Stoke City Linked With Man City Striker Santa Cruz

Stoke City are interested in signing Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz. Man City originally bought Santa Cruz from Blackburn for £17.5m but now he could cost signifantly less.
However the major issue for Stoke City would be Santa Cruz’s wages as he is currently making around £90,000-a-week.
Marseille are also strongly linked with Roque

Campbell signs one-year deal with Newcastle

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell on a one-year contract.

Wenger: Arsenal won't let Cesc Fabregas go

Arsene Wenger has once again reinforced Arsenal's position that Cesc Fabregas is not for sale at any price, having turned down an approach from Barcelona.

Didier Drogba to stay at Chelsea

Chelsea have confirmed that boss Carlo Ancelotti will be handed more transfer funds if the Italian coach asks for them and also moved to quash rumours over Didier Drogba's future.

Liverpool agree fee for Young

Liverpool have agreed a fee of £2.5 million with Aston Villa for defender Luke Young. The former England international is mulling over the move ahead of Villa's pre-season trip to Portugal.

Fulham set to name Hughes as new bos

Mark Hughes look set to return to football as manager of Fulham after agreeing to take over from Roy Hodgson.

Marcos Alonso completes move to Bolton

Bolton have completed the signing of left-back Marcos Alonso from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old becomes Trotters boss Owen Coyle's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake.
Alonso joins on a three-year deal, with the highly-rated defender set to compete with Paul Robinson and Jlloyd Samuel for a place in the starting line-up.

Sunderland closing in on John Mensah

Sunderland are close to once more securing defender John Mensah on loan from French club Lyon.

The 27-year-old Ghana international had an impressive World Cup with the Black Stars and is set for a return to the Stadium of Light.
Last season Mensah made 16 appearances in the Premier League for the Black Cats and could play an important part in their upcoming campaign.

Arsenal now linked with Cagliari's GK Marchetti

Cagliari's Federico Marchetti is the latest goalkeeper to be linked with Arsenal, with the Italian club's president claiming the Gunners have already been in contact.

Manager Arsene Wenger is believed to be looking for a new goalkeeper after seeing both Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski fail to establish themselves as the firm number one last season.

President Massimo Cellio told Sport Italia: "The only real club that is pushing for his signature is Arsenal."

Almunia is now being linked with a move to La Liga with Osasuna while the list of stoppers supposedly interesting Wenger grows. As well as Marchetti, Arsenal are also said to be looking at Igor Akinfeev and Sebastien Frey.

Arsenal stand firm on Cesc Fabregas

Barcelona board spokesman Toni Freixa has bemoaned that Arsenal are unwilling to negotiate the sale of Cesc Fabregas. The Gunners skipper has been strongly linked with a return to Barca this summer, and the Primera Division champions have already seen a reported €35million (£30m) offer rejected.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stressed that he intends to keep the Spain international at the club as he sees him as integral to his side. Barca have stated they are doing all they can to land Fabregas, who has five years left on his current contract, but the Gunners will not enter into talks "Arsenal don't want to sit down and negotiate with us," Freixa told reporters on Monday evening.
"It's not a problem with the wishes of Cesc or of Barca - they simply don't want to negotiate."

Stoke City and Liverpool enter race for Kevin Prince Boateng

Two Premiership sides have expressed interest in Ghana World Cup star Kevin-Prince Boateng according to the player’s agent. Talks between Genoa and Portsmouth have reportedly broken down and a possible move to Italy seems to have hit the rock.
Mario Miele, Boateng’s agent, told lalaziosiamonoi.it that Portsmouth demand for a higher sign on fee has stalled the move.
“Until a few days ago there was constant dialogue and everything seemed to be coming towards a conclusion, although Portsmouth were still asking for more. Since then everything has reached deadlock.”
This has opened the gate for other suitors to jump in on the 23-year-old and Mario Miele revealed that Liverpool, Everton and Besiktas are lining up a deal for Boateng.
“A few days ago I heard that Liverpool and Everton were keen, and also Besiktas. Today I have read that Stoke are interested.”
But Mario added that there is nothing about these yet.
“But I know nothing about that and any of the clubs can have Boateng.”

Man City hopeful of signing striker Mario Balotelli

Balotelli is one of the most highly rated young footballers in the world

Manchester City are "hopeful" of completing a deal to sign 19-year-old Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

BBC Sport understands that terms and a fee - reportedly around £24m - have yet to be agreed.
Balotelli, tipped to be the new star of the Italy national team, has scored 28 goals in 86 appearances for Inter since his debut in December 2007.

Winger Chris Brunt signs three-year deal with West Brom

Brunt scored 13 goals for West Brom from midfield last season

Winger Chris Brunt has signed a new three-year contract with West Brom.

The Northern Ireland international, 25, joined from Sheffield Wednesday in 2007 following a £3m deal and has become a regular in Roberto Di Matteo's line-up.

Raul exits Real Madrid as England remains option

Raul has made 550 appearances for Madrid in 17 seasons, scoring 228 goals Former Spain striker Raul has announced his departure from Real Madrid after 18 years and claimed he could now make a move to England's Premier League. The 33-year-old was expected to join German side Schalke on a two-year deal but Raul denied a deal had been done. "I have had very deep discussions with Schalke but there are other teams that are also interested. My future lies in Germany or England," he said. Raul scored 323 goals in 741 games for Real, and 44 goals in 102 Spain games.

West Brom going after Cameroon's Djemba-Djemba

West Bromwich are interested in signing Odense midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba. It is reported that Djemba-Djemba is going to miss tonight’s match for personal reasons, leaving some to believe that he is not playing due to a possible upcoming transfer.

Fergie not sure who to chose between Anderson and Hargreaves

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has a decision to make on whether to include Anderson and Owen Hargreaves in his Manchester United squad this season.

New rules being introduced to the Premier League dictate teams must select a squad of 25 players, including eight who have been at the club for three years before they turned 21.

Manchester City to go for Torres is price is right.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admitted that the club will consider going after Liverpool striker Fernando Torres depending on the price. Mancini said,

“Torres is one of the best strikers in Europe and is already playing in the Premier League for three years and knows it very well … But it depends on his situation - his price and whether he wants to come … There are two or three strikers that we could go for, but it is the same situation as it is with James Milner.
“First there is the price and then it depends if the players want to change team. Until today, Liverpool haven’t bought many players.”

Personally, I think if Fernando Torres is really available (no real evidence that he is) then Manchester City will definitely be willing to overpay for him. However Mancini wouldn’t be foolish enough to say that so Liverpool jack up the price even higher.

Javier Mascherano wants out!!

Javier Mascherano has reportedly told Liverpool he wants to leave the club following a meeting with new manager Roy Hodgson.

The Argentina midfielder returned for pre-season training on Monday after being given an extended break following his involvement at the World Cup final Inter Milan is said to be lining up £25million bid for Argentine midfielder

Sol Campbel is ready for New Castle

Sol Campbell is to undergo a medical at Newcastle United ahead of joining the Premier League new boys.

Campbell is currently searching for a new club after his short-term contract at Arsenal expired at the end of last season.

Riera completes move from Liverpool to Olympiakos

Spanish winger leaves Liverpool for Olympiakos

Greek side Olympiakos have confirmed the signing of Liverpool winger Albert Riera.

The Spaniard has inked a four-year contract with Olympiakos, ending his two-year stay at Anfield, for a fee in the region of £5million.

Paraguay's Alcaraz completes Wigan move

Wigan Athletic's new signing Antolin Alcaraz has been granted a work permit to complete his move to the DW Stadium.
The Paraguay international has now completed his move to the club on a three-year deal, having signed for the club prior to the World Cup following the expiry of his previous contract with Belgian side Club Brugge.

Tottenham closing in on Bafana's Khumalo

South Africa defender Bongani Khumalo is closing in on a trial at Tottenham after impressing at the World Cup.

The 23-year-old centre-back was one of South Africa's star performers at the finals, with his crowning moment coming when he netted the opener in the 2-1 victory over France

Neymar torn over Chelsea move or Santos stay

Brazilian wonderkid Neymar is deciding whether to force a move from Santos to Chelsea.
The Blues had a £17million bid for the 18-year-old rejected on Tuesday and Santos insist they will not do business for less than the player's £29.6m release clause.
However, the forward is wary of turning down an opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world after already missing out on a move to West Ham.

Aston Villa ready to sell James Milner

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill says he is prepared to sell James Milner after the player expressed his desire to leave the club.

The England World Cup midfielder, 24, who joined Villa from Newcastle for £12m in 2008, was subject of a rejected £20m bid from Manchester City in May.However, the possibility of him joining Man City are very high..
"I had a conversation with James before the World Cup and he intimated that he'd like to go," said O'Neill

West Ham switch the spotlight on Agerian GK Rais

West Ham have invited Algerian keeper Rais M'Bohli to their pre-season training camp.

The Hammers are currently in Bavaria as they step up their preparations for the 2010/11 campaign.

Manager Avram Grant has been busy in the transfer market since arriving in the Upton Park hot-seat this summer, with the West Ham squad in need of fine tuning.

The Israeli continues to keep his eyes peeled for potential new recruits and appears to have identified the goalkeeping department as an area which needs work.

England international Robert Green is the undisputed No.1 for the Hammers, but he is the only experienced shot-stopper on their books at present.

Mancini eyes Donovan move

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is trying to seal a move for Landon Donovan.

The 28-year-old United States attacker spent a period on loan at Everton last season, and proved a real hit in the Premier Leageu.

Reds complete Wilson signing

Defender Danny Wilson has penned a three-year deal with Liverpool from Rangers after passing his medical.

The Merseyside club will pay £2million up front to the Ibrox side for the 18-year-old centre-back, with a further £3m dependent on appearances and add-ons.

Petr Cech set to miss start of EPL for atleast one month

Chelsea's title bid has been dealt an early blow with the news that keeper Petr Cech is set to miss the start of the season.

The Czech Republic ace is expected to be out for a month after he injured his right leg in training on Tuesday.
Scans have now confirmed a torn calf muscle and the shot-stopper is set to miss the start of the Premier League campaign, as well as the rest of the club's pre-season friendlies.

Albert Riera set to leave Liverpool for Olympiakos

Liverpool winger Albert Riera is close to joining Greek club Olympiakos.

The deal for the 28-year-old Spaniard will cost Olympiakos £3.3m, with Liverpool due another £1.6m if the Greek club win their domestic league.

Chelsea bid for Midfielder Ramires

Chelsea lead chase for £20m Benfica's Brazilian midfielder Ramires.
Chelsea have reportedly made an offer for Benfica’s £20million-rated Brazilian World Cup midfielder Ramires

Blackpool Boss Looking To Sign A Striker

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway admitted that he is looking to sign another striker. Holloway said,

“The Accrington game on Tuesday showed that some of our finishing isn’t quite up to scratch yet … Maybe one or two of the players I borrowed last year would have buried them, so I have to get to work … This isn’t going to be the squad I start the season with, but we have to learn to work as hard as we used to.”

Official: Mulumbu Signs New Deal With West Bromwich

West Bromwich midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has signed a new two-year deal with the club with an additional one-year club option.

Official: Newcastle Complete Signing Of Dan Gosling

Newcastle have completed the signing of free agent Dan Gosling who left Everton. Gosling signed a four-year deal with the club.

Arsenal join race to sign Loic Remy

Arsene Wenger is keen to bring the Nice striker to Emirates Stadium, just as he brought Henry to Highbury, and would be favourite to pull off a deal providing the Gunners match or better the bid from West Ham.

Liverpool and Spurs have been tracking Remy for a while, but the Nice star would possibily prefer to team up with compatriot Wenger at Arsenal.

The battle has intensified since the Hammers became the first club to enter the bidding process. Liverpool have fallen short of even the Hammers' opening bids, while the price is becoming too rich for Spurs, leaving Arsenal able to nip in and beat West Ham to a deal, if they wish to.

Mancini frustrated about Balotelli price-tag

Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini expressed his frustration over Mario Balotelli's massive transfer fee.

(GSM) - Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini expressed his frustration over Mario Balotelli's massive transfer fee. The Italian manager said Internazionale are asking too much for the 19-year-old striker.

Mancini revealed a bit of frustration about the consequences of working for the richest club in the world.

"The problem is that when clubs know that it is Manchester City they are dealing with then the prices go up," smiled the City coach.

"Inter, for example, are asking a lot of money (for Balotelli). We won't wait. We have other targets. 'But, as I said, when we come to talk the prices suddenly go up."

West Ham United Going After Striker Miralem Sulejmani

West Ham United are trying to sign Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani. It is reported that West Ham had agreed a few weeks ago to sign the 21-year-old on loan with the option of making the deal permanent but manager Martin Jol rejected it.
However if Martin Jol moves to Fulham, it is believe that West Ham will be able to complete the deal.

Eduardo da Silva's personal message to Arsenal.

Following the confirmation of his transfer to Shakhtar Donetsk, Eduardo has spoken to Arsenal.com and asked if the following message could be passed on:

"Before I start a new chapter in my career with Shakhtar Donetsk, I just wanted to send a message to all my friends at Arsenal.

"The past few days have been very emotional for me. Although I am excited about the challenge ahead with my new club Shakhtar Donetsk, I am so sad to be leaving my home for the past three years - Arsenal Football Club.

"Arsenal is a very special football club and I will miss so many people - my team mates, all the staff and of course, the wonderful Arsenal supporters.

"I would just like to thank everyone for your support during my time at Arsenal. When I first came to England, I could not speak the language and knew nobody, but as soon as I arrived I was made to feel at home and part of this big family. Also, I want to say thank you to the Arsenal supporters  - you have been fantastic to me and always sung my name and I will never forget this.

"I had some very difficult times with my injury, but Arsenal was always there for me - the medical staff, the management, the players and the supporters. Thank you everybody.

"Although I have now left the Club, Arsenal will always be in my heart. I will always look for the Arsenal results and of course, I wish Arsène Wenger and the great players at the Club well for next season and the future."

City are after Drogba - agent

The agent of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed Manchester City are trying to sign the Côte d'Ivoire striker.

"Today he's at Chelsea. Maybe there will be surprises before August 31," Thierno Seydi was quoted by the Sun as telling Radio Monte Carlo. "I haven't spoken to just anybody. The only contact I've had directly was with City."

City manager Robert Mancini wants to add a big name striker to his squad this summer and has run into difficulties with Wolfsburg over the valuation of Edin Dzeko.

Seydi added of the 32-year-old Drogba: "At his age I can no longer hide the financial aspect. The club that want Didier will have to meet the price."

Chelsea's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, indicated last weekend that Drogba would be staying at the club.

Agent: No City deal for Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is not on the verge of joining Manchester City, according to the Internazionale striker's agent.

The 19-year-old, who has long been linked with a move to Eastlands, is being tipped to leave Giuseppe Meazza this summer after falling out of favour with the Nerazzurri last season.

A bust-up with the then Inter manager Jose Mourinho, the controversial forward has been attracting strong interest from the Premier League with City and rivals Manchester United reportedly in the frame.

Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola insists no deal will be completed between City and Inter on Monday, but did not move to quash the transfer speculation

"Today there will be no developments," he told tuttomercatoweb.com.

"I don't think the situation will be solved this evening. The (transfer) figures? No comment."

Fabiano hints at Sevilla stay

Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has hinted that he could consider staying at Sevilla this summer after denying that he was holding "advanced negotiations" with any rival clubs.

With interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City & Milan, the Sevilla front-man has said that he has not excluded the possibility of extending his stay at Sevilla.

Mourinho never visited jujumen, says spokesman

A spokesman for Jose Mourinho strongly denied on Monday that the 'Special One' had sought the help of four Kenyan jujumen as he prepared to start his new job as coach of Real Madrid.

"I categorically deny this stupid and unbelievable story...which is an attempt to damage the image and professional credibility of Mourinho," Elado Parames told AFP, adding that the Portuguese was now considering legal action.

Martin Jol decides to stay at Ajax

Fulham will have to look further for their new coach: their No 1 target Martin Jol has decided to stay at Ajax.