Moneybags Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is set to spark a £63million transfer merry-go-round for defenders.
Kolo Toure will be the trigger, with City confident of signing the defensive lynchpin in a £14million switch from Arsenal.
Hughes has wanted Toure all year ever since missing out on the Ivory Coast defender in January - and will offer him a £90,000-a-week deal to join his Blues revolution.
Emirates chief Arsene Wenger will then use the cash to pursue Fulham's Brede Hangeland, viewing the Norway star as a direct replacement for Toure.
The Cottagers are determined not to let their prized asset leave on the cheap and will demand all of the Toure money before they even consider selling him.
Wenger could face competition from Everton for Hangeland, and manager David Moyes
is monitoring developments with City also after Joleon Lescott.
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Hughes is focusing on his defence after signing strikers Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez.
Hughes said: "We're in the market for good players that we think will improve us. If we can bring them to the club we'll be very delighted."
Lescott falls into that category for Hughes and Everton have rejected City's £15m offer, demanding £20m for the versatile England defender, who can play centre-half or full-
back.
Moyes feels this is the going rate after Liverpool shelled out £17m to land Glen Johnson.
City have so far refused to increase their £15m bid and may have to bait the deal with Nedum Onuoha.
Moyes would then have the cash to step up his interest in Tottenham's Alan Hutton, after losing out to Spurs for Kyle Naughton.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
I will Be Special At Man United>>>>>>JM
Jose Mourinho last night said he wants to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United.
The former Chelsea coach, who lifted last season's Serie A title at Inter Milan, issued a come-and-getme plea to the Old Trafford hierarchy when Fergie retires.
Mourinho, who last night exchanged striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o plus £40million and former Arsenal winger Alexander Hleb in the deal of the summer, said: "I would consider going to Manchester United. but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. If they do, then of course.
"I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make a game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere."
But ref lecting on his acrimonious departure from Chelsea in 2005 after two League titles, the Special One could not resist a dig.
He said: "I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce.
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"It was difficult for me because we loved each other, but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone.
"Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep winning and they don't."
Mourinho now has his sights set on bringing the Champions League to Inter - they last won Europe's premier trophy way back in 1965.
He said: "I have a project in hand and I am very excited. When I went to Chelsea the big obsession was to win the Premier League after half a century.
"At Inter, winning the Italian League is very important but we have something else on our minds."
The former Chelsea coach, who lifted last season's Serie A title at Inter Milan, issued a come-and-getme plea to the Old Trafford hierarchy when Fergie retires.
Mourinho, who last night exchanged striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o plus £40million and former Arsenal winger Alexander Hleb in the deal of the summer, said: "I would consider going to Manchester United. but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. If they do, then of course.
"I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make a game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere."
But ref lecting on his acrimonious departure from Chelsea in 2005 after two League titles, the Special One could not resist a dig.
He said: "I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce.
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"It was difficult for me because we loved each other, but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone.
"Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep winning and they don't."
Mourinho now has his sights set on bringing the Champions League to Inter - they last won Europe's premier trophy way back in 1965.
He said: "I have a project in hand and I am very excited. When I went to Chelsea the big obsession was to win the Premier League after half a century.
"At Inter, winning the Italian League is very important but we have something else on our minds."
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Terry Commits His Future To The Blues
John Terry has looked to end speculation regarding his future by committing himself to Chelsea.
The Blues skipper has remained ominously quiet this summer throughout a protracted transfer saga linking him with a move to Manchester City.
His refusal to comment was taken as a hint that he could be tempted to take on a new challenge at Eastlands, after spending his entire career to date at Stamford Bridge.
However, the England international has now laid those rumours to rest by insisting he has no desire to secure a switch away from West London any time soon.
"There has been a lot of speculation recently about my future and I want to clear this up once and for all," Terry said in a statement released on Chelsea's official website.
"I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been. Chelsea have also made it clear to me consistently that there was never any intention to accept any kind of offer.
Respect
"When you are linked with any club, or with a manager who I have huge respect for, it will always make headlines but me leaving Chelsea was never a possibility.
"I know there has been comment that I should have made a statement earlier. However, throughout this period there have been numerous discussions between myself, the owner and the Chelsea board and we all agreed that the timing of the statement would suit everyone involved in those talks, not any outside influences or agendas.
"What is clear to me following those discussions is that Chelsea's ambition remains as high as ever. This has been further proved by the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti. I am certain that he will take this club on to the next level.
"Another important factor was knowing that Chelsea would be securing key current players for the long term. The strengthening of the squad around this core is crucial to pushing us onto greater success.
"I am as committed as ever to helping drive Chelsea forward and I will be proud to lead the team for as long as I can."
The Blues skipper has remained ominously quiet this summer throughout a protracted transfer saga linking him with a move to Manchester City.
His refusal to comment was taken as a hint that he could be tempted to take on a new challenge at Eastlands, after spending his entire career to date at Stamford Bridge.
However, the England international has now laid those rumours to rest by insisting he has no desire to secure a switch away from West London any time soon.
"There has been a lot of speculation recently about my future and I want to clear this up once and for all," Terry said in a statement released on Chelsea's official website.
"I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been. Chelsea have also made it clear to me consistently that there was never any intention to accept any kind of offer.
Respect
"When you are linked with any club, or with a manager who I have huge respect for, it will always make headlines but me leaving Chelsea was never a possibility.
"I know there has been comment that I should have made a statement earlier. However, throughout this period there have been numerous discussions between myself, the owner and the Chelsea board and we all agreed that the timing of the statement would suit everyone involved in those talks, not any outside influences or agendas.
"What is clear to me following those discussions is that Chelsea's ambition remains as high as ever. This has been further proved by the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti. I am certain that he will take this club on to the next level.
"Another important factor was knowing that Chelsea would be securing key current players for the long term. The strengthening of the squad around this core is crucial to pushing us onto greater success.
"I am as committed as ever to helping drive Chelsea forward and I will be proud to lead the team for as long as I can."
Fiorentina keen to sign versatile Arsenal player
Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle has expressed a desire to sign Emmanuel Eboue from Arsenal.
The Ivory Coast international emerged as a transfer target for Fiorentina earlier in the summer when the Gunners were keen to take Felipe Melo in the opposite direction.
A swap deal involving the two players was proposed by Viola but ultimately failed to materialise, with Melo securing a move to Juventus.
Fiorentina have now rekindled their interest in the 26-year-old, although Della Valle admits it will be difficult to prise him away from Emirates Stadium.
"Arsenal's Eboue is a really good player and it won't be easy to take him to Florence," he told the Italian press.
Eboue is contracted to Arsenal until 2010 and reports suggest Fiorentina would be willing to pay around €10million (£8.6m).
The Ivory Coast international emerged as a transfer target for Fiorentina earlier in the summer when the Gunners were keen to take Felipe Melo in the opposite direction.
A swap deal involving the two players was proposed by Viola but ultimately failed to materialise, with Melo securing a move to Juventus.
Fiorentina have now rekindled their interest in the 26-year-old, although Della Valle admits it will be difficult to prise him away from Emirates Stadium.
"Arsenal's Eboue is a really good player and it won't be easy to take him to Florence," he told the Italian press.
Eboue is contracted to Arsenal until 2010 and reports suggest Fiorentina would be willing to pay around €10million (£8.6m).
Adebayor wants Toure/Terry In Citeh
Emmanuel Adebayor has told Manchester City to sign his former Arsenal team-mate Kolo Toure.
Togo international Adebayor recently swapped the Emirates Stadium for Eastlands in a big-money move to join the ambitious project on offer in Manchester.
The 25-year-old is now keen for defender Toure to follow him to City, who have set their sights on overtaking Arsenal in the top four of the Premier League.
City boss Mark Hughes is chasing Chelsea centre-back John Terry, but Adebayor believes Toure would also be a successful signing.
He said: "Kolo is a great friend of mine. He is a big player for Arsenal and a top defender.
"He has been playing in the Premier League for seven or eight years now so he knows this league really well.
"If the manager could get him, he can get exactly what this club wants and needs from him. I'm sure about that.
"I know how good Kolo is and I think what Man City needs now is a top quality defender like him or John Terry."
Togo international Adebayor recently swapped the Emirates Stadium for Eastlands in a big-money move to join the ambitious project on offer in Manchester.
The 25-year-old is now keen for defender Toure to follow him to City, who have set their sights on overtaking Arsenal in the top four of the Premier League.
City boss Mark Hughes is chasing Chelsea centre-back John Terry, but Adebayor believes Toure would also be a successful signing.
He said: "Kolo is a great friend of mine. He is a big player for Arsenal and a top defender.
"He has been playing in the Premier League for seven or eight years now so he knows this league really well.
"If the manager could get him, he can get exactly what this club wants and needs from him. I'm sure about that.
"I know how good Kolo is and I think what Man City needs now is a top quality defender like him or John Terry."
Friday, 17 July 2009
Cesc hails returning Rosicky
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas believes Tomas Rosicky will return stronger and better from his injury nightmare when the new season gets underway.
The Czech Republic midfielder has been sidelined since January 2008 with a series of hamstring and leg muscle problems.
However, the 28-year-old can see light at the end of the tunnel as he has been taking a full part in pre-season training.
"I have spent a lot of time with him and I know how he feels," Fabregas told the club's official website.
"I know what he wants and I have never seen a guy being so committed, so professional and never giving up.
"If this happened to me I probably wouldn't want to talk to anyone, I would be always down and angry.
"But he's unbelievable and when we see that he will be back next season, he will be strong and hopefully he can help us improve a lot.
"He's the type of player you enjoy playing alongside and as a guy he's amazing. He didn't deserve his injury but I am sure he will come back stronger. I wish him all the best because everyone here at Arsenal loves him a lot.
Know who's in form? Predict the results of this week's games and win with Soccer 7!"I feel sorry for him, but I don't need to say that to him, he's my best friend in the team and one of my best friends in football and my life."
The Czech Republic midfielder has been sidelined since January 2008 with a series of hamstring and leg muscle problems.
However, the 28-year-old can see light at the end of the tunnel as he has been taking a full part in pre-season training.
"I have spent a lot of time with him and I know how he feels," Fabregas told the club's official website.
"I know what he wants and I have never seen a guy being so committed, so professional and never giving up.
"If this happened to me I probably wouldn't want to talk to anyone, I would be always down and angry.
"But he's unbelievable and when we see that he will be back next season, he will be strong and hopefully he can help us improve a lot.
"He's the type of player you enjoy playing alongside and as a guy he's amazing. He didn't deserve his injury but I am sure he will come back stronger. I wish him all the best because everyone here at Arsenal loves him a lot.
Know who's in form? Predict the results of this week's games and win with Soccer 7!"I feel sorry for him, but I don't need to say that to him, he's my best friend in the team and one of my best friends in football and my life."
Manchester United Sign Senegalese Star
Manchester United have announced the signature of an unnamed Senegalese player, believed to be Mame Biram Diouf.
United are in Malaysia for their pre-season tour of the Far East and Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he has signed a 21-year-old Norwegian player, but did not divulge his name.
Striker Diouf plays in Norway for Molde FK and will stay with the club on loan until January 2010, at which point he will join up with his new team-mates.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We signed a young player yesterday from Norway, who we've been looking at for two years.
"We weren't intending on signing anyone else after last week - we feel we have a full squad - but the situation accelerated to a point where other clubs started to make bids, so we had to decide whether we acted or didn't act. We decided to act and he'll be the last person we sign."
Know who's in form? Predict the results of this week's games and win with Soccer 7!Chief executive David Gill added: "He was signed yesterday and he needs a work permit.
"He'll stay on loan where he is and we'll look to bring him [to Manchester] in January."
United are in Malaysia for their pre-season tour of the Far East and Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he has signed a 21-year-old Norwegian player, but did not divulge his name.
Striker Diouf plays in Norway for Molde FK and will stay with the club on loan until January 2010, at which point he will join up with his new team-mates.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We signed a young player yesterday from Norway, who we've been looking at for two years.
"We weren't intending on signing anyone else after last week - we feel we have a full squad - but the situation accelerated to a point where other clubs started to make bids, so we had to decide whether we acted or didn't act. We decided to act and he'll be the last person we sign."
Know who's in form? Predict the results of this week's games and win with Soccer 7!Chief executive David Gill added: "He was signed yesterday and he needs a work permit.
"He'll stay on loan where he is and we'll look to bring him [to Manchester] in January."
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