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Arsenal turn to £40m Benzema in striker search as Juve warn against Pogba pursuit
JEREMY WILSON – 22 AUGUST 2013
Arsenal have moved for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in an attempt finally to add the proven world-class forward that Arsene Wenger has made his priority this summer.
Wenger has tracked Benzema for many years to little avail, but there is a feeling that a £40m offer could now succeed as Madrid seek to balance their finances in the expectation of a likely world-record fee to recruit Gareth Bale.
Arsenal have already failed with bids this summer for Gonzalo Higuain, who eventually joined Napoli and Liverpool's Luis Suarez, but Wenger remains determined to add an established striker from the elite bracket of world football.
Although interest in Suarez and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney does remain genuine, there is an acceptance at Arsenal that either deal would be difficult to complete in this transfer window.
Still only 25, Benzema fits perfectly the profile of player that Wenger wants. As well as having a good goalscoring record in his own right, he is adept at holding the ball up and bringing others into play.
This is critical in the 4-2-3-1 system that Arsenal play, with Wenger still effectively trying to replace not just the goals, but the all-round influence of Robin van Persie.
It is understood that Arsenal have been in touch with Madrid over the past 48 hours and are encouraged that a deal for Benzema could be feasible. Although Madrid have already sold one striker this summer in Higuain, there is a feeling that Spain U-21 forward Alvaro Morata is ready to step into a more senior starting role.
Cristiano Ronaldo could also play further forward in a more central position, especially with Bale likely to be added to the team. Real will also be well aware that Suarez would be keen to join them.
Even so, it would still be a big decision for new manager Carlo Ancelotti to sell Benzema as well as Higuain in this transfer window.
Benzema scored in Madrid's victory last week on the opening day of the La Liga season. Although he has been due to open negotiations on a new contract at Madrid, the fact that he is already in the final two years of his deal does indicate some uncertainty on either side about the future.
After four seasons at Madrid, Benzema would want to be the main man in their attack this year and will be well aware of Wenger's high regard of his qualities.
Olivier Giroud, Benzema's team-mate for France, is still also very much part of Wenger's plans, but the manager wants a more proven option to lead his attack. Although Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are also keen to play more centrally, Wenger regards their obvious quality in front of goal as most effective when cutting in from wider positions.
Arsenal have endured repeated frustration in the transfer window and, as well as a striker, Wenger is still working on deals for a goalkeeper and at least one midfielder.
Bids were made this week for the former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who is now at Juventus, as well as Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye.
Beppe Marotta, the Juventus director general, yesterday told Arsenal that they could "forget about Pogba," claiming that he would not sell at any price.
There is rather more hope on concluding a deal for Cabaye, despite Newcastle's rejection of an initial £10.2m bid. Cabaye has made it clear that he wants to leave and, although Paris St-Germain are also interested and Newcastle are demanding at least £20m, Arsenal hope that a compromise can be reached.
Wenger would also like to add to his goalkeeping options, but it is understood that a £6m offer for Valencia's Vicente Guaita, has been rejected. Guaita did not start regularly for Valencia last season, but is expected to play a more prominent role this year and is valued by the Spanish club at £20m. Stoke's Asmir Begovic is also an option and, although there has been no bid from Arsenal, Stoke City will delay sending Jack Butland out on loan amid fears of a move. Arsenal had a bid rejected for Begovic in January, with Stoke wanting around £12m.
Wenger last night suggested that the club were now looking beyond Suarez. "It is true that one bid for a striker did not work (Suarez), that took a long time," he said.
Nicolas Anelka leaves West Bromwich Albion and could retire from football completely
Nicolas Anelka’s future at West Bromwich Albion is shrouded in mystery after the striker was granted compassionate leave, hours after clearing his locker and declaring he was quitting the club.
Leaving: Nicolas Anelka joined West Brom following a loan spell at Juventus next season Photo: PA
By John Percy
12:01AM BST 23 Aug 2013
Anelka will miss Albion’s trip to Everton this weekend and could have played his last game for Steve Clarke, less than two months after signing as a free agent at the Hawthorns.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward is understood to have been considering his future over the past 48 hours, after making his debut against Southampton last Saturday, and there have even been claims that he could now retire from the game.
Clarke, the Albion head coach, and technical director Richard Garlick both attempted to persuade the former France international to change his mind but Anelka did not train yesterday after walking out of the club’s base in Walsall.
One of Anelka’s agents, Eric Manasse, died recently, leaving Anelka distraught and contemplating whether to carry on playing.
“It is with great sadness that I just learned the death of Mr Eric Manasse,” Anelka said on his Facebook page last night. “Upset by the news of mourning which strikes his family and relatives, Eric will leave a great void in our lives.
"I can’t find the words to express my immense sorrow, and I wanted to bring all my condolences to family Manasse after this tragic loss.”
Albion are determined to treat the matter sensitively and will hope to hold talks with the 34-year-old next week in an attempt to persuade him to return.
There is no suggestion of a dispute and the club announced in a statement that he had been “excused from club duty on compassionate grounds”.
This surprise development is the latest episode in Anelka’s nomadic career, which has been blighted by persistent accusations regarding his attitude and temperament, earning him the nickname 'Le Sulk’.
Clarke defended the player last week, insisting he did not deserve his unwanted reputation and claiming he would prove a huge success this season.
Anelka signed a one-year contract in July after his deal expired at Juventus and produced a number of encouraging performances in
pre-season. Now Albion are facing the prospect of losing the forward just one game into the Premier League season unless the impasse can be resolved.
Clarke completed the signing of Manchester City’s Scott Sinclair yesterday, with the 24-year-old joining for the season with a view to a permanent £4 million move next summer.
Sinclair is keen to revive his career after a dismal 12 months at the Etihad Stadium and is expected to make his debut at Goodison Park tomorrow.
Gareth Bale expected to complete world record £93m move to Real Madrid at the weekend
Gareth Bale is on the verge of becoming the most expensive player in football history with a £93 million move to Real Madrid expected to be completed over the weekend.
Eyes on Real: Gareth Bale has repeatedly told Tottenham and manager Andre Villas-Boas that he wanted to leave Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By John Percy
10:30PM BST 22 Aug 2013
Bale’s future appears increasingly likely to be resolved after the Spanish club intensified negotiations to sign the Wales international after almost two months of talks.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has been locked in advanced discussions with Real Madrid for two days and a deal to take Bale to the Bernabéu is reaching a conclusion in what will be a straight cash agreement with no other players involved.
Spurs had attempted to persuade Real to part with players, including left-back Fabio Coentrao, but that arrangement has proven too complicated.
Real remain hopeful of announcing the signing before the home game against Atletico Madrid on Sunday in an attempt to maximise the global television audience and sources close to the deal are claiming today will be crucial.
Bale’s expected move was delayed on Thursday because of Real’s friendly against Qatari side Al-Sadd, the new home of striker Raul, who is Real’s all-time leading appearance holder and goalscorer, but talks are now expected to progress.
The deal will shatter the world record of £80 million for Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved from Manchester United in 2009, and will come as a huge relief to Bale amid fears early last week that his dream move could be off.
Levy has met the Real president, Florentino Pérez, twice this summer and made it clear that the deal would only be concluded on Spurs’s terms.
Bale has repeatedly told the club and manager Andre Villas-Boas that he wanted to leave and has grown increasingly frustrated at the tactics and apparent intransigence of Levy during the whole protracted affair.
However, there is little doubt that Levy, a businessman of such unbreakable resolve he could have been carved from granite, is on course to secure his greatest triumph since taking office in February 2001.
After batting away the relentless advances of Real for most of the summer, even threatening to call off the deal on two occasions, his success in backing the Spanish club into a corner is undoubtedly a significant achievement.
Levy has also proved that he has learnt from previous experiences, after his decision to sell Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United in the final hours of the 2008 summer transfer window inflicted serious damage on the season.
Despite infuriating Bale and the 24-year-old’s camp with his stubborn approach, the deal appears close to completion more than a week before the window closes, enabling Villas-Boas to bring in further new recruits without having to resort to burning the midnight oil.
Spurs have already spent more than £60 million in the Premier League this summer, with further signings anticipated, and while replacing Bale will be an arduous task, maybe Villas-Boas’s dreams of dominating English football and eventually winning the quadruple are not so far-fetched.
Arsenal target Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria in £80m spree
Arsenal are preparing to launch a 10-day shopping spree that could bring them five players, including Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria, at a total cost of £80 million.
Handy duo: Arsenal want to buy Angel di Maria (left) and Karim Benzema (centre) from Real Madrid Photo: AP
By Jeremy Wilson
10:30PM BST 22 Aug 2013
Benzema has emerged as Wenger’s priority signing and, following an initial inquiry to Real Madrid, there is growing confidence that a £40 million bid would be enough to secure the France striker.
Having failed with a controversial £40,000,001 offer for Liverpool’s Luis Suárez, Wenger has now concluded that he must move on to other targets of a “world-class” stature.
Benzema’s ability to link the play and operate as a lone central striker has made him a long-term target of Wenger and, with Madrid close to completing the world-record transfer of Gareth Bale, there is a sense that they are prepared to make major sales.
Although Madrid have already sold one striker this summer in Gonzalo Higuain, there is a feeling that Spain Under-21 forward Álvaro Morata is ready to step into a more senior starting role. Madrid could also still launch a bid for Suárez.
Arsenal are also keen on Di Maria, who is available and was previously put forward as a potential part of the Bale deal.
Di Maria generally plays on the left wing and his arrival at Arsenal would place a major question mark over the future of Lukas Podolski, who himself is the subject of serious interest from Schalke, Wolfsburg and Galatasaray.
Podolski has failed to command a regular place in the team since his arrival last summer and, although he did score 16 goals last season, there were question marks over his work-rate and general contribution.
Benzema has been tracked by Wenger for many years, while chief scout Steve Rowley first began watching Di Maria before he moved to Madrid in 2010 while he was still based in Argentina.
Although Arsenal have faced stinging criticism over a perceived lack of planning this summer, they have been working through a variety of lists that were drawn up by the club’s scouting department. Each of the club’s scouts was asked to recommend two players in each position and, from that list, Wenger and Rowley have drawn up a top-five list of targets for each position.
They are also still actively looking to recruit a midfielder, goalkeeper and defender. Bids were made this week for the former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who is now at Juventus, as well as Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye. Arsenal have been told that Pogba is not for sale at any price but, with Cabaye keen to leave Newcastle, a new bid of around £15 million is expected next week. Paris St-Germain are also interested, with Newcastle having initially said that they would want at least £20 million for their France midfielder.
Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal’s former midfielder, has also been training with the club and is increasingly likely to be signed on a free transfer. Flamini’s versatility is an added attraction for Wenger and, as well as boosting his central-midfield options in the current absence of Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, he can also cover at right back.
Wenger has been seeking to add a right-sided defender and there has been tentative interest in Micah Richards, who has made little progress with contract talks at Manchester City and would cost around £10 million. There has been no bid for Swansea City’s Ashley Williams.
Arsenal also hope to add a goalkeeper before the transfer window shuts on Sept 2, with Wenger now focused on Valencia’s Vicente Guaita. An initial bid of £6 million has been rejected but Arsenal are expected to return with a new offer.
Buoyed by the 3-0 win over Fenerbahce on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League play-off, Wenger promised that the transfer window would start “now” for Arsenal and predicted that he would be very active.
Arsenal certainly do have substantial available resources. They renegotiated a shirt sponsorship deal with Emirates earlier this year and have also agreed, in principle, a new kit deal with Puma. Arsenal were previously locked into 10-year commercial partnerships to secure the funding for the Emirates and will add around £70 million of annual revenue from next year with their new deals. They had also built up a transfer budget of around £70 million following major player sales over the past three years.
Villas-Boas unaware of Chelsea's pursuit of Willian The Blues lodged an improved offer for the Brazilian on Thursday, but the Spurs boss is keen for the transfer speculation to not distract from an emphatic win in the Europa League
Chelsea bid to hijack Willian deal The Anzhi Makhachkala attacker underwent a medical with Tottenham on Wednesday, and looked on course to agree a deal, before the Blues lodged an increased bid of €37 million
Schmeichel: Manchester United do not need a statement signing Moves for Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas have fallen embarrassingly by the wayside, but the Dane believes his old club cannot spend money for the sake of it
No improved Cabaye offer from Arsenal, says Pardew The Newcastle boss insists the situation with the France international is ongoing and says the club are preparing to sign players in the final week of the transfer window
De Ceglie rejects Sunderland move The wing-back does not want to leave northern Italy, but Juventus are hopeful that the Black Cats will return with a better contract offer and complete the transfer
West Brom sign Sinclair from Manchester City on season-long loan The 24-year-old, who made just 11 Premier League appearances last term, can join Steve Clarke's side on a permanent basis at the end of the campaign
Liverpool chasing new centre-back Brendan Rodgers is eager to bolster his back line following a serious injury to Sebastian Coates, while he denied Napoli had made a bid for Martin Skrtel
West Brom striker Anelka to miss Everton clash on compassionate grounds The Baggies have denied reports the Frenchman has retired from football, but the 34-year-old will play no part in Saturday's match against Roberto Martinez's men
Ben Arfa outlines top-five ambition Despite kicking off their Premier League campaign with a 4-0 humbling at the hands of Manchester City, the Newcastle star is hopeful that they can push up the table
Tottenham are not title contenders yet, warns Villas-Boas Despite investing heavily in his Spurs squad this summer, the 35-year-old admits that his new-look team will need time to gel and a Premier League winners' medal is out of reach
Yaya Toure dismisses Manchester City 'favourites' tag The Ivorian believes that refreshed teams at Chelsea and Manchester United will push his Spanish-influenced side close, with Champions League improvement their No.1 aim
Arsenal await news of Koscielny injury The Gunners central defender was taken to hospital after being kicked in the head by Pierre Webo during his side's 3-0 win over Fenerbahce, with the problem being assessed
Manchester United submit £35m joint bid for Fellaini & Baines
Aug 22, 2013 6:45:00 PM
The Premier League champions have come back in for the Everton pair after seeing previous bids - described by the Toffees as "derisory and insulting" - rejected
EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart
Manchester United have launched an improved £35 million double bid for Everton pair Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines on Thursday, Goal understands.
The fresh bid values the Belgian midfielder at £20m and the left-back at £15m after the Toffees rejected a "derisory and insulting" initial offer worth £28m for the pair a week previously.
United's offer values Fellaini at less than the £23.5m release clause that expired in July but sources have told Goal that the Old Trafford club have set a £20m ceiling for the 25-year-old and that there is no room for manoeuvre.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has publicly stated his desire to keep both players at Goodison Park but the Spaniard wants the situation resolved quickly so that he can re-invest in the squad before the close of the transfer window.
United manager David Moyes is a huge fan of Fellaini and Baines, having worked with them at Everton before replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford at the end of last season.
The Red Devils boss is prepared to pursue a separate deal for Baines should the Toffees reject United's final bid for Fellaini.
The Scot believes that Everton need the money from the sale of at least one of their star players this summer, with the Merseyside club lining up a move for Wigan winger Callum McManaman.
Moyes put Fellaini and Baines at the top of his target list, having failed this summer with his pursuit of Thiago and Cesc Fabregas.
Everton responded angrily to United's first bid, with director of communications Alan Myers saying: "Those bids were rejected out of hand as derisory and insulting.
"The club did not make public these details as it was vital Roberto Martinez's preparations for the opening game of the Premier League season were not disrupted in any way."
Everton were particularly angered that United did not improve on the £12m that they offered for Baines, 28, in June while the £16m valuation of Fellaini fell well below the now-expired buyout clause.
The Moroccan struggled for first-team football with the Gunners and West Ham during his time in the Premier League but hopes that his transfer to Crystal Palace will change that
Crystal Palace striker Marouane Chamakh has admitted that he stayed at Arsenal too long.
The 29-year-old moved to the Emirates on a free transfer from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux in 2010 but struggled to dislodge Robin van Persie in the Gunners team.
Injuries and the signing of Olivier Giroud as Van Persie's replacement further hindered his cause for a first-team place at the Emirates Stadium but, although the Morocco international is disappointed about his game-time with the Gunners, he is sure that he made the right choice.
"I have regrets. I wish I had more time to play Arsenal," Chamakh told L'Equipe.
"I respect the decisions of the coach but I did not always have a chance. But I do not regret coming to England.
"At Arsenal, the first season was very good. Then I played a lot less. It was difficult because Van Persie was on fire. Until we changed system, there was no discussion between him and me.
"When he left, I thought there was a chance but, with the arrival of Giroud, I realised that I had no place out there."
A loan move to West Ham last season failed to work out for Chamakh but the Moroccan has been handed a lifeline by Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway and he warned Premier League defences that he will make his mark.
"West Ham was a bad choice. It did not go well at all," the forward admitted. "The manager promised me that, [due to] the injury to [Andy] Carroll, I would get playing time. Alou Diarra had warned me.
"I know I'll have plenty of time here [at Palace]. I'm going to get chances and find the net."
Rio Ferdinand can sense Danny Welbeck is desperate to avoid a second season of goalscoring underachievement. Lambert vows to protect Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has played down the exchanges between Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and himself but also vowed to keep standing up for the midlands club.
Sinclair leaves Man City for West Brom loan
West Brom have signed winger Scott Sinclair on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.
Holloway eager to move on after FA charge
Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway admits he must control his emotions after being charged with improper conduct by the Football Association. Hughton: Losing Bennett a big blow
Norwich manager Chris Hughton was counting the cost of the club's first Premier League point of the season after Elliott Bennett was ruled out until the new year. Rodgers: I haven't heard of Skrtel bid
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claims the club have not received any approach for defender Martin Skrtel. Saints to unleash Lambert, Osvaldo pairing
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has moved to reassure Rickie Lambert that he remains in his plans despite the club-record signing of Dani Osvaldo. Martinez praises Fellaini, Baines behavior
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised the professionalism of sought-after duo Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. Lukaku hoping to make United start
Romelu Lukaku hopes to start up front for Chelsea at Manchester United on Monday to show Jose Mourinho that he can be the focal point of the Blues' attack.
RVP eager to do wonders for Man United
Rio Ferdinand believes Robin van Persie is out to prove he is no one-season wonder for Manchester United. Allardyce: I'm happy with West Ham squad
West Ham look set to continue the season with the squad they have after manager Sam Allardyce revealed there are no funds to add further new faces to his ranks.
Terry handball a clear penalty, says Lambert
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert suggested Chelsea would have been awarded a penalty if an incident similar to John Terry's handball occurred in the home team's box.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has warned fans they could face more pain in the transfer market as he struggles to hang on to star French midfielder Yohan Cabaye.
Yohan Cabaye, Newcastle
Thursday 22nd August 2013
Pardew angrily rejected an initial £10million bid from Arsenal for Cabaye on Monday a matter of hours before his side kicked off their new Barclays Premier League campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Manchester City.
But the Gunners and Paris St Germain are both reportedly poised to make improved bids while Pardew battles to add to his squad as he heads towards the final week of the transfer window.
Pardew said: "We're the sort of club that is not in the bracket where we can dictate a transfer.
"We sometimes have to respond, because we are not in the position where we have got the luxuries of Tottenham or Liverpool.
"For us, we're poised waiting to see what happens, and we want to make sure we bring in one or two players that affect our first team."
Pardew spent part of this week meeting Magpies owner Mike Ashley in the south of France to mull over potential new targets, but he is acutely aware time is running out to strike more deals, with on-loan Loic Remy still the club's only signing of the summer.
Pardew added: "This is the big week where everything comes up. I do think there will be business this week across the board, and I certainly hope we're part of it."
In a week Pardew described as "not the easiest", few things irritated him more than the timing of Arsenal's offer for Cabaye, which unsettled the player to such an extent he was left out of the mauling at City.
Pardew has still not decided whether to include Cabaye against West Ham at St James' Park on Saturday, but his hand may be forced by injuries to both Jonas Gutierrez and Cheick Tiote.
Former Manchester United and England star Gary Neville has revealed the secret of Sir Alex Ferguson's team talks - don't mention football.
Thursday 22nd August 2013
Neville, who joined Sky Sports after a career that saw him win dozens of trophies, said making his debut as a TV pundit was 'the most nerve-wracking" experience of his life.
He said: "I was nervous as a footballer at times, but I was more nervous doing Monday Night Football.
"It was the most nerve-wracking experience I'd had in my life along with my driving test."
Speaking at the Edinburgh Television Festival, he shed some light on Sir Alex's man-management skills. He said the Scot "demanded excellence and hard work" and said the "players bought into him massively".
Neville added: "We got to the point whereby you're almost 24 clones really in some ways." Describing Sir Alex's pre-match team talks, he said: "Sometimes they would be nothing to do with football.
"It would be about a dockyard, it could be about growing up, could be about a gentleman he met that was 78 last week and is going into work as much as he's ever done.
"He was a psychologist really. He didn't believe in psychology but he was a psychologist.
"In every message he gave you he was trying to affect your mind and get you into a positive mindset."
Done deal? Bale shirts available on Real website BEFORE official announcement
By ELLIOTT BRETLAND PUBLISHED: 20:03 GMT, 22 August 2013 | UPDATED: 07:10 GMT, 23 August 2013
Andre Villas-Boas refused to comment on speculation regarding Gareth Bale's future - but Real Madrid already appear to think they have got their man. On the ‘Official Real Madrid Store’ webpage, Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is clearly listed as No 11 on the La Liga giants' squad list between Mesut Ozil and Marcelo and his new replica shirt is available for purchase. Shortly after the screen grabs were taken, the site was down for maintenance.
Jumping the gun? Gareth Bale has been listed in the Real Madrid squad list on the club's website and his shirt is available to buy
Real had kept No 11 free when they announced their squad numbers in pre-season and are desperate to land Bale and hand him the shirt.
The Welshman has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital all summer after some scintillating performances for Spurs last season. Real have made no secret of their desire to sign Bale this summer and Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini flew to Madrid on Wednesday to finalise Bale's world record £94million transfer to Los Blancos.
Talks: Tottenham's technical director Franco Baldini was in Madrid on Wednesday to discuss Bale's record-breaking switch
However, it seems Madrid have jumped the gun and dropped the strongest hint yet that Bale's arrival is imminent by selling shirts bearing the former Southampton man's name.
Villas-Boas tried to dodge the first question about the progress of Bale's transfer in his post-match press conference after Tottenham's 5-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi and said he was concentrating on 'building a very strong team'.
When pressed on the frontman's future the Spurs boss said: 'On Gareth I am not able to comment on anything that has been my tone since the start of the season and I will not come out of it.'
Despite Villas-Boas' comments it appears that the 24-year-old has played his last game for the North London club.
All smiles: Villas-Boas refused to comment on Bale but won't be so cheery if Bale completes his expected move to Real Madrid
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has pulled off a coup by spending most of the cash from Bale's sale even before it has been confirmed, avoiding the inflated costs often quoted to clubs who are known to have lots of money to spend.
Having already spent £60million on four new signings, the White Hart Lane club have also held talks in London with Roma officials over the potential signing of Argentine forward Erik Lamela. However, a move for Anzhi Makhachkala star Willian has been cast into doubt with Chelsea now reportedly in pole position to sign the 25-year-old.
Blow: Anzhi star Willian was close to signing for Tottenham but it now looks like he'll join Chelsea
Madrid aren't the first club to have let slip about a potential switch this summer after Manchester United accidentally announced the appointment of Everton manager David Moyes by asking fans to send the Scot a personal welcome message before an official announcement had been made. In 2008, Chelsea scuppered a move for Madrid star Robinho when they started selling replica shirts bearing the Brazilian's name before they had actually signed him. The frontman later moved to Manchester City and claimed his move to Stamford Bridge fell through because Real were angry at the Blues' for denting their 'pride'.
Early: Manchester United posted this message on their Facebook page before any official announcement about David Moyes' appointment had been made
Missed out: After Chelsea's shirt stunt, Brazil star Robinho ended up signing for Manchester City instead
Bale shock: Spurs threaten to pull the plug on £94m Real deal as Mourinho bids to hijack Willian's £30m switch
By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 18:11 GMT, 22 August 2013 | UPDATED: 07:17 GMT, 23 August 2013
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has hijacked Tottenham’s proposed £30million deal for Brazil winger Willian. And the dramatic swoop for the Anzhi Makhachkala player immediately put Gareth Bale’s world-record switch to Real Madrid in doubt. Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas insisted his side could cope without Bale after they stormed to a 5-0 win against Dinamo Tbilisi in their Europa League qualifying play-off.
All smiles: Willian passed a medical at Tottenham but could now move to Chelsea in a sensational U-Turn
Hair tomorrow? Willian looks certain to leave Russian crisis club Anzhi Mackhachkala for the Premier League
But Sportsmail understands Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is so furious about Mourinho’s £32m move for Willian that he is threatening to pull the plug on Bale’s departure. Stunned White Hart Lane officials will consider their next move today. Negotiations with Real about Bale are so far advanced that the £94m mega-deal is still likely to go through by the September 2 deadline. However, Levy’s apparent fury provides yet another twist to the biggest transfer saga of the summer. Willian looked certain to join Spurs at the start of the week after having a medical at the club.
Back again: Willian impressed in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea last season (above)
But Mourinho’s last-minute move to beat Villas-Boas, who worked under the Chelsea manager during his first stint at Stamford Bridge, leaves the deal in serious doubt. Villas-Boas last night refused to discuss developments concerning Bale and Willian. But he said of the Dinamo thrashing: ‘Does this show we can compete without Bale? Yes, it was a good result. The team are changing and adapting to new players. It was good to test a few things as well.‘In the end we wanted to get a result that put us in a good position for the second leg and we achieved it.
Looking ahead: Andre Villas-Boas insisted after Spurs' 5-0 win against Dinamo Tbilisi that his side can cope without Bale if he moves to Real Madrid
‘We are building a very, very strong team for the future. Strong teams are consistent when they have their best players available — you always want a stronger team than the one before. Our idea is to be stronger even more than last season.‘We have to scout for the best players. We will continue to do so. We have already seen four of our new players here and, in the end, the stronger we look for the future the better.‘We had some very good moments and the difference was scoring from the chances we had. The killer instinct was there and Dinamo didn’t have that.’
New gaffer? Jose Mourinho confirmed Chelsea had 'plans B and C' in the pursuit of Wayne Rooney (below)
Furious United to reject third bid from Chelsea as Rooney wrangling casts shadow over Monday's Old Trafford showdown
By ADAM CRAFTON PUBLISHED: 07:26 GMT, 23 August 2013 | UPDATED: 07:55 GMT, 23 August 2013
Manchester United will reject a third bid from Chelsea for unsettled forward Wayne Rooney - and the Champions have been left furious by Jose Mourinho’s attempts to derail the striker ahead of Monday evening’s clash between the two sides at Old Trafford. Rooney has been the subject of sustained interest from Chelsea over the course of the summer with two opening bids - worth £22million and £30million - and Mourinho revealed on Wednesday night that he intends to make another offer for the England star. However, in a move United believe could destabilise Rooney ahead of the crunch encounter with Chelsea - and David Moyes first competitive match at Old Trafford - Mourinho added that any bid would be delayed until after the title contenders face off on Monday night.
Has his head been turned? Chelsea will make a third and improved bid for Wayne Rooney - but United will angrily turn it down
Following Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, Mourinho said of the proposed third offer: ‘I don’t want Chelsea to do it before we go there and everybody in the club and board agree with me, we share that opinion.‘There is time to do things, what we did before, we will do later, but I think this period before the game, from an ethical point of view, is a period when we are going to be quiet and thinking just about this game.’Rooney, who earlier this summer was said to be ‘angry and confused’ with life at Old Trafford, missed pre-season through injury but made his return from the substitute’s bench in last weekend’s 4-1 win at Swansea.
Plotting: Jose Mourinho knows a third bid for Rooney will test United's patience and inflame feelings ahead of Monday night's clash at Old Trafford
Despite his evident unhappiness - Rooney did not celebrate United’s third and fourth goal with his jubilant team-mates - the forward’s performance was impressive, with Rooney contributing two assists and looking sharp.Rooney also joined up with his team-mates and manager for a meal at Manchester’s Australasia restaurant earlier this week. David Moyes is understood to have no reservations about starting with the England man against Chelsea, despite the continued speculation, although Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie could keep their place as the preferred partnership after notching two goals each at the Liberty Stadium. Jose Mourinho will turn his attention to former Barcelona and Inter striker Samuel Eto’o should his pursuit of Rooney prove fruitless.
Benched: Rooney didn't start at Swansea last weekend but could be pressed into action from the start against Chelsea
Roberto Martínez criticises United's strategy after Fellaini-Baines bid
• 'I've never seen United working in this manner,' says Martínez
• Manager admits Everton could sell if valuation is met
The Guardian, Thursday 22 August 2013 11.00 BST
Everton turned down Manchester United's joint £28m bid for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines earlier this week. Photograph: Action Images/Getty Images
Roberto Martínez has poured scorn on Manchester United's attempt to sign Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines from Everton, suggesting it signals a departure from their transfer dealings under Sir Alex Ferguson.
United have not made a senior signing since Ferguson and the former chief executive David Gill were replaced by David Moyes and Ed Woodward respectively, but last week made what Everton described as "a derisory and insulting" £28m joint bid for Baines and Fellaini. The offer, submitted by Woodward, valued Baines at £12m, the sum Everton rejected in July, and Fellaini at £16m, less than Moyes paid for the midfielder five years ago, and it left Everton's chairman, Bill Kenwright, "angry, disappointed and hurt", according to Martínez.
The Premier League champions are expected to return with improved offers for the Everton duo and Martínez admitted he cannot guarantee the players will be at Goodison Park when the transfer window closes. But he insisted Everton have no desire to sell and have been left perplexed at United's transfer strategy.
"I have never seen Manchester United working in this manner before," the Everton manager said. "When you want a player you just do the business quietly, you get it done and that's it. I don't know if this is a new way of working at United. I don't expect a new bid. In fact, it wasn't even a bid because it never reached any sort of valuation of the players.
"There isn't an offer on the table where anyone would consider anything. If they'd matched the valuation maybe then you would listen to it but that hasn't been the situation."
Martínez claimed United's offer for Fellaini, who had a £23.5m buyout clause until 31 July but attracted no offers in that period, lacked common sense. He said: "If you invest a certain amount in a player and that player is one of the outstanding performers in the league, then I'm sure that price has gone up. It is common sense, isn't it?
"The market brings the valuation. There are aspects to consider like the age of the player and the length of his contract, but then it is very easy to look at the current price of that type of player in the market. That gives you a valuation.
"But I am not trying to fix a price for a player. It would be wrong to say that. I don't want to sell. But what is clear is if you want to buy a player and he's been a good performer, you must offer a higher value than what the club invested to get him. That's common sense."
Everton have received no fresh offers since rejecting the joint bid out of hand last Thursday and Martínez insisted Baines and Fellaini remain committed to the club. "So far everyone has been in a great frame of mind," he said. "They are focused, they are top professionals, it is their job and at the end of the day it is their passion. You can imagine it is not a fair situation for anyone."
"But the Everton manager conceded there are no guarantees over their futures with the transfer window still open. "Nobody can guarantee a player will be here on 3 September, in the same way you can't guarantee you'll have a squad that is fully fit," Martínez added. "If I guaranteed now they will stay I would be lying because if Real Madrid decides to give us €100m for a player I am sure we will not be able to stop that. I think we need to be realistic.
"I don't want to lose anyone and financially the club does not have to sell, which is very important."
Kompany out for month as City suffer defensive crisis
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been ruled out for at least four weeks with a groin injury.
Eurosport – 22 August 2013
Manchester City's Vincent Kompany (left) is substituted off with an injury (PA Photos)
Belgium central defender Kompany, 27, picked up the injury in the 4-0 win over Newcastle and it had been hoped he would return within two weeks.
"I prefer the doctor has the final word on this but I think he will be out for at least one month," confirmed boss Manuel Pellegrini.
"If we do strengthen (at centre back) it will not just be because of Vincent Kompany’s injury. We have a very good squad and we see what happens.
"Today or tomorrow we will know exactly how long Vincent will be out for."
City had already been without injured Serbia defender Matija Nastasic, although the club added he could return to fitness in time for the weekend match against Cardiff.
If Nastasic does not return, Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards would be the only specialist senior centre-halves at the club, although youngster Dedryck Boyata has first-team experience while Yaya Toure could be asked to play there.
The Premier League runners-up have been linked with Argentine defender Martin Demichelis, who only joined Atletico Madrid this summer.
Bale fee shows a lack of respect for world we live in, says Martino The former Newell's Old Boys coach has hit out at los Blancos over their plans to smash the transfer record for the Wales international
Rangel fears Soldado threat The Spanish defender has been impressed with the impact his compatriot has already had in England since moving to Spurs, having scored three goals in his first two matches
Arsenal transfer fate could be in Suarez's hands, hints Wenger The Gunners are eyeing an audacious swoop for Karim Benzema, but will only secure the Frenchman's signature if Real Madrid land Liverpool's Uruguayan forward as his replacement
Pardew warns Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse against overzealous celebrations The Senegal international picked up a yellow card for embracing the Magpies support after scoring against Fulham last term, and has been encouraged to show more restraint
Juventus should sign Nani, says Lombardo The former Bianconeri winger has urged his old employers to make a move for the Portugal attacker before the close of the transfer window
Wenger hasn't lost his touch, insists Clichy The Gunners manager came under fire for the way in which he is running the club following the defeat to Aston Villa, but his former charge believes he will prove everybody wrong
Moyes urges Martinez: Let Baines & Fellaini leave The Scot believes he would have found it tough to keep the pair if former Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson had come calling for them during his time at Goodison Park
Hamburg move for Arsenal outcast Bendtner The 25-year-old Denmark striker has again been offered the chance to move to the Bundesliga, after turning down a move to Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this summer
Forget Suarez, Arsenal should bid for Benteke - Cascarino The ex-Republic of Ireland international feels the Gunners should look to the Belgian to solve their striking problem, given their top target now looks set to stay at Anfield
No guarantees' over starting spot for Terry The Chelsea captain revealed that manager Jose Mourinho informed the Blues squad that no-one would be assured of a starting spot, regardless of their position at the club
Moyes: Welbeck can become 20-goal-a-season striker After talks with his manager over improving his positional awareness, the striker hit an opening day double in an impressive 4-1 win over Swansea
Wilshere: I could exit Arsenal if Wenger leaves After speculation and failed moves for high profile targets this summer, the midfielder defended his manager and branded the criticism ridiculous
Mourinho intent on forging strong Moyes relationship The 50-year-old is looking to emulate the strong relationship he had with Sir Alex Ferguson and hopes Chelsea's pursuit of Wayne Rooney does not have a negative impact
Arsenal reject Schalke's Podolski-Uchida part-exchange offer The Gunners have had a €7 million bid turned for the Japanese international but are unwilling to swap their German forward in exchange for the 25-year-old right-back
Aguero targets silverware with Manchester City The 25-year-old is determined to bring trophies back to the Etihad Stadium after a disappointing campaign and says the club are eyeing both domestic and European glory this season
Rodgers: Football reasons not behind Willian's Liverpool snub The Reds had been hopeful of securing a deal for the 25-year-old, but the Brazilian will not be joining the club following interest from Tottenham and Chelsea
Demichelis close to Manchester City move The Argentina defender is set to move to England despite only joining his current employers in July
Suarez resigned to Liverpool stay The Uruguay international has been courted by Arsenal during the summer window but FSG's reluctance to sell is set to see him remain at Anfield
Moyes relaxed over Manchester United's lack of signings: There's no pressure to buy The Scot is adamant that he will not be forced into signing players this summer and admits there is a chance the club will do no further business this transfer window
Redknapp: Tottenham will not pull plug on Bale transfer The 66-year-old laughs off suggestions that the north London club might cancel the Wales international's move to Spain
Arsenal open Di Maria talks with Real Madrid Arsene Wenger has turned his attention to the Spanish giants as he makes late-window attempts to bring a marquee signing to the Gunners following a frustrating summer
Wenger quiet on Flamini reunion The former Arsenal midfielder has been training with his old side since leaving AC Milan in the summer but the Gunners manager refuses to be drawn on a potential re-signing
Mourinho confirms Willian has chosen Chelsea over Tottenham & rules out Mata exit The Blues boss believes his side have won the race for the 25-year-old midfielder and trumped their London rivals to the deal, but has dismissed talk linking Mata with a move away
Manchester City captain Kompany out for at least a month with groin injury The centre-back picked up the injury against Newcastle United on Monday, while Manuel Pellegrini has reiterated that he could sign another defender before the transfer window ends
Lukaku would welcome Rooney at Chelsea The Belgium international is keen to make his mark on the first team this season but would be happy for the club to sign the Manchester United forward if it improved the squad
Sagna ready to play centre-back for Arsenal The 30-year-old right-back is happy to fill in as the Gunners battle injury and suspension to first-choice defenders and admits that Champions League qualification is vital
Manchester United 'laugh off' Mourinho mind-games, says Evans The 25-year-old insists that the players will not be unsettled by the Chelsea boss and questions whether the Portuguese can have the same impact as he did during his first spell
Wenger: Champions League key to signings The Arsenal manager insists he is "confident" of signing the right players, particularly after taking a clear advantage in their play-off against Fenerbahce
Raul snubbed Manchester United for Schalke, reveals agent The 36-year-old had the option to continue his career in the Premier League three years ago, but preferred a move to the Bundesliga
Rodgers warns Real Madrid: Suarez exit very difficult to complete The Liverpool manager insists that any deal would depend on the club finding a replacement and says that the Reds are still trying to sign "one or two more quality players"
Arsenal must make much better offer for Cabaye, insists Pardew The Newcastle manager is adamant that any bid for his star midfielder would have to be a winning proposition for the Magpies and challenges the Gunners to cooperate
Official: Barcelona sign Suarez The promising youngster has decided to leave Manchester City for a return to his native country after two years abroad
Martinez questions Manchester United's change in transfer strategy
By Michael Lightfoot9
Aug 23, 2013 10:24:00 AM
The Everton manager turned down a "derisory and insulting" joint bid for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines and feels David Moyes is attempting to recruit players incorrectly
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has questioned Manchester United's change in transfer strategy under David Moyes.
Since the former Toffees boss succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, the Premier League champions have taken a different approach to player recruitment - publicly acknowledging bids for Cesc Fabregas and Everton duo Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.
Martinez, whose club had branded the joint bid for the pair as "derisory and insulting", feels that a more private offer would have reaped more positive rewards - but he is not expecting United to return.
"I have never seen Manchester United working in this manner before," the Spaniard told reporters. "When you want a player you just do the business quietly, you get it done and that's it. I don't know if this is a new way of working at United.
"I don't expect a new bid. In fact, it wasn't even a bid because it never reached any sort of valuation of the players. There isn't an offer on the table where anyone would consider anything. If they'd matched the valuation maybe then you would listen to it but that hasn't been the situation."
As exclusively revealed by Goal, Moyes has upped his joint offer to £35m for the pair and Martinez acknowledged the lofty sum but criticised the Red Devils' valuation of his stars.
He continued: "If you invest a certain amount in a player and that player is one of the outstanding performers in the league, then I'm sure that price has gone up. It is common sense, isn't it?
"The market brings the valuation. There are aspects to consider, like the age of the player and the length of his contract, but then it is very easy to look at the current price of that type of player in the market. That gives you a valuation.
"But I am not trying to fix a price for a player. It would be wrong to say that. I don't want to sell. But what is clear is if you want to buy a player and he's been a good performer, you must offer a higher value than what the club invested to get him. That's common sense."
Martinez, though, praised the duo for continuing to perform in training and on the pitch, adding: "So far everyone has been in a great frame of mind. They are focused, they are top professionals, it is their job and at the end of the day it is their passion. You can imagine it is not a fair situation for anyone."
Pictured: Real Madrid set stage for Bale presentation
Aug 24, 2013 12:20:00 PM
The Spanish club are extremely confident of securing a deal for the Welshman in the next few days and have already prepared a special balcony on which to parade their new signing
By Greg Stobart
Real Madrid expect to reach an agreement with Tottenham for Gareth Bale imminently and have already set the stage for the winger's unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu.
THE STAGE IS SET
Madrid's offer currently stands at a potential world record £86 million (€100m), and although Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is holding out for £93m (€108m), the Spanish club have already prepared a special balcony on which they will parade their latest galactico.
Both clubs expect the deal to be completed within the next few days, and Tottenham are actively pursuing replacements.
They had been on the brink of signing Brazilian attacker Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala, only to be gazumped by Chelsea at the 11th hour, though a deal for Roma star Erik Lamela is progressing.
Madrid have chased Bale all summer, and although initial reports suggested that they would only make a move next year, they lodged an official offer at the end of July.
They are now supremely confident of landing the double PFA Premier League Player of the Year winner, and had already given the game away by listing 'Bale 11' replica shirts on their official website.
Although the club have prepared the special balcony to welcome Bale, the unveiling will not compare to those of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka or Karim Benzema, which featured a grand stage on the Bernabeu centre circle.
Lewandowski: I said no to Jose, Sir Alex and Real Madrid here's why I chose to stay in the Bundesliga
By JOHN DRAYTON PUBLISHED: 09:45 GMT, 24 August 2013 | UPDATED: 10:36 GMT, 24 August 2013
Borussia Dortmund hitman Robert Lewandowski has revealed that he turned down Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid to stay in the Bundesliga. After speculation throughout the summer linking him with a number of clubs, including rivals Bayern Munich, Lewandowski has resolved his differences with Dortmund and has reportedly had his wages trebled. And the 25-year-old has shed light on the exchanges he had with other clubs during a frenzy of interest, which included a text from Jose Mourinho.
On target: Lewandowski scored the winner for Dortmund in a 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Friday night
After scoring four goals against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, the 25-year-old received a message from Mourinho saying: 'I want you to join me in any club I go to.'Lewandowski told The Sun: 'I can confirm that I spoke to him [Mourinho]. We spoke a few times before. I have his number in my phone. It is a huge compliment for me that a manager with such a big name is texting me this way.'One year earlier I also spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson and that was definitely a great feeling.
Quadruple: Lewandowski scored four against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals
'The retirement of Sir Alex didn't affect my decision not to come to England. He spoke to me one year ago, but it was not a good time.'The Premier League is huge of course, as is La Liga. But the Bundesliga has all the conditions, stadiums, fans and atmosphere to dominate for the next five years.' Lewandowski also confirmed that he met with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in the Bernabeu moments after Dortmund sealed progression to the Champions League final.
The Special Text: Mourinho sent a message to Lewandowski moments after the Champions League semi-final
The Polish international enjoyed a sensational season, scoring 24 league goals and adding another 10 in the Champions League.It remains to be seen, however, whether Lewandowski will stay at Dortmund after his contract expires in 2014 or leave as a free agent.
Sturridge one of the best strikers in the Premier League, says Rodgers The Liverpool manager has praised the forward after another match-winning strike for the Reds and says he has all the attributes needed by an attacker at the top level
Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool: Sturridge strike enough for Reds to maintain perfect start Brendan Rodgers' side took all three points at Villa Park, despite a second-half surge from the home side, thanks to the England international's impressive first-half effort
Garde ready for Gourcuff exit The talented Frenchman has attracted interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United and his current coach says he has a contingency plan if he does leave the Stade de Gerland
Benzema will not go to Arsenal, says Real Madrid striker's agent The French striker will not leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer to join Arsene Wenger's side, according to the player's representative
Giroud's improved confidence paying dividends for Arsenal, says Wenger The Gunners boss praises the striker after he bagged his third goal in as many games against Fulham and reveals that a signing could be made before the north London derby
Fulham 1-3 Arsenal: Podolski double helps Gunners to victory Olivier Giroud scored the opener as Arsene Wenger's men put in a confident and assured performance to down the Cottagers, though Darren Bent grabbed a consolation on his debut
I rejected Chelsea, Manchester United & Real Madrid, reveals Lewandowski The striker, who has recently accepted he will see out the remainder of his contract at BVB, says he held discussions with Florentino Perez, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson
