Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

[Didier Drogba]

Saturday 30th July 2011
​

Gerrard ruled out until September

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out until September after being admitted to hospital with an infection related to his troublesome groin injury.

Gerrard had been undergoing rehabilitation from groin surgery that ended his season in mid-March but manager Kenny Dalglish had expected him to be back for the start of the new campaign. However, a statement on the club's website today revealed he will not be available until the following month. "Steven Gerrard today began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection related to an ongoing groin problem," it said.

The club statement continued: "He is expected to remain in hospital for several days while the precautionary procedure is completed. "The player will then return to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation programme and is expected to be available for selection in September."

The England midfielder, who sat out the club's brief tour of the Far East this summer, will therefore miss Liverpool's Barclays Premier League fixtures against Sunderland, Arsenal and Bolton, with the trip to Stoke on September 10 a likely target for his return.

Gerrard was already set to miss the international friendly with Holland on August 10 but will now also be a doubt for England's Euro 2012 qualifiers away to Bulgaria on September 2 and home to Wales four days later.

Steven Gerrard Factfile

1980: Born May 30, in Huyton.

1988: Joins Liverpool academy.

1998: November - Makes Liverpool debut as substitute against Blackburn.

December - Makes full debut against Tottenham.

1999: September - One of three players sent off in bad-tempered Merseyside derby as Everton achieve 1-0 win at Anfield.

December - Scores first Liverpool goal in 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

2000: May - Included in Euro 2000 squad and makes England debut in 2-0 friendly win against Ukraine.

June - Features as substitute in England's 1-0 success against Germany in Charleroi but forced to pull out of final group game through injury. England lose to Romania and go out of Euro 2000.

2001: September - Scores with a terrific long-range shot to put England ahead against Germany after they had fallen behind. They go on to win the match 5-1.

October - He is called up for England's World Cup qualifier against Greece, but is spotted out drinking 11 hours before he is due to meet up with the rest of the England squad. He apologises to manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

2002: May 12 - Ruled out of World Cup because of groin injury.

2003: September 11 - Gerrard appointed Liverpool captain.

November 11 - Signs new contract to keep him at Anfield until 2007.

2004: March 30 - Named England captain for friendly in Sweden in the absence of David Beckham and Michael Owen.

June 13 - Stray backpass while playing for England eventually allows Zinedine Zidane to equalise for France in a European Championship match. France go on to win 2-1.

December 8 - Stunning long-range goal seals 3-1 win over Olympiacos and earns place in the second round of the Champions League.

2005: May 25 - Lifts Champions League trophy, scoring the first goal as Rafael Benitez's team fight back from 3-0 down to win on penalties.

2006: March 25 - Sent off for two bookings against Everton - both within minutes of each other - but Liverpool win 3-1.

April 23 - Named PFA player of the year.

May 13 - Nets twice as Liverpool win FA Cup with defeat of West Ham.

June 15 - Scores England's second goal in 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup group stage.

June 20 - On the scoresheet again in final group game, a 2-2 draw with Sweden.

July 1 - England knocked out on penalties by Portugal in the quarter-final in Gelsenkirchen.

August 10 - Named England vice captain to John Terry by new manager Steve McClaren.

2008: October - Scores his 100th goal for Liverpool with strike against PSV Eindhoven.

December 29 - Arrested in early hours after incident in a Southport nightclub, hours after helping Liverpool go three points clear at the top of the Premier League with two goals in a 5-1 win at Newcastle. Gerrard later pleaded not guilty to affray.

2009: March 10 - Makes his 100th European appearance for Liverpool in the 4-0 win over Real Madrid, scoring twice.

March 14 - Scores in the 4-1 Premier League defeat of Manchester United, leading to Zinedine Zidane nominating him as the world's best player.

May 13: Voted the Football Writers' Player of the Year for 2009.

July 24: Cleared of affray in relation to December 29 incident at Liverpool Crown Court.

September 9: Scores twice in a 5-1 win for England over Croatia which books their passage to the 2010 World Cup.

December 5: Makes his 500th Liverpool appearance against Blackburn, the same side who he made his Reds debut against in 1998.

2010: 4 June: Promoted from vice-captain to captain of England's World Cup squad following injuries to previous skippers John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

12 June: Scores England's opening goal of the 2010 World Cup against the United States as England draw the match 1-1.

19 September: Scores twice for Liverpool at Old Trafford in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

4 November: Comes off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick in a 3-1 Europa League win against Napoli.

17 November: Tears hamstring in England's friendly against France and is ruled out until Boxing Day.

11 March: Undergoes operation on recurring groin problem.

10 July: Does not travel with the rest of the Liverpool squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East.

30 July: Ruled out of the start of the new season after suffering an infection related to his ongoing groin problem.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Saturday 30th July 2011
​

Torres fires Chelsea to Asia Trophy

Goal-shy Fernando Torres came off the bench to score with his first touch and help Chelsea claim the Asia Trophy with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

The striker's £50m price tag has continued to weigh heavily on his shoulders during the Blues' pre-season campaign but he showed instinct of old to net Chelsea's second on 59.

Andre Villas-Boas' side took the lead against their Premier League rivals after just 30 seconds, Shay Given eventually powerless to prevent Josh McEachran tapping in after a superb double save.

Stephen Ireland had a chance to restore swift parity but the ball that Gabby Agbonlahor laid off bobbled awkwardly and the midfielder skewed it well off-target.

John Obi Mikel had the ball in the net soon after, only to be denied by a correct linesman's flag, but Torres gave the Blues breathing space when he deftly directed Florent Malouda's scuffed shot into the bottom corner.

Relief was etched on the Spaniard's face and he would have had a second on 70 had the impressive Given not narrowed the angle when he had sight of goal.

Villa forays into threatening areas were few and far between, though substitute Emile Heskey was inches from a late consolation.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Sunday 31st July 2011
​

Man United exact revenge on Barca

Nine weeks after being completely outplayed in the Champions League final, Manchester United finally experienced the winning feeling against Barcelona.

Michael Owen secured victory fourteen minutes from time in front of a record 81,807 at Washington's FedEx Field, not long after Thiago had pulled Barca level with a magnificent curling strike. Nani had put Sir Alex Ferguson's men into a first-half lead with a neat finish and Owen's clip over Victor Valdes after collecting Tom Cleverley's neat pass ensured United ended their five-match US tour with a 100% record. It had been suggested the game represented some kind of revenge mission for the Red Devils.

That was not possible given Ferguson retained only three members of his starting line-up from that miserable May night. Pep Guardiola's side was more recognisable, with six players keeping their places, and three of the other five, including Lionel Messi, were not available due to their recent stints at Copa America.

Wayne Rooney scored United's goal at Wembley and he should have put the Premier League champions in front when he met Nani's low cross at the near post but prodded wide. Rafael was replaced by twin brother Fabio after failing to recover from a knock sustained in a crunching tackle on Seydou Keita.

It did not disrupt United too much though and when Danny Welbeck collected possession just inside the Barcelona half, Nani timed his run to perfection, sprinting onto the through ball, then dispatching his shot through the legs of Valdes. Ibrahim Afellay should have done better than drag his shot across the face of David de Gea's goal after being set up 10 minutes before the break.

Indeed, De Gea had been relatively unemployed on his first significant appearance since his £18million summer arrival from Atletico Madrid. Certainly, the sublime passing game with which Barca have mesmerised United in two of the past three European Cup finals was missing.

Ferguson made three changes at the break, in the process ending a satisfactory trip for Rooney, who looks certain to make a more sustained impact than last season. Nani has rather more to prove given his omission from Ferguson's cup final starting line-up and, restored to his preferred right-wing role, seems determined to atone for his disappointment.

Barca are a week further back in their preparations but in Thiago have a player who has started pre-season in flying form. Scorer of both goals in his side's Audi Cup win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, the young midfielder is a class act. Little wonder questions are being asked why Barca require Cesc Fabregas if they have such a talented alternative to their main men.

And the goal which levelled the game 18 minutes from time was spellbinding, a magnificent curling shot with the outside of his right foot that gave De Gea no chance. Penalties loomed but Owen had other ideas, beating Valdes in fine style after being sent through by Cleverley. The former England striker should have made certain in stoppage time but lifted Gabriel Obertan's cross over a completely open goal.

Manchester United: David de Gea, Rafael (Fabio, 17'), Jonny Evans, Nemanja Vidic (Phil Jones, 78'), Patrice Evra (Chris Smalling, 46'), Nani, Anderson (Ryan Giggs, 46'), Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young (Gabriel Obertan, 62'), Wayne Rooney (Michael Owen, 46'), Danny Welbeck (Mame Biram Diouf, 77').

Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Jonathan dos Santos, Sergio Busquets, Andreu Fontas (Armando Lozano, 73'), Eric Abidal (Ivan Balliu, 73'), Ibrahim Afellay (Issac Cuenca, 43'), Andres Iniesta (Marti Riverola, 79'), Thiago Alcantara, Seydou Keita, Pedro Rodriguez (Javier Espinosa, 85'), David Villa (Carlos Carmona, 62').

 

[Didier Drogba]

Sunday 31st July 2011
​

Arsenal throw away two-goal lead

Arsenal face more questions about their defensive frailties ahead of the new season after Boca Juniors battled to a 2-2 draw in the Emirates Cup.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had kept captain Cesc Fabregas out of the squad, accepting speculation over his future left the Spain midfielder "unsettled" with Barcelona looking to take their former trainee back to the Nou Camp.

Arsenal, though, showed little sign of missing their talisman as summer signing Gervinho impressed to set up Robin van Persie for the opening goal on 27 minutes, with Aaron Ramsey doubling the lead at the start of the second half. However, the Gunners once again hit the self-destruct button at the back as mistakes from Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou were punished when the Argentinian side struck twice in four minutes.

While Wenger still has time to put things right before the action kicks off for real at Newcastle in a fortnight's time, Gunners fans will be hoping that comes via the arrival of a new centre-half - with Everton's Phil Jagielka a target - rather than relying on his current backline not to make the same mistakes again.

Ivory Coast forward Gervinho had impressed on his first Arsenal appearance, scoring twice in Cologne last weekend, and along with fellow new arrival defender Carl Jenkinson was named in a starting XI which also featured fit-again goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and contract rebel Samir Nasri, yet to sign a new deal.

The Gunners made a lively opening, and had an early penalty shout when Jack Wilshere felt he was tripped, but referee Martin Atkinson waved play on. Gervinho darted clear down the right and centred for van Persie, whose flick was just wide. Set-pieces proved Arsenal's weakness last season and again they looked vulnerable when Juan Insaurralde sent his free header over at a corner.

However, the hosts made the breakthrough on the half hour, Gervinho the provider. This time, the £11million forward got away down the left flank and crossed for van Persie, who slotted home at the near post.
Arsenal were now well in command of possession, youngster Emmanuel Frimpong - who missed all of last season with a serious knee injury - settling in alongside Wilshere.

Wenger made the expected sweeping changes for the second half. Arsenal extended their lead straight after kick-off when substitute Ramsey drilled home from 20 yards after a penetrating run from Carlos Vela.
On the hour, substitute keeper Vito Mannone did well to turn over a dipping shot from Lucas Viatri.

However, the Boca Juniors striker was not to be denied on 68 minutes when he riffled the ball into the top corner after Juan Riquelme had robbed Squillaci. Another defensive blunder allowed Boca Juniors to equalise when Djourou fell over a ball into the Arsenal penalty area and Pablo Mouche swept home.

Emmanuel Eboue, supposedly set to join Galatasaray in a £4million deal, saw a 25-yard effort fly wide. Mannone beat away Riquelme's free-kick at the near post to prevent a total collapse. Arsenal face New York Red Bulls on Sunday, with Thierry Henry's side having beaten Paris St Germain 1-0 earlier in the day.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Sunday 31st July 2011
​

Fergie denounces Sneijder claims

Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected claims that he is nearing a deal to bring Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United.

Throughout United's pre-season tour of North America, Ferguson has consistently rejected any talk that Sneijder is set to leave Inter Milan. On Saturday, chief executive David Gill said there was "nothing imminent".

However, quotes attributed to Ferguson released overnight indicate talks have taken place and Sneijder has been presented with a take-it-or-leave-it offer. "If he wants to come, he must accept our contract offer. If not we have other options in mind. We are done talking," Ferguson is reported as saying by the Mail on Sunday.

But after the 2-1 win over Barcelona at FedEx Field, Ferguson denied the story. "Absolute nonsense," said the Scot. "I have never discussed him. There is nothing new." Ferguson is clearly unhappy with the story and emphasised his desire to find a replacement for Paul Scholes from within his present squad by talking up the performance of England Under-21 midfielder Tom Cleverley.

"It an area we have to find a solution for," he said. "That is why we played Tom Cleverley today [Saturday]. Physically he is not the strongest but he is wiry and has a great idea of the game.
"He is a good footballer and was our best player today.

"His discipline was terrific. He is a quick passer of the ball. He has good eyes. "It was a big night for him. He is a big, strong possibility for us to start the season."

 

[Didier Drogba]

Sunday 31st July 2011
​

Gill wants FIFA fixture change

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has joined the growing call from Europe's leading clubs for changes to FIFA's fixture calendar.

Bayern Munich were indignant in the wake of a hamstring injury Arjen Robben aggravated at last summer's World Cup in South Africa that kept the Dutchman out for half of last season. Furious Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed it was time all national sides insured players against injury and called into question the right of FIFA to insert set periods in the season when clubs have to release players.

United returned from their five-match tour of North America knowing that immediately after next Sunday's Community Shield encounter with Manchester City at Wembley, they will lose players to international friendly matches. Three weeks after that comes the first international double-header of the new campaign, within a month of that there will be another and in mid-November their players will be called away once more.

Yet Blatter has spoken about more international dates being added, which has angered Europe's powerful leading clubs intensely. Although he accepts resolution will not be easy, Gill does not see the present situation as sustainable given it is the clubs who own contracts and invest millions in their squad.

"There are some issues," said Gill. "The way the calendar is constructed, the number of dates FIFA put in, insurance. "There are no easy solutions. These things have been around for many years but if we can get together, it will be for the betterment of the game."

It could be argued FIFA have more than enough on their plate just now trying to solve the corruption scandal that erupted in the wake of a presidential election in which Sepp Blatter ended up as the only candidate, although Gill trusts UEFA president Michel Platini to take up the cudgels on his member clubs' behalf.

"Clearly it hasn't been a good year for FIFA," said Gill. "No-one could say it has. "Hopefully through some of the things that are happening, we can get the change and improve the organisation going forward. "UEFA is a professional organisation. What it has done in terms of its own structure and the Champions League is very professional.

"We have had an initial dialogue with them and they can liaise with FIFA. "The calendar is wider than just the European situation but it is clear: we provide the players. We are a key part of the game. "The Champions League is one of the top competitions in world football. We are producing the product. Everyone has to understand that."

The row will doubtless rumble on for a while yet, with Gill now on standby for the next month just in case a deal presents itself that would solve Sir Alex Ferguson's midfield conundrum in the wake of Paul Scholes' retirement. Even without Scholes, United have still been installed as favourites to continue their domination of the Premier League by registering Ferguson's 13 title and the club's 20th overall.

"The whole Premier League has been the greatest era for Manchester United," reflected Gill. "Sir Alex has had some great teams within that. He did the Treble in 1999 and won the league the next two years. "It has been fantastic. No-one would doubt that. "But you could say in 1999, Arsenal and ourselves were ahead of the other teams.

Then Chelsea came along. Now we have got Manchester City. Liverpool are coming back...Tottenham. "We have been very successful but the most important thing is that the whole club, on and off the field, cannot assume it will continue. "We have to continue to work hard and ensure the next five years are equally successful."

 

[po2wq]

12 mor days 2 kick off ...

 

[red amoeba]

fuck...got to decide if subscribe to stinktell or not...

 

[jw5]

fuck...got to decide if subscribe to stinktell or not...

Aiyah bro, subscribe lah.
Football is more important than pride.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Sunday 31st July 2011
​

Chelsea: No big-name exits

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay is not anticipating any player sales, but revealed some of the club's promising youngsters could go out on loan.

New Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is finalising his squad for the coming season and there has been little transfer activity at Stamford Bridge this summer.

The likes of Didier Drogba have been linked with moves away from Chelsea, while Jeffrey Bruma and new signing Thibaut Courtois are among those to have already been sent out on loan.

Gourlay would not be surprised if there is interest in members of the Blues' squad and plans to speak to Villas-Boas in the coming days to decide which players will be allowed to gain experience a way from Chelsea.

"The key here is that we have a big, strong squad," Gourlay told Sky Sports News. "I'd be most disappointed if clubs didn't come in looking at our players.

"We will probably look at one or two players who maybe need to go out for development, who need football games. "I mean loans and there won't be much more activity than that. I need to sit down with Andre and have a look at things later in the week."

 

[Didier Drogba]

Monday 1st August 2011
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Balotelli: I don't like Manchester

Mario Balotelli has admitted he does not enjoy life in Manchester.

The Italian striker is tied to Manchester City until 2015 after joining the club in a big-money deal from Inter Milan last summer.

Speculation over his future continued throughout Balotelli's first season in the Premier League and he has now admitted that he still suffers from homesickness.

While the 20-year-old maintains that he has no problem with manager Roberto Mancini or his team-mates, it is living in Manchester that he does not enjoy.

"I am not well in Manchester, I don't like the city," Balotelli told Sky Sport Italia. "I'm happy with the coach and within the team, but you can't have everything in life. "I don't miss Milan, I miss Brescia, my home. I miss my family and my friends, but I think this experience in England will help me grow as an individual."

Balotelli is refusing to make any guarantees about how long he will remain at the Etihad Stadium and admits he would consider joining Inter's rivals AC Milan at some point in the future.

"I don't know if I will stay until the end of my contract," he added. "I'm here for now and then we'll see." "AC Milan? It's a great club, one day it could happen."

Since arriving at City from Inter Milan last summer, Balotelli has courted controversy. He was sent off at West Brom in November, then against Dynamo Kiev in a last-16 Europa League tie which Mancini branded "stupid".

On more than one occasion the City chief accused Balotelli of not listening to him, and he raised further eyebrows when he accepted the Golden Boy award and declared of the previous winners that the only one who was a "little bit" better than him was Lionel Messi.

He did not turn up for an end-of-season trophy parade - even though he was named man-of-the-match as City defeated Stoke in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Already this season, Balotelli was pictured showing off a T-shirt of questionable taste, which prompted accusations of glorifying violence, and was hauled off the pitch in the recent friendly against LA Galaxy for trying a disrespectful backheeled goal.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Monday 1st August 2011
​

Pardew wants one more at Newcastle

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed he wants to sign one more player this summer.

Demba Ba, Sylvain Marveaux, Yohan Cabaye and Mehdi Abeid have already arrived at St James' Park, but another forward has also been a priority. Newcastle have been linked with Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, although he is not thought to be keen on a move to the North East.

At the same time, with Wayne Routledge set to join Swansea, skysports.com understands Bayer Leverkusen winger Tranquillo Barnetta is another target. And Pardew told Sky Sports News after a disappointing 3-2 pre-season defeat at Leeds on Sunday: "We need another player, we are conscious of that."

Newcastle now face another friendly against Fiorentina next Saturday before beginning their Premier League season by hosting Arsenal. Pardew said at Elland Road: "I think the eleven starters that we will have against Fiorentina will be a lot stronger than today [Sunday]. That will be reflected.

"But we are not pitching in against a mid-table team in the first game. We are pitching in against Arsenal, who are one of the top teams in the division. "We know we need to focus and make sure, so we are putting our work in."

 

[Didier Drogba]

Monday 1st August 2011
​

PSG to battle United for Ganso

Manchester United are set to face competition from free-spending Paris Saint-Germain for Santos starlet Ganso.

The 21-year-old, along with team-mate Neymar, has been tipped with a move to Europe, with United among the rumoured destination.

But according to talkSPORT, cash-rich PSG are planning to hijack Ganso's move to Old Trafford with a proposed £35million bid for the attacking midfielder.

The French Ligue 1 club, backed by the Qatar Investment Authority, have gone on a shopping spree this summer - signing the likes of Blaise Matuidi, Jeremy Menez, Salvatore Sirigu and Mohamed Sissoko.

And more new faces are expected at the Parc des Princes come the start of the new season, with Ganso and Palermo hitman Javier Pastore reportedly top of their wish-list.

Meanwhile, Santos are believed to have a £45m buy-out clause in the youngster's contract and unless that fee is met are reportedly unwilling to do business before the 2012 Club World Cup.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
​

Valencia signs new Man United deal

Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester United.

The 25-year-old, is now tied to the Barclays Premier League champions until the end of the 2014/15 season.

Valencia joined United two years ago from Wigan and has gone on to make 69 appearances, scoring 10 goals. Valencia's progress last season was stalled by an ankle injury that sidelined him for five months but, he made a successful return to Sir Alex Ferguson's first team.

He was a stand-out performer as United overturned Schalke in the Champions League semi-final and was part of the side defeated by Barcelona in the final. Competition for places has been increased by the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa, but Ferguson was delighted to agree terms with Valencia on a new deal.

"Antonio has made a fantastic contribution since his arrival. His speed, crossing ability and versatility have been a big asset for us," Ferguson told www.manutd.com. "He has a quiet, unassuming way of going about his business, which is underlined by great strength of character - as his recovery from such a bad injury last season proves."

Valencia added: "I am delighted to stay at United. Since my first day at Carrington, I have been happy here. I hope that I can continue to develop as a player. "I am looking forward to making my contribution to helping this squad compete for more trophies."

 

[Didier Drogba]

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
​

Sir Alex tips Jones for United impact

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes 19-year-old new signing Phil Jones has the talent to break into the first team immediately.

Jones, who cost £16.5million from Blackburn, will face competition at centre-back from Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, as well as fellow up-and-coming defender Chris Smalling, but he has played for Rovers as a holding player in central midfield too. Ferguson told club magazine Inside United: "We first identified Jones when he played for Blackburn's youth team against us a couple of years ago when they beat us 3-0. He was absolutely magnificent.

"You might think he might not play, but the ability he's got and the determination he's got, he could quite easily play. He's the future obviously, but he could certainly come in right away." Ferguson revealed he intends to start with Ashley Young as a left-winger though will consider him in a number of positions, and also backed goalkeeper David de Gea to fill the void left by the retired Edwin van der Sar.

The Scot added: "Ashley can play in more than one position. He can play wide right, left, even behind the striker, so we have options there. But, initially, we'll start him as a wide left player." In relation to De Gea, he added: "We worked hard to get the deal done because it wasn't easy. Atletico Madrid obviously regarded him very highly. But we managed to get it done and we're delighted he joined us.

"The past is the past and Edwin is part of the past. He had an incredible career with us. He was an incredible goalkeeper. But, hopefully, the future belongs to David de Gea." Park Ji-Sung is likely to sign a new two-year deal before the start of the season, according to his father.

Ferguson revealed last month that the 30-year-old Korean midfielder had been offered the new deal and now his dad Park Hyun-Jong has told the Korea Times: "I think both sides will be able to sign the new contract early this month, before the Premier League season kicks off.

"We first had discrepancies on the length of the contract terms, but it is now all settled. Actually the two-year deal was initially proposed from our side."

 

[Didier Drogba]

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
​

Arsenal had Mata bid rejected

The father and agent of Valencia's Juan Mata claims the La Liga outfit have rejected a bid for the winger from Arsenal.

Juan Manuel Mata Rodriguez did not reveal how much the Gunners bid for his son, but he did appear to confirm that the club considered the offer carefully before deciding to reject it. "Valencia simply rejected their offer. After some hesitation they answered ‘no' to the Gunners' offer," he told calciomercato.com.

"So my son remains a Valencia player, for now. But I don't think it's their last offer." The 23-year-old Mata was part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad in 2010 as well as their successful Under-21 European Championship team where he was awarded the Bronze Boot for his performances during the tournament.

Interest in the player remains high with Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur believed to be in the frame for the midfielder. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is under pressure again this summer to splash the cash with big-name signings from fans as well as from players connected to the club.

England international Jack Wilshere became the latest Arsenal player to insist the club can challenge for the Premier League title this season if they sign "a few more players" before the transfer window closes. He told the Daily Mail: "We are not a spending club but we still managed to stay up there with the top teams. And we have to win things this year.

"Maybe if we had a few more faces we could really push on. If we get a few more players we can really challenge for the title. "Around March and April we have to stay really strong. We are confident we can be up and around it then so we have to remain strong at that crucial time."

Wenger's only signings so far have been young centre-back Carl Jenkinson and forward Gervinho.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Wednesday 3rd August 2011
​

Liverpool close in on Jose Enrique

Newcastle are set to lose their battle to keep Jose Enrique, whose move to Liverpool is inching closer by the day.

The Spaniard is no stranger to speculation linking him with the Anfield outfit, who themselves are desperately on a lookout for a new left-back this summer.

Enrique has made it clear that he intends to leave St James Park after refusing to discuss terms on a new contract.

And his recent public criticism on the Geordie club's lack of ambition in allowing Kevin Nolan to leave only served to pave way for his move to Liverpool.

Now according to The Daily Mirror, Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is on the brink of landing the 25-year-old ahead of the season opener against Sunderland on 13 August at Anfield.

Newcastle are reportedly willing to accept any offers around the region of £5million as they fear losing the defender for free when he nears the end of his contract.

Meanwhile, the Reds are set to make space for the arrival of Enrique by offloading out-of-favour winger Milan Jovanovic.

The Serbian has reportedly agreed terms with Belgium side Anderlect and will complete the transfer after undergoing a medical on Thursday.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Wednesday 3rd August 2011
​

Chelsea eye shock move for Pato

Chelsea are reportedly lining up an audacious £30million plus player deal to land AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.

The Brazilian international is no stranger to speculation linking him to Stamford Bridge and was reportedly close to joining the Blues following the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti in 2009. But the move never materialized.

Now according to The Daily Mirror, new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has reignited the club's interest in the 21-year-old as he looks to inject new blood into his aging squad.

The Portuguese coach has insisted he is happy with the current crop of players at the Bridge despite having yet to sign a new player this summer.

But Pato could well be a surprise capture before the start of the new season as the Blues look to reclaim their Barclays Premier League title from Manchester United.

The Blues are reportedly preparing a £20million plus either Nicolas Anelka or Salomon Kalou to land the Brazilian hitman.

Pato scored an impressive 14 times in 25 appearances for AC Milan last season despite being sidelined on a number of occasions due to injuries.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Thursday 4th August 2011

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Dalglish happy with spending spree

Manager Kenny Dalglish has defended Liverpool's summer signings after spending almost £50million on four players on top of Jose Enrique's impending arrival.

The Merseyside club has spent more than £100million in this year alone, with the £57.8million cost of January acquisitions Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll adding to the estimated £50million spent on the midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing. Liverpool have also signed Roma keeper Doni on a free transfer.

The Reds are also close to signing Newcastle defender Jose Enrique to bolster their defense which has came under scrutiny in pre-season matches. Dalglish insists that he still has the support of principal owner, John W Henry and his financial support from Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

He was quoted in The Guardian as saying: "We've acted responsibly in the transfer market and we've also acted responsibly and respectfully with the owners, who have been fantastically supportive financially during the window.

"If there is a better owner that is as supportive as John Henry, then they have done very well for themselves because he's fantastically supportive. "It's been very impressive that they haven't flinched with the players that we have asked for and they have provided the money.

"The most important thing for us was getting people in and we've brought good people in." Dalglish also felt that the heavy spending is necessary for Liverpool to improve, having finished sixth last season and failing to qualify for European football this season for the first time since 1999.

"Certainly spending money does not guarantee you success but I don't know of any football club that has ever had success that has not spent money. So it is necessary. But it's even more important to spend it wisely," Dalglish declared.

"I don't think anyone would dispute the ability of Luis Suárez, would they? You're not always fortunate to get someone as good as him every time you sign a cheque but we were fortunate with what we got when we brought him in."

 

[Didier Drogba]

Thursday 4th August 2011

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Report: Spurs make Samba move

Tottenham are understood to have submitted a cash-plus-players offer to Blackburn for defender Chris Samba.

The Rovers centre-half is hot property this summer, with a number of sides reported to be keeping a close eye on his situation. Arsenal were believed to be heading the queue at one stage, but they are believed to have turned their attention to Everton's Phil Jagielka.

Samba, though, continues to attract plenty of interest, having hinted that he would be prepared to move on. He only penned a new long-term contract with Blackburn in February, but has often aired his desire to turn out for a club challenging for Champions League qualification.

Spurs could offer him that opportunity and Harry Redknapp is reportedly keen to add Samba to his ranks. Tottenham have been relatively quiet in the transfer market this summer, but feel defensive additions would be wise. They are over-stocked in other departments and have the means to offer some of their surplus talent to rivals as part of a bid.

Sky Sports News believes that Spurs remain hopeful that such a package would appeal to Blackburn, as they attempt to piece together a competitive squad of their own. It is, however, understood that Rovers are reluctant to discuss the current terms, with it their preference to keep Samba on the books at Ewood Park.