, Respectivly.

Manchester City midfielder Elano has issued a come and get me plea to Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Elano just wouldn't fit into Inter's team.

Defender Lucas Neill has severed his ties with West Ham and is set to link up with old Blackburn boss Mark Hughes at Manchester City.

He did the same leaving Blackburn for more money at WHU, So im not surpirsed the money grabbing bastard is trying to do the same at WHU, trying to join City.

Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka expects Croatia and Shakhtar Donetsk winger Darijo Srna to join him at Spurs.

Srna can play anywhere in midfield, And defence, So he would be a good buy.


[QUOTEDaily Express]Arsenal utility player Emmanuel Eboue says he is unsure whether he will be at the club next season. [/QUOTE]
With how small Arsenal's squad is, I would have thought they would want to keep Eboue.

Ipswich are lining up Sunderland trio, defender Paul McShane, winger Carlos Edwards and striker Daryl Murphy in a £3m deal.

Good deal for Ipswich, As all three are Championship players, And Roy Keane loves to use them, Even in the Premiership.

Cardiff City are set to bid for Southampton midfielder Andrew Surman.

Could very well develop into an England regular, Quite creative as well as having good vision.

Crystal Palace striker Shefki Kuqi has rejected a one-year deal in favour of a move to German side Club Koblenz.

Leaving England's second tier, To join Germany's second tier. Makes perfect sense.

Shunsuke Nakamura will seal his departure from Celtic in a few days and will re-join Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos.

Which has been the case since january.

Barnsley and Reading have joined Blackpool in the chase for Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam but have failed to meet the £500,000 asking price.

I like this young Scottish winger, Very good at playing the ball, But could do with a little more pace, He would beat poeple easier.

United States winger DaMarcus Beasley is considering options in the Netherlands after being told he is not in Rangers' long-term plans.

Because he is shit, He is a sprinter, Not a footballer.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has risked his England future after his late withdrawal through injury ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan.

He won't play again because of a small injury? Get your heads out of your ********s, He is the best passer in England's rank at the minute.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

The three Man Utd youths leaving is great. Stoke have a brilliant relationship with Man Utd. Looks like we'll get some future Robbie Savages this season. If you take into account that Savage didn't used to be that bad. Not brilliant, but certainly a valuable asset to the lower Premier teams he was in.

 

[Spunky]

The three Man Utd youths leaving is great. Stoke have a brilliant relationship with Man Utd. Looks like we'll get some future Robbie Savages this season. If you take into account that Savage didn't used to be that bad. Not brilliant, but certainly a valuable asset to the lower Premier teams he was in.

Savage really was good when he was at Leicester, And Birmingham. He was the player that cleaned up after the rest of the shit that was in the midfield.

Really though, All three of them have a great future, Gibson could very well become a lower class Scholes.

Danny Simpson is looking good as well, He is very quick, And can play his way out of trouble, But he needs to be braver in the tackle, And a little stronger.

Now Campbell could be a 20 goal a season striker, He has pace, Has an eye for goal, And isn't afraid to have a pop at goal from range. He needs the right management to guide him though.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

I heard rumours the other day about Stoke putting a bid in for a Man Utd youngster. Think it was Gibson. Could be a good move for both sides. It worked for Shawcross.

Either way, Stoke, Hull, the three promoted teams and a couple of others would do well to try and get any of them. It's not like they needs to be anything but part timers for the season anyway.

 

[Spunky]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is planning to use some of the £80m raised by the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to launch a shock raid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

WOW! Pulling that off would REALLY upset the balance at Liverpool. I could see a supporters revolt happening if Torres went to Utd.

Ferguson has instructed United chief executive David Gill to complete a £24m deal for Valencia's David Silva.

Madrid have reportedly, Already signed Villa for around £34mil.

Manchester United are also tracking Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes after the 27-year-old's contract talks broke down.

Would be a great signing, Afterall Edwin wont be around for much longer. He is a quality keeper, But at 38 years old, He hasn't got long left.

Lyon have told Manchester United that striker Karim Benzema is not for sale this summer.

I'd be surprised if Lyon turned down £30mil for the guy. He has the potential to become footballs next superstar.

Newcastle want former West Ham and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley to take charge of the club as the relationship between caretaker manager Alan Shearer and owner Mike Ashley has become strained.

I wouldn't want Alan taking over if I was a Newkey if i'm honest. He hasn't managed at Champoinship for a long while.

Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez will sign for rivals Manchester City when his loan deal at Old Trafford finishes at the end of June.

It's said that Tevez's family are very settled in Mancester, And with Carlos being used as somewhat of a bit part player, Could see him going. Robinho has gone on record saying he would love to be partnered with Tevez.

However, Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o has rejected Manchester City's offer, leaving Chelsea, Liverpool and Inter Milan battling it out for the Cameroon striker.

Unless Josep comes out and says he doesn't want Eto'o, I cant see him leaving Barca.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has been told by Real Madrid the Spanish club will sign him next year, as they cannot pay out more than £50m twice in one summer.

Hmm, England > Spain. In football terms anyway. Man Utd are reportedly VERY interested in the french winger.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will go for Bayern Munich's Luca Toni, if he cannot sign former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid.

Luca would be a better fit at spurs, He could be what Crouch was at pompy for Defoe. Luca runs like a cow though.

Spurs midfielder David Bentley is set to end his disappointing spell at White Hart Lane by signing for Aston Villa on 1 July.

English players seem to fluorish under O'Neil so it could be a good move for Bentley, But depending on the fee, Could be bad for Villa.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been told by Inter Milan they will have to pay £80m if they want to sign striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Because of how inconsistant Zlatan is, He isn't worth £20mil. When he's on form, One of the best players on the planet, When he's not he wouldn't get in Forest's starting 11.

Liverpool are preparing a £5m bid for Manchester City's England Under-21 defender Micah Richards.

Another player i'd rather see go to Villa.

West Ham defender Matthew Upson is wanted by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

Again English players at Villa usually find form.

Upson is also wanted by Manchester City, while West Ham are keen on City striker Daniel Sturridge.

A swap deal then? I'd rather have Sturridge, But City cant give him the 1st team football he want, And needs.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is ready to bid £3m for Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere.

Waste of money, Hasn't proved himself at Premiership level, So the Championship will be a good place to refocus his career.

Bayern Munich are interested in Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

No where near good enough to be at a top 4 club, A solid keeper, Just not a great one.

Birmingham are ready to make a £1.5m bid for Espanyol midfielder Jordi Gomez following his impressive loan spell at Swansea last season.

Expect Wigan to chase him as well as Jason Scotland.

Blackburn could make a loan swoop for Chelsea youngster Franco Di Santo should Roque Santa Cruz leave the club this summer.

phsically impressive player, Franco could do with a loan move to get that valuable premiership experience.

Celtic managerial target Tony Mowbray is already planning a transfer raid at on current club West Brom, with £3m-rated Spanish midfielder Borja Valero top of his list.

Says alot about the SPL as a whole really, A lower club player, Being brought into the 2nd best team in Scotland.

 

[Spunky]

Chelsea will test the depth of Liverpool's financial problems and their resolve to keep Fernando Torres by bidding £50m for the Spanish international striker.

Torres is a loyal player, He won't leave anywhere because the club fall on hard times(if that's what you can call it).

But Torres says Liverpool will challenge Chelsea and Manchester United, despite not having the same financial clout as their rivals. He also wants to stay at Liverpool and get close to the legendary status of Kenny Dalglish and Robbie Fowler.

See doesn't surprise me, Torres is all about proving he is quality, He doesn't need a extravagant pay packet to prove it.

Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with Valencia striker David Villa but Torres has told them to forget about signing him as believes his international strike partner will go to either Barcelona or Real Madrid.

David Villa has said in the past that he loves La Liga, And doesn't want to leave his homeland.

The Blues also want another Reds player as they are ready to fight it out with Real Madrid for midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Every year is supposedly the last for Xabi, But he never leaves. THis year will be no different.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is now a target for Real Madrid as well as Barcelona.

He's an amazing defensive midfielder, Proved his worth after his miseerble spell at West Ham, So of course the biggest teams are going to go after him.

Chelsea's failure to land a major signing so far this summer is the reason behind them joining Manchester City in the race to sign Carlos Tevez.

they don't need "major" signings, They need quality. Name value isn't the same as putting a working team together. Alex, And Wenger will tell you the same.

Manchester United will use some of the £80m set to be generated by the move of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid by bringing in Lyon striker Karim Benzema for £25m.

Great buy if they went through with it, This guy has everything you want in a striker, he's like a mix between Rooney, And Lineker.

Hull are keen to bring in Newcastle striker Michael Owen in a deal which would see him get a basic salary plus extras for playing and goals.

Worth a punt on a contract like that, But what kind of fee would be included? Anything more than £5mil would be an overkill, He hasn't restablished himself since coming back to England.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen to bring striker Lomanan LuaLua back to the Premier League after his stint with Qatar side Al-Arabi.

Very quick player, But has never produced many goals in a premiership season.

Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for £7m-rated Atletico Madrid midfielder Jurado but appear to have missed out to Fiorentina in their attempts to sign Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid.

Not familiar with Jurado, But NOT bagging Drenthe is great for Villa, He has a reputation of a trouble maker in the locker room.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to battle it out with everton for the services of Sheffield United right-back Kyle Naughton.

Will be an England regular without a doubt, But Sheffield Utd are wanting a £7mil fee for him. Overkill if you ask me.

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos insists their will be no ill-feeling from his propspective team-mates towards Ronaldo because of his reported £175,000-a-week wages.

Yeah no jealously what so ever? Fuck off, I'd be asking questions if I was in the locker room.

Manchester United will reward the loyalty shown by centre-back Nemanja Vidic by giving him a £1m-a-year pay rise to the same level as Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov.

It's about damn time, Alot more influnetial than Berba, He'd be gone if I was Fergie.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and his players will share a £10m bonus if they qualify for the Champions League next season.

IF they qualify, They've added no one that would suggest that they will be any closer than last season.

 

[GSM]

Ivan Olic was transfered from Hamburger SV to Bayern München for free.

Alexander Baumjohann was tranfered from Borussia Möchengladbach to Bayern München for free.

Mario Gomez was transfered from VFB Stuttgart to Bayern München for 30.000.000 Million €.

Anatoly Tymoschuck was transfered from Zenit St. Petersburg to Bayern München for 11.000.000 Million €.


That´s all the big transfers so far, and it´s no coincidence that Bayern is buying those players.

 

[The Todd]

Ivan Olic was transfered from Hamburger SV to Bayern München for free.

If that's Ivica Olic, he's a superb player who is tevez-esque with his work rate. Great signing from Bayern.

Mario Gomez was transfered from VFB Stuttgart to Bayern München for 30.000.000 Million €.

Lots of potential that he still has to prove to the world but I'd rather have him than Luca Toni.

Anatoly Tymoschuck was transfered from Zenit St. Petersburg to Bayern München for 11.000.000 Million €.

Very good player. Bayern got a natural replacement for Owen Hargreaves now. Next season could be a very good one for Bayern.

 

[Spunky]

Manchester City have signed Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn on a four-year deal after the striker passed a medical.

The 27-year-old was under contract with Blackburn until 2012 but had a buy-out clause in his contract for £18m.

Santa Cruz will link up once more with manager Mark Hughes, who bought him from Bayern Munich when he was in charge at Blackburn two years ago.

The Paraguayan said: "It's been close to happening for a while. Now I can focus on doing my best for the club."

He scored 23 goals in his first season at Blackburn, but injury stalled his progress in the 2008-09 campaign.

Santa Cruz, who scored just six goals last season, signed a four-year contract extension at Ewood Park last summer.

But he became a target for City after their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United group, with a series of offers rejected in the January transfer window.


Santa Cruz told the club's website: "The owners want the club to be more successful. They want to break into the top four, and the fact that the fans are so passionate about everything to do with City was also a factor. I am very motivated to play for these fans.

"I know the kind of football Mark Hughes wants to play and the kind of character he is - he's a winner, he wants to make things happen and be successful.

"Those are always my thoughts as well, so knowing what he wants was a big factor in coming here, because I know the club is going in the right direction."

Hughes said that Santa Cruz would be a key addition to his squad. He added: "His ability in the air and his physical presence are qualities we've been missing, but he also has technical ability and good pace for a big man.


"He's a very good player and one I know well from our time at Blackburn."

The deal is City's second signing of the summer, following Gareth Barry's £12m move from Aston Villa.

After joining from Bundesliga side Bayern Munich for £3.8m in 2007, Santa Cruz went on to make 70 appearances for Rovers.

But he only played 16 times last season in a disjointed campaign, with a knee problem keeping him on the sidelines for the last two months.

Santa Cruz could make a swift return to Ewood Park, with City's first game of the new season at Blackburn

As the news report said, Roque had a huge impact for Rovers in his first season, And was center of attention that summer, But he signed a new contract because he wanted to stay under Hughes managment, But then Hughes left for Man City.

His second season was ruined by injury, Knee injury that plagued his career at Bayern Munich. However if he can stay fit he will be a good buy for City, As he is powerful, In the air and on the ball, Pretty quick, Technically gifted, And has gets his head on everything.

 

[The Hiphopapotamus]

According to sky sports news:

Kevin Doyle has signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers from Reading for an undisclosed fee.He has signed a four year deal.

I think this is a great signing.He was superb last season in the championship and should be in the Premier League this season.He is a prolific striker,but he has a huge work rate,maybe not as much as Tevez though.He is strong,fast,good in the air,good control and a great finisher.It's just a matter of time before our fellow countryman Stephen Hunt follows him to the top division.Where?Probably Wigan.

 

[The Todd]

Benzema has joined Real Madrid and Ribery wants to join. Now, ignoring the fact Real Madrid will have spent about £200m this summer (where the fuck has that money come from?!?) this is what they currently have. Ronaldo, Robben, Kaka, Benzema, Huntelaar, Raul, van Nistelrooy, Sneijder, van der Vaart, possibly Ribery and no fucking defence. I really hope this kicks them in the arse. Barca have a team that will shit all over Madrid. Hopefully the second coming of the Galactico's fails spectacularly. You build a team, not a world XI.

 

[The Todd]

Michael Owen is having a medical at Manchester United. Yep, Manchester United are in for Michael Owen. The same Michael Owen who was shite for Newcastle last year. Will it prove to be the bargain of the summer as he bangs in the goals now he has decent support? Or will it be the biggest waste of a free transfer in the history of football. Ferguson generally knows what he's doing but this is a massive gamble. He'll probably fail his medical though.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

I suppose it's a good move even if he plays and scores just a few. But really I think him joining Man Utd is snobbish. He'd be better off at one of only two teams who were intrested in him. Hull & Stoke play a more primitive version of what Liverpool used to play when he was at his peak.

 

[Spunky]

Sunderland have completed the signing of Fraizer Campbell from Manchester United on a four-year contract.

The England Under 21 international underwent a medical at the Stadium of Light on Saturday morning before putting pen-to-paper on a long-term deal.

United will receive an initial £3.5million fee, which could rise to a maximum of £6million should various criteria be met.

Earlier in the summer it had looked as though Campbell was on his way to Hull City - with whom he helped gain promotion to the Premier League the season before last - but he has instead opted for a move to the Black Cats.

Campbell spent last season on loan at Tottenham, whom he moved to as part of the deal that took Dimitar Berbatov to United, but struggled for playing time.

Having made just nine starts during his White Hart Lane sojourn, Campbell will be hoping for substantially more playing time under Steve Bruce at Sunderland.

Campbell's impressive displays at the European U21 Championship caught the eye and he will aim for more of the same next term


Average signing, He does have an abundance of talent, But has yet to use it to it's fullest. He was a storm in the championship, But yet to prove himself in the premiership. I'd have had a punt on him, He could play off KJ pretty well, Quick as fuck, And got an eye for goal, So could do well for Sunderland.

 

[Leeds Guy]

Agreed but I'm a bit sad that he turned his back on Hull. Campbells got talent he just needs to produce it on the football pitch. He did kinda well in the under 21 Championships scoring a couple of goals(before getting sent off against Sweden) so he is gaining confidence. The good news for him is that he will play in the Premier league unlike at Tottenham where he just sat on the bench for most of the season.

 

[Phoenix]

Adebayor has now completed his £25m move from Arsenal to Man City. All I can is about time, I think it's good we got rid of him, he maybe a good striker, but good is the best that he is. He has such an attitude and acts like he's bigger than anyone and will only play when he's motivated, I think this is personally good for Arsenal because I think we will be taken more as a threat when we have plenty of attacking options.

As for City, I think this is what's going to spell real trouble for them, including Ade, they have Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez, Robinho, Craig Bellamy, Valeri Bojinov and Benjani for striker selection. Problem is some of them have big egos and I don't think any will sit easy when team selections occur. Too many options will mean that they won't have a set playing style and that could be dangerous to them and the rest of the league. Best example is Chelsea in the first season under Ambramovich (sp), they weren't consistant because of Ranieri's rotating and not being open on choosing a solid team.

I think Man City are becoming a threat, but I think they will head to self destruction under Mark Hughes, I don't see him handling all those egos in the club too well. Watch this space.

What do you make of this move?