Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

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Saturday 20th August 2011

Liverpool urged to decide on stadium

Housing minister Grant Shapps has called on Liverpool to make a swift decision on their stadium plans to prevent ongoing uncertainty in the area.

Club owners Fenway Sports Group's preferred option is to redevelop Anfield but that is looking increasingly difficult. The alternative is a new build on nearby Stanley Park which offers greater regeneration potential for the area. "Local people in Anfield need certainty and a definite decision on the future of their neighbourhood," Shapps said.

"In the interests of the wider community, the club needs to make a swift decision on whether they plan to build a new stadium or stay where they are - either way the residents around Anfield deserve to know. "The delay is causing unnecessary uncertainty for the community. "Local residents are living in limbo.

The council has already asked for extra time for the lease on Stanley Park by six months to allow the club time to explore all options, but the quicker Liverpool FC makes a decision, the more options they have." The club are still assessing both options and have not put a timescale on a decision.

 

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Saturday 20th August 2011

Marseille reject Arsenal's Lucho bid

Didier Deschamps says Marseille have rejected a bid from Arsenal to sign midfielder Lucho Gonzalez on loan.

The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Stade Velordome all summer, but moves to Spain and Italy have never materialised. Arsenal were linked with a shock move for the playmaker, and Deschamps has confirmed that they did indeed show an interest in him - as opposed to his team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, who has also been linked with the Gunners.

"The one that really interests them is Lucho Gonzalez," Deschamps confirmed at a news conference. "Arsene Wenger believes that it is a great player who could be useful to his team even though he does not fit in with his recruitment policy. "He wanted him on loan but it was not acceptable to us."

 

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Saturday 20th August 2011

New Fulham deal for Damien Duff

Fulham winger Damien Duff has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Craven Cottage until summer 2013.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international has become a key player since joining the London club from Newcastle in August 2009, helping the Cottagers reach the 2010 Europa League final. Duff put pen to paper on his new deal on Friday and believes there will be many more good times ahead under new manager Martin Jol.

He told fulhamfc.com: "I've enjoyed every minute of my time at Fulham since joining two years ago and I'm delighted to be staying at the Cottage until at least 2013. "This is a fantastic club with great supporters and it's a very exciting time to be part of the team. "I feel in great condition and I'm hungry to achieve more success for this club.

"We've had some great moments together so far and I believe there's more to come from us in the Premier League and Europe this season under Martin Jol." Duff began his senior career at Blackburn, winning the League Cup with Rovers in 2002 before switching to Chelsea the following year.

He won two Premier League titles and another League Cup during a three-year stint at Stamford Bridge before signing for Newcastle, where he spent a less successful three years prior to his transfer to Fulham. The Cottagers confirmed news of Duff's new deal in a statement on their website, a day after he had helped Jol's side defeat Ukrainian outfit Dnipro 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

It read: "The club can confirm that Damien Duff has signed a one-year contract extension that will see Fulham's Republic of Ireland international remain at Craven Cottage until at least the summer of 2013. "Duff joined Fulham in August 2009 from Newcastle United in a move that has revitalised his career after a frustrating spell on Tyneside.

"The winger regained his form and fitness to become an integral part of the team's success over the past two seasons, including Fulham's remarkable journey to the 2010 UEFA Europa League final.

"Regulars at the Cottage will testify that the signing of Duff has turned out to be an inspired piece of business by the club and both parties are delighted to confirm the news that the player will remain at the Cottage for at least the next two seasons."

 

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Sunday's Fixtures

Bolton vs Man City

Bolton expect to have new signing Tuncay Sanli available. The Turkey international, who has joined on a season-long loan from Wolfsburg, has been in Germany sorting out the paperwork on his work permit but it is expected to be processed in time. Midfielder Ricardo Gardner will have a fitness test tomorrow on a groin injury. Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez could be set to make his first appearance of the season at the Reebok Stadium.

The 27-year-old handed in a transfer request this summer but a move is yet to materialise and after returning to training with the Blues last week, he will be considered for the game. City boss Roberto Mancini must also decide whether or not to hand a first start to Sergio Aguero following his sensational two-goal debut as a substitute against Swansea on Monday, while midfielder Nigel de Jong will be assessed after suffering a foot injury.


Norwich vs Stoke
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Norwich centre-back Zak Whitbread (knee) is a doubt but defender Daniel Ayala could feature following his move from Liverpool after playing for the reserves in midweek. Striker James Vaughan and centre-back Elliott Ward are sidelined after picking up minor knee injuries during pre-season. Stoke boss Tony Pulis will make changes from the side that beat FC Thun in the Europa League. Pulis rested Asmir Begovic, Jonathan Woodgate, Glenn Whelan and Jermaine Pennant in Switzerland and they could all return to the starting line-up. The Potters boss must also decide whether to include Matthew Upson in the squad after the England defender made an impressive debut for the club against Thun while Rory Delap (hamstring) is a major doubt.

Wolves vs Fulham

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is poised to name an unchanged team against the Cottagers after their opening-day win at Blackburn. Defender Richard Stearman is fit despite suffering a back problem against Rovers while winger Michael Kightly is challenging for a place on the substitutes' bench as he continues his comeback from knee problems. Midfielder Dave Edwards (back) and striker Sam Vokes (ankle) remain some way from being in contention despite returning to training this week.

Midfielder Adlene Guedioura has travelled to Qatar for specialist treatment as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery. Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy is expected to recover from a slight groin complaint which forced him to be substituted in Thursday night's Europa League win against Dnipro. Simon Davies (knee) remains a week away from action despite returning to training, while Bjorn Helge Riise (hamstring) is also out.​

Monday's fixtures

Man Utd vs Tottenham

Patrice Evra returns to the Manchester United line-up after missing the season-opening win at West Brom with an ankle injury. Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to return until next weekend due to a hamstring injury, and with captain Nemanja Vidic out for up to five weeks with a calf problem, youngsters Phil Jones and Jonny Evans will form the centre-back pairing. Darren Fletcher (virus), Antonio Valencia (ankle) and Javier Hernandez (concussion) are all closing in on a return, but are not yet ready. Michael Owen is out with a back problem, whilst Rafael faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines after shoulder surgery.

Luka Modric is likely to return to Tottenham's starting line-up after missing the 5-0 Europa League play-off win over Hearts with a minor groin injury. Tom Huddlestone (ankle) could also return after starting on the bench at Tynecastle, but fellow midfielders Sandro, Wilson Palacios (both knee) Steven Pienaar (groin), and Jermaine Jenas (Achilles) are all out. Peter Crouch will be tested over the weekend after missing out against Hearts with an ankle injury but Ledley King and Alan Hutton are sidelined with knee injuries and William Gallas is also out with a calf problem.​

 

[Alamaking]

SNEIJDER SNUBS MAN CITY

MAN City have failed in a late swoop for Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder.City, at a secret meeeting last week, proposed a swap deal with wantaway Carlos Tevez but Dutch ace Sneijder said no.

Manchester City have failed in a dramatic late swoop for Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder.

A high-level meeting was held at a secret venue in Europe last week, when it was planned to agree a deal which would have taken Sneijder to City in exchange for Carlos Tevez.

But City abandoned the deal when it was made clear by the Dutch star’s representatives that he wouldn’t compromise on his massive wages of £250,000 a week.

Neighbours Manchester United had a similar problem when they tried to sign Sneijder, 27, although it is understood that United is still the club he wants to join.

Sunday can reveal that a City delegation, believed to be headed by chief executive Garry Cook, flew out for a meeting with Sneijder’s advisors immediately after Monday night’s victory over Swansea.

But they were left disappointed and dismayed after being confident a deal would be agreed.

A City source said the days of the club being held to ransom over wages were “long gone.”

A cash deal to take Tevez to Inter, though, could be resurrected if City lower their £50million asking price.

An Inter source said a reduction in the fee to between £40m and £45m could see Tevez heading for the San Siro before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

 

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Monday's fixtures

Man Utd vs Tottenham

Patrice Evra returns to the Manchester United line-up after missing the season-opening win at West Brom with an ankle injury. Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to return until next weekend due to a hamstring injury, and with captain Nemanja Vidic out for up to five weeks with a calf problem, youngsters Phil Jones and Jonny Evans will form the centre-back pairing. Darren Fletcher (virus), Antonio Valencia (ankle) and Javier Hernandez (concussion) are all closing in on a return, but are not yet ready. Michael Owen is out with a back problem, whilst Rafael faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines after shoulder surgery.

Luka Modric is likely to return to Tottenham's starting line-up after missing the 5-0 Europa League play-off win over Hearts with a minor groin injury. Tom Huddlestone (ankle) could also return after starting on the bench at Tynecastle, but fellow midfielders Sandro, Wilson Palacios (both knee) Steven Pienaar (groin), and Jermaine Jenas (Achilles) are all out. Peter Crouch will be tested over the weekend after missing out against Hearts with an ankle injury but Ledley King and Alan Hutton are sidelined with knee injuries and William Gallas is also out with a calf problem.​

 

[Alamaking]

So many injuries........ see simi sai? lol

 

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Nasri deal on the rocks

21 August 2011

After weeks of uncertainty over his future, it looks like Samir Nasri could be staying at Arsenal after all. The France midfielder had been expected to complete a move to Manchester City this week, but reports in the French media on Saturday suggested talks between the two Premier League clubs have stalled.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger refused to confirm speculation that the deal had fallen through after handing the midfielder a starting spot in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool. "Nobody told me that (talks had fallen through)," Wenger said. "I don’t know about his future."

"I always say that I try to keep Samir Nasri. I never changed my mind on that. He loves the club, wants to play for us and if we decided to keep him, I would be happy. At the moment, I’m happy he is here." If Nasri would to stay it would be a huge fillip for Wenger, who already has a number of issues to deal with.

Arsenal have already lost captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, and are missing several key players due to injury and suspension for upcoming games. The problem was made worse against Liverpool on Saturday, with defender Laurent Koscielny coming off after injuring his back and Emmanuel Frimpong facing a suspension after being sent off.​

 

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Graham urges Wenger to bring out the cheque book

21 August 2011

Former Arsenal manager George Graham wants current boss Arsene Wenger to spend big on players with experience. Graham believes Arsenal need to sign three players with enough experience to slot into the first-team straight away rather than needing time to develop in the academy and reserves, otherwise the club will struggle to qualify for the Champions League.

"They need experienced, outstanding players and I think they need about another three in the side at the present time," Graham told BBC Radio 5Live's Sportsweek. "They've got the money, let's sit down, get some of these players in he's supposed to be after and let's see if they can start winning trophies again."

Wenger has been criticised in recent times for his refusal to spend money on experienced players, despite the funds being available, and his philosophy of moulding and developing young players has come under fire after Arsenal's poor start. Now, Graham believes that Wenger must find a solution quickly, otherwise he will face mounting pressure.

"They have big signs at the club saying 'Arsene knows'. Well I hope he does," Graham said. "I think he's going to be there this season. I think he's under a little bit of pressure just now from the fans." "But I think Arsene, if he sits down and is honest with himself, he'll put it all back together again. But he needs to do some hard thinking."

"Please get the cheque book out Arsene." “I think they need another centre-half, I think they still need a strong, outstanding, experienced midfield and I still think they need an out-and-out striker like a [Thierry] Henry." Arsenal next face a difficult away trip to Udinese in their Champions League, before then travelling to Old Trafford to face champions Manchester United in their next Premier League match.

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Neville re-signs with Everton

21 August 2011

Everton captain Phil Neville has signed a contract extension with the English Premier League club until 2013. The 34-year-old's contract was due to expire at the end of this season, and with a one-year extension agreed he took the opportunity to express his commitment to the club. He told the club's official website: "I feel really proud and this club has never let me down."

"It's shown faith in me again and for the next two years I'm going to give my all for this football club. That's what I've done for the last six years and that's what I'll continue to do." The versatile defender or midfielder played 35 matches last season for manager David Moyes and signed the deal ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to QPR at Goodison Park.

The former England international has predominantly played at right-back or in a defensive midfield role for the club after moving from Manchester United in 2005. In this time he has become a key player, going on to captain the side and scoring crucial penalties in shootout wins over Manchester United in 2009 and over Chelsea last season.

He will be 36 when his new deal ends, although he did not mention any plans for retirement. "I want to play beyond that. But for the next two years I'm going to give my all," Neville said. "I love playing for Everton. I love the spirit in the club, I love the togetherness, and that's going to continue."​

 

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Chelsea win race for Mata

22 August 2011

Valencia have announced they have reached an agreement 'in principle' with Chelsea over the transfer of Juan Mata.

The Spanish club also confirmed the agreement regarding the 23-year-old midfielder is subject to a successful medical examination, which is expected to take place on Monday.

Mata, who starred for Spain during their Under-21 European Championship victory in Denmark earlier this summer, has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool during the transfer window.

But Valencia revealed on Sunday that it was Chelsea who had tabled a successful bid for the midfielder, saying in a statement: "Valencia has reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea FC for the transfer of the player Juan Manuel Mata."

Following Chelsea's 2-1 victory over West Brom on Saturday, Andre Villas-Boas revealed the club were interested in signing Mata and suggested the Valencia man would add to his squad at Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas said: "He's a player who scores and assists and he can add to any squad in the world. He's not our player but he's an interesting player ... a very good player.''

Mata will be Chelsea's fourth signing this summer following the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu and Thibaut Courtois.​

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Arsene Wenger Factfile

A look back at the checkered history of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

1949: Born Strasbourg, October 22.

1969: A sweeper-defender, starts his amateur playing career with Mutzig, a French League Third Division outfit, and has spells with two more amateur clubs - Mulhouse and Vauban - before turning professional.

1974: Graduates with a degree in economics from Strasbourg University.

1978: Makes professional debut for Strasbourg against Monaco.

1979: Wins French title with Strasbourg but plays only three matches during the season.

1981: Obtains manager's diploma in Paris. Appointed Strasbourg youth-team coach - a position he holds for two years.

1983: Becomes assistant coach with Cannes.

1984: Appointed coach of Nancy, but the club are relegated.

1987: Appointed Monaco coach.

1988: Wins French championship and manager of the year award.

1990: Monaco reach European Cup semi-finals.

1991: Monaco win French cup.

1992: Monaco are beaten by Werder Bremen in European Cup Winners' Cup final.

1994: Monaco reach semi-finals of Champions League. Wenger is offered jobs as manager of France national team and of Bayern Munich. Rejects both because of his commitment to Monaco, but within weeks is sacked after ninth-placed finish.

1995: Takes charge at Japanese outfit Grampus Eight and in just one season lifts them out of the bottom three of the J.League to runners-up spot and Emperor's Cup.

1996: Wins the Super Cup and takes Grampus Eight to second place in J.League. September - Becomes manager of Arsenal.

1997: Leads Arsenal to third place in Premier League and a place in the UEFA Cup.

1998: Wins Premier League with new club record 10 consecutive league wins. Arsenal equal Manchester United's record of two league and cup doubles when they beat Newcastle 2-0 in the FA Cup final.

1999: The Gunners finish runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League and the same side knock them out of the FA Cup in a semi-final replay.

August - Spends £11million, bringing Thierry Henry to Highbury along with Croatia international Davor Suker following the £23million sale of Nicolas Anelka to Real Madrid.

2000: Arsenal finish runners-up in both the Premier League and UEFA Cup, where they lose on penalties to Galatasaray. October - Wenger receives 12-match touchline ban after being found guilty by the Football Association of "threatening behaviour and physical intimidation" to fourth official Paul Taylor after defeat on the opening day of the season at Sunderland.

2001: February - Ban is overturned by appeal board.

May - Gunners finish runners-up to United and lose FA Cup final to Liverpool 2-1 at Millennium Stadium.

2002: Wins second league and cup double.

2003: Wins FA Cup by beating Southampton.

June - Receives honorary OBE in Queen's birthday honours list.

2004: Arsenal win Premier League after going through season unbeaten. Their only disappointments are a Champions League quarter-final loss to Chelsea and an FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United.

October 24 - Arsenal lose 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford, the defeat ending a 49-match unbeaten league run. Wenger later found guilty of improper conduct relating to comments about referee Mike Riley and United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy after the defeat. Also reportedly involved in a furious tunnel row with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after the game, the exchange sparking the infamous "battle of the buffet".

2005: May - Wins FA Cup with penalty shoot-out win over United.

2006: Arsenal reach final of Champions League but lose 2-1 to Barcelona.

2007: September 7 - Ends speculation about his future by signing a three-year contract extension, tying him to the club until June 2011.

2009: Gunners reach FA Cup and Champions League semi-finals, losing to Chelsea and Manchester United.

2010: August 14 - Signs new contract to keep him at the Emirates Stadium until June 2014.

September 21 - Wenger accepts a one-match ban and £8,000 fine for a charge of improper conduct following Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Sunderland three days earlier.

November 6 - The Sun prints allegations over Wenger's private life, which the Frenchman said were a "serious matter" he wished to deal with "privately".

2011: February 27 - Wenger misses the chance to end Arsenal's trophyless streak as they conceded an 89th-minute goal to lose the Carling Cup final 2-1 to Birmingham. The late defeat was seen as the spark for a broader collapse of the club's league and European challenge in the final months of the season.

March 9 - Wenger rows with the referee and officials after Arsenal's defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League last 16, in which Robin van Persie was harshly sent off. Wenger's post-match altercations led to the touchline ban which he was deemed to have contravened against Napoli.

August 15 - Cesc Fabregas signs for Barcelona, a personal defeat for Wenger who had said Fabregas would stay and that Arsenal could not be considered a top club if they sold their star players.

August 19 - UEFA open proceedings against Wenger for breaching his touchline ban in the Champions League qualifier against Napoli, when he could be seen passing messages to be telephoned to assistant Pat Rice.

August 22 - UEFA hand Wenger a further two-match touchline ban.

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Ferguson expects De Gea protection

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects goalkeeper David De Gea to receive more protection from officials at Old Trafford.

United's big-money signing from Atletico Madrid has blundered in each of his opening two games for the club, but is set to make his home debut against Tottenham on Monday. And after making his errors at Wembley and the Hawthorns respectively, Ferguson expects an easier ride for the Spaniard when his side return to their home ground.

"He coped with the crosses into the box at West Brom with no problem - he just didn't get any protection," Ferguson claimed. "You saw the challenges - an elbow in the face and a boy went under him and he didn't get the free-kick. "It's disappointing when you don't get the protection, but he's at home against Spurs on Monday and it won't be a problem.

"It's just away from home where he might get subjected to that." Ferguson suggests lightweight De Gea will undergo a training regime to deal with the physical demands of the Premier League, as every foreign arrival does at Old Trafford. "David will go through the same programme of core work as the rest of the players do when they come here," added Ferguson.

"(Edwin) Van der Sar was a tall, skinny kid when he won the European Cup (with Ajax) in 1995. He was the same - and don't forget David is only 20. "But I have no problems with him, none at all. We have never mentioned the criticism this week that David got after the West Brom game. "He's fine, he's done his training - there's no problem."

Ferguson has reason to be unconcerned, with even legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel having first struggled with the demands upon his arrival in 1991. "Schmeichel had a baptism of fire, too," added Ferguson. "He went to Wimbledon in his first couple of games with us and screamed like a pig. "He got no protection. He had Vinnie Jones, Alan Cork and John Fashanu all piling on top of him and battering lumps out of him. David will be fine."

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Man United question Berbatov's value

Manchester United face a financial dilemma of keeping Dimitar Berbatov for another season or risk losing the £30.75 million signing on a free next summer.

Time is ticking for Berbatov as he goes into the season with less than a year remaining on his contract. Since his omission from the United squad during last May's Champions League loss to Barcelona, the Bulgarian player has repeatedly insisted that he did not wish to leave Old Trafford.

The Telegraph has reported that Berbatov is considering to see his contract out before making a money-spinning move as a free player next summer. Last month United chief executive David Gill conceded that there was "no point yet" in discussing a possible extension with Berbatov, as the club holds a one-way option which enables them to add another 12 months to his contract at any time.

Extending Berbatov's deal would not only protect United from the possibility of his leaving on a free next year, but it would also guarantee monetary gain should he be sold. That being said, the 30-year-old's future is still questionable as United have yet to determine if they are willing to fork out £100,000 a week to retain Berbatov for a further season.

This comes after Berbatov was replaced in his starting role alongside Wayne Rooney by Javier Hernández, plus Michael Owen being chosen as a subsitute over him against Barcelona.
Just last Sunday, Berbatov was again shunted to the side in favour of 20-year-old Danny Welbeck in the match against West Bromwich.

Sir Alex Ferguson has stood by the player, commending his pre-season attitude and promising to feature Berbatov this season. However with Hernández and Owen's imminent return from injury, Ferguson admits that Berbatov's place next to Rooney would be under doubt. "Wayne has been flying in pre-season. His fitness is terrific, he never stands still and he is a tremendous asset.

It is interesting to see how he is combining with Welbeck at the moment. Both are doing very well together. "When Chicharito [Javier Hernández] comes back and with Berbatov, who has played very well in pre-season, I have a selection problem about the best combination."

Commenting on their upcoming clash with Tottenham, Ferguson also conceded that the sale of Luka Modric would benefit Spurs. "Modric is a terrific player. The issue for Harry [Redknapp] is that he can maybe get four players in for the money, get a bigger squad and compete in all the tournaments they are in."

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Warnock prepares QPR bid for Cole

Neil Warnock admits Queens Park Rangers can now afford to pay a larger portion of Joe Cole's wages as he plots his moves in the transfer market.

Tony Fernandes' takeover at Loftus Road last week has given Warnock added funds to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes. The QPR boss has up to a dozen targets and is hoping to bring in 'four or five' fresh faces to improve his options.

Liverpool midfielder Cole is among the players to have been linked with the newly-promoted club after failing to make an impact since moving to Anfield last summer. Cole started just nine Premier League games last season and has not been involved in Kenny Dalglish's squad for the opening two fixtures of the current campaign.

The England international's wages have previously been mooted as a stumbling block for any transfer away from Liverpool and Warnock refused to be drawn on whether he would bid for the 29-year-old. However, Warnock acknowledged the injection of funds by Fernandes has given him a stronger hand to play in the transfer market over the coming days.

"We will not just spend money for the sake of it," said Warnock. "We have to get quality players in to the club. "Joe Cole? We can probably afford 30 or 40 per cent of his wages now. The chairman knows all my targets and we are discussing them. "This man coming in, Tony Fernandes, is a dream come true. You do not often get the opportunity to look at players I have only dreamed about. I am in Utopia."

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Milan keen on securing Aquilani

AC Milan are hopeful of landing Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

The Italy international spent last season on loan at Juventus before returning to Anfield earlier this summer.

Milan are looking to bolster their midfield line after failing to lure Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo to the San Siro.

"Aquilani is a great player," AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We are discussing the possibility with (AC Milan administrator Adriano) Galliani.

"I spoke to (AC Milan coach Massimiliano) Allegri and we will see what happens."

Aquilani has been strongly linked with a move back to Serie A in recent months with Fiorentina also reportedly keen to acquire the midfielder's services.

The 27-year-old is under contract with Liverpool until June 2014.

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Modric a doubt for Man United clash

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that Luka Modric is in no state of mind to feature against Manchester United on Monday night.

Chelsea have been chasing Modric all summer and are ready to come in with a new £30million offer for the Croatian despite the imminent arrival of Juan Mata from Valencia. Spurs have been clear in their declarations that they would not entertain offers for Modric, who covets a switch across London, but may now struggle to maintain that stance after Redknapp was forced to leave him out of the squad for his club's Barclays Premier League opener.

Modric is not 100% fit but Redknapp may have been prepared to gamble on him had he been sure of the midfielder's committment to the cause. Instead, he will play no part against the champions. Redknapp told talkSPORT on Sunday: "He's got a little bit of an injury. There's a possibility he could have played through it. But at the moment his head's not in the right place."

That judgement is telling given that Arsene Wenger was prepared to play Samir Nasri - thought to be close to a switch to Manchester City - against Liverpool at the weekend. Gareth Bale has called on the squad not to mourn the loss of Modric if he does leave White Hart Lane. Bale, like Modric, had an outstanding campaign for Spurs last season, and does not want the 25-year-old to leave.

He does think, however, that the squad cannot dwell on his departure should he do so. "Luka is a fantastic player," Bale said. "I'm not sure what the situation is with him but I think if he is here then he's great for the team but if he's not then we have to get on without him."

Spurs were without Modric and fellow midfielders Jermaine Jenas, Steven Pienaar and Sandro for last week's 5-0 Europa League qualifying win over Hearts match, but coasted to victory thanks partly to impressive displays from replacements Jake Livermore and Niko Kranjcar.

Bale was impressed with how the Tottenham squad coped against the Scots and thinks that bodes well for the team ahead of what promises to be a long season thanks to their participation in the Europa League.

"Luka and JJ (Jenas) didn't play so it gives confidence to the whole squad that we can play like that," the Welshman said. "These players that came in are international players and they showed that they are all class. It shows what kind of squad we have got."

 

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Premier League: Manchester United 3 Tottenham 0

23 August 2011

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Manchester United secured a 3-0 victory over Tottenham in their first game of the season at Old Trafford on Monday. Danny Welbeck repaid the faith shown in him by Sir Alex Ferguson since the start of the season, with the 20-year-old influential in both United's first two goals, whilst Wayne Rooney grabbed his second of the campaign to cap off a fine evening for the Premier League champions.

Tottenham custodian Brad Friedel was forced into action first in the battle of keepers, diving agilely to save Tom Cleverley’s well struck effort from the edge of the box that had seemed destined for the bottom right hand corner of his goal.

Not until just before the half hour mark did United threaten again, with Rooney’s dinked cross finding Ashley Young in the box, who peeled off Benoit Assou-Ekotto well, only to see his looped header just evade the top right hand corner of the Tottenham goal.

The visitor’s were limited to shots from distance, with David de Gea overcoming the barrage of mid-week criticism and dealing comfortably with efforts from Gareth Bale and Van der Vaart. Harry Redknapp's side enjoyed a dominant spell of possession early in the second half, but again lacked the vision and incisiveness to make it count in the final third, with United instead once again peppering the Spur’s goalmouth with shots from Young, Anderson and Rooney in succession.

The deadlock was finally broken after 60 minutes, when Cleverley's fierce cross was met in the air by Welbeck, who drifted in between the Tottenham centre-backs unmarked and guided the ball into the left hand corner of Friedel’s goal. United's second was pure class, with Anderson starting a sweeping move from defence after being released by a De Gea throw.

The ball eventually found its way to Anderson, who fed the ball through to Welbeck in the box, who in turn played a delightful back heeled pass into the path of Anderson that wrong-footed both Michael Dawson and Friedel, with the Brazilian sweeping the ball into the back of the net to give the home side a two-goal advantage.

Spurs were then unlucky not to take advantage of a questionable moment from De Gea, who failed to collect Corluka’s cross whilst under pressure from substitute Roman Pavyluchenko, with Defoe lashing his effort off the left hand post after the ball landed at his feet.

Rooney was on hand to add a third after 87 minutes, rising well to meet Ryan Gigg’s cross and nod the ball into the back of the net to cap a convincing display from the current Premier League champions. The victory puts Ferguson’s side level on points with Wolves and rivals Manchester City, with all three sides enjoying a perfect start to the season.

 

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PSG reveal failed bid for Berbatov

22 August 2011

Paris Saint-Germain director of football Leonardo has confirmed he has made a failed approach for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian has only a year left on his current deal at Old Trafford, and was widely tipped to leave this summer after reportedly being unhappy at not featuring at all for United in last season's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.​

Leonardo revealed he enquired about Berbatov in a recent phone conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson.

It is thought PSG were willing to offer as much as 12 million pounds for Berbatov, but he was told United would not consider a sale.

"I had Ferguson on the phone but he told me that he was counting on Berbatov and that he was not for sale," the Brazilian told France Football.

PSG have already spent around 70 million pounds on the acquisition of new players this summer since the Qatar Investment Authority bought a controlling stake in the club at the end of May.

 

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Transfer wrap: Spurs keep Modric safe, Kyrgiakos departs

23 August 2011

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Tottenham remain confident Luka Modric will be staying at the club, while Liverpool defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos has moved to Wolfsburg. Chelsea have made two bids for diminutive playmaker Modric - 22 million pounds and 27 million pounds respectively - however, the stance from Spurs has always been that their prize asset is not for sale.

Redknapp reiterated on Monday that the North London club do not want to sell the former Dinamo Zagreb star. "I kept hearing they (Chelsea) were coming in with another bid but they signed (Juan) Mata so I thought that would be the end of it. But I've heard they still want to look at bringing Luka in," Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"We don't want to take their money. It's not like they are making derisory offers, they are making good offers, but we just don't want to sell him." Tottenham are also close to completing a loan deal to bring former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor to White Hart Lane, while they are on the verge of finalising deal for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Wolfsburg have completed the signing of Liverpool centre-back Kyrgiakos, the 2009 Bundesliga champions announced on their official website. Kyrgiakos, 32, penned a two-year contract with the side, who have not been as consistent in defence as coach Felix Magath had hoped.

"As our central defence has not been stable, it was necessary to do something about it. Kyrgiakos is a player who will strengthen us immediately and can help," Magath told Wolfsburg's official website. "He is experienced, knows the Bundesliga and the rhythm and does not need time to adapt." Also at Liverpool, AC Milan have moved a step closer to signing midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports the Serie A champions spent most of Monday locked in talks with Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia as they presented an offer for the 27-year-old. Sochaux chairman Alexander Lacombe says he will be reporting Newcastle United to UEFA after he accused the Premier League side of disregarding their stance and approaching striker Modibo Maiga without their permission.

The 23-year-old Mali international has been heavily linked with a move to the Alan Pardew's side as they finally look to land a replacement for Andy Carroll, but now the club's tactics in trying to snare Sochaux's primary striker have been questioned. "Newcastle continue to contact our player despite our refusal," Lacombe told L'Est Republicain.

"So we will complain to Uefa, and say that these manoeuvres are not fair play. They continue to cause destabilisation." Elsewhere, Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has quashed rumours he is heading to Juventus or Arsenal, after both clubs reportedly showed an interest in acquiring his services.

"It didn't put me off at all - it was funny. It was better being linked with those teams, I suppose," he told The Express and Star. "I will just get on with things. The manager and the lads have a laugh at me."