Scholes: I stopped enjoying it

Paul Scholes has revealed he retired from international football because he 'stopped enjoying it'.

The Manchester United midfielder quit the England fold in 2004 and he has now admitted the reasons behind hanging up his international boots.

"I'd stopped enjoying it," Scholes told the News of the World.

"Maybe it was just because I wasn't playing very well.

"I like being at home and there was an awful lot of time away from my family."

Scholes, who has 66 England caps to his name, produced rejuvenated form last season as he helped guide United to the Premier League title.

However, the 32-year-old has ruled out an England comeback, despite rumours pushing for his return.

"Quitting international football has helped me quite a bit," Scholes added.

"It's always nice to have a 10-day break in international week after so many games.

"I feel better for deciding. I'd like to think I can play longer than if I was playing for England.

"I have been lucky to not have too many serious injuries so I hope I can carry on like that."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter Fraser - Created on 22 Jul 2007

Southgate has Yak faith

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate remains confident that he will be able to call on Yakubu Aiyegbeni's services next season.

The Nigerian is understood to be unsettled on Teesside, but as yet no club have made a suitable approach to Boro.

The likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City, Portsmouth and West Ham are all thought to be keeping tabs on the situation - but Yakubu has started pre-season with Boro and Southgate wants it to stay that way.

"Yakubu is still part of my plans, absolutely," said Southgate.

"He has been with us in Austria and worked very hard with everybody else.

"I read the speculation the same as everybody else but we have had no contact from any other club.

"Whether people are trying to unsettle the player I don't know, but he seems very happy to be back with us having reported back from Nigeria and we are looking to him as being a big part of our team."

Meanwhile, former Hartlepool boss Martin Scott has been appointed Boro's new Under-18 coach.

"I’m really excited about the chance to work with Boro’s excellent young players," said Scott.

"The quality of players here is excellent and hopefully I can use my experience to help them."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 21 Jul 2007

Swede explains Wigan exit

Andreas Johansson admits the desire to play regularly prompted his departure from Wigan Athletic.

The Swedish midfielder has signed a three-year deal with AaB Aalborg in Denmark after a frustrating spell at The JJB Stadium.

During his two-and-a-half years with the club, Johansson was never able to establish himself in the team and started just four Premier League games last season.

Johansson concedes he enjoyed his stint in England, but needed to move on in order to play more often.

"I would have liked to have played more games and that's the only reason I want to move on," said Johansson in the Manchester Evening News.

"I've enjoyed my experience here and being involved in the incredible Wigan story."

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings had no complaints with Johansson's attitude and accepts it was 'frustrating' for AaB's new recruit.

Hutchings said: "Andreas worked tirelessly to get into the first team.

"Unfortunately he has never truly found a regular place, but not for the lack of trying.

"It's probably been frustrating for him, but he has never shown anything other than total professionalism.

"He's never complained, always had a smile on his face around the training ground, and I wish him all the best because he's been a pleasure to have around the place."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 21 Jul 2007

Fergie hopeful on Tevez

Sir Alex Ferguson remains hopeful Carlos Tevez will secure his summer move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils have been locked in talks for the Argentine star with Tevez set to undergo an Old Trafford medical later this week.

The deal has dragged on due to Tevez's contractual situation with United growing increasingly frustrated at the complexity of the transfer.

However, speaking after United's 2-2 draw with Urawa Red Diamonds, the Ferguson remains hopeful Tevez will begin the new season a Red.

"I hope Carlos Tevez arrives....things are bowling along," Ferguson told MUTV.

Second-half goals from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo turned around a one-goal deficit and Ferguson was not too down about drawing their Far East opener.

"We tired a bit in the second half," he added. "Understandable really with the long journey yesterday - 14, 15 hours travel and they found it difficult to sleep on the first night.

"They've applied themselves very well I think, and played some good football at times. We managed to give a few of them a good run-out tonight so we're happy with that."

Buck: No rush on contracts

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck says the club are in no rush to sort out the futures of John Terry and Frank Lampard.

The England duo have yet to agree new deals at Stamford Bridge with contract talks stalling between all parties.

It has been feared that the highly-influential pair could leave the club if they do not get the right offers with a number of top clubs keeping tabs on the duo's situation.

Buck is remaining calm about the futures of the duo as they both have two years to run on their current contracts.

"I'm hopeful we will be able to sort all these contracts out but it's not something where there are negotiations every day," said Buck.

"I don't see there's a great rush but I do think they should be done properly.

"When there's approximately two years to go you want to think about re-signing the players, assuming you want to keep them because it preserves their transfer values.

"But I don't think you have to sign them when it's exactly two years.

"Sure we would like to get them done but there's no deadline and there doesn't need to be."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Mido set for Blues move

Tottenham Hotspur striker Mido claims he has agreed a transfer to Birmingham City.

The Egyptian has struggled to make an impact at White Hart Lane since securing a permanent move from Roma last summer.

He has been linked with Fulham and Portsmouth, although Mido recently denied he had settled on a switch to Craven Cottage.

The 24-year-old now seems set to link up with Premier League new boys Birmingham after revealing talks have taken place.

Mido expects to move to St Andrews on an initial loan deal, which will become permanent, if Blues survive in the top flight.

"Both sides have agreed terms," Mido told FilGoal.com.

"I will move on a one-year loan deal to Birmingham worth £1million and at the end they could buy my contract for £5million, if the club survives in the Premier League.

"Birmingham's offer is the best I had received, especially that I chose to stay in England."

Blues boss Steve Bruce is also interested in Spurs midfielder Hossam Ghaly, and Mido would be happy to see his fellow Egyptian join him in the Midlands.

He added: "I would love to have him (Ghaly) with me in the same team."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Jose hopes for same Drogba

Jose Mourinho expects Didier Drogba to maintain his form next season, despite the striker again raising doubts about his Chelsea future.

The Ivory Coast international finished last season as the top scorer in the Premier League and rattled in 33 goals in all competitions.

According to Mourinho, Drogba has been looking sharp in pre-season training in California and the Chelsea boss is looking forward to seeing the hit-man back in action.

"When we remember last season, he was top scorer in the country and one of the best players also in the Champions League," said Mourinho.

"When I see him in training he looks so sharp and with only one week of work. His quality looks even better than last season.

"I think we will have the same Didier as last season. That, for us, is fantastic. As a striker and a team player it's difficult to find better."

But Drogba has again suggested that he could leave Stamford Bridge, if a suitably lucrative offer lands on the table.

"For now things are still fuzzy, not clear," Drogba told the Sun. "Yet any good offer could tip the scale in another team's favour.

"I have heard there are offers from Porto, Barca and the rest. But I've not made up my mind.

"There is no season I don't have many offers. I would love to stay in England. I want to improve on last season's performance.

"But any strong economic pull can make me change my mind. If I feel I'm not being take care of, I quit."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Johansson leaves Wigan

Andreas Johansson has left Wigan Athletic to sign a three-year contract with AaB Aalborg.

The Swedish midfielder failed to have a significant impact at the JJB Stadium following his £450,000 move from Djurgardens in January 2005.

He started just four games in the Premier League last season and made 40 appearances in total during his time with The Latics.

New Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has allowed Johansson to return to Scandinavia after a deal was struck with AaB.

The Danish club are delighted with the transfer after admitting to a lengthy pursuit of the 29-year-old.

"We have been wanting to sign Andreas Johansson for two years now and all the time he has been our top priority when it came to reinforcing our attacking midfield," sporting director Lynge Jakobsen told the club's official website.

"We have signed a player of an extremely high standard, but we are still looking for more new players."

Johansson's arrival at AaB will compensate for the loss of Rasmus Wurtz after he signed for Danish champions FC Copenhagen.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Jul 2007

New deal for Derby starlet

Teenage defender Lewin Nyatanga has agreed a new four-year contract with Derby County.

Nyatanga had just 12 months remaining on his previous deal, but is now tied to Pride Park until 2011.

The Wales international made 10 appearances for Derby last season, and also undertook loan spells at Sunderland and Barnsley.

Rams boss Billy Davies is delighted that the 18-year-old has pledged to stay with the Premier League new boys for the long term.

But, with Derby now playing in the top flight, Davies admits he is likely to send Nyatanga out on loan for the opening months of the campaign.

"We are delighted Lewin has signed because he is a young player with great potential, who is still learning the game," Davies told the Derby Evening Telegraph.

"He has made great strides for Wales on the international stage and has plenty of good experienced defenders in the Derby squad to learn from.

"I will sit down and look at the situation, but it may be that between now and the next transfer window we will look to give Lewin some more experience of first-team football by putting him out on loan and then bringing him back in."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Cole happy for life in the wings

Joe Cole believes plans to revert to the tried and tested will help Chelsea in their bid to regain the Premier League title.

Stamford Bridge manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he is to return to the 4-3-3 formation that served the former champions so well in their two Premier League title-winning seasons, prior to surrendering the crown to Manchester United.

Chelsea had favoured the formation, which saw two advanced wingers supporting a lone striker, in previous campaigns and Cole believes that it was only injury problems to vital players that enforced last season's strategic reshuffle to a diamond formation.

The 25-year-old missed the majority of the last campaign through medial knee ligament damage and a fractured foot, and he was joined on the long-term injured list by fellow wingers Arjen Robben and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

However, having recovered fitness along with Robben and Wright-Phillips, Cole is now optimistic ahead of the new season.

"I think the 4-3-3 formation is our best formation," Cole told the Daily Star.

"I feel it's much better than playing the diamond formation but our hands were tied last season.

"I think the manager would have played 4-3-3 last season, but with so many injuries he had fewer options."

Mourinho has also added Florent Malouda, in a £13.5million move from Lyon, to the Chelsea squad and Cole sees the French winger as a welcome arrival.

"This year the squad is stronger, we are quietly confident, and Malouda has looked good," said Cole.

"He got himself a goal in his first game against Club America, looks a quality player and has great pedigree.

"Maybe as we've got four, maybe five, wingers we've got strength in depth and options now.

"I think the squad is as strong now as at anytime that I've been at Chelsea."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter Fraser - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Domenech Hammers Faubert

France coach Raymond Domenech has blasted Julien Faubert's move to West Ham.

Faubert left Bordeaux for West Ham earlier this month after The Hammers beat Rangers to the midfielder's signature.

Domenech has expressed his disappointment at Faubert's decision to move to Upton Park, hinting the 23-year-old has damaged his international ambitions by switching to Alan Curbishley's side.

Faubert has made one appearance for France, but Domenech believes he could struggle to add to his tally after opting to join West Ham.

"I can't understand Faubert's decision. When my players phone me to tell me they are moving clubs, I tell them it is okay if they are joining one of the top four in England, Germany, Italy or Spain," Domenech is quoted as saying in The Sun.

"But it is unspeakably stupid to join a club outside of those few, apart from the financial point of view.

"It is a great pity when you are on the brink of the French national team.

"I struggle to understand why he has done it."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Crouch reveals Rafa talks

Liverpool star Peter Crouch has revealed he had talks with Rafa Benitez to receive assurances about his future.

Crouch's future at Liverpool has been the subject of conjecture for some time with a number of clubs being linked with a move for the giant forward.

The England international met with Benitez at the end of last season to discuss his long-term future and he was assured he was a part of the Spaniard's plans at Anfield, much to the relief of Crouch.

"A lot of the lads went to see the manager at the end of the season," Crouch told the Daily Express. "I was no different.

"There had been speculation and I was tentative about going in to see him.

"I did not want to leave, but if he has said I had to then I would.

"But he was sort of taken aback that I was even asking really and said 'Of course you're in my plans'.

"That was good to hear because it meant it wasn't even an issue for him."

Crouch is looking forward to the forthcoming season and is hoping to continue his steady improvement at Anfield.

"I thought I did well at the end of my first year, and it was then a case of, can he prove it over the course of a whole season?

"Hopefully, I did that last year and now I'd like to kick on to another level."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Allardyce cools Barzagli talk

Sam Allardyce admits Andrea Barzagli would not be a priority signing for Newcastle United and remains hopeful Obafemi Martins will stay at St James' Park.

Palermo defender Barzagli has been linked with a move to the Magpies as Allardyce looks to reinforce a leaky back-line.

But whilst acknowledging an interest in the Italy international, Allardyce concedes he initially needs players with Premier League experience.

"Overall this is a talented squad, but we must find some big, strong, experienced, quality defenders, preferably ones who have played in this country," said Allardyce.

"Barzagli is a very good player, but first and foremost I need one or two who know what English football's all about."

In addition to strengthening his squad, Allardyce is also aiming to ensure that none of his key players leave the club.

Martins has been linked with a move to Arsenal and reportedly wants to activate a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for a set sum.

But Allardyce has been assured the rumours are unfounded, although he concedes there is a chance the Nigerian striker could leave.

The Magpies manager added: "I have not spoken to Oba himself, only his representatives, who assure me there is nothing in it.

"But while the window is open, and when somebody has a get-out clause like he does, there is always a chance you might lose him.

"You hope that is not going to be the case, but you have to just keep your fingers crossed and hope it does not happen."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Jul 2007

City trying for Petrov

Skysports.com understands that Manchester City are locked in talks over Martin Petrov.

The Bulgaria international has emerged as one of Sven Goran Eriksson's main targets.

The Swede is eyeing up to a dozen signings before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

It is believed that talks are now ongoing over a move for Petrov, but City are confident they can strike a deal with Atletico Madrid.

Petrov missed most of last season with knee ligament damage, but he made a successful comeback late in the campaign.

Petrov was linked with a move to Tottenham earlier in the summer and it seems he may be surplus to requirements at the Vicente Calderon, although Atletico will want to recoup the £6.5million they paid Wolfsburg for him in 2005.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Tevez wants quick solution

Carlos Tevez has called for a quick resolution to his proposed transfer to Manchester United.

The Premier League champions have confirmed talks are ongoing in an effort to sign Tevez from West Ham United.

The Argentinian is due to undergo a medical at Old Trafford later this week and United hope to wrap up a deal for the striker within the next seven days.

But Tevez's contractual situation remains a stumbling block, regarding who will be entitled to any transfer fee.

Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian owns the player's economic rights, but the Premier League believe West Ham should be entitled to the bulk of any payment.

With the matter dragging on, the former Corinthians ace has added his voice to the desire for a speedy resolution.

"I want a solution very quickly on this subject," Tevez is quoted in the Daily Mirror.

"My desire is to play for Manchester United, but I also want a positive exit from West Ham because the club was good to me in the year when I played in England.

"I find the controversy about my transfer very strange, but I hope it will be resolved in the next few days."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Blues confirm Bridge blow

Chelsea have confirmed Wayne Bridge has undergone surgery on his troublesome hip injury.

Bridge looks certain to miss the start of the new season next month after being forced to go under the knife.

The England international had been struggling with the problem in training and after seeing a specialist it was decided to send him for surgery to correct the injury

Chelsea club doctor Alex Nieper confirmed Bridge could be sidelined for up to three months with the problem.

"Wayne Bridge has been struggling with a right hip problem for the last few weeks," Nieper told Chelsea TV.

"We decided while we were out here for him to see a world-renowned hip surgeon who agreed he did need hip surgery due to a cartilage defect.

"The operation was carried out this week and a piece of bone was removed which was the source of the problem. Wayne is not on crutches and should be back in two to three months."

With Ashley Cole also still recovering from injury, it means summer signing Tal Ben Haim is likely to deputise at left-back for the first few weeks of the season.

Meanwhile, there is better news on Michael Ballack who should be fit for the big kick-off.

Ballack has missed Chelsea's tour of America after undergoing an ankle operation.

The German is making good progress in his recovery and Nieper is confident he will be available for the opening weekend of the season.

"Michael is recovering from a second ankle operation and he went back to Germany to see the surgeon who is happy with the wound," added Nieper.

"Michael is back in London, getting his stitches removed and this week he is starting running again so fingers crossed, he will be set for the first Premier League match."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 17 Jul 2007

Black Cats land Richardson

Sunderland have snapped up Kieran Richardson from Manchester United.

A fee has not been disclosed for the versatile midfielder but it is believed to be in the region of £5.5million.

Manchester City were also linked with Richardson but Black Cats boss Roy Keane has won the race for his signature after striking a deal with his former club.

Richardson has signed a four-year deal and is relishing the prospect of playing at The Stadium of Light.

"It's an exciting move for me," the 22-year-old told Sunderland's official website.

"I know all about Roy Keane and I'm looking forward to playing for his team.

"Sunderland are a big club and it's a massive move for me."

Keane added: "I'm delighted that we've been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland.

"He's ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him."

Richardson is Keane's fourth summer signing following Greg Halford, Russell Anderson and Michael Chopra.

He could make his debut in Wednesday's friendly against Darlington.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Royals move for River ace

River Plate have revealed that Reading are keen on signing their central defender Danilo Gerlo.

Reading and River Plate are both currently in South Korea for the Peace Cup, and they faced each other last week.

Now River have revealed that Reading have made contact over Gerlo.

The 28-year-old impressed Reading's management during River's 1-0 win over The Royals and the South American giants have revealed that chairman John Madejski has made an approach.

"In the last weeks we had several offers for Gerlo from different European countries but none of them satisfied the player," revealed River board member Hernan Cordoba.

"We received offers from Austria, Israel, Switzerland and Greece but we didn't accept any of them because he said that for leaving River he had to receive a proposal from Spain, Italy or England.

"Now that Reading is interested in Gerlo, he has said that we could start negotiations because he is interested in playing for that team.

"He knows that the main player of the team is Kevin Doyle and he gets paid $1.5 million (£750,000) per-year so he is not going to get paid the same but he could be offered a contract that will surely be more than what he gets paid at River and in addition to that he would be playing in one of the leagues that he is interested in."

Fellow River Plate board member Jose Besteiro added that talks with Madejski had taken place.

"We will start conversations as the player would like to have the chance of playing in England because he would improve as a professional," Besteiro revealed.

"In River he hasn't a place for sure as there are other central defenders as Cristian Nasuti and Federico Lussenhof."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Patricio Figueroa - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Yeung has faith in Bruce

Birmingham's new majority shareholder Carson Yeung says he is a big fan of manager Steve Bruce.

The Hong Kong-based businessman has just taken a 29.9 per cent holding in the St Andrews club with the aim of eventually owning the whole of the club.

Yeung has now revealed that he has invested purely for the love of the sport, and that he wants Steve Bruce to take the club into Europe.

"Money for me is not important, I love soccer," Yeung told Sky Sports News.

Yeung insisted that he was looking forward to working with Bruce.

When asked whether Bruce would continue as manager, he stated: "Of course.

"I didn't know him but I saw him on the TV, but I have confidence in Steve, he is a good manager."

Yeung has big ideas for Birmingham and wants them to compete for a UEFA Champions League place.

"I want them to be an international team, maybe to be in the Champions League in the future," he said.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Harewood in Villa talks

Skysports.com can confirm Aston Villa are in talks with Marlon Harewood over a possible move to Villa Park.

Villa are hoping to beat Wigan to the striker's signature after both clubs agreed a fee with West Ham for Harewood.

Harewood has been allowed to leave Upton Park as he does not figure in Alan Curbishley's long-term plans.

Wigan held talks with Harewood over the weekend over a possible switch to the JJB Stadium, but Villa have made a last-ditch bid to lure him to the Midlands.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is keen to bolster his attacking options and he is thought to be a big fan of Harewood.

Harewood's representative, Mick McGuire, confirmed Villa were in talks with the former Nottingham Forest man about a move.

"We are currently in talks with Aston Villa after they agreed a fee with West Ham," McGuire told skysports.com.

"If the talks go well he will then undergo a medical as normal.

"As we know Wigan have made a bid for Marlon and talked to him also.

"Now it is down to Marlon to make a decision on where he goes."

O'Neill confirmed Villa were given permission to talk to Harewood.

"We've been given the go-ahead to speak to the player and we'll take it from there," O'Neill told the club's official website.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Hill-Wood hopeful over Wenger

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has revealed he has held talks with Arsene Wenger about his future.

Wenger's long-term future has been the subject of speculation all summer with the Frenchman yet to agree a new deal.

Arsenal are keen to tie down Wenger to a new long-term deal as he has just over 12 months to run on his current contract.

Wenger had been mentioned as a possible target for Real Madrid before Bernd Schuster was appointed at El Santiago Bernabeu.

Hill-Wood remains confident that Wenger will pledge his future to Arsenal by signing a new deal.

"We had a fairly lengthy conversation recently and that went very well," Hill-Wood told the club's official website.

"Hopefully, in the not too distant future we'll have something positive to say about it.

"I'm confident he'll stay. I very much hope he will. It's very important. He's done a marvellous job here. He looks pretty fit to me and I think he enjoys himself still. He's got a good job and I'm hoping he'll stay with us."

Hill-Wood is also optimistic that Arsenal can enjoy a successful campaign this coming season despite the loss of Thierry Henry.

"If you tune into the media, you would believe it's been a difficult summer but I think people have not really looked behind what's happened," added Hill-Wood.

"I'm very relaxed. I think we've got a very good squad and we've added a few players, most of them not names people have heard of before.

"But that's very much Arsene Wenger's style. People hadn't really heard of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira or Cesc Fabregas before they arrived.

"I believe we've never been in a better position. I think the team are absolutely first class.

"They are a young side but they're a year older now so they're going to be that much better."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 16 Jul 2007

United braced for Heinze exit

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Gabriel Heinze wants to leave Manchester United.

Heinze has been linked with a summer move after losing his regular left-back slot to Patrice Evra last season.

The Argentinian has been courted by Liverpool, Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Barcelona, although Ferguson has yet to receive a firm bid.

However, the Red Devils manager acknowledged that Heinze is hoping to secure a transfer before the start of the season.

"Gaby's agent has advised us that he wants to move on," said Ferguson.

"I am not too sure about that and we do not have a concrete offer from any particular club.

"But there is some momentum regarding the player's next move in terms of through his agent, even if nothing is close at this moment in time."

Heinze joined United from Paris Saint Germain in a £6.9million deal three years ago and has made 83 appearances for the club, having missed the bulk of the 2005/06 season through injury.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has also confirmed that Gary Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be back in training prior to the opening game of the season.

Louis Saha, though, is likely to sit out the match with Reading on 12th August as he is not due to return to training until the middle of next month.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Giggs to fight for United place

Ryan Giggs has declared he is prepared to fight for his place at Manchester United in the face of increasing squad competition.

The champions have spent big during the summer as they look to bolster a side that is capable of defending their Premier League crown.

Sir Alex Ferguson has brought in Nani and Anderson, which will heighten competition for attacking midfield roles, but Giggs says he would not have been dropping his performance levels regardless of any new Old Trafford arrivals.

"The Premier League gets tougher every year and Manchester United cannot afford to stand still," said Giggs, who is currently 43 behind Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 759 United appearances.

"Whether the manager signed anyone or not, the challenge is still there.

"You have to perform to your best, otherwise you won't play. That goes for everyone.

"We are all hopeful of being in the team but the only way to achieve that is by doing well."

United won their title, the ninth in Giggs' time at the club, in eye-catching attacking style and the Welshman is hopeful that the new editions to the squad will see standards improve.

"The players we have signed in forward positions particularly are young and can make a contribution now and in the future," said Giggs.

"Last year, we showed what a great attacking team we were and now we have these additional options, hopefully we can improve even more."

United are currently on a four-match tour of Asia and, in the absence of the injured Gary Neville, Giggs is set to lead his side in the tour opener against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama on Tuesday.

Owen Hargreaves did not take a full part in United's first training session of the tour due to a minor injury and is a possible doubt for the Urawa fixture, while Ferguson has also confirmed that Nani is unlikely to feature.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter Fraser - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Yeung buys Blues stake

Carson Yeung has completed a deal to become Birmingham's biggest shareholder.

The Hong Kong businessman has purchased 29.9 per cent of the club's shares from directors David and Ralph Gold, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and Roger Bannister.

Yeung had paid a non-refundable deposit of £1.09m on 27th June in anticipation of the deal.

The deal, worth almost £15million, leaves the Golds and Sullivan with 23.22 per cent each, while Brady and Bannister also retain small holdings.

Yeung does not yet have full control but talks between his company Grandtop International Holdings Limited (GHIL) and the club are still ongoing.

He only has to increase his holding to 30 per cent to trigger a full takeover bid.

"I don't have any politics and I only want to buy for interest because I love football. I will not let the Birmingham fans down and disappoint them," Yeung told the Daily Mirror.

"The Premiership is the best league in the world and most countries focus on it - especially in China and Hong Kong.

"We have a great market in China and David Gold and David Sullivan have accepted our plan.

"As soon as we can I would like to own the whole club.

"We can buy some good players in January but maybe by then we might already be in a healthy position so we will wait and see."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Sven working on signings

Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has revealed the club are working hard to bring in new players.

Eriksson has already been busy in the transfer market bringing in Rolando Bianchi and Gelson Fernandes since arriving at Eastlands.

The Swede accepts the squad needs strengthening if they are to enjoy a successful campaign for the forthcoming season.

"Our captain said it is an interesting time at the club with a new owner," Eriksson told Sky Sports News.

"The club have a target - they want to be stronger, they want to fight much higher up in the table and I am very pleased that I am here.

"Let's see what is happening in the next few weeks in the transfer market.

"Things will happen I am sure about that and I look forward to this and hopefully it will be very good. That's a target we have to work for."

Eriksson was remaining coy on his targets, with Atletico Madrid winger Martin Petrov the latest player to be linked with a move to City

"I think during the last few weeks we have been linked to 50 or 60 footballers around the world," added Eriksson. "It is good, it is interesting.

"I promise you we are working very hard within the club and myself, of course, to try to strengthen the squad.

"We need to do that, we have to do that."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Big Sam wants big stoppers

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce admits bringing in some more defenders is a must before the start of the new season.

Defending has been the Achilles heel of The Magpies for some time and despite the additions of David Rozehnal and Geremi, Allardyce is still not content.

The former Bolton boss wants sign a couple of powerful stoppers capable of competing in the Premier League every week.

"What we need now particularly is defenders and quality defenders at that," Allardyce said on Sky Sports News. "That is my only key concern at the moment.

"The players that are here are progressing nicely but the concern is that we must find some big, strong, experienced, good defenders."

Allardyce has revealed he has missed out on a number of his targets already this summer, with some joining Premier League rivals.

Nevertheless, he is confident of being able to strengthen his Newcastle squad prior to 11th August.

"Many targets are coming and going now and more and more people are actively moving into the transfer market," Allardyce added.

"Some of our targets have gone in this country already but there will be plenty more coming up between now and August."

Potential targets are reportedly Italian international duo Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Barzagli, but Allardyce ruled out any 'galactico' type signings.

"We are all hoping we can move in the transfer market and bring some good players to the football club.

"I am not talking about the 'galactico' stars that are being mentioned - that is just a nonsense at the moment.

"We need three or four solid, very, very good defenders from wherever it may be, and we will be a force this year.

"But we need to get them first. If he wants to give me a little gift after with a galactico, I won't say no."

Meanwhile, Joey Barton aims to be playing regular European football with Newcastle in the not too distant future in order to boost his England hopes.

"First and foremost, it is vitally important to do well for Newcastle United," the midfielder told the club's official website.

"If England honours follow, I will be very honoured. As a professional, you always strive to play at the highest level.

"But first and foremost, it is more about playing in Europe every season with Newcastle."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Torres set for Bremen bow

Fernando Torres is in line to make his Liverpool debut on Tuesday against Werder Bremen.

Liverpool face Bremen in their third pre-season friendly of the summer at the Swiss training camp.

Torres missed Saturday's win at Crewe with a slight ankle injury, but Reds boss Rafa Benitez is ready to give the club's record signing his much anticipated bow against Bremen.

"We had to wait for Fernando because he started training after the other players," said Benitez.

"We also needed to check his ankle but I think he'll be okay for our next game."

Benitez, meanwhile, praised Andrei Voronin following his first appearance for the club in the 3-0 victory at Crewe.

"We know that Voronin is going to be another option for us," added Benitez.

"He has good game intelligence, he plays well between the lines and he has a lot of quality."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Bruce admits Ghaly interest

Steve Bruce has confirmed he has enquired about bringing Hossam Ghaly to Birmingham City.

The midfielder has been tipped to leave Tottenham Hotspur over the summer after failing to establish himself as a regular in Martin Jol's first team.

He also ended last season on a low note after throwing his shirt to the ground after being substituted in the game with Blackburn Rovers.

Ghaly had previously been hoping to stay at White Hart Lane, but reports now suggest he will be allowed to leave by Jol.

St Andrews could be his next port of call after Birmingham boss Bruce admitted he is interested in the Egypt international.

"He's one we have enquired about," Bruce told the Birmingham Mail.

"He came to my attention a year ago when we had Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in the rain at St Andrews.

"It was that game when Berbatov played and scored a stunning goal.

"But my eye was caught by Ghaly and we've had him monitored since.

"As I said, we've made an enquiry, but it hasn't gone further - yet."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Everton to consult fans

Everton have announced they are to consult their fans over a proposed move to a new stadium in Kirkby.

The club have been considering a move away from their Goodison Park home for about a year and they are now to conduct a ballot to allow fans to show their opinion.

"We are confident that a very high percentage of those who have historically supported the club will have the right to have their voices heard," Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told the club's official website.

"We believe that the final number of supporters who will be eligible will be in excess of 33,000.

"That's a figure which roughly corresponds with the number of Evertonians present for our Premier League fixtures at Goodison."

Everton have played at Goodison for more than 100 years but they are aware that if they are to challenge the superior capacity and revenue of the Premier League big guns of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and local rivals Liverpool, who are set to leave Anfield for a new home in 2009, they will have to upgrade their stadium.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter Fraser - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Geovanni wants Pompey move

Brazilian midfielder Geovanni is keen make a permanent move to Portsmouth, according to the player's agent.

Geovanni, 27, is a free agent and is currently on a two-week training period at Fratton Park where he is hoping to impress manager Harry Redknapp.

The attacking midfielder starred in a striking role in Pompey's 2-0 friendly win over Yeovil on Saturday, where he set up Tresor Lomana Lua Lua for the first and scored the second.

On the back of that performance, his agent, Regi Pereira, has revealed that Geovanni is desperate to stay at the club.

"Geovanni wants to play in England and he wants to stay with Harry at this football club," Pereira told The Portsmouth News.

"He is here for two weeks, just for adaptation, it's not a trial.

"If he likes it and Harry likes him then he will sign, he wants a change and likes England.

"Geovanni is a quality player and I hope Portsmouth sign him.

"He would be very interested and we will have to see what the outcome is."

Geovanni has previously played for Barcelona, who he joined from Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro in a £13.28million move after impressing in the 2000 Olympic Games.

More recently Geovanni, who was named in the Brazilian squad for the 2001 Copa America, has played for Benfica where he is perhaps best remembered for his goal in the 2-1 win over Manchester United in the 2006 UEFA Champions League group stages.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter Fraser - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Kamara: I will score goals

Diomansy Kamara is convinced he can score 'a lot of goals' in the Premier League with Fulham.

Lawrie Sanchez was persuaded to part with £6million to take the Senegal forward to Craven Cottage from West Brom.

The Fulham boss has taken a gamble on Kamara given the striker's record in his previous seasons in the top flight.

In one campaign at Portsmouth, followed by his debut season with West Brom, Kamara mustered just five goals in 51 Premier League appearances.

But the 26-year-old is not concerned by those statistics and is confident he can be a regular scorer over the coming months.

"I'm so happy to sign for Fulham, it is a very good team," Kamara told Sky Sports News.

"Before I came here I spoke with the coach and I like his project. I am happy to stay in England and play in the Premiership again.

"The Championship is difficult because there are a lot of games and it is very athletic, but in the Premiership they play more football and there is more space, so I'm happy to play in the Premiership.

"I want to score a lot of goals. When I came from Italy I was not fit to play in England, now I understand football in England.

"This year I hope to score a lot of goals in the Premiership."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Maloney eyes long Villa stay

Shaun Maloney has dismissed stories linking him with a return to former club Celtic.

Reports over the weekend suggested Maloney was less than happy at Aston Villa and was thinking of a move back to Glasgow.

Maloney left Celtic in the January transfer window to set out on a new challenge with Villa, and he is adamant his feelings have not changed.

He told Villa's official website: "I didn't even see the story myself. Stilian Petrov told me about it, but there's nothing in it.

"I said when I came here that I was excited by the challenge of playing in the Premier League and that's still the case."

Maloney scored just one goal for Villa last term but is confident he can have a much more successful campaign.

"It wasn't easy coming in midway through the season - ask any player, that's never ideal," he acknowledged.

"But I'm here now for pre-season and looking forward to the new season.

"There's nothing I can do about these stories. I'm just concentrating on getting ready for the new season with Villa."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Ben Haim set to Bridge gap

Jose Mourinho is ready to put his trust in Tal Ben Haim at left-back with Wayne Bridge set to miss the start of the season and Ashley Cole doubtful.

Bridge admitted last week he was still being troubled by the injury he picked up whilst on international duty with England earlier in the summer.

He was thought to be feeling discomfort in his hip but, according to reports, scans showed the problem to be a mysterious pelvis injury.

Mourinho admits Bridge will be sidelined for several more weeks, while he also has concerns over Cole's fitness.

Cole has not yet returned to training after undergoing ankle surgery at the end of last season, and it is likely to be some time before he is ready for a competitive match.

With the start of the Premier League season less than a month away Mourinho is already making plans to fill the left-back position.

Versatile defender Ben Haim, normally a centre-back, is poised to play on the left during Chelsea's pre-season tour of America and Mourinho insists he is a reliable alternative.

"Without Bridge and Cole for a few more weeks, I think Tal is my first option for left-back," confirmed Mourinho.

"I will play him in one of these matches at left-back because I want to give him some routine, but I know he's a player I can trust."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Bruce's Konchesky lament

Steve Bruce admits it was a 'big disappointment' to miss out on Fulham new boy Paul Konchesky.

The full-back signed for Fulham from West Ham Untied prior to the weekend, having also been wanted by Birmingham City.

Bruce had spent several weeks trying to arrange a deal for Konchesky, but accepts he will now have to move on to other targets.

"It was a big disappointment for me," Bruce told the Birmingham Mail.

"He was someone I had been trailing and courting for weeks. That's the way it is. I think it has shocked all of us the way the prices have gone.

"But if we are going to compete, we have to bite the bullet and get on with it. That's what the market's like.

"I really liked the boy. I think he's the closest thing I've seen to Martin Grainger and we all know what type he was and what he did for this club.

"Konchesky would have been a good acquisition for us. But we've lost out, and now we have to go back down to the next one and start the process all over again."

Meanwhile, Konchesky is targeting a spot in the top half of the Premier League table after being presented as a Fulham player.

He told Sky Sports News: "I spoke to the manager and I've seen the signings he's brought in, and would like to bring in.

"Fulham have got a great chance this year. We want to be in the top 10 and with the players brought in I think we're capable."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Reds to submit stadium plans

Liverpool will submit the revised plans for their proposed £280million stadium to the city council before the end of the month.

The Anfield club's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks want to build a 60,000-seater ground that could be extended to a capacity of 80,000.

If the club gain planning permission, building work on the site at Stanley Park could commence before the end of the year and be completed by 2009.

"We know pretty much now what the final plans are. They will be unveiled in the coming weeks," the club's chief executive Rick Parry told Reuters.

"I know people will be very excited with what they are, I have certainly been excited by them.

"Whether we build an extension is partly a business decision depending on what the demand will be.

"It is also driven by planning constraints with what we can achieve at the outset.

"Suffice to say, the whole idea is building a stadium that has expansion capacity and more room than the previous one.

"The owners were concerned that if we were really going to be challenging long term, just in excess of 60,000 was too small.

"They have never made any secret that their plan was to get something significantly bigger."

Parry stressed that the cost of the stadium would not become a debt burden on the club.

"At the end of the day, it's not about building monuments, it's about making an investment that will generate a return that will allow us to invest in the team," he added.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Steve Bramley - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Sanchez will let Franck leave

Lawrie Sanchez says Fulham have received no offers for want-away defender Franck Queudrue.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is reportedly interested in the Frenchman, who has informed The Cottagers that he wants to leave the club.

Sanchez will not keep players against their wish, but insists Queudrue will only depart if clubs match Fulham's valuation.

"We've had no official contact from any club interested in Franck at this moment in time," he said at a press conference shown on Sky Sports News.

"It's well documented he'd like to move on. If players want to move on then I'm not going to stand in their way.

"But he did cost us £3million this time last year and we would like our money back."

Sanchez has been busy in the transfer market this summer, already bringing in six new faces while targeting a couple more before the window closes.

Northern Ireland striker David Healy has joined from Leeds and Sanchez is confident in his ability to score goals at Premier League level.

"I don't think it's a risk. The price was quite good and David will score goals," he said. "You're not leading goalscorer in the European Championship if you're not top quality.

"I don't question his finishing ability, given chances to finish in the Premier League he will take those chances."

Jimmy Bullard is almost like a new signing for Fulham, having missed the vast majority of last season because of a serious knee injury.

Sanchez will not have the former Wigan midfielder fit for the start of the season, but hopes to have him available early on in the new campaign.

"Jimmy's making good progress but we're looking at September or October time before we consider playing him," Sanchez continued.

"We're not going to rush him and break him down because he does need to make sure that he is ready to play."

Meanwhile, Sanchez has set his sights on taking Fulham into Europe in the not too distant future and will explore all possible routes into the Uefa Cup.

He added: "If we play like how I would like us to play and do the things that can get us success then there are avenues beyond the league that open to Europe.

"I would like in my time here to get Fulham into Europe. European football is the target that I will be setting the players."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Given happy at Magpies

Shay Given has revealed he would be happy to spend the rest of his career at Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland international is in his tenth year at St James' Park after arriving from Blackburn.

Given has established himself as one of the best keepers in England during his time at the club with a number of consistent performances on Tyneside.

The 31-year-old still has four years to run on his current contract and he says he would be happy to extend it to keep him at St James' Park.

"I have got four years left on my contract and I will definitely be here for them - and hopefully a few more beyond that," Given told the club's official website.

"But we will have to see how my body holds up before I start thinking about another 10.

"When I signed, I knew I was coming to a huge football club.

"It's a special place to play football, what with the fans and the stadium, and hopefully we will be able to win something while I'm here because you can just imagine what the place would be like."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Maloney rumours rubbished

Shaun Maloney's agent has rubbished reports suggesting the Aston Villa ace could be on his way back to Celtic.

Reports over the weekend suggested Maloney had failed to settle at Villa Park and was considering a move back to Parkhead.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan refused to rule out a move for Maloney after being asked about the rumours.

"It would be unfair of me to talk about that - he's signed to another club," said Strachan.

However, Maloney's representative John Halliwell has rubbished the rumours and says the forward is focusing on the new season with Villa.

"All this talk about Shaun being unhappy is news to me but there's nothing in it," Halliwell told the Scottish Sun.

"The last conversation I had with Celtic was in January.

"There is always talk about Shaun because he is a talented player but this is just completely made up.

"He's been working so hard to get fit because he's so desperate to make an impact in the Premiership.

"He's away to the USA this Wednesday with Aston Villa.

"It's a big season for him and he's just excited to now get his first full season in the Premiership underway."

Meanwhile, Celtic defender Darren O'Dea will miss the club's trip to the USA after aggravating an old hamstring injury.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Real bid for Blues ace

Real Madrid have tabled a bid for Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, according to the player's agent.

The Spanish giants have been linked all summer with the Holland international and have now made a reported £13.5million offer.

However, whether Real get their man is another story as just last weekend manager Jose Mourinho stated he thought Robben would be staying.

Chelsea have little need to raise funds although the summer capture of Florent Malouda from Lyon could well hinder Robben's starting chances.

Robben's agent and father Hans has now confirmed Real have bid for his son and that the former PSV Eindhoven ace is interested in a move to El Santiago Bernabeu.

"I know Real have made a bid to Chelsea for my son," he told the Sun.

"When you are talking about Real Madrid, it has to be said that it's one of the best clubs in the world.

"Who wouldn't want to play for Real Madrid? My son wants to play at clubs that can win the Champions League and Real Madrid are one of the them."

Source : www.skysports.com
By James Pearson - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Southgate targets new blood

Gareth Southgate is looking to strengthen his squad further this summer, but admits he may have to be patient.

Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli have already arrived at Middlesbrough since the end of last season, while Jonathan Woodgate has also completed a permanent move to The Riverside.

Southgate still wants his squad to have greater strength in depth, but concedes there is a possibility he may have to start the season with the squad as it is now.

"There is (a chance), and the squad is small, but I'm happy with the quality of the first team," he told the Evening Gazette.

"But at the moment our back-up is very inexperienced, and that's why we're hoping to strengthen the squad.

"We've got young players who played last year, but the more quality we can bring in, the better chance we have of finishing higher up the league."

Southgate is confident there are exciting times ahead at Boro but knows he will have to spend shrewdly.

"We're not awash with funds and we've got to make sure we get the right deals and the right players to improve us," he explained.

"We would still like to add a couple of players to the squad, but I'm delighted with what's gone on out here, both with the new players that have come in and the other lads.

"Yes, it's a team with possibly less experience than last season, but the upside of that is being able to work at a higher pace."

Boro lost 3-0 to Schalke in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday but Southgate was happy with the run-out.

He said: "I knew they were a couple of weeks ahead of us, they have a German Cup game next week, so it wasn't the first game we would ideally have liked but it was a good workout for us."

Boro are expected to field a stronger side in their next game against Hertha Berlin on Tuesday, with Aliadiere and Stewart Downing both set to feature.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Owen: I will score goals

Michael Owen admits he is desperate to put his injury nightmares behind him and to prove the critics wrong.

Injury has restricted the Newcastle striker to only 14 first-team appearances since his £17million move from Real Madrid in 2005 and some have suggested he has become injury prone.

Owen missed the majority of last season after damaging his anterior cruciate knee ligament while on England duty in the 2006 World Cup.

However, having rediscovered his fitness, the 27-year-old is now more focused than ever to show he still has the top-level goalscoring touch.

"It's never been a goal of mine before to stay fit, but I suppose after these last two years, I want to play a full season," Owen told Newcastle's official website.

"I don't consider myself injury prone. I have played a lot of games throughout my career for club and country and it's frustrating that my injuries have happened at Newcastle.

"I'm definitely going into this season as strong as I have been for a long, long time and I don't envisage any problems.

"If I'm fit, everyone knows I will score goals. I have done that all my life."

Owen has scored seven goals in 13 starts for Newcastle and he found the back of the net for the first time in a year with his strike in England's 3-0 European Championship qualifier victory over Estonia in June.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter Fraser - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Quartet delight at Fulham move

Aaron Hughes, Steven Davis, David Healy and Chris Baird have all expressed their delight at joining Lawrie Sanchez's Fulham revolution.

Hughes and Davis have both joined from Premier League rivals Aston Villa while Healy and Baird have arrived from Leeds and Southampton respectively.

Former Newcastle defender Hughes expressed his regret to leave Villa, although he is now looking to a fresh challenge in West London.

"It's a fresh start, a chance to try something new so I'm really looking forward to it," Hughes told Sky Sports News.

"I was disappointed that maybe things didn't work out a little better at Villa. But that's football and that's the way.

"I've been given a chance here to start fresh and have a new go at something so I'm really looking forward to it."

Davis, like Hughes, was sad to leave Villa, but, after finding himself down Martin O'Neill's first-team pecking order, felt the time was right to move on.

"It was a tough decision, but I found myself out of the team and I felt I had to make the move to get first-team football," explained Davis.

"There are exciting times down here so I was glad to join. It's obviously good for me coming down and knowing some of the lads."

Healy has only just linked up with Fulham following the summer saga at Leeds and is looking forward to impressing in England's top flight.

The one-time Manchester United trainee brings an impressive scoring record for Northern Ireland to Craven Cottage, but the jury is out on his Premier League credentials.

"I'm looking forward to it," said the ex-Leeds man. "I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"It's been well documented that Lawrie wanted to bring me here, so at long last I'm here.

"It was sad to leave Leeds, but it's a new challenge."

Baird arrives as Southampton's Player of the Year and the defender has revealed the lure of Sanchez played a big part in rejecting Sunderland for Fulham.

The 25-year-old is enjoying his time with the Londoners and would be happy to play anywhere for Sanchez as long as he gets on the pitch.

Baird stated: "Obviously Lawrie and that was a big thing for us. I'm really enjoying it so far. I'll play anywhere if I get the chance to play.

"The Premier League is better quality and better quality players so it's going to be tough for us, but a test I'm really looking forward to."

Source : www.skysports.com
By James Pearson - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Keane's warning for sceptics

Roy Keane insists past allegiances will not deter him from bringing new players to Sunderland.

The £5million signing of Michael Chopra has met with a mixed reaction on Wearside due to the striker having started his career at Newcastle United.

But Keane is not concerned about where players are coming from, providing they will be a positive influence at the Stadium of Light.

"I don't care if they are from Newcastle or New Zealand. If I think they can come in and do a good job for the club, I will sign them," Keane told the club's official website.

"Michael's not afraid of a challenge. He went on loan to Forest and Barnsley and scored goals.

"It can't have been an easy decision to move to Cardiff, but he took a chance and it worked out.

"I'm delighted Michael's here. As soon as I spoke to him, he was enthusiastic about coming to this football club.

"Michael had a very good season last year, he's a natural goalscorer and he will be a good addition to our squad."

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Alonso completes Bolton move

Bolton have sealed the season-long loan signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Alonso.

Alonso joins Sammy Lee's side after impressing while on trial during their pre-season training camp in Austria.

The 27-year-old will link up with The Trotters once he receives international clearance.

Alonso, whose brother is Liverpool midfielder Xabi, was keen to ply his trade in the Premier League next season.

Bolton will have the option to make the Spaniard's move to The Reebok Stadium permanent in a year's time.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Sven vows to spend wisely

Sven Goran Eriksson has insisted he will only bring 'the right players' to Manchester City.

Thaksin Shinawatra has given the Swede a transfer war chest believed to be around £50million to help turn around the club's fortunes.

Eriksson has already signed Rolando Bianchi from Reggina for £8.8million and Gelson Fernandes from Sion for £3.8million.

Several more new arrivals are expected before the start of the season but Eriksson admits it is not always easy to secure top players.

He is determined not to spend money rashly but is also looking to build for the future and has urged fans to be patient.

"It is not like going to the supermarket and picking a player off the shelf," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"We are making enquiries all the time about players but it is sometimes a slow process with agents, managers and chief executives all involved in the process.

"It depends what kind of players we can get as to how many we bring in, but we will not spend for the sake of it.

"They have to be the right players for Manchester City."

Bianchi, who scored 18 goals in Serie A last season, could make his City debut in the friendly against Orgryte on Wednesday.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Fergie confirms Park blow

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United could be without Park Ji-sung until 2008.

The South Korean is recovering from a knee operation and the injury was due to be reassessed in August.

But, speaking in Japan for the first leg of United's pre-season tour to Asia, Ferguson offered a bleak outlook for Ji-sung's return.

The Red Devils boss conceded that the midfielder will miss the opening months of the new season and lamented the setback for the former PSV Eindhoven ace.

"He will not be available until December or January," said Ferguson.

"It is very disappointing news, but hopefully we have the squad to cover injuries this year."

Ji-sung suffered the injury in the 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the end of March and it was not initially believed to be a serious problem.

He eventually underwent surgery in America, having missed the title run-in and, subsequently, the FA Cup final and South Korea's Asian Cup campaign.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Ferdinand focused for Far East

Rio Ferdinand believes a successful pre-season tour of the Far East will see Manchester United start the Premier League on form.

United arrived in Japan on Monday morning to kick off a rigorous four-match tour and Ferdinand believes the intense humidity of playing conditions in Asia will provide excellent conditioning as the champions look to defend their Premier League crown.

"The weather sometimes makes it difficult on these trips but it will stand us in good stead for when we come back and start the season," said Ferdinand.

"It is the pre-season programme that carries you through the whole campaign, especially the demanding periods like Christmas.

"Fingers crossed we get it right, we have every confidence in the staff at the club.

"They have never got it wrong before so I am sure they won't this year."

United's tour will take in Seoul, Macau and Guangzhou and kicks off against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday where summer signings Owen Hargreaves and Nani are expected to feature.

Alan Smith has also made the trip, despite increasing rumours that he is heading for the Old Trafford exit, and defender Jonny Evans, who impressed while on loan at Sunderland last season, is expected to be given an opportunity.

Gary Neville and Ben Foster have all remained in England due to injury, while Gerard Pique, who did not finish his season on loan with Real Zaragoza until the end of June, has also been excused.

Gabriel Heinze, who is being increasingly linked with a move away from United, will miss the trip because he only finished Copa America duty with Argentina on Sunday.

Brazilian midfielder Anderson and Chinese forward Dong Fangzhou are also missing because they have been in Copa America and Asian Cup action respectively.

Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter Fraser - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Jose drops Ballack hint

Jose Mourinho has hinted Michael Ballack will not be an automatic selection for Chelsea this season.

The Germany international star was expected to light up the Premier League in his debut campaign following a free transfer switch from Bayern Munich.

However, the midfield schemer struggled to make an impact and Mourinho has conceded the 30-year-old found it hard to adapt to English football.

With competition fierce for midfield roles, the Portuguese tactician has challenged Ballack to show his true form and fight for his place.

"What I can say is that he's a player I like," said Mourinho. "I like him very much, but life is not easy.

"Like for the other people, life is not easy. We have a lot of good players.

"I'm not the kind of coach that gives places to people just because they are faces or names.

"Everybody has to fight for his place but I think they have a difficult task because the squad is really good."

Source : www.skysports.com
By James Pearson - Created on 16 Jul 2007