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Enrique: Liverpool are aiming to emulate Barcelona
The left-back was amazed at how quickly the Spanish outfit won the ball back against Real Madrid, and stressed that all they need is time in order to adjust to their new tactics
Cech: Buffon & Casillas the best keepers in the world
The Czech Republic international has nothing but praise for the Juventus and Madrid stars, while also having drawn inspiration from some former greats such as Oliver Kahn
Tottenham edge ahead of Manchester United in €19m race for Dembele
Andre Villa-Boas makes the Fulham man his top midfield target as he seeks to replace Luka Modric but Sir Alex Ferguson could also bid for Belgian before transfer window shuts
Tottenham close to Willian deal as Leandro Damiao bid stalls again
Spurs will also make a renewed bid for Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho, with a move for Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele also being considered after Modric's transfer to Real Madrid
Rodwell insists Manchester City can take positives from Liverpool draw
The newly-signed midfielder was a second-half substitute and was unfortunate to concede the free-kick that led to the Reds' second goal, but remained upbeat after the 2-2 result
Real Madrid & Tottenham finally agree £33m Modric deal
The playmaker is set to undergo a medical on Monday after agreeing a £120,000-a-week deal with the Spanish champions prior to Euro 2012, bringing an end to protracted negotiations
Wenger: Tiote is a good player but he is not on his way to Arsenal
The French manager distances himself from a move for the Newcastle midfielder, and says the team need to share the goalscoring burden created by Robin van Persie's exit
Barton: I want to leave QPR for Marseille, enough is enough
The Hoops midfielder is hoping to move on loan to the French club to carry on playing football despite his suspension in England, and wants a deal finalised this week
Tevez: Last season's problems with Manchester City are finished
The Argentine striker insists the conflicts that saw him miss a considerable part of the last campaign are all in the past and he could even stay beyond his current contract
Assou-Ekotto: Villas-Boas is like the son of Mourinho
The Spurs left-back has given his backing to the new boss, saying he is 'cool' and that more tactics are being used in training, which will help the team to win and enjoy football
Mancini slams Manchester City defence after Anfield draw
The Italian boss demands an improvement from his defenders after conceding twice in each of their last four games, despite coming back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Liverpool
Liverpool looking to kick on after 'bittersweet' draw with Manchester City, says Allen
The 22-year-old was disappointed that the Reds failed to hang on to victory after twice letting the lead slip, but remains confident they can now put together a good run of form
Torres: It is a privilege to play alongside Hazard
The Spain international has heaped praise on his new team-mate, labelling him a player that can make a difference after both players scored in the 2-0 victory against Newcastle
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City: Skrtel error gifts Tevez to save point for champions
The Slovakian gave the hosts a deserved lead in the first half, but a lapse in concentration allowed the Argentine striker to earn his side a point with his 100th goal in England
Wenger anticipates new Arsenal signing before end of transfer window
The Gunners manager has insisted that he is open to the idea of boosting his squad with further arrivals following the 0-0 draw against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium
Arteta rues two points dropped as Stoke hold Arsenal
The Spanish midfielder was left disappointed after the goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium but believes the club's new attacking signings will hit form before long
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva suffers thigh injury against Manchester City
The Brazilian limped out of the Reds' games against the Premier League champions on Sunday after just four minutes, raising fears he could face another lengthy spell out
I lack focus in games without huge stakes - Szczesny
The outspoken Pole admits he sometimes struggles to maintain his concentration in games against less illustrious opponents and reveals he wants to spend his career at Arsenal
Stoke 0-0 Arsenal: Gunners frustrated in bore draw
Arsene Wenger's were toothless in attack and draw another blank as the resolute Potters earn Tony Pulis's men a point at the Britannia Stadium
Redknapp eager for return to top-flight management
The 65-year-old former Tottenham boss says that it is unlikely he will move abroad, but he is looking to get back to working with talented players again
Hazard: Chelsea must aim for 'awesome' trophy haul
The fleet-footed Belgian could not have wished for a better start to life in the Premier League, but is already looking to the future and winning titles
We need time! Giroud ask Arsenal fans to be patient after another goalless draw
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 10:49 GMT, 27 August 2012 | UPDATED: 10:49 GMT, 27 August 2012
Olivier Giroud has pleaded with Arsenal fans to give the new-look side more time to gel after their goalless draw with Stoke.
The Gunners are yet to find the back of the net in 180 minutes of Barclays Premier League football after squandering a number of great opportunities at the Britannia Stadium and at home to Sunderland the previous week.
And while the performances have been impressive, the end product is lacking.
Wasteful: Giroud squandered a gilt-edged chance at Stoke
But Giroud believes the club will start finding the back of the net soon, despite wasting his team's best chance of the game. 'I hoped it would go in,' he said afterwards in ever-improving English. 'I saw the keeper off his line and I did not see Aaron (in the middle) for a cross. So I tried to take my chance.
'(It means) we have to wait for our (first) victory. But it is coming soon. We played well and had some good situations in front of goal. We just have to score now - me too.
'But I gave it all today. It was a hard game against a big team. But I felt good in the game and we missed one little thing - a goal.
'But there are a lot of good players here at Arsenal. It is easy to play with them. We need a little more time to come together.'
Eyes wide shut: Giroud has asked Arsenal fans to be patient
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says final days of transfer window to determine if champions retain title
Roberto Mancini believes the final five days of the transfer window will define the success or failure of Manchester City’s title defence.
Pointing the way: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insisted his side deserved their point at Anfield Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Chris Bascombe
7:30AM BST 27 Aug 2012
Mancini says new faces are imminent — the first is expected to be Swansea's Scott Sinclair for £5 million — after he saw his team escape Anfield with a 2-2 draw.
The City manager has been pursuing new recruits all summer and after requiring two defensive mishaps to claim a point against Liverpool, the need for additions was exposed.
“We need to bring players in and we have five days in which to do it,” he said. “We have to work hard in these four or five days. It will be a long week for us. It will decide how we perform this season. We have our targets and we will go for them in the next five days. Sinclair? Maybe. We have five days.”
City have also been hunting a new centre-half, although Mancini pronounced a move for Liverpool’s Daniel Agger dead.
The Italian believed his side merited their point on Merseyside.
“We played very well in the first 30 minutes and you should score in those moments if you want to win a game at Liverpool. Games are always difficult at Anfield. Then we conceded a goal from their first corner and something changed. We didn’t deserve to lose, but it’s a good result.
“I thought the players played well. There are not many teams who come back here and push Liverpool into their half as we did.”
There was also praise for Carlos Tévez as he continued his prodigal son routine with a late equaliser.
“I’m very pleased with the form he is in at this moment,” said Mancini. “I am happy for him and it is important for us that he continues to play like he has in the last two or three games.”
Mancini’s words could not disguise the need for the title-holders to reinforce if they are to retain their crown. Sinclair is likely to be first arrival after he missed Swansea’s win over West Ham.
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is resigned to losing Sinclair to the Etihad Stadium but hopes the winger will leave with dignity.
“There is a lot of interest in Scott. We know things can move fast in this game but we will wait until Monday to see where things stand,” he said. “We know it could go on until Friday evening.
“I always say it is easy to smile, shake hands for the picture when people arrive. But I think it is nice to shake hands when they leave and that doesn’t happen often in this world of football.”
Sunderland to seek answers from pitch advisors after heavy rain causes postponement of Reading game
Sunderland have demanded urgent talks with the firm that advised them on the laying of their new pitch after being criticised for the postponement of Saturday’s game against Reading.
Marshing orders: Sunderland have pledged to contact their pitch advisors to get to the bottom of the problems that caused the Stadium of Light postponement Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Luke Edwards
11:00PM BST 26 Aug 2012
The match was called off 90 minutes before kick-off due to heavy rain, a decision which surprised Reading manager Brian McDermott, who claimed there is “obviously something fundamentally wrong with the pitch”.
Sunderland refused to confirm the identity of their pitch advisors on Saturday, but it can now be revealed that the club employs TGMS Sports Turf consultants, one of the country’s leading turf specialists who also boast Chelsea as clients.
When contacted by the Daily Telegraph yesterday, Tim Colclough, Director of Agronomy at TGMS, refused to comment.
Sunderland have turned the Stadium of Light into a successful concert venue, hosting Coldplay, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Bruce Springsteen gigs in May and June and only re-laid the pitch last month, although the club have denied the concerts was a reason for the water-logged surface on Saturday.
Although there was heavy rain over Sunderland on Saturday morning, modern grounds would be expected to deal with the amount of water that fell.
Sunderland have launched an international investigation and chief executive Margaret Bryne confirmed they would be seeking an explanation from TGMS.
“We will meet with our pitch consultants immediately to carry out a full analysis of events,” said Byrne in a statement.
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert to seek extra funds to boost squad following defeat by Everton
Paul Lambert’s career has been on an upward trajectory for the last three years but, on the basis of Aston Villa’s start to the new season, that stellar progress is in danger of stalling.
Pause for thought: Villa manager Paul Lambert deep in contemplation as Everton take charge at Villa PArk Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By John Percy
11:00PM BST 26 Aug 2012
After a second straight defeat, a 3-1 reverse at Villa Park, the Scot will hold talks with Aston Villa's American owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner with the aim of convincing him to spend in the final week of the transfer window.
That meeting – which is likely to be held as early as Monday – is likely to be critical in determining the path of the club’s season.
Lerner, the Villa chairman, was said to be revitalised by the appointment of Lambert after two years of underachievement and sorely needs to provide financial assistance before Friday’s transfer deadline or face the unpalatable prospect of another relegation battle.
Knee-jerk reactions are the norm at this stage of the season but, quite simply, this squad is not good enough to reach the lofty targets Lambert has been setting out since his arrival breathed new life into a club that had become moribund.
The deterioration in Villa’s squad has been noticeable ever since Martin O’Neill walked out and has only been weakened further this summer.
While Everton manager David Moyes would gladly settle for the transfer window closing right now, Lambert is facing a race against time to bring in the experience and quality required to ensure Saturday’s defeat does not become the norm.
“There’s not a magic wand,” said Lambert. “We have got to win games, that’s the main thing.
"If we don’t do that then it becomes a problem so I’ll see the chairman and Paul as I always do and speak with them and see what happens.
“I’ve got ideas in my head, but I have to speak to them and see. It’s not a quick fix, I know that myself, but it’s something where you don’t want to be left behind, you want to try and win as many games as you can.
“That’s why I never got caught up in the euphoria of it because I know what it’s like, I can feel the feeling of people, they want us to do well and that’s my responsibility so we’ll pick ourselves up and go again.”
Villa have been desperately building up Lambert as the leader of a brave new era but this was as bad as anything under Alex McLeish. 'Lambert’s Lions' were more like paper tigers and only one win in nine months at Villa Park is a damning statistic.
For Moyes, however, the portents are promising as his vibrant team coasted to a second victory inside a week. He has arguably the best Everton squad at his disposal in a decade and they are playing football reminiscent of their halcyon days of the mid-1980s.
Steven Pienaar punctured the positivity after just three minutes with a delicious strike from 20 yards before Marouane Fellaini embarrassed Shay Given with a header. Nikica Jelavic could have claimed a first-half hat-trick but finally made one count shortly before half-time by sweeping in the excellent Leighton Baines’s cross.
Ciaran Clark’s dismissal early in the second period, for a foul on Jelavic, only added to Lambert’s nightmare home debut though his team did display commendable character to reduce the deficit through Karim El Ahmadi’s swirling shot.
Everton, though, will take some stopping this season and Phil Neville, the captain, is convinced this could be a memorable campaign. He said: “If we can keep everyone fit we can be challenging for European honours. That’s what we want, European football – Champions League or Europa League, we’re not bothered.
“There’s only two games gone so it’d be silly to say we’re going to be challenging for this that and the other but it has to breed some kind of confidence.
“We’ve got real competition and the manager demanded from us that we hit the ground running.
"There’s a calmness around the place and if you were a player at Everton at the moment, I think you’d enjoy the kind of football we’re playing. I think you can see there’s all the ingredients for us to have a good season.”
Modric finally completes £33m move to Madrid as Tottenham agree 'partnership' with Spanish giants
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 22:50 GMT, 26 August 2012 | UPDATED: 13:27 GMT, 27 August 2012
Luka Modric has been unveiled as a Real Madrid player after they hammered out a £33million move for the midfielder.
Spurs will receive £27m from Real, plus another £6m in various add-ons.The fee is a blow for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who was holding out for a figure in the region of £35m-plus. The two clubs have also agreed a new 'partnership' that, according to Spurs, will see them 'working together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships.'That is likely to mean that Modric is only the latest player to move between the two sides.'I'm very happy, honoured and proud to be at the biggest and best club in the world. I'm very excited,' Modric said.
Welcome: Real Madrid posted this picture on Twitter of Luka Modric arriving on Monday
Thumbs up: Modric looks relaxed as he undergoes his medical at Madrid
Modric passed his medical on Monday as he puts the finishing touches on his move from White Hart Lane.Madrid have confirmed that the Croatia playmaker has successfully completed his medical tests with the Spanish giants and is now set to pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Bernabeu.
A statement on Real Madrid's official website read: 'The new player of Real Madrid, Luka Modric, has passed the medical which he has undertaken at the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja, prior to his signing for the club.
'The Croatian has passed the different tests that he has taken without any problems.'Levy said: 'Luka has been a terrific player for us and, whilst we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership.'
Real deal: Modric has finally completed his move to the Santiago Bernabeu
All smiles: The Croatian arrives for his medical and takes time to pose for the waiting photographers
Real president Florentino Perez added: 'The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric.'We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years.'Spurs are desperate to bolster their squad after a slow start to the season and the money will help fund moves for two Brazilians they are chasing - Willian of Shakhtar Donetsk and Leandro Damiao of Internacional.
Manager Andre Villas-Boas is keen to sign at least three before the transfer window shuts on Friday. Fulham’s Moussa Dembele is much admired at White Hart Lane and Spurs scouts also watched France striker Loic Remy come on as a second-half substitute on Sunday as Marseille beat Montpellier 1-0.
Done deal: Luka Modric has signed for Real Madrid from Tottenham
Wanted: Shakhtar Donetsk's Willian (top) is a target for Tottenham
The north London club continue to pursue young defenders too, with Liam Moore, 19, of Leicester watched in their 2-1 defeat at Blackburn. Moore also interests Manchester United and Everton. Tottenham remain keen on Ezekiel Fryers, 19, the former United defender who has signed for Standard Liege but could be pursued in January. A Spurs deal for Fryers fell through, with United looking for £6m in compensation from any English club that signed him.QPR plan to resume negotiations over a deal for Tottenham defender Michael Dawson today but he is reluctant to leave White Hart Lane.
Stoke will also revisit a loan for Tom Huddlestone. Another midfield target of Spurs, Rennes’ Yann M’Vila, is also on a list of Arsenal targets but the Gunners may prefer a £15m move for his France teammate Yohan Cabaye of Newcastle.Manager Arsene Wenger, who initially targeted Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote and also wants another defender, said: ‘I anticipate that we will do something. Defensive midfielder? It depends on the quality of the players available.’
LUKA MODRIC FACTFILE
1985: Born September 9, Zadar, Croatia.
2002: Joins Dinamo Zagreb youth team aged 17.
2003: Loaned out to Zrinjski Mostar. Named player of year in Bosnia and Herzegovina league.
2004: Loaned out to Croatian club Inter Zapresic.
2005: Signs contract with Dinamo committing himself to club until 2015.
2006: March - Makes senior international debut in 3-2 friendly win over Argentina.
May - Helps Dinamo win Croatian league.
June - Makes two substitute appearances at World Cup finals in Germany.
2007: Helps Dinamo retain league title by 20 points. Named Croatian league's player of the year.
2008: April - Agrees terms with Tottenham to join London club in summer for £16.5m, equalling Spurs' transfer record.
May - Helps Dinamo retain league title - by record 28 points - and win Croatian cup.
June - Scores winner in Croatia's Euro 2008 opener - a 1-0 win over Austria. Misses penalty in quarter-final shootout defeat to Turkey. Named in UEFA's team of tournament.
December - Scores first Tottenham goal in UEFA Cup game against Spartak Moscow and first Premier League goal against Newcastle.
2009: March - Spurs lose Carling Cup final on penalties to Manchester United.
May - Spurs finish eighth in Premier League.
August - Suffers broken leg against Birmingham which rules him out for four months.
2010: May - Helps Spurs finish fourth in Barclays Premier League and reach Champions League qualifier. Signs new six-year contract with the club.
December - Helps Spurs top Champions League Group A, including home win over defending champions Inter Milan.
2011: April - Tottenham knocked out of Champions League at quarter-final stage by Real Madrid, 5-0 on aggregate, following last-16 victory over AC Milan.
May - Spurs finish fifth in Premier League, securing Europa League football on final day of season but missing out on Champions League spot.
June 17 - Says he wants to leave Tottenham for Chelsea but will not present a formal transfer request.
June 18 - Spurs chairman Daniel Levy insists in a statement that Modric will not be sold 'at any price, to Chelsea Football Club or any other club'.
August 30 - Tottenham turn down £40m bid from Chelsea for Modric, who misses first two games of new season due to not being in right frame of mind.
2012: May - Helps Spurs finish fourth in Premier League, but they miss out on Champions League spot after Chelsea win Europe's top club trophy in Munich.
June - Plays in Croatia's three Euro 2012 games as Slaven Bilic's side finish third in Group C behind Spain and Italy.
August 27 - Tottenham and Real Madrid reach agreement for sale of Modric to the Spanish club, subject to a medical, on five-year contract.
Allardyce admits West Ham lack finances to buy Berbatov
The Manchester United striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford but the Hammers boss has conceded the Bulgarians salary demands are beyond their reach
Arsenal youngster Lansbury completes medical ahead of Nottingham Forest move
The 21-year-old looks set for a move to the City Ground in a deal that could be worth €1.3 million (£1m) after failing to break into the first team at the Emirates Stadium
Lennon: Celtic have no interest in signing Michael Owen
The Bhoys manager insists the club will not be pursuing the veteran forward, but reveals they are in pursuit of two other targets before Friday's transfer deadline
QPR agree personal terms with Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar
The Nerazzurri stopper has been linked with a potential move to Tottenham after falling out of favour with the Italian giants, but has opted to join the Hoops instead
Sterling can be as good as John Barnes - Liverpool legend Aldridge
The retired striker has compared the youngster to many of the club's greatest wingers, and says that boss Brendan Rodgers should give him an extended run in the side
Liverpool boss Rodgers to continue emphasis on youth
The Reds boss believes that the enthusiasm of younger players can be harnessed to give his side a counterpoint to the lavish spending of their Premier League rivals
Everton performances show I made the right choice - Mirallas
The new Toffees forward has spoken of his delight at making his debut, and says that his decision not to move to North London has already been vindicated
Nani demands showdown talks over Manchester United future
The Portuguese winger has been targeted by Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg over a €31 million (£25m) move but will demand an exit fee of €6.3m (£5m) if he is to leave
Shelvey looks to Liverpool fans for inspiration
The 20-year-old midfielder hails the impact of the fans on the team's performances and stressed how delighted he was to be given a chance against Manchester City
'No hard feelings' with Tottenham, Modric declares after Real Madrid switch
Los Blancos' new No.19 refused to travel to USA with Spurs in his ultimately successful attempts to push through his transfer but insists that he wanted "to thank everyone there"
Manchester United new-boy Buttner 'will never let you down' - Van der Gouw
The 23-year-old left-back completed a move to Old Trafford earlier in August and the ex-Red Devils goalkeeper, who worked with him at Vitesse Arnhem, expects him to prove popular
Javi Garcia only leaving Benfica for €30m, insists club president
The Spain international has reportedly caught the attention of Manchester City, but will not be available on the cheap this summer
Gerrard should leave Liverpool to win Premier League title, claims Sven-Goran Eriksson
The Swede urges the 32-year-old Anfield legend to leave the club if he is to realise his dream of securing England's highest domestic prize before it is too late
Leandro Damiao going nowhere after Tottenham offer too small, says Internacional president
The Brazilian club's president, Luciano Davi, dismisses an £18 million bid from Spurs as below the forward's value and expects to keep him until at least December
Fulham and Newcastle target Douglas 'will stay' at FC Twente, insists agent
The Brazilian centre-back's representative dampens speculation linking his client with a switch to the Premier League, amid interest from Martin Jol and Alan Pardew
Hazard credits Di Matteo after impressive Chelsea start
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a blistering start to his Stamford Bridge career - with six assists and one goal - and is now ready to make his own mark on the team
How born-again Dembele became the toast of the transfer window for Tottenham & Manchester United
In the space of two seasons, the Belgian has transformed himself from a classy but goal-shy striker into a midfield playmaker coveted by some of Europe's biggest clubs
El Ahmadi: Aston Villa must show character
The Moroccan midfielder believes that the team should forget about their comprehensive 3-1 home defeat by Everton on Saturday and concentrate on bouncing back quickly
Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake hails Liverpool starlet Sterling
The second fastest man in the world has heaped praise on the promising youngster following his impressive performance against champions Manchester City on Sunday
Allardyce admits Carroll move unlikely as West Ham spending stops
The Hammers boss does not expect any more transfer activity at Upton Park and admits that his side have reached their outlay limit as the window draws to a close
Baup: M'Bia could switch Marseille for Premier League soon
The 26-year-old has expressed a desire to leave the French outfit and any dealings are set to progress this week, according to the club's manager Elie Baup
'Exciting' Johnson to play for Sunderland in League Cup tie with Morecambe, confirms O'Neill
The 60-year-old reveals that fellow new-boy Steven Fletcher is further from match-fitness than the former Manchester City man, who completed his transfer on Friday
Moses: I came to Chelsea to win trophies alongside world-class players
The 21-year-old expressed delight at being given the chance to play with such an array of talent, after initially being surprised to hear of the club's interest in him
'It's Hugo that holds the key' - Aulas unsure of Lloris future after Tottenham approach
The Lyon president has admitted uncertainty over whether the keeper will stay at the club beyond the transfer window, and discusses the futures of Michel Bastos and Bafetimbi Gomis
Manchester City need to shrug off 'bad habit' of falling behind, says De Jong
The midfielder believes this season will provide a sterner test than last term as 'everyone wants to beat the champions', while also praising Carlos Tevez's early season form
Hernandez happy to learn from new Manchester United signing Van Persie
The 24-year-old thinks the Dutchman's quality can help lift everyone at Old Trafford, saying he is not threatened by the arrival as competition for places is only natural
Modric completes Real Madrid move from Tottenham
The Croatian heads to Spain for a fee of £33.2 million after a lengthy transfer saga, signing a five-year contract at Santiago Bernabeu and being handed the No.19 shirt
Shanghai Shenhua could be forced to sell Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka over shareholder row
Former Chelsea strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could be sold by China's Shanghai Shenhua due to an escalating equity stake row among shareholders, according to local media.
Concern: The futures of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are now uncertain Photo: Getty Images
By Telegraph Sport
11:12AM BST 28 Aug 2012
Chairman Zhu Jun, who holds a 28.5 per cent stake, will only pay his share of the club's daily costs if his demands for greater control are met, according to China Daily.
Zhu currently controls the Chinese Super League club, along with five state-owned enterprises, after becoming a shareholder in 2007.
The agreement was that if he invested $23.6 million (£15m) over two years, his stake would increase to more than 70 per cent.
It is reported that Zhu has ploughed more than $94m (£60m) into the club over the past five-and-a-half years, while the state-owned companies have spent nothing.
The transfer of shares stalled in 2009 and again last year, a source said.
"It is annoying and has had a bad effect on many of our tasks," a club official said. "The biggest problem is that the operation and financing work of the club cannot be carried out normally.
"The equity stakes issue has become the biggest bottleneck for the development of Shenhua."
If unresolved, Zhu, who has been signing all the cheques, could decide to cough up just 28.5 per cent of the club's expenditure, potentially affecting player salaries.
Colombian Giovanni Moreno missed the match against Shandong Luneng at the weekend amid speculation Shenhua had fallen short on his transfer fee with Argentina's Racing Club.
The futures of Drogba and Anelka could also be in the balance if Shenhua fail to make their salary payments. Both reportedly earn over £190,000 a week after moving from Chelsea.
Despite investing heavily in big-name foreign players, Shenhua sit 10th in the 16-team Chinese Super League on 27 points from 23 matches. Leaders Guangzhou Evergrande are on 47 points.
Man City told to dig deep for Martinez as Athletic demand £31.7m for Spain international
By ASHLEY GRAY PUBLISHED: 09:23 GMT, 28 August 2012 | UPDATED: 09:35 GMT, 28 August 2012
Athletic Bilbao have told Manchester City to forget about trying to sign Javi Martinez for less than his £31.7million release clause.
The Basque club have so far fended off intense interest in the midfielder-cum-defender and his Spain team-mate Fernando Llorente.
They have already scared away Barcelona, who turned to Arsenal's Alex Song after being priced out of a move for Martinez, but City and Bayern Munich remain in the race for the 23-year-old.
Targets: Athletic Bilbao pair Fernando Llorente (left) and Javi Martrinez
Athletic president Josu Urrutia insists he won't enter into negotiations for his prized duo, meaning that only bids matching their release clauses could trigger a sale.
'I've always said that in order for a player to move there are two conditions: that they do not interest Athletic or the clause is met,' he said. 'Neither of these conditions have been met.
'It is not in our hands - we have done everything in our hands. They (Martinez and Llorente) are Athletic players and we look forward to counting on them.'
Cough up: Athletic Bilbao are standing their ground over Javi Martinez (left)
Llorente has a £28.5m clause, but either deal could be further complicated and delayed by disputes about whether a further hefty tax receipt would need to be paid on the deals.
Striker Llorente has just a year left on his current deal, but Athletic are remaining firm in their stance, at least in public.Juventus are pushing hard to drive down the 27-year-old's price before Friday's deadline, but Arsenal and Tottenham have also shown interest.
Tottenham Hotspur in market for £80m worth of talent after Luka Modric's £33m exit to Real Madrid
Tottenham Hotspur have launched bids or inquiries for around £80 million worth of playing talent, with their squad overhaul gathering pace on Monday following Luka Modric’s £33 million departure to Real Madrid.
In the shop window: five possible Spurs signings Photo: GETTY IMAGES/AFP
By Jeremy Wilson
6:00AM BST 28 Aug 2012
Andre Villas-Boas, the Tottenham manager, is keen to add Brazilian playmaker Willian and talks are at an advanced stage with Shakhtar Donetsk, who are hoping for as much as £20 million. An initial offer of around £12 million is already understood to have been rejected but it appeared significant that Willian was omitted from Shakhtar’s league game against Karpaty Lvov on Sunday, with coach Mircea Lucescu suggesting that the 24 year-old was not in the right frame of mind.
“Does any of you believe that in his current situation his head produces thoughts in the direction of right thinking?” Lucescu said.
“I wouldn’t like him to play and suffer an injury but this could happen. He will have some rest, and then we will see what to do. We have a week before the transfer window closes, during which, perhaps, everything will be solved.”
Tottenham, though, are also continuing to line up other options, including Fulham’s Moussa Dembélé, with David Bentley or Jermaine Jenas potential makeweights in a deal that could be worth around £15 million.
Goalkeeper is another area that Villas-Boas would like to strengthen and he retains serious interest both in Hugo Lloris, the France captain, and Birmingham City’s Jack Butland.
Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyon president, said yesterday that the situation was now in the hands of Lloris, suggesting that there was agreement with Tottenham on a £12 million fee. The sticking point, however, could be Lloris’s desire for Champions League football.
“The sale of Modric from Tottenham to Madrid is important, as is the amount of the transfer,” said Aulas. “It’s true that on Sunday we had a lot of contact with [Tottenham chairman] Daniel Levy. Things progressed during these talks, both qualitatively and quantitatively, but nothing’s concrete yet.
“I’ve informed Hugo of these discussions. We’ll have to be a bit patient to find out. The decision belongs to Hugo, who, I think, will be approached by Tottenham soon. The clubs’ positions have moved closer together.”
Tottenham are also continuing to monitor their central midfield options, with Rennes’ Yann M’Vila still on the list of potential targets. According to Rennes, Tottenham have made one bid – understood to be around £12 million – but there has been no further progress in negotiations.
Rennes are willing to sell M’Vila but they would expect an offer in excess of £15 million. Villas-Boas would ideally like another more creative central midfielder but, with Scott Parker still unavailable, a renewed bid for M’Vila does remain possible.
Joao Moutinho had been Villas-Boas’s preferred choice but Porto’s asking price is well beyond what Tottenham would be willing to pay. An inquiry has also been made for Russia’s attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev, who was one of the emerging stars of euro 2012 with his three goals in the tournament.
Dzagoev’s father and agent claimed that there had been an offer from Tottenham earlier in the transfer window and it is understood that there has been renewed interest over the past week. The problem for Tottenham, however, would be the asking price from CSKA Moscow for their 22 year-old of around £20 million.
Adding another forward is also regarded as less of a priority than reinforcing the midfield, with Villas-Boas minded to start the season with Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe and Harry Kane as his three options. An inquiry for International’s Leandro Damiao has also stalled over the cost of the deal.
While Tottenham clearly do not expect to secure all of their potential targets, club sources are expecting a “busy” conclusion to the summer transfer window and two or three new signings. Levy is renowned for his late deals and, with just four days until the summer window shuts, it is a familiar strategy for him to have so many “irons in the fire”.
The Modric money is available for reinvestment in a squad who have stuttered to just one point from their opening two matches this season against Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion. Villas-Boas has repeatedly stressed that he does not want to implement dramatic changes and it is the signings of Willian and Lloris that appear most attainable.
Players are also still likely to leave, although Michael Dawson has turned down the chance of moving to Queens Parks Rangers and Tom Huddlestone’s prospective move to Stoke City has stalled. Tottenham’s desire to keep Rafael van der Vaart could also be tested by a late bid from Hamburg.
After completing his medical on Monday Modric, who has signed a five-year deal, said: “When I heard Madrid noticed me, the rest lost interest. This is the best club in the world, with the best coach, the best players. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ángel di María, Gonzalo Higuaín, Mesut Özil, Xabi Alonso – I look forward to playing with them.”
Although there will be no repeat of their dramatic dash for signings last summer, Arsenal are still hoping to add to their squad before the transfer window closes on Friday. They are likely to make a bid for Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa who, while primarily a centre-back, could provide cover across the defence.
There has also been interest in Caen’s 17-year-old forward M’Baye Niang, although he was on the brink of joining AC Milan on Monday night. Arsène Wenger will also look to add a defensive midfielder to cover for the sale of Alex Song.
Spurs' shopping list
Willian
Potential cost: £18m
Brazilian playmaker who is currently based in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk. Willian was also the subject of strong interest last summer from Chelsea.
Moussa Dembele
Potential cost: £15m
Fulham midfielder who can also operate as a second striker. Martin Jol has warned that he will not be sold cheaply but Tottenham could offer David Bentley or Jermaine Jenas as part of the deal.
Yann M’Vila
Potential cost: 15m
Regarded among the best young holding midfielders in Europe and was of serious interest to Arsenal, although there have been concerns at his off-field behaviour. Rennes are willing to sell this summer if their valuation is matched.
Alan Dzagoev
Potential cost: £20m
One of the young stars of euro 2012 after his three goals in three matches before Russia’s elimination. Can play as a striker or midfielder. Highly valued by CSKA Moscow and would demand a considerable transfer fee.
Hugo Lloris
Potential cost: £12m
The France captain and regarded among the best goalkeepers in the world. Lyon are keen to bring in some money but Lloris would prefer a Champions League club.
JOEY BARTON’S hopes of a move to Marseille have been dashed.
The outspoken QPR midfielder had revealed at the weekend that he desperately wanted a switch to the French club.
But today the 29-year-old tweeted: “Doesn’t look like this Marseille thing is gonna happen now. ‘Whatever doesn’t kill you make you stronger’ #heartbroken
“Why can’t things just be simple...”
Barton was banned for 12 matches after his final-day antics at Manchester City last season.
He was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez before kicking Sergio Aguero and aiming a headbutt at Vincent Kompany.
Barton has since been an outcast at QPR and had been training with League Two side Fleetwood Town during pre-season.
However, he added on Twitter: “Been forced to go back training with the kids and fellow Taliban members at 2pm today...”
SPENT FORCE ... Daniel Sturridge fears £25m price tag could rob him of a move
Exclusive By MARK IRWIN
Last Updated: 28th August 2012
CHELSEA have put a £25million price tag on anxious England striker Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge, 22, fears that his first-team chances will be badly limited this season.
But, with both Liverpool and Tottenham interested, the European champions will not let him leave Stamford Bridge on the cheap.
Sturridge has not started any of the Blues’ three league games so far in 2012-13 and was also on the bench for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City.
Plus he knows that rejuvenated Fernando Torres is now boss Roberto Di Matteo’s first-choice striker following the July exit of Didier Drogba.
Sturridge spent most of last season as Chelsea’s right-sided attacker but that role is now filled by summer imports £32m Eden Hazard and £25m Oscar.
And even though he has always insisted he wants to play through the middle, Di Matteo’s determination to show faith in Torres means he must now settle for the role of back-up striker.
That is unlikely to match Sturridge’s ambitions, after breaking into the senior England squad last season and playing for Great Britain in the Olympic Games.
Sturridge, who only recently recovered from viral meningitis, still has two years of his contract to run and is far from impressed by the £25m price tag. He feels it has effectively ended any prospect of him moving on.
The player joined Chelsea in 2009, after refusing to sign a new contract to stay at Manchester City. His £6m transfer fee was set by tribunal.
City are also entitled to 15 per cent of any sell-on fee. Yet the Prem champs look unlikely to be reaping the benefits of that clause any time soon.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas ruled out for up to three months with thigh injury
Liverpool's Lucas Leiva will miss up to three months of the season with a thigh injury sustained in the warm-up prior to Liverpool's game against Manchester City
BREAKING NEWS: Tottenham complete £15m Dembele signing
Manchester City step up chase for €7m Inter defender Maicon
Premier League champions are ready to match the Brazil international's €130,000-a-week salary demands but the Serie A giants are holding out for a larger transfer fee
Shakhtar reject £11.9m Tottenham bid for Willian & reveal Spurs interest in Douglas Costa & Fernandinho
Tottenham's €15m bid for Willian has been rejected by Shakhtar, while the North London club are also interested in signing Fernandinho and Douglas Costa from the Ukrainian club
Manchester City closing in on deal for Nastasic
The Serbian teenage defender looks set to move to the Etihad Stadium after impressing Roberto Mancini, with Stefan Savic part of a deal that could be worth up to €18 million
Tottenham put Lennon, Parker & Van der Vaart up for sale
Spurs are willing to listen to offers for established trio as Andre Villas-Boas steps up his huge overhaul of the team Harry Redknapp built
Macari: There's no chance Sir Alex Ferguson will allow Rooney to leave Manchester United
The ex-Red Devils has dismissed suggestions that the forward dropped because he is on the verge of moving away from the club, but instead was just a scare tactic by the manager
Fiorentina close in on Manchester United outcast Berbatov
The former Bulgaria international has slipped further down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the arrival of Robin van Persie and looks to be headed to Serie A
Lampard admits aspirations to manage Chelsea
The current Blues midfielder has outlined his hopes of one day going into management, even stating that he'd prefer to have the current Champions League winners as his first club
Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar confirms QPR move
The Brazilian keeper looks set to end a seven-year spell at San Siro and complete his switch to the Premier League after holding talks at Loftus Road on Tuesday
Tottenham close in on €15m Lloris as Lyon star holds talks
The France skipper has been given permission to speak to Spurs as the club look to secure some new signings in the final week of the transfer window
Arsenal revive Walcott talks amid Manchester City interest
The England international's contract negotiations have hit a brick wall, putting the Premier League champions on red alert after their bid to sign Scott Sinclair collapsed
Honigstein: Practice should make perfect for Podolski at Arsenal
The Germany international may take time adapting to the enigmatic styles of Gervinho and Theo Walcott, but fans must be patient as his partnership with Olivier Giroud blossoms
Barton move to Marseille still possible, confirms Hughes
The midfielder's hopes of joining the Ligue 1 side had appeared over on Monday, but his manager has revealed that further discussions between the clubs are scheduled
Laudrup: Sinclair move to Manchester City in state of confusion
After Swans chairman Huw Jenkins criticised the Premier League champions for their sluggish pursuit of the forward, the Dane admits that the situation could "change completely"
Southampton agree fee for Young Boys striker Mayuka
The promising 21-year old Zambia international forward, who starred at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, is set to sign a five-year deal with the south-coast club
Wenger: I will watch every Arsenal NextGen game
The Frenchman has strongly endorsed the Under-19 competition for elite European clubs, stating his desire to closely monitor the Gunners' youth team's development
Dembele having Tottenham medical after Fulham accept £15m bid
The Belgium international was left out of the Cottagers' League Cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday and Martin Jol confirmed that Spurs have had an offer accepted
Nottingham Forest sign Lansbury from Arsenal
The 21-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year contract with the east Midlands club after making just a handful of appearances for the Gunners over the last five years
'Modric is not worth €42m' - Almunia unimpressed with former Tottenham man
The ex Arsenal goalkeeper admitted he does not understand the fuss around the Croatia midfielder and said that Real Madrid paid an 'exaggerated' fee
Milan deny Liverpool negotiations over Carroll loan
Reports in Italy from a source owned by Rossoneri president Silvio Berlusconi had claimed that the England forward was heading to Italy but the Serie A side reject the speculation
New Chelsea man Moses grateful to Wigan for their support
The 21-year-old has made the move to the Blues after two years with the Latics and expressed his gratitude to the club's manager, Roberto Martinez, and chairman Dave Whelan
Gerrard: Liverpool not far off challenging for the title
The Reds skipper believes that the club are capable of winning silverware and is hopeful that Brendan Rodgers' continental style of play will see a return to the Anfield glory days
Azpilicueta and Moses given Chelsea squad numbers
The Spanish right-back will wear the Blues' No.28 jersey while the former Wigan winger takes over the No.13 shirt, last worn by former Germany international Michael Ballack
Liverpool in talks with Milan over Carroll loan
The Reds are understood to be open to the possibility of allowing their target man to spend a year in Italy, with agreeing a financial package thought to be the main issue
Chelsea target Hulk handed deadline by Porto over summer transfer
The Brazil international has been given 24 hours to make a final decision on whether or not he wishes to leave Estadio do Dragao amid reported interest from three clubs
Aug 28, 2012 8:27:00 PM
By Tom Rhodes
FC Porto have given their Brazil international forward, Hulk, until Wednesday to make a decision on his future amid interest from two Premier League clubs.
The 26-year old joined the Portuguese side in 2008 and has since gone on to make 98 appearances for the club, scoring an impressive 54 goals, collecting three Primeira Liga titles and a Europa League winners medal in the process.
Such fine form has seen the former Tokyo Verdy man become a focus of intense transfer speculation and the Dragoes press officer has revealed that the club have now given their star striker a deadline over his future, also confirming the interest of two English clubs, reported to be Chelsea and Tottenham.
Ahaz Felleger told Antena 1: "Tuesday or, maximum, Wednesday, there will be a solution. There are three proposals from abroad - two English clubs and Zenit - there are talks with the player and with Porto.
"Staying in Porto is also a real possibility. He is very satisfied and there is no problem."
The Portuguese club are understood to be unwilling to sell for less than Hulk's €100 million [£78m] release clause.
Liverpool fly-on-the-wall documentary including recruitment of Brendan Rodgers to be broadcast from September
Brendan Rodgers’ dressing room reaction to Liverpool’s opening-day defeat to West Bromwich Albion will be among the insights broadcast as part of the fly-on-the-wall documentary on the club.
Behind-the-scenes footage at Liverpool, including Brendan Rodgers' reaction to defeat at West Brom, will be shown Photo: AP
By Chris Bascombe
11:50PM BST 28 Aug 2012
A film crew from American company Fox were present as Rodgers gave his players his reaction to their 3-0 loss at the Hawthorns on the first weekend of the season, and were also present in the home dressing room at Anfield following the 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend.
The Fox documentary team have been stalking the Merseyside club since the climax of last season and have now ceased filming and begun the process of editing the series, which is titled ’Being Liverpool’. It will be broadcast in the US from Sept 16, while Channel Five has secured the UK rights to the series and will air it in the autumn.
A snippet already released showed Rodgers giving a dressing down to rising star Raheem Sterling during the club’s pre-season tour of America in July.
The camera crew was also in the Liverpool dressing room before kick-off, at half-time and after the final whistle for pre-season games, the Europa League qualifiers with FC Gomel and Hearts, as well as the Premier League games against West Brom and City.
The timing of the series has proven fortunate for Fox as it could not have scripted the dramas that have unfolded at Anfield during its four months with the club much better.
Fox began filming days after the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea. Within a fortnight Kenny Dalglish had been sacked.
This enabled the documentary to capture the managerial recruitment process and Rodgers’ arrival at Melwood, prior to Liverpool’s North American tour.
The camera crew were invited to several players’ houses to get a glimpse into their lives away from the training ground, were on the spot when transfers were concluded and were an ever present whenever and wherever the manager, player and owners travelled on club business during the summer.
Liverpool insist they will have ultimate editorial control, ensuring nothing too embarrassing is broadcast, but nevertheless the film will break new ground in this country in terms of the access for a top English club.
In fact, after initial suspicion of how it would work, Liverpool’s players have suggested they’ve enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to seeing the finished product with excitement rather than trepidation.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger believes he has plenty in reserve if Theo Walcott leaves Another day and yet another Arsenal first-team regular edges towards the exit door. The obvious interpretation of news that Theo Walcott’s six-year spell at Arsenal is nearing its end is of another hammer blow to Arsène Wenger’s grand project at the Emirates.
Manage without him? Arsene Wenger seems to think he has enough in reserve to manage without Walcott Photo: ACTION IMAGES
By Jeremy Wilson
8:01AM BST 29 Aug 2012
At one level, that is true. Wenger does want to keep Walcott and, following the departures over the past 15 months of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Robin van Persie and Alex Song, Arsenal face being without six of the 10 outfield players who generally started during the 2010-11 season.
Yet, as Wenger has consistently argued, each circumstance is different and should be considered in isolation. And it is clear that the current Walcott situation has far more in common with the losses of Clichy and Song than Van Persie, Nasri and Fabregas. Of the latter trio, Wenger was convinced by their world-class status and genuinely distraught at being forced into a situation where he had to sell.
With Walcott – as was the case with Clichy and Song – the position is rather more nuanced. Yes, in an ideal world, he would like him to stay. Wenger believes that Walcott has improved, especially in his team play over the past 18 months, and he would probably start the majority of Arsenal games this season.
The problem, though, is that he does not regard Walcott as remotely indispensible and is certainly not willing to pay beyond his own valuation in order to keep him. Wenger considers an offer of £75,000-a-week to be generous for a player who, while still developing, has never quite fulfilled the expectation that was perhaps unfairly placed on him when he arrived from Southampton in 2006.
That deal, which was potentially worth £12million, made Walcott the most expensive 16-year-old in world football. Arsenal, though, actually paid only £9.1million and would not regard his sale now for around £12million as such a bad piece of business.
Significantly, Wenger believes that he already has good options in Walcott’s position. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has made a huge impact over the past year and was even preferred for England during parts of Euro 2012 while Gervinho also started ahead of Walcott against Stoke City last Sunday. Lukas Podolski, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey, Andre Santos and Andrei Arshavin are regarded as other attacking options in the wide areas of Arsenal’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Another significant factor in Wenger’s thinking is the emergence of Serge Gnabry in the reserve team. Gnabry, who is only 17 and was signed from Stuttgart last year, agreed a professional contract this summer and is already regarded by many at the club as capable of playing for the first team.
Wenger is always mindful of not blocking the progress of his emerging players and, in Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gnabry, there are two teenage talents he would like to see more of this season.
Even so, the willingness to sell Walcott if he does not sign a contract and the decision to offer him ‘only’ £75,000-a-week is an admission that he has not progressed as Arsenal would have wished. The Telegraph first reported in February that Walcott was playing for his Arsenal future and, while there have been moments of great quality, his consistency has been a huge frustration, as has his injury record.
Yet it is also easy to focus on Walcott’s relative weaknesses – his crossing and first touch – and forget his many strengths. His finishing is much improved, he has a cool temperament and his pace remains electrifying. His concern over the future direction of Arsenal, especially following Robin van Persie’s departure, also cannot easily be dismissed. It is why, if he does leave this week, there will be no shortage of takers and Arsenal’s gamble is still considerable.
By DAVE WARD MICHAEL ESSIEN is being lined up for a £10million move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
The Chelsea midfielder, 29, missed most of last season through injury and has fallen out of favour with boss Roberto Di Matteo.
The Blues have signed Eden Hazard, Oscar, Marko Marin and Victor Moses this summer, with Di Matteo going for a younger line-up in the middle of the park.
Fenerbahce see Essien as a key capture if they are to maintain a Champions League place.
They host Spartak Moscow in tonight’s playoff second leg seeking to overturn a 2-1 deficit.
The Turkish Cup holders also want the Ghana international to help them win the league title back from arch-rivals Galatasaray.
They see powerhouse Essien as the successor to ex-Newcastle star Emre, who has left for Atletico Madrid.
Essien, a £24.4m buy from Lyon in 2005, has three years left on his Stamford Bridge contract.
Newcastle bid to bring back Carroll is dead in the water, admits Pardew
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 12:35 GMT, 29 August 2012 | UPDATED: 12:35 GMT, 29 August 2012
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has all but admitted defeat in his audacious attempt to re-sign striker Andy Carroll.The Magpies have tabled a cut-price offer for the man they sold to Liverpool for £35million in January last year, and sources close to Carroll have indicated that if he had to leave Anfield, he would only do so for Tyneside.However, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has dismissed Newcastle's proposal and the England international looks destined to remain on Merseyside, for the time being at least.
Out of favour: Andy Carroll (left) has struggled since his £35m move to Liverpool
Asked if Carroll's arrival was still a possibility, Pardew replied: 'Not as far as I'm aware, no.'It has proved a frustrating few weeks for Pardew. He has bolstered his squad with Vurnon Anita, Romain Amalfitano and Gael Bigirimana, but several of his major targets remaining tantalisingly out of his reach.
The manager hopes to fend off any late interest in the likes of Fabricio Coloccini, Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye, but admits a late flurry of incoming activity is unlikely. Pardew said: 'We are just watching the market and seeing if anything pops its head up that's appealing to us.
'Agents keep ringing me and giving me all sorts of names - they must think we don't scout - but we are aware of the ones we are watching and if they decide to move on, then we might trigger ourselves. 'But at the moment, the targets we have are all very much secure at their clubs.'
Cut-price: Newcastle had tabled a bid for Carroll far lower than they received
