Inter keen on Chelsea’s Drogba

According to English newspaper The Daily Star, Inter are attempting to sign Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho has reportedly asked the Blues to give him a price tag the Ivory Coast international.

The former Chelsea coach and Drogba have a very good relationship, and Drogba enjoyed arguably his best form under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Reports claim the Nerazzurri would be willing to pay up to £23 million for his services, and sporting director Marco Branca, who is in London to discuss moves for Deco and Carvalho, may well look to land Drogba too.

Drogba flourished under the guidance of Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge last season following the departure of coach Luis Felipe Scolari.

However, since Inter have already signed Diego Milito up front, and are also reportedly close to attaining Twente starlet Marko Arnautovic, Drogba's arrival could well signal the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Toni to cut pay for Serie A return

Luca Toni is so desperate to return to Italy that he would be willing to take a pay cut to secure a transfer deal.

The main motivation behind Toni's desire to return to his homeland is his belief that playing for a top Serie A club will prove to Italy coach Marcello Lippi that he is not finished, despite recent poor performances for the Azzurri.

In 2006, when Toni was plying his trade for Florence-based side Fiorentina, the big striker was instrumental in Italy's World Cup success, and in order to return to that level he feels he must return to the Serie A.

Bitter rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan are said to be interested in securing Toni's services, although no contact has been made with his current club, Bayern Munich, or the player's agent.

"I would really like to return to Italy," said Toni.

"Inter? For the time being they are just rumours and no contact.

"I would be ready to reduce my salary in order to return to my country."

Whether the move is likely, or simply off-season transfer speculation will emerge in the next few days, but Toni has certainly made it clear that he has no wish to remain in the Bundesliga.

Real looking to snatch Carvalho

Chelsea’s want away defender Ricardo Carvalho is apparently attracting the interest of Real Madrid.

Tuttosport reported yesterday that Los Blancos are considering entering the race for the Portuguese centre back, who has so far been expected to move to Inter.

Inter technical director Marco Branca is in London, reportedly to speak to Chelsea about Carvalho as well as teammate Deco, but Real have apparently entered negotiations as well, after failing to lure Maicon away from the San Siro.

After securing the services of versatile defender Raul Albiol of Valencia, the Primera Liga giants are reportedly also looking to add Carvalho to their defence. While Inter remain favourites to sign Carvalho, Tuttosport claims that Los Merengues are trying to bolster their back four by bringing in the Chelsea man to partner international team-mate Pepe.

Carvalho spent a large portion of last season out with injury and has admitted he is open to offers after being critical of Chelsea's treatment of him. If he does end up joining Real, Sergio Ramos would continue to play at right-back while Carvalho and Pepe would be in the center, with Albiol playing on the left or Arbeloa being brought in to make up the defense.

However, the lure of again linking up with his former coach at both Porto and Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, means that Inter are still favourites to sign Carvalho.

Villa Park move for Gudjohnsen?

Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen could make a move to Aston Villa, according to published reports.

The Icelandic international's fee is believed to be in the region of €3.5 million; small change compared to the lucrative profit Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill made from the sale of Gareth Barry.

The 30-year-old's return to the Premier League will be hailed by many, with the striker winning many admirers during his time in England with Chelsea.

Gudjohnsen has made 72 appearances and scored four goals for Barcelona since joining in 2006.

The summer spending at Villa will not end with the purchase of the Barca foward, as the club have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur's David Bentley and Standard Liege player Steven Defour.

City offer Elano plus cash for Maicon

Manchester City are prepared to offer a swap deal involving playmaker Elano in order to bring Inter's Maicon to Manchester.

Manchester City have been very active in the transfer market over the summer thanks to transfer funds from their new Abu Dhabi-based owners

The club have already secured Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn and are looking set to sign Carlos Tevez from cross-town rivals Manchester United.

It appears that City are now looking to bolster their defence, with the club reportedly ready to offer Inter Milan €22 million, plus midfielder Elano, to secure star right-back Maicon.

Maicon's superb performances for the Scudetto-winning Inter team, as well as for Brazil in the Confederations Cup, have brought him to the attention of many of Europe's big clubs including Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Despite all this interest, City remain the only club to have actually made an offer to Inter sporting director Marco Branca.

The Serie A champions are apparently evaluating City's offer, despite the player publicly stating that he wishes to join a team competing in next season's Champions League.

Allardyce wants Nistelrooy at Rovers

Sam Allardyce is hoping that Ruud van Nistelrooy will fill the gap up front left by the departure of Roque Santa Cruz.

Blackburn have been hunting for a new striker since the Santa Cruz deal became inevitable, and are keen on using the ₤16.5 million the club received for the Paraguayan.

According to published reports, Allardyce is keen on the soon-to-be-33-year-old Dutchman, not simply because of his goal scoring talents, but also because of his high profile.

Adding to the appeal of the former Manchester United hitman is that he may cost Rovers as little as ₤1.25, the same amount that Tottenham Hotspur recently bid for the Madrid man.

There are some major stumbling blacks for the deal though.

First, Van Nistelrooy will likely demand a salary in the region of ₤70,000 per week, which could be a problem for the club.

Also, the Dutchman recently rejected the approach by Tottenham, deciding to stay on at Real, and it will likely be even harder to convince him to join Blackburn.

Big Sam is no stranger to remarkable deals though, famously bringing Nicolas Anelka to Bolton Wanderers in 2006.

"It would be nice to do it with van Nistelrooy, but I don't know," said Allardyce.

"It was hugely difficult back then with Anelka and it will be much more difficult now. The sort of salary van Nistelrooy would be on at Real Madrid may be beyond us. But maybe if he wants to come and play in England again and take less of a salary, then we'd be interested.

"We wouldn't be able to match his salary at Madrid even if there was no fee involved. But there's no doubt it would be of interest to me. I'd want to talk to him and it'd be a major coup if I could pull it off."

As the race for Van Nistelrooy heats up, Allardyce moved to dispel any rumors of a move for Newcastle's Michael Owen, arguing that the 29-year-old is too injury prone.

"I just question the injury scenario," he explained. "I need a striker who's going to be available for 30 games next season. That's not happened for Michael over the last four years at Newcastle."

OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo Signs Six-Year Deal At Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid from Manchester United has this evening been confirmed by clubs' official websites, with the player signing a six-year contract at the Bernabeu.

The deal is set to be completed on July 1, with United having accepted a bid of £80 million (93 million Euros) on June 10.

A statement on los Blancos' official website reads:

"Real Madrid CF and Manchester United have confirmed a definitive agreement for the transfer of the player Cristiano Ronaldo, to take place on July 1.

"The player will be tied to Real Madrid for the next six seasons and will be presented on the 6th of July at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium."

According to Sky Sports, the whole of the fee will be paid, unusually in the modern era, in one instalment on July 1, which was apparently a pre-condition to the deal set by United.

The Mancunians have made no official statement on the deal, preferring to remain tight-lipped about the world record breaking transfer, on a day when it was confirmed that Carlos Tevez would also definitely be leaving, with Manchester City now all but confirmed in English sources as his likely destination over Chelsea.

Real fans can now look forward to seeing Ronaldo link up with Brazilian superstar Kaka in a truly mouth-watering forward line, with further additions to the squad not ruled out.

OFFICIAL: Benfica Sign Real Madrid's Javier Saviola

Benfica have confirmed the signing of Argentine forward Javier Saviola, paying Real Madrid a total of €5m for his services.

The Rabbit had been linked with a loan move to the Estadio da Luz but Benfica have instead opted to make this a permanent move.

The Eagles have released a statement to the Portuguese stock market to confirm the signing of Saviola, as well as the fee.

The 27-year-old will fly to Lisbon in the next few days and will sign a three-year contract upon passing a medical with the club.

Saviola will now reunite with Pablo Aimar, with whom he enjoyed great success during their time at River Plate.

El Conejito is hoping that this new challenge will put his career back on track after failing to impress at Real Madrid during his two-year stint.

After arriving in the Spanish capital on a free transfer from Barcelona, Saviola spent most of his time on the bench under Bernd Schuster before heading to the stands under Juande Ramos.

Real Madrid On The Alert As Xabi Alonso Says His Liverpool Goodbyes

Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez could be about to land one of his favourite players, Xabi Alonso, after having tracked the Liverpool midfielder since 2004.

According to The Times, the Merseysiders have hurriedly slapped a €41 million (₤35m) price tag on the 27-year-old after he reportedly bid farewell to certain members of the Reds staff.

Madrid have yet to pounce by making any official offers but it is well documented that Los Blancos’ new administration have made the ex-Real Sociedad man one of their prime objectives in the transfer market. They have reportedly made various offers in the recent past, ranging anywhere from €20m to €25m plus player exchanges, although they conceded defeat when Liverpool announced that he is not for sale.

Alonso has had a rocky relationship with manager, Rafa Benitez ever since the gaffer persistently went after Gareth Barry last summer. But the player still declared that he is happy to remain at Anfield, although he would constantly admit that his future is unclear.

Portsmouth Chairman Peter Storrie Wishes Glen Johnson Well At Liverpool

Glen Johnson today moved from Portsmouth to Liverpool, signing a four-year contract in a deal reportedly worth somewhere in the region £18.5 million, and he departs with the best wishes of Pompey chairman Peter Storrie, who feels that the player has made a superb contribution at Fratton Park since he joined the club from Chelsea in 2006 on loan.

He joined permanently a year later, and has subsequently developed a reputation as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, with his power and pace adding a significant attacking threat to his game. He spent some time last season impressing on the right wing, as manager Paul Hart steered the club to top flight survival.

"Glen made a fantastic contribution here: he won the FA Cup with us and got his England place back. He just got better and better," Storrie told Portsmouth's official website.
"Glen’s a fantastic guy and it’s a great opportunity for him to join an outstanding club who can offer him Champions League football. We didn’t want to lose him but we couldn’t stand in his way.

"We wish him all the best for next season - apart from the two games when we play Liverpool."

Johnson played 99 games for Pompey, scoring four goals.

Bayern Munich Reiterate That Franck Ribery Stays

Bayern Munich have reiterated that Franck Ribery is going nowhere this summer because Louis van Gaal wants the Frenchman in his side, amid reports that a deal with Real Madrid will be done.

The Bundesliga club's president, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that Los Merengues know that there can be no deal as he stated that the Frenchman would not be sold.

Rummenigge firmly believes that Bayern can offer Ribery everything that he wants and that there will be no talks with Real Madrid about a sale this summer.

"Ribery is irreplaceable," the Bayern chief is quoted as saying by L'Equipe. "Real Madrid know our position and he is not for sale.

"It is no surprise that Ribery wants to go to Real — they are a fascinating club and attractive on a financial level.

"But Bayern are not a bad club either. At our club the doors are solid and very resistant and we're not going to push up the bidding.

"Ribery figures among the best players of the world and when you have a player of this quality among the squad you don't separate.

"We want to build around this player who Louis van Gaal absolutely wants under his command."

Zenit St. Petersburg Submit Bid For Fenerbahce Striker Daniel Guiza

Zenit St. Petersburg have reportedly offered Fenerbahce €10 million as well as Fatih Tekke to sign Daniel Guiza.

The Spanish striker moved to Turkey last summer but has struggled to make an impact, scoring just a handful of times for his new club.

Despite his short comings recently though, Sport Express report that Zenit want to sign him and they have made an offer to Fenerbahce.

Much like Guiza, Tekke has failed to make a significant impact with Zenit, scoring 19 times in 59 appearances for the Russian side.

He has also found himself out of the starting eleven lately and after four seasons at the club, is expected to leave soon.

Reportedly the two clubs have been negotiating the deal for the last two weeks and Fenerbahce are willing to accept the terms.

It is not yet known when an agreement could be reached but it is thought that it could be soon, ending Guiza's short spell in Turkey.

For Zenit now seems to be a time to rebuild after selling both Andrey Arshavin and Anatoli Timoschuk, and also losing Danny to long-term injury

New Panathinaikos Signing Djibril Cisse Impressed By Fan Support

Djibril Cisse has spoken for the first time since signing for Panathinaikos and has revealed that he is impressed by the support at the Greek club.

Cisse's move from Marseille to Panathinaikos was confirmed this morning in a deal reportedly worth around €8 million.

The Frenchman has signed a four-year deal with the club and told the press that he is looking forward to the support and love from the fans.

"I was impressed by Panathinaikos' fans. I have never lived something like that. I feel the need to be loved and I lived this yesterday. I promise to do my best," Goal.com's Greek edition report him as saying.

"I'm familiar with some of the players I'll get to play with, like Gilberto Silva and Giorgos Karagounis as both are very well known in Europe. I'm confident that we will reach our goals and will play in Champions League."

As well as going onto assure that he is there to score goals, Cisse also revealed that "in my first match in the Greek championship I'll dye my hair green".

"I'm here to score in every game. I usually score, and in the derbies. I don't know the Greek league very well, however, I have played in the past against Panathinaikos and Olympiakos," he said.

"Now I'm heading to England to finish up that last details of my transfer and I'll return back next week."

Inter keen on Chelsea’s Drogba

According to English newspaper The Daily Star, Inter are attempting to sign Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho has reportedly asked the Blues to give him a price tag the Ivory Coast international.

The former Chelsea coach and Drogba have a very good relationship, and Drogba enjoyed arguably his best form under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Reports claim the Nerazzurri would be willing to pay up to £23 million for his services, and sporting director Marco Branca, who is in London to discuss moves for Deco and Carvalho, may well look to land Drogba too.

Drogba flourished under the guidance of Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge last season following the departure of coach Luis Felipe Scolari.

However, since Inter have already signed Diego Milito up front, and are also reportedly close to attaining Twente starlet Marko Arnautovic, Drogba's arrival could well signal the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Toni hints at Serie A return

Bayern forward Luca Toni has suggested that he would be open to offers from Italy and is eyeing a comeback in Serie A.

The former Palermo and Fiorentina target man has been incessantly linked with a return to his home land after his employers, Bayern, signed Mario Gomez from Stuttgart, adding to the number of strikers in the squad.

Speaking to Sky Sports in Italy, Toni said he would consider a return to Italy but it all depended on the offers and Bayern's wishes.

"I'd like to return to Italy, I think that's normal. Now is a time of crisis for Italian teams, so they cannot invest much," he said.

"Certainly, I am not a slave because of my high salary. However, if I did not find space [to play] at Bayern, then I would not have a problem reducing my wages and returning to Italy. Of course I would have to consider what Bayern want as well."

Additionally, Toni spoke about his campaign at the Confederations cup in South Africa, where Italy were knocked out thanks to losses against Egypt and Brazil.

"I did not do well at the Confederations Cup, just like my team-mates," he confessed.

"It seemed that I had a disappointing season, but I still scored 18 goals in 35 matches. I don't think I'm better or worse off than anyone, but it is clear I must prove myself for the World Cup or someone else should go in my place."

"I have not had any further contact with [Italy coach Marcello] Lippi in this regard."

A return to Serie A would certainly provide the 2006 World Cup winner with an opportunity to impress Marcelo Lippi and build his confidence ahead of next year's tournament, where Italy will be looking to hold on to their crown.

Tevez will be staying in Manchester

Carlos Tevez proposed move to Manchester City has intensified after his daughter was enrolled in a school near the area.

According to The Sun, Tevez has enrolled his four-year-old daughter Florencia in a private school in Cheshire.

The Argentine has rejected the chance to stay at Manchester United and has been linked to moves to Chelsea and Man City.

But as the British tabloid reported, Tevez's move to enroll his child into a school nearby - school term starts in September - signals his intentions to stay in the North West.

Man City will offer the 25-year-old around £160,000-a-week.

Tevez's is not out of contract at United until Tuesday, when his two-year loan spell ends.

Huntelaar linked to Man United

Klaas Jan Huntelaar is the latest big-name striker to be linked with a move to Manchester United.

Given the number of big-money signings at Real Madrid this summer, it would be no surprise if Huntelaar found himself surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu Stadium.

And, as any attempt to lure Karim Benzema to Old Trafford looks fraught with difficulty, it is not a shock either that it has been suggested a move for Huntelaar by Sir Alex Ferguson is on the cards.

Although he is a key part of the Dutch side that became the first European team to qualify for the World Cup Finals earlier this month, Huntelaar has not appeared to settle in Spain since joining Real in January this year.

The 25-year-old former Ajax star scored eight goals in 20 appearances for his new club. However, he was omitted from their Champions League squad in favour of Lassana Diarra and an approach from Ferguson may well pay off.

Not that United - about to pocket £80million from Real for the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo - are exactly short of possibilities in the attacking department.

Apart from Benzema, who would cost around £30million if he could be prized away from Lyon, Atletico Madrid's Argentina front-man Sergio Aguero appears to feature on United's radar, even though the team-mate of former Old Trafford striker Diego Forlan would cost at least £10million more.

Brazil 1-0 South Africa

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Will Leave Inter For Chelsea - Agent

Over the past few days, speculation has been swaying back and forth regarding Maicon and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future at Inter, with a whole cluster of clubs across Europe, from Real Madrid to Barcelona to Chelsea, frantically chasing after their signatures.

Inter president Massimo Moratti appears to have grown weary of all the head-spinining rumours and he looks resigned to losing his two star players.

"As a fan, of course I want to see them stay but as the president, with the book balances to keep in mind, I have to say that if they wish to go, then they can go," he told Il Giornale.

When he was asked to rate the chances of both Ibra and Maicon remaining in the Nerazzurri colours next season, he replied, "50 per cent chance. If anybody wants to sign them, they know the price."

Moratti then went on to confirm reports that Inter director Marco Branca had travelled to the Spanish capital to meet with Real Madrid chiefs Florentino Perez and Jorge Valdano.

"Branca’s trip to Madrid was determined long ago and the reason was to talk about Maicon," he revealed.

"But fortunately, Florentino is barely interested in defenders."

Finally, Moratti reiterated that he did not recently fly out to Barcelona to close a swap deal with Blaugrana president Joan Laporta.

He said, "I went to see him because we are old friends and I wanted to know if it was true that he was interested in Ibrahimovic.

"He said that he was not certain, and I didn’t not ask him about [Samuel] Eto’o."

I Want To Help Milan Win The Champions League - Pato

Kaka has already left for Real Madrid, Andrea Pirlo looks likely to leave for Chelsea, but it seems there is one player the Milan fans can count on to remain faithful to the club.

19-year-old superstar Alexandre Pato, who impressed in his first full season with the club and may get even more playing time after Kaka's departure, declared his loyalty to the club to Datasport.

"Milan are my life, I want to win the Champions League and the league," he said from the Selecao's training ground in South Africa for the Confederations Cup.

"I am a Milan player and it's the club who decide what happens to me. I had a great year and a half, I want to help Milan win the Champions League."

Pato joined the Rossoneri from Internacional two years ago and debuted for the club in January 2008. Since then he has scored 24 goals in Serie A, 15 of which came last season.

Miniscule Chance Of Ibrahimovic Or Maicon Moving To Real Madrid - Ernesto Bronzetti

Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic suggested earlier that he would be remaining with the Nerazzurri and FIFA agent and transfer consultant Ernesto Bronzetti has confirmed that view by limiting the player's chances of joining Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"The chances of Ibrahimovic going from Inter to Real is 0.001 percent," he told Sky Sport 24 on Wednesday.

Allegedly, another person on Florentino Perez's radar is right-back Maicon, but Bronzetti is skeptical of that proposed deal as well.

"Maicon? 0.1 percent for him, just to leave a little doubt," he concluded.

Real Madrid are not the only ones interested in the Brazilian international as reports from England have suggested Chelsea are keen to reinforce their squad with the Confederations Cup participant.

'Ibra' and Maicon were impressive last term as Inter continued their domestic dominance by snatching their fourth consecutive Scudetto.

David Villa Reveals His Valencia Future Will Be Clarified After Sunday

With Spain’s hope of Confederations Cup glory now dead, the attention of the Spanish media will turn swiftly to the transfer market, as a number of players currently in La Seleccion still have unresolved futures.

No one has attracted more press than Valencia hitmanDavid Villa, and it is now expected that he will finally have a chance to have a serious talk with his representatives and his employers.

The striker, who has given reporters virtually nothing to work with while in South Africa, continued to evade questions about his future, but he did hint this time around that the saga could come to an end soon.

“I have not talked to anyone. We have decided to stay away from the topic until after the Confederations Cup,”AS quoted him saying.

“Whatever I have to talk about with Valencia, I will do so from Sunday onwards.”

Real Madrid have recently declared that they have dropped out of the running to sign ‘El Guaje’, after Los Che president Manuel Llorente decided to label the player as ‘intransferable’, but Barcelona could revive their interest if they can scrape together enough funds to tempt the Mestalla outfit.

Pirlo to stay!

AC Milan maestro Andrea Pirlo continues to be linked with Chelsea, especially after president Silvio Berlusconi hinted the midfielder could re-join former coach Carlo Ancelotti, but the player's agent, Tulio Tinti, insists his client will stay at the San Siro.

"Pirlo is a player of Milan, he has a contract and we respect contracts," he stated to Sky Sport 24.

"We're not concerned by the words from Berlusconi."

The agent then turned his attention to another one of his clients, Marco Borriello, who has been rumoured to be included in a swap deal with Wolfsburg star Edin Dzeko.

"He is an important player and will remain at Milan," he concluded.

Borriello spent a majority of last season injured, spending seven months in the treatment room.

Fabregas tired of Arsenal

Despite previously claiming that he would remain at Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas last night intriguingly pointed towards a Gunners exit.

In an interview with The Sun, Fabregas spoke about the frustration he felt from a lack of silverware at the Emirates, and hinted that he will be moving to the Primera Liga to play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"This year we wanted it, we were giving everything - but we couldn't reach the level that everyone expected of Arsenal," Fabregas said.

"When you win, you're well. But when you don't, everyone is in a bad mood. For four years now, we've needed a title to regain our belief in ourselves."

"The absence of titles at Arsenal is what angers me the most."

"Cristiano said he's leaving Manchester United because he had nothing else to win. For me right now it is the exact opposite, seeing the impotence here."

Apart from expressing disappointment at Arsenal's failure over the past few seasons, Fabregas also reiterated his desire to return to Spain, after seven years in England. He joined Arsenal as a 16-year old plucked from Barcelona's academy.

"My seventh season is about to start. It's a lot when you're just 22. When you stop to think, you see that time flies."

"In football, you have to learn fast and take the best decisions for yourself and try to be happy."

Manchester United Ready To Pay €60 Million For Sergio Aguero

Manchester United are reportedly ready to pay €60 million to sign Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid this summer.

The Argentine striker was not in great form last season but is still regarded as one of the best young talents in Europe and United are apparently keen to bring him to Old Trafford.

However, as was reported earlier today, Atletico have stated that they will not be accepting any bids for Aguero or Diego Forlan, so any offer would have to be above his buy-out clause.

Marca reports that since Cristiano Ronaldo is all but gone from Old Trafford, United are ready to spend the €60 million to bring 'Kun' in.

One positive factor for the English club is that they have a good relationship with IMG, who negotiate matters for the Argentine forward amongst others.

Apparently the player himself would not be against a move to United, and he would be an ideal replacement for not only Cristiano Ronaldo, but also Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine looks set to move to cross-city rivals Manchester City, leaving United short up front and in need of a new forward.

The Red Devils' plan is reportedly to talk to Atletico about a possible deal and to try and negotiate a suitable price for the forward.

Arsenal Offer Adebayor To Inter & Milan To Prevent Chelsea Switch

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Arsenal have contacted Serie A duo Milan and Inter with regard to signing Emmanuel Adebayor during the close-season.

It is claimed that the Gunners are willing to sell the 25-year-old, but they have offered him to Italian clubs in the hope of staving off interest from fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.

Apparently, the north London-based club are looking to receive around €29.1 million (£25m) in exchange for the 6ft 3in striker.

However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger harbours concerns that neither the Rossoneri nor the Nerazzurri will want to take the 39-time capped Togo international, who has scored 35 goals for Les Eperviers.

Indeed, the former Monaco and Metz star's agent revealed on Tuesday that he has not received any enquiries from Milan, and stated that his client would like to work with new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Playing For Milan Would Be A Dream - Luis Fabiano

Milan target Luis Fabiano has hinted at his penchant to play for the Rossoneri following reports the club was interested in him.

Sky Sport Italia claimed the Brazil international, whose two goals helped send Italy packing from the Confederations Cup, was being targeted by Milan as an alternative for Edin Dzeko.

The rumours have already reached the Brazilian camp in South Africa, and although Fabiano is happy with the Rossoneri link, he has not heard anything official.

"Milan? It would be a dream for me," Fabiano told La Repubblica.

"It would be beautiful to play for a team like Milan. Italian football is always attractive, but I don't know anything.

"The only certainty is that I have a contract with Sevilla until 2011."

Official: Luis Jimenez Joins West Ham On Loan From Inter

West Ham United have today confirmed that they have secured the services of Chile international forward Luis Jimenez from Italian champions Inter on a season-long loan deal, with a further option to make the deal permanent.

He will join officially on July 1, and will undergo a medical at the Boleyn Ground next month.

He was clearly pleased to have sealed the switch, telling the Hammers' official website, "I am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do.

"I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and also score goals. I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good job for the club.
"I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot."

He went on to reveal that the Irons' style of play and working with manager Gianfranco Zola were key factors in the club's appeal.

Wolfsburg Star Dzeko: I Hope To Be In Milan For Pre-Season Training

Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko remains the primary transfer target of AC Milan, but the Bundesliga champions are reluctant to sell their budding star.

The player, rumoured to have already agreed to personal terms with the Italian outfit, continues to hope that the Rossoneri can find a way to bring him to the San Siro.

"My greatest dream is to play for AC Milan, for me, they are the best team in the world," he said, interviewed by Telelombardia.

"I cannot comment more on the situation, because on Saturday I will probably meet with [coach Armin] Veh and the Wolfsburg directors and we'll see what happens.

"It's in their hands, I want to be at Milan's pre-season training camp on July 6."

The 23-year-old had a fantastic campaign, culminating in Wolfsburg's first-place finish in the Bundesliga. Overall, he scored 36 goals for his club in all competitions.

The German outfit reportedly value the player at around €25-30 million.

Chelsea Fear Zidane Will Lure Franck Ribery To Real Madrid

Frenchman Frank Ribery was a team-mate of Zinedine Zidane at the last World Cup in Germany 2006, and the pair could be reunited once more at Real Madrid. It is no secret that the former FIFA World Player of the Year is hell-bent on tempting his fellow countryman to the Santiago Bernabeu - and Chelsea are fearful that he may very well succeed.

The Guardian has reported that the new Blues manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is looking to make Ribery one of his star signings for the upcoming Premier League season. The London club have supposedly made an opening bid of around €47 million to Bayern Munich for the France international, but, in what has become a frustrating start to their transfer season, the bid was rejected. Furthermore, Ribery has stated that his preferred option would be to join Madrid.

Barcelona To Sell Eto’o And Offer €40m To Valencia For David Villa

Barcelona may be reportedly on a tight transfer budget this summer, but that will not stop them from coming back and having another crack at signing David Villa.

Despite Valencia president Manuel Llorente recently declaring that the striker is no longer for sale, bar a “scandalous offer”, Onda Cero believes that the Blaugrana are hoping to tempt the troubled Mestalla outfit with a decent proposal.

Sport, meanwhile, is confident that Barca will be in pole position to land ‘El Guaje’, when and if they make an official bid, because arch rivals Real Madrid had only recently affirmed, via director-general Jorge Valdano, that they are now out of the running for Villa’s signature as the two clubs are unable to break the impasse over his transfer fee.

The ‘Holy Trinity’ at the Camp Nou - Pep Guardiola, Txiki Begiristain and Joan Laporta - have already acknowledged that they consider Villa a vital part of their future plans, while a large section of the Catalan-based press believe that the Che hitman would prefer Barca over Madrid, in the event that the two rivals collide again for his signature.

The only issue for Barcelona now is their budget. ‘El Tricampeon’ have no more than €35 million of their own money to spend this summer, but they are ready to rectify that with the sale of Samuel Eto’o.

Milan reject mammoth Pato bid

AC Milan vice-president Andriano Galliani claims the club have rejected a massive bid for Alexandre Pato from an unnamed club.

Although Galliani has refused to name the club which made the bid, Chelsea are suspected to be behind the offer, having been strongly linked with the Brazilian.

Pato himself has also recently stated that he would join an English club if the offer came about, a comment which has fueled speculation about the striker's future.

Milan appear to be standing in the way of any move though, having already lost playmaker Kaka to Real Madrid.

Certainly, if Pato were to move the Rossoneri would be losing as key player, with the Brazilian having scored 24 times in his 54 games with the club.

Speaking on the issue, Galliani was tight lipped, stating: "Milan this year have resisted a monumental offer for Pato."

"But I will not say which club made the offer."

Zaltan : I want Real madrid call!

The Real Madrid transfer market juggernaut has already captured Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, and Florentino Perez’s next target, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has stated his desire to become the latest Galactico to jet into the Bernabeu.

The Swedish international is fresh from securing another league title with Internazionale in Serie A, and reports suggest that the interest from Los Blancos has led Ibrahimovic to consider his future in Italy.

Coach Jose Mourinho has set the forward a 20-day deadline to decide where he will be next season. Now Spanish newspaper Marca states that the 27-year old’s agent, Mino Raiola, has been involved in initial discussions with Madrid with a view to a possible transfer.

Ibrahimovic has expressed his interest in becoming a part of the new Galacticos being assembled under Perez, although the engineering magnate’s initial approach resulted in a €94m price tag being slapped on the player.

However, it is thought that ‘Ibra’ would even be willing to pay €3m to escape his contract at the San Siro.The main stumbling block, Marca continues, could be his exhorbitant wage demands.

Torres may be sold to Chelsea!

According to a sensational report in today's News of the World, Chelsea are putting together a shock £50 million bid for Liverpool ace Fernando Torres.

New Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly made the Spanish striking sensation a top transfer priority, and the powers that be at Stamford Bridge are said to be secretly confident that they can pull off what would be an absolutely stunning coup as a result of Liverpool's well-documented financial problems.

Kop Holdings, the company set up by Tom Hicks and George Gillett to run Liverpool, reportedly lost £42.6m last year, and there are more than just murmurs that the under-fire American owners are not in a position to turn down any deals that make good financial sense.

Fiscally speaking, the sale of Torres for £50m would be a great bit of business, considering he was recruited from Atletico Madrid for around £20m just in 2007.

The News of the World goes on to suggest that Chelsea are ready to go all out to recreate Spain's dream forward tandem of Torres and David Villa at Stamford Bridge, the latter of whom the west London side reportedly submitted a £35m offer to Valencia for last week.

Playing For Milan Would Be A Dream - Luis Fabiano

Milan target Luis Fabiano has hinted at his penchant to play for the Rossoneri following reports the club was interested in him.

Sky Sport Italia claimed the Brazil international, whose two goals helped send Italy packing from the Confederations Cup, was being targeted by Milan as an alternative for Edin Dzeko.

The rumours have already reached the Brazilian camp in South Africa, and although Fabiano is happy with the Rossoneri link, he has not heard anything official.

"Milan? It would be a dream for me," Fabiano told La Repubblica.

"It would be beautiful to play for a team like Milan. Italian football is always attractive, but I don't know anything.

"The only certainty is that I have a contract with Sevilla until 2011."

Further reports on Tuesday claimed Il Diavolo were looking at Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor in case the Dzeko move collapsed after Wolfsburg coach Armin Veh claimed the Bosnian was not for sale

Juve want Grosso!

Juventus have made contact with Olympique Lyonnais with the intention of signing left-back Fabio Grosso, according to Tuttosport.

Grosso now seems in pole position to come in and fill the left-sided position at the Stadio Olimpico. The player's agent, Giuseppe Bozzo, is scheduled to meet with Lyon directors later this week in order to work out a deal between the French club and the Italians.

It is suggested Juve will be able to land Grosso for around €2 million and they are set to match his €2.5m-per-year wages. Voices claim Juve chiefs will travel to Lyon in order to present their bid to the French side. OL paid around €5m for the stopper from Inter in 2007, but he is likely to be sold for less than half that amount.

Reports in France claim the Ligue 1 side are looking at Brazilian left-back Andre Santos, and this had fuelled speculation that Grosso faces an exit.

Also, reports suggest Lyon are keen on winger Mauro Camoranesi and it is said the Italians may seek to insert him into the deal. In this case, les Gones would have to give Juventus cash plus Grosso to complete a move.

Deco i am unhappy at chelsea, i want INTER!

“I had a rather difficult season at Chelsea. I had a serious injury and I could not play my best football,” Deco said to the Corriere dello sport.

“I was hoping for something different. My agent, Jorge Mendes, has talked to the club and said that I am not happy at Chelsea. I know full well that I have a contract but I would like to leave.

“Are Inter my preferred destination? Yes, I am waiting and I would love for this deal to go through.”

Deco has worked under Jose Mourinho at Porto, where they won the Champions League in 2004, and hopes to play alongside want-away Swedish ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the San Siro.

“I choose Inter because they are a club with a great history and because I would like to work again under a coach like Mourinho,” explained the 31-year-old.

“We had two and a half fantastic years at Porto, during which we won all that we could.

“I hope ‘Ibra’ will stay, because he is an important player. He is one of the best around and I would love to have him as my team-mate.”

Santa now, Tevez Next

While it has been confirmed that Manchester City have completed the signing of Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn with a figure that could be as high £18.5 million, the Eastands club now hope to secure the services of Carlos Tevez from Manchester United.

The Sun has reported that the 25-year-old Argentine has agreed to move from Old Trafford to their bitter rivals.

The £25.5m move will be completed on July 1, when Tevez’s two-year loan deal with United comes to an end.

The report says City will give him a five-year contract worth £100,000 a week and that Tevez has chosen City ahead of Chelsea.

Santa Cruz was signed on a four-year deal which sees his wages double to £80,000 a week.

Barca show intrest in Daniele De Rossi!

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has caught the attention of Barcelona, according to the latest reports coming from Italy.

In fact, the Corriere dello Sport is suggesting that the Blaugrana are presently preparing an offer for the World Cup-winning player.

This link has also been mentioned by the Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo, which has reported that the player is in the agenda of Barcelona manager Txiki Begiristain.

Apparently, the Spanish giants have been following the Italian star for quite some time, and it is thought that he was already in their short-list last year when Pep Guardiola - a former club-mate of De Rossi - took over at Camp Nou.

De Rossi is seen as the alternative to Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano; therefore, if Barcelona fail to sign the Argentine player, they will direct their attention on the Roma man.

Increasing the speculation about this move is the uncertainty surrounding the Italian club, and also the fact that De Rossi's 2008-09 campaign wasn't one of his finest.

Glen Johnson on his way to Anfield!

Liverpool have released a statement this evening confirming that they have agreed a fee with Portsmouth for England right-back Glen Johnson, the man who was also a reported transfer target for Chelsea this summer, with both clubs apparently agreeing to meet Pompey's valuation of the player - a figure of £17.5 million, according to Sky Sports News.

However, Johnson always looked more likely to join the Reds, after enduring a fairly unhappy time at Stamford Bridge prior to his switch to Fratton Park, to where he moved from Chelsea for £5m last summer.

The player had been on loan at Pompey prior to the move, as he had found first team action difficult to come by in London.

The statement, issued via the club's official website, read:

"Liverpool FC confirmed this evening that they had reached an agreement with Portsmouth Football Club and with Glen Johnson for the transfer of the player to Anfield."

Real Madrid are now hunting ribery!

Having admitted that they are now ready to give up their pursuit of Valencia striker, David Villa, Real Madrid are now prepared to focus their full attention on completing the transfer of their third ‘Galactico’, Franck Ribery.

Spanish sports daily, AS has reported that in the past few days, talks between Madrid and Bayern Munich have entered the advanced stages but unlike the Villa saga, Los Blancos are hoping to keep negotiations under the radar and out of the public eye, while the Bavarians only want the announcements to be made to the media if and when the deal is completed.

The paper also believes that Ribery’s agent, Alan Migliaccio, acting as the intermediary for both clubs, is trying to convince Bayern to lower their €60 million asking price and discussions are expected to continue into the week.

It is said that the French international has already contacted his employers via telephone to let them know that his sole target is to join Madrid and he has even demanded that they reach a resolution soon with their Spanish counterparts.

AS has even gone as far as to speculate that Ribery has decided where he wants to stay in Madrid: the Conde de Orgaz residential district, the same neighbourhood as where his mentor, Zinedine Zidane currently resides.

Chelsea could bid for Maicon

Maicon's agent believes Chelsea will be among the teams who attempt to lure the defender away from Inter Milan this summer.

The Brazil international has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is also a fan of 27-year-old wing-back.

"I believe Ancelotti is one of Maicon's biggest admirers," said Maicon's agent Antonio Caliendo to Sky Italia.

"It's not just Real Madrid but Chelsea who also could make a move (for Maicon).

"I'm not saying that would be the case because the possibility (of buying the player) is open to every club.

"However, what I would like to point out is that you don't negotiate for a champion, you go there, you buy him and that's that.

"You need to make a financial effort to buy a champion."

Inter president Massimo Moratti confirmed yesterday that there was a 50% chance that Maicon would leave the club this summer.

Caliendo believes Inter are doing the right thing by evaluating the offers.

"There's still a 50% chance," said Caliendo. "We adapt to what the (club) president wishes as he (Maicon) is tied to a four-year contract with the club.

"Moratti has made the right decision by listening to offers."

Gago a prospect for Milan

Milan are looking to Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago as a potential replacement for Andrea Pirlo if he leaves the Rossonieri this summer.

Milan are looking to Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago as a potential replacement for Andrea Pirlo if he leaves the Rossonieri this summer.

Despite claiming he is happy at San Siro, Pirlo has also claimed he is interested in moving to another club, and while Chelsea are favourites to gain his signature, Real Madrid may also make a swoop.

Silvio Berlusconi recently fueled speculation, as he revealed the club may be forced to sell the Italian international due to financial constraints.

"I didn't want him to leave, but then they showed me the budget," said Berlusconi.

The Italian media have quickly begun to rumour that Gago, who had a good season with Real, is a possible replacement if Pirlo does exit the club.

‘El Pintita' is an Argentine international and has been likened to Fernando Redondo, another Argentine who played for AC Milan.

Mascherano flattered by interest

Javier Mascherano is said to be over the moon with the prospect of Real Madrid and Barcelona vying for his services.

Mascherano has been linked to a transfer out of England after reports claimed that his wife has failed to make a smooth transition to living in the UK.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants to retain his prized midfield enforcer, but he will reluctantly let Mascherano leave if a bid of €35m to €46m is put forward.

The Argentine international was happy to hear of interest from Spain, but said that he would rather move to the Nou Camp than to the Bernabeu.

"I am very proud and thankful for the interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's good for me to have these two teams are interested in me," Mascherano told Don Balon.

"Both teams are very important, but at this moment I think that Barcelona is a little bit better and that's why they've won all that they have."

Red Devils target Internacional's Nilmar

Manchester United are currently monitoring the situation of Nilmar at Internacional, and are keen on signing the striker.

United are allegedly in the midst of raising the £20 million needed to purchase the 24-year-old hitman.

Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly singled out the Brazilian forward as Carlos Tevez's successor, after the Argentine international ruled out a return to Old Trafford.

Rumours from England have claimed that the Premier League champions sent more than a handful of scouts to the Confederations Cup to have a good look at Nilmar, but he has only made a substitute appearance for Brazil in the tournament so far.

Nilmar began his career with Internacional, hauling in 16 goals in 42 games in his rookie campaign. The Bandeirantes-born hitman then joined Olympique Lyonnais in 2004, but struggled to make the grade at the Stade Gerland.

The Brazil international then moved to Corinthians in 2005, scoring eight goals in 32 games.

Nilmar has now rediscovered the rich vein of form that once made him such a prized asset, scoring 15 goals in 31 games since returning to Internacional in 2007.

Chelsea’s €18 million Zhirkov pursuit

The Blues are set to make Yuri Zhirkov their first signing this offseason, despite tabling bids for other players as well.

The transfer of Zhirkov will hopefully usher in more signings to Stamford Bridge, and help bolster the Blues squad for the upcoming campaign.

Chelsea's failure to sign any players on their wish-list is the product of their free-spending ways in recent years, with the club now unwilling to fork out sky-high transfer fees and excessive wages for their targets.

The Blues' representatives will be negotiating with Zhirkov's club, CSKA Moscow, with his price tag set at approximately €18 million.

The Russian winger is set to challenge Florent Malouda for his position on the left flank.

Juve target Acquafresca

Italy u-21 striker Robert Acquafresca’s agent claims Juventus are the latest club to be interested in the highly-rated youngster.

The Old Lady is now in pole position to secure the services of the former Cagliari player but his capture could come at a high price, with Juve defender Domenico Criscito and up to £4 million apparently going the other way as part of the deal.

Criscito is currently co-owned by Juve and Genoa but Genoa president Enrico Preziosi would like to sign the defender on a permanent basis and is trying to obtain his services as part of an exchange for Acquafresca.

"Juventus are a new entry in the negotiations and it is clear they want Robert but under certain conditions," said the player's agent, Paolo Fabbri.

"My client is from Turin so he would fancy it. However, Genoa want Criscito and Juve need to sell David Trezeguet first."

Regarding the Frenchman, international agent Antonio Caliento claimed Real Madrid are after him and his market value would be around £15m.

If Juve were to sell him then they will have the funds needed to invest in Genoa's Acquafresca while also holding on to Criscito, a defender who is said to be part of new coach Ciro Ferrara's plans in Turin.