Tottenham move in for Young

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is rumoured to be working day and night to secure the transfer of Aston Villa’s Ashley Young.

And Redknapp is thinking of giving up David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas to land Young in a swap.

The PFA Young Player of the Year is on top of Redknapp's shortlist for a quality left winger.

And he is adamant on getting his man after failing to tempt Gareth Barry to North London.

It was during negotiations that the Spurs' boss found out about Martin O'Neill's interest in Jenas.

Now Spurs will attempt to put together a player-swap deal that would be worth £20million.

Villa forked out £9.65m for Young in 2007 and extended his contract last November, in a deal that will see him earn at least £40,000-a-week contract to 2012.

Tottenham are rumoured to be ready to pay him £55,000 a week

Robben to Liverpool for Alonso?

Real Madrid are offering Arjen Robben to Liverpool in a straight swap deal that will see Xabi Alonso make his way to the Bernabeu.

Rafa Benitez is said to be unwilling to sell Alonso and has rejected an £18million bid in recent times.

But Los Blancos will also try to persuade Benitez to a deal of £18m cash plus Gabriel Heinze if the Robben deal is dismissed.

Real Madrid need to raise cash fast after signing Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for a combined total of £142m.

And Dutch winger Arjen Robben is their most desirable and expendable asset.

Sources from Madrid say that Livepool have slapped a £27m price tag on Alonso. Bernabeu president Florentino Perez hopes to avoid spending another cent to match the massive asking price by offering his wing wizard.

However, Benitez could be afraid of taking on an injury-prone player, who has been in and out of the squad since his £27m move to the Bernabeu two years ago.

And the potential of having Heinze at left-back could be too much of temptation for Benitez.

Real Madrid want Liverpool’s Arbeloa

Real Madrid are set to keep on spending – shelling out £8million for Liverpool’s Alvaro Arbeloa this time around.

There are also rumours that Real will table a £15m bid for Ashley Cole to keep him from the grasps of Barcelona.

A little more than a day after having an £80m fee for Cristiano Ronaldo accepted by Manchester United, Real supremo Florentino Perez has contacted Liverpool with a concrete offer for right-back Arbeloa.

The 26-year-old was an important member of Rafa Benitez's squad last season.

Benitez will attempt to resist Los Blanco's offer despite being told that he will need to offload some personnel in order to be able to make some signings

Arbeloa was once a Real Madrid youngster but only played two games for Los Meregues before moving to Deportivo La Coruna.

He was transferred to Liverpool for £3m in January 2007 and Madrid, who are in the know about the Reds' financial problems, are convinced they can get Arbeloa on a flight to Spain.

Having spent a combined £142m on Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid are now looking to shore up their defence.

Going absolutely crazy for Ribs

Bayern Munich have said to Alex Ferguson he must put in a ‘crazy’ offer to sign Franck Ribery.

Bayern have placed Ribery's value at £90million, who is a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness said: "We would only talk on very strict conditions - and that would be if they were prepared to do crazy things."

Sir Alex Ferguson has been interested in the 26-year-old for years and he is rumoured to be in the market after Ronaldo's £80m sale to Real Madrid.

In a further twist in this transfer tale, Los Blancos are now the favourites to land Ribery whose agent, Alain Migliaccio, also represents former Bernabeu hero Zinedine Zidane.

The football icon is now employed as Real president Florentino Perez's right-hand man and was seen in Munich earlier this week.

Pirlo will leave milan

In an interview with Italian TV station Sportitalia, football journalist, transfer market insider and former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi said today : "AC Milan have turned the page. Their owner Silvio Berlusconi is no longer willing to invest his own money in the club. Therefore, the club's new policy is to sell their players to keep going. In this regard, I believe that Andrea Pirlo will be sold to the highest bidder". As recently reported, Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Andrea Pirlo upon coach Carlo Ancelotti's advice. However, other top clubs could begin tracking the Italian international soon.

Rossi is happy at Villarreal

Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi has played down talk of a move to Juventus, saying he is happy at the Spanish club.

Speculation is rife in Italy that Rossi could be on his way to the Bianconeri in a deal that would see David Trezeguet head the other way.

The Italy forward admits it would be a "dream" to return to Serie A but he insists he will not push for a move away from Villarreal, where he is under contract until 2013.

"I've also heard about this possibility," Rossi told Tuttosport. "But I have a contract for several years with Villarreal, where I am rather happy.

Benzema happy at LYON

Lyon director Bernard Lacombe has moved to quell heightening speculation that suggests Karim Benzema will leave Stade Gerland over the summer.

The precociously talented young striker has been strongly linked with Manchester United, as Sir Alex Ferguson weighs up just how to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

A €40million (£34m) offer is reportedly in the offing, while Inter Milan are also weighing up a bid as they are resigned to losing wantaway striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

However, Lacombe insists he has not received any offers for the 21-year-old, who is also thought to be on Real Madrid's radar.

"The fax is not overheating," he told le Dauphine Libere. "Even if you should never say never in football, there is a lot of noise about nothing at this moment.

"The idea is still to keep Karim for another season."

Benzema's agent has also confirmed the France international is keen to remain at Lyon for another year at least before seeking a move to a bigger club.

"OL don't need liquid assets and Karim wants to stay until the 2010 World Cup," said Karim Djaziri. "On our part a departure is not on the agenda."

Benzema, who has come through the ranks at the Ligue 1 giants, scored 23 goals in all competitions last season, at an average of a goal every other game.

Cannavaro voices Real concerns

Fabio Cannavaro doubts whether Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo will solve the "internal problems" he believes exist at Real.

Cannavaro has spent the past three seasons at Real Madrid but, having not been offered a new contract, will return to his previous club Juventus for the 2009/10 campaign.

And he is not convinced acquiring two world stars will help the club close the gap on treble winners Barcelona.

"The club is going to have to do more because these players will not solve the internal problems," said Cannavaro, who is currently with the Italy squad in South Africa building up to the Confederations Cup.

"The most important thing for the team is to achieve a group mentality."

Red Devils chasing Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez's agent has claimed that Manchester United want to sign the Udinese forward.

The Chile international's representative, Fernando Felicevich, claims the Red Devils are one of a number of Premier League clubs in talks about a potential deal for the 20-year-old.

Sanchez impressed in Serie A last season after spending the previous campaign on loan with Argentinian outfit River Plate and now it looks like he could be set for a move to England.

"My partner is currently in England working on the transfer of Alexis," Felicevich told Setanta.com.

"Yes, we have spoken to Manchester United, but not just to United.

"We have also held talks with other English teams. We are trying to do the transfer this summer."

Vucinic shrugs off United link

Roma striker Mirko Vucinic insists he wants to remain at the Stadio Olimpico despite reported interest from Manchester United.

Speculation has been rife that Vucinic is one of the players United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering as a replacement for Real Madrid bound Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports in Italy suggest informal contact has been made between the clubs for the Montenegro forward but Vucinic, who recently signed a new four-year deal, is happy to stay at the capital club.

"It's certainly pleasing that a great club like that are interested in me," he told Corriere dello Sport. "But I have only heard about it from the newspapers.

"At the moment I'm only thinking about relaxing by the seaside with my family.

"I've just signed a new contract and I'd like to stay at Roma."

Roma reportedly refused a 22 million euro offer from United last summer for Vucinic but, knowing they have to sell to buy, could accept 25 million for the 25-year-old.

Nani: I can be new Ronaldo

Manchester United winger Nani hopes to play more once Cristiano Ronaldo departs for Real Madrid in an £80million transfer.

Ronaldo's move to the Bernabeu is expected to be confirmed in the next few days.

"Ronaldo was a very important player for us but now my opportunity has come," Nani said to Portuguese sports newspaper OJOGO.

"The time has come (for Manchester United) to put their trust in me."

Ronaldo's world-record transfer has taken a lot of people by surprise considering the financial crisis in Spain and around the world.

"It's a fantastic fee," the 22-year-old added.

"It puts a new value on Ronaldo.

"We are talking about an excellent player, so I think it (the fee) is fair."

Ronaldo is the FIFA World Player of the Year and has won numerous titles with Manchester United.

"He deserves everything that has happened to him considering what he has accomplished in recent years," said Nani, who will remain a team-mate of Ronaldo's in Portugal's national side.

"Real Madrid is a great club and I wish him luck."

United bid for Wigan's Valencia

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Manchester United have made offers for Antonio Valencia.

It was reported at the weekend that Premier League champions United and Primera Liga giants Real Madrid had bid in excess of £16million for the Ecuador international.

Real - who have had a world-record £80m bid for United's Cristiano Ronaldo accepted - have since stated that they have not shown an interest in Valencia since January.

However, Whelan has declared that United have been in contact with DW Stadium officials for the past two to three months and that they have also submitted initial offers.

He told Sky Sports News when asked about Valencia: "They (United) have been in touch with us and we will be starting negotiations very shortly, I would imagine.

"United have been in touch with us over Antonio for the last two or three months, expressing an interest and actually putting cash offers on the table.

"Those things have got to be picked up now. I think they were waiting to see if Ronaldo actually went to Real, which has happened."

He added: "Things will develop over the next seven to 14 days.

Robinho wants Tevez at City

Manchester City ace Robinho wants Carlos Tevez to join him at Eastlands.

The Brazilian striker's revelation comes in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's £80million transfer to Real Madrid, a deal that could pave the way to Manchester United finally stumping up the £32million they need to secure Tevez's services on a full-time basis.

However, with Tevez making noises that he wants to leave Old Trafford, Robinho has vowed to convince his fellow South American that a move to City would be the right thing to do.

"We would definitely complement City's attack. I hope my club make a move for him," Robinho told The Sun newspaper.

"It would be a pleasure to play with Carlos. He is one of the best players in the world and it is a shame he is not having more opportunities at his current club.

"If he leaves United - as I have been reading in the last few days - and if the interest of City gets confirmed, of course I will try to convince him to join us.

"I am sure we would make a fiercesome duo up front. He is so fast and combative with great technique."

Mourinho keen on Deco reunion

Chelsea misfit Deco could be on his way to Inter Milan after Jose Mourinho expressed an interest in signing his former player.

The Brazilian-born Portuguese player has become surplus to requirements at Chelsea and recently stated that he was unhappy at Stamford Bridge and wanted to leave in the summer.

A move to the Serie A champions would re-unite the 31-year-old playmaker with his former boss, the pair having won the Champions League together with Porto in 2004.

Such a move has become a real possibility following an interview the Inter boss gave to English daily The Sun in which he said "Deco helped me to become European champion and I helped Deco to become the European Footballer of the Year.

"If it will be possible for him to come to Inter and for us to work together again. It would be something wonderful for both of us."

Deco signed for the London based club a year ago, but failed to shine after former boss Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in February.

Trezeguet to City in Elano swap?

David Trezeguet may be on his way to the blue half of Manchester, in a swap deal that would see Manchester City's Elano joining Juventus.

The former France international and current Juventus striker is allegedly being chased by a number of clubs, including City, Roma, Villarreal and Liverpool.

With City's Brazilian midfielder Elano seeking a move to the Serie A, a transfer-swap deal could soon be in the works.

Although Elano has made it clear that his first-choice destination is Serie A champions Inter Milan, a move to Turin may be just as appealing.

City manager Mark Hughes and his Middle-East-based bosses are looking to build a team capable of securing European football next season, and would likely be interested in doing business with Juve.

For his part, Trezeguet has stated he is unsure about his future with club.

"We will see in the future and everything will be discussed in time.

" It will be an important decision as I have been here for nine years. All I know is that I will be present for when we get back to work on July 3."

Milan still in hunt for Dzeko

AC Milan have not given up hope of signing Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko despite the Bundesliga club's refusal to sell him.

The Bosnia international is the Rossoneri's top target this summer with Premier League sides Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal also reportedly interested in the 23-year-old.

"Wolfsburg have declared the player is not for sale," said AC Milan club administrator Adriano Galliani.

"But we will try again because he is our top aim, without a doubt.

"But in the case he doesn't arrive then we would consider our second and third aim."

Dzeko scored 26 goals in the Bundesliga this season helping the Wolves clinch the league title.

Mourinho: Ibra is staying with Inter

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho believes Barcelona's top target Zlatan Ibrahimovic will remain at the San Siro this summer.

The Swedish striker has been linked with a move to the Primera Liga, with Barca among the clubs keen to acquire the 27-year-old's services.

However, Mourinho is optimistic Ibrahimovic, who was the leading goalscoring in Serie A with 25 goals, will stay put.

"I continue to think that Ibrahimovic will be an Inter player," said Mourinho on the club's official website, www.inter.it.

"It's a conviction of mine.

"No-one has told me anything, it's just a feeling I have."

Ibrahimovic is under contract with the Italian champions through June 2010.

Milan saved from financial ruin

Kaka's blockbuster move from Milan to Real Madrid has helped keep the club out of financial trouble.

The Brazilian ace move the the Santiago Bernabeu for a €67.2million fee on Monday. Reports before the sale claimed an eventual move was inevitable as the club wanted to bring their accounts in line with its economic policies.

"Kaka's sale has balanced the books at Milan and the directors did well," Milan chief executive officer Fedele Confaloneri told reporters at a meeting in Milan as reported by Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"Certain offers have to be taken into consideration."

The chief is hoping new coach Leonardo can emulate the success enjoyed by former coaches such as Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello.

"We still have a nice team with younger players and a young coach who can be the new Sacchi or Capello," concluded Confaloneri.

Spurs hunting for Huntelaar

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is understood to be one of the players Tottenham are looking at ahead of the new Premier League season.

Huntelaar, the Holland international, scored eight goals in 20 appearances after joining Real Madrid at the Bernabeu from Ajax but was also left out of their Champions League squad in favour of Lassana Diarra.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who is also believed to be monitoring Ruud van Nistelrooy at Real, has been tipped to revamp his squad after taking them from bottom to eighth in the table in their last campaign.

Sulley Muntari's agent has claimed Spurs had an offer turned down for the Inter Milan midfielder, who worked with Redknapp at Portsmouth.

"It is true Tottenham made an offer, but Sulley remains at Inter as they declined it," said Fabien Piveteau on setanta.com.

"He is very happy to play and win for Inter, and wants to continue to do so. He only came to Inter last year on a four-year contract."

Redknapp, meanwhile, believes Wolves, Birmingham and Burnley will provide tough challenges next season after promotion.

"They are all big clubs with great traditions and they will all be determined to stay up," said Redknapp.

Wigan confirm United bid for Valencia

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Manchester United have made offers for Antonio Valencia.

It was reported at the weekend that Premier League champions United and Primera Liga giants Real Madrid had bid in excess of £16million for the Ecuador international.

Real - who have had a world-record £80m bid for United's Cristiano Ronaldo accepted - have since stated that they have not shown an interest in Valencia since January.

However, Whelan has declared that United have been in contact with DW Stadium officials for the past two to three months and that they have also submitted initial offers.

He told Sky Sports News when asked about Valencia: "They (United) have been in touch with us and we will be starting negotiations very shortly, I would imagine.

"United have been in touch with us over Antonio for the last two or three months, expressing an interest and actually putting cash offers on the table.

"Those things have got to be picked up now. I think they were waiting to see if Ronaldo actually went to Real, which has happened."

Gattuso's mission is at Milan

Gennaro Gattuso's agent has quashed reports his client will leave AC Milan this summer.

The Rossoneri fans are fearing an exodus of players after Kaka's big-money move to Real Madrid earlier this week.

World Cup-winning Italy midfielder Gattuso has been linked with a move to Chelsea, where former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the reins.

But his agent, Andrea D'Amico, has played down such talk.

He said: "I have never said that Gattuso will leave.

"There could be offers for him by clubs because who wouldn't want a player like Gattuso?

"Rino (Gattuso) was saddened to see Ancelotti leave because he has a special relationship with him.

"(But) his mission is at Milan and he wants to stay."

Gattuso, who missed most of the season with a knee injury, is currently on international duty with Italy in South Africa, preparing for the Confederations Cup.

Valencia reject Chelsea Villa bid

Valencia have turned down a reported offer from Chelsea for Spain international David Villa.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ronaldo pride over historic move

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his pride at being the subject of an "historic" £80million bid from Real Madrid.

The Manchester United and Portugal winger is set to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical with the Bernabeu giants after the English side accepted the offer on Thursday.

"I have had my time at Man United," said Ronaldo, who is currently on holiday in Los Angeles.

"It's time to look forward and £80million is quite a sum of money. This deal is historic,"

"It's flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them.

"Now I can look forward to Real Madrid and a new stage in my career.

"I learned of the deal here in LA and heard from my people that United had accepted."

Lyon hunt down Vieira

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

United fans have dream wish-list

Manchester United fans want Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer fee reinvested in their team, with Carlos Tevez top of their wish-list.

United have been trying to broker a deal with Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian, who had a meeting with chief executive David Gill last week aimed at resolving the matter.

However, with a world record £80million fee at their disposal if, as expected, Ronaldo moves to the Bernabeu later this month, United supporters see no reason to stall any longer, while Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Antonio Valencia of Wigan remain major targets.

Most United supporters will be happy to accept Sir Alex Ferguson's judgement on a player who nearly left Old Trafford last summer, since when his elaborate posturing and ego have only increased.

But, as compensation for losing the world player of the year, they want an assurance the massive fee will not be used to pay off part of the Glazer family's £650million debt.

"There is no information that it is anything other than the manager's decision but obviously there is huge pressure on the owners and it is a temptation when you are offered that much money," said Duncan Drasdo, chairman of the Manchester United Supporters Trust.

"That is exactly why we want to see a commitment from the owners that the money is going to remain within the club and available to strengthen the squad.

"We have sold the best player in the world. That is a big disappointment. If the money is reinvested into the club at least it will soften the blow."

Old Trafford insiders have attempted to assure supporters that is the case and also insist no agreement was in place when Ferguson famously declared during a press conference at the Club World Cup in Yokohama last December that "he would not sell that mob a virus".

Since then though, attitudes inside the Red Devils camp have hardened to the 24-year-old.

Ronaldo's disgracefully petulant reaction to being substituted during the victory over Manchester City did not go unnoticed, nor his body language in the immediate aftermath of defeat against Barcelona in Rome last month.

Given it was also apparent Ferguson no longer trusted Ronaldo to do any defensive work, forcing Wayne Rooney to play in a wider position that limits his growing abilities, the United boss simply decided trying to keep Ronaldo was no longer worth it, even if he talent is immense.

As someone whose departure along with Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis in the summer of 1995 led to a newspaper poll calling for Ferguson to be sacked, only for United to respond by landing the double, Mark Hughes knows better than most that Ferguson should not be questioned at this point.

"There has been a lot of speculation about Ronaldo's future for a number of seasons, so that is not so much of a shock as maybe the level of investment Real Madrid is prepared to put in to acquire him," said Hughes.

"As we know, Sir Alex Ferguson makes key decisions very quickly. You suspect he has been involved in this and feels it is the right decision for the team and the club. You have to respect that."

Fabregas commited to Gunners

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has no intention of following Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain or moving anywhere else.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Here, I do not get involved at all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milan deny Pato exit rumours

AC Milan have quashed reports that Alexandre Pato and other stars will follow Kaka's lead by leaving the San Siro this summer.

The Rossoneri fans are fearing an exodus of players after Kaka's 65million euro move to Real Madrid.

Pato and Andrea Pirlo have been linked with Chelsea, where former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the reins.

AC Milan club administrator Adriano Galliani said today: "Pato will remain, 100%.

"All our other top players will remain, 99.9%."

However, Galliani revealed that Chelsea's Andriy Shevchenko and Arsenal's Philippe Senderos will not be signed on a permanent basis with their loan-season deals at AC Milan having ended.

"We will not sign Shevchenko or Senderos," he said. "They will not be a part of the team next season."

Ronaldo exit end of an era?

One day, perhaps this coming season or perhaps the season after, United will realise Cristiano Ronaldo was irreplaceable.

Although £80million in the bank softens the most painful blow, Ronaldo was as close to a priceless asset as any footballer can get.

This could well be the end of an era for United. They have lost key players before such as Roy Keane, David Beckham and Eric Cantona, and suffered a blip before they rebuilt under Sir Alex Ferguson but Ronaldo is the best player in the world, bar none.

We may have baulked at his diving in his early days, been put off by his petulance and preening and decried his air of arrogance but it is a simple fact that, whoever United splash out on to replace Ronaldo this summer, they will be a lesser side without him.

Who will come in? Franck Ribery? David Silva? Good players, sure, but not at Ronaldo's level, nowhere near.

Dribbling, shooting, passing, heading, free-kicks - and what free-kicks - he really has it all.

What about those who are almost at his level, such as Lionel Messi, or Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Kaka, Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Michael Essien and Cesc Fabregas?

Barcelona will not sell their best players, even for £80million, for that would be tantamount to suicide, especially with the return of the galacticos era to Real Madrid.

As for the others: Kaka has just been signed by Real; Liverpool fans would storm the Anfield barricades if any move were made to sell Torres or Gerrard to United; Chelsea are so rich - still - that they do not have to sell anybody; and if Fabregas is going to go anywhere it would be back to Barcelona, not Manchester.

As Manchester City are finding out, you can have the biggest bank balance in the game but there is a limited supply of truly world-class players out there.

This was of course Ronaldo's decision too and though his previous overt flirting with Real Madrid had diminished of late, to many that was merely a sign that this time he really did want to go.

Zhirkov prefers Barca over Chelsea and AC Milan

Yuri Zhirkov has admitted that he would love nothing more than a move to Barcelona, despite the recruitment of Roman Abramovich.

Zhirkov had earlier stressed that he has no offers from any clubs currently, but would like one from the club he wants to go to.

Chelsea look to be winning the race for the CSKA Moscow winger, but the Nou Camp is where Zhirkov wants to be.

"I would prefer to join Barcelona, but that does not automatically mean I would turn down Chelsea," he explained in Sport Express. "I should stress again that there is a difference between playing for a club and sitting on the bench. If I had to sit on the bench, I wouldn't even want to join Barcelona."

"I am still yet to receive any specific offers."

Zhirkov is also rumoured to be a target of AC Milan, but the 25-year-old would still prefer Barcelona over the Rossoneri as well.

"It would depend on the contract," he continue. "With all else being equal, I would perhaps go to Barcelona because it is a city I like very much and I have friends there."

"However, we are talking about something that is a long way from reality right now."

Drogba's Future in Dilemma !

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba insists he plans to stay with the club and is fed up with constant speculation.

Drogba has been continually linked with a move away from Chelsea with the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan and Marseille all credited with an interest in the Ivorian.

The 31-year-old has revealed he keeps in contact with Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo, but has ruled out a return to Stade Velodrome.

"I am a bit tired of speaking about my future," Drogba told Le Parisien. "I already did on many occasions. I am good at Chelsea.

"We call each other, Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo sometimes, to be in touch. If Marseille want me, their directors must meet Chelsea's. But today it's not on the cards."

Drogba is looking forward to working under new Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti and praised Guus Hiddink for raising spirits following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari

"I am going to miss [Guus] Hiddink but having him as our coach was nice," added Drogba.

"It has been a lovely experience. He helped us bounce back.

"I hope that Ancelotti will help us win titles, this is the reason why he has been appointed. Everybody knows his trophy room is full, as a player and as a manager."

Toni Going out of Bayren munich

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has admitted Barcelona have expressed an interest in taking him to Spain.

The Italy international is currently on the books of German giants Bayern Munich, but has hinted that he may consider a move elsewhere.

With Bayern set to welcome Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic onto their books this summer, and with Miroslav Klose already at the club, Toni has expressed fears for his future at Allianz Arena.

Taking the added competition for places into consideration, the Italy international feels he would be foolish to ignore the advances of European champions Barcelona should the Catalans come calling.

"Barca have the best team in the world and I am honoured that they are seriously interested in me," Toni told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I am still under contract, I know, but Mario Gomez is about to arrive from Stuttgart and he is an extremely good striker.

"We will have four strikers next season and that is quite a lot.

"I am not sure if I will be staying at Bayern and I will definitely have to talk to the club about this."

Toni has also welcomed reported interest from AC Milan and Inter Milan, claiming a return to his homeland could be possible.

Maldini reveals Milan fears

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini fears for the club's prospects following the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid.

The Brazil playmaker's switch from the San Siro to the Bernabeu for a reported fee of around £59million was sealed earlier this week.

Maldini, who retired after 24 years in Rossoneri colours after helping Milan finish third last season, admits the transfer makes financial sense but worries how it will affect their Champions League hopes.

"This decision (to sell) was not taken well by his team-mates and supporters," he said.

"Looking at the accounts, it is a logical thing. But it is also logical to set realistic goals, and winning the Champions League without Kaka is unrealistic."

He added: "It is an historic change.

"Kaka is one of the top five players in the world with (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It is the first transfer of this level. The other four have not moved."

Kaka's compatriot Alexandre Pato has been linked with a move to Chelsea to be reunited with new Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, who brought him to Milan as a 17-year-old in 2007.

But Maldini does not think the teenager will be lured away.

"I do not think he will," he said. "We hope to be able to see him for many more years at Milan. He still has to fulfil his potential as he is only 19 years old."

Andrea Pirlo is also said to be considering his future, but Maldini has warned the Italy international not to make any rash decisions on the back of losing Ancelotti and Kaka in quick succession.

"I want Andrea to stay, but then I do not know what he is thinking," added Maldini. "He must think not 10 times before leaving but 100."

As for his own future, Maldini appears keen to remain involved with Milan but has not been offered a role yet.

"My future? Looking after family life," he said. "I have had proposals of various kinds. From Milan still nothing, but there will be time to talk about thi