soccer-transfers-news

Zurich 2-5 Real Madrid

2009-09-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

0-1 Ronaldo 27' // 0-2 Raul 34' // 0-3 Higuain 45'

1-3 Margairaz (Pen) 63'

2-3 Aegerter 65'

2-4 Ronaldo 89'

2-5 Guti 90''

Wolfsburg 3-1 CSKA Moscow

2009-09-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

1-0 Grafite 36' // 2-0 Grafite (Pen) 41'

2-1 Dzagoev 77'

3-1 Grafite 87'

Besiktas 0-1 Manchester Utd

2009-09-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

scholes 0-1

Maccabi Haifa 0-3 Bayern Munchen

2009-09-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

Chelsea 1-0 Porto

2009-09-15T20:04:00.001-07:00

Anelka 1-0

Juventus 1-1 Bordeaux

2009-09-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

1-0 Iaquinta 63'

1-1 Plasil 75'

Marseille 1-2 AC Milan

2009-09-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

1-2 Inzaghi 74'

1-1 Heinze 49'

1-2 Inzaghi 74'

Siena 1-2 AS Roma

2009-09-14T00:23:00.001-07:00

Fiorentina 1-0 Cagliari

2009-09-14T00:22:00.001-07:00

Inter 2-0 Parma

2009-09-14T00:21:00.001-07:00

Barcelona 3-0 Sporting Gijon

2009-09-14T00:20:00.003-07:00

Sevilla 4-1 Zaragoza

2009-09-14T00:20:00.001-07:00

Valladolid 2-4 Valencia

2009-09-14T00:19:00.001-07:00

Birmingham 0-1 Aston Villa

2009-09-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

0-1 Agbonlahor

Fulham 2-1 Everton

2009-09-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

0-1 Cahill 33'

1-1 Konchesky 57'

2-1 Duff 79'

Portsmouth 2-3 Bolton

2009-09-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

All goals and Highlights

Sunderland 4-1 Hull

2009-09-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

All goals and Full Highlights

Wigan 1-0 West Ham

2009-09-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Rodgella

Liverpool 4-0 Burnley

2009-09-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

1-0 Y.Benayoun 27'

2-0 D.Kuyt 41'

3-0 Y.Benayoun 61'

4-0 Y.Benayoun 82'

Manchester City 4-2 Arsenal

2009-09-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

1-0 M.Almunia (OG) 20'

1-1 R.van Persie 62'

2-1 C.Bellamy 74'

3-1 E.Adebayor 80'

4-1 S.Wright-Phillips 84'

4-2 T.Rosicky 88'

Tottenham 1-3 Manchester Utd

2009-09-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Birmingham 0-1 Aston Villa

2009-09-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

BPL - Stoke City 1-2 Chelsea

2009-09-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

Serbia VS France [1-1] World cup Qualifiers 2010

2009-09-10T10:46:00.001-07:00

Full match highlights and goals.

England Vs Croatia 5-1 - All Goals & Match Highlights - HQ

2009-09-10T10:44:00.002-07:00

Argentina 1 - 3 Brazil

2009-09-10T10:44:00.001-07:00

Poland vs Greece 2-0 (All Goals & Highlights)

2009-09-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Italy 2-0 Bulgaria (WC 2010 Qualifiers) 09.09.09

2009-09-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Groso and Iaquinta

Bologna 1-1 Fiorentina Highlights

2009-08-23T01:32:00.001-07:00

Manchester City 1 - 0 Wolverhampton

2009-08-23T01:31:00.001-07:00

Hull City - Bolton 1-0 08/22/2009

2009-08-23T01:30:00.001-07:00

Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic 5-0 All Goals and Highlights |Premier League 2009-10|

2009-08-23T01:29:00.001-07:00

Arsenal 4-1 Portsmouth

2009-08-23T01:28:00.001-07:00

milan 2-1 siena

2009-08-23T01:23:00.000-07:00

Kaka: Ron and I just want wins

2009-08-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Kaka has claimed that he and Cristiano Ronaldo are combining well on the pitch even though they do not mix off it.

Both superstars made waves in the world of football by joining Real Madrid this summer with the expectation of leading Los Blancos to silverware.

However, the more homely Brazilian will just be starring with the Portuguese winger on the field and not in his social circles.

"The first days were fantastic because we didn't even have a linguistic problem and we had met before," the former Milan player told Madrid's official website.

"We are gradually starting to understand each other better both on and off the pitch. We have our own personality and interests, but we have the common goal of leading Real Madrid to victory."

Madrid have already been criticised for starting slow after expectations soared with every new transfer made, but Kaka states that he will only be worried if they are still struggling in the latter half of the season.

"I would be concerned if by the end of the season we don't play as we want to, but now building up a team is all that counts," he continued.

"We are starting to enjoy ourselves on the pitch and we must keep on adapting. A few days from now the league tournament will show our level."

"We want to win every game, but now we must focus on knowing each other better and grasping what the coach demands from us. I hope those concerns disappear soon."

Borussia Dortmund - Real Madrid (0-5) Friendly match

2009-08-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Liverpool 4-0 Stoke city

2009-08-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Match goals and Highlights

Burnley - Manchester United (1-0) English Premier League

2009-08-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

We Know We're Inferior To Juventus And Inter - Gattuso

2009-08-20T11:04:00.001-07:00

Gennaro Gattuso talked about a number of topics ahead of the start of the new Serie A season.

Ac Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso talked to Sky Sport 24 about a variety of different subjects including the controversy surrounding the war of words between Marcello Lippi and Jose Mourinho, along with his team's prospects a few days before the start of the season.

On the penalty-shootout victory in the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy against Juventus, he said, "We obtained a second victory, after the first one against Varese. What reassures us is the performance. I saw a well-organised team, which tried to play like it wanted. We have to restart from these things."

Asked what this Milan team need ahead of the start of the season, Gattuso said, "We need enthusiasm, we need to play like a team. We have lost important men, our captain Paolo Maldini has gone, we don't have Kaka, who often helped us win with his individual moves.

"I think now we have to find a way to play as a team, we need to suffer more and be careful not to concede goals.

"Are Milan far behind Inter and Juventus? I think that should be our strength, it shouldn't be a problem because we feel inferior. Our intention should be to demonstrate something, make some people change their minds. That's how we need to think."

On the Lippi-Mourinho debate, "I don't think Lippi said anything strange. He is the national team coach, and it's true that he has six or seven Juve players in his team, while the only Italian Inter player is [Marco] Materazzi. What he said is normal, and it's normal that Mourinho got mad. Lippi has to think about his own interests, it's normal. That's how I see it."

Asked what a successful season for Milan would be, he said, "We have to show we can play as a team, because I think we need our fans and if we show we play as a team, the fans will get closer to us. That should be our first objective. Then, if we have to win the league or the Champions League, we have to start with the intention of doing our best. We'll see where we have arrived in the end."

Finally, on Silvio Berlusconi's proposal to reduce player wages, 'Ringhio' commented, "I don't know, I thought it was excessive to talk about a 50% pay cut. When contracts are agreed on, it's always done with the people involved, it's not like we decided everything ourselves. Fifty per cent seems a bit excessive, that's a lot."

Inter Director: Nothing Is Definite Regarding Real Madrid Star Wesley Sneijder

2009-08-20T11:02:00.001-07:00

Will he or won't he? The Nerazzurri official says the Dutchman's move to the San Siro is still in the balance...

Inter director Ernesto Paolillo has declared that Real Madrid playmaker Wesley Sneijder has not joined the squad just yet and that nothing has been definite regarding his potential arrival.

"The affair with Sneijder is concluded? Absolutely not," he explained to Sky Sport 24.

"When there is something concrete we will let you know. Nothing is defined or determined, we will see in the coming days."

Earlier in the day, the player's agent Soren Lerby, had claimed a deal between the two clubs has been agreed, but that his client is "indecisive" regarding a move to the Nerazzurri at the moment.

Sneijder arrived at Real Madrid in 2007 from Ajax, but now finds himself on the fringes of the squad after the arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Xabi Alonso in midfield.

Should the deal go through, the transfer fee is reportedly in the range of €15 million.

Fabio: Manchester United Are Not Weaker Without Tevez & Ronaldo

2009-08-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

The burgeoning Brazilian feels the Red Devils are just as strong this season as they were last...

20-Aug-2009 6:45:31 PM

Despite succumbing to a shock 1-0 reverse against Premier League new-boys Burnley, Fabio da Silva believes that Manchester United will not feel the loss of prolific winger Cristiano Ronaldo and tireless engine Carlos Tevez as the club have recruited well.

"I do not believe that we are weaker," the attack-minded left-back recently explained to the press.

"The club has signed Antonio Valencia, who is a very good player, in the place of Cristiano Ronaldo, and [Michael] Owen.

"Clearly, Cristiano is the best in the world, but we are going to handle this situation and we will fight for the championship," he concluded.

Fabio is one of the club's rising stars, along with twin brother Rafael, who occupies the full-back berth on the opposite side. Both players were acquired when they were 15, but only joined the club last summer.

The Brazilians have been earmarked for a promising future and will likely receive extra pitch-time throughout the coming campaign as Fabio has shaken off the leg injury that kept him sidelined at the start of last term and Rafael looked increasingly strong throughout the year.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

Celtic 0-2 Arsenal

2009-08-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

0-1 Gallas 43'

0-2 Caldwell (Pen) 71'

Sunderland 1-3 Chelsea

2009-08-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

All goals and match highlights.

Real Madrid Duo Ruud van Nistelrooy And Guti Linked With Vietnam Move

2009-08-18T11:05:00.001-07:00

Could the veterans make a shock move to South-East Asia?

Reports in AS this morning suggest that Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy and Guti are targets for T&T Hanoi.

The Vietnamese championship is said to be undergoing a revamp, and the signing of two high-profile names like Van Nistelrooy and Guti is a major part of the project.

They would not be the first big-name players to venture into Vietnamese football. Former Real Betis and Brazil winger Denilson played for Xi Man Hai Phong for one game in June of this year, scoring on his debut before leaving after just three weeks.

The president of T&T Hanoi, Do Quang Hien, is said to be keen to bring the Blancos pair to Vietnam. Spaniard Guti, 32, and Dutch international Van Nistelrooy, 33, have been linked with moves away from the Bernabeu since the arrival of Karim Benzema, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Do Quang Hien is also reportedly interested in Chelsea's Portuguese midfielder, Deco.

Real Madrid Lower Price For Inter Target Wesley Sneijder - Report

2009-08-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Beneamata are moving closer to signing the ever-elusive trequartista...

18-Aug-2009 12:51:30 PM

Inter president Massimo Moratti has moved a step closer to signing Real Madrid's Wesley Sneijder, whose price-tag has reportedly been dropped, according to reports in Italy.

The Serie A champions have been hard pressed to meet Real's asking price for the Dutchman, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, los Merengues have now lowered their demands.

Previously Inter were facing up to a €20 million outlay on Sneijder, but Real president Florentino Perez has reportedly allowed the 25-year-old's price-tag to drop to €15m. The decrease has been sanctioned in order to persuade Inter that they are able to take Sneijder on a permanent basis, rather than sign him on loan for the first year.

In addition, los Merengues will allow the €15m fee for the former Ajax man to be paid in three instalments.

Inter technical director Marco Branca is expected to travel to Spain soon to discuss the transfer further with Real's hierarchy, but the possibility remains that they will continue to withhold their offer until the end of the transfer window.

I Have A Lot To Offer Chelsea - New Signing Nemanja Matic

2009-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

The young Serbian is happy to have joined the Blues, promising big things for the future...

Chelsea have announced the signing of highly-regarded midfielder Nemanja Matic on a four-year deal, and the Serbian has stated his belief that he has a great deal to offer the London club.

“I am a solid midfield player, I have a lot to offer and for sure to progress. I will show everyone why I am at Chelsea," he told the Blues' official website.

“I am a central-midfielder, and I know I am not well known, but I have physical power and I am quite a technical, left-footed player,” he continued.

“Since the age of 18 I have been at Kosice, and before that I had played in the youth team of Red Star Belgrade.”

Matic, who is 6'4” tall, had spent some time with Middlesbrough on trial in January.

“When I came it was winter in the north of England so it was not very nice, but the squad was okay and I liked it,” he said.

Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan

2009-08-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

0-1 H.Rodallega 31'

0-2 J.Koumas 56'

Everton 1-6 Arsenal

2009-08-18T10:56:00.001-07:00

Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool

2009-08-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Manchester United 1-0 Birmingham

2009-08-18T10:54:00.001-07:00

MILAN VS JUVENTUS

2009-08-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

GOAL VIDEOS AND MATCH HIGHLIGHTS !

2009-08-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

As transfer season ends to a Close -- Nowonwards This blog will have all the latest Goals and match Highlights from English premier league(BPL), LA LIGA(spain),SERIE A(italy) & German Bundesliga( Germany league)..

City: Name your price Messi

2009-08-12T05:52:00.003-07:00

Manchester City have refused to take 'no' for an answer, as they table yet another bid for Lionel Messi.

Reports from the Marca have suggested that the well-heeled English side are in talks with the Barcelona player's agent, asking him to name their price.

City's previous attempt saw an offer that would buy-out Messi's €150 million release clause and offer him €12 million per season after tax, one which was flatly rejected by the Argentine.

This time around the Citizens have handed the 22-year-old a blank cheque in the hopes that would sway the superstar.

Nonetheless, Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has full confidence that the wonder winger will stay at Camp Nou.

In a statement released on the club's official website, he said: "Barca will always do whatever is necessary to keep Messi happy at the club and we know that Messi has a complete commitment to Barca."

City, however, have been testing many a players 'complete commitment'.

Case in point: Carlos Tevez - £25 million, Gareth Barry - £12 million, and Roque Santa Cruz - £17 million.

The price for Barca's Argentine wonder?

Priceless.

Xavi: Cesc has a Barca profile

2009-08-12T05:52:00.001-07:00

Xavi has publically endorsed the move for Cesc Fabregas should Barcelona decide to make an official bid for the midfield maestro.

Barca have been linked with their former youth player and the club's sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, has confirmed the Catalans interest in Fabregas.

"Fabregas is a complete footballer, capable of providing the team with dynamics," Xavi told RAC1. "He is a player raised here, he has a Barca profile:"

The creative midfielder also noted that a repeat of winning the Champions League, where the final will be staged at the Bernabeu this season, would be "special".

"I am really excited with the Champions League at the Bernabeu, also with the FIFA Club World Cup, which we do not have yet, but I will stay with the Champions League," Xavi said.

"It is at the Bernabeu, it is a special motivation for a Culé."

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old has issued a warning to La Blaugrana against complacency, having seen the club plummet under Frank Rijkaard after lifting the Champions League trophy in 2006.

"We have the experience of two years ago, we stopped working hard," he noted. "We have to be humble and work hard for that not to happen to us.

"With the experience we have that will not happen."

Real deny Ronaldo has swine flu

2009-08-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid have officially confirmed new signing Cristiano Ronaldo has not contracted swine flu.

The club insists Ronaldo has contracted the normal strain of flu.

Rumours had persisted over Ronaldo's health after the winger pulled out of Portugal's midweek game against Liechtenstein because of the illness.

There were speculation that Ronaldo contracted swine flu during the club's tour of the United States.

Having played a few minutes against DC United with the symptoms, fears were raised that he could have spread the virus and those were heightened as he suffered on the return flight to Madrid.

But Los Merengues have issued an official denial that Ronaldo has anything other than a normal strain of flu and that he will recover in the next few days.

"The player is recovering from the common flu", Real Madrid gave a basic message to fans about the star's current condition," the statement read.

"Cristiano Ronaldo returned from Washington DC with the flu and has been told to rest at home and was prescribed medication."

Huntelaar criticises Madrid hierarchy

2009-08-12T05:50:00.002-07:00

Milan’s latest signing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has hit out at the conduct of the administration at Real Madrid.

The Dutch international was signed for €15 million by Milan last week on a four-year contract. Huntelaar decided to leave after dropping down the pecking order at Real Madrid following the arrival of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, despite having a good season last year.

However, the parting seems to be less than amicable, with Huntelaar claiming that Real's bosses did not take the right approach towards selling him.

"Those in power at Real did not behave in the way that club deserves," Huntelaar told AS.

"They surprisingly told me my new team would be Stuttgart, and did not heed my requests."

"Those decisions irritated me, but thanks to my agent I was able to stay calm."

"During the first months I was fine, but things started getting worse right after," he added about his spell at Real.

Malouda: Life’s great with Chelsea

2009-08-12T05:50:00.001-07:00

Florent Malouda is ecstatic after signing a new deal with Chelsea in a deal that expires in the summer of 2012.

"Of course I am very happy because I think that the club wanted me to sign, and for me it is the same so there is a big trust," Malouda told Chelsea's official website.

"From the first year here when we changed the manager the speculation [about my future] started."

"All I can say is in two years now I played almost 90 games with Chelsea so that means I have something to do here in this club, that's the reason I signed my contract."

The Frenchman also stated that he felt his move to Chelsea was vindicated with their FA Cup win last season.

"That's the reason why I came to Chelsea - to play in those kind of games," explained Malouda. "The end of May is a massive moment in the season, it's when you can collect the trophies and this first one means a lot to me. "

"It was really important to win that trophy and finish the season well, and start this one well."

Malouda also revealed that he can play in the 4-4-2 diamond formation and believes he can form a more devastating partnership with team-mate Ashley Cole.

Terry: Owen could deny us title

2009-08-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

John Terry believes Michael Owen could be a threat to Chelsea winning their first BPL title since the 2005-06 season.

"I'm sure playing for Manchester United and training with those players day in, day out, will mean he is only going to score goals, which I must say is a bit of a nightmare for me as a Chelsea player because I want to win the league and get the trophy back off Manchester United," Terry told the London Evening Standard.

"He only played 12 or 13 minutes against us in the Community Shield, but he still showed glimpses of what he can do."

Terry is confident that if Owen makes a successful comeback with the Red Devils, a call from England coach Fabio Capello will be a given.

"We all know he can finish, we all know he works hard and the qualities he possesses. Can he play in the World Cup? 100 per cent, yes," added the England defender.

"I think the manager has said that there are places for anyone in the squad, not just Michael, if they are playing well or scoring goals."

"The manager is not going to be able to overlook things, if he is playing well, he will have to pick [him]."

Drogba: I still feel young at heart

2009-08-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

Drogba: I still feel young at heart

Didier Drogba has promised to "enjoy being on the pitch" and play for as long as he thinks he can.

The 31-year-old recently signed a new Chelsea deal to squash rumours of a move out of Stamford Bridge.

And now the Ivory Coast international has vowed to treasure every moment he is playing football.

"I have only been playing at a high level since I was 25 so, in my head, I still feel young. I don't know how long I can continue playing but, for me, the most important thing is to enjoy being on the pitch," said Drogba.

"Maybe I do look happy now and that I know what I am doing - but I knew what I was doing, even last year. I knew what I was doing and I told you that and that is why I am here, with Chelsea.

"I am feeling good. I want to play and I am really happy to be on the pitch and to have my team-mates. I want to give people a good season."

Although Drogba is considered one of the Premier League's most feared strikers, he insists he can still improve his game by cutting out mistakes and improving his ball retention.

Mourinho upbeat after Supercoppa loss

2009-08-10T05:02:00.001-07:00

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho insists the better team lost after seeing his side fall 2-1 in a shock Supercoppa defeat to Lazio.

Goals from Matuzalem and Tommaso Rocchi shortly after the hour mark gave Lazio a 2-1 win in Inter's first game without Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Nerazzurri dominated the game, but were unable to convert their possession and chances into goals, and Mourinho believes his side were by far the best.

"Lazio have the joy of victory, we have the calmness of having a team and a future," he said.

"I am very happy with my players' performance, with this new style that is being born, but obviously I can't be happy with the result, above all because as everyone saw it could have finished in a different way, such as 3-1 to us.

"Before they took the lead we had 12, 14 chances. They spent the time in defence and had a lot of luck, then they played in the final few minutes."

Mourinho added: "I have told my players one thing: we have the team.

"Without hypocrisy, one team played and the other won. Without hypocrisy, one team had 14 chances and the other won with luck and with three shots in total.

Moratti: Inter interested in Van

2009-08-10T05:01:00.002-07:00

Massimo Moratti has revealed that Inter Milan are one of the many clubs interested in the services of Rafael van der Vaart.

Inter were recently linked to van der Vaart's Real Madrid team-mate Wesley Seijder, and have been reportedly told by Los Merengues that he would cost €25 million.

However, Nerazzurri president Moratti confirmed over the weekend that van der Vaart is also on the wishlist of the reigning Serie A champions.

"Jose Mourinho has said that we need a trequartista and maybe he is right. [Rafael] Van der Vaart is one of the names that we are evaluating," confirmed Moratti.

Moratti also gave his assessment of Inter's new strike force, the recently acquired Samuel Eto'o and Diego Milito.

"Samuel Eto'o is quick and smart," he added.

"He is already scoring goals and can do great things here. Diego Milito is also very good, and is very practical."

Milan deny Pato Chelsea link

2009-08-10T05:01:00.001-07:00

AC Milan denied rumorus that Alexandre Pato is on his way to Chelsea.

Pato has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, now managed by former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, all summer and the Rossoneri turned down a "monster offer" for the Brazil forward over a month ago.

Fresh reports today suggested Chelsea were close to sealing a deal for Pato, which would see the Barclays Premier League club shell out 52million euros (£44million) and loan the 19-year-old back to Milan for the upcoming season.

However, the Rossoneri have dismissed the story outright with a statement on their website, www.acmilan.com.

It read: "With regards to the rumours circulated this morning by the English press, AC Milan clarify and reaffirm that there are no negotiations ongoing with Chelsea regarding Alexandre Pato, and that the player is absolutely non transferable."

Pato, who is under contract until June 2012, finished as Milan's second highest scorer behind Kaka in Serie A last season with 15 goals in 36 appearances.

It is unlikely the Rossoneri would be swayed by a huge offer having already cashed in around 65million euros from the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid at the beginning of the summer.

Fabiano not thinking about Milan

2009-08-10T05:00:00.002-07:00

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano insists he remains untroubled despite the protracted saga over a possible move to AC Milan.

The Rossoneri have long been linked with the Brazil forward and reportedly had a 14million euro bid turned down by Sevilla, who were holding out for a sum closer to the player's 26million euro release clause.

It is likely Milan have now given up on Fabiano after signing Klaas Jan Huntelaar but the Sevilla star claims he is unconcerned.

"I'm not thinking about Milan," he said. "They made an offer, but I was always calm and thinking about Sevilla.

"I have been training for several weeks and I'm not yet at 100% so that's what I'm concentrating on now, continuing working with Sevilla to start the season well."

Fabiano admits he talked to Milan coach and compatriot Leonardo but believes the Serie A giants did not make enough of an effort to take him to the San Siro.

He continued: "But I always thought about Sevilla and there were only possibilities if the offer was right for Sevilla.

"I think Milan didn't make an effort for Luis Fabiano, so they weren't that interested.

"Anyway, everything's forgotten, I'm only thinking about Sevilla."

Milan still active in the market

2009-08-10T05:00:00.001-07:00

AC Milan coach Leonardo has revealed that his team are not done in the current transfer window, and will add a couple of players soon.

Milan have been relatively quiet on the transfer front this offseason, with their two major deals involving Kaka in a sale to Real Madrid, and the acquisition of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar going the other way.

Several Italian media outlets have even reported that the Rossoneri are done for this window, and are going to stand pat till January.

"The transfer market? It's open until August 31, so it may not be right to say that we are finished just yet. We still have our eyes on a couple of players," Leonardo told the Milan Channel.

"We are still in preparation mode, and we will continue to work to find our best form prior to the start of the season."

"We have played a number of matches, and now we understand the areas that we need to improve in the most."

Football world stunned by Jarque death

2009-08-10T04:59:00.002-07:00

News of Espanyol captain Daniel Jarque's heart failure has prompted mourning and condolences across Spain.

Jarque was found dead from heart failure in his hotel room on Saturday night after a training session.

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino looked visibly shaken as he was confronted by reporters today. Making a brief statement to AS, Pochettino said the club was shocked and saddened by the death.

"He was a superb person and a great professional," the trainer was quoted as saying by AS.

"This is a huge loss for his family and for Espanyol, and it is a loss that is difficult to deal with.

"We do not yet believe that it has happened. It has been a huge blow, a real shock. It is a painful day for everyone and what has happened is inexplicable."

Supporters have put forward the idea of naming Espanyol's new stadium after Jarque as he captained the club in their first game there, which took place against Liverpool earlier this month.

Espanyol returned from Italy immediately after the event, cancelling friendlies against Bologna and Livorno, while their next scheduled outing is a local encounter with Girona on August 22.

Ancelotti primed for league batle

2009-08-10T04:59:00.001-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti feels his new-look Chelsea team are ready for the start of the season.

The Chelsea coach's confidence comes following their FA Community Shield win after they beat Manchester United on penalties.

The Barclays Premier League champions had dominated after taking an early lead through Nani, who later went off injured with a shoulder problem.

However, Italian coach Ancelotti made several tactical changes during the second half which paid off as his men fought back through Ricardo Carvalho and went ahead following a controversial goal by Frank Lampard.

A stoppage-time effort from England striker Wayne Rooney meant the match would be settled by a shoot-out, in which Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra saw weak efforts saved by Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech to give Ancelotti his first piece of silverware.

"It is an important start to the season because we have changed the way the team plays a bit," said the Chelsea manager.

"We found it difficult, but we were better in the second half when we put more strength on the pitch.

"I am very happy, not only for this month but also for this past month.

"I now know the players, I like their mental attitude and I like the organisation of the club.

"We are ready to start a very important season for us and we are ready to do our best.

"Manchester are our most important opponents in the Premiership because they are a great team, they have great experience. So this gives us a bit more trust in our possibilities.

"Now, though, we have to think of the season and the next matches."

Carvalho was named the sponsor's man of the match following a composed display alongside captain John Terry at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

The Portugal centre-half said: "It is important to win trophies, but now we have to look to the Premier League and start winning there as it's important to get a lead."

Ferguson has faith in Foster

2009-08-10T04:58:00.001-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson maintains he has "no worries" over the ability of goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The 26-year-old endured a difficult afternoon at Wembley yesterday, where Chelsea won the FA Community Shield on penalties following an action-packed curtain raiser to the new campaign.

Foster is standing in for Edwin van der Sar and is likely to feature for England in the forthcoming friendly against Holland.

And while Ferguson admits it was not the best display from Foster, who had a two-year loan spell at Watford, the Scot insists he has every confidence the keeper can deliver.

"Knowing Ben and the ability which he has, he should have done better with the second goal," said the United boss, who was also less than impressed by the performance of referee Chris Foy.

"However, it was his first big challenge. He has waited a long time, has had his injuries and in pre-season I spread the load between the three keepers, and maybe we did not have enough minutes for him.

"But the important thing is, knowing his ability, it means I do not have any worries about him."

Ferguson was in no doubt the decisive moment of yesterday's match came in the build up to Chelsea's second goal on 70 minutes.

Mourinho warns against complacency

2009-08-07T06:22:00.003-07:00

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has warned his players against complacency ahead of their Supercoppa clash against Lazio.

The Nerazzurri have lifted the trophy on three of the past four occasions while it has been nine years since Lazio won it, by beating Inter 4-3.

Mourinho knows it would mean more for the capital club but, with the possibility of equalling AC Milan's record of five Supercoppa titles, he has urged his players to give their all.

"It will be a challenge of motivation," said the Inter boss. "I've also told my players that: we have to have the same motivation, or even more, than Lazio.

"For them it will be an historic game because they have not won this trophy for so long, we are used to winning and so we have to have the same motivation to bring the Supercoppa back to Italy."

It will be a new-look Inter that take to the pitch in Beijing, with new boys Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito, Lucio and Thiago Motta, and without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz, Maxwell and Luis Figo among others.

And Mourinho hopes they can gel quickly.

AC Milan agree Huntelaar deal

2009-08-07T06:22:00.001-07:00

AC Milan have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of Klass Jan Huntelaar to the Italian club.

A statement on the club's website revealed the 25-year-old striker will arrive in Milan tomorrow to undergo a medical.

Huntelaar is then set to sign a deal until June 2013 with the Rossoneri.

Madrid also confirmed the move in a short statement on their official website.

Holland international Huntelaar only moved to the Bernabeu from Ajax in January, but has found life difficult in Spain and has been unable to hold down a regular starting spot in the side.

The arrival of several big-name players over the summer - including Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - saw Huntelaar pushed even further down the attacking order and Madrid made it clear they would listen to offers for the Dutchman.

A proposed move to Stuttgart was turned down by the player while Tottenham had also expressed an interest in Huntelaar, who scored eight goals in 20 Primera Division appearances.

Milan faced with fresh Chelsea bid

2009-08-07T06:21:00.001-07:00

Reports in Italy have claimed Chelsea are continuing in their bid to sign Andrea Pirlo despite Milan saying he is not for sale.

However, in spite of Milan's public declarations, Carlo Ancelotti is said to have again stepped up his pursuit of the Italian midfielder, reportedly by adding Michael Essien in as part of the deal.

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, speaking to Corriere dello Sport, insisted that even with Essien thrown in, Milan were not tempted by the deal.

"Chelsea have raised their offer by adding Essien? Pirlo has been removed from the market, so not even this would be considered," Galliani stressed.

"The matter is now closed, and we are not interested in selling Pirlo."

The saga has been ongoing for weeks now, with earlier reports suggesting that striker Claudio Pizzarro was to be included, but Milan publicly announced on Tuesday that Pirlo would be staying with the Rossoneri.

Kuyt: Liverpool will keep on fighting

2009-08-07T06:20:00.003-07:00

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool will "fight on" following Xabi Alonso's £30million move to Real Madrid.

Spain international Alonso completed his move to the Bernabeu on Wednesday as he signed a five-year contract with the Primera Liga giants.

The departure of the influential midfielder has led some to question the Premier League title credentials of Liverpool, who have signed Roma's Alberto Aquilani as a replacement.

But while Kuyt recognises Alonso played an important role for the Reds, he insists the club can cope without his former team-mate.

The Dutch forward told Nettavisen after Wednesday's 2-0 friendly win over FC Lyn in Oslo: "Alonso has been great for Liverpool, but we will fight on."

Liverpool have suffered a disappointing pre-season and Kuyt recognises it was important to react to a recent 3-0 setback to Espanyol by defeating Lyn.

Rafa Benitez's team begin their league campaign at Tottenham on August 16 and Kuyt is confident last season's runners-up will be in good shape.

"We are happy with the result after the defeat against Espanyol," he told Liverpool's official website. "It's always good to have another game come up quickly and we won 2-0.

"Maybe it could have been a little bit more but at the end of the day it was a clean sheet and a good performance.

Bassong makes Spurs move

2009-08-07T06:20:00.001-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their defence with the signing of Sebastien Bassong from Newcastle.

The two clubs agreed a fee believed to be upwards of £8million, with the player penning a long-term contract at White Hart Lane.

The 23-year-old is suspended for the first two games of the new season following his sending-off against Fulham at the end of last term.

A statement on www.tottenhamhotspur.com tonight read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of Sebastien Bassong to the club, following the player successfully completing a medical examination and agreeing personal terms."

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp had been keen to bring in reinforcements at the back, with Michael Dawson set to miss the start of the new season through injury and Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate also doubtful.

"Jonathan Woodgate is struggling and I think he may have to have an operation," Redknapp said earlier this week.

"I think he may have to have another hernia operation. He had one at the end of last season but obviously it has not worked so he may have to go back in again.

Fergie vows to learn from Final

2009-08-07T06:19:00.001-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is certain last season's Champions League final defeat will drive Manchester United for success.

Despite landing three major honours, United have spent the summer looking back on a horrible night in Rome, where they were badly outplayed by Barcelona.

Ferguson has tended to skirt around the issue in his assessment of the campaign that lies ahead.

However, in the build-up to Sunday's Community Shield showdown with Chelsea at Wembley, the Red Devils chief revealed his belief that, just as triumphs bring greater determination, so the agony of losing such an important game can be used as a major motivational tool.

"Adversity is always an important factor in developing and improving," he said.

"I have always reacted well to adversity over the years and whenever we lose a match I tell my players that the next game is the important one - the match we have to focus on.

"That has always been the case here at the club.

"When you lose the last game of the season you have two or three months to reflect on the disappointment.

Atletico remain steadfast over Aguero

2009-08-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

A bid of £51million may not even tempt Atletico Madrid to sell Sergio Aguero.

According to Spanish media, president Enrique Cerezo is adamant that the club will not be waver in their determination to keep the Argentine.

"Perhaps even if an offer for this amount of money (£51m) arrives, we would not accept the sale," Cerezo told Spanish media.

The 21-year-old Argentina international is believed to be sought by Manchester United as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Inter Milan and Chelsea are also thought to be tracking Aguero, but Atletico have maintained that they do not want to sell.

Real insure Ronaldo for €100m

2009-08-04T05:27:00.002-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's legs have been insured for €100m by Real Madrid.

Real have taken this drastic step in order to protect their massive investment on the Portguese winger in the event of a serious injury.

According to Sunday newspaper The World, the former Manchester United player has been given this special treatment after Real spent a record €94m to sign him.

The 24-year old recently picked up a knock and the injury to his knee was quickly assessed by club doctors, who gave the player the all-clear.

Barca's USA tour an astounding success

2009-08-04T05:27:00.001-07:00

Barcelona's United States tour had a glamorous beginning as the treble winners enjoyed a grand reception and farewell by fans in Los Angeles.

Despite the belief that football is not popular across the Atlantic, the European champions were watched by a sellout crowd of 94,000 spectators as they beat Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 on Saturday night.

During their stay in Los Angeles, Barca had six training sessions which required heavy security as fans lined up even for these. The players were also given a free day, and on their shopping trip they were mobbed for pictures and autographs as soon as they were recognized.

The Blaugrana's departure from the City of Angels was no less grand. A cavalcade of police cars and motorbikes escorted the team bus to the airport with the sirens blaring to move traffic aside for the Catalan team.

No check-in was required as the players' boarding passes were checked on the runway. The squad walked straight onto the plane before taking off in the direction of Seattle.

Agent says Sniejder going nowhere

2009-08-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

Wesley Sneijder's agent has rejected claims the Real Madrid midfielder is set to sign for Inter Milan.

Reports in Italy on Monday suggested an agreement had been reached between the two clubs over a summer switch.

Sneijder's future looks uncertain following the high-profile arrivals at Real during the current transfer window.

However Sneijder's agent, Soren Lerby, dismissed claims that the Holland international is poised to join Inter.

"We have an understanding with Real Madrid that Wesley can't leave the club. And nothing has changed there," Lerby told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lerby's claims will also be backed up by the fact that Sneijder featured in a starting role for Real during their pre-season Peace Cup games.

However, with Kaka set to return from his break and rumours rife that Madrid are set to sign Xabi Alonso, his place in the first XI seems less than certain.

Huntelaar linked with Milan

2009-08-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

Reports in Italy suggest that Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is on the verge of signing for Milan.

On Sunday, reports emerged claiming that the Spanish giants were ready to give the Italians preferential treatment regarding the Dutch forward and it appears to be the case as the clubs have reportedly agreed a deal worth approximately €12 million.

AC Milan fans may finally get some of the reinforcements they have been asking for, according to Sportbox.ru.

Stuttgart had previously offered €18m, but could not come to personal terms with the 25-year-old.

Rossoneri coach Leonardo has constantly told the press that his squad was too small and needed reinforcements. The club's lacklustre pre-season, where they endured losses to Bayern Munich, Inter, Chelsea, Club America, and Boca Juniors seems to have prompted vice-president Adriano Galliani to act on the transfer market.

Huntelaar bagged eight goals in 20 appearances after joining Los Blancos in January last season, but may have become surplus to requirements after the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema.

The deal has yet to be confirmed, but news reports in Italy on Monday claimed that once negotiations were settled it is very likely to go through.

Huntelaar had also been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Roma, but the Italian press is now convinced his destination is Milan.

Pizarro holding up move

2009-08-04T05:24:00.002-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti’s attempt to bring Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea has hit a snag, with Claudio Pizarro considering whether to move to Milan.

Pizarro, according to The Mail on Sunday, has asked for time to think about the move, leaving the Blues in limbo as they await a decision.

Chelsea, however, are prepared to pay the full €18m, should the former Bayern Munich hitman refuse to move to the Italian peninsula.

Pizarro's best bet for regular football seems to be with the Rossoneri, so it would seem peculiar that he is taking a long time to deliberate what is the best course of action for his career

Rosicky refutes Toure claims

2009-08-04T05:24:00.001-07:00

Tomas Rosicky insists Arsenal still have all their "great players" and are ready to challenge for titles.

The Gunners continued their impressive pre-season build-up, which now stretches to six unbeaten games, with a 3-0 win over Scottish champions Rangers to lift the Emirates Cup.

Kolo Toure, who joined Manchester City following seven years at Arsenal, claims his old club have lost all of their leaders, which was one of the reasons he decided to leave.

Czech international Rosicky has returned to action following 18 months out with a series of niggling injuries, which along with the match fitness of Croatia forward Eduardo has boosted Arsene Wenger's forward options following the summer departure of striker Emmanuel Adebayor, also to City.

Rosicky is adamant Arsenal still have plenty of strength in depth.

"I don't think the best players have left," declared Rosicky, signed from Borussia Dortmund in July 2006.

"We have still got [Andrey] Arshavin, [Cesc] Fabregas and they are still great players.

"I don't see it this way. I don't see why we should be afraid of anyone.

"I see the potential and think we need to focus on what we have got."

Chelsea: Joe Cole not for sale

2009-08-04T05:23:00.002-07:00

Chelsea have warned they are not willing to sell Joe Cole after the England midfielder was linked with a move to Tottenham.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is a long-time admirer of the former West Ham player, but Chelsea moved swiftly to quash suggestions Cole could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

A statement from Chelsea read: "Contrary to media reports Chelsea is not, and will not be, considering any offers for Joe Cole.

"Our sole focus, as is Joe's, is to complete his rehab and get him fit as soon as possible so that he can play a major part in the new season."

Cole missed the last four months of last season with knee ligament damage and suffered a minor setback during pre-season which forced him to miss Chelsea's trip to the United States.

Blackburn take Di Santo on loan

2009-08-04T05:23:00.001-07:00

Blackburn Rovers have signed Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo on loan for the first half of the season.

Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has been determined to strengthen his attack following the departure of Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City and Di Santo will give him a fresh option.

The 20-year-old Argentinian made only a minimal impact on the first team at Stamford Bridge after signing from Chilean side Audax Italiano in January 2008, but is highly rated by the London club.

He will stay with Blackburn until January under the terms of the deal completed last night.

Rovers will then have first option on extending the deal providing Chelsea are willing to let him stay on loan for the remaining months of the season.

Di Santo could make his first appearance for Blackburn in Wednesday's home friendly against Hibernian.

Alonso's Real deal still in limbo

2009-08-04T05:22:00.002-07:00

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso's future remains undecided with Real Madrid yet to table an acceptable offer.

Representatives from both clubs met at a Barcelona hotel yesterday prior to the Reds' friendly against Espanyol to have discussions about the 27-year-old.

Real have tracked the player for several weeks but have been unwilling to meet Liverpool's £30million asking price.

However, after yesterday's meeting it seems a move to the Bernabeu from Anfield seems increasingly likely for Alonso and all that remains is for Madrid to come up with a suitable bid.

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow told Spanish newspaper AS that he had spoken with Real's director Jose Angel Sanchez but that no agreement had been reached.

"This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking," he said.

In the wake of the 3-0 defeat to Espanyol - in which Alonso played the last six minutes - manager Rafael Benitez insisted he did not want the player to leave.

But with Alonso already having submitted a transfer request it seems improbable the midfielder will still be at Liverpool when the Barclays Premier League season kicks-off in 12 days' time.

Bent having Sunderland medical

2009-08-04T05:22:00.001-07:00

Darren Bent is undergoing a medical at Sunderland ahead of his proposed move from Tottenham.

The Black Cats initially moved for the England striker more than a week ago, after they missed out on the signing of Peter Crouch - ironically to Spurs.

But Steve Bruce has become increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress since and made his feelings known over the weekend.

Interest from the likes of Hull and Stoke has delayed talks, but Bent has always made it quite clear that his heart was set on a move to Wearside.

Now Bent has flown to the north east and is undergoing a medical after the two clubs came to an agreement.

It is now known how much the deal is worth, but reports claim it will be around the £14million mark.

The deal will represent a club record for Sunderland, and will take their summer spending to more than £20million following on from the arrivals of Lorik Cana, Frazier Campbell and Paulo da Silva.

Arsenal must increase Chamakh bid

2009-08-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud says he is waiting for Arsenal to improve their offer for striker Marouane Chamakh.

Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the Moroco international and it has been suggested the Gunners boss could look to secure his services following Emmanuel Adebayor's move to Manchester City.

Premier League rivals Sunderland have already failed in their attempt to sign Chamakh, while it is claimed that Arsenal have seen a £5.95million bid turned down by Bordeaux.

Triaud rates Chamakh as highly as Bafetimbi Gomis, who recently joined Lyon from St Etienne, despite the 25-year-old entering the final year of his current contract.

He told RMC: "We said we would facilitate his transfer to a big club.

"But if Gomis is worth €15million (£12.7million), Marouane is worth at least as much.

"Arsenal made an offer of €7million on Monday. Since then I have not had any contact with them. It is up to them to decide."

Lampard hails Italian mentality

2009-08-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

Frank Lampard believes the "winning mentality" of Italian bosses Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello has given him high hopes of a successful season for club and country.

The Chelsea and England midfielder has welcomed the appointment of Ancelotti, a two-time Champions League winner as AC Milan coach, at Stamford Bridge as the Blues aim to deny Manchester United a fourth Premier League title in a row.

At international level Lampard has been hugely impressed by Capello, who also had great success at club level with Milan as well as Real Madrid before leading England to the brink of qualification for next summer's World Cup.

Lampard told The Sun: "Most importantly (Ancelotti and Capello) have the winning mentality.

"That's why they have won so many trophies in their careers. 'Must win' is the only way for them and they don't accept slacking off in games or training.

"Modern football is a lot about winning the ball back quickly and both managers train us to do that - it's a very Italian trait.

Report: Chelsea Target Andrea Pirlo Hints At Milan Exit

2009-07-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Italy midfielder has allegedly told his colleagues at Inter that last Sunday’s derby was his last in a Rossoneri shirt.

Milan fans are bracing themselves for another high-profile defection as Andrea Pirlo looks set to reunite with Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea.

The former Diavoli boss has made no secret of his desire to lure Pirlo to Stamford Bridge and the Corriere dello Sport today claims that the 30-year-old said his goodbyes to his friends and colleagues at Inter after last Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina clash in Boston.

“This was my last derby game,” he reportedly said.

Press reports suggest that the Premier League giants have seen a €14.5 million bid, which also included the services of Claudio Pizarro and the loan of Michael Mancienne, rejected earlier this week.

But there is room to negotiate and discussions between the parties are expected to continue in the coming days.

Pirlo is tied to the San Siro outfit until June 2011 on wages of €5m-a-year, but he has allegedly been offered a four-year deal by Chelsea worth €6.5m-per-season.

Milan have already parted with Brazilian superstar Kaka this summer - the 27-year-old joined Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in a €67.5m deal.

Kaka knew Real move in January

2009-07-31T05:25:00.003-07:00

Kaka claimed his move to Real Madrid from AC Milan was decided on as early as January.

Milan had always insisted Kaka was not for sale and stunned the footballing world when they accepted a bid for the Brazil playmaker from Manchester City in the January transfer window.

Hundreds of fans turned up at Kaka's house to plead with him not to leave and although he decided to stay, he has now revealed it was because he was convinced by a phone call from Madrid.

"It wasn't exactly Florentino (Perez, Madrid president) who called, because he wasn't the president at the time." Kaka told Spanish sports daily AS. "For me it was a surprise all the fuss they created around it.

"It was the first time Milan wanted to sell me. (Milan president Silvio) Berlusconi assured me that it was only for financial reasons.

"For me it was great to see the fans outside my house showing their support for me not to leave.

Heinze on verge of Marseille switch

2009-07-31T05:25:00.001-07:00

Gabriel Heinze is set to become French club Marseille's 10th signing of the summer.

OM released a statement which saying they have reached an "agreement in principle" with the defender and his club side Real Madrid over his transfer to the Stade Velodrome.

The 31-year-old former Manchester United player should sign a three-year deal soon.

The statement on Marseille's official website, www.om.net, read: "The Argentina international should come to Marseille soon for the completion of the contract and to take a medical."

Heinze, a former Paris St Germain defender who can play at left-back or centre-half, was linked with a move to Marseille earlier this summer but it was thought his wage demands ended any hope of a deal being struck.

But it appears to have been resurrected and OM coach Didier Deschamps could soon have another high-profile player at his disposal.

On Tuesday, former Spain striker Fernando Morientes, who was a free agent after leaving Valencia at the end of last season, joined the Mediterranean side along with classy midfielder Fabrice Abriel, who moved from Lorient.

The other players to have made the switch to the Velodrome in the close season are Lucho Gonzalez, Stephane M'Bia, Souleymane Diawara, Edouard Cisse, Cyril Rool, Elinton Andrade and Charley Fomen.

Wenger: No rush with cash

2009-07-31T05:24:00.002-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Arsenal "don't have the money" but Arsene Wenger has insisted there is cash available.

The Arsenal manager, however, believes his squad is strong enough without any more new signings.

The Gunners, linked with a move for their former skipper Patrick Vieira on a pay-as-you-play basis, have made only one signing, defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax, but have sold both Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City.

Arsenal are £30million up on the deals but have debts to service on the Emirates Stadium, and it was this that prompted Ferguson to speculate it will be Wenger's side who feel the biggest threat from big-spending City.

Emmanuel Eboue could also leave Arsenal, with Fiorentina weighing up a £7million bid for the Ivory Coast midfielder.

"Fab's Milan move appears dead"

2009-07-31T05:24:00.001-07:00

Luis Fabiano's agent admits he has all but given up on securing the Sevilla striker a move to AC Milan.

The Rossoneri have long been linked with the Brazil forward and have reportedly had a 14million euro bid turned down by Sevilla.

The Primera Division side are said to be holding out for an offer close to Luis Fabiano's 26 million euro release clause, a figure Milan are not prepared to pay.

Rossoneri chiefs admitted recently negotiations are at stalemate and Fabiano's agent feels now the 28-year-old will not be moving to the San Siro.

"If Milan have described the deal as blocked, I now have to think it's the end, which is the truth," Jose Fuentes told Calciomercato.it. "I continue to hope to go to Milan but listening to Milan say this, my hope also dies.

"The most important thing if Milan want, if they really want to do this deal, is for (Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani to contact (Sevilla president Jose Maria) Del Nido, let him talk directly to the Sevilla president.

Alonso asks to leave Liverpool

2009-07-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

Xabi Alonso's Liverpool career appeared to be coming towards an end as he arrived for training.

The midfielder expects to hold talks with manager Rafael Benitez as Real Madrid are believed to be preparing a new, improved, bid for the 28 year-old.

A club source has now confirmed that Alonso has submitted a transfer request, with the Spanish player having previously only told Benitez verbally that he wanted to leave the club.

Now if Madrid produce an offer of at least £28million, the chances are that Benitez will agree to sell the man he signed from Real Sociedad for £10million in August 2004.

Alonso flew back from Spain, having spent three days with his family in San Sebastian, determined to end a summer-long saga over his future.

Benitez has defiantly refused to let Alonso leave, and Real's only official bid of £24million was rejected. But a formal transfer request clearly changes the situation.

Since that first bid, both parties have been engaged in a war of words over the deal, with Real president Florentino Perez maintaining that Liverpool's valuation was much too high.

Dossena Napoli move hits snag

2009-07-30T05:08:00.003-07:00

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena's proposed move to Napoli has been delayed due to the player's wage demands.

The Reds have accepted a £4million offer for the Italy international, who failed to make an impact in his debut campaign in England.

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino insists there will be further talks with the full-back, but his £2million-a-year salary at Anfield is a problem.

Marino said: "Dossena? We have taken a break in order to reflect on this. The move is therefore on hold.

"There are no immediate prospects. The president [Aurelio De Laurentiis] has spoken to [Rafa] Benitez, but there is some distance with the player."

Eto'o will make debut against Monaco

2009-07-30T05:08:00.001-07:00

Samuel Eto'o is expected to make his Inter debut against Monaco in the Pirelli Trophy on Thursday.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the Cameroonian who made the switch from Bracelona this week, played in his first training session on Wednesday morning, which was watched by Inter President Massimo Moratti.

Earlier this week, Inter exchanged Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the former Barcelona hitman plus £40m in arguably the most intriguing transfer of the summer so far.

On Wednesday, Eto'o was unveiled to Inter's fans at the club's training ground in Pinetina.

Arbeloa delight at Madrid return

2009-07-30T05:07:00.003-07:00

Alvaro Arbeloa revealed he set his heart on a return to Real Madrid as soon as he discovered the they were interested.

Arbeloa spent Wednesday in the Spanish capital putting the finishing touches on his move from Liverpool after Madrid agreed a reported £3.5million deal with the English club for the versatile defender.

The 26-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with Madrid and becomes the club's seventh signing since Florentino Perez returned to the presidency in June, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Negredo and Esteban Granero.

Argentina centre-back Ezequiel Garay is also a new face at the club, although he was signed from Racing Santander 12 months ago before immediately being loaned back to the Cantabrian side for last season.

Arbeloa is no stranger to Madrid, as he spent five years working his way up through the youth ranks before moving to Deportivo La Coruna in 2006, and then onto Liverpool six months later.

The defender failed to establish himself in the first team during his previous spell at the Bernabeu, making just a couple of senior appearances, so when the chance arose for a second bite at the cherry, Arbeloa admits he was determined to take it.

Hleb set for Stuttgart loan

2009-07-30T05:07:00.001-07:00

Alexander Hleb will spend next season on loan at Stuttgart from Barcelona, the European champions have confirmed.

Hleb had been expected to be part of the exchange deal which saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o switch allegiances earlier this week.

But the 28-year-old has opted against joining the Cameroon frontman at the San Siro due to the limited prospects of regular football under Jose Mourinho, and instead decided to return to the Bundesliga.

After a difficult season with Barca, Hleb was keen to find a club which could guarantee him first-team action and Stuttgart had been monitoring his situation for several months.

The Swabians intensified their interest in the player after seeing moves for Real Madrid's Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Vagner Love of CSKA Moscow break down.

Hleb left Stuttgart four years ago to move to Arsenal, where he spent three years before moving on to the Nou Camp last summer.

Caceres arrives at Juventus for medical

2009-07-30T05:06:00.002-07:00

Barcelona defender Martin Caceres is expected to complete his move to Juventus on Wednesday.

According to TMW, the 22-year-old was aboard a plane that landed in Turin, and despite not speaking upon his arrival, he looked to be in a positive mood.

The Uruguay international will undergo a Juve medical this morning and all being well, he will sign forms in the afternoon.

Caceres will ink a season-long loan with the option of making the deal permanent for £8 million.

The latest reports go on to suggest that Caceres may sign on loan with the Bianconeri after all, with the option of purchasing him outright in 12 months' time.

If the talented defender does sign for the Old Lady, then he will become the club’s fourth significant signing of the summer, following Fabio Cannavaro, Diego and Felipe Melo.

Alonso hands in transfer request

2009-07-30T05:06:00.001-07:00

Xabi Alonso's departure from Liverpool has moved a giant step forward with claims that he has submitted a transfer request.

Liverpool have not confirmed the latest move in the saga of the midfielder's potential departure to Real Madrid, but sources close to club insist that the 28-year-old has formally asked to leave, according to a report in the Liverpool Echo.

Previously he had only held meetings with Rafael Benitez and verbally told the Anfield boss of his desire to quit.

This latest move will pave the way to his departure, with Real on the brink of making a £28million compromise bid for the Spain international.

Alonso is due back for training today from a short holiday at his San Sebastian home.

But Benitez had told Alonso that he wanted the uncertainty around the player's future to be sorted out before the weekend one way or another.

Madrid's initial bid was for £24million with club president Florentino Perez claiming that the player was over-priced.

Redknapp still wants Huntelaar

2009-07-30T05:05:00.003-07:00

Tottenham's Harry Redknapp remains keen to sign Real Madrid's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar despite Peter Crouch's signing.

Crouch completed a £9million move from Portsmouth on Monday and joins Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko in the Spurs attack, with Darren Bent seemingly poised for a move away from White Hart Lane.

Huntelaar was set to join German side Stuttgart last week only for the move to fall through due to the player's wage demands.

And Redknapp confirmed he remains very much interested in the Holland striker, although any move would be subject to Bent moving on.

"It is definitely not a no go," he said. "It is still a possibility. If you look at his goalscoring record, it is incredible.

"If he is available then again he is a player that interests me. I think if any top-class player becomes available then you have to be interested and if Darren Bent does go then maybe we will be interested.

"You cannot have too many good players. Competition for places is what it is all about. Look at Manchester United, you could pick two teams from their squad last year."

Eduardo: Gunners can't win title

2009-07-30T05:05:00.001-07:00

Croatia and Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva is not optimistic about the Gunners' title chances this season.

Arsenal have been weakened after losing striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to big-spending Manchester City.

Last season, they struggled to a fourth place finish only after the acquistion of playmaker Andrey Arshavin in the middle of the season.

Speaking to Sportske novosti, Eduardo said of Arsenal's chances of challenging for the title: "It will be very hard, really very, very hard."

"Now Kolo Toure is also leaving, so I don't know."

"But of course Arsenal is a club which is always looking for the top spots. I think our main goal will be to be in the top four next season."

The Croatian international also suggested Manchester City would struggle to win the Premier League this year.

He also added Mark Hughes could struggle to accommodate all of his strikers in the same team.