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Footy's rumour mill.. (believe at your own peril)

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Seasons's over, but now ripe for rumour mill and trivia... et al:p:biggrin:

To kick off, BBC's gossipy column today:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8073139.stm

Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP
1000 BST: Brazilian World Cup winner Leonardo is set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti as AC Milan coach next season.
(Full story in Italian: Gazzetta dello Sport)

0950 BST: Chelsea have signed Russian international midfielder Yuri Zhirkov for $30m from CSKA Moscow according to Russian newspaper Tvoi Den. The tabloid claims Zhirkov will join on a four-year contract. (Russian tabloid Tvoi Den)

"Yuri has signed the contract with Chelsea just a day or two ago," the newspaper quoted Zhirkov's agent as saying. "He will join his new team this summer."

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to throw Manchester United into turmoil and demand a move out of Old Trafford. The 24-year-old forward is a £50m target for Real Madrid.
(Full story: The Sun)

Although Ronaldo will go on holiday before making a decision on his United future.
(Full story: Daily Telegraph)

However, the prospect of Ronaldo joining Real Madrid may have receded with the Spanish side opting for the £40m signature of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.
(Full story: Independent)

In fact, Real Madrid will reject Ronaldo this summer as club president elect Florentino Perez has targeted Milan forward Kaka and Ribery instead.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Ribery was Chelsea boss-in-waiting Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice summer signing, but the Blues have lost out to Real Madrid. Ancelotti may look to CSKA Moscow's Russian left-back Yuri Zhirkov.
(Full story: The Times)

Chelsea have been told they will need to put up £20m for AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to take the 30-year-old to Stamford Bridge when he is named Chelsea boss next week.
(Full story: Daily Telegraph)

If Manchester United do not complete the permanent signing of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez this summer they will turn their attentions to Lyon striker Karim Benzema and Wigan's Antonio Valencia.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Manchester City and Liverpool are among five clubs who are willing to meet the £25m price tag for Tevez.
(Full story: The Times)

Tevez said a tearful goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before leaving Rome alone after the Champions League final.
(Full story: The Sun)

Paul Scholes must decide if the Champions League final is to be his final game for Manchester United. Stoke want the 34-year-old midfielder as a player-coach.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Sir Alex Ferguson may ditch Nani and Ji-Sung Park as the Manchester United boss reshapes his squad while Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also leave this summer. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is holding out for a summer move to Arsenal. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £12m bid for the 28-year-old.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will try to bolster his defence by moving for AC Milan defender Digao, the younger brother of Brazilian forward Kaka. The 23-year-old has been on loan at Standard Liege. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton are lining up a £6m bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Portsmouth defender Djimi Traore hopes to make his loan move to Birmingham permanent. (Daily Star)

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has lined up a £2m bid for 20-year-old Manchester City striker Ched Evans. (Daily Express)

Portuguese defender Nuno Valente will leave Everton this summer but the 34-year-old will play on for another year elsewhere.
(Full story: The Times)

Greek side Panathinaikos have bid £1.5m for Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop. (Daily Star)

Birmingham will step up their pursuit of Middelsbrough's David Wheater, 22, after the £6m-rated defender successfully came through a knee operation. (Daily Star)

Burnley boss Owen Coyle wants to sign Middlesbrough right-back Rhys Williams, who was a big hit during a loan spell with the Clarets. (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough utility man Matthew Bates will quit the club as the 22-year-old does not want to play in the Championship. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is being linked with an £8m move to Italian side Fiorentina.
(Full story: Independent)

The Magpies have warned the clubs chasing defender Sebastien Bassong that they will not take anything less than £15m for him.
(Full story: The Sun)

Sheffield United have rejected a £2m bid from Aston Villa for defender Kyle Naughton. The Blades have put a £6m price tag on the full-back. (Daily Express)

West Bromwich Albion winger Chris Brunt is wanted by Rangers in a player-plus-cash deal that could see Barry Ferguson move to the Hawthorns. Brunt, 24, is also being tracked by Fulham.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Huddersfield want to nab Stockport striker Oli Johnson from under the noses of West Brom and Fulham. (Daily Star)

Leeds have joined West Brom, Celtic and Leicester in the battle for Swindon striker Simon Cox. (Daily Star)

Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has told PSV Eindhoven and Twente Enschede he is not ready for a return to the Netherlands. (Daily Mail)

Dundee have made a £100,000 take-it-or-leave-it offer for Partick Thistle midfielder Gary Harkins. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Former England and Mexico boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is favourite to become the new Portsmouth manager.
(Full story: The Times)

Alan Shearer is expected to discover today if he will become the permanent manager of Newcastle United.
(Full story: The Times)

Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be named Sunderland boss in the next 48 hours.
(Full story: Guardian)

The Premier League will test out its strengthened fit-and-proper-persons rules on Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim.
(Full story: Guardian)

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wants to be considered for the vacant managerial post at Sunderland. (Daily Star)

Former Celtic forward Paolo Di Canio wants to become the club's new manager. (The Sun)

Celtic target Tony Mowbray has reservations about the quality of the SPL and about the pressure of being an Old Firm manager. (Daily Mail)

Motherwell's Mark McGhee is now the favourite to be named manager of Celtic. (Daily Express)

Swansea have told Celtic and Wigan they would not welcome an approach for manager Roberto Martinez. (Daily Record)

Csaba Laszlo will not be quitting Hearts after the manager won his battle to persuade owner Vladimir Romanov to increase his summer transfer budget. (The Sun)

Former Aberdeen midfielder Lee Richardson wants to be the club's new manager after quitting Chesterfield. (Daily Express)

Jim Magilton, recently replaced by Roy Keane at Ipswich, is in the frame to become Aberdeen manager. (The Herald)

AND FINALLY
Everton's Marouane Fellaini believes his lucky hairstyle will help the Toffees defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

The 21-year-old, who cost Everton £15m from Standard Liege last summer, has scored nine goals this season and he's hoping that his Afro-style hair will inspire him to add to that tally on Saturday at Wembley.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura's toilet from his former home is being sold on the internet with the Japanese star poised to return to his homeland this summer. (Daily Record)
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Peacock please leave Man U :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
Latest on Ronaldo. Diametrically opposite views (depending on which papers you read!):p

REAL MADRID REJECT RONALDO

http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/104075/Real-Madrid-reject-Ronaldo

Friday May 29 2009 by Richard Tanner

CRISTIANO Ronaldo is officially off Real Madrid’s radar as _Manchester _United received a _welcome lift after their Champions League final defeat.

Florentino Perez, who will now be unopposed in Real’s presidential elections following the withdrawal of the last of his three rivals, Eduardo Garcia, yesterday, has briefed Spanish journalists that Ronaldo has been replaced as his No1 summer target by AC Milan’s Kaka, with Franck Ribery also on the list.

The news Real are dropping their year-long pursuit of Ronaldo will come as a big relief to United, who returned yesterday from Rome after being given something of a football lesson by Barcelona.

Ronaldo, however, is likely to have some explaining to do to manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his post-match outburst to a Portuguese radio station that United “had got their tactics wrong” in the final. It followed his petulant reaction to being substituted in the Manchester derby earlier this month.

Ferguson will also be unhappy that Ronaldo was again fuelling rumours that he wants a move by failing to nail his allegiance to United after Wednesday’s final.

As he turned his thoughts to Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Albania a week on Saturday, he said: “About clubs, I do not want to talk about that. I don’t know. My [immediate] future is now with the national squad so we can win the game against Albania and improve our position in our qualifying group. But I want to rest and go on holiday. I have played a lot of games under a lot of pressure this season and I am very tired.”

Zinedine Zidane, who will become Real’s sporting director when Perez takes over, has made it clear that, while he rates Ronaldo, he prefers France international Ribery, currently at Bayern Munich. Perez is also ready to swoop for Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini as a successor to Juande Ramos.
--------------------------

Ronaldo may follow Kaka and Ribéry
to Real Madrid• Florentino Pérez may be changing plans
Targeting of Ronaldo to be resumed

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/may/29/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-manchester-united

Florentino Pérez has added to the air of uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford by refusing to rule out a move for the Manchester United forward and talking excitedly of the impact that the Portuguese might have at Real Madrid.

Pérez, who is expected to return to his former post as president at the Bernabéu on Monday, alluded to the "agreement" between Madrid and Ronaldo that was revealed in the Guardian last month and spoke of "a spectacular project" that is likely to see Kaka and Franck Ribéry join the Spanish club this summer. It had initially been thought that the arrival of Kaka and Ribéry would end Madrid's interest in Ronaldo but it is understood that Pérez remains keen on signing the 24-year-old in what promises to be another summer-long saga that will no doubt exasperate everyone at Old Trafford.

"He's also a player that would be very good if he came to Real Madrid," said Pérez. "What I know is what I've read, that there is an agreement by means of which he would come for £80m..." Asked if he would pay that amount, Pérez said: "Next week we will look at the numbers and nobody should doubt that we are going to design with our sporting advisors a spectacular project."

During his previous reign as president, between 2000 and 2006, Pérez sought to introduce one galáctico each summer but he indicated last week that this time he "will have to do in one year what would normally be done in three". The need to fast-track their recruitment programme means Madrid have drawn up an extravagant wish-list of targets and Ronaldo's name continues to feature prominently, with the mixed messages that player has given in recent days – he was evasive about his plans after the Champions League final defeat – further encouraging Pérez.

There are, however, complications because it was the former Madrid president, Ramón Calderón, who brokered a deal with Ronaldo's representatives and he was ousted last month. The agreement will not be legally binding and in any case Pérez is understood to be eager to ensure he is not seen as effectively rubber-stamping a transfer negotiated by his predecessor. He will prioritise the signings of Kaka and Ribéry and look to revisit the Ronaldo deal later in the summer while also seeking to bring down United's asking price.

Pérez, who claimed that "no decision" has been made with regard to identifying a new coach at Madrid, suggested that the Kaka deal would be more straightforward. "Until the competitions finish we are not going to talk with the clubs. But I've always spoken of my great relationship with [the Milan vice-president Adriano] Galliani and this relationship maybe makes it easier that Kaka comes to Madrid."
 
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yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Sat's trivia for weeekend:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/default.stm

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Everton manager David Moyes wants to offer Newcastle striker Michael Owen a chance to extend his Premier League career.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is set to undergo groin surgery, putting on hold his proposed £7.5m move to Italian side Fiorentina.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to overhaul his squad over the summer with utility player Emmanuel Eboue, striker Emmanuel Adebayor and defender William Gallas the likely departures. (Daily Mirror)

Russia and CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov will join Chelsea this summer for a fee of £18.6m.
(Full story: The Sun)

West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green has turned down the offer of a new contract, which will alert London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Bolton want to give Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes one final season of first-team football.
(Full story: The Sun)

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is questioning his Old Trafford future after being left on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League final. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will have worried his bosses in London with comments that it would be a dream to play for Champions League winners Barcelona.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Real Madrid presidential hopeful Florentino Perez has claimed "an agreement" is in place for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club. (Various)
(Full story: The Guardian)

Winger Stewart Downing has been told he can leave relegated Middlesbrough, as long as it is not for Tottenham.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has no intention of leaving the club over the summer, and according to his agent, he wants to honour the three years left on his contract.
(Full story: The Guardian)

New Ipswich boss Roy Keane could make a £500,000 bid for QPR defender Damien Delaney. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP
Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex, is wanted by Wigan to replace the Sunderland-bound Steve Bruce.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Darren Ferguson is also wanted by Reading but a row over his compensation fee could scupper a move to the Madejski Stadium.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Celtic could make a surprise move for West Ham number two Steve Clarke as they look to fill the managerial vacancy left by Gordon Strachan's departure. (The Sun)

Portsmouth could have problems if prospective new owner Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim wants to appoint a new manager, as Pompey have already agreed terms with caretaker boss Paul Hart.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

The consequences of Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League has been brought into stark reality with the news that 120 administrative and commercial staff are set to lose their jobs.
(Full story: The Times)

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner wants to sign a new contract with the club, even though his current deal does not expire until 2012.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

AND FINALLY
Coverage of the FA Cup final always sees a hefty chunk of nostalgia and this year is no exception. It is 17 years since their popular ITV show came off our screens but 'Saint & Greavsie', former Liverpool forward Ian St John and ex-Tottenham striker Jimmy Greaves, are back on Setanta for a one-off show as part of the build up to the clash between Chelsea and Everton.

The pair are as outspoken as ever and are not too impressed with the football programmes on offer today. "No way as good as ours," says Greaves.
(Full story: The Guardian)
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
To start your gossipy week:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8076458.stm#gossip

BREAKING GOSSIP
1408 BST: Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar has rejected claims he could leave Pompey in the summer. (Setanta Sports)

1343 BST: Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini looks set to take over at Real Madrid replacing former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had also been linked to the post. (Associated Press)

1335 BST: AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has admitted it would be hard to turn down a substantial offer for star midfielder Kaka this summer, with Chelsea and Real Madrid both interested. (Press Association)

1201 BST: Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is hoping to tie up a permanent deal for full-back Gael Givet after his loan spell from Marseille. (Press Association)

1134 BST: Manchester City forward Robinho has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Brazil with Santos. (Press Association)

1128 BST: Former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini is the new front-runner for the Portsmouth managerial job. (The Portsmouth News)

1112 BST: Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner looks set to commit himself to a new contract at the club.
(Full story: Telegraph.co.uk)

1105 BST: Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is to launch an audacious bid to bring Manchester United defender Gary Neville to the Riverside. (gazettelive.co.uk)

1055 BST: Argentine striker Ezequiel Lavezzi wants to remain at Napoli despite reported interest from Liverpool. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United will make a last-ditch attempt to keep striker Carlos Tevez at the club and are willing to pay £25m for the Argentine.
(Full story: Daily Telegraph)

However, Manchester City are leading the race for Tevez and are prepared to pay £30m to land the 25-year-old.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that Xabi Alonso is a key part of his plans and does not want to sell him. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the midfielder. (Daily Telegraph)

Birmingham are set to land Ecuador striker Christian Benitez for £6.25m from Mexican club Santos Leguna. (Daily Mirror)

Alex McLeish's Premier League new boys also look set to sign Manchester City keeper Joe Hart on loan. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom are keen on Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson and will bid £1m for the Scotsman. (Daily Mirror)

Winger Glen Little looks set to leave Portsmouth and join Championship side Coventry. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United are poised to sell young defender Kyle Naughton and have slapped a £5m price tag on his head. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham captain Lucas Neill looks set to leave the club after turning down a new one-year deal.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

And Manchester City now appear favourites to sign Australian defender Neill from the Hammers.
(Full story: The Sun)

CHELSEA GOSSIP
Former AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti will be given £50m to spend on new players if he takes over at Chelsea.
(Full story: The Sun)

Chelsea captain John Terry has urged Blues owner Roman Abramovich to bankroll Ancelotti, if the Italian arrives at Stamford Bridge.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Ancelotti could be given up to £100m by Abramovich to spend on new players. (Daily Star)
(Full story: Daily Star)

And captain Terry has urged the Italian to make Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Valencia forward David Villa his first signings as Chelsea manager.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Ancelotti's arrival may mean the Chelsea careers of Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and Deco will come to an end.
(Full story: The Sun)

The 49-year-old coach is also lining up Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and will pay £23m for the front-man.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Ancelotti will hope to bring AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo with him to Stamford Bridge.
(Full story: Daily Star)

The former Italian midfielder is also targeting Atletico Madrid's £50m-rated striker Sergio Aguero.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Ancelotti is keen to appoint Filippo Galli, who was his assistant at AC Milan, as his number two at Stamford Bridge.
(Full story: The Times)

However, Ancelotti's Chelsea move could be in doubt after Real Madrid declared their interest in the Italian.
(Full story: Independent)

OTHER GOSSIP
Alan Shearer looks set to turn down the chance to become the permanent manager of Newcastle unless owner Mike Ashley can quickly offload the club at a knockdown price. (Daily Express)

Shearer will also have to reduce his financial demands if he is to be installed as Magpies boss.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Sunderland are set to unveil current Wigan manager Steve Bruce as their new boss. (Daily Mirror)

However, Wigan are still holding out on the £3m in compensation they want for Bruce's departure. (Daily Express)

Meanwhile, Sunderland officials have spoken of their puzzlement at claims from former Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini that he has been offered the manager's job at the Stadium of Light.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Wigan owner Dave Whelan wants to replace Bruce with Swansea manager Roberto Martinez. (Daily Mirror)

Former England and Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle has launched a bid to become the new Celtic manager. (Scottish Sun)

Everton manager David Moyes has denied any interest in joining Celtic but indicated that he was sounded out by his former club. (the Herald)

Former Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling is set for talks this week to become the shock new manager of Hibs. (Daily Express)

Falkirk manager John Hughes is among the front runners for the Hibs job, along with Mark McGhee, Bruce Rioch and Colin Calderwood. (Various)

Hughes will hold talks with Falkirk today, with a view to deciding his future with the Scottish Cup runners-up. (Various)

Falkirk chief George Craig admits it will be hard to deny Hughes the chance to move on to a bigger club but is desperate to keep this manager for one more season. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY
Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has revealed the secret behind his recent fine form - the removal of his wisdom teeth. (The Independent)

Chelsea players celebrated their Wembley triumph on Saturday with a night out and left the FA Cup in a bin liner. (Daily Star)

Departing Blues manager Guus Hiddink and his partner Liza were each given a £50,000 Rolex Daytona watch by Chelsea players as a thank you. (The Sun)

But Hiddink could be fined £50 after being caught on camera smoking a cigar in Chelsea's Wembley dressing room on Saturday. (Daily Mirror)
 

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Ah Guan

Alfrescian
Loyal
Good thread.... !

Remember this is called the "silly season" in football where newspapers and tabloids will put out any outrageous headline just to get people to buy

2 more months of rumours and speculations until next season starts

Like the threadstarter said, believe at your own risk!
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Kaka's now gone to RM for princely sum gbp56mil:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8078414.stm

BREAKING GOSSIP
Brazilian playmaker Kaka has signed for Real Madrid in a £56m deal, Spanish radio station Cadena Ser reports. (Agence France Presse 1956 BST)

Former Blackburn midfielder Tugay claims he will work as coach at Manchester City next season.

"I made an agreement with Manchester City and will work as a coach," the 38-year-old Tugay told Turkish television station NTV.

"To work there will be a huge step for me. When I feel strong enough, then I will begin to work as a technical director." (Lancashire Evening Telegraph 1716 BST)

Former Portsmouth manager and Arsenal legend Tony Adams has claimed on talkSPORT radio that he is close to becoming the new Celtic boss after entering into talks with the club.
(Full story: Sport.co.uk)

Wolves are set to sign Serbia midfielder Nenad Milijas from Crvena Zvezda, beating off competition from Borussia Monchengladbach, Panathinaikos and a club from Dubai.
(Full story: Setanta.com)

Roberto Martinez looks set to ask Swansea for permission to speak to Celtic over their managerial vacancy after apparently expressing interest in the post. (Press Association 1312 BST)

Aston Villa have confirmed that midfielder Gareth Barry is in talks with Manchester City. (Sky Sports 1223 BST)

Chelsea have made an approach for AZ Alkmaar's Belgium international midfielder Moussa Dembele, according to the player's agent.
(Full story: Goal.com)

But the Blues' Peruvian forward Claudio Pizarro says he would rather not return to Stamford Bridge following a successful season on loan at Werder Bremen.
(Full story: Setanta.com)

New Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes Cristiano Ronaldo would be the ideal player for the Spanish giants and will not be put off by his hefty price tag. (Press Association 1130 BST)

AC Milan playmaker Kaka insists he wants to stay at the San Siro. Speculation has been rife that the Brazil star, who turned down a move to Manchester City in January, will follow his former coach Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea. (Press Assoctaion 0948 BST)


TRANSFER GOSSIP
New Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has made AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato and Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson his top targets. The Blues have bid £30m for Pato and have offered £12m for their former player Johnson.
(Full story: The Sun)

AC Milan have hinted it will be hard for them to reject a substantial offer for their Brazilian playmaker Kaka, which could alert Chelsea and Real Madrid.
(Full story: The Sun)

Everton manager David Moyes is offering Newcastle striker Michael Owen £50,000 a week to make the switch to Goodison Park.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Manchester City's Brazilian forward Robinho has ruled out a summer switch to his homeland club Santos.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Manchester United hope to sign striker Carlos Tevez on a permanent deal on Wednesday - but only on their terms.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Real Madrid will use rookie striker Negredo as bait in a bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso - but they will first have to buy back the forward from Almeria.
(Full story: The Sun)

Birmingham have tabled a club record £6m bid for Santos Laguna's Ecuador striker Christian Benitez but face competition from several other Premier League clubs. (The Sun)

Fulham look set to beat Portsmouth to the signing of Brazilian left-back Felip Lopes, who plays for Portuguese side Nacional. (The Sun)

Tottenham are keen to sell defender Pascal Chimbonda to Blackburn for about £3m as the Londoners chase Marseille utility man Lorik Cana, who is valued at £5m. (Various)

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bring goalkeeper Paul Robinson back to the club, a year after he was sold to Blackburn. (Daily Star)

Sunderland will make a £5m bid for Wigan defender Titus Bramble, once Steve Bruce is installed as manager. (Daily Star)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate wants to hand Manchester United defender Gary Neville a lead role in getting Boro back into the Premier League.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Hull boss Phil Brown is eager to sign Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Wolves and Birmingham are set to battle for the signature of Bolton defender Danny Shittu. (Daily Mirror)

Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott is a £2m target for West Brom but Blackburn and Wolves are also interested. (Various)

Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is to return to Holland, after opening signing talks with with PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente. (Daily Record)

The giant Dutch forward is also wanted by new Ajax manager Martin Jol. (Scottish Sun)

Hamilton have denied claims they will lose keeper Tomas Cerny, with Czech side Sigma Olomouc saying they have not received an agreed fee. (Daily Record)

Hamilton will give Clyde's Neil McGregor a rehabilitation deal before tabling a contract for the defender who has suffered from an ankle injury. (Daily Record)

Bristol City are set to offload striker Peter Styvar to Greek side Skoda Xanthi. (Daily Mirror)

Derby boss Nigel Clough is set to sign Exeter midfielder Dean Moxey in a £275,000 deal. (Daily Star)

Charlton are lining up a double defensive swoop, with Southend's Peter Clarke and Miguel Llera of MK Dons the targets. (Daily Star)

Gillingham are set to open talks with Oldham for midfielder Kevin Maher. (Daily Star)

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara. (Daily Star)

Leeds United look set to lose midfielder Bradley Johnson to Crystal Palace and forward Robert Snodgrass to Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror)

Dunfermline and Dundee lead the chase to sign Albion Rovers striker Bobby Barr. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich picked Italian Carlo Ancelotti as the club's new manager because he wants a yes man in charge. The Russian tycoon plans to be more hands-on at Stamford Bridge than before, deciding which players will come in and are let go.
(Full story: Daily Star)

England coach Fabio Capello has recommended under-21s manager Stuart Pearce for a new improved contract. (The Sun)

Alan Shearer still wants to become Newcastle manager on a permanent basis, despite owner Mike Ashley's sale plans causing meltdown at the club.
(Full story: The Sun)

Former Aston Villa boss Graham Taylor believes current incumbent Martin O'Neill needs to sign five new players if the club are to challenge for a Champions League spot. (Daily Mirror)

Reading want to offer Watford boss Brendan Rogers their vacant manager's job. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham defender Lucas Neill has hinted he may stay with the club, despite rejecting one offer of a new deal. (The Sun)

Fears are growing for the viability of Setanta's financial commitment to the Scottish Premier League after the broadcaster defaulted on a £3m payment. (The Herald)

Celtic face competition from Wigan and Real Sociedad in their pursuit of Swansea manager Roberto Martinez. (Various)

Wigan may turn to Dundee United's Craig Levein if they miss out on Martinez. (Scottish Sun)

AND FINALLY
Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has lifted the lid on his team's pampered lifestyle - admitting he even rings someone to rush over and change a lightbulb. Evra says he can call player liaison manager Barry Moorhouse night or day.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Perennial thing on Ronaldo to RM...so what's new?:(

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/2009/06/05/75m-ron-115875-21416252/

Cristiano Ronaldo will be allowed to leave for Real Madrid for £75m By Alan Nixon and Martin Lipton 5/06/2009

Manchester United will sell Cristiano Ronaldo - if Real Madrid president Florentino Perez comes up with a stunning £75million.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the club's money men believe this is the magic number that would make the move happen and are prepared for an official offer in the next few days.

United won't sell Ronaldo for anything less than a top price, but they accept business could be done if Perez can back up his dream with cash. Perez publicly announced in Spain yesterday that Ronaldo is his next target, to play alongside Kaka.

But in Italy, angry Milan fans protested about the impending sale of their star man. Convinced he will be able to trumpet the world record £60m capture of Kaka from AC Milan by Monday, Perez put Manchester United back on a war footing as he once again courted Old Trafford's Portuguese ace.

"Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best players in the world," said Perez.
 

yinyang

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Tgif...:p

Friday's gossip column

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8084438.stm

BREAKING GOSSIP
Udinese's 22-year-old defender Cristian Zapata has claimed Arsenal are among the clubs interested in acquiring his services this summer (Press Association, 1111 BST)

Real Madrid want to sign Bayern Munich's French winger Franck Ribery and will begin talks with the German giants. (Reuters, 1106 BST)

Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would welcome a move to Barcelona, his agent said on Friday following reports the clubs were discussing a deal. (Press Association 0847 BST)

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United will sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid if the Spanish giants stump up a stunning £75m.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

If Real do not sign the Portugal international winger by the end of the month they will have to pay him £26m as a result of a promise made to him by the club's former president Ramon Calderon.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Real's vice-president Fernando Tapias appeared to confirm on Spanish radio that the club does indeed have such a penalty clause written into an alleged pre-contract agreement made between Calderon and Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes.
(Full story: The Independent)

Meanwhile, new Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said he believes Ronaldo has a £75m get-out clause in his United contract and said he is "working to bring Ronaldo to Real Madrid". Perez also all but confirmed that AC Milan's Brazilian superstar Kaka will join the club for £62m.
(Full story: The Sun)

Yet another seemingly Madrid-bound star is Valencia's David Silva. Liverpool are also keen on the midfielder but look as though they will miss out on him after he had talks at the Bernabeu.
(Full story: The Times)

Chelsea are set to offer Ashley Cole a £27m four-year deal in order to fend off interest in him from Barcelona, who are believed to be ready to bid £20m for the left-back.
(Full story: The Sun)

As well as hanging on to their best players, Blues midfielder Frank Lampard has urged the club to sign "someone to do something special", identifying a need for a creative midfielder or a striker.
(Full story: The Independent)

The players Lampard has in mind are Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Valencia's David Villa.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to bring Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, brother of Gunners defender Kolo, to the club and is set to bid £12m for him.
(Full story: The Sun)

The Gunners are favourites to beat Manchester City to the signature of £8m-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who they see as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

But Arsenal face competition for the Bosnian from Manchester City, who are also looking at Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, Portsmouth's Peter Crouch and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Adebayor's future, meanwhile, could be in Italy as AC Milan are believed to be poised to make a £15m bid for the Togo striker.
(Full story: The Sun)

Aston Villa are bracing themselves for a battle to hold on to Ashley Young, with Chelsea and Real Madrid set to be interested in the £20m-rated winger.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Villa have targeted Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Gareth Barry and will bid £6m for him. (Mirror)
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

David Bentley could also make the switch from White Hart Lane to Villa Park, but only if Spurs are prepared to accept £5m less than the £15m they paid Blackburn for him.
(Full story: Daily Star)

The clear-out at Spurs could also see Didier Zokora join Sevilla - but the Spaniards are thought to want to pay £2m less than the Londoners' £8m valuation of their man.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Meanwhile, Manchester City want to sign Liverpool's Xabi Alonso as they want him to form a midfield partnership with their new £12m signing Barry.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Sunderland want to sign the world's tallest player, Serbian striker Nikola Zigic, who stands at 6 ft 8 ins. New boss Steve Bruce is set to sanction a club record £10m bid for the Valencia player.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Bruce also wants to raid former club Wigan to sign midfielder Lee Cattermole. (The Sun)

Bolton and Birmingham are competing to sign Anderlecht's Argentine playmaker Lucas Biglia, who would cost about £6m. The pair are also battling to snap up ex-Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davies.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Birmingham are also eager to capture Cardiff defender Roger Johnson and are set to increase their offer for him from £3.5m to £5m. (The Sun)

Everton have warned Manchester City that defender Joleon Lescott is not for sale. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham want to hijack Everton's £6m swoop for Rennes full-back Rod Fanni. (Various)

The Hammers are set to send teenage striker Freddie Sears out on a season-long loan to Sheffield Wednesday. (The Sun)

Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire could be priced out of a move to Greek side Olympiakos as Rovers are holding out for £2m more than the £3m bid they have received.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is lining up a bid for Marseille striker Djibril Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. But the Frenchman is believed to prefer a move to Tottenham.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Roberto Martinez's first step as Wigan manager could be to sign Hamilton's teenage midfielder James McCarthy. (The Herald)

New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez could also make a move for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Daily Mail)

Red Bull Salzburg defender Ronald Gercaliu says PAOK Salonika are vying with Celtic for his signature. (Daily Express)

Celtic, Bolton and Genoa are interested in Manchester City midfielder Gilson Fernandes. (Daily Express)

Wellington Phoenix want to take out-of-favour Celtic striker Chris Killen back to New Zealand. (Various)

Dundee United are poised to make a summer approach for Rangers defender Andy Webster. (Daily Record)

Newcastle's controversial midfielder Joey Barton has insisted he will not be forced out of the club and does not want a transfer despite his bust-up with interim boss Alan Shearer.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United will pay Watford £400,000 for versatile defender Leigh Bromby. (Daily Star)

New QPR boss Jim Magilton is set to raid former club Ipswich for striker Jon Walters and midfielder David Norris. (Daily Star)

Shrewsbury want to sign striker Jake Robinson, who has been released by Brighton. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been demanding a central striker's role for next season, as he is fed up of being played out on the left flank.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Falkirk's John Hughes has emerged as a candidate to replace Roberto Martinez as Swansea manager. (Daily Record)

West Brom are resigned to losing Tony Mowbray, who is poised to become Celtic manager. (The Sun)

Motherwell's Mark McGhee expects to be informed today whether his application to be Celtic manager has been successful. (The Herald)

If Mark McGhee is not given the Celtic job, the Motherwell manager is likely to become Aberdeen boss. (Various)

Former Nottingham Forest boss Colin Calderwood has emerged as a candidate for the vacancies at both Aberdeen and Hibernian. (Daily Record)

Former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan has urged the club not to ignore his application to be manager. (Various)

New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says he is 50 times better as a boss now than in his early days when he was a "hothead" and used to sulk.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Bury manager Alan Knill is in talks with the club about a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current deal. (Daily Star)

Brendan Rodgers, who is set to become the new Reading boss, has revealed he was advised to take the job by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
(Full story: The Sun)

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is on his way to Sporting Lisbon after being snubbed by Portsmouth. (The Sun)

A Middle East consortium is set to compete a takeover for League Two side Notts County. (Daily Express)

Former Cowdenbeath chairman Gordon McDougall has been in talks with Livingston owner Angelo Massone about taking over the First Division club. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY
Chris Waddle and fellow commentator Jon Champion will be fined £100 for each football cliche they come out with during England's game against Kazakhstan, with the money being donated by Setanta to the Bobby Moore fund. (Daily Star)
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Kicking off the week:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8088697.stm

BREAKING GOSSIP
1527 BST: Sevilla have confirmed they are interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora. (Spanish newspaper AS)

1412 BST: AC Milan star Kaka is set to sign for Real Madrid after undergoing a medical in Brazil on Monday. (Various Spanish newspaper reports)

1232 BST: Ezequiel Lavezzi's advisors have urged Napoli not to deny him a move to Liverpool, who have enquired about the Argentina striker. (Press Association)

1110 BST: Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to offer Newcastle striker Michael Owen a two-year deal worth £55,000 a week.
Full story: Birmingham Mail


1022 BST: Villa striker John Carew has played down speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City. (Press Association)

0953 BST: Ajax's Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, 23, claims he is on the verge of sealing a £10m move to Arsenal. (Press Association)

0937 BST: Barcelona have rejected a proposition from Inter Milan to do a swap deal involving Barca's Andres Iniesta and Inter's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Full story: Goal.com

0909 BST: Manchester City will make a £15m bid for Everton defender Joleon Lescott when he returns from England international duty.
Full story: Manchester Evening News

0854 BST: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has confirmed he wants to sign Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.
Full story: This is Anfield

0849 BST: Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has called for the future of French forward Franck Ribery - a supposed target of Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid - to be decided one way or the other. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Brazil will allow Kaka to have a medical on Monday as the playmaker moves closer to completing a £56m move from AC Milan to Real Madrid.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Barcelona will make a last-ditch attempt to keep striker Samuel Eto'o this week as Manchester City prepare a £25m bid for the Cameroonian.
(Full story: The Sun)

Liverpool are determined to hold on to midfielder Xabi Alonso and sources at Anfield say it would take a "mind-blowing offer" from Real Madrid to take him back to Spain.
(Full story: The Times)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has agreed a £10m deal for Ajax's 23-year-old Belgian central defender Thomas Vermaelen but they may lose Kolo Toure to Manchester City.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Everton are preparing a £7m swoop for two players from Reading - winger Stephen Hunt and striker Kevin Doyle. (Daily Star)

Everton boss David Moyes faces a fight with Espanyol for Rennes midfielder Stephane M'Bia and the Toffees also want Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United are ready to battle with Real Madrid for the signature of Wigan winger Antonio Valencia but they are reluctant to pay the £16m wanted by the Latics.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Actually, United are more than willing and will wrap up the signing of Valencia for about £17m this week. (???)
(Full story: Daily Mirror)


Manchester United have accepted a £6m bid from Hull City for 21-year-old striker Fraizer Campbell.
Hull's bid for Campbell accepted

Atletico Madrid are trailing Everton's in-form 27-year-old South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Stoke City are set to sign Swedish Under-21 midfielder Andres Vasquez on a free transfer after he left FC Zurich.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Birmingham are set to sign ex-Newcastle loanee Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege and have made a new £5m bid for Cardiff centre-back Roger Johnson.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Spanish side Espanyol are hoping to sign Chelsea's 19-year-old Israeli striker Ben Sahar for about £800,000.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

FC Basel are hoping to convince Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell, 34, that he should sign for them this week after he rejected an approach from Trabzonspor.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies will make an improved £2m bid for Doncaster centre-back Matthew Mills this week. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP
West Brom have drawn up a shortlist of managers, including Peterborough's Darren Ferguson, as they prepare for boss Tony Mowbray to leave for Celtic. (Daily Mirror)

Mowbray will start work as the new manager at Celtic Park this week - as long as the Scottish giants bite the bullet and pay about £2m compensation to the Baggies. (Daily Telegraph)

Burnley boss Owen Coyle will sign a new contract at Turf Moor this week for three times his old salary but less than he could have earned at Celtic. (Daily Mirror)

England striker Wayne Rooney has admitted he is dreaming of winning the World Cup in South Africa next year.
Full story: The Sun

England defender Matthew Upson believes West Ham team-mate Robert Green is good enough to make the number one jersey his own at international level.
Full story: Daily Express

England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce will defy Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to ensure Theo Walcott plays in the European Championship, which starts next week, as well as for the senior side against Andorra on Wednesday. (Daily Express)

Alan Shearer is hoping a north-east buyer will take over Newcastle and keep alive his hopes of being named permanent Magpies boss - as current owner Mike Ashley does not think he should get the job.
Full story: The Sun

AND FINALLY
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has revealed that leaving Stamford Bridge to join Portsmouth helped him fall back in love with football.
Full story: The Sun
 

Wayne Piew

Alfrescian
Loyal
TRANSFER GOSSIP

Valencia striker David Villa will decide on a move to either Real Madrid or Chelsea this week.
(Full story: The Sun)

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has backed boss Martin O'Neill's attempts to outgun Everton and Roma in the battle for Newcastle striker Michael Owen.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Villa will also compete with Liverpool in trying to sign Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, says he is not interested in signing striker Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

AC Milan may have lost Kaka but they have overtaken Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to sign Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Blackburn could move for Austria striker Marc Janko if they sell Roque Santa Cruz, who is again a target for Manchester City.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Meanwhile, Rovers are ready to sell defender Zurab Khizanishvili to Turkish outfit Galatasaray.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

West Ham's takeover will result in manager Gianfranco Zola renewing his attempt to sign Inter Milan's £15m-rated attacking midfielder Luis Jimenez.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

The Hammers also want Rennes right-back Rod Fanni and Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

But defender Matthew Upson could be sold by Zola after he was told by the club's new owners that he would have to generate his own transfer funds by selling players.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov and defender Nemanja Vidic will not be leaving the club, according to their agents.
(Full story: Daily Star)


Tottenham could make a £4.8m loss by offloading striker Roman Pavlyuchenko to Italian side Roma for £9m.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Birmingham will have to battle it out with Bolton for the signing of defender Danny Shittu, while the Midlands club have also set their sights on Newcastle defender David Edgar. (Daily Star)

Wolves are to sign centre-back Ronald Zubar from Marseille for £2.5m.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Marc-Antoine Fortune's agent says the Nancy striker would consider joining Tony Mowbray at Celtic after being on loan to West Brom. (Daily Record)

Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher would relish the chance to join former Easter Road boss Tony Mowbray at Celtic. (The Scotsman)

Rangers hope Barnsley will double their original offer and meet the £500,000 asking price for midfielder Charlie Adam. (Daily Mail)

Rangers are tracking Partick Thistle's Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey. (The Sun)

Rangers' Cypriot midfielder Georgios Efrem has joined Hearts' Bruno Aguiar and Christos Karapidis by signing for Omonia Nicosia. (Daily Record)

Kilmarnock could offer a contract to free Rangers goalkeeper Lee Robinson. (Daily Express)
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Ron's going, gone!

Ron's going, gone liao... for princely sum gbp80mil.

No player's biger than club, besides there's shelf life to valuation.

Manchester United have accepted a world record offer of £80m from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8094720.stm

"United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player," said a statement from the English club.

It added that the decision came at Ronaldo's request after he "again expressed his desire to leave".

United described the offer for the 24-year-old forward as unconditional and added that they expected the matter to be concluded by 30 June.

It is understood that the transfer fee would be made available for manager Sir Alex Ferguson to invest in the transfer market.

Madrid signed Brazilian Kaka for a reported £56m earlier in the week, surpassing the previous world record fee of £45.6m Real paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

That deal was sealed by the ambition of returning Real president Florentino Perez, who previously led the Spanish club from 2000 to 2006 - during the famous galacticos era.

And Perez had earlier made it clear that he would do "everything possible" to sign Ronaldo.

Madrid have also been linked with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, Valencia's David Villa and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery since Perez's unopposed election signalled the return of their vast spending.

But the BBC's Steve Kingstone in Madrid said that Real had yet to confirm any agreement to buy Ronaldo or the agreed price of £80m stated by United. Thursday is a public holiday in Madrid and no announcements are expected.

"This was one that was never ever going to go away," said BBC Radio 5 Live chief football correspondent Mike Ingham.

CRISTIANO RONALDO FACTFILE
1985: Born 5 February
2002: Make Sporting Lisbon debut
2003: Signs for Man Utd in £12m deal
2004: Wins first trophy, the FA Cup, with United
2006: Expresses desire to join Real Madrid
2007: Wins first Premier League title
2008: Wins Champions League
2009: Voted World and European player of the year
2009: Man Utd accept £80m bid from Real
"After the Champions League final he criticised Sir Alex Ferguson's tactics, he threw his toys out of the pram in the derby with Manchester City after he was substituted. He's been very high maintenance. And £80m is hard to resist.

"Personally I'm very sorry to see him leave but it's absolutely inevitable. If hadn't been this summer it would have been next summer.

"This could mean they might be able to keep Carlos Tevez, maybe Wayne Rooney can be liberated."

Ronaldo, who joined United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon for £12.2m, was strongly linked with a move to the Spanish capital last summer.

United lodged a complaint with world governing body Fifa last June over what they believed was a deliberate attempt by Real to unsettle the winger.

After a long drawn out saga that ran through the summer months the Portugal international said he was happy at Old Trafford and remained at United for the 2008-09 season.

"Now I understand I made the best decision," Ronaldo told Spanish sports paper Marca at the end of last summer. "I am with Manchester in body and soul.

But the speculation soured relations between the clubs and last December United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that he would not "sell that mob a virus".

And despite Ronaldo's claim that he wanted to remain at Old Trafford he was the subject of constant speculation during the 2008-09 season and often gave mixed messages about his future.

If Ronaldo does sign for Madrid his last appearance for United would have been in the Champions League final that the Premier League champions lost 2-0 to Barcelona in Rome.

"History will remember him very well in terms of his contribution as a footballer, he'll also be seen as petulant, egotistical and stubborn but he's been a wonderful player," said United we Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten.

It took time for Ronaldo to find his best form after joining United but became a pivotal player for United, who have won the last three Premier League titles.

In the 2007-08 season he scored 42 goals, which topped the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, and was on the scoresheet as United defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final.

Ronaldo was the top scorer last season with 26 goals, taking his total for United to 118 in 292 appearances
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
There's more to footy grapevine than selling that golden goose Ron:p:biggrin::

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8094472.stm

BREAKING GOSSIP
1610 BST: Atletico Madrid say they are not willing to part with Argentine striker Sergio "Kun" Aguero, believed to be a Chelsea target. (Spanish paper AS)

1540 BST: Chris Hughton could find himself thrust into the role of Newcastle caretaker manager for a third time as negotiations continue over the club's future ownership. (Press Association)

1431 BST: Valencia have turned down a reported offer from Chelsea for David Villa, with the Spain international seemingly set to join Real Madrid instead, according to the player's agent. (Press Association)

1402 BST: Barcelona are preparing a bid for Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

1133 BST: Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo has revealed that if he is forced to leave the Bernabeu then Liverpool would be an attractive destination.
(Full story: Sky Sports)

1121 BST: Former Manchester United full-back Arthur Albiston believes Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid could lead to fellow forward Carlos Tevez remaining at Old Trafford next season.
(Full story: Daily Star)

1031 BST: French club Lyon have declared an interest in signing former Arsenal midfielder and captain Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan. (Press Association)

1002 BST: Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo - who seems certain to join Real Madrid after United accepted an £80m bid - had reportedly secured a deal with Real that guaranteed the Spanish club would pay him £20m in compensation if a deal to bring him to the Bernabeu did not go through by 30 June. (Press Association)

0950 BST: AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has received Italy coach Marcello Lippi's blessing to move to Chelsea this summer.
(Full story: Daily Star)

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Real Madrid claim they are already in negotiations with Manchester United to buy Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Spanish club's general director Jorge Valdano saying: "I can't answer about him, I can only talk about players who are on their way here not those we are in negotiations over."
(Full story: Daily Star)

The Spanish media are reporting details of a 'leaked' contract for 24-year-old Ronaldo, which involved a transfer fee of £80m and a six-year contract with a salary of £9.5m, including an inbuilt 25% rise every year.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Sporting Lisbon have initiated talks with Manchester United about re-signing winger Nani on an extended loan spell or arranging a player-plus-cash exchange involving their captain, the attacking midfielder Joao Moutinho.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Chelsea's summer transfer plans have been dealt a blow by Bayern Munich placing a £65m asking price on midfielder Franck Ribery.
(Full story: The Times)

Blues striker Didier Drogba has ruled out an £18m transfer to Manchester City this summer after sources revealed he wishes to remain at Stamford Bridge.
(Full story: The Sun)

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has turned his back on a summer move to Chelsea after insisting: "I have a contract with Milan."
(Full story: Daily Star)

In addition, the Stamford Bridge club have turned their attention to AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele after a £12m deal for FC Twente striker Marko Arnautovic broke down after his medical revealed a foot fracture.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

West Ham have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Manchester City's 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge, who is out of contract this summer.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is ready to launch a massive Spurs clear-out with up to 14 players facing the chop, including winger David Bentley and strikers Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko, who cost the London club £47.8m between them.
(Full story: The Sun)

The chairman of the White Hart Lane club, Daniel Levy, has placed a £12m asking price on 24-year-old Bentley, who is interesting Aston Villa. (Daily Express)

Spurs will battle it out with Sunderland and Stoke to sign centre-back Richard Dunne from Manchester City.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Also, Spurs' Brazilian striker Giovani dos Santos is set to join Spanish club Espanyol on a year-long loan with a view to a permanent £5m switch. (Daily Star)

Newcastle are also preparing for a huge clear-out, with high-earning stars such as midfielders Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith, Jonas Gutierrez, Joey Barton and Geremi peddled to clubs at home and abroad.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure could move to England this summer, but his agent claims he will not be joining Arsenal because he has received better offers from other clubs.
(Full story: Independent)

The Gunners are preparing a £4m bid for Feyenoord's 16-year-old Dutch striker Luc Castaignos.
(Full story: The Sun)

Manchester City target, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, is set to leave Barcelona for Inter Milan with Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving to the Nou Camp.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Everton are set to complete the signing of 23-year-old Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia for £8m from Rennes.
(Full story: The Sun) Birmingham are preparing a raid on rivals Aston Villa for £5m-rated centre-back Zat Knight.
(Full story: The Sun)

Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire's proposed permanent move to Greek side Olympiakos is on hold until the future of fellow Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz is resolved.
(Full story: The Sun)

Another Middlesbrough player set to move this summer is Turkish international forward Tuncay, who has admitted his desire to quit the club. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP
Alan Shearer has met Freddy Shepherd to discuss his future as potential manager of Newcastle should the former chairman at St James' Park succeed in buying the club back from Mike Ashley.
(Full story: The Guardian)

West Brom are facing a player revolt if boss Tony Mowbray quits the club to take the vacant managerial post at Celtic, with several players ready to consider their future if the 45-year-old departs.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Alex Ferguson appears to have failed in a personal attempt to persuade striker Carlos Tevez that his future remains at _Manchester United after he telephoned the 25-year-old to speak to him directly.

The Argentine, who spent the last two seasons at Old Trafford and is available to sign permanently for a fee believed to be around £25m, is disillusioned with United after a lack of first-team starts and the club's initial reluctance to make his loan move permanent and is considering his options.
(Full story: The Guardian)

The proposed takeover of Portsmouth by Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim may yet fall through should issues arise from the ongoing process of due diligence - but Al Fahim has denied the bid is a publicity stunt.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Former Newcastle executive director Dennis Wise has applied for the vacant managerial post at Watford, but he faces competition for the role from former Chelsea team-mate Gus Poyet.
(Full story: The Sun)

Veterans of the ITV Digital collapse have warned Scottish Premier League clubs they could face four years of financial misery if Setanta goes to the wall.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Celtic and West Brom are still at war over Tony Mowbray as the Baggies prepare to line up Alan Irvine as his replacement.
(Full story: The Sun)

Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert has played down reports linking him to the manager's job at Motherwell, should Mark McGhee make the switch to Aberdeen.
(Full story: Daily Record)

AND FINALLY
While 58,000 England fans defied the tube strike and made it to Wembley for last night's game with Andorra, the visitors could not boast a single away supporter in the stadium, unless you count the 11 mascots from the principality. (Daily Mail)
 

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Wayne Piew

Alfrescian
Loyal
Re: Ron's going, gone!

Ron's going, gone liao... for princely sum gbp80mil.

No player's biger than club, besides there's shelf life to valuation.



Man Utd is going to miss that ingrate like George Michael misses Andrew Ridgeley!! :mad:

Good Riddance!!
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Who can replace Ronaldo?

Who can replace Ronaldo?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8096778.stm

Name: Sergio Aguero
Age: 21
Position: Forward
Potential cost: £45m
Club: Atletico Madrid

Another option if Ferguson is looking for a young, lethal forward, is Atletico Madrid's crown jewel Sergio Aguero.

The Argentine earned a move, aged just 17, to Atletico on the back of 23 goals in 54 appearances for Independiente and has followed that up with 42 goals in 112 appearances in Spain.

Now a regular member of the Argentina national squad, Aguero has been cutting his teeth alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano - and impressing all with his ability to create as well as score goals.

However, the darling of Madrid would not be cheap. Reports suggest it could take as much as £45m to lure him, while he will demand wages of over £11m a year BEFORE tax.

Too much to risk on a youngster still unproven in the Premier League, or a chance worth taking? Ferguson may feel he has safer bets in the pipeline...

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: Arjen Robben
Age: 25
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £20m
Club: Real Madrid

The purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo, allied to that of Brazilian playmaker Kaka, has left Real Madrid with an abundance of attacking talent - and many expect something akin to a firesale at the Bernabeu as a result.

And Manchester United could do worse than consider the mercurial Arjen Robben, equal parts inspirational and frustrating during his time at Chelsea between 2004 and 2007.

When not on the injury table - an occurrence all too frequent for the Dutchman's liking - the 25-year-old has proven pacy, skilful and with an eye for a goal and a pass.

Whether Real would be willing to sell, and whether Ferguson would consider buying a player deemed surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese's time at Chelsea, remain to be seen.

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: David Silva
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £18m
Club: Valencia

An arguably less recognisable name, David Silva nonetheless has all the attributes Sir Alex Ferguson might be looking for in a forward.

The 23-year-old can play on either wing, or behind the frontman, and has developed into a key member of the Spain squad that won Euro 2008 and is ranked number one in the world.

Silva penned a new seven-year deal with Valencia last summer that ties him to Los Che until 2013, but the cash-strapped club could be forced to sell him.

There would also be the added bonus that Silva has long been a target of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez - and wouldn't Ferguson just love getting one over on his Premier League rival?

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: Aaron Lennon
Age: 22
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £18m
Club: Tottenham

Although not yet the finished product, Aaron Lennon could provide an interesting option for United.

The winger is young, fast, increasingly effective going forward, and tore strips off left-back Patrice Evra time and again in the Carling Cup final at Wembley in February.

With Spurs boss Harry Redknapp reportedly keen to conduct a huge clearout at Tottenham, the ol' wheeler-dealer might be willing to accept a big-money offer in order to fund his rebuilding job at White Hart Lane.

However, Lennon was arguably Tottenham's player of the season last year and, having only penned a new contract this season, appears settled and keen to play a part in the London club's revival under Redknapp.

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: Carlos Tevez
Age: 25
Position: Forward
Potential cost: £25m
Club: Unattached

What list of potential replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo would be complete without the name of fans' favourite Carlos Tevez?

The Argentine has forged a sensational rapport with the United supporters with his full-throttle displays and knack of scoring important goals, and the Old Trafford faithful would love nothing more than to welcome him back to the club next season.

Although frustrated by a lack of starts in the 2008-2009 campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo's departure would surely make Tevez a key attacking force for United next season.

And the fact he is familiar with the way Ferguson - and the likes of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov - works, would ensure a smooth transition from loan star to big-money buy.

However, reports suggest ties between Tevez and the club have already been severed. Ferguson's apparent reluctance to pay the £25m being asked for by Tevez's representatives to make his stay at Old Trafford permanent has upset a player with no shortage of suitors.

One such admirer is United's local rivals Manchester City and it is thought negotiations to take Tevez across the city are already well under way.

Now flush with cash, is it too late for United to snatch Tevez back from under the noses of the blue half of Manchester?

Sign or swerve? SIGN
Do you agree?
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
MU targets Samuel Eto'o & Antonio Valencia

Manchester United line up bids for Samuel Eto'o and Antonio Valencia

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article6489202.ece

Manchester United are lining up a move to take Samuel Eto’o to Old Trafford as they prepare to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s impending departure.

Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to find a replacement for the Portugal forward as soon as possible and has made a firm inquiry about Eto’o. The United manager is confident of getting the Barcelona forward and knows that he needs to bolster his roster of strikers if Carlos Tévez leaves the club this summer.

Eto’o is one of Manchester City’s leading summer transfer targets, but United look like beating their rivals to the Cameroon player’s signature

Manchester United target Antonio Valencia to fill Cristiano Ronaldo void
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jun/12/antonio-valencia-manchester-united-wigan

Manchester United have confirmed they intend to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with Antonio Valencia once they have completed the world-record £80m transaction with Real Madrid. Ronaldo is expected to fly to Spain to conclude the transfer in the next few days but is unhappy about plans for a joint press conference with Kaka because he would rather have his own event.

Madrid had been planning to unveil the two figureheads of their new galáctico era in one presentation but Kaka is with the Brazil squad in South Africa, preparing for their defence of the Confederations Cup, and Ronaldo is reluctant to wait until the former Milan player is back because he says he has holiday plans. Kaka last night welcomed Ronaldo's transfer: "I rejoice in the signing of Cristiano. He is one of the best players in the world and will help Real Madrid fight for every title next season."

Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, will be in Madrid this weekend and is said to want guarantees that Ronaldo's salary will be greater than Kaka's so that it reflects his standing as the world footballer of the year and, imminently, the most expensive player on the planet. Ronaldo then intends to join his family on a cruise around the Caribbean before joining Madrid to begin his preparation for his first season in La Liga, with the Spaniards scheduled to hold a training camp in Co Kildare on 13-22 July. Madrid are trying to arrange a match against Shamrock Rovers in which Ronaldo could make his debut on 20 July.

While the logistics are sorted out, United will return to Wigan Athletic to complete the signing of Valencia for a fee in the region of £17m. Valencia, a fast and powerful right-winger with 34 caps for Ecuador, will have the formidable task of filling the void left by Ronaldo's departure. United have also informed clubs inquiring about Nani that he is not for sale.

"They [United] have been in touch with us and we will be starting [formal] negotiations very shortly, I would imagine," Dave Whelan, the Wigan chairman, said. "United have been in touch with us over Antonio over the last two or three months, expressing an interest and putting cash offers on the table. Things will develop over the next seven to 14 days." United first contacted Wigan once they learned of Real Madrid making an £18m bid for Valencia in January. At that stage United, despite their constant denials, were already aware of Ronaldo's intentions to follow his "dream" of a move to the Bernabéu.

"It was only a matter of time," Juande Ramos, the Spanish club's manager at the time, said this evening. "We already knew that Real Madrid had a pre-contract agreement with Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't know exactly when that agreement was made, but I do know it was in place."

Valencia, 23, has already shown the Old Trafford crowd a glimpse of his talent, producing a man-of-the-match performance when Wigan lost 1–0 at Old Trafford in January, but United's initial valuation of the player has fallen after he ended the season in disappointing form.

Nonetheless, United confidently expect the deal to go through, though Valencia's former club Villarreal are apparently due a sell-on fee of up to 20% which may be a complication. A spokesman for the club's owners, the Glazer family, reiterated there would be more money for Ferguson to spend on new players if necessary. David Gill, United's chief executive, has told colleagues the club will not bid for Franck Ribéry at Bayern Munich, but Lyon's Karim Benzema is a realistic though potentially expensive target if, as Ferguson fears, Carlos Tevez decides not to accept the club's offer of a permanent deal. Tevez's two-year loan arrangement at Old Trafford expires on 30 June.

The Glazers' spokesman said: "Only the paranoia of some supporters would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team. A substantial number of world-class players have been brought to the club in the past few years and that will still be the case."

The suggestion of "paranoia" is unlikely to go down well with United supporters still digesting the news that Ronaldo's transfer was put in place almost a year ago. However, Ronaldo might not be badly missed if a poll on the Red Issue website is an accurate gauge of opinion. Of 632 fans who responded, 321 were "sad" to see him leave while 311 thought "good riddance".
 

yinyang

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Sift through the hype... MU bid for Torres??:eek: Tevez to Chelski??:rolleyes: What they'll think of next?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8099201.stm

BREAKING GOSSIP
Barcelona are in talks with Valencia over the transfer of Spain striker David Villa.

"There are many players who are interested in coming to play at Barcelona and I think that people have to know this," Barca vice-president Rafael Yuste told Radio Catalunya. "The talks (over Villa) are absolutely open." (Press Association, 2235 BST)

Wolves sign Serbian international midfielder Nenad Milijas from Red Star Belgrade on a four-year deal. (AFP, 1921 BST)

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has hinted he would be open to an offer from Barcelona.

"It's very obvious that it (an offer from Barca) would be special but I am also clear about the fact that Arsenal made me captain in the middle of last season," Fabregas said in an interview published in Spain's Sport newspaper.

"That gives me extra responsibility and ties me closer to the club and I would be excited to win a trophy as captain of the Gunners," he said, but added that if Guardiola called him "it would be different."


TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is planning to use some of the £80m raised by the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to launch a shock raid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
(Full story: Sunday Express)


Ferguson has instructed United chief executive David Gill to complete a £24m deal for Valencia's David Silva.
(Full story: The People)

Manchester United are also tracking Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes after the 27-year-old's contract talks broke down.
(Full story: News of the World)

Lyon have told Manchester United that striker Karim Benzema is not for sale this summer.
(Full story: Sunday Mirror)

Newcastle want former West Ham and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley to take charge of the club as the relationship between caretaker manager Alan Shearer and owner Mike Ashley has become strained.
(Full story: News of the World)

Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez will sign for rivals Manchester City when his loan deal at Old Trafford finishes at the end of June.
(Full story: Sunday Mirror)

But Tevez will also be the subject of a £30m bid from Chelsea.
(Full story: Sunday Mirror)


However, Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o has rejected Manchester City's offer, leaving Chelsea, Liverpool and Inter Milan battling it out for the Cameroon striker.
(Full story: The People)

Eto'o has apparently asked Manchester City for 1m euros a month (that's about £850,000) after tax if they want him at Eastlands.
(Full story: News of the World)
:eek:

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has been told by Real Madrid the Spanish club will sign him next year, as they cannot pay out more than £50m twice in one summer.
(Full story: News of the World)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will go for Bayern Munich's Luca Toni, if he cannot sign former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid.
(Full story: The People)

Spurs midfielder David Bentley is set to end his disappointing spell at White Hart Lane by signing for Aston Villa on 1 July.
(Full story: News of the World)

Roberto Martinez, who is set to take over at Wigan next week, wants to make former Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse his first signing.
(Full story: The People)

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been told by Inter Milan they will have to pay £80m if they want to sign striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
(Full story: Sunday Times)

Liverpool are preparing a £5m bid for Manchester City's England Under-21 defender Micah Richards.
(Full story: News of the World)

West Ham defender Matthew Upson is wanted by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.
(Full story: The People)

Upson is also wanted by Manchester City, while West Ham are keen on City striker Daniel Sturridge.
(Full story: News of the World)

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is ready to bid £3m for Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere.
(Full story: The People)

Bayern Munich are interested in Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.
(Full story: News of the World)

Birmingham are ready to make a £1.5m bid for Espanyol midfielder Jordi Gomez following his impressive loan spell at Swansea last season.
(Full story: The People)

Blackburn could make a loan swoop for Chelsea youngster Franco Di Santo should Roque Santa Cruz leave the club this summer.
(Full story: The People)

Chelsea are in talks with AZ Alkmaar over striker Moussa Dembele, who is valued at about £15m.
(Full story: The People)

Celtic managerial target Tony Mowbray is already planning a transfer raid at on current club West Brom, with £3m-rated Spanish midfielder Borja Valero top of his list. (Full story: News of the World)

Baggies' captain Paul Robinson also says he would be interested in a move to the Scottish Premier League runners-up. (Full story: Sunday Mail)

Meanwhile, out-of-contract Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is set to move to Espanyol after talks with Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos broke down. (Full story: News of the World)

OTHER GOSSIP
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano wants to leave Anfield as his pregnant wife Fernanda has been unable to settle on Merseyside.
(Full story: News of the World)

Sir Alex Ferguson says he was resigned to losing Cristiano Ronaldo and had been battling for the last two years to keep him at Old Trafford.
(Full story: Mail on Sunday)

Arsenal have started new contract talks with forward Robin van Persie in a bid to fend off the interest of Italian side Inter Milan.
(Full story: Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic says he will be staying at Old Trafford, amid reported interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
(Full story: News of the World)

Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson could put the club up for sale after he decided to become a tax exile in Guernsey.
(Full story: Sunday Express)

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has rejected a new contract with the club, but insists he wants to stay at Upton Park. (The People)

Portsmouth will sell stars such as defender Glen Johnson and striker Peter Crouch if the takeover of the club does not go ahead.
(Full story: Sunday Express)

Newcastle are paying midfielder Joey Barton £675,000 per year for his image rights.
(Full story: Sunday Telegraph)

AND FINALLY
Striker Michael Owen's management company has sent out a 34-page brochure, highlighting his goal-scoring skills and commercial value, to eight Premier League clubs as he looks to resurrect his career following Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League.

Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Everton and West Ham are four of the clubs to have received the document.
(Full story: News of the World)
 
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