We’ve got a couple of new signings to add to our lists of confirmed summer transfers this morning, and those new additions could soon be followed by a few more, according to the latest transfer speculation.

Who’s on the move, and who could be on the move soon? Find out here.

England

Chelsea To Land Sturridge

Chelsea are set to sign young Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge. The 19-year-old turned down a new deal at City, but they won’t be losing him for nothing, as a tribunal will decide how much compensation Chelsea will have to pay out, with City reportedly looking for £10m. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: City did all they could to keep Sturridge, and honestly, his limited track record doesn’t justify the kind of salary numbers that he reportedly wanted. He’s a promising talent, sure, and one day, he might deserve that and then some, but that time hasn’t come yet.

Zhirkov Close To Chelsea Move?

CSKA Moscow star Yuri Zhirkov is expected to seal an £18m move to Chelsea within the next week. The Russia international left winger/left back has stated a preference for Barcelona, but he’s set to sign a four-year deal at Chelsea that will see him earn £80k per week. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Doesn’t hurt to have some competition and depth, and Zhirkov will certainly add that. Florent Malouda is coming off of a solid season and has just penned a contract extension, but anytime you’ve got a new manager, very few starting places are assured.

United To Move For Aguero Or Nilmar?

Manchester United could soon try to open talks with Atletico Madrid over a move for forward Sergio Aguero. Aguero’s buyout clause is €60m, but even if United can’t agree a deal for below that, they’re reportedly willing to fork out the €60m. (Goal.com)

Another target on United’s list is highly-rated Brazilian striker Nilmar, who United could make a £20m bid for. (The Mirror)

Analysis: United’s primary forward targets won’t come cheap (Benzema – 30m or more, if he’s even available, Eto’o – salary more so than the transfer fee, Aguero – the large buyout clause mentioned above), so Nilmar could prove to be a more attractive option due to his lower price.

Liverpool Interested In Fernandez

Liverpool and Lazio could be set to battle it out for Dynamo Moscow defender Leandro Fernandez. Both clubs have held preliminary talks with Dynamo over the Argentine center back, who stands to cost at least £8.5m. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Liverpool do need to add depth in the center of defense, what with Sami Hyypia leaving and injuries always being a concern no matter if you have three center backs or thirteen, but do they need to fork out that much to do it?

City To Bid For Lescott And Hutton

Manchester City are ready to bid £15m for Everton defender Joleon Lescott and 6m for Tottenham defender Alan Hutton. (The Mirror)

Analysis: I can’t say I’m all that keen on Everton selling Lescott, but if they could land Dunne in a deal involving Lescott, that could free up all of the money received to be able to make reinforcements elsewhere.

Premier League Return For Gudjohnsen?

Everton, Aston Villa, Fulham, and West Ham are among the clubs interested in Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen. The former Chelsea star is set to leave Barca this summer, and it could cost as little as £4m to land him. (The Mirror)

Analysis: All of those could be good options for him, with three playing in Europe next season and the other likely to push for a European place in the coming season.

West Ham Sign Jimenez

West Ham have signed Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez on a season-long loan deal. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Good bit of business done by West Ham, making a low-risk, high-reward move for a quality player. If it works out, they’ll only have to pay £7m for him. If it doesn’t, then no harm done.

Fortune To Sign For Hull

Hull are set to complete a £2.5m deal for Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Fortune made a good impression at West Brom, scoring five goals in 17 starts, and the front line is definitely an area where Hull need reinforcements. They likely aren’t done yet either, with a deal for Fraizer Campbell still a possibility and with Michael Owen also a serious target.

Italy

Adebayor Offered To Milan Rivals

Arsenal have reportedly offered striker Emmanuel Adebayor to AC Milan and Inter Milan. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Interest in him is nowhere near as high as it was last summer, and as I’ve said before, that’s when they should’ve sold him. Maybe they can get a deal done, but it won’t be nearly as easy – or for as much – as it would’ve been last summer, and in the end, they might have to do business with Chelsea to get rid of him.

AC Milan Interested In Gago

AC Milan are interested in Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago. AC Milan want the Argentine international for £8m, but they may well have to pay £12m for the 23-year-old, who has 26 caps for his country. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: The asking price mentioned is a little surprising, and with it, the fact that he’s being linked with a move away from Real. Real bought Gago for €20m (£17.1m) in December 2006, and he’s been a regular the past couple of seasons, and in that time, he’s also become a regular for Argentina.

Roma Sign Guberti

Roma have signed Bari midfielder Stefano Guberti on a free transfer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Guberti only signed with Bari in February, but he made a huge impact in that short time and was a big reason why they were able to win the Serie B title and return to Serie A for the first time since 2000/01.

France

Vieira And Erding In PSG’s Sights

Paris Saint-Germain have held talks with Patrick Vieira over a move to the club, and they have also made a €7.5m bid for Sochaux striker Mevlut Erding. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: A move to PSG would be beneficial for Vieira, who needs regular first-team opportunities ahead of the World Cup, but if Lyon enter the race, this one could be a losing battle.

They could stand to have a little more luck with Erding though. Even if Guillaume Hoarau remains at PSG, he needs a little support, and Erding, who’s had back-to-back solid seasons with Sochaux, would be a good signing.

“Transfer Rumors (23 June 09): Chelsea to sign Man City’s Sturridge, Man United to bid for Atletico Madrid’s Aguero, Arsenal’s Adebayor offered to Milan rivals, and more” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

We’re already in the middle of June, and though the signings haven’t been coming hard and fast just yet, that doesn’t mean that there’s a shortage of action thus far in the summer transfer window.

In this morning’s transfer news and rumors roundup, we’ve got tidbits from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Greece, with many big names and big clubs looking to spend, spend, spend. Some of the rumors are pretty concrete, while there is at least one in the bunch that, like Manchester United being linked with a move for Fernando Torres, are a little head-scratching, to say the least.

There are also a couple of signings to report, and remember, to keep up with all of the latest confirmed signings, check out our summer 2009 transfer lists.

England

Manchester United After Valencia Stars

There has been a great deal of speculation over the last few days about what Manchester United are going to do with the money they get from selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, and it could be that a sizable chunk of those funds go towards signing Valencia stars David Villa and David Silva.

United are reportedly set to make a £45m bid for Villa (The Mirror). The competition could wide open between United, Barcelona (Sky Sports), and Chelsea for Villa, as his potential move to Real Madrid appears to have broken down (Daily Mail).

Meanwhile. Rafa Benitez might not like hearing about United making a concerted effort to land Silva, as the winger has been a target for Benitez for a while now but could be the subject of a £25m bid from United. (The Mirror)

Analysis: £25m looks to certainly be enough to land Silva, but even though they could outbid Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea for Villa, they could be out of luck if Villa prefers the chance to stay in Spain. Of course, if Barcelona land Villa, that’d all but free up the opportunity for a United move for Samuel Eto’o.

United and Boro In Downing Swap Deal?

Middlesbrough are heavily interested in Manchester United duo Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, and there are reports that they could offer Stewart Downing to United to try to make a deal happen. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Both Scholes and Neville could be reluctant for such a move, but even so, it’d seem like United would come out a lot better in this deal, especially if they didn’t have to spend much of that sizable transfer kitty on purchasing Downing.

Costa On Shortlist To Replace Ronaldo?

Along with the moves mentioned above, United could be set to swoop for Gremio starlet Douglas Costa. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Brazil’s becoming more and more of a hotspot for United, and signing a prospect of Costa’s ability and potential would be worth the fee United may have to stump up. He’s only 18, so he’s more one for the future and wouldn’t be expected to step in and star right away. But as Ronaldo did when he arrived at United, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him earn first-team opportunities immediately.

Bolton Lead Race For Veloso?

Bolton are back in for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso, and after refusing to overbid for Veloso in January, could be in with a £10.2m offer for the 23-year-old, who’s also been linked with Arsenal. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: £10.2m is still a little lower than Sporting might like to get for Veloso, but it could be a sign that Bolton are willing to fork out a little more in order to land him.

Bentley And Huddlestone To Sign For Villa?

It could only be a matter of time before Aston Villa seal the deal on a couple of new signings, as there are reports that they are close on Tottenham pair David Bentley (Goal.com) and Tom Huddlestone (Birmingham Mail).

Analysis: Considering their interest in Bentley, Huddlestone, and Jermaine Jenas, I’m surprised they haven’t been strongly linked with Darren Bent or Roman Pavlyuchenko, considering a forward should also be on their summer wishlist.

Several Sides Interested In Newcastle’s Martins

Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton are all interested in Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins (Tribal Football), but they could face competition from a mystery Bundesliga club (Tribal Football).

Analysis: Everton would be a great fit, considering the familiar faces that would await, but wages would likely be a stumbling block, and that could also be the case with Aston Villa. No telling what the situation could be with the Bundesliga club, but Arsenal may well be the best match financially – but that could all hinge on whether or not they sell Emmanuel Adebayor.

Fulham And West Ham Interested In Acquafresca

It’s a London battle for young Italian striker Robert Acquafresca, as Fulham and West Ham are both interested in the 21-year-old. Acquafresca was supposed to go to Genoa as part of the deal that brought Diego Milito and Thiago Motta to Inter, but he could yet move elsewhere, with even Juventus being linked with a move. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: I don’t have any doubts that Acquafresca could succeed in the Premier League, but if Juventus come in for him, that might be an opportunity that’s too hard to pass up.

Sunderland Bid For Cattermole

Sunderland have made a £7m bid for Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Well they sure aren’t sitting on their money, are they? That’s certainly a tempting offer for Wigan, considering it’s double what they paid for Cattermole just last summer. I don’t know if Wigan will offload him right now though, unless he’s just that eager to be reunited with Steve Bruce. If someone’s willing to pay 7m for him right now, they could be in line to get a lot more if he continues to develop well over the next season or two. Besides, the sale of Antonio Valencia will net a nice amount of transfer funds for Roberto Martinez.

Wolves Sign Milijas

Wolves have completed the signing of Red Star Belgrade midfielder Nenad Milijas. (The Guardian)

Analysis: For a little while, the deal looked to be in some doubt, but in the end, Wolves fought off some pretty good competition to land the free-scoring midfielder.

Birmingham Bid For Gomez

Birmingham have made a £1.5m offer to Espanyol for midfielder Jordi Gomez, who starred on loan for Swansea last season. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: With Roberto Martinez set to complete his move from Swansea to Wigan anytime now, Birmingham could face some competition from Wigan for Gomez, so it might be in Birmingham’s best interests to try to get him signed, sealed, and delivered as soon as possible.

Spain

Real Madrid Offer Sneijder For Inter’s Maicon

Real Madrid could be set to offer Inter Milan €20m plus attacker Wesley Sneijder in a bid for right back Maicon. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Sounds like a reasonable deal. Sneijder’s someone that has been linked with Inter, and €20m + Sneijder would meet the €40m asking price that Inter have for Maicon.

Italy

AC Milan Sign Cissokho

AC Milan have completed the signing of Porto defender Aly Cissokho for €15m. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This time last summer, Cissokho had just made the jump from France’s Ligue 2 to Portugal, joining Vitoria du Setubal, and now, he’s signed for AC Milan. Talk about a quick rise!

Inter Closing In On Double Swoop

Jose Mourinho could be close to being reunited with Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, as Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti spoke hopefully about being able to agree a deal with Chelsea for the duo. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Seems to be only a formality, really.

Juventus To Swap Trezeguet For Rossi?

Juventus are prepared to offer striker David Trezeguet as part of a swap deal for Villarreal star Giuseppe Rossi. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: £15m + Trezeguet would fall a little short of Rossi’s buyout clause of £40m, but it could get Villarreal to bite, or at least think seriously about the offer. Trezeguet might turn down the chance though, considering the interest that he’s had from the likes of Inter, Real Madrid, and others.

Lazio In Talks For Barnetta

Lazio are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Barnetta’s valuation is reportedly €10m, but even though Lazio don’t exactly have the room to break the bank on summer purchases, it shouldn’t be a problem to spend the right amount on a player who’s certainly worth it.

Germany

Wolfsburg Want Berbatov?

In one of the more interesting transfer rumors of the day, Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is being linked with a loan move to VfL Wolfsburg. (Sofia Echo)

Analysis: Though things didn’t exactly go completely swimmingly at United last season, Berbatov’s not going anywhere.

Stuttgart Interested In Tottenham Striker

VfB Stuttgart could be targeting Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. According to Stuttgart general manager Horst Heldt, the Russian striker has come up in discussions within the club. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: After selling Mario Gomez to Bayern Munich for €30m, Stuttgart have money to spend and a big void to fill up front. Replicating Gomez’s 33-goal output from this past season might be a little much to ask, but Pavlyuchenko does have the quality to succeed in the Bundesliga, even though his struggles at Tottenham last season might convince some otherwise.

France

Shevchenko Offered To French Trio

Chelsea have offered striker Andriy Shevchenko to Lyon, Marseille, and Monaco. Lyon have turned down the opportunity to sign the Ukrainian, but Marseille and Monaco are still considering the chance to snap him up. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Safe to say then that Sheva doesn’t have a future at Chelsea, eh?

Coupet To Sign For PSG

Former Lyon goalkeeper Gregory Coupet could be set for a quick return to Ligue 1, as he has agreed personal terms over a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Coupet moved from Lyon to Atletico Madrid last summer, but after seeing little time last season, will be back on familiar soil if a fee can be agreed. (Goal.com)

Analysis: With current #1 Mickael Landreau looking to leave, PSG needed to swoop for a quality replacement, and Coupet, with his long history of success with Lyon, certainly fits the bill.

Greece

Panathinaikos Close On Drenthe?

Panathinaikos are going all out in their efforts to sign Real Madrid’s Royston Drenthe, as they could offer £11m in order to land the versatile Dutchman. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: That’s about the same amount Real spent to sign Drenthe from Feyenoord in the summer of 2007, so I don’t see them turning down an offer of that amount. Drenthe hasn’t exactly blossomed at Real, and he wouldn’t appear to have much of a future there, so the only holdup might be whether or not he wants to move to Greece or to a more elite league.

“Transfer Rumors (15 June 09): Man United after Valencia stars Villa and Silva, Aston Villa close on Tottenham duo, Berbatov and Pavlyuchenko linked with Bundesliga moves, and more” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

Today’s tittle-tattle is off to live in a floating duck house – because we deserve to be safe from foxes too

Forget Manchester United v Barcelona, The New Harry Potter Movie v The New Terminator Movie or Peter Andre and Katie Price v The Possibility That Newspapers Might Stop Writing About Them Soon, the real heavyweight clash of the summer is going to be an all-out three-way tussle between Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Glen Johnson for the title of Interminable Transfer Story of the Year 2009.

Today’s updates in brief, because if we’re not sick of these yarns already we certainly will be soon:

1) Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t going anywhere – “at the moment I’m at United and I don’t care what happens in Madrid”.

2) Nobody could be arsed making up anything new about Carlos Tevez yesterday, except for the not entirely surprising revelation that he’s going to start next week’s Champions League final on the bench.

3) Harry Redknapp and Rafa Benítez are giving Glen Johnson a clear choice between cockerel and liver bird. Either way it looks like he’ll have some kind of avian lifeform on his chest next season.

Now, on with the other stuff.

Firstly, an excuse to point you in the direction of the undisputed goal of the season (alright, you can dispute it if you like, but it’s pretty popular here at the Mill): Swindon goal machine Simon Cox is favouring a £1.2m switch to Celtic over rival offers from West Brom, Bolton and Leicester.

Because a couple of them happen to be quite tall, today’s defensive rumours will be brought to you in order of the players’ height: Birmingham City want 6ft 6in Zat Knight to make the long trudge from Villa Park in order to create a dream defensive partnership with coming-on-a-free veteran Bobo Balde. Arsenal – for whom Emmanuel Adebayor looks to have played his last game – are ready to test Fulham’s resolve with a £15m bid for 6ft 5in Brede Hangeland (for that money, the only thing they’ll be testing is Mohamed Al Fayed’s resolve to agree gracefully, rather than dropping to his knees, drooling and crying “yes, yes, yes” repeatedly).

And Chelsea are lining up a sensational £22m swoop for Internazionale’s 6ft 1in Douglas Maicon, although Real Madrid are also interested. If this is true and the deal indeed goes through at this price, it would take Roman Abramovich’s spending on first-team right-backs alone to £57.5m, following the purchases of Jose Bosingwa (£16.3m), Paulo Ferreira (£13.2m) and our good friend, the Rumour Mill veteran Glen Johnson (£6m).

Back to Birmingham, who are vying with Villa for £8m-rated Argentinian midfield starlet Lucas Biglia, currently wowing Belgians with Anderlecht, and plotting a £6m double raid on Derby County for Kris Commons and Giles Barnes.

While Blues are planning for promotion, Newcastle are making contingency plans for relegation. If they do go down, Sébastien Bassong will be off sharpish. “You have to plan for your career and playing in the second division would be a step backwards,” he says in one paper. “I’m an ambitious boy and playing Championship football never crossed my mind – it would be a step backwards,” he adds in another. It’s all in the translation, you see. They would also be happy to loan Alan Smith for the season if they go down – perfect for any club that needs a £60,000-a-week adornment to their treatment room.

Talking of which, West Ham are open to offers for Dean Ashton – perfect for any club that meeds a £7m adornment to their treatment room.

And Sunderland want Hamburg’s former Tottenham manager Martin Jol to replace Ricky Sbragia. “He wants another chance in the Premier League, where he feels he has unfinished business,” says “a source”.

]]> http://www.latestfootballnews.net/football-transfer-rumours-brede-hangeland-to-arsenal/feed/ 0 http://www.latestfootballnews.net/soccerlens-podcast-survival-sunday-manchester-united%e2%80%99s-banner-season-wenger%e2%80%99s-future-at-arsenal-and-more/ http://www.latestfootballnews.net/soccerlens-podcast-survival-sunday-manchester-united%e2%80%99s-banner-season-wenger%e2%80%99s-future-at-arsenal-and-more/#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 11:00:18 +0000 admin http://www.latestfootballnews.net/football-news/soccerlens-podcast-survival-sunday-manchester-united%e2%80%99s-banner-season-wenger%e2%80%99s-future-at-arsenal-and-more/

On episode twelve of the footballlens Podcast, Stephen Darwin is joined by the founder of EPL Talk, Chris Harris to discuss the final day of the Premier League and of course that intriguing relegation scrap.

The show will be looking specifically at Manchester United and their unprecedented success, Newcastle’s woeful season, the future for Wenger and Arsenal, the remarkable work of Roy Hodgson at Fulham and Chris also offers his tips for the drop.Among the points of discussion raised with Chris Harris were:

• What Benitez must do to catch Ferguson
• Emmanuel Adebayor and his value to Arsenal
• Aston Villa, Everton and the Europa League
• Tottenham’s chances of a ‘big four’ invasion
• The promoted Championship clubs and their chances of survival
• Plus more on top of that!

Show Details
Date: Friday 22nd May 2009
Host: Stephen Darwin
Guest: Chris Harris

You can listen to the show below:
Download link (mp3, 28mb, 30 mins)

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Remember to leave your feedback on the show in the comments section underneath this post or alternatively e-mail the show at: podcast@footballlens.com. If you want to make your views heard on the podcast, make sure you email us at the above email address.

“footballlens Podcast – Survival Sunday, Manchester United’s banner season, Wenger’s future at Arsenal and more” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

Seasons are coming to a close around Europe, and while many big names will make moves in the upcoming summer transfer window, we’re also going to see a few notable managers change clubs in the near future. With that in mind, today’s transfer news and rumors roundup has a little managerial news from around Europe mixed in with the regular player transfer gossip.

Brazil

Corinthians Pursuing Tevez Loan Deal?

Corinthians are exploring ways to try to engineer a loan deal for Carlos Tevez. Tevez starred at the Brazilian club before making the jump to England, and with his time at Manchester United seemingly almost up, his old club are looking to pounce. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: I think Manchester United will do all they can to sign him if possible, but if he doesn’t sign for United, you’ve got to love the thought of a rejuvenated Ronaldo and Tevez playing alongside one another. Would he jump for it?

England

New Chelsea Manager Ancletti to Target Tevez?

The chances are high that Tevez could remain in the Premier League even if he doesn’t sign with Manchester United, and one of the clubs who could make an approach for him is Chelsea, who are set to name Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Hiddink certainly would’ve been their best choice, but it wasn’t to be. Chelsea will be looking to add to their front line, especially if Didier Drogba finally leaves, but even Roman Abramovich might not be willing to stump up 32m for Tevez.

Mourinho Turns Down Manchester City Offer

According to Italian news reports, Jose Mourinho has turned down a 12m offer to manage Manchester City. (Goal.com)

Analysis: This contradicts with reports that I’ve read that made it seem silly that Mark Hughes’ job was ever under threat, but maybe that’s being said because City couldn’t land the replacement they wanted.

Liverpool and Manchester City After Gourcuff?

Liverpool and Manchester City are both being linked with Bordeaux loan star Yoann Gourcuff. The 22-year-old French international midfielder has been huge in Bordeaux’s run towards the Ligue 1 title, scoring 12 league goals and assisting on 10 more. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Considering the season he’s had at Bordeaux, AC Milan’s new manager might see him as a key asset for next season. But if Milan put him up for sale, he’s going to cost a pretty penny.

Arsenal to Bid for Ajax’s Vermaelen?

Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a £7.5m bid for Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen. The 23-year-old Belgian international has also been recently linked with Aston Villa. (The Mirror)

Analysis: As this season has shown, Arsenal need to add some depth to their back line, and Vermaelen’s versatile enough to fit in multiple slots. And with Kolo Toure potentially leaving in the summer, Vermaelen could immediately be thrust into a key role for the Gunners.

Aston Villa Chase Toulouse Striker Gignac

Aston Villa scouts have been keeping a close eye on Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, who tops Ligue 1’s scoring charts with 22 goals. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: It would aid their hopes of making a sustained challenge for the top four and making a deep run in the Europa League to add another scoring option, but I don’t really see why they’d send Carew packing, seeing as how he’s been scoring when others haven’t.

Italy

Van Basten and Adebayor to Arrive at San Siro?

With Carlo Ancelotti set to take over at Chelsea, AC Milan are said to be lining up former Rossoneri star Marco Van Basten as his replacement, and Silvio Berlusconi says that ‘there is a good chance’ that the club will also land Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: There might have been some unhappiness about Flamini leaving for Milan last year, but many Arsenal fans probably can’t wait to see the back of Adebayor at this point.

Fiorentina In Talks to Land Crespo

Fiorentina have confirmed that they are in talks to sign Inter striker Hernan Crespo. The veteran Argentine striker’s contract at Inter expires this summer, so he will be available for free. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Crespo hasn’t made much of an impact at Inter in the last couple of seasons, but Fiorentina is where strikers go to rejuvenate their careers (see Mutu, Adrian and Gilardino, Alberto), so this would be a good move for him.

France

PSG in €10m Bid for Inter’s Vieira?

Paris Saint-Germain could be set to make a €10m bid for Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It’d be a great opportunity for Vieira, but as the article mentions, PSG’s finances could be a stumbling block to this one. If they could beat Lyon to third and Ligue 1’s last Champions League spot, that would significantly help their chances, but the chances of that happening are now pretty slim.

Scotland

Duo Chase Hibs Star Riordan

Hibs striker Derek Riordan is a target for Lokomotiv Moscow and Premier League hopefuls Burnley. Riordan has scored 11 goals this season after returning to his old club following a forgettable spell at Celtic. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: After how things didn’t work out the last time he tried to make a step up, Riordan might balk at moving so quickly, but if it’s a can’t-resist offer, then Hibs might try to push him out the door. However, if said can’t-resist offer comes from Moscow, Riordan might do well to ask former teammate Garry O’Connor about his issues with settling during a short spell with Lokomotiv.

Daily Links

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Want to make sure you catch all of the big matches and don’t miss seeing your favorite club on TV? footballlens has you covered.

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Looking to show the world your love for your favorite football club anytime your mobile rings? footballlens brings you the best resources for football ringtones.

Is Drinking a Problem in the Premier League?

Given the recent and very public issues involving a couple of Premier League players and alcohol, how serious of a concern is boozing in the EPL?

Tie-Breakers for Football Teams Level on Points

Ever wanted to know what tiebreakers various football leagues around the world use to determine champions if teams are tied on points?

“Transfer Rumors (18 May 09): Chelsea to make Tevez move, Liverpool and Manchester City after French star Gourcuff, Arsenal to rival Aston Villa for Ajax defender Vermaelen, and more” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

Today’s rumours are looking for a comfortable dark place in which to hide

Yes, he’s really off now. Off. This time. Going now. Five-goal ace Carlos Tevez really is packing up his little scurrying legs and taking his wounded, puppyish baby-brown eyes off to somewhere else, somewhere better, somewhere his organ grinder can get a few more quid to put towards that small Pacific Island complex where he plans to raise his next generation of energetic, saleable human beings. According to The Sun, Tevez gave the United-Player-of the-Year do the swerve, choosing instead to scurry about ceaselessly at home making rehearsed emotional gestures (or “looking after his daughter who had a temperature”). “Now free agent Tevez is set to join United’s fiercest rivals Liverpool — and there will be nothing Ferguson can do about it”. Except, of course, pay a bit more money if he really wanted him that much.

Also on the go is Paul Scharner, who believes he may have to give up spinning really quickly on his big toe to the music of Martha and the Vandelas and leave Wigan for good in order to play in the Champions League. “That is any player’s dream,” he says. Hamburg and Schalke are reported to be “interested”, but they might just be being polite. Formerly Granny finagling oddball turned sparky midfield thruster Stephen Ireland could be on his way out of Manchester City if he’s not offered a bulging new contract. “I think I’ve done enough this year, let my football do the talking,” he sighed. And Tony Mowbray “faces a fight” to keep loan striker Marc-Antoine Fortuné. A proper jacket-off, tell-the-wife-to-go-home, slowly-remove-your-watch-and-adopt-kung-
fu-pose-in-the-car park kind of fight too.

The Mirror is convinced City are on the verge of paying £20m to secure the amiable Diego Forlán, who’s good in Spain. And in no way destined to replicate his Old Trafford turn as a scurrying and vaguely hunchbacked goal-shy gnome. Apparently David Villa costs too much. Milan believe they have “a good hope” of being allowed to pay Emmanuel Adebayor lots of money to stroll about shrugging and wanging footballs at the corner flag next season. And Peter Andre meanwhile is “crushed”. Not, however, beneath a sudden and violent volcanic mudslide. But by being dumped by Jordan and, at a push, the weight of his own looming absurdity.

In The Times there’s talk of a crimp in Chelsea’s bid to install the man who looks most like Guus Hiddink if you squint: Carlo Ancellotti may not be allowed to bring his coaches Mauro Tassotti and Filippo Galli with him, but may instead have to sit next to Ray Wilkins. The club are currently trying to persuade Ancelotti that this would be, not just tremendous, but also super.

The Daily Mail has Stewart Downing putting on a rough smock, growing a locust-infested beard and “leading the exodus” when Middlesbrough are relegated. Sorry, if. Liverpool are “leading the race”. And amazingly Chelsea are interested in Tuncay. ‘Arry Redknapp has been getting hot and sweaty and muttering quietly in his sleep about 23-year-old Bosnian striker Edin Džeko, who plays for Wolfsburg. Džeko, who the Mill imagines John Motson will call “Duzechko” and “Jekko”, before settling on “Djjejjchko” will cost £12m, score one goal in 23 appearances, have a moan in a foreign newspaper but claim he was “misquoted” and eventually go out on loan to Portsmouth before being signed by either a third rate Spanish club or someone in Turkey. Brazil defender Luisão could be moving to Manchester City for £15m. Apparently he’s “a good friend of Robinho” (disco! disco!) And Steve Bruce has agreed a £21.5m deal with Real Madrid for occasionally quite eye-catching winger Antonio Valencia. But he’s still waiting to see if Sir Alex can match it. Why would he do that, the Mill wonders? Steve, just take the money. Take the £21.5m. Take it Steve.

And according to Tuttosport, via Goal.com, the aged Fabio Cannavaro will leave Real Madrid for Juventus. Cannavaro has already had a medical, which determined that he was, indeed, very old and quite small. Middlesbrough youngster Adam Johnson’s odd and unexpected but still strangely exciting move to Atletico Madrid could be a goer. And Internazionale have set their sights on prising Nemanja Vidic away from Manchester United. Well, it’s nice to have ambitions. Back in the world of things that might actually happen, Milan are eyeing up Shakhtar Donetsk’s very nifty Croatian wing-back Darijo Srna.

And according to Calciomercato.com, who appear to have taken laudanum and embarked on a 17-hour dream-like Serie A transfer-related trance, next season’s “new Inter” will feature not just Vidic, but also Thiago Motta, Diego Milito, someone called Marko Arnautović, Didier Drogba and, yes, Emmanuel Eboué. With, presumably, Peter Andre, Carlos Tevez, Garrincha and Howard from the Halifax ads on the bench.

Got a rumour of your own? Have your say in the comments section below.

]]> http://www.latestfootballnews.net/football-transfer-rumours-diego-forlan-to-manchester-city/feed/ 0 http://www.latestfootballnews.net/manchester-united-0-0-arsenal-live-blog-english-premier-league-16-may-2009/ http://www.latestfootballnews.net/manchester-united-0-0-arsenal-live-blog-english-premier-league-16-may-2009/#comments Sat, 16 May 2009 20:22:55 +0000 admin http://www.latestfootballnews.net/manchester-united-0-0-arsenal-live-blog-english-premier-league-16-may-2009/

Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
Stadium: Old Trafford, England
Competition: English Premier League
Date: 16 May 2009
Kickoff: 11:45 GMT, 7:45 EST

Manchester United clinched their third-consecutive Premiership title, and 18th league title overall, by securing a 0-0 draw against Arsenal! footballlens brought you the action live! Click below for the live-blog and feel free to leave comments below!

Match Preview:

With their come-from-behind victory against Wigan on Wednesday, Manchester United have one firm hand on their third-consecutive League title (and 18th overall). All they need is a draw against arch-rivals Arsenal, and it will be enough to ensure that the trophy will stay at Old Trafford for at least another year. Manchester United would love nothing more than to win the trophy before the home fans, especially since they’re on the road next weekend. Additionally, wrapping up the title early means that they can give some of their stars a rest going into the Champions League Final on May 27th.

And, of course, there’s always the added treat of making Arsene Wenger and his young Gunners watch the Red Devils celebrate. Arsenal fans still chant about how they won the 2002 title at Old Trafford, and United want to silence those taunts once and for all. Plus, for all the talk about the detente between the two gaffers, you get the feeling that Sir Alex would love nothing more than to rub Arsene Wenger’s nose in it one more time. He’s already done it earlier this month, what with those two thumpings that Manchester United gave Arsenal in the Champions League. Now, with Arsenal reeling after a heavy loss to Chelsea, which ended their unbeaten streak in the Premiership, they need a strong result against Manchester United in order to rebuild their shattered confidence.

They’ve already beaten Manchester United once during the season, and they’ll get a boost as Andrei Arshavin should be available after missing last weekend’s match against Chelsea with the flu. However, Manuel Almunia remains a doubt after hurting his ankle while Eduardo, Gael Clichy, and William Gallas are sidelined with long-term injuries. Tomas Rosicky has returned to training, but he won’t feature in this match. That’s probably a good thing, since he hasn’t played football since January – of 2008.

As for Manchester United, this will be their last match at Old Trafford this season, which means that it could be the final time the home fans see Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, and possibly Nemanja Vidic in United kits. As such, a title-clinching performance could be exactly what the team needs to forget about its recent distractions (Ronaldo-gate, the Tevez Saga, Ferdinand’s injury, to name a few), especially with a trip to Rome on the horizon.

Will Manchester United make it Title #18? Or will Arsenal spoil the party? Tune in and find out!

Lineups:

Manchester United: Van der Sar, O’Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs (c), Rooney, Tevez.
Subs: Kuszczak, Neville, Anderson, Berbatov, Park, Scholes, Rafael Da Silva.

Three changes from the side that defeated Wigan on Wednesday. Giggs comes in for Scholes, Fletcher will replace Anderson, and Tevez will get one last (?) start in front of the Old Trafford faithful in place of Berbatov. That will, no doubt, make the fans happy. Giggs will wear the armband, which means that he’ll lift the trophy if they clinch today.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Song Billong, Gibbs, Nasri, Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas (c), Arshavin, van Persie
Subs: Mannone, Vela, Walcott, Ramsey, Silvestre, Bendtner, Eboue.

Arsenal will make 3 changes from the side that got shellacked by Chelsea last weekend. Song will replace ex-Man Utd. man Silvestre at center-back, Denilson will replace Diaby in midfield, and Arshavin will come in for Walcott.

Minute-by-Minute:

No medal for Macheda, and that’s too bad. No medal for Wes Brown or Ben Foster either. You’d think that they would deserve it more than Nani (who has a medal). This is where I think Major League Baseball has it right. The players decide who gets championship rings, not the Commissioner’s office. Why shouldn’t Manchester United get to decide who should get winner’s medals? Then again, maybe they’ll get special dispensation later. Anyway, we get a brief rendition of “Championes, championes, ole ole ole!” and that’s it. Setanta decides to go with Newcastle/Fulham. I’m canceling my Setanta account, by the way.

The players all have their medals and they’re popping the champagne corks now. Great coverage from Setanta, as they missed the entire medal ceremony. I guess they wanted to satisfy their French audience there.

Now, they cut to an Arsene Wenger interview, and he’s speaking in French. I have no idea what he’s saying, but based on his face, he actually seems to be in good spirits. His team played hard today, and he can’t really complain about the outcome. He’s got some work to do in the offseason, though.

The players are introduced one-by-one and they get the usual salute from the crowd. Guess who gets the loudest ovation. Here’s a hint: he’s answers to the name “Carlito.”

Trophy Presentation: Screw it! I’m staying on-line to cover the trophy presentation. I wonder who’s going to get special dispensation for a winner’s medal. I’d imagine Foster would get one. Maybe Kuszczak. I think Macheda should get one too. After all, he may have scored the single-biggest goal of the season for United.

90′ + 4 This just in: Rafa Benitez still thinks that Liverpool were a better team.

90′ + 3 United have to hold on for the next minute and they’ll get to lift the trophy. There’s the whistle and we’re done! Manchester United are your 2008-2009 Premier League Champions! Congrats to the Red Devils on a fine season! Thanks to everyone who followed along! Join me for the UEFA Cup Final next week. See you then!

90′ + 2 It’s a dangerous kick from Van Persie, but it’s deflected out for a corner kick. Van Persie sends it in and Rooney heads it away. Arsenal get it back, but they get called for a foul. United will waste some time and they bring off Rooney for Anderson.

90′ + 1 Rooney gives away a needless foul on the right edge of the box to Sagna. Not a smart move. He could have kicked it away instead but hit Sagna on the boot to concede the free kick.

90′ There will be three minutes of added time, which doesn’t make Wenger very happy.

89′ Rooney sends it to Ronaldo, and he skips past Toure. Ronaldo has to give it up to Giggs and he sends it back to Rooney. He tries to make the run into the box, but he loses it and Fabianski is there to take it.

88′ Ronaldo tries to play it through to Giggs in the middle of the box, but he doesn’t have the legs to get to it and Fabianski is there to cut it out.

87′ Arsenal win a free kick from about 45 yards out. It’s probably too far for Fabregas to go for goal, so he tries to curl it into the box. United clear it away but Arsenal knock it around and Van Persie gets it on the right edge of the box. He fires a tame effort on goal and Van der Sar has it easily.

86′ Fletcher grabs Song’s shirt and throws him down. He probably should have been booked for that, but I guess the ref took pity on him.

85′ Ronaldo heads the corner away and United avert danger.

84′ Good work from Song as he gets past a couple of defenders and he sends it to Fabregas, who is unmarked down the right edge of the box. He fires a shot and Van der Sar just gets a finger on it. Or does he? Van der Sar denies it and on the replay, it looks like the ball got past him and nicked the post. No matter, though, as it’s a corner for Arsenal.

82′ Sagna looks fine and should be good to go. Ronaldo tries to get around Toure down the left, but Toure does well to hold his ground. Toure tries to taunt Ronaldo a bit with some stepovers.

81′ Giggs tries to thread it through to Ronaldo down the middle. He’s through on goal if he can get it. Luckily for Arsenal, Song is there to knock it away. Back the other way and Rooney collides with Sagna and the defender hits the wall hard. I bet Wenger saw that one with 20/20 vision.

79′ Ronaldo curls it in and he just misses the top corner. That was close.

78′ Poor giveaway from Denilson and Ronaldo is off to the races. He has Evra open down the middle, but Song throws an elbow and fouls Ronaldo on the left edge of the box. Smart foul there, although Song will get a booking for that. That’s five yellows for Arsenal now. One more, and they’ll have to make a donation to the F.A. Hopefully, that won’t affect their spending this summer.

77′ Gibbs will come off and it’s time for everyone’s favorite Gunner, Eboue. That’s Arsenal’s final substitution.

76′ Van Persie gets it inside the box, but he has his back to the box. Vidic is all over him and the Serb eventually knocks it out for an Arsenal throw. Those two have been going at it today, haven’t they?

74′ Fabregas sends it long to Walcott and O’Shea looks like he could be exposed here. Van der Sar comes out for it, though, and he corrals it before Arsenal can do anything with it.

72′ Park combines with Ronaldo and Park finds the back of the net, but it’s waved off as Ronaldo was offside. Fletcher was also an option down the right (and was on-side), and Park probably should have passed it to him instead.

70′ Rooney (who’s spent more time at left-back than at left-wing in this half), tracks back and does a great job to close off Sagna from Walcott’s pass. It’s out for a goal-kick.

69′ Van Persie goes down in the box after taking a slight touch from Vidic. Once again, the ref is not moved. Meanwhile, Tevez is still waving goodbye and blowing kisses to the fans. Man, that would be embarrassing for him if he were to come back after all that, wouldn’t it? Arsenal will make two changes as Arshavin and Nasri will come off and Bendtner and Walcott will come on. Those aren’t the two that I would have removed, but I’m not managing Arsenal…

68′ Nasri with a cross from the left, but Evans clears it away in front of goal.

66′ Park is coming on and it looks like Tevez will be sacrificed. The crowd does not appreciate it and Tevez waves to the fans. It looks like he’s waving goodbye and I think that tells you all you need to know about what he’s thinking. “Manchester City here I come!”

65′ Park looks like he’s coming on. We’ll see who gets the early shower today.

63′ Gibbs is deep down the left and Ronaldo (!) is there to defend him. Gibbs wins a corner and we’ll see what they can do here. Arshavin sends it into the six yard box, but Van der Sar is there.

62′ Van Persie sends a hard shot into the box and Carrick takes it right on the noggin. He looks like he’s a little dazed, but he gets an appreciative hand from the crowd.

61′ Evra is called for a handball on the edge of the box. He’s lucky he wasn’t a few feet over to his right. Van Persie will take it right on the edge of the box.

60′ Fletcher with a nice ball into the box from the right wing and Tevez takes it away from the sliding Fabianski. The keeper is stranded in no man’s land, but Tevez can’t quite control it. Ronaldo then rushes his shot from distance, and it’s well over the crossbar. Nice bit of defending from Arsenal when it looked like they were going to concede.

59′ Sagna with a cross from the right edge of the box and Arshavin gets it on the left edge. He passes up the shot, much to the relief of the United fans and Gibbs ends up hitting the side netting with his shot. You can hear a loud gasp from the crowd every time Arshavin looks like he’s going to shoot.

58′ Fabregas gets his signals crossed with Sagna as his through-ball goes right to Evra. His clearance is poor though, and he nearly gives it back to Fabregas on the edge of the box. Vidic is there to deal with it, though.

57′ Ronaldo gets it past the wall, but Song blocks it before it can test Fabianski.

56′ Giggs is tripped by Fabregas, and the Arsenal skipper better be careful. No booking, though, and Fabregas won’t have to make the long walk to the dressing room. United will have a chance from about 40 yards out, and it’s about the same distance from where Ronaldo scored against Almunia in the Champions League.

55′ Ronaldo gets it and makes a run across the edge of the box. He loses it but Giggs gets it. He holds it, as if he isn’t sure what to do, and Denilson is able to take it away. Not the best showing from Giggs today.

53′ Poor pass from Arshavin after he gets it on the short corner. Tevez has it and he leads the counter-attack. He tries to cross it into the box from the right to Rooney, but Fabianski is out to intercept it. It’s raining heavily now, which could slow things down a bit.

52′ They’re deep down the right wing, which means Van Persie will send it in with his left foot. He curls it into the box, but United knock it away. Fabregas comes back and he wins a corner off Evans.

51′ Tevez runs Nasri over and Arsenal will have a good chance here.

50′ Free kick goes into the box and Tevez gets it with his back to goal. He tries to lay it back to Fletcher, but he can’t handle it. Ronaldo gets it down the right edge of the box, but he loses it for a goal-kick.

49′ Nasri gets a yellow for a tackle on Evra and it certainly looks like they’re targeting the Frenchman. That’s four yellows for Arsenal now (and I bet Wenger didn’t see any of them).

48′ Evra glares at Fabregas as he makes his way off the pitch for treatment. Evra’s back on the pitch and Van Persie catches him with an elbow. That draws a crowd of United players and Dean warns both Van Persie and Fabregas to cool it. I guess Arsenal really were angry about that “babies” comment from Evra a couple of weeks ago.

46′ Arsenal kick off and we’re underway. Quick start from Arsenal as Van Persie plays it through to Fabregas and Evra comes out to clear it. Fabregas catches him on the knee and Evra collapses in pain. Fabregas will be booked and Evra is getting medical treatment here.

46′ As much as it pains me to say, I think today’s game illustrates why Tevez will probably be moving on in the offseason. He’s a good player and he never takes a play off. However, against good teams, he can disappear and it has nothing to do with effort. He just doesn’t have the physical tools that someone like Berbatov does, so I understand why Ferguson favors the Bulgarian. Tevez is probably perfect for the supersub role that Ole was so good at. In other words, he’s great if he costs less than 20 million pounds. Not so much if he costs more than 30.

It’s like a completely different Arsenal squad as they’ve taken it to the defending champions and are unlucky not to be in the lead. United haven’t been at their best, and will need to tidy up their passing if they want to get on the scoresheet. Then again, a 0-0 result will suit them fine, even if it would leave a bad taste in their mouths. We’ll see what the gaffers have in store for the second half.

45′ + 2 Carrick is down on the pitch after a hard tackle from Arshavin and the Russian’s booked. Rooney wins a free kick after a handball on Nasri and Ronaldo will have a chance from about 35 yards out. Ronaldo gets it past the wall, but it goes well wide of the post. There’s the whistle and we’re at halftime!

45′ + 1 Two minutes will be added on and United just want to get to halftime with this scoreline intact. It’s been all Arsenal so far.

45′ Van Persie sends it into the 6-yard box and Van der Sar looks to have it covered. Vidic, however, knocks it out for a corner. Great chance on the corner as they play it short and Arshavin sends a dangerous cross from deep down the left that Nasri gets. He fires a shot and Van Persie gets a dangerous deflection on it that, luckily for United, doesn’t end up in the back of the net.

44′ Rooney clashes with Sagna down the right and Rooney is called for the foul. Arsenal will have a great free kick chance from deep down the right wing.

43′ Fabregas curls it into the box, but United clear it away. Rooney looks to have a golden chance on the counterattack, but Denilson does well to cut out his pass. Diaby gets it deep down the left flank and tries to cross it to Van Persie, but it’s over his head.

42′ O’Shea with a late tackle on Arshavin and they’ll have a free kick from about 35 yards out on the left side of midfield.

41′ Rooney gets it and makes a run towards the box. He lays it off to Giggs, who makes the run down the middle. The ball takes a slight bounce and Giggs can’t get his shot on target, as a result.

40′ Van Persie gets another header, but he’s marked this time and he can’t get much power on it. In the end, Van der Sar handles it easily. Gibbs gets past Vidic and Fletcher deals with it nicely. I thought Gibbs won a corner, but no dice.

39′ One thing that doesn’t show up on the scoresheet, Rooney had to go back and defend as a result of Giggs giving it away. As such, he wasn’t in position to help Giggs when he made the run into the box just now.

38′ Another poor pass from Giggs and it looks like one of those days for the United skipper. Of course, then Giggs comes back and makes a great move into the box. He tries a cross, but ends up winning a corner off Toure instead.

37′ Van Persie gets it on the right edge of the box, but Evans makes a nice tackle on him to take it away. Van Persie comes back and gets it on the left edge, but this time Vidic takes it.

36′ United have been very sloppy in possession as of late and can’t seem to string together more than three passes at a time. It’s like a mirror universe version of the Champions League meeting.

35′ Free kick for Arsenal and Van Persie will take it from about 40 yards out. It’s a poor effort from him as he hits the wall. Fabregas tries a shot from long-range, but it’s out for a goal-kick.

34′ Fletcher does a great job and jumps in front of Diaby’s pass. Giggs spoils it, though, and gives it away cheaply.

33′ Van Persie gets booked for a late tackle on Ronaldo near the center line.

32′ Great defense from Evans as he closes off Fabregas from the pass and lets it go out for a goal-kick. Fabregas actually shows some sportsmanship and gives Evans a pat on the chest.

31′ Nasri tries a shot from the edge of the box and it takes a slight deflection. It doesn’t trouble Van der Sar, though, and he takes it easily.

30′ Van Persie and Vidic exchange some words and Van Persie tries to make nice afterwards. I would too.

29′ Vidic sends a little message with Arshavin and puts him on the ground. This ain’t Russia anymore. Evra with a great cross from the left into the center of the box that Tevez nearly gets on the end of. Rooney then tries a shot from the edge of the box, but it’s easily blocked.

27′ Poor clearance from O’Shea and Fabregas has it on the left edge of the box. He tries to set up Nasri, but his pass is too long for Nasri to do anything with it.

26′ Arshavin tries a shot from the edge of the box and United seem to be concerned with where he is at all times. Vidic, Evans, and O’Shea watching him and Vidic gets the block on his shot before it trickles harmlessly to Van der Sar.

25′ Giggs takes it and he’s well over the crossbar. Not his best effort there.

24′ Poor clearance by Song and Ronaldo has it. Song comes back and fouls Ronaldo on the edge of the box, and this one will be dangerous for Arsenal.

23′ Fletcher is a like a man possessed as he gets the better of Gibbs down the right. He tries to find Tevez in front of goal, but Song takes it. Fletcher tries to get it back, but he’s called for a foul on Song, and he takes his time getting up off the pitch.

22′ Good bit of sustained pressure from Arsenal as they pass it around their attacking half. Long pass into the box for Van Persie, but he takes a tumble after Vidic gives him a slight touch. Mike Dean isn’t in the mood, though, and waves it off.

21′ Van Persie with the cross from deep down the right to Diaby in front of goal, but Evans knocks it away.

18′ Carrick with a long pass from the right side of midfield to the far post where Rooney gets in ahead of Sagna. His header is just wide of the post, though, and that was a golden chance for United. United come back as Ronaldo whips in a cross from deep down the right flank, but Fabianski is out to collect it.

16′ Arshavin takes the corner, but it’s easily cleared by the United defense. I think it’s safe to say that Arsenal could have used Arshavin in that Champions League tie…

15′ Arshavin takes on three defenders and nearly gets through. He’s about to shoot on a helpless Van der Sar when Evans just gets a foot on it to concede the corner.

14′ Ronaldo does the stepovers as he takes on Toure from the left wing. Toure has reinforcements, though as Sagna and Song both close him down. Arsenal then counterattack and Arshavin picks out an unmarked Van Persie who is all alone in front of goal. Even he can’t seem to believe it and he sends his header over the bar. That should have been a goal right there.

13′ Giggs sends in the corner, but Fabianski is out to collect it. Ronaldo is still limping a bit from the challenge with Fabregas, so that bears watching.

12′ Gibbs makes a move on the left edge of the box, but Vidic makes a great tackle on him to knock it away. Gibbs comes back with a dangerous cross from the left, but it’s cleared from danger. Ronaldo takes it on the counterattack and he gets past Song. He centers it to Rooney and his shot is deflected out for a corner.

11′ Smart play by Carrick as he’s called for a foul near the center-line but kicks it away so that Arsenal can’t take it quickly. Actually, isn’t that supposed to be a booking?

10′ Nasri with a strong move into the box and he gives it to Diaby. He plays it through to Van Persie and Evra is able to tackle him before he can shoot. Nasri tries to pounce on it, but he handles it and is called for the infraction.

9′ Fabregas gives it away cheaply to Ronaldo, and he then goes down after drawing taking a slight knock to his ankle. He should be fine, though.

8′ Tevez with a nice move to shield Sagna from the ball as Carrick and Giggs fail to execute the give-and-go. Tevez’s called offside, though, and that’s that.

7′ Fletcher gets tangled up with Fabregas but this time, it’s Fabregas that gets called for it. No card, though, and frankly, it was barely even a foul.

6′ Arshavin tries to play it through to Van Persie, but they get their signals crossed and Arshavin’s pass trickles out harmlessly for a goal-kick.

3′ Tevez makes a nice move to get past Toure, and that draws a nice hand from the crowd. You get the feeling that Tevez can do no wrong with the Old Trafford faithful at this point. Rooney gets past Sagna down the left, but his cross is cut out by Toure.

2′ Arsenal attack and Van Persie nearly gets a chance on the left edge of the box, but he can’t quite control it and has to pass up the shot. Fabregas then tries a long-range shot and it’s well over the crossbar. Torrid start so far.

1′ United will kick off and we’re underway! United will be defending the Stretford End, which is their preference when they’re at home. Mike Dean is our ref. Early charge from United as Fletcher plays it through to Ronaldo and he’s into the box. Ronaldo doesn’t shoot, though, and he tries to cross it to Carrick. That allows the Arsenal defense to recover and knock it away.

0′ Adebayor has a “strained hamstring” today. So that’s what they’re calling it now? If so, then all credit to Ronaldo and Tevez for playing through their strained hammies.

0′ The United players line up and they pass by Nani, who doesn’t even make the bench for today’s match. What a difference a year makes.

0′ Shame about Martin Laursen’s retirement due to a knee injury. Aston Villa were never the same once he went down.

0′ Interesting that Adebayor won’t be available. I didn’t hear about any injury. Maybe he’s on his way out the door?

0′ As for Arsenal, they’ve been hemorrhaging goals as of late, as they really have to solve their defensive woes in the offseason. Losing Gallas and Clichy hasn’t helped, but let’s face it. They weren’t that good with those two in the lineup. I would think that Brede Hangeland would be perfect for the squad, but it looks like he’s staying at Fulham.

0′ Losing to Middlebrough doesn’t help, either.

0′ Rafa Benitez could very well be right in saying that Liverpool probably would have won the title if Gerrard and Torres had stayed fit all year. Then again, it shows the risk of relying on two players the way that Liverpool does. Manchester United have been relatively lucky with injuries this season, but they missed Ronaldo for the first month of the season and Rooney has been in and out of the lineup. The difference is that United have enough depth to weather the storm while Liverpool don’t.

0′ Should be a great match today, as Arsenal must win in order to delay Manchester United’s title celebration. While Manchester United thoroughly outplayed Arsenal in the Champions League, we know that past results mean nothing when these two hook up. Plus, Arsenal will be getting a pretty big weapon back today in Arshavin. If he bags 4 against United the way he did against Liverpool, then United could be looking at next weekend’s match at Hull as their title-clincher.

0′ Hello everyone and welcome to footballlens’ live coverage of the English Premier League! Manchester United will look to clinch their 3rd consecutive title and 18th overall as they host Arsenal at Old Trafford! I’m Victor and I’ll be your liveblogger today! I’m watching this match on Setanta Broadband. For information on how to access that service, feel free to consult this article about how to watch football online. Click here for free streaming options. I think I know which link will get more clicks, but I’ll reserve judgment. These are tough times, after all.

Match Review:

It wasn’t the best performance by United, and they showed that a slick passing team that takes care of the ball can give them plenty of problems (are you listening Barcelona?). Still, they defended well and did what they had to in order to secure the title. It was a nervy performance, and they were on the verge of blowing it, but they came through in the end. Now, they’ll focus on the real prize of the season, their second consecutive Champions League title.

As for Arsenal, they certainly acquitted themselves well and did a lot to get the bitter taste of their previous encounter with United out of their mouths. They outplayed the champions for the balance of the match and deserved to win. They have a lot of questions to answer in the offseason, but for now, they can hold their heads high.

Man of the Match:

Wayne Rooney

While Ronaldo gets the headlines for his flashy goals (and his sometimes childish behavior), it’s Rooney that is the heartbeat of this team. His unselfishness is such that he’s willing to play out of position on the left side of midfield and even spend time as a makeshift left-back. Once again, he sublimated his ego and did what was asked of him, creating chances for his teammates, nearly scoring on a header in the first half, and tracking back to preserve the draw. As for Arsenal, Arshavin was looking like their most dangerous player, which made it all the more puzzling that he would be sacrificed for someone like Bendtner. Every time he geared up to shoot, you could feel everyone in the stadium hold his or her breath. This guy is going to be a dominant player in the league and I shudder to think what might happen if Arsenal actually spend some money in the offseason.

“Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal – Live Blog – English Premier League – 16 May 2009” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

Today’s rumours think play-off defeats plus 1664 do not a happy Mill make

The Mill is usually a snout, a grass, a squealer, reporting the tittle-tattle of others and rarely breaks sweat, never mind stories. But we have one exclusive this morning, straight from the mouth of Jermaine Beckford, lamenting his lame Berbatov-esque penalty in Leeds’ play-off defeat last night. “I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises, bruv,” he said. “And indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, chief. Why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours, guv.” Well, indeed.

Moving swiftly on to our stock-in trade, the Mill can report developments at the Bridge where Carlo Ancelotti is going to be unveiled as Chelsea’s new manager as early as Saturday. He’ll swing into action by signing Emmanuel Adebayor, because Arsène Wenger says he hasn’t got a problem with taking money off Chelsea, put a gilded shepherd’s crook around the neck of CSKA Moscow’s Yuri Zhirkov and parcel up Didier Drogba, stick a stamp on his head and dispatch him in the general direction of Manchester City.

Apparently Zhirkov’s nickname is the Russian Ronaldinho (which brings to the Mill’s mind all those dubbed “Maradona of the … ” such as Gheorghe Hagi, “the Maradona of the Carpathians”, and Ian Bogie, “the Maradona of Trubshaw Cross”) but Didier needn’t worry about missing out on playing with him. City are going to provide him with the real Ronaldinho, or at least the one masquerading for the past three years as the former world player of the year. A snip at £10m, according to the Mirror.

Whither Carlos Tevez this morning? To Manchester United, for nowt via legal loophole, Liverpool, as “Rafa’s Cantona”, or City? No one knows but the Mail is certain that he is not going to Real Madrid, having “snubbed” a £40m offer. Instead Real will start a row with United over Wigan’s Antonio Valencia but will get pipped by Fergie’s offer to Bruce which comprises £16m plus the use of Fraizer Campbell and Danny Welbeck for a year.

Liverpool are after Cadiz’s Jesus Fernandez, an attacking midfielder known as Suso, but will have to see off Barcelona first. Arsenal, however, have got a clean run at Independiente’s 17-year-old keeper Damian Emiliano Martinez but have lost out to Manchester United in their pursuit of Le Havre’s new Makelele, Paul Pogba. In today’s last mention of the big four, at least on this page, Chelsea think Porto’s Bruno Alves, a snip at £15m, is the ideal long-term successor to Ricardo Carvalho.

Fancy dress hire shops within a swabber’s spitting distance of the Solent have reported two middle-aged gentleman in search of outsize yellow shoes, curly blue wigs, red noses and amusing, water-squirting buttonholes. Paul Hart and Brian Kidd will be awarded two-year contracts at Porstmouth and have vowed to become “entertainers”.

Elsewhere, the Express thought Michael Owen was set for an early retirement training horses, then it changed its mind. Other papers think he’ll resurrect his career at … they’re not sure and frankly don’t care. One player who might be hanging up his boots imminently is Aston Villa’s Martin Laursen, or so says the Mail, while the Mirror has Martin O’Neill lining up a summer spree of Joleon Lescott, Fabian Delph and Ajax’s Thomas Vermaelen.

And finally Wolves will take Doncaster’s Brian Stock for £2m, Leicester will deprive Rovers of Richie Wellens for £1m, PSG’s Jerome Rothen is on his way to Blackburn, Djibril Cissé has told his mates he’s off to Spurs and ‘Arry Redknapp has issued his verdict on the 2006 World Cup Wags. “They’re busy cows,” he says.

Please feel free to bring any other dirty laundry to the Mill’s laundrette below.

]]> http://www.latestfootballnews.net/football-transfer-rumours-ronaldinho-to-man-city/feed/ 0 http://www.latestfootballnews.net/transfer-rumors-14-may-09-chelsea-after-arsenal%e2%80%99s-adebayor-and-villa%e2%80%99s-young-tottenham-want-santa-cruz-barcelona-to-land-inter%e2%80%99s-ibrahimovic-and-more/ http://www.latestfootballnews.net/transfer-rumors-14-may-09-chelsea-after-arsenal%e2%80%99s-adebayor-and-villa%e2%80%99s-young-tottenham-want-santa-cruz-barcelona-to-land-inter%e2%80%99s-ibrahimovic-and-more/#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 11:36:38 +0000 admin http://www.latestfootballnews.net/transfer-rumors-14-may-09-chelsea-after-arsenal%e2%80%99s-adebayor-and-villa%e2%80%99s-young-tottenham-want-santa-cruz-barcelona-to-land-inter%e2%80%99s-ibrahimovic-and-more/

Is it safe to say that striker receives more time in the transfer gossip pages from January to December than any other position? Several well-known strikers are in today’s transfer news and rumors, but the goal-getters aren’t the only men in the summer shop window. In today’s roundup, we’ve got tidbits from several of Europe’s top leagues, with several big names being linked with big clubs.

England

Chelsea After Adebayor and Young

It’s looking increasingly likely that Carlo Ancelotti will be Chelsea’s next manager, and two names he could look to in order to strength his attack could be Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Aston Villa’s Ashley Young. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Martin O’Neill’s not letting Young go anywhere anytime soon, so that one can be dismissed right off the bat. I don’t rate Adebayor’s chances of being at Arsenal next season that highly, but I don’t think Arsene would let him go to Chelsea, unless the money offered was something that absolutely couldn’t be refused.

Chelsea Interested in Wolfsburg Star Dzeko

Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko has confirmed Chelsea’s interest in him, and the Bosnian goal-getter also says that his future is up in the air, due to Felix Magath’s impending departure to Schalke 04. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: I’m sure Wolfsburg will bring in a solid replacement for Magath, but I think the chances of him remaining at Wolfsburg aren’t too high, especially with some top sides sure to come after him. He certainly won’t come on the cheap though, because he’s young and he’s proven his worth as a prolific scorer in a top league.

Tottenham to Pip Man City to Santa Cruz?

Harry Redknapp will likely be in the market for at least one new striker in the summer, and one of his prime targets looks to be Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz, who, in case we didn’t know already, wants to leave Ewood Park. In return for Santa Cruz, Blackburn could receive cash and striker Darren Bent. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: It seems like Manchester City’s interest in Santa Cruz waned in January, so he could be Harry’s to lose. Given his injury issues and a loss of form this season, his valuation takes a big hit, but cash plus a solid striker in Bent is a reasonable deal.

Newcastle Interested in Wigan’s Scharner

Defense will be one of Newcastle’s main issues to address in the summer if they remain in the Premier League, and one of the targets at the top of Alan Shearer’s wishlist is Wigan center back Paul Scharner. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: I find it a little strange that Newcastle are being linked with such transfers when their safety is anything but secured, but I digress. Steve Bruce wouldn’t want to see him leave, but the £6m is something that Newcastle could afford to pay if they do go after him.

Blackburn to Seal Permanent Givet Deal

Blackburn are set to shell out the 4m needed to make defender Gael Givet a permanent signing. The French defender has impressed since joining from Marseille on loan in January. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Defensive improvement over the last few months has been key towards Blackburn moving away from the relegation zone and securing their safety, and Givet has had a big hand in that, so making the deal permanent was the right move.

Bolton to Bid for Middlesbrough’s O’Neil

Bolton are set to make a £4m bid for Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O’Neil. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Middlesbrough rebuffed advances for O’Neil in January, but their potential relegation combined with his reported issues with settling in the area make his sale a realistic possibility. I’d have to favor Portsmouth over Bolton, however.

Spain

Barcelona to Swoop for Ibrahimovic?

According to Italian news reports, Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already agreed personal terms and signed a pre-contract with Barcelona. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: The knock on Ibrahimovic is his performances (or lack thereof, rather) in big games, but in a squad as talented as Barcelona, he’d have no reason not to do well in those situations. At the same time, he could get away with his disappearing act, with Messi, Henry, or Iniesta all too ready and raring to step up.

Italy

Inter Lead Race for Milito

Despite a bevy of interest from abroad, including the Premier League, it appears that Genoa striker Diego Milito could be set to remain in Italy,

Analysis: I was hoping to be able to see Milito in the Premier League next season, but it appears that Inter will be needing a replacement (not a partner, as Milito’s agent says) for Ibrahimovic, so they’re going to be hard to beat.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_5323530,00.html

AC Milan to Lure Toni Back to Italy?

AC Milan could try to use Yoann Gourcuff as bait to persuade Bayern Munich to sell striker Luca Toni. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: No disrespect to Toni, who’s a great striker and is by no means on the decline, but shouldn’t AC Milan be trying to inject a little more youth in their squad?

France

Bordeaux Step Up Interest in Kameni

Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc sees Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni as his ideal #1 for next season. But, he’ll have to face some competition from Benfica, who have already made an offer for the Cameroonian, who’ll be out of contract in June. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Considering how much mention Kameni has gotten in the transfer pages in recent years, you’d think he’d have more than just the one offer from Benfica, but he’ll certainly land on his feet.

Scotland

Celtic Bid for Hamilton’s McCarthy

Celtic have made a bid for highly-rated Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy, but the club says that this offer, just as with Portsmouth’s recent offer, will be rejected. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: The interest is reciprocal, which is no surprise, but Hamilton aren’t about to be ripped off for their prized asset. There’s a good chance Celtic will come back at least another time or two in the summer, but I think he’ll remain at Hamilton for at least one more season, if not more.

Portugal

Benfica Linked with Quaresma

Inter are likely going to offload Ricardo Quaresma in the summer, and Benfica are closely watching any developments. The Portuguese winger is currently on loan at Chelsea, but with him seeing very little time on the pitch since Guus Hiddink’s arrival, a permanent deal at Stamford Bridge doesn’t look too likely. (Benfica Linked with Quaresma”>Sky Sports)

Analysis: His talent’s unquestioned, but he’s always played better in Portugal than he has anywhere else. His performances at Sporting and Porto have earned him moves to bigger clubs, so he might as well make the rounds to all of Portugal’s Big Three, earn a move back to Italy, Spain, or England in a couple of seasons, and hopefully stick.

“Transfer Rumors (14 May 09): Chelsea after Arsenal’s Adebayor and Villa’s Young, Tottenham want Santa Cruz, Barcelona to land Inter’s Ibrahimovic, and more” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

Sir Alex Ferguson is leading the race to sign the £20million-rated Ecuadorian, who is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Sources close to United told The Sun that the player wants to move to Old Trafford and Wigan boss Steve Bruce said: “It’s inevitable Antonio will leave – but where he goes I’m not quite sure.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who was yesterday linked with a revived bid for Valencia’s David Silva, is consoling himself by preparing to splash out £15million to bring former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan to Anfield in the summer, according to the Daily Star.

The Atletico Madrid striker has scored 27 goals in La Liga this season and is closing in on his second pichichi, the top scorer award in Spain, only one goal behind Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o, who has netted 28 times.

Liverpool’s ranks will not be depleted by the departure of midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a host of top European clubs for the successive summers, as his agent has revealed the Spaniard is eager to stay at Anfield.

Ignacio Ibañez denied there had been any approaches for his client and told The Guardian: “I know nothing about these reports. As Xabi has always said, he is happy at Liverpool and focused on them.”

Frustratingly frugal Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could also dip into the transfer market this season after billionaire shareholder Alisher Usmanov initiated proceedings to clear the club’s debt – a result of building the Emirates Stadium – that has hamstrung the Gunners.

The Daily Telegraph report that the Russian is ready to suggest that Stan Kroenke and other stakeholders join him in making a commitment to tackle the £318m burden.

But that will not prevent the Gunners from flogging infuriating striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Chelsea for £10m in the transfer window, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Blues are set to part company with Didier Drogba should Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti take charge at Stamford Bridge as expected and Adebayor, who was linked with the Rossoneri last summer, is top of the Italian’s wanted list.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko expects to remain at the club next season and claims he has been given assurances about his future at White Hart Lane.

The Independent claim that the Russian striker met with manager Harry Redknapp and then declared: “I am a Tottenham player and want to remain one.”

The Daily Mail ‘exclusively reveal’ that Manchester City star Stephen Ireland is on the verge of signing a new £4million-a-year deal at Eastlands after he verbally agreed a double-your-money new contract worth £80,000-a-week.

And finally… The Times report that Adrian Boothroyd, Phil Parkinson and Gus Poyet are the favourites to replace Steve Coppell as reading manager.