Barcelona's Yaya Toure's Agent Hints At Arsenal Switch

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, according to the Ivorian's agent.

The Ivory Coast international's agent, Dimitri Seluk, admitted he couldn't rule out the possibility his client would be heading to the Emirates Stadium, with Gunners chief Arsene Wenger a keen admirer of the combative midfielder's abilities.

"Yaya [Toure] is happy at Barcelona and will only leave for a big project at a big club", Seluk told The People.

"But in England there are sides with great prestige and that could be decisive.

"Arsene Wenger knows Yaya, and I am convinced he could be a success with Arsenal."

The Catalans giant have made no secret of their desire to bring their youth product Cesc Fabregas back to the Nou Camp, but Wenger has consistently rebuffed any advances for his stellar performer and captain.

However, it remains to be seen whether Toure will play a part in persuading the Frenchman to part with his most prized asset.

(taken from goal.com)

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Manchester City Will Launch An Audacious Bid For Liverpool Ace Fernando Torres

Manchester City look set to take full advantage of the financial uncertainty at Liverpool by launching a £40 million bid for striker Fernando Torres.

According to the Sunday Mirror, City are prepared to offer a cut-price deal to take the Spanish international to Eastlands.

Despite Reds chairman Martin Broughton giving assurances that the club do not need to sell any of their prized assets this summer, City are believed to be in pole position to sign the former Atletico Madrid star, with Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti ruled out a move in midweek.

“[Fernando] Torres is a fantastic player, but comes with a very expensive price tag," Ancelotti said.

"I won’t go for him in the summer because, with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in the squad, it’s difficult to think about signing him.”

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Chelsea Weigh Up Move For Newcastle United Target Pablo Hernandez

Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez, according to the News of the World.

The Spaniard has been impressive this season in the Primera Division, and looks set to launch a late bid to be included in the Spanish national squad heading to South Africa this summer.

Hernandez reportedly has a £45 million minimum-fee release clause in his contract, but with Valencia’s financial woes set to continue, they may face having to sell star players in order to balance the books.

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Reds tie up Shelvey deal

Liverpool have sealed the signing of Charlton Athletic youngster Jonjo Shelvey.

The Reds have bolstered their squad for next season after agreeing a fee with the League One club for an initial £1.7m.

England Under-17 international midfielder Shelvey passed a medical and agreed personal terms and will complete his move to Anfield on 10th May. The fee also contains a number of potential add-ons, relating to domestic and international appearances.

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Chelsea Put Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero And Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery On Summer Shopping List

Blues keen on duo but unwilling to pay over the odds

Chelsea are closely monitoring Sergio Aguero and Franck Ribery as they plan their summer recruitment, Goal.com UK has learned. Sources close to the club say the pair head a list of prospective buys as the Blues prepare for a busy summer of transfer activity.

Aguero was quoted in the English media yesterday lavishing praise on the London club, calling them "great" and stressing his enthusiasm for the prospect of life in the English capital. His national team coach - and father-in-law - Diego Maradona has previously been expressed a desire to see 'Kun' follow in his footsteps by heading to Italy, with Jose Mourinho's Inter also interested; but the striker seems to feel his pace and technique will be better suited to the Premier League.

The Argentinian international is coming to the end of his fourth season in the Spanish capital and has long since become frustrated with the club's chaotic infrastructure. Though Quique Sanchez Flores' side are still in the hunt for silverware, with the Copa del Rey final to come and a Europa League semi-final with Liverpool on the horizon, they are languishing in 10th place in their domestic championship and for next season, a return to the Europa League is the best they can hope for. Atleti are heavily in debt and will need to sell at least one big name to fill the financial void left by the lack of Champions League football, so it is likely Chelsea will have room to negotiate a bargain, having privately let it be known that they are not keen to pay anywhere near Aguero's €60 million buy-out clause.

After moving to Spain in 2006, having just turned 18, Aguero endured a tough first season in La Liga before hitting 19 league goals in his sophomore year to propel Atleti into the Champions League - a notable achievement, and one that even club legend Fernando Torres was unable to manage.

Now 21, Kun's arrival at Stamford Bridge would provide a major fillip to a frontline reliant on the fine form of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, who are 32 and 31, respectively.

Meanwhile Ribery's future is even more up for discussion, with the winger approaching the final year of his contract in Munich. President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has not ruled out the possibility of keeping the Frenchman, but with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Chelsea, closely monitoring the situation, it looks like they will have their work cut out to keep him.

The 27-year-old has started only seven Bundesliga games in the current campaign, having been stymied by a series of niggling injuries, but is returning to peak form as Bayern chase a Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League treble. The player himself has suggested a decision on his future is imminent, though his connection with the current prostitution scandal involving the French national team makes an announcement in the next few weeks unlikely.

Ribery's signing would add creativity and dynamism to a Chelsea midfield in which Joe Cole is still uncertain of his future, with his current deal set to expire in the summer. 

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Wigan Athletic Chairman Dave Whelan Admits Stars Hugo Rodallega & Charles N'Zogbia Could Join Arsenal Or Liverpool

Latics' chief concedes key duo can leave for a 'big club'

Wigan Athletic will not stand in the way of star duo Hugo Rodallega and Charles N'zogbia, should Liverpool or Arsenal come calling, according to Latics’ chairman Dave Whelan. Both Rodallega and N’Zogbia have been linked with moves to bigger clubs at the end of this season, and Whelan insists that Wigan’s policy has always been to help players further their careers.
“Wigan is a small club, we accept that,” he told Goal.com UK, “We have to look around and buy players and coach them, and I always tell my players that if a big club comes calling, I will never stand in their way.

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Bayern Munich Set to Capture Berbatov

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov could be offered a way out of his Old Trafford misery as Bayern Munich look set to launch a bid for the frustrated Bulgarian.

According to the News of the World, Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to off-load the under-fire frontman this summer. Following his £30.75 million move to United, Berbatov has failed to meet the high standards he set at Tottenham Hotspur.

Having spent five years in Germany at Bayer Leverkusen, it is speculated that Berbatov will favour a return to the Bundesliga, and he is expected to fall further down the pecking order at United with the arrival of summer signing Javier Hernandez.

Berbatov appeared as a substitute in Manchester United’s win over city rivals Manchester City, and has found the net on 12 occasions this season.
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Liverpool Eye Feyenoord Wonderkid Wijnaldum

Despite their off-field problems, Liverpool are reportedly hot on the heels of 19-year-old starlet Georginio Wijnaldum of Feyenoord.

According to the Daily Mail, the club are being forced to alter their transfer strategy this summer in the face of mounting financial problems.

Coupled with recent news that the club is up for sale having drafted in new chairman Martin Broughton, the Reds are believed to be looking towards younger stars with smaller price tags.

Traditionally the Anfield side have targeted established players for big money, but that is all set to change this summer.

The financial worries at the club show no sign of abating and it is reported that Broughton has given the green light to a new sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered, which contains a pre-requisite that the club qualify for the Champions League in order for the full £80 million-a-year to be paid.

With such off-field financial troubles, acquiring Wijnaldum would be good business for Rafael Benitez.

The talented Rotterdam born midfielder has scored four times this season in 31 Eredivisie outings.

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Juventus Ready To Take Advantage Of Liverpool Cash Crisis With Dirk Kuyt Raid - Report

According to the News of the World, manager Rafael Benitez is widely tipped to move to Turin this summer and Juve are speculated to have made enquiries as to the availability of Kuyt leaving Anfield as well.

The Reds have been reported to have recorded debts of up to £237 million, an astronomical sum which could force the club's hierarchy to look into the possibility of off-loading some of its star performers.

Since joining from Feyenoord for a £10m fee in 2006, Kuyt has impressed on Merseyside scoring 15 times last season. He's maintained that form this term as well, with 13 goals to his credit.

In addition to his fire-power, Kuyt has been applauded for his work-rate and tenacious attitude, meaning Liverpool will want to recoup as much of their outlay as possible from any possible summer transfer.

According to the News of the World, manager Rafael Benitez is widely tipped to move to Turin this summer and Juve are speculated to have made enquiries as to the availability of Kuyt leaving Anfield as well.

The Reds have been reported to have recorded debts of up to £237 million, an astronomical sum which could force the club's hierarchy to look into the possibility of off-loading some of its star performers.

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Lyon Eye £8m Swoop For Out-Of-Favour Arsenal Striker Eduardo

Arsenal hit-man Eduardo is believed to be on the transfer radar of French club Lyon, according to the News of the World.

The Croatian has failed to impress this season at the Emirates, with many believing the former Dinamo Zagreb forward has never fully recovered from his horrific leg-break suffered against Birmingham City during 2008-09.

Eduardo has scored just seven goals in over 40 starts for Arsene Wenger’s Premier League chasing side this season, last finding the back of the net against West Ham United in January.

With the imminent arrival of Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux, he looks set to drop further down the pecking order behind Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

Despite signing a new long-term contract last November, the Gunners are believed to be willing to accept any forthcoming offer within the £8 million region.

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United Swoop Hernandez

Manchester United have signed promising young Mexico striker Javier Hernandez.

The Red Devils revealed they have agreed terms with Chivas for the 21-year-old, and subject to a work permit, the deal will be completed on 1st July.

'Chicharito' is United's second signing for next season after Fulham defender Chris Smalling and he will become the first Mexican player to join the Old Trafford club.

As part of the deal, United will play a match to open the new 45,000 capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara as part of its 2010/11 season preparations.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I am delighted to reach agreement with Chivas to bring such an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country.

"He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer. We are equally excited to play our first game in Mexico, opening the magnificent new Chivas Stadium in July."

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Ander Herrera? The Fabregas Replacement

Are the Gunners preparing for life after Cesc?

Arsenal are lining up a bid for young Zaragoza midfielder Ander Herrera, reports Spanish newspaper AS.

The Spanish Under-21 international has been touted as the new Cesc Fabregas in some quarters, and manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly watched the player in action at La Romareda twice already this season.

Impressed with what he has seen, the Frenchman has given approval to a €10 million (£8.9m) bid for the 20-year-old. However, it has been alleged that Zaragoza have rejected this figure as being too low.

Regardless, the London club are confident that a deal can be reached after Zaragoza recently revealed their need to sell assets amid debts of £80m. Herrera has a release clause around the €24m (£10m) mark and could yet be available at this price.

Herrera has made 22 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring once. Renowned for his vision and creativity, AS believe his signing would indicate the Gunners' acceptance that they will lose Fabregas in the summer, to either Real Madrid or, more likely, his boyhood club Barcelona.

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Spurs swoop for Sandro

Sandro has completed his move from Internacional to Tottenham Hotspur after passing a medical.

The 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder will arrive at White Hart Lane after the conclusion of the Copa Libertadores in South America this summer.

He will be available to play in the Barclays Premier League in time for the 2010/11 season.

"He is an outstanding young player who we feel has a great future," said Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

"He is a strong and aggressive midfield player. We are looking forward to having him here with us next season. He has already played for Brazil and captained their youth sides too.

"I went for dinner with Alex Ferguson the other night and he came up with the most amazing statistic. There were around 14 or 15 English players playing in the Champions League last year and over 100 Brazilians.

"When you think it is a European tournament it just shows you the strength in depth and quality of Brazilian footballers and this is one of the brightest prospects to come out of Brazil.

"The chairman has done a terrific job to make this happen. I think there were hard and protracted negotiations so a lot of credit must go to Daniel (Levy).

"There are not too many chairmen that would fly half way around the world to get a deal done and he has gone and flown personally to Brazil twice."

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Riera confirms he wants to move to Russian

Spaniard hopes Russian move will bring back the sunshine on his career...

Liverpool winger Albert Riera has admitted that a move to the Russian Premier League presents itself as an "interesting option", while hoping that a deal is concluded before the turn of the week.

The Spaniard fell afoul of Reds boss Rafael Benitez after calling the Merseyside club a "sinking ship" while alluding to the manager as one who lives in an ivory tower with little or no contact with his charges.

The midfielder was subsequently frozen out of the squad, while reports pointed towards a fine owing to the derogatory comments that culminated in an alleged bust-up with a reserve player.

Presently, the former Espanyol player insists that he is keen on securing a move to Russia in the hope that sign Riera on loan for the season. 

"Russia presents a very interesting option for me," Riera is quoted as saying in Russian newspaper Sport Express

"For one, it's the only prestigious league in Europe where the transfer window is open.

"And secondly, if I play there regularly, I may be able to earn my ticket to the World Cup in South Africa."

The 27-year-old hopes that the deal will be chiselled out before the end of the week.

"I hope that the question of my transfer will be resolved by this week," he said.

It was initially believed that CSKA Moscow was to be the destination, with their arch-rivals Spartak also in the chase to secure the player's signature. But the former have since ruled themselves out of the race.

"The 'Army Club' are surprised to learn [from the media] that they are [a] candidate for the signing of Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Albert Riera," reads a statement from CSKA.

"We know of similar cases where CSKA is additionally recommended for a football player seeking a new place of work.

"However, to those who are trying to bring extra interest to the player, we can give advice: to specify an interested party, we would say Barcelona or Manchester United.

"By the way, this will be more interesting to lovers of rumours."

It is consequently believed that Spartak will sign Riera on loan for the season. 

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Kalou signs new Chelsea deal

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou has signed a new three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast international's deal was set to expire at the end of the season but Chelsea have moved to tie the striker down on a longer contract.

Kalou, who reached the World Cup finals with the Ivory Coast when they drew 1-1 with Malawi at the weekend, now joins Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and John Terry in pledging his future to the Blues.

"I am very pleased that Salomon has signed a new contract with us as he is an important player for this club," Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

"He is always well motivated and works hard at his game at all times. Because of this, I am sure that Salomon will become an even more important player for Chelsea in the future."

Leaders Chelsea travel to Aston Villa for their next Barclays Premier League match on Saturday.

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Hammers swoop for Franco

West Ham United have signed Mexico striker Guillermo Franco on a free transfer.

Franco claimed last week he was close to securing a move to Upton Park and the Hammers have now sealed the switch.

Franco was due to sign for South American champions Estudiantes earlier this month, but the move fell through allowing West Ham to snap him up.

The 32-year-old is believed to have signed a one-year deal at Upton Park after seeing out his contract at Villarreal earlier this summer.

Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola has been looking to bolster his attacking options all summer with Dean Ashton still on the sidelines and Franco will provide cover and competition in attack.

important stage

The Mexico international could go straight into the squad for this weekend's match at home to Liverpool and he is delighted to make the move to England.

"I am really happy to sign for West Ham. It was my dream to come to the Premier League and I am proud to play for a club that has so much history," Franco told the club's official website.

"This is a very important stage in my career and I hope to score lots of goals for the club this season and then play at the World Cup.

"This is an important team with great players and a great manager. I know that the club are very ambitious and want to do well. I want to do my best to make that happen and I am excited about the challenge.

"The main motivation was to play in the Premier League. I love English football and I love the Premier League.

"I had the possibility of joining Estudiantes and two Spanish clubs, but it was the Premier League that drew me here. I can fulfil my desire with West Ham and I am very happy to be here."
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Hull signed Hesselink

Hull City have confirmed the signing of Jan Venegoor of Hesselink on a two-year deal.

The Dutchman was a free agent after leaving Glasgow Celtic at the end of last season and therefore could sign for the Tigers outside the transfer window.

Venegoor of Hesselink, 30, spent three years in Scotland after joining Celtic from PSV Eindhoven.

Hull chairman Paul Duffen claimed the Tigers had beaten some "big clubs" in Europe to his signing.

"I'm delighted we have beaten off all the competition to bring him to the KC Stadium," he said.

"We've definitely wanted an experienced, top-drawer striker who scores goals and Jan has scored prolifically in top leagues in Europe.

"It's what we need. We didn't score enough goals last season. Going forward we have a lot of new talent and Jan will play his part in using his experience to settle them down.

"'We've been looking at Jan since July and are really pleased we've turned his head.

"He's been looking at other big clubs in Europe but the Premier League is here he wants to come and play with us."

Hull manger Phil Brown will be relieved to have boosted the club's attacking options after missing out on a number of targets this summer.

Michael Owen, Daryl Murphy and Bobby Zamora all rejected the chance to move to the KC Stadium, leaving the Tigers' squad looking a little thin up front.

Brown did manage to recruit United States striker Jozy Altidore, however, on a season-long loan from Villarreal.

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Villa complete Dunne signing

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Manchester City captain Richard Dunne.

The Republic of Ireland captain has ended his nine-year spell with City by making a switch from Eastlands.

Dunne passed a medical and agreed personal terms on Tuesday.

Manager Martin O'Neill has been desperate to bolster his back four after captain Martin Laursen retired and Zat Knight was sold to Bolton. He said: "Richard Dunne is the kind of person we are looking for."

City manager Mark Hughes paid tribute to the defender who could face his old teammates when the Blues visit Villa Park on 5th October.

"Richard has been outstanding for Manchester City. He is the ultimate professional and has served the club magnificently. Winning the player of the year award for four consecutive years tells you everything about him. We all wish him well for his future career at Aston Villa," he said.

"It would have been difficult for Dunney to stay given his standing at the club and I understand that. I wasn't going to stand in his way. I could have tried to stop him going and said I wanted him as a squad player but out of respect for what he has done for City I wasn't going to do that.

"Not only has Richard performed exceptionally well for this club over the years but he has been a terrific ambassador and is an inspiring person who commands the respect of everyone. He has conducted himself in an impressive manner throughout my time here and way beyond that."
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Nugent heads for Burnley

Burnley have signed Portsmouth striker David Nugent on a six-month loan deal with a view to a permanent switch.

Nugent, 24, brings to Turf Moor a track record as a proven goalscorer, as well as valuable top-flight experience, to increase the striking options in Owen Coyle's squad.

The Clarets manager said: "We are delighted to have got a player of David's stature.

"Portsmouth paid £6m for him and I think we would recognise that it has been a bit stop-start for him and he wants to get his career up and running again.

"We have not had an abundance of strikers, so we have always been in the market and been looking to bolster that department

"We have got someone with a fantastic pedigree and I am sure he will be a tremendous acquisition for the squad.

"He also had two other options from Premier League clubs and came to Burnley, so we are delighted about that."

Liverpool-born Nugent, who has been capped once by England, started his career at Bury and scored 20 goals in just over 100 appearances for the Shakers after coming through the youth system at Gigg Lane.

His pace and eye for goal attracted widespread attention from higher divisions and in January, 2005 he moved to Deepdale for a fee of £100,000.

A massive favourite at Preston, Nugent scored 37 times in a little over 100 appearances and helped North End to the Championship play-offs in 2005 and 2006.

Capped 14 times at England under-21 level, with four goals to his name, Nugent's form for Preston also earned him a call-up by Steve McClaren to the senior squad, making him the first outfield player since Sunderland's Michael Gray in 1999 to be selected for England from outside the top flight.

His England debut came in a European Championship qualifier in March, 2007 when he scored as a substitute against Andorra.

Nugent's status as one of the top marksmen outside the Premier League placed him in great demand. Sunderland and Portsmouth both had bids of £6m accepted by Preston and Nugent opted to move to Fratton Park in July, 2007.

His two-year stay on the south coast has not always been plain sailing but, despite being linked with moves to a number of other clubs, Nugent remained an important member of Pompey's first-team squad and weighed in with half-dozen goals, including the winner at Turf Moor in a Carling Cup tie in September, 2007.

Nugent claimed an FA Cup winners' medal in 2008 when he came off the bench to help Harry Redknapp's side beat Cardiff City in the final at Wembley before returning north to join Burnley just before the transfer window closed.
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Birmingham bring in Tainio

Birmingham City have signed Teemu Tainio on a season-long loan deal from Sunderland.

The 29-year-old Finnish international midfielder arrived at St. Andrews from the Stadium of Light just ahead of the transfer deadline.

Tainio, who has been capped 46 times by his country, joined the Black Cats from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2008.

He has made 23 appearances for Sunderland and scored the first goal in their recent 4-1 Carling Cup win over Norwich City.

The central midfielder signed a deal at White Hart Lane when he left Auxerre in July 2005 and went on to play 83 times for Spurs.

Tainio began his career playing for TP-47 and then FC Haka in his homeland before joining Auxerre in 1997.

He made 150 appearances for the French club, playing his part in guiding them into the Champions League in 2002 and lifting the French Cup in 2003.

Tainio is currently away with the Finland squad, who play World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan on Saturday and Liechtenstein next Wednesday. The Finns currently sit in third place in group four, behind Germany and Russia.

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