Summer Transfers 2007

Wigan sign former Magpie Bramble

Wigan have signed defender Titus Bramble on a three-year contract.

Bramble, who was released by Newcastle at the end of the season, joins on a free transfer and becomes Chris Hutchings' first signing as Wigan boss.

"This is an excellent signing and he'll add experience to the back four," Hutchings said of the 25-year-old, who started his career at Ipswich.

"Other clubs were very interested and it speaks volumes for us as a club that he has chosen to come here."

Bramble was regarded as one of the country's brightest prospects during his time with Ipswich and earned 12 England Under-21 caps between 2000 and 2002.

He spent five years on Tyneside after a £5m move to the north-east in 2002 and made 105 appearances for the Magpies.

However, he was told his contract would not be renewed upon Sam Allardyce's arrival at St James' Park in May.

Bramble will join up with his new team-mates for pre-season training at the end of June.
 
Moratti to make offer for Chelsea's Shevchenko

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is ready to open talks with Chelsea for striker Andriy Shevchenko.

While Sheva stated over the weekend an ambition to prove himself in the Premiership, his wife Kirsten is pining to return to Milan.

Corriere dello Sport says Moratti has already made tentative contact with Chelsea and is now planning formal negotiations to bring the AC Milan hero to Inter.

All bets are off as far as Moratti is concerned after Milan's capture of ex-Inter star Ronaldo in January and he is now determined to sting their city rivals, including Rossoneri president Silvio Berlusconi, by landing Shevchenko this summer.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool go for Rosina

Three of the Premiership's biggest clubs are chasing Torino star Alessandro Rosina.

The Scottish Daily Mail says Rangers are seeking talks with Torino for the attacking midfielder to help fans forget about the loss of Scott Brown to Celtic.

However, should Toro indicate they're ready to sell, Gers will have to see off competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool for Rosina.

Chelsea rival Liverpool for Lyon ace Malouda

Chelsea are ready to rival Liverpool for Olympique Lyon winger Florent Malouda.

The free-scoring midfielder is ready to leave Lyon this summer and confirmed contact with Liverpool last week.

The News of the World says Chelsea are also keen, particularly with doubts persisting over the future of Arjen Robben

Arsenal plan major bid for Gomis

Arsenal are planning a major bid for Saint-Etienne striker Bafe Gomis.

Spurs chief Damien Comolli rates Gomis highly, however it's emerged today that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is ready to bid big to take the youngster away from Saint-Etienne.

Gomis had a sensational second-half of last season after filling the void of Frederic Piquionne following his move to Monaco.
 
The Slightly Under The Weather Gossip

05 June

BARCA AND MILAN ADMIT THEY WANT HENRY
Forget those shifty looks around the poker table - Barcelona and AC Milan have both whacked down their cards and gone all in for Thierry Henry. Well, apart from actualyl making a transfer bid, of course, but that's just old-fashioned.

As well as Barca's sporting director Txiki Beguiristain saying the striker would be welcomed at the Nou Camp, both Lilian Thuram and Xavi have come out and said they want the Frenchman to va va voom his way to Catalonia.

Milan, meanwhile, have relied on manager Carlo Ancelotti to do the talking. "Henry is a great striker and among the players that we are interested in," said the Italian, who is also happy to flog Alberto Gilardino as long as he can get his man.

Henry started all this interest last week, lest we forget, by saying "for now" he was at Arsenal but "It was pretty difficult to see once again that we finished so far away from the top teams," and "I'm actually getting annoyed that we're finishing at the end of the top four now."

To which a more cynical man than the Gossip Column might have suggested 'well, Thierry, why don't you pop your boots on and join the rest of your lads on the pitch?'


TOON GET VIDUKA BUT MAY MISS OUT ON BARTON
They might have all but signed Mark Viduka, but Newcastle have far from tied up Joey Barton (actually, tieing him up between games might stop him stubbing cigarettes out in people's eyes, hospitalising teammates, attacking kids, thinking he's a far better footballer than he actually is, et cetera, et cetera), with the Daily Mirror reporting that West Ham will trump their massive wage offer to the thug.

'Chairman Eggert Magnusson has put together a £4m-a-season contract for the Manchester City star - even bigger than the £60,000-a-week from Newcastle' says the Mirror.

'Barton is due to speak to Toon chief Sam Allardyce today before heading to see Hammers' Alan Curbishley.'


CHELSKI IN FOR ALVES
Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign long-term Liverpool target Daniel Alves.

Sevilla's highly-rated Brazilian wing-back has been a target for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez for some time, but now Chelsea are said to be confident of sealing a deal despite claims in the Spanish press that Real Madrid will offer cash plus Julio Baptista, a former Sevilla player, in order to sweeten the deal.

The Sun claims Blues academy director Frank Arnesen met with Alves' agent at the Hilton hotel in London last Friday to discuss a potential move and that the Blues will offer Paulo Ferreira or Khalid Boulahrouz in exchange.

However, Spanish daily AS alleges that the Blues have offered £16.25million.

Alves first shot to prominence in Sevilla's march to the UEFA Cup in 2006 when they defeated Middlesbrough 4-0 in the final and was widely tipped for a summer move to Anfield, but the two clubs could not agree a fee and the move collapsed.

The 24 year-old, who is contracted to the Spanish club until 2012, has won five caps for his country but possesses Spanish citizenship, meaning he can move to a team in any EU country without requiring a work permit.


SPURS TO MISS OUT ON SMITH
Haven't we run this story already this week? Well, we can't be bothered to check, so here it is quickly.

Spurs want Alan Smith, says The Sun, but he's determined to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.

While the Daily Star says Sir Fergie is going to offer him a five-year contract to do just that.


VILLA CLOSE IN ON REO-COKER
The Daily Express claims that Aston Villa are closing in on Nigel Reo-Coker, and that they discussed the deal with West Ham this weekend.

The England under-21 captain handed in a transfer request at Upton Park last week.

The Sun claims Villa are interested in signing West Brom's Paul McShane and Paul Robinson, while Jason Koumas claimed yesterday that he knows the club want him to make the short move to Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa may offer Martin Laursen a new deal.

The Dane has played brilliantly for Villa - indeed, the club did not lose one of the 14 games he appeared in this season after returning from a year out through injury.

And if he can stay fit, he will stay at Villa. "Martin Laursen has played fantastically well and I've already spoken to him," said Martin O'Neill yesterday. "We will monitor it closely when he comes back for pre-season because of the injury he's had. But he's really impressed me."


FULHAM IN FOR TRIO
Fulham have made a £2m bid for Espanyol striker Walter Pandiani, formerly of Birmingham City, as Lawrie Sanchez looks to build a side capable of moving up the Premiership table. Pandiani helped fire his Espanyol side to the UEFA Cup final this season, where they were beaten by Sevilla.

David Healy is also being tipped to make the move to Craven Cottage, while 'Sanchez is also ready to up his £2.5m bid for Southampton defender Chris Baird'.


WHAT HAVE WEST HAM GOT AGAINST EVERTON?
Having provoked an angry response from David Moyes yesterday by sniffing around Andy Johnson, West Ham are apparently not too fussed about patching things up.

The Daily Mirror claims they will make a move for Tim Cahill later today.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claims the Hammers also want Shaun Wright-Phillips from Chelski and Brazilian winger Elano.


AND THE REST
Bolton will only sell Nicolas Anelka to Manchester United if they can seal a deal for Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse...Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua wants to move to La Liga after claiming his talents are not appreciated in the Premiership...Newcastle have moved ahead of Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Czech defender David Rozehnal...Arsenal are chasing Auxerre full-back Bakari Sagna...

...Sunderland will swoop for Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen after he was released by the Hoops. Reading are also interested. Black Cats boss Roy Keane will also move for Preston striker David Nugent and Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen...Derby boss Billy Davies is eyeing moves for Watford defender Danny Shittu and Sheffield Utd duo Michael Tonge and Claude Davis...Leicester boss Martin Allen is ready to splash the cash by spending £2.5million on Izale McLeod from MK Dons and Matt Jarvis of Gillingham...

...Inter Milan have made an offer to swap Adriano for Chelsea's Andriy Shevchenko...Levante have told Middlesbrough to double their offer if they want to sign winger Mustapha Riga...Kilmarnock striker Steven Naismith wants his future sorted out by the end of the week...West Brom are interested in signing Scotland striker Garry O'Connor from Lokomotiv Moscow, but his agent John Viola is unsure if the Baggies could afford his wage demands...
 
Manchester City are lining up Louis van Gaal to replace Stuart Pearce according to the Daily Mirror, although the Daily Mail claims Ronald Koeman is also on the short-list, while the Daily Express is linking City with Gerard Houllier.

The Sun claims the new consortium taking over at City want to install Mark Hughes as the club's new manager.

West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker wants to join Spurs - Daily Mirror.

Carlos Tevez is heading to Real Madrid for £30million and West Ham will not receive a penny of the transfer fee - The Sun.

Phil Jagielka is set to leave Sheffield United following their relegation from the Premiership - Daily Mirror.

West Ham want to land Charlton's Darren Bent for £12million as a replacement for Tevez - Daily Star, although Spurs have also made him top of their wanted list - Daily Express.

Valencia and Juventus are both vying for Newcastle United's want-away star Obafemi Martins - The Sun.

Celtic and Rangers are ready to battle it out for the signature of Robbie Fowler - Daily Mirror.

Watford want to land Arsenal's new keeper Lukasz Fabianski on a year's loan - Daily Mirror.

Manchester City are planning to secure on-loan DaMarcus Beasley's services permanently from PSV - Daily Star.

Sir Alex Ferguson has lost patience with Louis Saha, who is now set to leave Manchester United - Daily Star.

Portsmouth are favourites to land Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka on a free transfer - Daily Mail.
 
Chelsea are planning to snatch Sevilla's Brazilian star Daniel Alves from under the noses of Liverpool - The Sun.

Fulham have made a £2m bid for Espanyol striker Walter Pandiani - The Sun.

Liverpool forward Djibril Cisse, who is on loan at Marseille, has emerged as a loan target for Bolton - The Sun.

Middlesbrough have been told to double their bid if they want to sign Mustapha Riga from Levante - Daily Star.

Sunderland have been given the green light to move for Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen - Daily Star.

Internazionale have offered Adriano to Chelsea in return for Andrei Shevchenko - Daily Mirror.

West Ham are readying a bid for Everton's Tim Cahill, while they are ready to trump Newcastle's gambit for Joey Barton - Daily Mirror.

Arsenal have made contact with Auxerre with regard to defender Bakari Sagna - Daily Mirror.
 
The `Lost Down The First Extra Hole` Gossip

06 June

LOADS OF PLAYERS TO JOIN BARTON AT TOON
Having agreed a five-year deal with the club, Joey Barton should be officially confirmed as Newcastle player within the next twenty-four hours.

If the papers are to be believed, a host of players will also be following him to St James' Park in the next few weeks.

Mark Viduka is next on Sam Allardyce's hit-list, and it is widely expected that Tal Ben Haim will become a Newcastle player next month when his contract expires at Bolton.

'Allardyce is also keen on Wigan's England Under-21 international left-back Leighton Baines and Toulouse right-back Albin Ebondo, while Czech Republic centre-half David Rozehnal has expressed his desire to join Newcastle, who are set to pay Paris St Germain a £3.3 m fee,' reports The Daily Telegraph.

Oh, and on an incidental note, The Times claimed this week that Allardyce is planning to deploy Kieron Dyer as a right-back next season.


VILLA INTERESTED IN SNEIJDER AFTER REO-COKER BID
Having bid £7m for West Ham's Nigel Reo-Coker, Aston Villa are reportedly pursuing Dutch international Wesley Sneijder.

The midfielder wants out of Ajax, a determination he reiterated after a proposed £8m move to Valencia collapsed this week. The Dutch club, however, are intent on receving over £10m for his services - which could prove a prohibitive stumbling block for Villa.

'If Villa bought Sneijder and Reo-Coker it would eat up a sizeable chunk of O'Neill's transfer budget as he embarks on a major rebuilding programme ahead of next season,' reports The Independent. 'O'Neill, who is considering a move for West Bromwich full-back Paul Robinson, is also hoping to land Craig Bellamy from Liverpool - but only if the prohibitive £12m asking price for the Welsh striker is significantly lowered. Cash could be raised through the sales of Steven Davis, who is wanted by Fulham, and Luke Moore, who has one year left on his contract and who has been linked with Middlesbrough.'

And on another incidental note, there's a fleeting mention in The Times that Tottenham are also interested in signing Sneijder.


HAMMERS TO BID £20M FOR JOHNSON
The money West Ham will receive from the sale of Reo-Coker will be spent on Andrew Johnson, according to the very gossipy The Independent - whose headline of 'West Ham consider £20m move for Johnson to force Moyes' hand' succinctly sums up the gist of their story.

Two points of particular interest, however, are 'claims that Johnson's wife is unsettled on Merseyside and is keen to move back to London' and the disclosure that 'West Ham have budgeted £70m for transfers this year, with £45m coming from television revenue and a further £25m expected to be generated from the sale of players.'

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Marlon Harewood would be among those departing, 'while they want £3m for Paul Konchesky, who is interesting Birmingham, and £5m for Matthew Etherington, having already turned down Wigan's offer of £3m. Derby will convert Tyrone Mears loan to a permanent deal, with West Ham wanting £1.5m while they will also ask for fees for Hayden Mullins and Carlton Cole but not Roy Carroll.'

The Indy also claims that Scott Parker's proposed move to West Ham has hit a snag despite a £7m fee being agreed with Newcastle: 'Parker is unsure as to whether he wants to play again under Curbishley.'

Meanwhile, The Daily Mail says that 'Alan Curbishley faces a massive fight to hang on to Yossi Benayoun after it emerged that the West Ham midfielder has turned down a five-year contract at Upton Park worth £50,000 a week.'


FABREGAS CONFIRMS HE IS UNSETTLED AT ARSENAL
Already fretting over the intentions of Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas has further undermined the mood at Arsenal by admitting that he is unsettled at the club.

"It could be that I have doubts. Before I was very sure and I signed for eight years. I was sure that this was the ideal club for me but now maybe I am not so sure when I see that the coach has not renewed his contract, that the president has gone and I don't know what Thierry Henry is going to do. These are all things that could have an influence on my future," the youngster told a newspaper in his native Spain.

"If Wenger goes I'm 90% sure I will leave. I identify the team with him, and without Wenger, Arsenal wouldn't be the same."


SMITH'S FUTURE IN DOUBT AT MANYOO
Alan Smith could be heading out of Manchester United this summer after the club refused to offer him a new contract.

The striker has two years left on his present deal but The Sun interprets ManYoo's refusal to hold negotiations over an extension as an indication that they 'are ready to sell'.

'The Red Devils have spent £48million since the end of the season - on Nani, Anderson, and Owen Hargreaves - and want some cash back,' it declares.

More to follow...
 
And The Rest...

AND THE REST...
Premiership new boys Derby are set to make a £5million bid for Norwich striker Robert Earnshaw but will face competition from Watford...Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has urged the club to make a move for Liverpool target Florent Malouda, saying he would 'walk to Lyon' to meet him if he was willing to sign...Middlesbrough are preparing a £2million offer for West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara after Mark Viduka agreed to join Newcastle...New Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri wants to build his team around Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and is willing to pay the £12million required to take him to Italy...

Birmingham are hoping to land Arsenal defender Johan Djourou on a season-long loan deal...Sheffield Wednesday have agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Lee Grant from Derby on a free transfer...Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is set to rekindle his interest in Wigan striker Henri Camara and is also keen on Aston Villa's Steven Davis and Alou Diarra of Lyon...Middlesbrough are planning a double swoop for Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis and Porto defender Jose Bosingwa...

Billy Davies' long-term future as Derby boss looks more secure after managing director Mike Horton quit, but Man City are still keen on the Scot...Portsmouth are ready to make an audacious bid for Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka who has also been linked with Man Utd...Chelsea are targeting 17 year-old Brazilian star Pato. Tipped as 'the new Kaka', Juventus and AC Milan are also interested...Kilmarnock claim they have knocked back a £1.4million bid for Steven Naismith from an unnamed English club.
 
Liverpool, Man Utd urged to bid for Trezeguet

Juventus are encouraging Premiership clubs to come in for David Trezeguet.

Corriere dello Sport says Juve directors have all but given up hope of convincing Trezeguet to sign a new contract and know they must sell him this summer or risk losing him on a Bosman in 12 months time.

Valencia have expressed interest in Trezeguet in recent weeks, however all talks have stopped with doubts over the future of their sports director Amedeo Carboni, who was driving the deal.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is a big admirer of the France international, while Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson has also been chasing the striker for the past 12 months.

Indeed, Trezeguet, depending on his personal demands, would have no shortage of takers in the Premiership, with Arsenal and Newcastle United also having been sounded out about their interest in the last six months.

Chelsea, Barcelona sound out Del Piero

Chelsea and Barcelona have made tentative enquiries about the availability of Juventus captain Alessandro del Piero.

Gazzetta dello Sport says both European giants have asked agents about Del Piero's situation with little movement coming from Juve over new contract talks.

Del Piero has just over a year left on his existing deal and Juve chief Jean-Claude Blanc said today: "We've already spoken with Ale, but not about his contract. The agreement expires in 2008, there is plenty of time."

Four Premiership clubs battle for Diarra

Four Premiership clubs are chasing Olympique Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra.

The former Liverpool player has Everton, Portsmouth, Bolton and Newcastle United all in talks with OL about a summer return to the Premiership

Juventus target Lampard rejects £140,000-a-week Chelsea deal

New Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri is ready to test former club Chelsea's resolve with a bid for midfielder Frank Lampard.

The Turin giants have plenty of cash available to spend after their promotion back to Serie A and the Daily Mirror claims the 'Tinkerman' wants to build his new side around England star Lampard.

Lampard's current contract still has two years to run and it has been claimed he has already turned down an offer of £140,000 a-week from Chelsea and the club are concerned he may leave for nothing in 2009.

There had been fears Lampard would buy out the remaining two years of his deal under new FIFA rules, but as he did not declare his intentions within 15 days of the end of the season, he can no longer do that.

However, it is claimed Ranieri has been given around £70million to spend and is willing to meet Chelsea's valuation of the player.

Juventus move for Man Utd striker Rossi

New Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is chasing Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Ranieri was delighted with Rossi's impact at Parma last season and is eager to be reunited with the youngster at Juve next term.

For his part, Rossi is keen on a return to Serie A as he seeks to establish his international credentials both with the U21 and senior squads.
 
The Summer Cold Gossip

07 June

ARSENAL TO SNATCH MALOUDA BEFORE LIVERPOOL
There has been precious little for Arsenal fans to get excited about this summer but this morning's edition of The Independent brings hope by declaring that the Gunners are ready to hijack Liverpool's attempt to sign Florent Malouda.

The winger's anticipated transfer to Anfield 'has stalled over personal terms' and the Indy claims that 'Talks are expected to take place as early as tomorrow over a £10.2m move from the French champions Lyon to Arsenal'.

'Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benitez, wanted to make Malouda the first of his major signings this summer and there is a growing frustration from the Spaniard that nothing has been secured. The longer the delay, according to sources close to the player, the greater the chance he may go elsewhere.'

Arsenal's interest in the Frenchman has been rekindled after Franck Ribery agreed a deal with Bayern Munich - the good-looking winger is expected to officially join the German outfit later today. Another reputed target, Ryan Babel of Ajax, has been discounted after Arsene Wenger grew unsure 'that Babel is of the highest standard'.

'If Malouda does arrive at the Emirates Stadium, it will be intriguing to see where he fits into Wenger's plans and what it means for Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky. It also heightens the chances of Fredrik Ljungberg, who has been told he can go, leaving the club on a free transfer. Wenger himself will conduct the negotiations with Malouda if the deal goes ahead and his strong relationship with the out-going Lyon coach Gerard Houllier may be an advantage.'


POOL TO BATTLE MILAN AGAIN
The Sun says that Liverpool are once again set to go head-to-head with AC Milan, although on this occasion the prize will be Samuel Eto'o.

And that, basically, is the story: both clubs want him, and the fee is likely to be around £30m.


NUGENT FOR SUNDERLAND BUT EVANS STAYS AT MANYOO
The Daily Mail believes that Sunderland are close to signing David Nugent.

According to the newspaper, the Premiership newbies have launched a £6m bid for the striker and 'It is understood that, in anticipation of Preston giving their consent for talks to begin, Keane has made plans to meet Nugent in Holland, where he is preparing with England for the Under 21 European Championship.'

Stern John may be used as bait, although a more salient factor in the deal may be the claim that Sunderland are, as yet, the only club to make a bid for Nugent.

However, there is less encouraging news for Sunderland in The Guardian.

'Roy Keane's hopes of taking Jonny Evans to Sunderland on a season's loan from Manchester United have been thwarted by Sir Alex Ferguson,' it reports. 'Evans played a starring role in Sunderland's promotion to the Premiership after arriving on loan from Old Trafford in January and Ferguson has told the 19-year-old centre-half he wants him to challenge for a first-team place at United.'

"I won't be going out on loan again," said Evans. "It's more or less been said that I'll get games. I'm a Manchester United fan and it's always been my aim to get into the first team here."'


VIDUKA'S DEPARTURE LEAVES SOUTHGATE WITH A STRIKING PROBLEM
The Guardian also brings news that Mark Viduka has given 'Newcastle a verbal assurance he will sign for them when he returns from holiday this morning and a three-year contract awaits the 31-year-old at St James' Park.'

Which prompts The Independent to point out that 'Middlesbrough's manager, Gareth Southgate, is facing a major challenge as he attempts to revamp his strikeforce for next season.'

Both Malcolm Christie and Danny Graham have been released, while Yakubu is continually linked with Portsmouth. So 'the pressure is on Southgate' to adequately rearm his squad. A fee has been agreed with Arsenal for Jeremie Aliadiere and WBA's Diomansy Kamara is also being considered. Daily Mirror say that Fulham striker Collins John could be another target.

The sting in the tale is that 'Southgate's summer budget is far from extensive and he has other needs.'

'A right-back is a priority after the departures of Abel Xavier and Stuart Parnaby, while the right side of midfield has been a long-standing concern. However, while having a contingency plan in place, Southgate was hoping to hang on to Viduka and his impending departure on a free transfer would have major financial implications.'


HEINZE TO BUY OUT MANYOO CONTRACT
It's old news for regular gossipers, but The Times reports that 'Real Madrid are expected to press ahead with plans to sign Gabriel Heinze.'

In case you weren't already aware, 'Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, from whom United bought Heinze for £6.9 million in June 2004, are also understood to be in the hunt for the Argentina defender.'

What's interesting about the story, however, is the possibility that Heinze will 'buy out' his contract. It's a little complicated, so forgive your bleary-eyed Gossip columnist while he quotes from The Times at length:

'United will be entitled to about £6 million in compensation if Heinze chooses to invoke a clause in Fifa's new transfer regulations allowing him to buy out his contract, although he would not be able to join another club in England if he did so. Under the Fifa law, a contract ceases to be "protected" after a period of three years if the player was under 28 when he signed.

'A player could then "buy out" the contract, provided that 15 days' notice is given and that a compensation fee - in effect the value of the remaining contract - is paid to the club owning his registration.

'The only known precedent involves Andy Webster, the Scotland defender, who was given permission by Fifa to leave Heart of Midlothian for Wigan Athletic last September, although, given the ensuing difficulties of that transfer, other clubs and players may be put off going down the same route.'


AND THE REST
Jussi Jaaskelainen could leave Bolton after talks on a new contract stalled while Lille defender Mathieu Chalme claims Sammy Lee wants him at the Reebok Stadium...Tottenham and Celtic are in a race to sign West Ham striker Marlon Harewood...Derby are in pole position to hijack Ipswich's bid to take Francis Jeffers from Blackburn - because they will meet the £1.5million asking price...Portsmouth are the latest club to make a bid for QPR winger Lee Cook...

Tottenham are ready to fight Aston Villa in the hunt for Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder and offer £7million for him...Wigan manager Chris Hutchings has targeted former Chelsea full-back Mario Melchiot and Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia...Mark McGhee last night emerged as the leading contender for the Motherwell hotseat. He's been out of work since he was sacked by Brighton last year...David Marshall last night revealed he would jump at the chance to help Norwich back into the Premiership.

Reading are preparing to swoop for West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins...Colchester striker Jamie Cureton may return to Norwich...Hertha Berlin striker Marko Pantelic could be a £2.7m target for Chelsea...Fulham will make a renewed bid for Southampton defender Chris Baird...Everton could pay Blackburn £3.5m for Jason Roberts...
 
The Broken Down Computer Gossip

08 June

MORE DOUBT OVER HENRY
Thierry Henry has cast fresh doubt on his future at Arsenal by describing AC Milan's interest in him as "great" and admitting he was devastated by David Dein's departure from the club.

"It's great to hear [the Milan interest]," Henry said. "How can you not think that? On the other side as I said many times at the moment, I'm an Arsenal player.


BELLAMY COULDN'T RETURN TO NEWCASTLE...COULD HE?
Tal Ben Haim is the next target for Newcastle after Mark Viduka followed Joey Barton to St James' Park. According to The Guardian, Wes Brown is also being touted as a possible recruit for Sam Allardyce.

And could Craig Bellamy be also set for a shock move back to the Toon?

'Bellamy has told friends he would relish another chance at Newcastle,' reports The Daily Mail, although it says that his £9m price tag would be prohibitive.

West Ham remain the favourites to sign the likeable Welsh striker.


HAVE EVERTON WON THE JAGIELKA RACE?
While The Sun says that Everton are merely 'poised to beat Wigan in the race to sign midfield ace Phil Jagielka', The Daily Mirror categorically declares that the Toffees 'have won the £4million race.'

It says that the 'England B man has told friends he wants to go to Goodison Park' and he 'has chosen Everton ahead of Wigan and Aston Villa because the Blues can offer him European football next season.'


SANCHEZ STICKS WITH WHAT HE ALREADY KNOWS
It shows a certain lack of imagination when a manager signs (or attempts to sign) players with whom he has previously worked.

Apropos to nothing, The Daily Mail says that 'Lawrie Sanchez has added another Northern Ireland player to his list of Fulham transfer targets - Aston Villa defender Aaron Hughes. The ex-Northern Ireland boss, who wants Southampton full-back Chris Baird, is also maintaining an interest in Leeds striker David Healy.'


CARROLL BACK TO WIGAN
One Norn Ireland player not being linked with a move to Fulham is goalkeeper Roy Carroll.

The Sun reports that Wigan manager Chris Hutchings wants to bring Carroll back to the JJB Stadium

'The Northern Ireland stopper requested a move from West Ham and was told he can leave for free. The Latics need cover for Chris Kirkland after John Filan was released.'


SNIDY FOR SPURS SAYS THE INDY
The Independent reckons that Spurs are now the favourites to sign Wesley Sneijder.

Unlike Aston Villa, Spurs are reputedly 'willing to pay the 15m euro (£10.2m) transfer fee being demanded by Ajax.'

The newspaper claims that talks with his agent have already commenced with, and 'the creative midfielder, who is 23 this weekend, is also keen to team up with Spurs' Dutch manager Martin Jol and would prefer a move to London rather than Birmingham.'


ANOTHER CLUB IN FOR CHIMBONDA
But there's less good news for Spurs fans in The Sun, which announces that the club 'are battling to hold on to defender Pascal Chimbonda after Sevilla became the latest club to reveal their interest in him.'

It has been previously reported that Chelski made a £10m bid for the full-back.

Another right-back on the move looks to be Geremi. The Cameroonian says that he would happily move back to Middlesbrough from Chelski - if they offer him enough dosh.

"The option of Middlesbrough is excellent because they are a high-level club and I have already played there," he told The Sun. "I would go there happily if they made me a good offer."


AND THE REST
Real Zaragoza will offer Manchester United £6million to make Gerard Pique's loan move a permanent one...Portsmouth are facing a second snub from Middlesbrough in 48 hours, with Gareth Southgate insisting Yakubu is not for sale after Mark Viduka rejected Pompey's advances to sign for Newcastle...Gareth Southgate is keen to bring Arsenal's Jeremie Aliadiere and West Brom's Diomansy Kamara to the Riverside...Former Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas has revealed the Tynecastle club could be lining up a bid for FBK Kaunas striker Ricardas Beniusus...
 
Aliadiere Set For Boro Switch

09 June

Aliadiere_229562.jpg


Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will take the first step towards rebuilding his forward line by finally swooping for Jeremie Aliadiere.

The 24-year-old Arsenal frontman is expected to complete a move to the Riverside Stadium when he returns from holiday after both he and the two clubs agreed a deal.

Aliadiere has been a long-term target for Southgate and is not being viewed as a replacement for Mark Viduka, who joined Newcastle on Thursday after rejecting the offer of a contract extension.

Boro's chief executive Keith Lamb said: "We have agreed a fee with Arsenal for Aliadiere and completed a deal with them.

"Everything is also agreed in principle with Jeremie and his transfer will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

"The only reason the deal hasn't already been completed is that the player is on holiday."

Southgate has made no secret of his admiration for the Frenchman, who has been with the Gunners since he was 16.

Indeed, he tried to sign him in January, but injuries to Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie meant Arsene Wenger was unwilling to let him leave.

Lamb said: "We tried to sign Jeremie in January, but were thwarted by Arsenal's injury problems at the time.

"He fits perfectly the sort of player Gareth wants to bring to the club.

"He has pace and energy, and he is young with his best years in front of him."

Despite Arsenal's injury problems, Aliadiere struggled to force his way into Wenger's plans, although he played a significant role as the club's youngsters marched to last season's Carling Cup final.

His acquisition will end a protracted pursuit by Southgate, although the manager knows his work cannot end there after Viduka's departure.

Aliadiere has not scored goals in abundance at Arsenal, and with Ayegbeni Yakubu stalling after Christmas in each of his two seasons at Boro to date, the Teessiders know they need to add further firepower.

West Brom's Diomansy Kamara is another man in Southgate's sights, although the former England defender is only too aware that the Australian will take some replacing.

Meanwhile, Boro have played down suggestions they could be ready to bring Chelsea midfielder Geremi back to the club where he spent a season on loan earlier in his career.
 
The `Come On Kent, Get A Draw Against Those Pesky Northern Monkeys` Gossip

09 June

SAHA AND ROSSI TO BE SOLD AS SIR LOOKS FOR A STRIKER?
As they are the champions, this morning's gossip will begin with the news that Sir Alex Ferguson has been given the green light to sign a top-class striker at ManYoo.

Despite suggesting two weeks ago that the club's "major business" had been completed following the signings of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson, chief executive David Gill has now declared: "We're not desperate but if any top player came along and Alex and the team felt they would strengthen the side then we would move for them. If anything does happen it will be in the striking department."

The Daily Telegraph reports that 'Ferguson is under no pressure to sell but is certain to sanction the sale of one or two members of last season's title-winning squad' - with the offloading of Louis Saha a definite possibility.

'The manager ran out of patience with Saha's ongoing injury problems towards the end of last season and the French forward's United days look to be numbered. And while Ferguson has made no secret of the fact he considers [Giuseppe] Rossi one of the best finishers at Old Trafford, he is unlikely to see the 20-year-old as one of his frontline forwards.'

The young Italian has been linked with a switch to Porto and will hold talks about his future at Old Trafford in July.


IS HENRY SEEKING REASSURANCE RATHER THAN A MOVE?
Despite reporting that Thierry Henry has requested talks with Arsene Wenger, The Times is far from convinced that the Frenchman is hankering after a move out of Arsenal.

Indeed, they attribute his recent comments to the striker's notorious moodiness and suggest he is just looking for reassurance from Wenger.

'Last night, sources close to the player dismissed the talk of a move from the Emirates Stadium as premature,' the newspaper discloses, adding: 'Henry is notorious for his mood swings, but will need to be convinced by Wenger that Arsenal's future is bright.'


BENT ON RAFA'S RADAR AFTER ETO'O PLEDGE
With Samuel Eto'o announcing that he is happy to stay in Spain with Barcelona, The Sun have responded by claiming that Rafa Benitez 'has made an enquiry for Darren Bent.'

What's more, they reckon that the Charlton striker is now the Liverpool manager's number one transfer target.

'West Ham are also keen but rate the England star at nearer £10m,' the paper announces. 'Bent is on holiday and has told backroom staff at The Valley he is in no hurry to leave.

'But Charlton want to cash in quickly and raise funds so boss Alan Pardew can prepare for next season.'

Meanwhile, the future of Lyon winger Flourent Malouda is still no closer to resolution. Intriguingly, it appears that Chelski and Liverpool are set to clash in a straight fight for his services.

"I have talked with Lyon officials. There are no offers yet, but there has been direct contact.

"Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest," the player revealed. "I don't know how it will be finalised. But in my mind it is certain I will leave."At Chelsea there is Didier Drogba and all the rest. But at Liverpool, Rafa Benitez is a great coach and the team has played in two Champions League finals in three years.

"The most important thing will be the desire shown by the club. To move abroad, you really have to be wanted."


WEST HAM SET OUT BAIT TO LURE BELLAMY
The Daily Mail reckons that West Ham 'are ready to include Yossi Benayoun in a package aimed at persuading Liverpool to part with £9million-rated striker Craig Bellamy.'

Benitez is a long-time admirer of the Israeli and would be prepared to sell Bellamy after an undistinguished first season at Anfield. Alan Curbishley believes the Welshman is just the man to replace the departing Carlos Tevez.

'Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is known to admire Benayoun, having tried to sign him for Valencia before the 27-year-old left Racing Santander for Upton Park in a £2.5million transfer in July 2005,' the newspaper reports. 'Sportsmail understands Benitez would consider taking Benayoun, who has two years left on his contract, as part-payment for Bellamy as he continues to search for reinforcements on the flanks and up front.'


BRUM FOR MIDO
The news is rather unlikely to set pulses racing at Birmingham, but The Guardian reckons that 'Birmingham City are ready to offer Mido a route out of Tottenham Hotspur, with Steve Bruce considering making an offer for the forward, who is valued at £6m.'

£6m?! Did someone just say £6m? Surely there are better things to buy with £6m? Such as players not prone to sulkiness and wandering around football pitches with all the resolution of a West Indies batsman?


WE'VE TOLD YOU THIS BEFORE, BUT NOW IT IS HAPPENING
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will take the first step towards rebuilding his forward line by finally swooping for Jeremie Aliadiere. The 24-year-old Arsenal frontman is expected to complete a move to the Riverside Stadium when he returns from holiday after both he and the two clubs agreed a deal.

OFFICIAL NEWS
In case you missed it, Gavin McCann has joined Bolton in a deal worth £1m.

Elsewhere, Arjen Robben is to sign a new-five year deal with Chelski.
 
June 9

Liverpool have made an enquiry about Darren Bent (The Sun), but Tottenham, West Ham (The Mirror) and even Valencia (The Star) are also interested in the Charlton striker.

Middlesbrough could beat Everton to the signing of Sheffield United's Phil Jagielka - The Sun

James Beattie is keen on a return to Blackburn Rovers - The Mirror

Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari is looking to return to France with Marseille - The Star

Tottenham striker Mido has emerged as a transfer target for promoted Birmingham City - The Star

Gabriel Heinze is on the brink of leaving Manchester United to join Real Madrid - Daily Mail

West Ham will offer Yossi Benayoun as bait for Liverpool's Craig Bellamy - Daily Mail
 
I wonder if any truth in these rumours ?

Tim Cahill to West Ham in light of the almost definite move of Phil Jagielka to the Toffees!!
Jack Colley - London

My dad is friends with Shay Given and his father, who is also his agent, and he claims that Shay is still very interested in a move to Arsenal. What a great signing this would be as he is clearly a few levels above Lehmann and Almunis.
Charly McGou - Limavady

Izzy Iriekpen is set to join Leeds United after rejecting a new deal at Swansea. Striker Lee Trundle is rumoured to follow him from Wales. Millwall star Marvin Elliott is also set to join.
Shaun Harris - Hull, East Yorkshire

Martin Jol is planning a clear out ... Danny Murphy, Mido, Reto Zeigler, Hossam Ghaly are all off. Taraabt to sign permanenty along with Berchiche from Spain. Sneijder imminent and possibility of Sneijder & Jol luring Van de Vaart .... Undisclosed sources.
Chris Jones - London

according to a west ham site(http://westham.wordpress.com/) and insiders, west ham and tottenham have agreed a fee for jermaine defoe. It could be that harewood is involved in the deal too.
Arjan Drissen - Veldhoven, The Netherlands

Tore Andre Flo is set to come back to Leeds and Healy's off to Fulham.
Matt Wainwright - Halifax

My uncle is chief scout at Aston Villa and has sworn me to secrecy that David Trezeguet is on his way to Villa Park from Juventus. Negotiations are at an advanced stage with a fee of £10.5million already agreed.
David Robinson - Solihull

My mate who works at an estate agents in Reading told me that Jason Koumas is looking for house in Reading as he is on the verge of signing for £4 million.
Loyal Royal - Reading

David Healy to join Fulham from Leeds for £2.3m and Leeds will use that money to buy Lee Trundle from Swansea and Marvin Elliot from Millwall. Casper Ankergren will join, with Richard Cresswell on his way to to recently relegated Sheffield United for £750k
Jordan Ferrer - Notts

Swindon midfielder Paul Evans has been training at Leeds United to recover from an injury. He says he won't be joining but he was good friends with Dennis Wise at Swindon. Also set to join are Danny Coyne and Jamie Mullan
Shaun Harris - Hull, East Yorkshire

Anelka back to Anfield, his brother spotted there early this morning. Harry Kewell going the other way.
Chris Smith - Manchester

Man City will be signing Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham next wednesday, they will get him at £5m.
Thabi Majola - Leeds

I have heard from a good friend who plays with celtic football club and over the last week or so Ian Harte and Damien Duff have been around celtic's training ground and celtic are looking to put in a bid from Duff for around £3.3million to get his career back on track,
Kenny Farr - Glasgow

Sunderland are ready to make 3 bids for David Nugent , David Healy and Neill Lennon
michael grant - sunderland

My dad works at Teesside airport and has just telephoned me to report he has just seen Phillipe Senderos and Armand Traore get into a chaffuered car. Sunderland, Newcastle or Boro... I don't know,
Carl Fisher-hunter - Sunderland

My mate is groundsman at Upton Pk and he has told me that Tevez will stay 1 more year, Bent, Smith and a big money defender will be joining within 7 days.
andrew morgan - Romford, essex

Newcastle midfeilder Emre is leaving the club to return to Italy for a fee arond 5million
Dom Miller - Newcastle

Oba Martins is on his way to Valencia, Damien Duff to Spurs, Emre to Bayern Munich, coming in are Tal Ben Haim, Joey Barton, Luke Young, Kevin Nolan, Curtis Davies and Wayne Bridge. Big Sam has made his defensive options his main priority!
Andrew Jones - Cardiff

Craig Bellamy is set to choose Blackburn Rovers over Aston Villa & West Ham in a £7million deal, or so I heard. Benni McCarthy will stay at Rovers too, as Chelsea has lost interest. Michael Gray will be a Blackpool player next season after his release from Blackburn & Franny Jeffers will join Derby in the rumoured £1.5million deal.
Harry Mussenden - Fleetwood, Lancs

My dad is a good friend of Mr Woodgate Snr, who tells him, Woodgate Jnr Is confident friend, Alan Smith will be joining him at the Riverside
Liam Ferrier - Middlesbrough

Frank Quredrue, has become the suprise choice, of Martin Jol. Spurs are to offer Routledge, in a deal to tie up the left flank.
chris cook - Watford

Anelka wants out of Bolton, Cisse in direct swap deal. Tevez likely to arrive along with Malouda, Simao & Barcelona's Bellettti. Aurelio, Sissoko, Zenden, Gonzalez, Bellemy all out in next month
Dylan Brennan - Athenry

Nigel Reo-Coker, Wesley Sneijder and Jermain Defoe are set to join Aston Villa this week. Reo-Coker £7, Wesley Sneijder £12m and Jermain Defoe £8m
Martin O'Neill - Birmingham

I have it on good authority that Riquelme currently on loan from Villareal has been in talks with David Moyes with a view to joining English premier league side Everton Fc.
juan milito -

The Dutch striker Jan Hunterlaar was seen in Manchester today. He may be on his way to United, with Louis Saha going to Liile and Patrice Evra returning to Monaco on a year's loan as United have lined up a move for Phillip Lahm from Munich.
Lou Ishaha - London

I have heard from a mate who works for spurs, that Tottenham are on the verge of signing Wesley Sneidjer and Martin Petrov to cover the left side next season, and Aaron Lennon is going to Liverpool to replace Kewell.
Dave Johnson - London

According to sources, Tevez will stay at West Ham for one more season, and Mr Magnusson has made contact with the respective clubs of Makelele, Duff and Giles Barnes. Watch this space.......
Marcus Johns - London

Chelsea set to bid £10m for Porto midfielder Ricardo Queresma (23). A versatile player who is equally at home in the midfield or up front.
Will B -

It is rumoured that Sevilla coach Juande Ramos will take over the job at Man City after the club missed out on Claudio Ranieri.
Ehsan Ashraf -

This is from a Arsenal director my uncle so must be true. Reyes is going to Atletico Madrid with Torres and 7 million in exchange if possiable. Arsenal are considering letting Henry go to Barcelona to end specualtion at the Club and either Samuel Eto or Saviola in Part exchange for Henry Plus 15 Million. Sagna from Aurexe is coming to Arsenal for around. 6.5 million. Franck Ribery is no longer a Target with a price tag at 18 million.
Joe O'Brien - Gravesend, Kent

I attended a company conference in the board room at Plymouth Argyle's Ground (Home Park) recently, and during a coffee break, overheard 2 of the office girls sorting out travel/accommodation details for Gillingham player, Matt Jarvis, to come down.
clive m - plymouth, uk

My m8 is on the the youth squad at sunderland and has spotted Roy Keane showing Jussi Jaskelainen around the Sunderland training ground.
James Luke - Durham

Nicky Hunt and Kevin Nolan following Big Sam at Newcastle. Big Sam aiming to attract the pair with a 8 Million pound bid, with follow on if either player makes the grade at International level. Tal Ben Haim deal to be completed over the weekend on a Bosman
Azam Khan - Bolton

Reports in spain are suggessting that Arjen Robben could be on his way to Real Madrid. It is thought the special one is keen to offload the left winger after a very poor season. Simoa Sambrosa is thought to be the man to come in as the replacment.
MICHAEL HUGHES - sunderland

Just heard from a shareholder that Steven Naismith is Celtic bound with £1m plus Rocco Quinn going to Rugby Park in exchange
Keir Agnew -

Celtic will sign Stephen Appiah from Fenerbache if he can pass medical after recent operation- announcement imminent
john smith - Glasgow

I am a very good friend of Steve Bruce and close sources of the club have told me that Jermaine Defoe will be signing for the club in the next few days subject to a medical
Harry Smith - West Midlands

From what I have heard, Czech Republic defender David Rozehnal's representatives are going to meet Newcastle's so they can agree a fee for the defender, expect him in Toon soon!
Steven Alexander - Newcastle

Lomana Lua Lua was at Wolves training ground last week having a medical, my friend who works for the academy saw him.
Adam i - Tipton

I know it sounds alittle far fetched but i have a friend that works at St Andrews and he has seen Yakubu looking around the stadium. Not only that Bellamy has also been spotted near by.
Bazza B - Birmingham

Tal ben haim will join newcastle on a free transfer and will join end of next week, mark viduka having medical today in london expected to seal deal tomorrow.
Andy Wright - newcastle

Malouda to liverpool by the end of the week in a £10million deal. On wednesday Liverpool will sign Simao for 9.75million
bhav parekh -

Portsmouth interested in Kenyan Midfielder Macdonald Mariga who plies his trade with Helsinborg.They are willing to pay 1.7m pounds which Helsinborg says is little.
Cyrus Njoroge - Nairobi

A source has revealed to me that norwegian fredrikstad striker Tarek Elyonussi is being targeted by West Ham who have launched a £3 mill. bid for him.
Thomas S. - Fredrikstad

My brother is good friends with Dean Ashton and he has told my brother that he is not interested in a move to Newcastle as he feels he has a better chance of winning trophies at West Ham.
Richard Griffiths - Newcastle

It's the talk of the town in Liverpool!! Thierry Henry was seen arriving at Melwood yesterday evening and at Anfield this morning. Nowhere to be seen in the French squad.
Nicky Paul - Roermond, the Netherlands

Man Utd will soon sign Michael Owen from Newcastle Utd for 6-10 million plus Alan Smith
Damian Allen - Dewsbury

A very reliable source told me that Dave Nugent will sign for Everton in the next week for a fee of £8 million
Toby Cooper - Liverpool
 
96 replies and we are in the 9th day of the transfer pmsl

only another 80+ togo i wonder how many pages this will have lmao
 
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