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England's Wayne Rooney reacts during their international friendly soccer match against Scotland at Wembley Stadium in London, August 14, 2013. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth
By Tony Jimenez
LONDON | Thu Aug 15, 2013 3:50am BST
(Reuters) - Jose Mourinho's jigsaw pieces are slowly falling into place and if the Chelsea 'Messiah' can tempt Manchester United to part with their prodigal son Wayne Rooney the final part of the puzzle will be complete.
Mourinho, who said he had gone from being the 'Special One' to the 'Happy One' when he returned in June for a second spell as coach at his spiritual Stamford Bridge home following spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, has made no secret of his desire to sign the England striker.
Rooney also seems keen to end his nine-year spell at Manchester United for a move to Chelsea but can United afford to allow their prize asset to reinforce the title claims of one of their leading Premier League rivals?
Mourinho has already had two sizeable bids for Rooney rejected and former United and England captain Bryan Robson believes he will need to wave a huge financial carrot in front of the Old Trafford hierarchy in order to seal the deal.
"The thing that makes me laugh is I've been told it (the latest offer) is 25 million pounds to 30 million pounds," Robson told Talksport radio.
"For Wayne Rooney? A 27-year-old who is probably in the top six strikers in the world? What are United going to have to pay to replace him? I'm amazed at that - it's an insult to Wayne Rooney."
Insult or not, Mourinho is prepared to play a waiting game, content in the knowledge he can already call upon three good strikers in Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba.
Torres has often flattered to deceive since joining Chelsea for a record fee of 50 million pounds from Liverpool two and a half years ago although he showed signs of improvement last season.
The Spain striker bagged 23 goals in all competitions including a dazzling run from the halfway line to score the equaliser in the 2-1 Europa League final victory over Benfica in Amsterdam in May.
Mourinho believes Torres, who is at his best when balls are played beyond the opposition defence for him to use his pace, is capable of flourishing if his team mates utilise his strengths.
"When we see Torres with his back to goal surrounded by two or three opponents we know he is not going to produce a piece of magic," said the coach who led Chelsea to back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.
HULL HOMECOMING
"But this is Torres. We want the team not to learn how to play with him but to improve how to play with him," said Mourinho who is adored by the Chelsea fans and will get a special welcome at his first game back at home to Hull City on Sunday.
"It is impossible to re-model his game but we want to adapt the team and teach the team how to use his best qualities. He is what he is and he is very good with the qualities he has got so we need to learn and support his game."
Chelsea, who finished third in the Premier League under interim coach Rafael Benitez last season, have been boosted by the signing of Germany forward Andre Schuerrle from Bayer Leverkusen.
Mourinho also swooped for young Dutch international midfielder Marco van Ginkel in the close season while midfielder Michael Essien, winger Kevin de Bruyne and utility player Nathaniel Chalobah have returned after loan spells elsewhere.
It is the return of the charismatic Portuguese coach, however, that has attracted so much attention to 2012 European champions Chelsea.
"The Premier League requires a Jose Mourinho character more than ever," said former United and England defender Gary Neville. "He is the biggest signing of the summer for English football.
"You can't ignore him, the way he challenges people, works the media or celebrates on the touchline like a fan. Whoever you support you should be delighted to have Jose Mourinho back for the new season."
David Moyes hits out at Manchester United's tough Premier League start
• 'I find it hard to believe that's the way the balls came out'
• United face Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City in early games
Press Association
The Guardian, Thursday 15 August 2013 13.06 BST
Manchester United manager David Moyes is interviewed during the Premier League season launch. Photograph: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
David Moyes has said it is "hard to believe" that Manchester United's opening Premier League fixtures had come out by chance and described it as the club's toughest start for 20 years.
Moyes's first league game as United manager comes at Swansea City on Saturday evening, and is followed by a home game against Chelsea before away trips to Liverpool and Manchester City, either side of a visit to Old Trafford from the newly-promoted Crystal Palace.
An aggrieved Moyes questioned such a run of fixtures and in quotes reported by the BBC, he said: "I think it's the hardest start for 20 years that Manchester United have had. I hope it's not because Manchester United won the league quite comfortably last year [that] the fixtures have been made much more difficult. I find it hard to believe that's the way the balls came out of the bag, that's for sure."
In contrast, Manchester City face the newly-promoted pair Cardiff City and Hull City as well as Stoke City in their first five games while Chelsea also meet Hull plus last year's strugglers Aston Villa.
A Premier League spokesman said: "David has put those concerns to us. We have absolutely assured him the process is random and above board. He has accepted those assurances."
Gareth Bale out of Tottenham's Premier League opener at Crystal Palace
• André Villas-Boas says forward now has 'pain in foot'
• No developments in Bale's proposed move to Real Madrid
Press Association
The Guardian, Thursday 15 August 2013 12.53 BST
Gareth Bale sat out the international friendly between Wales and Ireland on Wednesday night. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Gareth Bale will not be involved in Tottenham's start to the Premier League season, his manager, André Villas-Boas, has said. The Welshman's future has been the subject of much speculation throughout the summer, with Bale closely linked with a world record move to Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old sat out Wales' goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night with a foot injury and the manager, Chris Coleman, admitted questions over Bale's future had dominated the buildup to the game.
Spurs open their new campaign at newly-promoted Crystal Palace on Sunday before they take on Dinamo Tbilisi in the Europa League the following Thursday. When asked if Bale would feature at Selhurst Park on Sunday, Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News: "No, because he's been out injured for most of pre-season.
"He was involved in the games against Brentford and Swindon but not any others, for different reasons; he pulled a muscle in his gluteus that prevented him from being involved for two weeks and he's been complaining of pain in the foot. I think the most natural thing is to see him not involved against Palace."
Real have maintained a constant public campaign to try to woo Bale this summer, with a number of senior players admitting they would love the Tottenham forward to join them at the Bernabéu. Tottenham and Real have yet to come to an agreement over the transfer of Bale despite weeks of speculation that the 24-year-old is set to move to the nine-time European champions.
Bale has made it clear he wants to leave Spurs for the Spanish capital, but the chairman, Daniel Levy, is said to be demanding a fee in excess of the £80m that Real paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo four years ago. The saga is set to continue with the transfer window open until 2 September.
Leeds United owner GFH Capital offloads half of its shares
• Dubai-based company makes £500,000 profit
• GFH has owned company for only six months
Reuters
The Guardian, Thursday 15 August 2013 17.00 BST
Billy Bremner's statue overlooks Leeds United's home at Elland Road. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/Christopher Thomond / Guardian
The Dubai-based investment firm that bought Leeds United in December sold more than half of its 100% holding less than six months later, financial statements show.
GFH Capital, a subsidiary of Bahraini Gulf Finance House, offloaded a 10% stake to the Bahrain-based International Investment Bank earlier this year and its second-quarter financial statement showed it had now sold a total of more than half the shares.
The statement did not say who the buyer was, specifying only that it had made a gain of $776,000 (£500,000) on the sale and was now deconsolidating Leeds results from its own. GFH could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
The company paid £52m last year to buy Leeds from their previous owner Ken Bates, who has since left the club.
The club's website lists shareholders of Grand Cayman-based LUFC Holding Limited – owner of Leeds City Holdings Limited, which in turn owns the club – as GFH Capital, International Investment Bank and Envest Limited. Envest is owned by Salah Nooruddin, who replaced Bates as chairman, and his wife.
GFH, which had already booked a $10.4m profit on the Leeds deal in its 2012 financial statement, said in April it had offers from several investors for stakes in the club.
The company has been forced into a number of debt restructurings as well as a major overhaul of its business model since 2010 as it struggled in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
It made a profit of $4.2m in the first half of the year, its financial statements showing that this was mainly possible because of a $52m gain from converting a type of Islamic financing security into shares. On an operating level, the group lost $13m, the cash flow statement shows, while the balance sheet reports accumulated losses since establishment of $379m.
Henchoz: Suarez has to leave Liverpool The former Anfield defender believes the striker's desire to move away from the club could create a negative atmosphere on the training ground and lead to poor performances
'We are still only looking for one player' - Mourinho intent on signing Rooney Although Manchester United have insisted that the striker is not for sale at any price, the former Real Madrid manager has admitted that he only has eyes for the England man
Downing 'disappointed' by Liverpool exit The 29-year-old admitted he was "surprised" to see an offer accepted after being told by the manager that he was wanted at the club, indicating he was also more than happy to stay
Wenger promises Arsenal additions The French boss refused to be drawn on reports linking the Gunners with moves for Luis Suarez or Wayne Rooney, though, revealed the club are actively pursuing reinforcements
Suarez will be welcomed back by Liverpool, insists Henderson The Reds midfielder says there will be "no problems" among the squad should the forward end up staying at Anfield, indicating they must keep hold of him to achieve their goals
Southampton tempt Roma's Osvaldo with club-record salary The Saints are willing to pay the Roma striker €70,000-a-week, making him the highest paid player in their history, to beat off competition from Benfica, Wolfsburg and Spurs
Bale not talking to Tottenham team-mates, reveals Villas-Boas The Spurs manager says the Wales international is keeping quiet about a possible transfer to Real Madrid, while maintaining the stance that his key player is not for sale
Soldado targets 20 goals in debut Tottenham season The 28-year-old scored 30 times in 46 appearances for former club Valencia last term and, though expecting it to be difficult, has faith that his team-mates can help him continue
Chelsea new-boy Schurrle: Don't compare me to Marin The 22-year-old is determined to make a name for himself in the Premier League following his summer move from the Bundesliga, unlike his compatriot, who struggled for an impact
Willian 'hopeful' over Liverpool bid The Brazil international, who has been put on the transfer market by his Russian employers, has described the Reds as 'a great club'
Liverpool targeting top-four finish Brendan Rodgers want Champions League qualification this season, while he reiterated the club's no-sale stance on Luis Suarez
Arsenal will be active in the transfer market, says Wenger The Gunners have signed just one player so far, but the Frenchman says the north London club will be moving to buy players before deadline day passes
Moyes: Rooney is staying & Man Utd targeting several players The English champions are "working very hard" to complete signings, says the Scot, who was impressed by the striker's performance for England
Skrtel ready to fight for Liverpool place The centre-back, who has been the subject of interest from Napoli, is looking forward to competing with new signing Kolo Toure for a starting berth
Villas-Boas reveals Bale to miss Tottenham opener at Crystal Palace The Real Madrid target has not featured for Spurs since a pre-season friendly against Swindon on July 16 and will miss the trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday
Zaha can become a Manchester United legend - Holloway The Crystal Palace boss believes the 20-year-old winger can become an Old Trafford great after joining the Premier League champions from Selhurst Park this summer
Everton could sell Fellaini, but he won't be cheap - Martinez
By Nicholas Godden9
Aug 16, 2013 10:53:00 AM
The Toffees boss says the club will listen to offers for the Belgium international but only if they match or exceed the €27.5 million buyout clause that expired on July 31
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has warned potential suitors that Marouane Fellaini will not be sold for less than the recently expired €27.5 million buyout clause.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a summer move to Manchester United to link up with former boss David Moyes, but as yet no formal approach has been made.
The clause in the ex-Standard Liege midfielder’s contract ceased to exist on July 31, and while Martinez said the club would be willing to listen to bids he insisted the player will not be allowed to leave for anything less than its worth.
"If there is an offer on the table then we will have to look into it," the Spaniard told reporters.
“When you are in a strong position financially you will never sell a player for less than the buyout clause.
"Marouane had that clause in his contract, it was very clear for everyone, and on the 31st of July it expired. From that point on, the club has got complete control, in every single transfer, and that's the way it should be.
“It's the right approach for all parties. Yes, you are sweating on July 30th, 31st, but after that it is just a matter that we don't have to sell players because we are not in a situation where we need an amount of money to balance the books.”
Fellaini, who is Everton’s record signing having arrived from Standard Liege for €17.5m in 2008, remains under contract at Goodison Park for another three years.
Laudrup: 'Ridiculous' offer won't buy Swansea star Michu
By Nicholas Godden9
Aug 16, 2013 11:26:00 AM
The Swans boss revealed the attacker will not be sold because there is not enough time to find a suitable replacement, insisting that the club's chairman feels the same way
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has warned Arsenal that star forward Michu is not for sale - even if a “ridiculous” offer was made.
Arsene Wenger’s side have been credited with an interest in the Spanish attacker as their attempts to sign Liverpool’s Luis Suarez continue to be thwarted.
But the Dane has made it clear that the club will not be tempted into selling the 27-year-old, who netted 22 times in his debut season at the Liberty Stadium following his €2.3 million move from Rayo Vallecano last summer.
“I think economically the club is very good,” the 49-year-old told reporters.
“I know if they (Arsenal) came in with a very late bid, I know that the reaction from the board and chairman will be 'No', even if the money is ridiculous, as we will not have time to find a replacement who is near enough to the same standard.
“You can say we would get a lot of money but why be the richest club in the championship? What is that worth?
“I spoke to Michu last year and he extended his contract and asked me about mine and I said 'I am going to stay here', and he said, 'So am I'.”
Luis Suárez apologises to Liverpool as he resumes squad training
• Liverpool forward understood to have said sorry to team-mates
• Suárez had criticised club's stance over clause in contract
Andy Hunter
The Guardian, Friday 16 August 2013 13.26 BST
The Liverpool striker Luis Suárez. Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images
Luis Suárez returned from the cold at Liverpool on Friday when he trained with the senior squad for the first time since accusing the club and manager Brendan Rodgers of breaking promises over his future.
Rodgers ordered the Uruguay international to train away from the senior squad after his interview in the Guardian last Tuesday, when he stated his desire to join Arsenal and criticised Liverpool's stance over a £40m clause in his contract. The Liverpool manager insisted that situation would not change until Suárez apologised for his "total disrespect of the club" but it is understood the 26-year-old took that step with his team-mates on his return from Uruguay's friendly in Japan.
The Liverpool striker is also due to hold talks with Rodgers on Friday. While that relationship has been strained, and Suárez denied midweek reports in Uruguay that he had decided to remain at Anfield, he has been given little alternative but to accept his immediate future lies at Liverpool by the club's refusal to sell.
Liverpool have consistently stated their prized asset is not for sale and the principal owner John W Henry reinforced that position last week when he announced no offer from Arsenal, or a European club, would prise Suárez away so late in the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have agreed a deal with Valencia to sign Aly Cissokho on a season-long loan, with the French left-back due on Merseyside to complete the transfer next week. Rodgers has been looking to increase competition on José Enrique all summer with Liverpool having previously made offers for Lorenzo Melgarejo at Benfica and Guilherme Siqueira of Granada.
Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow with Mikel Arteta out for 'up to six weeks'
• Spaniard one of three big injury worries
• Wenger admits Gunners are 'a bit light'
Press Association
The Guardian, Friday 16 August 2013 13.23 BST
Arsenal have been dealt a blow with the news that Mikel Arteta could be out for up to six weeks with a thigh injury. The full extent of the Spanish midfielder's problem is still to be discovered, but the manager Arsène Wenger did at least receive a boost regarding the fitness of Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey ahead of their Premier League opening match at home to Aston Villa.
Walcott limped out of England's 3-2 friendly win over Scotland with a knee injury while Ramsey did not feature for Wales at home to the Republic of Ireland due to an ankle problem.
"[Thomas] Vermaelen is out, [Nacho] Monreal is out and Arteta will be out for this game tomorrow as well," said Wenger. "That is the three main injuries we have at the moment. Monreal is not far from coming back. Arteta and Vermaelen are a bit longer.
"It could be as long (as six weeks for Arteta), but honestly we don't know yet. We have to check the severity with the doctor. I haven't talked to the doctor."
The Gunners have yet to land a high-profile signing this summer, with the France Under-21 striker Yaya Sanogo, on a free transfer from Auxerre, the only new arrival so far as the protracted pursuit of the Liverpool striker Luis Suárez drags on.
Wenger added: "I don't disagree that we are a bit light at the moment. There are 18 days to go until the end of the transfer market and we are of course looking to strengthen our squad."
Arsenal failed to land Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuaín earlier in the summer, and it appears they will need to up their bid for Suárez to closer to £50m to have any hope of moving the negotiations on.
Wenger refused to be further drawn on the saga. He said: "Look, I don't want to come out on any specific name because that would not be right. Usually in the press, you are well informed.
"Ideally you would want it to be quicker, but to finalise any transfer you need the agreement of three parties. You can see from our main rivals that it is not easy."
Man United join race for £30m Willian and are being offered Madrid star Ozil for £40m
By CHRIS WHEELER and SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 22:00 GMT, 15 August 2013 | UPDATED: 13:50 GMT, 16 August 2013
David Moyes has entered the race to bring £30million Brazil attacking midfielder Willian to the Barclays Premier League.The Anzhi Makhachkala player has already attracted the interest of Liverpool and Tottenham, but Manchester United could hijack those deals. Liverpool are in advanced discussions with Anzhi regarding a move for the 25-year-old and remain confident of landing him. But United have now made their own enquiry and Old Trafford is believed to be Willian’s preferred destination.
Target: Manchester United could hijack Liverpool and Tottenham's moves for Willian
Under pressure: David Moyes wants to bring a big name to the club this summer
Tottenham retain a long-term interest in the former Shakhtar Donetsk forward and are ready to revive that interest, particularly if Gareth Bale completes his protracted move to the Bernabeu.Willian has told ESPN he would be open to a move to Liverpool, saying: ‘There was the Manchester City bid that was turned down. Now I’m waiting for a new bid to arrive in the next days from a few clubs, like Liverpool. If it’s really Liverpool, then it is surely a great club. I’m hopeful and very calm, just waiting for the best.‘England is my goal. I like the Premier League very much, I enjoy the English football and certainly, if that happens, it will be very good for me and for my image.’United, who are anxious to make a big-name signing, are being offered Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil for £40m.The Germany star, 24, was a target for Sir Alex Ferguson after the 2010 World Cup but he joined Real instead for £12.5m. Now he is ready to quit the Spanish giants.
Offer: Real Madrid are willing to sell Mesut Ozil to Man United for £40million
Ozil’s representatives have made it clear he would welcome a move to United and that Madrid could accept £35m as they look to fund a world-record bid for Bale.The former Werder Bremen player is under contract until 2016 but is said to have become unsettled by Real’s pursuit of Bale just a year after they beat United to sign Luka Modric from Spurs. Moyes primarily wants a midfield general and Modric is also in his thinking if the champions admit defeat in their attempts to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.The United manager insisted yesterday that he expects to sign players before the transfer window closes. ‘This was always going to be a difficult window for me because I joined United on July 1, so it has given me a short period to get to know the players and the market,’ he admitted. ‘But I’m confident we’ll get players in.’
Moyes has a back-up option in his old Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini but is mindful that the Belgian would not be the headline signing he wants as his first piece of transfer business at United.Everton boss Roberto Martinez yesterday warned United to forget about trying to take Fellaini on the cheap. Moyes is expected to launch a bid to land Fellaini, for whom he broke Everton’s transfer record when buying him for £15m in 2008.Everton have not received an offer for Fellaini since the £23m buy-out clause in his deal lapsed on July 31 and it is thought United will offer less than £23m.But Martinez warned: ‘When you are in a strong position financially you will never sell a player for less than the buy-out clause. But we haven’t received an offer for Fellaini. Maybe clubs know he is happy at Everton.’The Leighton Baines situation is simpler, after Everton rebuffed United’s £12m bid. ‘They said it was their final offer,’ said Martinez.
Going nowhere? Leighton Baines seems set to stay at Everton after United made a 'final' offer
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio facing 'very big' season
Former Sunderland player Michael Gray says "people with daggers" are waiting for Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio to slip up at the Stadium of Light.
Di Canio has signed 10 new players since keeping the club in the Premier League at the end of last season. But Gray believes the 45-year-old Italian's reputation is on the line after making wholesale changes. "He did what he had to do last season but this is going to be a very big season for him," Gray told BBC Sport.
Sunderland's summer signings
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar) undisclosed
El Hadji Ba (Le Havre) free
Cabral (Basel) free
Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor) loan
Modibo Diakite (Lazio) free
Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus) £6.5
David Moberg Karlsson (Gothenburg) undisclosed
Vito Mannone (Arsenal) undisclosed
Valentin Roberge (Maritimo) free
Duncan Watmore (Altrincham) undisclosed
Among Di Canio's summer signings are Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini, who cost £6.5m from Juventus, and Modibo Diakite from Lazio. Both are expected to feature when Sunderland launch the season at home to Fulham on Saturday.
"This is when he's going to be judged because he's brought in his own players," added Gray, who made more than 400 appearances for the Wearside club between 1992 and 2004.
"Some of the signings come with a big reputation.
"He said the players weren't fit enough last season and he's had an opportunity to have his first pre-season with the new signings.
"The people with the daggers are waiting for him because he is edge of the seat, he is entertainment.
"At the moment they're on his side, they're all on his rollercoaster. At the minute they're going up in the rollercoaster. They're just hoping it doesn't fall off the rails."
Gray is eager to play down expectations at his former club. Last season they finished 17th, one place and three points above the relegation zone, after two wins and two draws in the last seven matches after Di Canio was appointed on 31 March. Gray says a top 12 finish would represent a good campaign.
"Everyone is getting excited because they've signed 10 players and people are saying that they're going to break into the top 10 very easily," he added.
"That won't be the case in my opinion.
"You have to look at it as a stepping stone. Yes, the place needed freshening up and Paolo has done great with the players he has brought in.
"I think we'll probably see half of them in the team against Fulham.
"But a successful season would be around about 12th. That's the position they've got to look at."
Wenger: I'm not scared of spending money The Gunners boss believes recent criticism of his management of the club is "unfair" but says he is only willing to bring in new players who he feels will strengthen his team
Besiktas chasing Manchester United defender Buttner The player's representative has ruled out a move to Benfica but says he is in negotiations with the Turkish side after the full-back impressed in a pre-season friendly
Paulinho plays like Lampard, says Villas-Boas The Tottenham manager has heaped praise on his new signing, who has indicated the Portuguese boss played a huge part in bringing him to Spurs from Corinthians this summer
Alderweireld longs for ‘beautiful’ Premier League The 24-year-old claims he is yet to hear of any official offers as Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton continue to be linked with a bid
'Zaha can be like Ronaldo' Former Crystal Palace forward Mark Bright believes the 20-year-old is a true "gift" from Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes for the 2013-14 campaign
Ian Holloway is too busy trying to improve his Crystal Palace squad to get excited about the start of the new Barclays Premier League season. AVB turned down two offers to stay at Spurs
Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed he turned down approaches from two clubs this summer because he believes Tottenham are on the verge of achieving something big.
Britton backs Bony to trouble Man United
Leon Britton has warned Rio Ferdinand and his Manchester United defenders they will be left battered and bruised by Swansea powerhouse Wilfried Bony on Saturday.
Mourinho backs Chelsea to win the league
Jose Mourinho believes his Chelsea team are capable of winning the Barclays Premier League title.
Moyes expects Glazers to remain patient
David Moyes heads into battle as Manchester United manager believing the club's owners will provide the stability required for him to make a success of the job. United prepare for "tough" Swansea opener
Wayne Rooney is expected to be on the bench as Manchester United face Swansea in David Moyes' first Premier League game as Red Devils manager.
Palace sign Marange from Bordeaux
Crystal Palace have signed French defender Florian Marange on a free transfer from Bordeaux.
Tottenham accept QPR bid for Parker
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed that Spurs have accepted their bid for Scott Parker.
Taarabt settling in at Fulham, says Jol
Martin Jol accepts that signing Adel Taarabt is a gamble, but insists the financial constraints at Fulham force him to take risks. Pardew still in striker hunt for Newcastle
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits he is still desperate to sign a striker as the Magpies approach their Premier League season-opener at Manchester City. Freund pleased by German moves to BPL
Tottenham assistant coach Steffen Freund believes the influx of German players can only be good for the Premier League, given the quality in the Bundesliga.
Fulham receive Bent, Riether boost
Fulham have signed Darren Bent on a season-long loan from Aston Villa and agreed a new two-year deal with Sascha Riether, the club's player of the year last season.
Mourinho "waiting" for more Chelsea buys
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is keeping his options open as the pursuit of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney shows no sign of abating.
Hughton happy with Norwich budget
Norwich manager Chris Hughton admits that the club have invested heavily in their squad but feels that it is essential to keep up with their Premier League rivals.
Mackay not daunted by Cardiff task
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has no problem dealing with the expectations of owner Vincent Tan after breaking the club transfer record three times this summer.
By Tom Davis149
Aug 16, 2013 10:50:00 PM
The Frenchman is expecting an open title race this season and does not believe the managerial changes will make any sides weaker
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League title could be a six-horse race this season and says it is the most open league in Europe.
The 63-year-old believes any one of last season’s top five – as well as Liverpool – can be considered contenders for the title when the new campaign kicks off on Saturday.
"It is maybe more open at the moment because you have many teams who can compete for [the title]," Wenger said at a press conference.
"If you look across Europe, this is the only country where at the start it is very difficult to predict who is going to win it.
"That's less the case in nearly all the other countries and that's why the Premier League is more interesting. I believe we are picking from six teams, including Liverpool and Tottenham."
Wenger believes the gap in quality between the top teams has reduced but does not feel the managerial changes at rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, will give Arsenal any advantage.
"You don't know how [the coaching changes] will affect this season. Do you consider [Jose] Mourinho as a new manager at Chelsea? Certainly not. [David] Moyes has experience at the top level and [Manuel] Pellegrini as well," he added.
"I believe these clubs have stability with the players they have and the managers coming in are all quality, so we cannot expect any weakness from that."
Moyes increasingly confident of signing Fellaini despite £23m clause expiring
By CHRIS WHEELER PUBLISHED: 21:11 GMT, 16 August 2013 | UPDATED: 21:13 GMT, 16 August 2013
Manchester United manager David Moyes is increasingly confident of signing Marouane Fellaini, while the Everton midfielder is also set on a move to Old Trafford.The Belgian, 25, had a buy-out clause in his contract worth £23million but it expired at the end of July, when United were still chasing Cesc Fabregas. Roberto Martinez is not keen on allowing Fellaini to leave and tried to ward off United on Thursday.
Hair today: Marouane Fellaini will not be leaving Everton on the cheap after his buyout clause expired
Targets: Manchester United boss David Moyes identified his midfielder at Everton as an addition to his side
He said: ‘When you are in a strong position financially you will never sell a player for less than the buy-out clause,’ said Everton’s manager. ‘The buy-out clause gives you control as a buyer. We have had no approaches for Marouane Fellaini.‘Just because you have a clause it doesn't mean you are stopped from putting a bid in for less money, that's never been the case. If someone meets the valuation, you haven't got a say as a club. As a manager, that worries you because you don't have a decision to make.
Laugh it off: Everton boss Roberto Martinez is not keen on the idea of selling Fellaini to United
‘I don't want to be surprised that I am not losing a player. I think maybe clubs know he is very, very happy at Everton. I think this season, or this window is different in that a World Cup is just around the corner and sometimes players are quite happy not to unsettle their routine.‘The World Cup is a big event and a player wants to carry on with your good routine from a football point of view and make sure you don't gamble on changing that. We want to keep our best players. We want to improve window after window. If you lose players it's harder.’Martinez, who says Darron Gibson is '50/50' to be fit for his first game in charge at Norwich tomorrow, stopped short of assuming the stance Liverpool have taken with Luis Suarez and accepts Everton may be forced to consider their options if United offered significant money for Fellaini.
World stage: Martinez admitted United might get Fellaini - playing for Belgium this week - for a significant offer
‘If there is an offer on the table then we will have to look into it,’ said Martinez, who remains keen on signing his old Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy. ‘I have always said that as a club you need to be able to cope with any situation. If you lose a player you need to be able to replace him.‘There is never a manager or a player who is bigger than the football club, the recruitment department at Everton and every department at the club is ready to cope with any situation that is thrown at us.’
Villas-Boas 'turned down Real and PSG' to stay at Spurs as he prepares for first ever 'second season' as a manager
By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 21:09 GMT, 16 August 2013 | UPDATED: 21:09 GMT, 16 August 2013
Andre Villas-Boas claims he turned down Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the summer to finish the job at Tottenham.The Portuguese coach has revealed that there was a ‘decision to be made’ on his future after finishing fifth in the Barclays Premier League last season. But he turned down the advances of Spain’s Real and France’s big-spending PSG to start a second season at a club for the first time in his managerial career.
Dedicated: Villas-Boas claims he turned down clubs to stay at White Hart Lane this season
Fancy: Real Madrid were reportedly after Villas-Boas, before appointing Carlo Ancelotti
The Tottenham chief was in the frame at the Bernabeu when PSG initially denied Carlo Ancelotti the chance to join Real.When the two clubs eventually agreed on a compensation package, Villas-Boas was also under consideration at the Ligue 1 champions.They eventually appointed former Bordeaux and France coach Laurent Blanc as Ancelotti’s successor after sounding out Villas-Boas.The Tottenham manager said: ‘I have great respect for the club and for Daniel Levy. These are the reasons that, when a couple of clubs came knocking, I told them I wasn’t interested.‘This is my first opportunity to start a second year at the same club. I think that can give me an advantage and is something I want to try.
Paris calling: Laurent Blanc (right) instructs his PSG side, but it could have been Villas-Boas at the helm
‘I have been made very welcome. I have an excellent group of players and the conditions and structures we have at Tottenham are fantastic.‘The arrival of (director of football) Franco Baldini takes us to another level so these are the things I had to measure.’Villas-Boas is determined to take Tottenham into the Champions League this season after they lost out to Arsenal again during a tense run-in.They travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday without Gareth Bale and he is unlikely to be play for Spurs again before he moves to Real.
In: Spurs have brought in a wealth of talent, including Roberto Soldado, but have been criticised for not bringing in English players to White Hart Lane
Villas-Boas has spent nearly £60m this summer, but Spurs have been criticised for failing to sign any English talent.He has brought in £17.1m midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians, £6m winger Nacer Chadli from FC Twente and £8.6m midfielder Etienne Capoue from Toulouse to improve Tottenham’s squad before the big kick-off. Villas-Boas added: ‘There is one problem with English players in the English Premier League — the price. This is something that has been happening on another level with Chelsea, Rooney and Manchester United.
Recruits: Paulinho (left) joined Spurs from Corinthians along with Nacer Chadli (right) from FC Twente
‘Players in England cost a lot more than what you can get out of Europe, particularly in the case of Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue.‘At the moment it is a market we have been looking at with players that we have been following. We had to pay a very high price. But I think it is the right price for players of that level.‘Eventually, if a good deal at the right price for an English player arises, I would have no problem with that.’
I'm not a transfer Scrooge, insists Wenger despite only making ONE signing
By LAURIE WHITWELL PUBLISHED: 21:00 GMT, 16 August 2013 | UPDATED: 21:00 GMT, 16 August 2013
Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions he is too Scrooge-like to splash the cash at Arsenal and insisted he is ‘rather generous’ with money he spends on players. Arsenal have missed out on Gonzalo Higuain, Luiz Gustavo and are likely to fail in their bid for Luis Suarez after claiming they would finally flex some financial muscle. But the Arsenal manager insisted on Friday: ‘Sometimes the image you give people is reality and sometimes not. Of course it’s unfair. I just defend the idea that you spend the money you have and not the money you don’t have.’
Prudent: Wenger put his Arsenal squad through their paces in training on Friday
He said he was excited at the prospect of breaking his record transfer fee and was not resisting the board’s desire to open the chequebook, but insisted only the ‘right’ quality of player would be added to his squad. However, Wenger also hinted for the first time that the club’s pursuit of Suarez was destined to fail because of Liverpool’s reluctance to sell to a rival. Arsenal are poised to offer close to £50m, but it does not appear Wenger is confident.
Missing out: Luiz Gustavo is unveiled by Wolfsburg on Friday
‘The issue is that the club sometimes does not want to sell at any price,’ he revealed. ‘In the example of Suarez and you are Liverpool, you have to calculate if you want to get into the Champions League, who are our rivals and do we want to sell to them?’Arsenal missed out on Higuain, who left Real Madrid for Napoli for £34.5m, and were confident of landing midfielder Gustavo from Bayern Munich before he opted to go to Wolfsburg. With £123m in the bank, Wenger admitted the expectation for big names was high, but said: ‘We are guided by the quality of the player.
Bould ambition: The Arsenal boss chats to assistant Steve Bould (above) and striker Olivier Giroud
‘You know, I am rather generous. But we had to go through a period when we had to look at the money that we spent. For years I did that. Today we have more so we can spend more. It’s as simple as that.’Wenger conceded the size of his squad was a ‘worry’ but promised 11 internationals would start against Aston Villa on Saturday, with more on the bench.
Jose's blast-off! United and City were second rate champions, taunts Mourinho
By MATT BARLOW PUBLISHED: 22:23 GMT, 16 August 2013 | UPDATED: 22:23 GMT, 16 August 2013
Jose Mourinho exploded back on to the Premier League stage on Friday with a swipe at David Moyes before dismissing the quality of the last two Manchester title-winning teams. Asked about Manchester United boss Moyes’ claims of a fixture conspiracy, he said: ‘If I say that I am in big trouble. So will you do the same with David? I was informed the fixtures were done by computer. Or is it the old-fashioned way with hot and cold balls? Unless the computer has a virus, I don’t know. I don’t care about the fixtures.’
Up to his old tricks: Mourinho was at his cutting best at Cobham on Friday
It was as if the Special One had never been away as he then claimed the calibre of last season’s United team and the City side who finished top in 2012 were not up to standard.The charismatic Portuguese has described himself as more mature on his return to English football, but when the adrenaline rushes, he is clearly ready for the battle to make Chelsea champions again. While claiming that his Chelsea side are one of six teams capable of winning the title, he insisted he is a better manager after spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, and that the standard of English football had fallen in his absence.‘A few years ago the better teams were better,’ he said. ‘Do you think Manchester United won the Premier League last year because they were an unbelievable team? I don’t think so. The other contenders didn’t have a very good season.
Second rate: Mourinho belittled the title won by United in May (above) and City in 2012 (below)
‘It was the same the year before when Manchester City won the title. Were they an extraordinary team? I don’t think so. Others made so many mistakes that City eventually won.‘In the past you had a fantastic Arsenal, champions without a single defeat. You had a Chelsea with a points record. You had a United side who won the title after our Double with an unbelievable season.‘The champions in other seasons have been magnificent but, especially in the last two seasons, I’ve felt no. Sometimes you win because you are tremendous. Other times you win because you are the best. But you can be the best without being tremendous.’
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Manchester United will fight for Rooney, says Carrick The striker wants to leave Old Trafford this summer despite the club's unwillingness to sell him to Chelsea and his team-mates have rallied around after his first-team return
Tevez: Conte is just like Fergie The Juventus striker has lauded his new coach's winning mentality in the wake of the 4-0 Supercoppa Italiana triumph over Lazio on Sunday
Mourinho has come home, says Lampard The 35-year-old highlighted the jubilant atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as the Portuguese guided Chelsea to a win in his first Premier League match since being reappointed
Southampton sign Osvaldo from Roma The 27-year-old forward, who scored 16 goals in 29 Serie A appearances last season, has signed a four-year contract with Mauricio Pochettino's side
Chelsea 2-0 Hull City Tigers: Oscar & Lampard ensure Mourinho a happy homecoming The Brazilian opened the scoring on 13 minutes after the Blues' all-time top scorer had seen a penalty saved by Allan McGregor, but he atoned with a stunning free kick
Vertonghen hails Paulinho & Capoue impact The Belgium international feels Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has strengthened his squad enough this summer to secure Champions League football come the end of the 2013-14 season
Moyes hails Van Persie after Swansea double The Dutchman continued his incredible scoring run with two superb strikes against the Swans, while Danny Welbeck also doubled last season's Premier League tally
Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham: Soldado debut strike gets Spurs off & running The Spaniard stroked home from the penalty spot after Aaron Lennon's cross struck the arm of Dean Moxey as Andre Villas-Boas' men triumphed without Gareth Bale
Rooney: I need to play more games The Manchester United striker says that he has been working hard to reach full fitness after recovering from a shoulder injury but claims that he is still lacking sharpness
Lampard hopeful Rooney will sign for Chelsea The midfielder says that the Blues want Jose Mourinho to bring the unsettled forward to Stamford Bridge and feels that the club have a strong squad ahead of the new season
Barry fears for Manchester City future The England midfielder's camp are unsure over his long-term chances at the Etihad Stadium and plan to speak with director of football Txiki Begiristain in the next fortnight
Wenger shrugs off Arsenal sack talk The Gunners manager does not fear for his job despite a trying summer and a 3-1 opening-day Premier League defeat to Aston Villa that prompted fury from supporters
'Everything has been resolved' - Rodgers confident on Suarez Liverpool stay The Reds manager is content that Arsenal's interest will not come to fruition after the in-demand striker attended his side's 1-0 Premier League victory over Stoke City
Ancelotti: Bale is delicate The Real Madrid coach has refused to be drawn on a potential move for the Welshman, fearing another backlash from Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas
Soldado will always score goals, says Kempes The Argentine World Cup winner has backed another former Valencia striker to be a big success at Tottenham providing he can adapt to the Premier League
Mourinho: I will quit Chelsea if I do not win trophies The Blues manager hopes to bring stability back to the club and is planning on staying at Stamford Bridge for the long term after returning for a second spell at the helm
Welbeck deserves the headlines, says Moyes The 22-year-old forward netted a double as well as Robin van Persie to ensure the Premier League champions got off to a perfect start under their new manager
Wenger defends Arsenal transfer policy after Aston Villa defeat The Frenchman insists the blame for his side's loss at the Emirates Stadium cannot be directed at a lack of signings this summer
Swansea City 1-4 Manchester United: Van Persie & Welbeck doubles give champions perfect start The Red Devils picked up all three points in David Moyes' first Premier League game in charge with a comfortable 4-1 win at the Liberty Stadium against Micheal Laudrup's side
Goal-line technology makes Premier League debut Fabian Delph's shot came off the post and rolled along the line, prompting Anthony Taylor to use newly introduced Hawkeye system for the first time on the opening day of the season
Arsenal & Wenger's folly exposed by rampant Aston Villa The costs of the French manager's failure to strengthen his squad this summer were there for all to see as Aston Villa ensured the Gunners' season started in the worst possible way
Liverpool boss Rodgers lauds Sturridge & Mignolet after Stoke win The 23-year-old striker scored the only goal of the game, while the Belgian goalkeeper saved a late Jonathan Walters penalty, to ensure the Reds started the season with a victory
Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa: Benteke & Luna sink 10-man Gunners Paul Lambert's men came from behind to earn a damaging opening day win against Arsene Wenger's side who also had to contend with Laurent Koscielny's sending off in the second half
West Ham 2-0 Cardiff City: Cole & Nolan get Hammers off to perfect start Sam Allardyce's men claimed all three points against the newly-promoted side as the former Liverpool midfielder struck first before the skipper wrapped up the win
West Brom 0-1 Southampton: Late Lambert penalty caps stunning week for striker The Saints hitman followed a goal on his international debut with a late winner on the opening day of the season to give his side a perfect start to the new season at the Hawthorns
Sunderland 0-1 Fulham: Kasami secures opening day win Both sides fielded a host of new signings at the Stadium of Light, but it was Martin Jol's men who came out on top courtesy of a powerful header from the Swiss midfielder
Norwich City 2-2 Everton: Van Wolfswinkel saves point for hosts after Toffees turnaround The Dutchman scored his first goal for the club on his competitive debut to claim a draw after Roberto Martinez's men had led courtesy of goals from Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman
Liverpool 1-0 Stoke: Sturridge strike enough as Reds survive late penalty The England frontman scored the first goal of the new Premier League season with a long-range effort that secured Brendan Rodgers' men all three points in a match they dominated
Barcelona end David Luiz & Agger chase The Catalans made offers for both defenders earlier this summer, but Gerardo Martino has claimed they will no longer sign a centre-back
Villas-Boas reveals he rejected two job offers to stay with Tottenham The 35-year-old insists he had plenty of reason to stay at White Hart Lane for the coming campaign, despite reported interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid
Mourinho: Chelsea can win the Premier League The Portuguese manager believes no team is strong enough to "destroy the competition", but still believes his Stamford Bridge side have enough technical quality to lift the trophy
Rodgers: Nothing less than Champions League will do for Liverpool The 40-year-old is refusing to hide behind the excuse that other clubs are in a stronger financial position than the Reds and is aiming solely for a place in the top four
Moyes: Nobody will ever replace Ferguson at Manchester United The new Old Trafford boss believes the 71-year-old is irreplaceable, but insists he will work hard to drive the club forward as they look to defend their Premier League crown
