Parma hopeful of Panucci deal

Parma are hopeful of signing full-back Christian Panucci as a free agent.

The recently-promoted Serie A club are in talks with the 36-year-old former Italy international.

"We are in negotiations with Panucci," said Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi. "The player will return from holiday on Sunday and we will have further talks with him.

"We consider him a champion but we have to wait and see if the negotiations will prove successful."

Panucci was not offered a contract extension with Roma, the club he has played for since 2001.

He made 20 league starts for the Eternal City outfit last season but fell out with coach Luciano Spalletti his over lack of playing time.

Roma's owners deny sale agreement

Roma's parent company Italpetroli have denied reports they have agreed a deal to sell their shares in the Serie A club.

The Italian media have suggested the Sensi family will make an official announcement on Monday that they have sold their 67% stake in Roma to a Swiss-German conglomerate headed by Vinicio Fioranelli for around 200 million euros.

However, the family's company, who admitted yesterday they were investigating the offer, released a statement this afternoon insisting no deal is in place.

"In reference to what has been reported today and last night by some media about reaching an agreement regarding the purchase of the controlling share packet at Roma, Italpetroli, as indirect controller, stresses that no agreement has been signed, of any sort, regarding the share packet in question, nor do conditions and requirements exist at the moment to suggest that any type of transaction could be finalised next Monday, June 22."

Chelsea Drog ready to stay

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has admitted nothing is certain in football but he still plans to stay in London.

The 31-year-old striker has always maintained that he will remain with the club at least until his contract expires in the summer of 2010

"I have one year remaining on my contract with Chelsea," Drogba told L'Equipe.

"Last September when my book was published, I stated I will stay until the end of my contract.

"However a lot of things can happen that won't depend on me. When I was at Marseille I really thought I could stay a long time, and a few days later I was asked to leave, so..."

Drogba has regularly been linked with a move to Inter Milan, where he would be reunited with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

The forwarsd understands that it is Mourinho's desire to one day possess a strike partnership of himself and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.

Drogba is not sure such a scenario could ever become a reality, although he would love to see Eto'o join Chelsea.

He explained: "Could I play one day with Eto'o? Yes, it was even almost done at one moment when I was at Chelsea.

City and Chelsea head Tevez queue

Manchester City and Chelsea are leading the race for Carlos Tevez after he opted against signing a new deal at Manchester United.

Manchester City and Chelsea are leading the race for Carlos Tevez after he opted against signing a lucrative new deal at Manchester United because he "wasn't the most wanted person" at Old Trafford, according to his advisor Kia Joorabchian.

United chief executive David Gill had been in discussions with Joorabchian, with the aim of keeping the popular Argentina forward.

But, despite the offer of a five-year contract that would have made Tevez one of the highest paid players at the club, the 25-year-old has decided to leave.

Tevez, according to Joorabchian, ruled out the prospect of moving to Liverpool as a mark of respect to United fans, but appears interested in the possibility of joining City or Chelsea.

Joorabchian told TalkSport: "We ruled Liverpool out because of the competitive nature of Manchester United and Liverpool.

"He has a lot of respect and a lot of love for the fans of Man United and I think he would rule Liverpool out as being the biggest competitor.

"City and Chelsea probably would be the two clubs that are on the table.

"City have obviously been in contact with us. I've spoken to (City executive chairman) Garry (Cook) and to (manager) Mark (Hughes) on several occasions.

"We haven't talked to them about a contract, we haven't talked to Chelsea either about that because we've respected the fact that Carlos is a Manchester United player.

"Without getting into the point of whether he's going to City or Chelsea or wherever, the issue is that I think Carlos wants to go to a club which has real ambition, a club which is showing intent, a club which he can help achieve great things.

"City have shown a lot of ambition with the players they've brought in in the last year or so, and Chelsea are also showing a lot of ambition - they want to win the Champions League. Both have that ambition.

Pavone to remain at Betis

Real Betis president Jose Leon Gomez has ruled out any chance of striker Mariano Pavone returning to Argentina.

Real Betis president Jose Leon Gomez has ruled out any chance of striker Mariano Pavone returning to Argentina.

The former Estudiantes player has been linked with San Lorenzo but Gomez said that the Andalusian club have no interest in letting him go.

"Pavone's future is to play in Betis next year and next season. The coach (Antonio Tapia) counts on him and we can not let him go at any cost," said Gomez to TyC Sports television network.

"There will not be any negotiation. I am convinced that this year he will enjoy playing in Betis and he will be one of our top scorers.

"He will be a key man in the squad."

Big bucks could buy Benzema

Lyon could be tempted to sell Karim Benzema to Man United if they put in a big-money bid, according to director Bernard Lacombe.

Benzema is one of the world's hottest properties and speculation is rife that United are ready to use some of the money from the impending sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid to bring the young striker to Old Trafford.

Lacombe claimed recently Benzema would remain at the Stade Gerland, but has now revealed the 21-year-old could be sold if the price is right.

"He is with us, but no-one knows what will happen," Lacombe told regional daily Le Progres. "At the time we didn't think that Michael Essien would leave, but when Chelsea came with their cheque...

"If Manchester United, who we all know have come into a lot of money, present an offer for Benzema, what can you do?"

Ronaldo is set to become Madrid's second signing of the summer, following the purchase of Kaka from AC Milan.

The pair will cost the club around 160million euros in transfer fees and Lacombe has lashed out at the Spaniards for distorting the market.

He added: "The market is false because certain European clubs don't have official league bodies controlling how they are managed and can do what they want.

"I'm not bitter but how can Real Madrid, who are in debt, sign two players whose price is almost the same as Lyon's entire budget?

"It shocks we who are in the same environment, so I understand that people outside the football world are shocked.

Ron decided Madrid move long ago

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he made up his mind to leave Manchester United last summer.

The Portugal winger looks set to seal an £80million move to Real Madrid after United accepted a world record bid from the Spanish giants.

Madrid conducted a long and public pursuit of Ronaldo last year but it proved ultimately unsuccessful as the 24-year-old remained at Old Trafford.

But despite staying in the Barclays Premier League, and helping United retain their title, Ronaldo claims he made up his mind to leave after the Champions League triumph over Chelsea a year ago.

"After we won the European Cup. I thought there is no more I can achieve here," the Portuguese told the News of the World.

"And when you have done all you can, you know it is time for a new challenge. I stayed one more season and it was nice to make it three titles in a row but it was my dream to play for Madrid."

The fact Madrid have not won the Champions League since 2002 - and are currently comfortably only the second best team in Spain behind Barcelona - has led some critics to claim Ronaldo is more interested in money than medals.

But Ronaldo insisted: "Of course, I have not gone for the money.

"To go down as the greatest. It will take lots of work but that is my target. If you go down as the greatest at Madrid it means you are one of the greatest of all time."

Camp Nou beckons for Young

Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly preparing a bid to bring Aston Villa striker Ashley Young to the Camp Nou.

Barca appear unwilling to waste any more time chasing Franck Ribery now that Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea have joined the bidding and may now turn their attention to the quicksilver forward.

Reports from England also claim that Villa would be prepared to cash-in on their young striker in order to fund their own summer spending.

According to the Daily Star, the Calatan giants have been monitoring the situation and belive that a 29.5 million euro bid would be enough to tempt Villa manager, Martin O'Neill to part with the talented winger.

Barca could have an ace up their sleeve as O'Neill had previously shown an interest in Alexander Hleb, a player who has no future at the Camp Nou, and a part-exchange deal could be the best option for both clubs.

The paper also quoted a Spanish source saying, "Young has been impressive throughout last season with Villa and he is a player that [Pep] Guardiola likes.

"He has been following him for a while now and we hope that he wants to move to Spain and come to a club as big as Barca.

"There has been no contact yet but the club are firming up their plans at the moment."

Young came close to joining Real Madrid during the January transfer window when Juande Ramos was still in charge at Los Blancos but the excessive asking price forced them to abandon their chase.

Sevilla: Zokora too expensive

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has revealed Tottenham want more money than he is prepared to pay for Didier Zokora.

Zokora has been out of favour at Spurs since the arrival of Wilson Palacios and the Spanish club are interested if they can agree a fee.

"The distance between what they asked for and what we are willing to offer was so great that we left it there, and decided to speak again in the future," Del Nido said.

"Zokora is not the only option. The number two on the list is just as valid an option as Zokora, and is even younger.

Mellberg off to Olympiakos

Juventus defender Olof Mellberg has agreed terms with Olympiakos in what could be the start of a clear-out at Juventus.

According to reports from AFP, the Swedish international has agreed a three-year deal with the Greek outfit with the Old Lady accepting an offer of around 2.7million euro's for the defender.

Juventus have publicly stated their intention to offload a number of players this summer as they look to rebuild under a new manager, with Mellberg being one of those expected to leave.

The news appears to put an end to the rumours surrounding a possible return to the Premier League for the 31-year-old, with the Greek side expected to make an official announcement on Monday.

Mellberg managed to make 27 appearances for the Bianconeri in his one and only season, scoring twice along the way.

Maicon wants European success

Inter Milan right-back Maicon has admitted his ultimate desire is to win the Champions League, either with or without the Nerazzurri.

The Brazil international has been an impressive presence since joining the club in 2006, but believes things have to change if Inter are to win Europe's biggest prize - something that has eluded them since the 1960's.

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in his services, but the former Monaco man has committed his future to the San Siro for now.

Goal.com Italia reported him as saying "Madrid are a great club and it would be really nice to play there, but I have a contract with Inter until 2011

"My future? We'll see. Myself and other Inter players really want to win the Champions League trophy, but something at Inter has to change. We want to win with Inter, but if we cannot then we will go to another team," he concluded.

The Italian champions have failed in the early knock-out stages for four consecutive seasons, being ousted by Villarreal, Valencia, Liverpool, and Manchester United.

Where next for Carlos Tevez ?

Now Manchester United have confirmed Carlos Tevez is to leave the club espnstar.com looks at which clubs might be interested.

CHELSEA

The Premier League suits Tevez's game perfectly, as he has demonstrated in the last three years. At Chelsea he could expect to play more regularly than at Old Trafford while the chance to live in London would probably appeal to him. Chelsea, despite trying to balance the books, could certainly afford him.

MANCHESTER CITY

With money to burn, City will have no problem outbidding everyone else for the former Corinthians forward. While a move to City would seem somewhat disrespectful to the United fans who adored him, it would be less hurtful than Liverpool and would enable him to remain in the same area. He would also expect to be a first-choice starter at Eastlands.

LIVERPOOL

United's bitter rivals have been linked with Tevez without confirming their interest. But with money tight at Anfield and Tevez playing in a position difficult to accommodate in Rafael Benitez's system, Anfield would be a very surprising destination.

INTER MILAN

Jose Mourinho's Inter have been linked with the striker for at least 12 months. Having lost Adriano and with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future up in the air, there is certainly room in the Nerazurri forwards department for Tevez.

REAL MADRID

Madrid president Florentino Perez has bigger fish to fry at the moment as he chases David Villa and Franck Ribery. If they fail to come off, Tevez would be a viable alternative.

BARCELONA

With the Spanish and European champions seemingly hell-bent on getting rid of Samuel Eto'o there is likely to be a vacancy up front at the Nou Camp. Tevez, though, is a very different type of forward and would probably be more suited to a 4-4-2 formation than Barca's traditional 4-3-3.

Tevez to leave United

Manchester United have confirmed that Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez will leave Old Trafford.

United chief executive David Gill had been in discussions with Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian, with the aim of keeping the popular Argentina star.

But, despite the offer of a lucrative five-year contract that would have made Tevez one of the highest paid players at the club, the South American has decided to leave.

"Following contact received from Carlos Tevez's advisors last night, in advance of the deadline the club set for concluding negotiations, Manchester United announces that Carlos will not be signing a new contract with the club," said a statement released by United this morning.

"The club agreed to pay the option price of £25.5million and offered Carlos a five year contract which would have made him one of its highest paid players.

"Disappointingly however, his advisors informed the club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the club's most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United.

"The club would like to thank Carlos for his services over the last two seasons and wishes him good luck for the future."

Pato now interested in Chelsea

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has stunned the Serie A club by claiming that he is interested in a move to Premier League side Chelsea.

Speaking to Setanta Sports the Brazilian prodigy talked about his close bond with ex-manager Carlo Ancelotti, who recently secured his own move to the Blues, and what that meant for his future.

"Ancelotti is very important to me. He was the one who wanted me in Milan and he gave me the chance to grow as a player.

"I have a contract with Milan, but I would be seriously interested if Chelsea called me," he commented.

The 19-year-old appears to have made a drastic U-turn, having recently reaffirmed his commitment to the Rossoneri after he pledged to remain true to his current contract.

Ever since the arrival of Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge as the Blues' new coach, Pato has been constantly linked with a switch to west London to join up with his mentor. But Milan vice-president, Adriano Galliani, having just lost Kaka, has so far fervently refused to consider the ex-Internacional teenager for sale.

Barca prepare Mascherano bid

Liverpool's Javier Mascherano is wanted by Spanish giants Barcelona who are readying a bid for the combative midfielder.

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Barca are looking to tempt Reds boss Rafael Benitez with a substantial bid for the Argentine international.

It is claimed the midfielder has decided to leave the Merseyside outfit because his wife has failed to settle in England, with a move to Spain the preferred option.

It is thought that Benitez understands the predicament the holding-midfielder finds himself in and would be prepared to let him go, provided his valuation is met.

Benitez values Mascherano at 41.5 million euro's - but Pep Guardiola may test the Premier League club's resolve by offering a cash plus player deal, possibly including his highly-rated young striker Bojan.

Vermaelen signs for Gunners

Thomas Vermaelen is convinced he has joined a club going places after becoming Arsenal's first signing of the summer.

The Belgian international defender, 23, has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners after agreeing what was reported to be a £10million move from Ajax.

Manager Arsene Wenger has moved quickly to strengthen a squad which was often exploited at the back last season, when Arsenal eventually recovered some consistency to finish in fourth place.

The Gunners face a play-off to reach the group stages of the Champions League, but Vermaelen is in no doubt of just what his new club - who were knocked out at the semi-final stage of both the FA Cup and in Europe - can achieve.

"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies," Vermaelen said in an interview with www.arsenal.com.

"Arsenal are a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium.

"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal."

Vermaelen, who captained Ajax last season and played against the Gunners in the 2005/2006 European campaign, added: "I am also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world.

"I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."

Molinaro could return sooner

Juventus have received a boost on the injury front as Cristian Molinaro does not need surgery to correct a longstanding injury.

However, the Bianconeri are still going to scour the globe for another left-back, just in case.

"The tests have shown dramatic improvement for the player, which has therefore removed the requirement of surgery," Dr. Bartolomeo Goitre was quoted as saying by TMW.

"As a direct result of this, his recovery time will be shortened."

"Molinaro will be submitted for further checks on July 8, and it is possible that he could be back training with the team the following day."

As mentioned, although the news for Molinaro is positive, the Old Lady are still looking at the likes of Fabio Grosso and Andrea Dossena to bolster their squad this offseason.

Cissokho’s agent confident of move

Aly Cissokho’s agent, Roger Boli, believes that his client will play in an AC Milan shirt by the start of the Serie A season.

This is in spite of reports claiming that Milan GM, Adriano Galliani, declaring that the deal for Cissokho has all but collapsed, a sentiment that was echoed by his current club, Porto, as well.

However, Boli seems to have a different version of event regarding his client's future.

"Galliani assured me that Aly will start next season at Milan," declared Boli to the microphones of L'Equipe. "The two clubs are currently negotiating for a loan deal."

This would indicate that Galliani is attempting to persuade Porto to lower their demands in order to sign the full-back at cut-price after the failed medical.

The Rossoneri are also in negotiations with Wolfsburg for the Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.

Juve tempted by Rossi

Juventus would consider a move for Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi if David Trezeguet leaves the club this summer.

Trezeguet made just two starts in Serie A last season due to injury and a lack of form and is keen to move on.

If Juve can find a buyer, they will switch their attention to emerging Italy star Rossi, who scored twice in the Azzurri's 3-1 defeat of the United States at the Confederations Cup.

Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said: "Rossi is a great player.

"He was crucial in the game against the United States. He didn't play as well against Egypt proving that even great champions have highs and lows.

"The problem arises when understanding what the true value of these type of players are.

"Had Villarreal sold Rossi after the game against United States they would have made more than after yesterday's game."

Cobolli Gigli is also a fan of Frenchman Trezeguet and would be sad to see him go, adding: "Trezeguet is a great striker.

"If he stays and decides to accept the fact he won't always play that would be great for us.

"If he decided to leave then we would have to find a team that gives him the wages he desires.

Another player to be linked with the Bianconeri this week is Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

And his former Madrid team-mate Fabio Cannavaro believes the Mali international would be a hit in Serie A.

"I would be delighted if Diarra arrived at Juventus," said Cannavaro, who returned to Juve this summer after three seasons at the Bernabeu.

"Not only because he is a great professional but because he is someone who always wants to win. Mahamadou is a great player.

Valencia take Villa off market

Valencia have slapped a 'not for sale' sign on star striker David Villa following months of speculation.

Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea had all been linked with Villa as financially-troubled Valencia seemed poised to cash in on their prize asset.

Los Che president Manuel Llorente even admitted in midweek that although there were no offers on the table at that point, they had held talks with Madrid while other teams, including Barca, had asked about the player`s situation.

However, Valencia have now decided to take the prolific hitman off the market, and will only consider selling if they receive an "amazing offer" for the player.

"We have taken the decision to not sell David Villa. We've taken this decision after some days of thought in which we studied the advantages and disadvantages," Llorente told reporters tonight.

"We think David Villa is the best striker in Europe and we have the fortune to have him in our team and we are going to fight to keep him."

Llorente insists the move is not a ploy either, saying: "It's not a strategy, but to avoid all the rumours. Because they affect Valencia, the media and the player.

"We have to be calm and think about the project. When we talked of selling it was because we thought that some players could bring in a lot of money, like Villa. But it's not been like that."

Parma hopeful of Panucci deal

Parma are hopeful of signing full-back Christian Panucci as a free agent.

The recently-promoted Serie A club are in talks with the 36-year-old former Italy international.

"We are in negotiations with Panucci," said Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi. "The player will return from holiday on Sunday and we will have further talks with him.

"We consider him a champion but we have to wait and see if the negotiations will prove successful."

Panucci was not offered a contract extension with Roma, the club he has played for since 2001.

He made 20 league starts for the Eternal City outfit last season but fell out with coach Luciano Spalletti his over lack of playing time.

Vermaelen signs for Gunners

Thomas Vermaelen is convinced he has joined a club going places after becoming Arsenal's first signing of the summer.

The Belgian international defender, 23, has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners after agreeing what was reported to be a £10million move from Ajax.

Manager Arsene Wenger has moved quickly to strengthen a squad which was often exploited at the back last season, when Arsenal eventually recovered some consistency to finish in fourth place.

The Gunners face a play-off to reach the group stages of the Champions League, but Vermaelen is in no doubt of just what his new club - who were knocked out at the semi-final stage of both the FA Cup and in Europe - can achieve.

"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies," Vermaelen said in an interview with www.arsenal.com.

"Arsenal are a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium.

"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal."

Vermaelen, who captained Ajax last season and played against the Gunners in the 2005/2006 European campaign, added: "I am also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world.

"I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."

Wenger was keen to add to his defensive options, which were depleted somewhat towards the end of the campaign by injury to veteran William Gallas, who could now be allowed to leave Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners boss is confident Vermaelen will add some steel to the rearguard.

Inter: Ibra is 'superior' to Kaka

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is worth more than Kaka but less than Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Inter Milan's Ernesto Paolillo.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is worth more than Kaka but less than Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Inter Milan club administrator Ernesto Paolillo.

The Inter striker has been strongly linked with a move away from the San Siro with European giants Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea reportedly interested in him.

He could become another high-profile signing of the summer, following Real Madrid's purchase of Kaka and likely deal to capture Ronaldo.

Paolillo told Gazzetta dello Sport: "The player knows that for the time being we have had no offers that are deemed suitable for his market value, which is superior to Kaka and slightly inferior to Cristiano Ronaldo in our estimation."

Paolillo has not ruled out Ibrahimovic remaining at Inter, where he is under contract until June 2013.

"The situation is being evaluated constantly by (Inter sporting director Marco) Branca," said Paolillo.

"Regardless of the rumours that are coming from England and Spain, we find ourselves faced with an impasse that could be unblocked at any time just like it could also mean that Ibrahimovic's desired transfer does not happen.

"For the serious approach Ibrahimovic has shown, we are convinced that should the player remain at Inter he will continue to give all that he has, with great professionalism.

No offers for Pirlo, claim Milan

AC Milan insist they have not received any offers for Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo and insist the player is not for sale.

Reports in England had strongly linked the World Cup-winning playmaker with a move to Chelsea this summer where he would play under former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"We have not received any offers for him (Pirlo)," said AC Milan club administrator Adriano Galliani.

"But if we did, we would return them to the sender. He (Pirlo) will remain at Milan 99.99%."

The Rossoneri are busy trying to lure Bundesliga top scorer Edin Dzeko to the San Siro this summer.

However, Galliani knows the challenge his club face to acquire the 23-year-old Bosnian, with Wolfsburg refusing to negotiate his exit.

"We are fully focused on signing a striker," said Galliani.

"Dzeko is great but Wolfsburg for the time being don't want to sell him but we hope we succeed.

"If we don't, we will try with another player."

Milan were expected to make Porto defender Aly Cissokho their first summer signing this week, only for negotiations between the two clubs to fall through at the last minute.

Torres pledges loyalty to Reds

Fernando Torres has brushed off transfer speculation by insisting he will stay at Liverpool.

The striker has been linked with a return to Spain and even a switch to the Reds' bitter rivals Manchester United.

Torres signed a new contract last month and is confident he can satisfy his ambitions on Merseyside.

He told the Daily Mail: "Winning the European Championship with Spain gave me a taste of what winning at the top level was like and once you've had a taste of success it becomes an addiction.

"A lot of players committed themselves to Liverpool this summer with new contracts and players don't do that unless they think they can have their ambitions met.

"There is a lot of belief at the club and a lot of trust in the manager. I sincerely believe I will win the Premier League and the European Cup here. The winning tradition is very clear at Liverpool. I want to be involved in a little piece of their history."

Pato wants to be part of Blues

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is pleading with Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti to sign him on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Pato is at the top of Ancelotti's list, as he attempts to inject the Blues' ageing team with youth.

Ancelotti was the coach responsible for blooding the Brazilian youngster, signing him from Internacional in 2007. "The Duck's" rich vein of form in two seasons has resulted in Milan slapping a £45million price tag on Pato.

Pato said: "Carlo Ancelotti is very important to me, as a coach and a person."

"I feel a sense of owing him a great deal. I have a contract with Milan, but I would be interested if Ancelotti were to call."

Glen may turn from Red to Blue

Rafa Benitez’s signing of Glen Johnson has hit a snag as Portsmouth have accepted a £17.5million bid from Chelsea.

Benitez tabled a bid for Johnson on Monday, which was accepted.

The Liverpool boss was hoping to wrap up proceedings this week only for Chelsea to barge in with a similar bid.

Johnson has told those close to him that he would be keener on a move to Anfield after a miserable stint with the Blues for four seasons, where he made only 35 starts between 2003 and 2007.

But Chelsea are trying to tempt the right-back back to West London with a mega-sized wage packet.

Johnson's departure from Pompey seems a given at this moment of time.

Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie said: "The matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week. I do not have a preference over the move, it is up to Glen."

"The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him and what club he prefers, which one is going to pay him more money."

Tevez: Show me the money!

Carlos Tevez has told Manchester United: Pay me the most at Old Trafford, or I’ll move to one of your rivals.

Man United have tabled the required £26million to retain Tevez's services on a permanent basis.

But the Red Devils still have to match the weekly wages of £110,000 a week that other United stars Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov pocket.

The 25-year-old has been on £95,000 a week since joining Man United but his loan stint finishes at the end of the month.

Tevez is currently on holiday in Buenos Aires where he has entertained a personal call from new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The British press has spilled the beans on the contents of that particular phone call and how the Argentine striker was impressed with Ancelotti's personal touch.

Manchester City are also interested in signing Tevez as Mark Hughes tries to assemble a squad capable of challenging for top honours.

City's move has thrown United's world upside down, but the Red Devils could have avoided this mess had they settled the deal months ago.

Tevez was infuriated with Man United when they decided to delay plans to sign him last season. Now the hitman and his agent, Kia Joorabchian, are happy to keep the Red Devils waiting on their choice.

Zizou confident over Ribery swoop

Zinedine Zidane claims negotiations to bring Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery to Real Madrid are "on the right track".

Ribery has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu but his departure from Bayern appeared to hit a snag yesterday when the Bundesliga club issued a statement insisting the France international was not for sale.

But Zidane, who was brought in by returning president Florentino Perez as a special advisor at Madrid, has revealed the Spanish giants have not been put off by Bayern's stance.

"The discussions are on the right track," he told Le Parisien. "Even if I am not at Madrid today, there are meetings on this matter at the moment,

"Personally, I am for Ribery coming to Madrid and I will do everything to make that happen.

"It's my wish as much as that of the club's president."

Juninho moves to Middle East

Former Brazil international Juninho has completed his move from Lyon to Qatari champions Al Gharafa.

The 34-year-old, a free-kick specialist, has signed a two-year contract with the Middle East club.

Juninho, capped 40 times by Brazil, has been brought in to replace Nashat Akram, who recently joined Dutch club FC Twente.

Bender heading to Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have signed midfielder Sven Bender from second division 1860 Munich in a swap deal for Antonio Rukavina.

Rukovina, who spent the second half of last season on loan at 1860, has now signed a permanent three-year deal with the Lions.

Bender, who impressed for Germany's under-19s this summer, has been given a four-year contract at Dortmund.

"We wish Sven all the best with the continuation of his career with Dortmund and hope he can realise his sporting ambitions there," said 1860 director of sport Miroslav Stevic, a former Dortmund player.

Bender, who has played 65 times for 1860, is Dortmund's fourth summer signing after Markus Feulner, Kevin Grosskreutz and Dimitar Rangelov.

Bayern to dump trio for Bosingwa

Bayern Munich are hoping to offload Tim Borowski, Christian Lell and Andreas Ottl to finance a bid for Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa.

Club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the Portugal defender was one of new coach Louis van Gaal's primary targets and that an approach had already been made.

"We are holding talks, but we still need the approval of Chelsea," Rummenigge told Kicker magazine.

"He is one of the best right full-backs around."

Lell and Ottl both deputised at right-back for Bayern last season after Willy Sagnol was forced to retire from the game due to injury and Massimo Oddo, who spent the season on loan from AC Milan, failed to impress.

Now, Lell and Ottl are set to make way as Rummenigge plans to "sell one or two players" after spending most of the summer in the buying market.

Franck Ribery is not one of the players up for sale, according to Rummenigge, despite club president Franz Beckenbauer hinting in an interview yesterday that the Frenchman could be allowed to leave.

"We all agree, including Franz Beckenbauer, that we will do all we can to keep hold of Franck," he said.

"I am quite relaxed about the Ribery issue because nothing can happen without Bayern.

"Even Van Gaal knows what an exceptional player Ribery is. Franck is one of the best three players in the world and we know what we have in him."

Bayern yesterday released a statement effectively warning clubs off making any further bids for Ribery after Beckenbauer had said a sale could be possible at the right price.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea are all reported to be interested in the attacking midfielder, who himself has revealed his ambition to play at another of Europe's top clubs.

Arbeloa confirms Real interest

Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa has said he would consider a return to Spain as speculation grows linking Glen Johnson to Anfield.

The 26-year-old Spain international has been linked with a return to former club Real Madrid, with Portsmouth right-back Johnson tipped for a £17million switch to Merseyside.

Arbeloa, currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup, told El Mundo: "I am happy at Liverpool, but I have something to prove in Spain as I did not show my best form in La Liga. One day, I'm sure I will return.

"It is always nice to be linked to big teams - even to this Madrid side in a time of transition. They are working hard to build a great team.

"I have one more year remaining on my Liverpool deal, but anything can happen.

"A contract renewal is in the air. I am contracted for one more year, but if Liverpool get an offer, they will consider it. It is all in the hands of my agent."