Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

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Tuesday 9th August 2011

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Bendtner confirms Gunners exit

Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner has confirmed that he will leave Arsenal.

A move out of the Emirates Stadium has been mooted for the 23-year-old striker who suffered from injury for most of last season.

Speaking at Hampden before Denmark trained ahead of Wednesday night's friendly against Scotland, Bendtner was asked if he was set to leave the London club and he replied: "Yes. I have done my part as well as I can and it's up to Arsenal now to sort it out, I can't do anything more.

"Hopefully it will be sorted soon but as I said to the Danish press, when I know something they will. "I would like to play at a place where you are happy and play every week, that is the most important thing for any football player and hopefully that will happen soon."

Asked if Stoke City were one of the teams he has spoken to, Bendtner laughed then replied: "I can't say anything about who I have been speaking to, but hopefully it will all get sorted out soon." Denmark coach Morten Olsen believes Bendtner needs to get regular first-team football.

He said: "It is good for himself if he plays first-team football. "You don't play football for 50 years, you have to enjoy it as long as possible. "Of course it is also a money question but a national player has a lot of ambition and wants to play football. "Nicklas has been injured for a year but he can be a good player again."

Another Danish player whose club future is in some doubt is Liverpool's Christian Poulsen but the midfielder expects to be at Anfield next season. "I have been really happy and I want to play, that's my goal for the future," he said. "I am happy there with my family, it's a good club and they treat me really well.

"I hope I can change my situation so I can play more. "I haven't heard anything from Liverpool, I am trying to be fit for the new season. "So I think they want me at the club and I am happy to be there and unless they tell me something different, I am a Liverpool player for the coming season."

Poulsen is looking forward to coming up against Kop team-mate Charlie Adam as he tries to prove to Liverpool's Scottish manager Kenny Dalglish that he has something to offer the Merseysiders. He said: "It is an important game to show Liverpool that I am fit and ready to play for them.

"There are a lot of players there but it's up to me to show that I am capable of playing for Liverpool. "Hopefully I can show on Wednesday that I am a good player and they can use me. "Charlie is a really good player and he has a bright future in front of him.

"But I don't see it as a test between me and him. "I see it as a good test for Denmark because we have three Euro qualifiers left and it is a really important for us."

 

[ballsathome]

Tuesday 9th August 2011

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Lukaku inches closer to Chelsea switch

Chelsea are expected to wrap up the signing of Romelu Lukaku within the next 72 hours after the Anderlecht striker arrived in London for a medical.

The Belgian has caught the eye of a number of Europe's top clubs after his free-scoring efforts for the Brussels club, but he has made it clear he is determined to move to Stamford Bridge. That move came one step closer this morning when the 18-year-old took part in a medical at the Blues' training ground in Cobham after the two clubs agreed a fee, thought to be between £15million and £20million, on Saturday night.

The Belgian would only say he thought Andre Villas-Boas was a "very good manager" when bombarded with questions by the waiting media as he stepped off his Eurostar train at London St Pancras station at 9am this morning. Lukaku is expected to return to Belgium to report for international duty before coming back to London on Thursday to finalise the deal following his country's home friendly against Slovenia.

Lukaku's power, pace and eye for goal have seen him compared with current Blues striker Didier Drogba. His record at the Belgian club is impressive. He made his first-team debut at Anderlecht when he was 16 and has averaged almost a goal every two games in the Jupiler League. His goals helped Anderlecht win the Belgian title in 2010 and he scored three times in the Champions League qualifying round last season, although the team went out before the group stage.

Lukaku, whose father Roger played for Zaire in the 1990s, has won 10 caps for Belgium, scoring two goals. If the deal is completed as expected, Lukaku could figure in Villas-Boas' plans for Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener against Stoke. He will face tough competition for a place in the Blues starting line-up though, with Drogba, Fernando Torres, Salomon Kalou, Daniel Sturridge and Nicolas Anelka already vying for a place up front.

Villas-Boas has used all five players during the club's faultless pre-season campaign, with Sturridge providing the 33-year-old with a reminder of his skills by scoring a double in the Blues' win over Rangers at the weekend. The England Under-21 international, who impressed while on loan at Bolton last year, still thinks he is some way off match sharpness following his return from this summer's European Championships, but hopes to persuade Villas-Boas to play him regularly this term after he returns from a three-match suspension.

"It has been a difficult pre season because after finishing playing in the European Under-21 Championships I didn't have much holiday before coming back in, but the manager has involved me a lot which I have been very happy with," Sturridge told Chelsea's website. "I am just going to train very hard and once the ban ends, I hope I will be in the manager's plans."

Villas-Boas has used a variety of players and formations during the club's pre-season campaign, leading goalkeeper Petr Cech to admit he has no idea how the new Chelsea boss will line up his team in Sunday's game at the Britannia Stadium. "I think it's fair to say that each player was given more or less the same amount of time to impress, but it's hard to say who will be in the starting line-up against Stoke," Cech told his official website.

"Looking at who started on Saturday you cannot tell and the coaches still have this week to pick the best 11 players. "We are glad to have won the last friendly too. In pre-season we won all fixtures and that is good for our psyche."

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 8th August 2011

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Ferguson excited by United youth

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the future is bright for his Manchester United side.

Although it is unlikely Phil Jones, Jonny Evans or Tom Cleverley will start on Sunday, when United open their Barclays Premier League title defence at West Brom, they did enough at Wembley on Sunday to ensure they will play some part as the season unfolds.

United got the better of neighbours Manchester City in the Community Shield, coming back from two goals down to win 3-2. And had it not been for the trio of youngsters triggering an impressive second-half revival, the Red Devils' efforts would have been undermined by the goals they gave away at the end of the first half.

As it was, David de Gea was able to let the first harsh lesson of footballing life in England sink in whilst celebrating his first winners' medal, with United's fans streaming away from Wembley having been given a hint of what may lie ahead. "It just confirms what I thought about the squad," said Ferguson.

"People have been saying we are not the best United squad but we have a lot of young players, who will improve. "We brought Cleverley back from Wigan. We brought (Danny) Welbeck back and (Mame Biram) Diouf. "These boys are good players and the addition of Jones and De Gea gives us a good future."

In receipt of high praise from England manager Fabio Capello, Jones will be able to continue his education without the glare De Gea must cope with. Cleverley is the really interesting one, though. Impressive in the United States 12 months ago, Ferguson found it difficult to decide whether to keep the 21-year-old or send him out on loan.

He opted for the latter option, allowing Cleverley to enjoy the joint benefits of working under Roberto Martinez's progressive regime at Wigan, whilst also being toughened up by a relegation fight the Latics ended up winning. As efforts to sign Wesley Sneijder appear no nearer reaching fruition, midfield is the area that worries United fans the most.

And if the Dutchman remains at Inter Milan when the transfer window closes, Cleverley could find himself with a more significant role than he might otherwise have expected. "I trust them and have confidence in the ability of the players," said Ferguson.

"But you can never be confident in the Premier League. You know by the very experience of going through league campaigns how difficult it is. "Six teams could be challenging for the title." United will head to the Hawthorns without Javier Hernandez, who in all likelihood will not be considered until after the September international break given the need to be cautious due to a concussion he suffered in New Jersey almost a fortnight ago.

However, Ferguson could have everyone else at his disposal, confirming Darren Fletcher and Antonio Valencia are both back in full training after recovering from a virus and an ankle injury respectively. "We are doing the right thing with Hernandez but both Fletcher and Valencia are back," he said.

 

[ballsathome]

Tuesday 9th August 2011

United misfit Obertan joins Newcastle

Newcastle have completed the signing of Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan on a five-year contract.

Obertan, whose first team chances with United were limited during his two years with them, is relishing the prospect of regular football with Newcastle.

"I have come here with a lot of ambition," he told Sky Sports News. "I just want to play football." Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was delighted to have landed a long-term transfer target.

He said: "It's good news for us. He is a player we have been after for some time. "With Wayne Routledge moving on there was an opportunity to bring him in.

"With his pace, power and versatility he is going to be an important player for us." The 22-year-old French player moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux in the summer of 2009.

It has been a troubled pre-season for Newcastle with fans unhappy at the lack of activity in the transfer market in the wake of the £35million sale of striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool.

Newcastle responded to criticism of the board by midfielder Joey Barton on his Twitter account by telling him he was free to find a new club despite having a year left on his contract.

Now Pardew has been able to invest some of the Carroll money and is hopeful of adding another striker to his squad before the transfer window closes.

"We certainly need to bring in a striker," he said. "We are aware of that and we are working hard on that."

 

[ballsathome]

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Sneijder reveals Man United contact

Wesley Sneijder has confirmed he would like to join Manchester United and suggested "unofficial talks" have taken place with the Barclays Premier League champions.

Inter Milan star Sneijder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer and revealed at the weekend he could be sold for the right price. The 27-year-old is also reportedly on the radar of Manchester City but he appears to be more interested in their arch-rivals.

Asked if he was keen on a move to Manchester United, Sneijder said in a video interview with www.nos.nl, translated by ESPN soccernet: "Yes, but Manchester United haven't made an official approach yet."There have been unofficial talks, there have been contacts, but then there are always contacts.

"I have contacts with everybody." United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has denied making a contract offer to Sneijder, who insisted it was more likely he would stay with Inter than leave before the transfer window closes.

He said: "The situation is that I am now an Inter player, and chances are that I will still be that come August 31. There is also a chance I could leave. "That isn't really down to me but the club. I think Inter have been very clear: if a good offer comes in, they have to let me go.

"They don't want to lose me but there is a chance they will let me go. "If something crosses my path, I have enough time to make my decision." Sneijder was speaking before Holland's friendly against England on Wednesday was cancelled. Asked whether he was planning to stay behind in the UK for talks, he said: "I don't know."

International team-mate Rafael van der Vaart believes close friend Sneijder would be a good fit for United. Tottenham talisman Van der Vaart, who played with Sneijder at both Ajax and Real Madrid, told Sky Sports News: "Of course he would like to play in England, it's the biggest league in the world.

"He is a good friend of mine and we have contact almost every day. He knows what to expect in the Premier League." When asked if he would be playing against Sneijder this season, he replied: "I hope not because Man U are going to be stronger. "But he's a great player and he would fit in well at Man U."

 

[ballsathome]

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Saha: Everton fans must keep the faith

Striker Louis Saha has urged Everton's fans to trust the club after another quiet summer in the transfer market.

Only young defender Eric Dier, a loan signing from Sporting Lisbon, has arrived at Goodison Park, with James Vaughan and Iain Turner leaving the club. A section of fans have continued to voice their discontent with a perceived lack of investment in the playing squad, but Frenchman Saha has faith in the people running the club, and feels supporters should do too.

He said: "It's not the right way to start a season but I'm here to kick the ball and make sure we're winning games. I understand their concern but they have to be confident in the team and the squad.

"They should know the chairman and the board and the manager are trying hard. They're desperate to do something but if they're not doing something it's because they've got big reasons for that. You have to trust them. We trust them as players."

Defender Sylvain Distin believes the crucial thing is that Everton have so far hung on to star names like Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill. He said: "I think we've got enough quality and the most important thing is to keep our best players, which so far is the case. That's a positive and a strong sign.

"Any team and any player would like to improve their squad, so everybody wants to see new players coming. "But the fact we don't have too many players every season is a positive as well because it means you play with the same guys so you get to know each other a bit more and create a good team spirit."

Everton are still waiting to hear whether Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener at Tottenham will go ahead after the recent riots in London, but if it does the Toffees will be without two key players in Seamus Coleman and Arteta.

The Spaniard is still struggling with the foot injury that has kept him out for much of pre-season, but more worrying for Everton is the news about Coleman's right ankle problem. A scan on the joint the Republic of Ireland international damaged in the friendly defeat by Villarreal on Friday showed he has torn a ligament.

No possible return date has yet been set for the 22-year-old, who would have missed the first two games of the season anyway through suspension but now looks set to be sidelined for a much longer period.

Head physio Danny Donachie told evertonfc.com: "Seamus has torn the lateral ligament in his right ankle. He will be visiting a specialist in London later this week for further assessment."

 

[ballsathome]

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Tottenham eye £35m Hulk move

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up an audacious £35million bid for highly-rated Porto striker Hulk.

The Brazilian international has been heavily linked with a move out of the Europa League champions after impressing with his performances for the Portogueuse side last season.

Chelsea and Manchester City are among the clubs that have indicated their interest in the 25-year-old.

But according to The Daily Mail, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has made Hulk as his prime target to boost his firepower ahead of the new season.

Meanwhile, the muscular striker has a staggering £88million release clause in his contract but it is believed a £35million offer would move the hands of Porto into letting him go.

Should Spurs land the former Tokyo Verdy striker, it would smash the North London's all time transfer record - £17million for David Bentley in 2008.

 

[ballsathome]

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Opening London matches in doubt

The Premier League and Football League will make a decision about weekend matches in London on Thursday in the wake of the trouble in the capital.

The leagues say they have no reason to believe any games outside of London will be affected.

A statement from the leagues said: "The Premier League and Football League are saddened by the recent incidents of civil unrest and the effect it is having on local communities.

"We are in ongoing discussions with our London-based clubs, the Metropolitan Police and statutory authorities in regard to the staging of the coming weekend's fixtures in the capital.

"The Metropolitan Police has conveyed to us the dynamic nature of the current situation and with that in mind all parties will review the situation on Thursday and make a further public statement at that time.

"With the information currently available to us there is no reason to think any matches outside of London will be affected.

"We are conscious of the need to keep fans informed of any developments and will, of course, keep them as up-to-date as possible through club, league and media channels."

Wednesday night's England v Holland friendly at Wembley was called off, as were a number of Carling Cup matches in London and Tuesday's friendly between Ghana and Nigeria at Watford's Vicarage Road.

 

[ballsathome]

Thursday 11th August 2011

Torres injury blow for Chelsea

Fernando Torres could miss the opening game of the season after suffering a head injury with Spain.

The striker lasted just 14 minutes of Wednesday night's international friendly against Italy in Bari before leaving the field with suspected concussion.

Chelsea begin their bid to regain the Premier League crown with a testing trip to Stoke on Sunday.

But it remains to be seen if Torres will be fit to feature with the forward due to undergo further examinations from the Spain medical staff, who have insisted his departure from the field was purely precautionary.

The former Liverpool striker has endured a miserable time at Stamford Bridge following his £50million arrival in the January transfer window.

The previously prolific frontman managed just a solitary Premier League goal during the remainder of the campaign and often looked badly out of sorts.

With new manager Andre Villas-Boas at the helm of the Blues following his arrival from Porto, Torres will have been keen to make an early impression.

However, he could now be forced to miss the clash with the Potters after an untimely injury in a round of friendlies which have already raised eyebrows from many club managers.

 

[ballsathome]

Thursday 11th August 2011

Ameobi signs two-year Newcastle deal

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has signed a two-year contract extension, which will keep him at St James' Park until the summer of 2014.

The 29-year-old made his Magpies debut in 2000 and has played over 300 games for the club, scoring 70 goals. "All I've ever wanted is to play for Newcastle United and it is a really happy day for me," Ameobi said in a statement.

"Newcastle is, and always will be, my club and I'm looking forward immensely to the next three years, beginning this Saturday with the new season opener against Arsenal. "I would also like to thank the board and the manager for their continued support, which is very much appreciated."

Ameobi, who came up through the youth ranks at Newcastle, netted nine times in the Barclays Premier League last season as the club finished 12th in the standings. Manager Alan Pardew welcomed the news of the striker's extended deal.

"We are delighted to have confirmed Shola's new contract," he said. "He has done a terrific job for me since I've been at the club and he is also a great character to have around the place. "It is important to have continuity, and keeping Shola on board helps us achieve that aim."

 

[ballsathome]

Thursday 11th August 2011

Liverpool agree fee for Enrique

Liverpool moved closer to solving their problem at left-back after agreeing a fee with Newcastle for defender Jose Enrique.

The Reds will discuss personal terms with the Spaniard when he arrives on Merseyside for his medical at their Melwood training ground this afternoon. Enrique, 25, will cost Liverpool in the region of £6million but will fill a position which they struggled with last season. "Liverpool FC confirmed today that they had agreed a fee with Newcastle United for the transfer of Jose Enrique," said a club statement.

"The club have now been given permission to discuss personal terms with the player, who will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical." Enrique joined the Magpies for £6.3million from Villarreal in August 2007 but was in the final year of his contract at St James' Park and had made it clear he would not be signing a new deal.

Providing there are no hitches to the move the defender will become Kenny Dalglish's fifth signing of the summer, following midfielders Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson and back-up goalkeeper Alexander Doni to Anfield.

The Reds boss was unsuccessful in his bid to try to sign Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy earlier in the summer, with the Frenchman opting to join Manchester City, but the Scot has been looking for a long-term solution to a position which has been a source of frustration for a number of seasons.

Former manager Rafael Benitez tried several options with varying degrees of success, with the injury-plagued Fabio Aurelio, inexperienced Emiliano Insua and the woeful Andrea Dossena all trying but failing to hold down a regular position.

His successor Roy Hodgson signed Paul Konchesky from former club Fulham when he arrived last summer but the player was soon found out and lasted only marginally longer than his manager. Hodgson was replaced in early January and by the end of the month Konchesky had been loaned out to Nottingham Forest and has since found a permanent home in the npower Championship at Leicester.

Dalglish's temporary fix was to give right-back Glen Johnson an unaccustomed role on the left and he performed well, with teenaged reserve team defender Jack Robinson filling in admirably when the England international was injured.

Aurelio, fitness-permitting, and Robinson seem likely to provide the back-up to Enrique which means Argentina international Emiliano Insua, who returned from a season-long loan at Galatasaray this summer, may have to find another club.

 

[ballsathome]

Thursday 11th August 2011

BPL to give referees more protection

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has revealed that a new directive has been issued to give referees more protection and respect this season.

At the official launch of the new season in London this morning, Scudamore said the `Get on with the game` campaign would look to reduce the number of incidents of dissent towards officials from players and managers. He told a news conference: "We`ve gone to the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) and asked them what will help them.

"We came up with a reduction in disrespectful behaviour, turning backs on referees and we don`t want players surrounding referees, as well as the conduct of managers. "In post-match interviews we don`t want to stamp out constructive criticism, but it`s more about the colour and the disrespectful language." Scudamore was joined by West Brom manager Roy Hodgson, and he endorsed the move.

"Referees are an integral part of our game and some times we are less kind to them than we should be," he said. "We all make mistakes, managers, players and referees.
"If we are caught out letting our emotions run away with us, we know the day after we are wrong and that we shouldn`t do it. "These initiatives are really important and we really need to stress it."

Hodgson continued: "If you don't behave properly, how can you expect the younger people around you to behave properly? "Maybe [we should] try to encourage players to stop seeing referees as some sort of fearful policeman-type figure who's got nothing to go with the game of football and embrace the fact he's there to do his job as well.

"He's got a performance to put on on a Saturday afternoon on which he's going to be judged and through which he'll either continue as a (top-flight) referee and go up the ladder or unfortunately, like the snake, slide down the ladder." Scudamore is convinced the new initiative will lead to a reduction in incidents of match officials being disrespected. "My confidence is born out of discussions we had over the summer," he said.

"We heralded the idea we were going to look at something over the summer. It's the first time we've met with all the player together. We met with [Professional Footballers' Association chief executive] Gordon Taylor, representatives of players from all the clubs. That was very positive. "They to a man said the relationship between the referees and players had improved since the 2008 launch.

"They were keen to make sure we didn't throw all those things out. The players themselves understand. "All the managers have been to pre-season meetings - again, very very constructive. "My confidence comes from the willingness of those people to engage in this discussion. "Of course we're all waiting on the first incident - there's always going to be incidents. We're looking to reduce the incidents, but we won't eliminate them."

 

[ballsathome]

Thursday 11th August 2011

Top 10 Premier League Players to Watch

The Barclays Premier League have unveiled their list of the Top 10 Players to Watch for the coming season.

The selection, published in the Barclays Premier League Season Preview emagazine, includes two Arsenal players, two Manchester United players and there's even a place for Swansea winger Scott Sinclair.

Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

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The past year has been one to remember for the 19-year-old, who became a key player for the Gunners, established himself in the senior England side and was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year.
Much is expected from the midfielder next season, but you can be sure he will not disappoint.

Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)

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Arsene Wenger's side capitulated towards the end of last season, leading fans and pundits alike to question the Frenchman and his troops. Defence seemed to be a real point of contention, although Vermaelen's return should go some way to shoring up Arsenal's ailing backline. And having recovered from a serious injury, the Belgium star could help the Gunners towards a realistic title push.

Luka Modric (Tottenham)

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While the Croatia playmaker has openly admitted his desire to part company with Spurs, it looks like he will be turning out for the north London outfit for some time yet. And it is a good thing too for Harry Redknapp's side, who have a realistic chance of beating any team with Modric's guile in the centre of the park.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

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Many on Merseyside feared Torres' departure could adversely affect Liverpool's fortunes, although Suarez rapidly dispelled such concerns. The Uruguay striker has proven a relative bargain at £22.8m after some mesmerising displays in his first six months with Kenny Dalglish's men. Expect even better this season.

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

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The Argentine striker has been one of the most coveted talents in Europe for several years, and it is no surprise it took the resources of City to pry him from Atletico Madrid. He has a scoring record of almost a goal every two games, and helped Atletico to win the 2010 Europa League. Will bring more flair to City.

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle)

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Many on Tyneside would have feared they had seen the last of the on-loan French winger when he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in October. Ben Arfa, though, has since penned a permanent deal with Newcastle and is keen tomake up for lost time. If he can regain the form he showed before his injury, he could be a star.

Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

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The Serbian colossus was a key component as United picked up a record 19th league title last season - and you can expect much of the same as Sir Alex Ferguson's side eye a tilt at a 20th crown. The 29-year-old is an imperious force in defence and a goal threat from set pieces, making him one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

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Last season did not quite go to plan for the most expensive signing in British football history. Torres' £50m January move from Liverpool was punctuated by a lack of form rather than the goals that made him famous, but under the tutorship of Andre Villas-Boas expect the Spain international to flourish again.

Scott Sinclair (Swansea)

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After spells with nine clubs in five years, the 22-year-old ex-Chelsea man is finally fulfilling his potential in south Wales. Sinclair still has a lot to prove to, but the stage is set for the winger to shine this season. Blessed with pace, skill and the drive to succeed, he has the attributes to be special.

Ashley Young (Manchester United)

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After the completion of his protracted move to the north west, Young can go about proving himself as one of the Premier League's elite. The 25-year-old has impressed for both Aston Villa and England in recent times, but whether he can succeed at Old Trafford is another question entirely. Saying that, with the skillset at his disposal not many would bet against him being a success.

 

[ballsathome]

Thursday 11th August 2011

BPL postpones just one fixture

The Premier League have confirmed that the nine remaining top-flight matches in the opening round will go ahead.

This was after Tottenham's match against Everton was postponed due to this week's riots. Spurs' match cannot go ahead as a result of trouble in the area last weekend, which quickly spread to other boroughs of London and to other major English cities as the week went on.

However, the Premier League do not expect any other games to be called off, while the Football League also expect their entire weekend programme to be unaffected. A Premier League statement read: "Following on-going discussions with the Metropolitan Police, statutory authorities and clubs in London, the Premier League can confirm that, aside from the postponed Tottenham Hotspur v Everton match, all League games in the capital will go ahead as scheduled this weekend.

"The Premier League has worked closely with the authorities and London-based clubs throughout the recent civil unrest to ensure matches are staged in accordance with supporter safety. "While all efforts were made to try and facilitate the Tottenham Hotspur v Everton match by the Metropolitan Police and the local authority, the situation on the Tottenham High Road proved too difficult to overcome.

"The Premier League would like to thank the Metropolitan Police and all the other relevant police forces for their efforts and on-going communication during this difficult time. "Acting on current information from the authorities there is no reason to believe that matches outside of London will be affected at this time."

 

[jw5]

BPL is starting again tomorrow.
Hurray!!!

Now at least no need to watch mediacorp reruns................... :o

Btw, Spurs vs Everton is postponed.

 

[ballsathome]

Thursday 11th August 2011

QPR confirm Bruno Perone signing

QPR have confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Bruno Perone, subject to international clearance.

The 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, has signed a one-year deal with the Barclays Premier League newcomers. Sao Paulo-born Perone has been on trial with the west London side for the last month, featuring in several pre-season matches.

QPR boss Neil Warnock told his club's official website, www.qpr.co.uk: "Bruno has fitted in very well in the time he has been with us. "He did well during pre-season. He has still got lots to learn but when the time comes I am sure we will be able to put him in the team with confidence.

"One of the things he has got to learn is the language. At the moment Ali Faurlin is helping him out." If the international clearance proves no problem, Perone will join fellow newcomers Jay Bothroyd, Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon, DJ Campbell and Brian Murphy at Loftus Road.

 

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Friday 12th August 2011

Tottenham agree Adebayor loan deal

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City.

The Togolese striker is on the hunt for a new club after being told he is not in Roberto Mancini's plans for the upcoming season. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has been on a look out for a striker to boost his firepower for their Barclays Premier League and Europa League campaigns.

And according to Sky Sports News, the North London club have agreed a deal to take the 27-year-old on loan at White Hart Lane. Adebayor did go on loan with Spanish giants Real Madrid for the whole of last season and impressed with eight goals.

His preference was to land a permanent deal at Santiago Bernabeu but Madrid coach Jose Mourinho decided against taking the former Arsenal striker in. Already a hate-figure amongst Arsenal fans for his provocative celebration in Manchester City's 4-2 win over the Gunners, his move to London rivals Tottenham will only do further harm to his reputation at the Emirates.

 

[ballsathome]

Friday 12th August 2011

Fabregas, Nasri out of Arsenal squad

Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have been left out of Arsenal's squad for their Barclays Premier League opener against Newcastle on Saturday.

The pair have been strongly linked with a move out of the Emirates, with Fabregas set to complete his long-awaited move back to Barcelona while Nasri is reportedly close to a Manchester City switch. Despite the intense speculation this summer, the club - together with the fans - has continually held on to the hope of keeping the two star players.

However, Wenger revealed at his Friday press conference that both Fabregas and Nasri were out of his squad for Saturday's trip to Newcastle - further shrouding Fabregas' and Nasri's futures in doubt.

Despite the star duo's absence from Arsenal's squad, Wenger, who was quoted earlier this week as saying he wanted a quick resolution to the transfer sagas, remained adamant that nobody would be leaving the Emirates.

"I expect nobody to leave," he said at the club's training ground. "The best thing for us one day before the championship starts is to focus on possible transfers. "At the moment there is no news. If there is news I promise I will give it. I will decide what's best for the club.

"My personal feelings are not important. What is important is the club and how well we do. "I have not been disappointed with their attitudes. They are professionals. I take nothing personally. "The transfer speculation is disruptive but that is not an excuse."

Meanwhile, the Gunners boss has rejected the possibility of signing Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker, insisting the club does not need anymore defenders. "We currently have four central defenders, and thus we do not need any more," Wenger told Kicker.

 

[ballsathome]

Friday 12th August 2011

Man United call off Sneijder deal

Manchester United have given up on their pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

The Dutch international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to replace retired Paul Scholes at the heart of his midfield. The 27-year-old previously claimed there was unofficial contact between himself and United while Inter have sent signals that they were willing to let their prized asset go for the right price.

A move to the English champions therefore looked imminent for the 27-year-old but it has now been declared 'dead' by United. Senior United officials have reportedly told The Guardian newspaper that the club have grown tired of the prolonged transfer saga and have decided to pull the plug on their chase for the dynamic midfielder.

Sneijder's age - being on the wrong side of the Red Devils's age limit for new signings - and the hefty salary of around £200,000-a-week he is demanding, has proved too much for the club.

Ferguson has already splashed out around £50million on new signings like Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea - and unless Sneijder is willing to lower his wage demands, the curtains on United's summer spending spree could well be closed as their defence of the Premier League title begins this weekend at West Bromich Albion.

United have also been linked with Tottenham's Luka Modric and Arsenal's Samir Nasri but it seems any deal to sign either of the midfielders is unlikely, with Chelsea and Manchester City the more possible destinations for Modric and Nasri respectively. Moreover, with the emergence of young midfielder Tom Cleverly at Old Trafford, Ferguson may feel he already has a replacement for Scholes.

 

[ballsathome]

Transfer wrap: Reds agree Enrique fee, QPR strengthen defence

11 August 2011

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Liverpool have agreed to sign Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique for a reported fee of six million pounds. The Reds pounced on the opportunity to seal the Spaniard's services after the 25-year-old announced he wanted to cut short his contract at St James' Park by a year.

Enrique's impending exit follows the departure of Andy Carroll, who joined Liverpool last season, and Kevin Nolan's sale to West Ham, leaving Newcastle manager Alan Pardew with several gaps to fill in his squad. A Liverpool statement confirmed Enrique's arrival at Merseyside was imminent.

"The club have now been given permission to discuss personal terms with the player, who will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical." Elsewhere in the Premier League, Queens Park Rangers have signed Brazilian defender Bruno Perone on a one-year deal after a month-long trial period with the London club.

Bolton have confirmed they are pursuing out-of-favour Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, while Turkish striker Tuncay Sanli will arrive at the Reebok for a loan spell from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. The 29-year-old Tuncay, who has Premier League experience with Middlesbrough and Stoke City, announced via Twitter that he has passed his medical and signed a contract with Owen Coyle's side.

Australian international Matt McKay has agreed to terms with Scottish Premier League champions Rangers, paving the way for a switch from A-League club Brisbane Roar. The 28-year-old midfielder featured in Australia's 2-1 win over Wales in their international friendly in Cardiff on Wednesday, and is one step closer to joining Ally McCoist's men at Ibrox.

The only stumbling block in the way of McKay joining the SPL powerhouse is gaining a work permit. In other transfer news, Inter Milan's Diego Milito has been linked with a move to Russian side Rubin Kazan and Turkish club Galatasaray, as reported by Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Arsenal are preparing to part company with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, with the duo's departure expected to be confirmed early next week.

Barcelona's offer of 35.1 million pounds looks to be enough for the London side, while Nasri is headed to City for an estimated 22 million pounds. It is understood that neither player will be available for the Gunners' clash away at Newcastle on Saturday.