WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Real are still favourites to go through to the knockout round as they still lead the standings despite this loss, level on eight points with Olympiakos, who beat Lazio in Rome.

But Werder Bremen, whose last match next month is away to Olympiakos, put themselves back in contention by moving up to six points with even Lazio, who are away to Real, still in with a mathematical chance of going through.

Real, deprived here of the suspended midfielder Diego, have a woeful record in Germany, this defeat stretching that run to 22 games and only one success.

And Bremen it was who got the perfect start when Markus Rosenberg, who despite scuffing his shot put enough force behind it to get the ball past Iker Casillas, put them ahead after five minutes.

Real, keen to seal their passage to the next round with one game to spare, were back on level terms nine minutes later when Robinho conjured up a magical curling shot to put the ball beyond Christian Vander's dive and into the far corner of the net.

Bremen, on a hot streak after securing their sixth win from seven games in the Bundesliga at the weekend to lie one point off leaders Bayern Munich, regained control five minutes from the interval.

Rosenberg was at the heart of the move, skipping past a number of Spanish challenges to cross for Boubacar Sanogo to volley into the far corner of the net.

Real were looking anything like nine time European Champions when Aaron Hunt put them further behind in the 58th minute.

The 21-year-old German attacker latched onto a ball pitched over the Madrid defence and he only had to proud it past Casillas with his left foot.

Real reduced the deficit with 18 minutes left on the clock when Ruud van Nistelrooy got his 53rd goal in the competition, chipping Guti's pass over Vander's head.

But the Dutch international's intervention wasn't enough to leave Real with work to do to join their fellow European giants like Manchester United and the two Milans, AC and Inter, in the next round.

Every loss is a 'crisis', says Barcelona's Deco

2007-11-19T16:47:00.000+02:00

Barcelona's Portugal international Deco said Monday that every defeat for the club now becomes a new crisis.

"When we have two or three good matches, the critics are good, sometimes too good, and when we lose one, it's a crisis - we criticise the manager, some players too..," he told Barca TV, the club's television channel.

"But the criticism is normal, especially when the manager has been here a long time," said the Brazilian-born midfielder, who has been out injured for the past month.

Manager Frank Rijkaard, in place since 2003, has been the target of fierce criticism since a 2-0 away defeat by Getafe in the league this month. But away from home, they have taken just six points.

"We must be aware that in order to win the league, we must pick up points away from home," said Deco.

He added his recovery from a thigh injury he picked up during a 3-1 defeat at Villarreal on October 20, is going well.

"It's true that I've had a good start to the season," the former FC Porto star said.

"I was playing well, I felt good physically. Now I must get back and try to find the right level."

Barcelona are third in the title race, four points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid after 12 matches.

Cameroon and Ivory Coast secure Beijing slots

2007-11-19T16:39:00.000+02:00

Cameroon and Ivory Coast secured slots at the 2008 Beijing Olympics football tournament with impressive weekend wins.

Indonesia-based Christian Bekamenga scored five minutes from full-time in Guinea to clinch a 3-1 that gave the 'Indomitable Cubs' of Cameroon a four-point lead in Group C with one round left.

And Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou was among the scorers as Ivory Coast overwhelmed Zambia 4-1 in Abidjan to record a fourth consecutive Group B victory and build a five-point advantage.

It will be the third appearance of 2000 Sydney gold medalists Cameroon at the quadrennial tournament where national under-23 squads can include three over-age footballers.

Ivory Coast are going to the Games for the first time and could be a side to watch as experienced French coach Gerard Gili has moulded a potent mix of local and foreign-based footballers.

The third place reserved for Africa rests between Group A leaders Ghana and second-placed Nigeria, who will climb to the top if they defeat South Africa at home next March.

Ghana have represented Africa six times, most notably by finishing third at the 1992 Barcelona Games, and the highlight of five appearances by Nigeria was winning the 1996 edition in Atlanta.

After closest challengers Morocco lost 2-0 in Botswana, Cameroon knew three points would suffice and were ahead within 13 minutes through France-based Aurelien Chedjou.

Abdoulaye Sylla levelled midway through the first half in Conakry only for Alexis Enam from Libyan club Al-Ittihad to edge the Cubs in front again before half-time.

Gervais Yao Kouassi scored twice and Sekou Cisse once to put the Ivorian 'Baby Elephants' three goals ahead after 59 minutes and Given Singuluma pulled one back before Kalou completed the rout.

Daniel Addo squandered the best chance as Ghana were held 0-0 by Nigeria in Accra, shooting timidly at goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin after breaking clear during the second half.

Knowing three points would take them beyond the reach of arch rivals Nigeria, Ghana attacked relentlessly, but even the introduction of Addo, Obed Ansah and Kwadjo Asamoah could not unlock the 'Dream Team' defence.

The final five qualifying fixtures are slated for March 26.

2007-10-11T19:57:00.000+03:00

Fan admits breach of peace after Dida clash

The Celtic fan who slapped AC Milan goalkeeper Dida during his team's Champions League match at Parkhead admitted a breach of the peace on Friday.

Robert McHendry, 27, ran onto the pitch to celebrate Scott McDonald's last minute winner on Wednesday and taunted Dida before making contact with the Brazilian's face.

The goalkeeper started to chase after the supporter but then theatrically fell to the ground as if in pain and had to be stretchered off.

McHendry handed himself in to police the morning after the incident, which could lead to Celtic being hit with severe penalties after UEFA announced it had launched a disciplinary investigation.

He told Glasgow Sheriff Court that he had got "carried away" by the late goal.

"I was running over to celebrate with the team. As I was running by I tapped the keeper of AC Milan on the shoulder," McHendry said.

"I said 'Unlucky, Dida' and continued running towards the team."

McHendry, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, will be sentenced next month after reports.

Bremen sweat on Almeida, welcome back Sanogo

Werder Bremen are sweating on the fitness of their Portuguese goal-scorer Hugo Almeida as they prepare to face Duisburg on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Portugal international has scored six goals already this season, five in the Bundesliga, but missed training on Friday after picking up a foot injury in his side's 3-1 Champions League defeat to Olympiakos in midweek.

"He took a heavy knock to the foot against Olympiakos, but we are hoping he will be fit to face Duisburg, we will have to wait and see," said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf on Friday.

Almeida travelled with the squad to Duisburg, but Bremen have top-scorer Boubacar Sanogo - who has netted seven times this season with five of them in the Bundesliga - back from a hip injury.

2007-10-02T16:35:00.000+03:00

Inter aiming to bounce back in Europe

High-flying Inter Milan will be aiming to repeat their impressive domestic form on the European stage when they host PSV Eindhoven in Champions League action on Tuesday.

Inter won 4-1 at Roma on Saturday in a victory which propelled them two points clear in the Italian championship after six matches. Their start to the European campaign has not been so good, however.

Inter, missing a number of key players including injured pair Marco Materazzi and Patrick Vieira, struggled under constant pressure from Fenerbahce, losing 1-0 in Istanbul in their opening Group G game two weeks ago.

Neither Materazzi nor Vieira played against Roma and coach Roberto Mancini, who has other injury worries, will be hoping he has better news on the injury front by Tuesday.

Mancini will also be deprived of Colombian defender Ivan Ramiro Cordoba and Argentine striker Julio Ricardo Cruz who are both disqualified for the tie.

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti was delighted the form his side are beginning to show ahead of their first European meeting with PSV, although that is tempered by the Italians' poor record against Dutch sides.

"This is a fundamental victory for us, for the players and for our morale in general, and for Mancini who showed he's a great coach," said Moratti after the Roma defeat.

"Too many things have been said about Inter in 1recent weeks. To be honest, we're used to these things. The only annoying thing is the injuries.

"Mancini did very well. He's a coach who knows exactly what to do."

PSV lead Group G, following their 2-1 victory over CSKA Moscow at the Philips Stadium thanks to two second-half goals from striker Danko Lazovic and midfielder Kenneth Perez, and a good result at Inter would set them up for qualification.

But the Dutch champions have had a turbulent few days.

They were kicked out of the Dutch Cup on Thursday for fielding an ineligible player and ended a bad week on Saturday by losing their top spot in the domestic league to rivals Ajax with a 1-1 draw at NAC Breda.

Ronald Koeman's side, who are on an unbroken run of eleven appearances in Europe's premier club competition, last year made it to the quarter-finals before losing in both legs to eventual finalists Liverpool.

They will be looking for their first victory on Italian soil on their eighth visit.

Hargreaves warns United to expect Roman revenge mission

Owen Hargreaves has warned Manchester United that Roma will be thirsting for revenge in Tuesday's potentially explosive Champions League tie at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side thrashed the Italians 7-1 when they met in the quarter-finals of Europe's top club competition last season.

Only six months later, Roma have the chance to regain some pride at the scene of one of most humiliating defeats in their history.

United midfielder Hargreaves watched that game on television with his then Bayern Munich team-mates, but he will be in the firing line when Roma return to Manchester for the Group F fixture.

The England international is set to make his European debut for the Premier League champions after recovering from a thigh strain and is determined to ensure United guard against a backlash.

"There will be no repeat of the 7-1," Hargreaves said. "Those results possibly happen once every three or four years in the entire competition. It is just not going to happen again.

"We have put ourselves in a good position by winning in Lisbon. Now, we have three home games to play. If we win those we will be comfortably into the next round. Roma is the next stepping stone towards that.

"I am sure they will try to come and avenge what happened last season but I expect us to win the game."

Big European matches at Old Trafford have a special atmosphere, but there will be an added spice to the occasion after the crowd trouble that blighted both meetings between the clubs last season.

United fans were attacked by Roma hooligans and Italian police during the first leg in Rome and there were skirmishes outside Old Trafford before the return.

Security is certain to be high and both teams will need to keep their cool to avoid inflaming the situation.

Hargreaves's ability to cope with the biggest matches was one of the main reasons Ferguson was so determined to sign him and the Canadian-born star can't wait to sample the atmosphere.

"I have had a lot of experience at Bayern Munich and been successful in the Champions League, so I am very excited about playing in this competition with United," he said.

"I have heard the European nights at Old Trafford are very special, so I am looking forward to that. The atmosphere against Chelsea last week was exceptional and I look forward to a similar atmosphere, if not better, against Roma."

The principle threat to United's hopes of continuing their 100 percent start in Europe is Francesco Totti and the Italian striker will be motivated by a desire to erase the memory of the saddest night of his career.

Totti has been Roma's captain and talisman for over a decade, as well as helping Italy win last year's World Cup.

His dazzling reputation was further bolstered last season as he claimed 26 goals for Roma to earn the European Golden Boot, awarded to the continent's top scorer.

But the 31-year-old was completely anonymous as Roma slumped to that dismal defeat in Manchester.

Luciano Spalletti's side crumbled under the pressure of a overwhelming performance that Ferguson was moved to describe as United's best in Europe during his 21-year reign at Old Trafford.

Totti was devastated by the loss and would love nothing better than to exact a measure of revenge.

Roma endured a miserable preparation for what promised to be their toughest assignment in the group stage when they were thrashed 4-1 at home by Inter Milan on Saturday.

Despite Hargreaves's caution, Roma's run of three games without a win will only strengthen United's belief that they are the cream of the crop in Group F.

2007-09-25T17:36:00.000+03:00

Talk of Ronaldinho departure hangs heavy over Nou Camp

Talk of divorce hung heavy in the Spanish air Tuesday with Ronaldinho's forecast split from Barcelona filling the back pages.

Fuelled by reports from London that Chelsea were preparing to table a 70 million euro bid for the out-of-sorts Brazil striker newspapers here predicted separation would come sooner rather than later.

Spanish media claim Barcelona are fed up with the 2005 Footballer of the Year's poor form while the player himself has grown tired of the repeated attacks on his private life.

He has kept a distinctly low profile since being accused of late night binges before games five days ago with the official line being that he's recovering from a muscle problem which kept him out of Barca's game against Sevilla last Saturday.

Absent from training on Monday he is certain to miss Barcelona's match against Real Zaragoza on Wednesday.

Barca president Joan Laporta declared on Monday that they needed "to help (Ronaldinho) to regain his best form so that he doesn't feel isolated".

Laporte insisted that he had not yet "received any firm offers" for the star forward, whether from AC Milan or Chelsea.

That conciliatory tone set by the Barca boss contrasted with the "ultimatum" reportedly issued to Ronaldinho by his Catalan employees.

According to sports daily Marca he was told: "If you don't change you'll find yourself on the street."

Marca on Tuesday declared "there was no doubt" that the club would sell one of the jewels in its crown at the end of the season or during the winter transfer window.

The 27-year-old forward's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, commenting on the growing rift on Monday, told The Sun newspaper: "I'm sure that a campaign exists against Ronaldinho.

"He is doing everything he can in order to return to his very best and soon he will see the fruits of his hard work. He will be at a high level again soon.

"I have read many absurd stories about his nightlife and I do not want to comment on them. Ronaldinho still has four years on his contract at Barcelona and he is calm."

Despite being jeered by fans in the Nou Camp, criticised by former Barca star Johann Cruyff, and sidelined by coach Frank Rijkaard, Ronaldinho can still count on the support of his teammates.

Lionel Messi dedicated his two-goal haul against Sevilla to him on Saturday while Italian defender Gianluca Zambrotta insisted there was nothing wrong with having a drink 48 hours before kick-off as Ronaldinho is supposed to have done recently.

Ronaldinho joined Barcelona in 2003 and his silky skills have helped them to two league titles and the Champions League in 2006.

England facing striker crisis as Owen set for op

England coach Steve McClaren was Tuesday facing up to the likelihood that he will have to do without Michael Owen for next month's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.

McClaren, who is already resigned to being without Wigan's Emile Heskey, was anxiously awaiting a diagnosis on Owen's stomach muscle injury as speculation mounted that he will require a hernia operation that would sideline him for a month.

Newcastle striker Owen has underlined his importance to England's cause by scoring four goals in the last three qualifiers and his revived partnership with Heskey helped England to beat Israel and Russia convincingly at Wembley earlier this month.

The impact of the Owen/Heskey partnership was so significant in those matches that McClaren had been widely expected to retain them as his forward combination despite the return to action of Wayne Rooney, who missed the Israel and Russia matches with a metatarsal fracture.

With Heskey ruled out following surgery on a broken bone in his foot, West Ham's Dean Ashton is being tipped for a call-up to the national squad following his recovery from the broken ankle which wrecked his chances of going to the 2006 World Cup and forced him to miss all of last season.

The 23-year-old is delighted to be back in the England reckoning and to know that, following Heskey's success in unsettling the Israeli and Russian defences, powerful centre-forwards like him are back in fashion.

"It is obviously down to Steve McClaren but I feel I'm ready for a call-up and it would be lovely to realise my dream of playing for England," Ashton said at the weekend.

"Emile was outstanding in the last two games, so hopefully that shows there is room for a big guy up front."

Ashton has the aerial power England need if they are to make the most of their ability to turn opposing defences through the pacy combination of Micah Richards and Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right and Joe Cole's ability to deliver high-quality crosses from the left.

But he also boasts a superior first touch to Heskey and his willingness to loiter on the shoulder of the last defender potentially makes him an ideal foil for Rooney.

This month's victories have put England back on track to qualify for Euro 2008 but they cannot afford to lose to Russia in Moscow on October 17.

Newcastle were due to make an announcment on Owen's diagnosis later on Tuesday.

2007-09-19T16:26:00.001+03:00

Benitez tells Liverpool to learn from their mistakes after draw

Rafa Benitez warned his Liverpool players they must learn from their sloppy Champions League draw at Porto.

Benitez's side were fortunate to escape from the Dragao Stadium with a 1-1 draw on Tuesday after being punished for a lacklustre start.

They fell behind to Lucho Gonzalez's early penalty and, although Dirk Kuyt equalised later in the first half, Jermaine Pennant's needless sending off on the hour summed up a underwhelming display by last season's Champions League runners-up.

Benitez knows Liverpool will have to improve vastly if they are to reach a third European final in four years and he will emphasise that message on the flight home.

The only crumb of comfort for the Spanish coach was the way his resilient team held on for a point in arguably their toughest Group A assignment.

"I haven't seen the other teams yet so it is difficult to say who is the best team in the group," Benitez said. "But we were playing against a good team so we have to be happy.

"The point is good because playing with 10 men against good players with pace and ability is not easy.

"I don't know why we were so bad in the first half because the warm-up was ok, but we made too many mistakes.

"We needed to show character and we did. We have to learn from the positives in the second half."

Pennant must have breathed a sign of relief that Liverpool's defenders, led by the imperious Jamie Carragher, managed to bail him out.

Benitez didn't even look at Pennant as the winger trudged off after earning a second booking for a rash lunge on Fucile as he shepherded the ball out for a goal-kick.

The Spanish coach made it clear he had told Pennant not to commit himself to a challenge unless he was certain he could win the ball, so it was especially galling to see him do the exact opposite.

"The sending off was right," Benitez said. "Jermaine made a mistake and he will learn from the experience. Maybe it will be positive for him in the future.

"It is clear he did not need to make the tackle. We were talking to him about staying on his feet. It was difficult to understand but he will learn."

While Pennant's woes were self-inflicted it was hard to recalled a less effective club display from Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool captain, who is obviously still struggling with his broken toe, admitted his side were fortunate.

"I'm disappointed with the way we played," Gerrard said. "We didn't start well and never got going in the first half.

"But I'm glad to take a point. A point away in the Champions League is never a bad result."

Liverpool were caught cold and fell behind in the eighth minute when Tarik Sektioui easily beat Sami Hyypia to Ricardo Quaresma's clever pass.

Sektioui was clear on goal and he clipped the ball round Reina before being sent sprawling by the Liverpool keeper.

It was a clear penalty and Porto captain Lucho stepped up to send Reina the wrong way from the spot.

But Liverpool equalised in the 17th minute.

Hyypia looped Finnan's free-kick across goal to Kuyt and the Dutch striker got in front of Joao Paulo to plant a close-range header past Nuno.

Liverpool could have few complaints when Pennant was dismissed in the 58th minute. He had already been booked, so his lunge on Fucile was foolhardy in the extreme.

Inevitably the visitors were forced back but Porto came no closer than a Quaresma chip that Hyypia hacked away.

Jesualdo Ferreira believes the Portuguese champions will grow in confidence after a promising performance.

Although the Porto coach conceded his team had missed an opportunity for an invaluable victory, he was encouraged by the way they dominated one of Europe's top sides.

"A draw against Liverpool is ok, but if you look at the game we could have won it," Ferreira said.

"It was our first game and it is always difficult against Liverpool but we were superior at all times.

"We didn't have many chances after the sending off but we tried to win the match."

Mourinho mystified as Chelsea draw aginst minnows

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is alarmed by his expensively-assembled team's dramatic loss of goalscoring form which has dented their domestic and European title hopes.

The Blues have scored just once in their last three matches -- hardly the sort of form likely to scare their next opponents: English Premier League champions Manchester United, who host Chelsea in Sunday's crunch match.

And the Blues' main goalscorers, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and England midfielder Frank Lampard, who have missed the last two games through injuries, are unlikely to make the trip to Old Trafford.

Hosts Chelsea dominated possession in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at home to unfancied Norwegian champions Rosenborg in the Champions League Group B match at Stamford Bridge.

But despite a hatful of chances, only Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko -- restored to the Chelsea first team in the absence of Drogba and Peru forward Claudio Pizarro -- managed to get on the scoresheet.

"I'm very disappointed," Mourinho said.

"We had about 20 chances and scored one goal. So to score two, maybe we need 40 chances; to score three, maybe 60.

"From the 20 chances, maybe 15 of them were not even on target. One in the net and some others the goalkeeper saved.

"We can speak and speak but the history of the game is we couldn't score more than one goal in 20 shots.

"I'm alarmed, I'm not happy."

The lack of sharpness in attack in the 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa, 0-0 draw with visitors Blackburn and the Rosenborg stalemate is playing on Mourinho's mind.

"For me, the drama is in three matches where we played with attacking teams, dominating games, creating chances and we scored one single goal," the Portuguese said.

"That's the reality of this team. Drogba and Lampard mean more than 50 percent of the goals Chelsea score. They are not playing. Good news is not arriving from the medical department.

"So I have to fight with these people, to make the team the best possible."

Against Rosenborg, Shevchenko scored an equaliser which could salvage his Chelsea career.

Mourinho had bizarrely compared the under-performing striker to a second-grade egg before the match, but Shevchenko left the Portuguese with just a little egg on his face as he rescued a point.

Finland centre-half Miika Koppinen flicked in a free kick cross in the 24th minute before Shevchenko equalised with a 53rd-minute header, his 56th Champions League goal in 90 appearances.

Chelsea hit the woodwork twice but a draw at home against the unfancied Norwegians could prove costly in a group featuring Germany's Schalke and Spain's Valencia.

The Blues were intent on winning the Champions League this time round, having reached the semi-finals in three of the last four seasons, but Mourinho now has a glum outlook.

"It's more difficult to qualify from the group stage because this is the kind of game you have to win," he said.

"It's the kind of game that normally you win, when you play at home against a team that normally should be the weakest in the group.

"So it's not a good result.

"We are not scared of the situation in the Champions League. It may be more difficult to finish first. Maybe we need to win something like four points against Valencia."

Shevchenko, a 30-million-pound (60-million-dollar, 43-million-euro) purchase from Italian giants AC Milan in May 2006, has been criticised for scoring only 15 goals in 53 Blues appearances.

He might have hoped his equaliser would have earned a pat on the back from his boss.

But when asked about the Ukrainian's performance, Mourinho stared blankly for a while then shrugged.

"My team didn't win," he said, eventually.

"Shevchenko is part of my team and I don't like to speak about individuals. We couldn't win, so I have nothing special to say."

Meanwhile Rosenborg boss Knut Torum reckons the Troillongan can certainly reach the Champions League knock-out phase.

"I thought that before the match and I said we don't have to win at Chelsea to go forward, so of course it was a good result for us," he said.

"The boys are having a good time in the locker room. They say we have a schedule now, draw away and win at home. We believe in that. That's one of the strengths of Rosenborg after so many years in the Champions League."

2007-09-12T20:14:00.000+03:00

Blues deny Abramovich bonus bonanza

Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia's players a financial incentive to beat England in their key Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday.

Reports claimed the Russian players would receive 40,000 pounds (81,000 dollars) each if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.

And Abramovich was accused of funding the bonus plan through the National Football Academy along with the Russian Football Union.

It was alleged that 15,000-pounds-per-man was being paid for by the Russian Football Union while the remaining sum would be guaranteed by the Abramovich-backed Academy.

But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.

"The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.

"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."

Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips possible starters.

Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia's players a financial incentive to beat England in their key Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday.

Reports claimed the Russian players would receive 40,000 pounds (81,000 dollars) each if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.

And Abramovich was accused of funding the bonus plan through the National Football Academy along with the Russian Football Union.

It was alleged that 15,000-pounds-per-man was being paid for by the Russian Football Union while the remaining sum would be guaranteed by the Abramovich-backed Academy.

But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.

"The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.

"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."

Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips possible starters.

Bremen wait on Brazilians Diego and Alberto

Werder Bremen are hoping to extend the contract of in-form Brazilian midfielder Diego as they wait on the fitness of his South American compatriot Carlo Alberto, the club announced on Wednesday.

Alberto is struggling with a knee injury and broke down in training on Wednesday to become a major concern ahead of Friday's Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund.

And playmaker Diego is under contract until June 2010 but after some top-class performances this season Bremen are keen to extend the 22-year-old's pay deal prematurely.

"We are pretty happy that Diego is still under contract with us until 2010," said director of sport Klaus Allofs said on Wednesday.

"It's not a burning issue for us, but we want to extend his contract."

But there is still no contract for Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic who has come back from two kidney transplants and is fighting his way back to full fitness.

"There is no time window on that issue and we don't want to avoid any pressure, we have to be patient," said coach Thomas Schaaf with Klasnic suffering from flu.

2007-09-09T17:52:00.000+03:00

Real promise bumper bonus for Champions League win

Real Madrid have promised their players a bumper bonus of 600,000 euros (826,000 dollars) each if they can secure a tenth European Cup crown this season, Marca sports daily said Sunday.

In the event of victory in the Champions League, the bonus would cost the nine-times European champions a total of 15 million euros (20.6 million dollars).

But with Real picking up a hefty 21 million euros (28.9 million dollars) in Champions League revenus by making to the last 16 last season, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is happy to splash out.

Calderon said he is determined to win Europe's premier club competition this season and has introduced the bonus scheme from which team coach Bernd Schuster will also benefit.

The Champions League final will be held on May 21 in Moscow.

Real, who last won the Champions League in 2002, currently sit top of the Spanish first division after just two match days.

Owen special puts England back on Euro 2008 track

Michael Owen scored one of the finest goals of his international career as England got their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign back on track with a 3-0 win over Israel here on Saturday.

Owen's 38th England goal, a sublime half-volley from 20 yards, was sandwiched between Shaun Wright-Phillips's first-half opener and a Micah Richards header midway through the second period as Steve McClaren's side strolled to their first win at the rebuilt Wembley.

Israel looked desperately out of their depth. But England still displayed sufficient quality to ensure they will go into Wednesday's meeting with Russia here confident of taking another big step towards next year's finals.

McClaren said: "Good performance, good result, now we have to follow that on Wednesday.

"The crowd really got behind the team, they kept us going for 90 minutes - we need that again on Wednesday."

He added: "Shaun Wright-Phillips was under a lot of pressure today. We were disappointed with him last season but he's really come to the boil.

"And what a tremendous goal by Michael."

McClaren's starting line-up, shorn of the injured Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and David Beckham, had a retrospective air about it.

Owen Hargreaves's failure to recover from a thigh strain allowed Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to make his first start for his country in almost seven years while, Owen resumed his strike partnership with Emile Heskey, recalled after three years in the international wildnerness.

Heskey's early contribution offered promise, the Wigan's striker willingness to make himself available to hold up the ball offering England's attacking moves a cohesion that was notably missing in a goalless draw with Israel in Tel Aviv in March.

But there was also an early reminder of why Heskey's previous 43 England appearances had yielded only five goals. Teed-up after Owen had pulled down Barry's ball into the box, he blasted his shot over the bar from 12 yards.

The 10th-minute chance highlighted Israel's defensive deficiencies and it took a crude body-check from Shimon Gershon to prevent Gerrard from charging on to a Heskey flick, the Israeli defender picking up a yellow card in the process.

With Heskey going close with a back-post header from Gerrard's corner, an England opener was looking inevitable.

It duly arrived in the 20th minute courtesy of a fine move launched by Gerrard, whose long ball sent Ashley Cole beyond the Israeli back four.

The left-back deftly clipped the ball back into the path of Joe Cole who floated in an angled cross that Wright-Phillips, timing his run around the back of the defence to perfection, volleyed past Dudu Awat from the edge of the six-yard box.

England should have doubled their lead eight minutes before the break, when Owen spurned two opportunities to beat Awat from close range.

Set up by Joe Cole's cushioned lay-off of a Wright-Phillips cross, the Newcastle striker blasted his first attempt into the Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper's chest and the second high into the stand.

Owen's approach work was of a superior standard three minutes later but Ashley Cole was unable to squeeze his shot past Awat's outstretched left glove.

Israel introduced Toto Tamuz for the second half in the hope the Nigerian striker could unsettle England as he had done briefly in Tel Aviv.

Instead, it was to be Owen who put the outcome beyond doubt with a goal of sufficient quality to ensure his first-half double miss will be quickly forgotten.

Found by Barry's angled pass on the edge of the area, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker swivelled on his first touch before unleashing an unstoppable strike that flew beyond Awat's left hand and into the top corner.

Barry was also involved in England's third, delivering the corner that Richards headed past Awat in the 66th minute.

It was the Manchester City's first international goal and capped another energetic, mature display at right-back. Gary Neville must be wondering if he has played his last game for his country.

2007-09-07T01:52:00.000+03:00

Nigeria beat Germany to reach Under-17 World Cup final

Nigeria reached the final of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Thursday, defeating Germany 3-1 in the South Korean city of Suwon.

The African regional champions will face Spain in Sunday's final in Seoul.

In an entertaining first half, Nigeria struck first, with Macauley Chrisantus scoring his tournament-leading seventh goal in the 10th minute.

German goalkeeper Rene Vollath could not hold on to a shot by Yakubu Alfa and Chrisantus was all alone in front of goal to bang home the loose ball.

Eight minutes later, Alfa scored following another mistake by Vollath, with what appeared to be a harmless left-foot kick.

The ball went straight to the German keeper from outside the penalty box but it spun off his hands and into the net to give the Nigerians a two-goal cushion.

German skipper Tony Kroos pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute, dribbling past defender Kingsley Udoh and firing past Oladele Ajiboye.

Germany nearly equalised in the 38th minute, when Richard Sukuta-Pasu's diving header hit a post. A minute later, Chrisantus was one-on-one with Vollath but his shot rolled wide of the right post.

There were few scoring chances for either side in the second half, as Nigeria sat back to protect their lead. In the 62nd minute, German Kevin Wolze received a fine pass from Kroos but could not beat Ajiboye.

The last goal of the game followed a bizarre turn of events. Just moments before the final whistle, Chrisantus had a goal disallowed for offside.

Vollath picked the ball out of the net and kicked it to a defender. But the ball was carelessly passed back towards Vollath, and Kabiru Akinsola intercepted it and lobbed it over the hapless keeper.

Nigeria will be chasing their third win in this tournament on Sunday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Germany will face Ghana in the third-place playoff match, also in Seoul.

2010 World Cup enters "operational phase" in S.Africa

Preparation for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has entered its "operational phase", the chief executive officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dany Jordaan, said on Thursday.

"The 1,000 days countdown signals to us now the beginning of the operational phase", he told a press conference ahead of the symbolic September 15 date marking 1,000 days to the start of the world soccer fiesta.

He enumerated LOC's achievements so far: "selection of nine host cities, signing of contracts with cities, finalisation of legislation, establishment of right committees, finalisation of match schedule, selection of management team and start of construction site.

"The first thing to deliver is preliminary draw for the qualifying phase", scheduled for November 27 in Durban, he added.

More than 3,000 officials of the LOC, FIFA, national coaches, notable names in footbal and media are expected at Durban ceremony.

Then, the "Confederation Cup", will follow in 2009 in five South African stadia which should be ready "in December 2008", he also said.

"To build all our stadia on time is a huge challenge ... we believe we have the winning formula."

"Yes, we will have difficulties in stadium construction, but we are confident in the capacity of the construction industry in this country."

To mark the "countdown to 1,000 days to the competition", the LOC has planned series of events, especially in capital Pretoria, for September 15.

"We would like to assert to the world and South Africans that the different institutions involved in the organisation are confident that we are on course that we will host a wonderful World Cup," said Jordaan without giving further details on the programme of activities.

2007-09-06T00:02:00.000+03:00

Barcelona coach praises new Real Madrid signing

Barcelona's Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard on Tuesday praised arch-rival Real Madrid's new signing Wesley Sneijder, who is also from the Netherlands, calling him a "creative player".

"He plays well with both feet, he can play as a midfielder or in an attacking central role, he has a good mentality and the character of a winner," he told a news conference.

"He is a creative player, who can make great passes, who knows how to make great shots and score," he added.

Sneijder has scored three goals during two Spanish league matches for Real Madrid, including two as his side crushed Villareal 5-0 on Sunday, winning him praise from the press.

The 23-year Dutch international, who inherited the England star's number 23 shirt, joined Real from Ajax.

Ballack doesn't understand Chelsea's decision: Loew

Michael Ballack does not understand his club Chelsea's decision to axe him from their Champions League squad for the group stages, Germany's head coach Joachim Loew revealed on Wednesday.

Ballack, 30, is hoping to return soon from April's ankle surgery, but misses Germany's Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales on Saturday, the friendly with Romania next Wednesday and has now been left out of Chelsea's plans.

Having this week been axed from Chelsea's Champions League squad for the autumn's group stages, Germany's captain is baffled, according to Loew, adding to rumours in the British press Ballack could be on the way out of Stamford Bridge.

"I discussed it with Michael and he could not fully explain Chelsea's decision to me," said Loew in a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's Group D Euro 2008 qualifier.

"Chelsea's doctors estimate he will not be able to play for two to three more months, but Michael is much more optimistic and expects to play sooner.

"For us, Chelsea's decision isn't justifiable," added Loew who plans to recall Ballack for October's Euro 2008 internationals with the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland.

Ballack, one of Germany's world-class players, has a superb international record for midfielder with 35 goals from 77 internationals and Loew wants his captain back on the field as soon as possible.

But this is not the first time Chelsea and the German camp have not seen eye-to-eye this summer.

The English giants were unhappy when Ballack flew back to Munich in April and, on the advice of German doctors, had an operation after picking up the ankle injury in a Premier League match.

The surgery ruled Ballack out of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final, plus the FA Cup final, and the English club felt Ballack was prioritising Germany's June internationals with San Marino and Slovakia above their schedule.

Ballack insisted the operation was crucial and ended the debate when he insisted: "Anybody saying that this operation was done because I was looking at the two Germany games in the beginning of June has to be kidding, " he said at the time.

"That's complete stupidity. Name me one player on earth who would risk not playing in the FA Cup final against Manchester United or not playing in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool because of a Euro 2008 qualifier against San Marino."

2007-09-04T00:12:00.000+03:00

Milan come back down to earth

AC Milan's joy at winning the European Super Cup last Friday was doused on Monday as they were held 1-1 by Fiorentina in their Serie A clash.

Milan - who beat Sevilla 3-1 on Friday in Monaco - looked to be on their way to joining AS Roma and Juventus at the top of the table when Brazilian star Kaka scored from the penalty spot - his third goal of the season - in the 27th minute.

However fatigue seemed to set in the second-half for the Milanese and Fiorentina took advantage as former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu headed the equaliser in the 56th minute.

Milan pushed forward looking for a winner but found Fiorentina's French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey equal to the task of both Filippo Inzaghi and Kaka's efforts.

Spanish Federation gives red card to Catalan-USA friendly

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday vetoed a mooted friendly international between the eastern region of Catalonia and the United States, which had been slated for October 14.

The Catalan regional federation (FCF) had reached agreement for the game with US counterparts but the RFEF board rejected the idea by 18 votes to three, FCF sources said.

One of the reasons put forward was that Spain are themselves playing Denmark a day earlier in a Euro 2008 qualifier and then on the 17th a friendly against Finland.

RFEF spokesman Jorge Carretero told the Europa Press news agency that the date was not opportune.

Occasionally, such as during the Christmas and New Year break, regional sides have played in friendlies and last October Catalonia played a Basque regional select XI.

2007-09-03T13:23:00.000+03:00

Fabregas ready to come of age

Arsene Wenger believes Cesc Fabregas will come of age this season and prove that Arsenal don't need to spend big money to win the Premier League title.

The 20-year-old has been regarded as the most talented of Wenger's young prodigies for several seasons, but now the Spaniard has added goal-scoring to his game, making him the complete midfielder in the eyes of his manager.

He scored his fourth goal in six matches to help Arsenal to a 3-1 win over Portsmouth on Sunday, equalling his total for the whole of last season.

Wenger is convinced Fabregas is capable of being the kind of world-class playmaker who can ensuring compete with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool for the game's top honours.

He drew a comparison with the way Paul Scholes combines striker's instinct with the ability to influence matches from midfield.

"He has a lot of characteristics of Scholes," Wenger said. "The frame, intelligence in the game, passing when to go into the box. He is only 20 and people forget that.

"I made a tape of him last year and you wouldn't believe how many chances he had. When he was a young boy he scored goals. That is a nice disease to have.

"Sometimes it disappears but it always comes back when you mature physically and mentally.

"When you go into the senior game you can lose it but if you did it in the youth team you can take advantage of positive situations anywhere."

If Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and former Gunners vice-chairman David Dein do manage to mount a takeover at Arsenal, Wenger is likely to have millions to spend in the transfer market.

But he maintains he has enough talent to succeed already, so spending vast sums on famous names would not necessarily be the best route to success.

"Money can always be enough or never enough," Wenger said. "If you have 100 pounds and your opponent has 200, then you want 200. When you have 200 he has 400. Where does it stop?

"It depends as well what the other clubs have. I believe football is great because everybody can have a chance by building a team.

"I feel we have stability. What is important in a football club is what is happening on the pitch.

"We are super ambitious and of course that creates a pressure but we can live with that. This team has been built to have an attacking personality. That means it is very important they express themselves.

"We have enough quality to fight for the championship. I selected these players and I believe in them. I have enough belief they share my ambition."

Arsenal were at their eye-catching best against Portsmouth.

They took the lead in the seventh minute when David James brought down Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor stroked home the penalty for his first goal of the season.

Fabregas got the second with a close-range strike after Gilberto Silva had flicked on a corner.

Philippe Senderos's dismissal early in the second half for a professional foul on former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu did little to disturb Arsenal's rhythm.

Tomas Rosicky punished slack Portsmouth marking to extend Arsenal's lead and Kanu's strike a minute later was no consolation.

Redknapp admitted several of his new players had been given a harsh lesson in the special demands of the Premier League.

"One or two of the new signings are still coming to terms with the English game," Redknapp said. "People like John Utaka; on the ball he did some fantastic things, but he has to learn the otherside of the game as well.

"I didn't shout and screaming at anyone. We just had a chat about it.

"The problem is I won't see those players until Friday week because of the internationals. I can't sit down with them and show them videos and discuss the goals in detail.

"Then when they come back we are concentrating on playing Liverpool. Am I then going to start getting into them about what they did here? It's crazy."

Villa defeat tests Abramovich patience

Jose Mourinho admitted he could not blame Roman Abramovich for leaving early after Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa became the first side to beat Chelsea this season.

Abramovich, Chelsea's Russian owner, departed seconds after Villa scored their second goal to condemn the Blues to their first defeat since late January.

Debutant Zat Knight and Gabriel Agbonlahor, both local boys and lifelong Villa supporters, scored in the second half to leave Mourinho still waiting for his first Premier League victory at Villa Park.

It was a performance that suggested Chelsea might struggle to reclaim the league title this season, but Mourinho insisted that there was no great significance in Abramovich's early exit.

The Portuguese said: "Can I blame him for being frustrated? No. The owner leaves the stadium when he wants to leave. I went to see England play Germany the other week and left early because I wanted to run away from the traffic.

"But my congratulations go to Villa because we made a mistake we cannot make and got punished. We played well in my opinion.

"I'm not used to losing games which is a good thing. It is good because it means we win more than we lose and it's more difficult to live with a defeat."

The defeat means Liverpool and Arsenal have already established an early edge over Chelsea in the title race and Mourinho admitted: "The league will be tighter this year because a lot of teams have spent a lot of money.

"In my opinion there are a lot of good teams and a big improvement. It is more normal for the big teams to lose matches now.

"It's more difficult to play against teams like Villa because they are better. It is the first weekend of September and five games in so this means nothing yet."

Villa fully deserved their victory with an effervescent performance and are surely certain to make a marked improvement on their first season under Martin O'Neill.

Villa have avoided defeat to Chelsea since 1999 and Martin O'Neill was determined to pile on the agony

O'Neill is convinced that Villa's inability to claw their way higher up the table has been a result of their failure to beat the more established sides.

Liverpool have already accounted for Villa this season but their hoodoo over Chelsea showed no sign of abating at an exuberant Villa Park.

They could have gone in front early when Agbonlahor, the England under-21 international, nearly stunned the visitors in the eighth minute with a clever turn and shot but Petr Cech produced an excellent save.

But Chelsea responded strongly with Scott Carson, the England international goalkeeper, frustrating long-range efforts from Michael Essien and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Villa's start to the second half was equally impressive and Ashley Young forced more heroics from Cech with a fine 20-yard effort.

From the resultant corner, Villa took the lead. Gareth Barry's corner was powerfully met by Knight and Ashley Cole on the goalline could not prevent it from finding the net.

Chelsea's misery was complete when Agbonlahor diverted Ashley Young's fierce cross cum shot past Cech a minute from time.

"We needed a good result against a good team like Chelsea to give us a boost," said O'Newill.

"We need it to give us some belief. But if you ask me if this team is better than it was last year I would say absolutely no question.

"We are getting better all the time and we've got loads of talent in the team. We've got that desire that Chelsea have shown in abundance again and again and again.

"I don't mind the expectation because this club should be built on it. We're not as good as the top four sides but we aspire to be.

"I'll now just wait and worry while my players are on international duty!"

2007-09-02T17:03:00.000+03:00

Louis can be United goal king, says Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson will look to Louis Saha to kick-start Manchester United's season after the French striker made a goal-scoring return following his long-term injury problems.

Saha has struggled with ankle and knee injuries since the turn of the year and made his first appearance since early may in the single-goal defeat of Sunderland.

The forward's match-winner was his first Premiership goal since last December and with Wayne Rooney missing for at least another month with a broken foot, United manager Ferguson admitted he was relieved to have Saha back.

The champions have struggled so far with Rooney and the suspended Ronaldo, managing just three goals in five Premiership games.

And Ferguson believes the return of Saha with give United a major boost as he attempts to blend new arrivals Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson into his side.

"We needed someone like Louis against Sunderland," the manager said.

"He showed his penetration, his strength, his speed. He's a great asset to have and of course we have been missing him for the last eight months now.

"He has come through fine and we are delighted at that also because after being out for such a long time we are aware that kind of injury can come back again but thankfully he is okay.

"Our front four haven't played together before. It was Anderson's first game, Tevez playing through on his own when I think he is far better playing behind someone, Chris Eagles is a young lad, Nani, it's new to them."

Ferguson believes the two-week international break will ensure Saha is fresh to resume when United travel to Everton on September 15.

"The break will give them a chance to recover and get ready for the next game at Goodison," he added

"It's a big game because we will be in Europe immediately after so it's an exciting time but by then we will have Ronaldo back for certain."

Roy Keane admitted Sunderland's narrow defeat at Old Trafford meant much more than the rousing reception he received at Old Trafford on his first visit to his former club as a manager.

Keane's side have now suffered four straight defeats but the manager is convinced his promoted team have enough to survive their first season back in the top flight.

"The result overshadowed the occasion but I did enjoy the reception, it was very, very nice, but straight after the game it's all about getting the right result," he said.

"We didn't quite make it but overall there were good signs for us.

"I didn't really get sucked into it and get bogged down with it, I just got on with the match. Of course I appreciated it but United fans have always been good to me even the time when I let the club down as a player.

"I am comfortable in where we are and where we are trying to go. We are obviously on the back of playing Liverpool and United and that was always going to be a testing time for us.

"But we have a two-week break coming up, we had a couple of lads making their debuts, and I more than confident we will be alright come the end of the season.

"There will be disappointments along the way but we will just lick our wounds and get on with it."

Beckham hits out at LA Galaxy critics

Footballer David Beckham hit out at claims that his Los Angeles Galaxy side was "a pub team" and that the Major League Soccer was "a Mickey Mouse league", in an interview published Sunday.

Beckham also dismissed suggestions that the burden of travelling between the United States and England's international games would be too much for him.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star said he had felt when around LA Galaxy's bosses, manager and coach "how much it hurt them when people who don't know anything were turning round and calling the Galaxy a pub team and calling the MLS a Mickey Mouse league."

Many sportswriters in Britain have criticised the former England captain's decision to join the club and criticised the standard of the game in the US.

"I don't know whether it's ignorance or snobbery or whether it's that the people saying these things have never played the game or watched it being played here, but they should be sitting here now, watching us beat a team that's won the Mexican league two years running," he added.

"The standard is nowhere near as low as people have been saying it is.

"For a start, you have to be incredibly fit and physically strong to play here: America's a country, after all, that produces some of the best athletes in the world."

Beckham joined LA Galaxy at the start of this season in a deal reportedly worth 250 million dollars (183 million euros).

The interview in the Observer newspaper was apparently conducted before he suffered a knee sprain last week which will sideline him for six weeks, meaning he will miss England's two September Euro 2008 qualifying matches.

He admitted that the workload in recent weeks had been "starting to wear me out, to be honest".

But Beckham insisted playing for his country was still important to him, regardless of how much travelling it would entail.

"The Galaxy have made it clear that they'll do anything they can to help me play for my country. They know how passionate I am about it.

"Everyone's working together."

He also spoke of how happy his family, including his wife Victoria, a member of pop group the Spice Girls, was in Los Angeles.

"I can't think of many better places: for me, for the kids, for Victoria. I haven't seen Victoria happier than this in the 10 years we've been together," he said.

"That on its own makes having come here worthwhile.

"The house is lovely, the schools are sorted, the boys are excited."

2007-09-01T15:24:00.000+03:00

Gunners among Premiership trio in late transfer action

Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle beat Friday's transfer deadline by a matter of minutes to make late additions to their respective squads.

Arsenal signed France international midfielder Lassana Diarra from Chelsea on a "long-term contract" for an undisclosed fee.

West Ham confirmed they signed Henri Camara from Wigan and Nolberto Solano from Newcastle, while the Magpies beat the midnight deadline to complete the signings of Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye.

Versatile 22-year-old Diarra had found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge and told arsenal.com: "I have great respect for the manager Arsene Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays.

"Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come."

Striker Camara has signed on a season-long loan at Upton Park while Solano joins on a one-year contract with the option of another year. Neither signed in time to play for the Hammers against Reading on Saturday.

Defensive pair Beye and Faye had been expected to make the move to St James' Park but left it late to confirm their three-year deals.

Middlesbrough overcame a late complication to complete the signing of Gary O'Neil from Portsmouth less than an hour before the transfer deadline. The 24-year-old underwent a medical on Teesside after the two clubs agreed a five million pounds (10 million dollars) fee.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate told Sky Sports News: "We've just completed the deal, we've very pleased and I'm looking forward to getting home to bed!"

Boca Juniors given extra time to lure Villarreal's Riquelme

Argentine giants Boca Juniors have been given an extra 72 hours to try and negotiate the purchase of Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme.

The Buenos Aires-based club have had an 8.8 million euros offer for the Argentine midfielder rejected by the Spanish league side, and are now set to increase their bid to secure the Argentine.

The transfer deadline in Europe was midnight on Friday but the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) said Friday they had given Boca until Monday night to finalise ongoing negotiations with Villarreal.

Riquelme, whose four-month loan spell at Boca ended in June, is linked with the Valencia-based club until June 2009.

2007-08-31T01:00:00.000+03:00

England midfielder Gerrard struggling to make Euro 2008 qualifiers

Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to be fit for England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers as he struggles to recover from a broken toe.

Gerrard is expected to miss Liverpool's match against Derby on Saturday because the foot injury has not fully healed, making him a major doubt for Israel's visit to Wembley on September 8 and the game against Russia the following Wednesday.

Steve McClaren is likely to name Gerrard in his England squad on Friday in the hope that the midfielder can step up his fitness next week.

England must win both matches to keep their hopes of reaching the European finals, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was downbeat about Gerrard's prospects.

"I have spoken to Steven and the news is not very positive," said Benitez. "The doctor will continue to help him. But it will be very difficult for him to play on Saturday."

'I made a mistake', admits Materazzi

Italy's World Cup winning defender Marco Materazzi said Thursday he had made a mistake in sledging French icon Zinedine Zidane during last year's final.

Materazzi told Zidane that he preferred his "whore of a sister" to his shirt.

It was this comment that led to Zidane headbutting the Inter Milan defender in the chest and being dramatically sent off. That incident preceded France losing the final in a penalty shoot-out.

"Six stupid words. I made a mistake but Zidane also made a mistake in reacting the way he did," said the uncompromising Materazzi, who scored in the final and one of the penalties in the shoot-out.

Materazzi was talking at the launch of his book "Life of a warrior", co-written with two Italian journalists, and released just before the Italians face France in Milan in a Euro 2008 qualifier on September 8.

The French won the first match 3-1, but Materazzi will miss the re-match after picking up a thigh injury in a friendly win over Hungary earlier this month.

"I understand why he reacted that way," added Materazzi. "It all happened in a match of high pressure. But I don't understand what came after when he was forgiven by everyone except me who had been headbutted.

"If we made peace, no-one would know about it, we would do it in private perhaps at my house or his. That's why I didn't want to say anything publically. I left the talking to others but only him and me know what happened."

Materazzi, who has undergone surgery on his injured thigh, believes he could be back in action in October.

Although he will miss the match with France in Milan, he appealed to fans to act peacefully in the return leg.

"I want spectators to greet the French team in the same way that we were welcomed by French fans in Paris. They were very fair. I ask the tifosi to do the same."

Materazzi also has his own thoughts on the one-match suspension handed out to France coach Raymond Domenech for that game.

"It's 19 years to the day that my mother died," he said. "Some things are more important."

2007-08-29T16:50:00.000+03:00

Atletico Madrid snap up Riquelme

Atletico Madrid continued their summer spending spree Wednesday in snapping up Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme from Villarreal, Cadena Ser radio reported.

The radio said both parties had reached agreement, to be sealed officially Thursday, on a two-year contract with an additional year option.

Riquelme, out of favour with Villarreal's Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini and recently plying his trade on loan to Boca Juniors in his homeland, had earlier said he would be willing to play for nothing if hard-up Boca had paid a transfer fee.

The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Boca and helped the Argentines to victory in the Copa Libertadores but the club said they believed that all in all they would have to find some 20 million dollars to buy him, including image rights.

Riquelme's deal with Villarreal ran to June 2009 and he had been training on his own since the start of the new season, while his teammates enjoyed a 3-0 away success last weekend at Valencia.

Atletico, having lost striker Fernando Torres to Liverpool, have responded by spending 77 million euros this summer on new talent, not quite as much as the 120 million shelled out by neighbours Real, who beat them 2-1 at the Bernabeu last Saturday.

Other arrivals were keeper Christian Abbiati on loan from AC Milan, midfield star Luis Garcia from Liverpool, Riquelme's former Villarreal teammate Diego Forlan, Portuguese forward Simao and attacking midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes from Arsenal.

West Ham in talks to sign Brazil star Adriano

West Ham have made an approach to sign Inter Milan's out-of-favour striker Adriano on loan.

The Premier League club were reported to have sent chief executive Scott Duxbury to Milan on Tuesday to start talks with the Brazilian.

Adriano has been told he can leave the Serie A champions and had already been offered to Arsenal, who turned down the chance to sign him.

West Ham have invested heavily in the transfer market since Eggert Magnusson took over the club last season, and the attempt to sign such a famous name is further evidence of the Icelandic businessman's determination to take the Hammers into the game's upper echelons.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger decided that Adriano would not improve his squad despite the pre-season sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

"I was offered Adriano on loan and I said no," Wenger said. "We do not need him and it was an easy decision to make because we're not out there to sign another striker.

"The agreement was for a loan. Adriano has qualities we don't need. They wanted to give us a player but wanted one back in return.

"I won't say who it was. I didn't want to lose the player they requested. I didn't necessarily think Adriano would upset the balance of the squad."

2007-08-27T18:13:00.000+03:00

Ferguson sounds Premiership title warning after opening win

Sir Alex Ferguson sounded a warning to Manchester United's title rivals after the reigning Premier League champions finally got their season up and running with victory over Tottenham on Sunday.

A spectacular 30-yard goal from young Portuguese talent Nani, his first for the club, earned United their first victory of the season and lifted them up to 10th in the table after they had started the day next to bottom.

However, United were far from convincing and survived two second half penalty appeals after Dimitar Berbatov went sprawling under a challenge from Nemanja Vidic before referee Howard Webb waved away another protest after Berbatov's shot hit Wes Brown.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol is convinced it struck the England defender's hand, but Ferguson insists Webb made the right decision.

Despite his side's nervous performance, Ferguson believes United will continue to make up for lost ground after failing to register a win in the opening three games.

United entertain newly-promoted Sunderland, managed by former United star Roy Keane, on Saturday.

"We've got players to come back so we're going to have to be patient," said Ferguson.

Italy's Nesta refuses Euro 2008 call-up

AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has refused to come out of international retirement to play in Italy's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine, the Italian Federation president Giancarlo Abete said Monday.

The 31-year-old announced his retirement from the international scene over the summer but Italy were hoping to convince him to come back after Inter Milan centre-back Marco Materazzi was ruled out of the two crunch qualifiers with a thigh injury.

"When Nesta said he no longer wanted to be a part of the squad, he acted in the right and proper way as always," Abete told Rai Uno. "He's a player who has given so much to the national team.

"Yesterday (Sunday), he clearly repeated it. But the federation, with all the attention and discretion that was needed, checked after the match in Budapest (an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Hungary) to see if he was available."

Nesta was quoted in the Monday edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport as saying: "I told them that I will not play any more for the national team, and therefore I won't....I made a decision and I'm sticking to it."

Materazzi was injured in the Hungary match and has been ruled out of the two Group B encounters against France in Rome on September 8 and four days later against Ukraine in Kiev.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni now finds himself with a problem in deciding who should partner Real Madrid's Fabio Cannavaro in the heart of his defence, with Palermo's Andrea Barzagli the likely choice.

2007-08-23T12:19:00.000+03:00

Real and Chelsea agree Robben switch

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben is poised to move to Real Madrid after both clubs announced they had reached agreement on the Dutch international's transfer.

The deal is now only subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

A Chelsea statement released on Wednesday said: "Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical."

Real also confirmed the deal for Robben in a statement on their website, which read: "Real Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben, who will become part of the Madrid club for the next five seasons.

"The agreement is pending the player's medical and the signing of the contracts."

At the start of the month Spanish media reported that Real had offered Chelsea around 40 million euros for Robben.

Robben, 23, has two years left on his contract with Chelsea and has been in long drawn-out negotiations with the London club over a contract extension until 2012 but has not always been in favour with the club's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

Henry edges to within one of Platini's record

Thierry Henry marked his return to the international scene after a six month hiatus with the decisive goal in France's 1-0 friendly win over Slovakia here on Wednesday.

Barcelona's new signing struck in the 39th minute for his 40th international goal to put him within one of the record 40 goal tally set by French playing legend and recently elected president of UEFA, Michel Platini.

This was former Arsenal star Henry's first appearance for France since February 7 and he left his imprint on the game striking the back of the net with a freekick.

The win will act as a confidence booster for Raymond Domenech's side as they prepare to face Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifier next month.

Domenech reflected: "It's always better to win than to lose, especially against Slovakia. I'm satisfied, but you have to remember the matches that counts are the qualifiers (against Italy on September 8 and Scotland four days later).

Monaco agree deal to sign Nene

Monaco have agreed a deal with Celta Vigo for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Nene, the Spanish club said Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has recently acquired dual Brazilian-Spanish nationality, meaning he would no longer take up one of the limited number of non-EU places in the Monaco squad.

Celta only signed him a year ago from Spanish rivals Alaves for 4.5 million euros but Celta's relegation from the top flight last season made his exit a likelihood.

"Celta and Monaco agreed yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon for the transfer of Nene," said a Celta statement.

"The player left this afternoon for Monaco and will take a medical tomorrow (Thursday) morning and join the Monaco squad."

2007-08-23T12:08:00.000+03:00

Benitez roasts English Premier League

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez launched an astonishing attack on the English Premier League on Wednesday, laying into the organisation in a wide-ranging blast.

The Spanish boss, angered by a league hearing decision which blocked Argentina left-back Gabriel Heinze's move from champions Manchester United to the Reds, blasted the Premier League over the saga, and Liverpool's fixture schedule.

Heinze believed he had a letter which would allowed him to leave Old Trafford once United's 6.8-million-pound (13.5-million-dollar, 10-million-euro) valuation had been met.

But a three-member Premier League panel ruled the letter did not constitute consent for Heinze to leave and the player now feels he has no future left at the English champions.

Benitez belives the setback is just one of several decisions being taken in favour of the Reds' title rivals United.

"I would like to ask the Premier League a number of questions. How can a player with a signed agreement be treated like this?" he told the Liverpool Echo newspaper.

"He has a document which is clear, but the Premier League prefers to believe the word of someone else who made a mistake. I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?"

And broadening his attack, Benitez added: "Then I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?

"We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season."

He continued: "Then I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United?"

Argentina midfielder Mascherano joined Liverpool from West Ham in the January transfer window and the deal took weeks to clear as the row over third party ownership of players at Upton Park raged on.

The Tevez move from West Ham to United took less time to approve, with the Argentina striker's representatives paying the Hammers two million pounds to release his registration in time to beat the transfer deadline.

Benitez added: "It's going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League because the other teams are so strong, but I want our supporters to know that despite the disadvantages we have, we will fight all the way.

"We will fight to cope with our more difficult kick-off times and all the other decisions which are going against us."

But it is the Heinze decision, stopping Liverpool buying the defender who believed he had a letter clearing his exit for a set sum, that has upset Benitez most.

He now must consider contingency plans knowing that any appeal by Heinze may not be concluded by the time the transfer window shuts at the end of August.

An appeal panel on the Premier League's decision will include a Professional Footballers' Association union representative and a high ranking member of the legal profession.

League chiefs are disappointed by Benitez's outburst.

"The Premier League tried to make sure that our dealings with all our member clubs, including the scheduling of fixtures, are as fair as possible," a spokesman said.

"We are disappointed to read Rafael Benitez's comments in the press, especially when channels exist for every member club to raise any issues directly with the league."

Heinze remains optimistic an appeal will be accepted and is in no mood to give up on his hopes of moving to Liverpool.

"We are extremely disappointed with the result and we will be appealing," his solicitor Richard Green said.

It is being suggested that United would be happy for Heinze to be loaned out to a mid-table Premier League side or agree to a transfer abroad, with French champions Lyon at the front of the queue while Spanish champions Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the Argentina defender.

Espanyol deny signing Slovenian striker Ljubijankic

Spanish side Espanyol denied Wednesday having reached an agreement to sign Slovenia international striker Zlatan Ljubijankic from Domzale as claimed earlier by the Slovenian first division club.

"Espanyol has no contract either with the player or his club," Espanyol spokesman Rafa Ramos told AFP, citing the club's sports director Francisco Herrera.

"In any case one cannot announce that this player interests Espanyol," he added.

Earlier on Wednesday Domzale said, in a statement sent to AFP in Madrid, that 23-year-old Ljubijankic had the club's permission to travel to Spain with his agent "to sign a contract with his new club".

Ljubijankic, 23, was elected by Slovenian journalists as the best player in the league last season.

He has one goal from three international caps having scored the winner during Slovenia's 1-0 away win over Cyprus in February last year.

Everton agree record Yakubu fee

Everton agreed a club record transfer fee of 11.25 million pounds (22.4 million dollars, 16.55 million euros) with Middlesbrough on Wednesday for Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

Boro have given the Nigeria striker permission to talk to the Toffees and the 24-year-old was travelling to Liverpool for talks at Goodison Park.

Over the past four seasons, only former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has scored more English Premier League goals than Yakubu.

The Nigerian did not feature in Boro boss Gareth Southgate's squad for Saturday's 2-1 win at Fulham, fuelling speculation that Yakubu was to be sold.

Several Premier League sides have tracked his availability.

Portsmouth brought Yakubu to England on loan from Israeli side Maccabi Haifa in January 2003, signing him permanently three months later.

Pompey sold the hitman to Boro for 7.5 million pounds (15.2 million dollars, 11 million euros) in July 2005.

He scored 36 goals in 81 league games for Portsmouth and has scored 25 times in 73 league matches for Boro.

2007-08-23T11:59:00.000+03:00

Thuram set for Barcelona Spanish league opener

Barcelona's French defender Lilian Thuram, who will miss France's friendly later on Wednesday against Slovakia due to an ankle injury, says he will be fit for the club's Spanish league opening match over the weekend.

"If the coach wants me to play, I will play," he told a news conference, adding he felt fine.

Barcelona, who lost the Spanish league crown to arch rivals Real Madrid last season, will face Racing Santander on Sunday in their first match of the new campaign.

Thuram injured his ankle while training for France's match against Slovakia. He has been one of Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard's most-used players during the club's successful pre-season.

Wiltord re-signs with Rennes

Striker Sylvain Wiltord has left Lyon for French first division rivals Rennes on a two-year deal, the Brittany club announced Wednesday.

"Sylvain Wiltord has signed a two-year contract with the 'Red and Blacks'. The French international will be at training from Thursday morning with his new team-mates," the club said.

Rennes president Frederic de Saint-Sernin, who had been courting Wiltord since mid-May, said the former Arsenal player - who had a year to run on his Lyon contract - had been signed for 1.5 million euros.

"Sylvain's at the top of his game," said de Saint-Sernin. "I'm not saying he'll be starting but he'll be in the squad against Metz on Saturday."

The 33-year-old striker, who has won 92 caps for France and made 125 appearances for Rennes from 1991-97, will earn 150,000 euros a month at Rennes, a significant salary cut from his days at Lyon.

Sevilla coach says he received 'dizzying' offer from Spurs

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos said Wednesday he had received a "dizzying" offer from English Premier League side Tottenham but stressed he had no plans to leave the Spanish double UEFA Cup winners.

"They (Spurs) made me an excellent, dizzying offer but I have a contract until June 2008. Not for a moment was there the possibility that I would leave," he told a news conference.

"Sevilla has had magnificant seasons and it is normal that everyone inside the club revalues themselves," added Ramos, who has coached Sevilla since 2005.

Ramos, 52, is a strict disciplinarian who has a reputation for bringing the best out of modest clubs.

He led Sevilla to the UEFA Cup title in 2006 during his first season with the club with a 4-0 win over Middlesbrough. It was the first time that the club had reached a final since the 1962 King's Cup.

Sevilla successfully defended the UEFA Cup last season and under his guidance has won three other trophies including the King's Cup and the UEFA Super Cup last season.

The club defeated reigning Spanish league champions Real Madrid 5-3 on Sunday for a 6-3 aggregate win in the Spanish Super Cup.

Ramos, who coached Spanish sides Levante, Logrones, Malaga and Real Betis in the past, reportedly met with Tottenham club secretary John Alexander at a hotel in Seville earlier this week.

Spurs issued a statement insisting they had not formally offered anyone the manager's job at White Hart Lane.

"The club wishes to thank all those fans who wrote to the board, the manager and the club with their views and support," they said in a brief statement.

"To further clarify the situation -- the club wishes to make it clear and unequivocal that no individual was or has been offered the position of manager/coach at this club whilst that position has been held by Martin Jol.

"It is wholly inaccurate and inappropriate to suggest otherwise."

The Tottenham board did not specify this in a lengthy statement Tuesday, nor explicitly say they backed Jol as their manager.

2007-08-20T16:39:00.000+03:00

Kanoute fires hat-trick as Sevilla crush Real

Frederic Kanoute hammered a hat-trick as Sevilla beat league champions Real Madrid 5-3 to clinch the Spanish Super Cup on a 6-3 aggregate Sunday.

The result added to the problems of new Real coach Bernd Schuster just a week ahead of the new league season.

Real had lost the first leg of the Super Cup 1-0 and in five pre-season friendlies they have won just three with two coming against lower-league opposition.

Sunday's match was a personal nightmare for 30 million-euro defender Pepe with the Brazilian giving away a penalty for hand ball which led to one of the goals and then getting sent-off in the closing stages of the match at the Santiago Bernebau.

Dutch defender Royston Drenthe scored in the 23rd minute for Real to equalise Renato's opener but Renato restored Sevilla's lead in the 28th minute.

Mali international Kanoute then made it 3-1 on the night from the penalty spot following Pepe's indiscretion before Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro pulled one back for Real on the stroke of half-time.

Sergio Ramos made it 3-3 on the night in the 79th minute before Kanoute completed his hat-trick in the last 10 minutes.

Sevilla, who had defeated AEK Athens 2-0 in a Champions League qualifier in midweek, also managed to ruin the debut of Real's Dutch international Wesley Sneijder with their free-scoring performance.

De Rossi penalty gives Roma Super Cup

Daniele de Rossi's second half penalty gave Roma a 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Sunday in the Italian Super Cup bringing revenge for the defeat they suffered against the same opponents last season.

Twelve months ago, Roma led 3-0 only to lose 4-3 in extra-time.

The only goal of Sunday's game came in the 78th minute when Nicolas Burdisso brought down Francesco Totti in the box and de Rossi stepped up to coolly slot into the corner past keeper Julio Cesar.

"To be here in Milan and win two consecutive finals is of course very satisfying, especially as today we proved that we are a strong and competitive squad who can challenge anyone," said Roma skipper Totti who also led his team to the Italian Cup at the San Siro in May.

"When I was brought down I felt a twinge in my thigh muscle and didnt feel quite right. There was no point risking it (by taking the penalty) and I knew De Rossi could do a great job."

Cristian Chivu was on the losing side against his former teammates, but insisted that Inter will shrug off the loss.

"It is just a defeat," said the defender. "I know it was the Super Cup, but it was the first official match of the campaign, so were not all that upset."

Inter had surprisingly left Brazilian striker Adriano out of the team while Douglas Maicon was suspended.

For Roma, Christian Panucci was a makeshift centre-back due to an injury crisis.

Inter should have take the lead after just six minutes but French international Ludovic Giuly volleyed over an open goal from Max Tonettos cross.

Roma had a penalty appeal turned down when Totti exchanged passes with Giuly and the Frenchman was fouled by Marco Materazzi while Zlatan Ibrahimovic went close for Inter.

Inter's Suazo saw a drive saved by Doni early in the second half but Roma kept pressing and the champions were forced to take off Olivier Dacourt to be replaced by veteran Luis Figo.

Materazzi was booked for a foul on Totti before Figo almost scored only to be denied by Doni.

2007-08-20T16:29:00.000+03:00

Torres joy shattered by controversial Chelsea penalty leveller

Fernando Torres marked his first appearance at Anfield with an impressive debut goal for Liverpool but it was not enough to earn his club all three points as referee Rob Styles handed Chelsea a controversial second-half penalty in Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Liverpool's record 26.5 million-pound Spanish striker had made a dream start to his home career but Styles harshly judged that Steve Finnan had pushed over Florent Malouda as he attempted to meet Shaun Wright-Phillips' 61st minute cross.

Frank Lampard needed no second invitation to convincingly equalise from the spot.

To add to Styles' unpopularity, in the eyes of Liverpool fans, he also appeared to book Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien for a second time midway through the second half without brandishing the red card that should have automatically followed.

Under the watchful eye of England manager Steve McClaren, Steven Gerrard made light of the fractured toe that will almost certainly exclude him from playing for his country against Germany in midweek by setting up Torres' debut goal in the 16th minute.

The Liverpool captain gathered Xabi Alonso's tidy header and sent Torres chasing away down the right with a superb pass.

It still appeared that Chelsea defender Tal Ben-Haim would deal with the danger but the Spaniard showed an electrifying example of his pace and power to surge away from his marker and beat Peter Cech with a perfect right-foot finish.

The game had already been nicely set up by Manchester United's early afternoon defeat at Manchester City, a result greeted pre-match with great enthusiasm by both sets of supporters.

The early goal merely served to add to the intensity of a fixture that has become one of the set-piece occasions in the English football calendar.

After going a goal behind, Chelsea's midfield began to exert a degree of control.

Alonso's foul on Malouda gave Liverpool an anxious moment at the midway point of the first half but Didier Drogba's free-kick was deflected harmlessly behind.

Salomon Kalou appeared to have a superb shooting opportunity but took one touch too many and was halted by Gerrard's superb sliding tackle and Wright-Phillips sped past Alvaro Arbeloa a little too easily for comfort before his cross was headed over by Drogba.

For the third time in as many games this season, Chelsea found themselves a goal down but their spirited fightback raised the temperature of the contest yet further.

Styles did little to endear himself to the Anfield faithful as he yellow-carded Kuyt, Jermaine Pennant and Gerrard in quick succession, the Liverpool trio joining Essien and, later, Ashley Cole, Lampard and John Terry in the book.

Chelsea's improved play continued after the restart, Lampard's early corner being flicked on by substitute Claudio Pizarro for John Obi Mikel whose far post header flew over the bar before another dangerous right-wing run by Wright-Phillips ended with a centre which Pizarro, reaching at full stretch, could only head wide.

At the other end, Liverpool were slowly stringing together some more promising moves with Pennant reaching the by-line just before the hour and picking out Alonso on the edge of the area only for the Spaniard to send his strike disappointingly off target.

However, the penalty altered the complexion of the game with Chelsea, possibly, content to settle for a valuable away point.

They might not have emerged with that had Riise's spectacular volley, from Pennant's 67th minute pull-back, found its mark.

The last chances of an entertaining game fell to Kuyt, who rose to meet Finnan's right-wing cross but steered his effort inches over the crossbar, and substitute Ryan Babel who unleashed a ferocious long-range drive into the side-netting.

Miller's double seals comeback win for Celtic

A double from substitute Kenny Miller fired Celtic to a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Aberdeen in their Scottish Premier League clash on Sunday.

Miller's goals came in the last six minutes of an enthralling match which had seen Aberdeen take the lead in the 24th minute through Craig Brewster only for Massimo Donati to level on the hour.

Aberdeen went ahead after Aiden McGeady lost possession and Barry Nicholson's low cross was put away by Brewster, who had just got the nod ahead of Steve Lovell for the starting place.

Celtic - who are two points behind bitter rivals Rangers after three matches - slowly fought their was back into the match mainly through the promptings of Japanese playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura.

Indeed it was Nakamura who hit the crossbar with a trademark free-kick before Italian winger Donati equalised on the hour mark after fine work by McGeady.

Donati set Miller up for the second of Celtic's goals, the substitute shooting home from within the penalty area.

Miller then trumped that by sealing Celtic's three points with a fine 20-yard effort in injury-time which leaves the Dons still looking for their first win of the campaign.

Sven deepens problems for Fergie as he is undone by Geovanni

Sir Alex Ferguson's early season problems deepened after Geovanni's first half goal settled the Manchester derby in favour of Sven Goran Eriksson and left Ferguson's United without a win in their opening three league games.

The victory sent City to the head of the Premiership table with a maximum nine points from their opening three games as Eriksson's dream start at Eastlands continued.

Defeat at the hands of the former England coach will have been frustrating enough for Ferguson who enjoyed a fractious relationship with him during Eriksson's time in charge of the national team.

But more importantly, the United manager was left to contemplate a title defence that has brought just two points and one goal from three frustrating outings.

And with Wayne Rooney out for two months after breaking a foot in last week's opener, United's latest misfiring display will understandably give cause for concern.

United may have dominated possession but a combination of Geovanni's deadly finishing and Micah Richards outstanding defensive work meant this was a day for the blue half of Manchester.

With Rooney, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer missing injured and Cristiano Ronaldo starting a three-match, Ferguson had little option but to ask Carlos Tevez to operate as a lone striker.

But with Nani, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all quick to offer support to the Argentine, there initially seemed little doubt United would have more than enough firepower to overcome a stuttering City.

Twice in the opening half Tevez and Scholes exchanged quick passes to unpick the City defence and create an opening for Nani but on both occasions the winger was denied by City keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

The 20-year-old - a 17 million pounds capture from Sporting Lisbon this summer - was eventually withdrawn after 60 minutes after a display that confirmed it could be some time before he emulates the feats of compatriot Ronaldo.

With Owen Hargreaves bolstering the United midfield with an impressive Premiership debut performance, Ferguson's side completely dominated the opening period.

Were it not for a succession of outstanding blocks, tackles and clearances by Richards, United would have been well on their way to a first win of the season long before City finally sprang into life.

It took Eriksson's men fully 30 minutes to manage an effort on goal - a wayward, long range effort from Michael Johnson.

But it took just another 60 seconds to register a second attempt - this time from Geovanni - that fired the home side into an unlikely lead.

In a rare moment of fluent attacking play, Didi Hamann linked with Elano who picked out his fellow Brazilian Geovanni in space 30 yards out.

And having been given time to set his sights by a flat-footed United back-four, the former Barcelona man drilled an inch-perfect strike beyond Edwin van der Sar.

The goal prompted a predictable response from United who, after a brief spell of control by City, laid siege to the home side's goal for the whole of the second period without properly testing Schmeichel.

Nemanja Vidic sent a bullet header crashing against the bar three minutes after the interval and Tevez somehow flashed the ball wide from Ryan Giggs' low cross.

And it was Tevez who wasted United's last clear-cut chance when he headed wide from just three yards deep into added time.

2007-08-15T19:52:00.000+03:00

Alves agent confident of Chelsea deal

Daniel Alves's agent said Wednesday he was "80 to 90 percent confident" that Sevilla will strike a deal to sell the Brazil right-back to Chelsea.

The English Premier League title-chasers have denied reports they have reached an agreement with the Spanish side to buy the defender.

The London club have, however, confirmed they are interested in signing the 24-year-old from the UEFA Cup holders.

Alves was left out of Sevilla's squad for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier first leg at home to AEK Athens, fuelling speculation that a move to west London was imminent.

"I am confident in the Chelsea directors. I understand Chelsea is not easy to be driven but let's say at least we are 80 to 90 percent confident that we can close the agreement," Geronimo Suarez told BBC radio.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have also been linked with the Brazil international but Suarez has reiterated Alves' declaration that he wants to head to Stamford Bridge.

"He is determined to go there," Suarez said.

"He has spoken in these terms a lot of times, he has said to the press here in Seville that he is 100 percent determined to go Chelsea.

"He asked for the Seville club to close the agreement with Chelsea as soon as possible. These are his own words."

Suarez said he thought Tuesday was "the perfect day to close the agreement."

However, he added: "It didn't arrive so it may be two or three days or a maximum of one week before both clubs must find a solution.

"We cannot continue in this way for a long time because the player is suffering a lot here.

"Now we are in a complicated moment between the clubs because both are determined to close a deal but it is not easy to finalise in this case. We will need more time, more patience and more confidence in the clubs.

"We are far enough (apart) to not be close and allow the deal, but close enough to be confident that finally the clubs will be able to reach an agreement for the player."

Reports in Spain had suggested Alves was on the brink of completing a move and that the clubs had reached an agreement over a 36-million-euro (48.5-million-dollar) switch to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea said in a statement: "Contrary to reports from Spain, Chelsea Football Club has not reached an agreement for the transfer of Daniel Alves from Sevilla.

"Chelsea FC has confirmed its interest in the player to the club but as yet there is no agreement."

The Spanish press said the signing would pave the way for Dutch winger Arjen Robben's proposed move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, for around 30 million euros.

No point looking back for Man Utd's Vidic

Nemanja Vidic insisted Manchester United cannot afford to dwell on dropped points as they battle to retain their English Premier League title.

The rugged Serbia defender said there was no point getting frustrated this early in the season.

"We cannot afford to think about it too much. It is a long season, so all we can do is assess where we made the mistakes and try to improve."

Vidic admitted the two-month loss of England striker Wayne Rooney to a hairline fracture of the left foot is a hammer blow, although the former Spartak Moscow and Red Star centre-half is convinced United have the players to cope with his absence.

"Wayne is a big loss because he has been in such good form during pre-season," he said.

"Hopefully, he will be back quickly but we have a big squad, with lots of competition for places and there are plenty of others who have the ability to score."

Chelsea's Sidwell not going to go wild on return to Reading

Chelsea's new signing Steve Sidwell makes an early return to his old club Reading with the manager he left behind, Steve Coppell not convinced he will be missed.

The 24-year-old was able to make a dream summer move to Chelsea on a free transfer when his contract ended even though his market value was nearer 5 million pounds.

Former England under-21 international midfielder Sidwell came on as a substitute in Chelsea's opening-day win over Birmingham, but may start the match on familiar territory at the Madejski Stadium.

Coppell and other Reading officials did all they could to persuade Sidwell not to depart, even offering him 25,000 pounds a week, the biggest wages in the club's history.

But Sidwell chose to move on, citing the chance to play in European competition as a major reason. That and wages closer to 35,000 pounds a week.

Coppell has spent a mere 3.1 million pounds on Kalifa Cisse from Boavista and Emerse Fae, either of whom could be long term replacements for Sidwell.

At Manchester United on Sunday, where Reading got a surprise draw, Icelandic international Bynjar Gunnarsson filled the huge gap left by Sidwell.

Not that Coppell believes Sidwell's loss is as catastrophic as some Reading fans feared it might be.

"Of course I wish he was still with us but there will somebody else to fill his boots," said Coppell.

"I am not sure who that will be over the course of a season.

"But having said, I don't think his performances last season were outstanding to the point were saying he was the jewel in the Reading crown.

"At the moment I do not know how much of a loss he is going to be. We will find out as the season progresses.

"Steve Sidwell had our mentality but I do not think any one player makes a team."

Coppell's Reading, who came within one goal of a place in the UEFA Cup last season, are in no mood to become one-season wonders.

The draw at Old Trafford was achieved by a typically gritty performance, packing the defence and giving United's stars little room to manoeuvre.

American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann made several important saves but Coppell praised the team display.

"I am not going to apologise for defending in such numbers. When you play a team of Manchester United's quality, with so many great players, you have to devise a plan to stop them playing the way they want to play.

"It will be the same with Chelsea. They have so many outstanding players, so many wonderful individual talents that if you try to play football their way you will be hammered."

James Harper, who lined up alongside Sidwell in Reading's midfield last season, is looking forward to clashing with his friend and ex-teammate.

"I expect he will kick me just to let me know he is there and no longer on my side, but I am not worried about that," said Harper.

"We showed at Manchester United, we can match the big clubs and we feel we can do the same to Chelsea."

2007-08-15T19:34:00.001+03:00

Cassano loaned out to Sampdoria by Real

Real Madrid's troubled Italian international striker Antonio Cassano was sent on loan to Serie A outfit Sampdoria on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old has not enjoyed a successful time at Real and had several run-ins with the authorities at the club since moving from AS Roma in January 2006 for five million euros (6.9 million US dollars).

He was briefly suspended in October 2006 following a bust-up with then Real coach Fabio Capello and has had trouble keeping his weight down.

"Real Madrid can announce they have agreed that Antonio Cassano will play the coming season at Sampdoria on loan," read a statement from the Spanish champions.

"At the end of the season, the Italian club has the right to buy him if they should so wish."

Cassano was overlooked by Marcello Lippi for Italy's World Cup squad last year, but earned a recall under his successor Roberto Donadoni.

Cassano scored on his Italy debut against Poland in November 2003 and played for the Azzurri at the 2004 European championships in Portugal where they went out in the first round group stage.

Rosicky reveals emotion at Sparta Prague return

Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky said Wednesday's Champions League clash away to his formative club Sparta Prague will be an emotional homecoming.

The Czech Republic midfielder is set to play against what he still calls his club for the first time ever in the crucial third qualifying round first leg match in his home city.

The 26-year-old played for Sparta from a young age until he signed for Germany's Borussia Dortmund in 2001.

"It will be the first time I have played against them," he told Arsenal TV Online.

"I grew up there. This is my club. I was there from seven or eight until my 20s and Sparta Prague prepared me for all the steps throughout my career.

"My brother played for Sparta Prague and my father played for Sparta Prague so it is a bit emotional.

"It will be strange for me because I have feelings for the club."

Five Gunners players left behind for the Prague trip were those not fit enough to feature in Arsenal's opening English Premier League match, a 2-1 home win over Fulham.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is therefore expected to name an unchanged side.

Striker Eduardo da Silva has not recovered from an ankle injury, nor have midfielders Abou Diaby and Denilson.

Veteran midfielder Gilberto will not be included after being given an extended break following Brazil's Copa America triumph.

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, still a few days short of match fitness, has also been left behind.

Benitez refuses to set Torres goal target

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez tried to dampen down the expectation surrounding striker Fernando Torres on Tuesday by refusing to set his 26-million-pound Spanish international a goal target.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Champions League third qualifying round first leg clash at Toulouse, Benitez praised his star buy but also tried to ease the pressure on the former Atletico Madrid man.

"He did the talking for himself the other day (Saturday) on the pitch, playing well, working hard," said Benitez. "You could see the things we were looking for: pace, quality, work-rate and good team spirit.

"After the game he said he was happy, comfortable and expecting something more difficult but he was happy with his role.

"But it's not just about one game, we need to see him after two or three to see if he can manage properly with a lot of defenders, in games at home also, with our supporters, the other teams playing deep and compact. But we'll see, for now he's happy."

Pressed on what target he was setting the 23-year-old, Benitez would not be drawn on committing to a figure.

"I can't say I wish for a number of goals from him. I feel it's important for me and for him if the team can win and you can see goals from all around the pitch, not only wingers, strikers or midfielders.

"I was really pleased with (Dirk) Kuyt last season; he didn't score 20 goals but was a fantastic player for us and hopefully it will be the same with Torres."

Benitez is likely to field the pair together after they hit it off in the 2-1 Premiership victory at Aston Villa at the weekend, although given Benitez's penchant for tinkering, it would be no surprise to see either Peter Crouch or Andriy Voronin in the starting line-up.

England striker Crouch and Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun are back in contention having been left out of the squad against Villa.

The club's website reported that changes were likely from the team that won at Villa Park, with Crouch and Benayoun likely to feature.

"We know it is going to be a difficult game because the French league is of a good standard," Benitez said.

"Toulouse are a good team with good players and we will need to be careful."

One player in particular that Benitez is wary of is Johan Elmander, who scored a last minute winner as Toulouse beat champions Lyon 1-0 on Saturday.

"We have a lot of respect because they have a lot of good players," said the Spaniard. "We were watching Elmander as one of the options for us in the past and I know we can talk about several players."

2007-08-14T00:39:00.000+03:00

Man Utd's Rooney out for two months with broken foot

Wayne Rooney will be out for two months with a hairline fracture in his left foot, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson said Monday.

The striker will therefore miss Sunday's derby against Manchester City at Eastlands, England's friendly with Germany on August 22 at Wembley, and the 2008 European Championships qualifiers there against Israel on September 8 and Russia on September 12.

He is also likely to miss the qualifiers away to Estonia on October 13 and Russia on October 17.

"It's a hairline fracture of the foot. Hopefully he will be back in two months," Ferguson said.

"It's a bad blow for him and it's a bad blow for Steve McClaren," the Scot said of the England boss, his former assistant at United.

"I'm disappointed for Steve but England should cope without him."

Rooney sustained the fracture during Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Reading, the opening game of United's title defence. He left Old Trafford with his left foot in plaster.

Ferguson has ruled out bringing in a new forward to fill in while Rooney recovers.

Ferguson is expected to hand Argentina forward Carlos Tevez his debut for the English Premier League champions in United's match at Portsmouth on Wednesday.

But the veteran boss is short on fit strikers, with both France forward Louis Saha and Norway attacker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only just returned to training after long-term problems -- and Tevez lacking match fitness.

"Carlos Tevez is available now and Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are training," Ferguson said after the Reading game.

"I was considering using Carlos at Portsmouth anyway but, obviously, he will come into our thoughts even more now.

"With Wayne as well, we have four strikers so I am not looking at a situation where I have to add to that number."

The transfer window closes at the end of the month.

United sold strikers Alan Smith to Newcastle United and Giuseppe Rossi to Villarreal in the pre-season.

They even finished the Reading match with Portugal winger Ronaldo and Republic of Ireland defender-cum-midfielder John O'Shea up front.

Rooney, 21, is no stranger to foot injuries.

He almost missed last year's World Cup with a broken metatarsal in his right foot and his involvement in Euro 2004 was ended after a metatarsal injury to his left foot.

Van der Vaart pleads with Hamburg for Valencia move

Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart pleaded with his German club Hamburg on Monday to let him leave for a 'dream' move to Valencia.

Hamburg denied earlier in the day that they have received an offer for their captain but van der Vaart has now said that his mind is set on a move to the Spaniards.

"I am determined to leave and Valencia would be a dream for me," the 24-year-old said in an interview due to be published in the Tuesday edition of Hamburger Abendblatt.

"If I have to stay at Hamburg, that would be very painful for me," he added.

Hamburg later admitted to have received an offer for the former Ajax star but said they are determined to keep hold of the player they signed in 2005.

"In this particular case money is of no importance," said sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer.

Van der Vaart, who has a Spanish mother, had previously claimed that he could not refuse an offer from Real Madrid, also reportedly chasing him, but no firm bid has been forthcoming from them and the Spanish champions recently splashed out 27 million euros on another Dutch central midfielder, Ajax's Wesley Sneijder.

According to Hamburger Morgenpost on Monday, Valencia are prepared to pay 14 million euros for van der Vaart.

Van der Vaart is under contract with Hamburg until 2010, but has refused to start negotiations with club bosses about an extension.

He has scored six goals in 40 appearances for the Netherlands despite frequent injuries, has scored 17 goals in 46 Bundesliga appearances for Hamburg, who finished third in 2005-06 and were seventh last season.

Dutch duo set for Real Madrid unveiling

Dutch midfielders Royston Drenthe and Wesley Sneijder will be unveiled by Spanish champions Real Madrid later Monday.

Real said in a statement on their webiste that the pair will be presented before the Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium at 1630GMT.

Drenthe, 20, successfully passed his medical last week and 23-year-old Sneijder underwent his on Monday morning.

Sneijder's transfer from Ajax was concluded overnight Monday, after agreement was reached on a five-year deal worth 27 million euros (36.8 million dollars). Drenthe signed a five-year deal worth 14 million euros.

Sneijder's transfer is one of the Spanish league's biggest this season along with Brazilian defender Pepe, for whom Real Madrid paid 30 million euros.

"I'm very happy. It's a dream come true for me to play at Real Madrid," Sneijder told the daily As. "I know I still have a lot to learn and I hope to achieve that alongside Real's great players."

Both Drenthe and Sneijder are set to make their debut against Sevilla Sunday for the return leg of the Spanish SuperCup. Real lost the first leg 1-0.

2007-08-14T00:31:00.000+03:00

Lyon's Cris ruled out for six months

Lyon captain Cris has been ruled out of action for six months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the French champions confirmed.

The Brazilian central defender had an MRI scan on Monday and is expected to undergo surgery in the comings days.

Cris, who was named team skipper this summer, picked up the injury on Saturday as the six-in-a-row champions fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at Toulouse.

His absence follows that of goalkeeper Gregory Coupet who has been ruled out for four months with a left knee injury.

"It's a terrible blow," Lyon sporting advisor Bernard Lacombe told AFP. "Now we have to see what we can do, noteably the possibilites we have to recruit."

Bolton hamstrung by Davies injury

Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies could be on the sidelines for up to six weeks after suffering a torn hamstring, boss Sammy Lee said Monday.

He sustained the injury during the 3-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United on Saturday's opening day of the English Premier League.

"Davo has suffered a slight tear in a hamstring and will be out for up to six weeks," Lee said according to the club's website.

"It's a massive blow as he's such an influential player in our team but it will give an opportunity for somebody else to stake their claim."

And the UEFA Cup side's forward Ricardo Vaz Te was to have a scan later Monday on the foot injury that forced Lee to replace him at half-time during the defeat to the Magpies.

Meanwhile Sweden winger Christian Wilhelmsson could make his Trotters debut in Wednesday's match at Fulham after receiving his international clearance.

He is on a season-long loan at the Reebok from French club Nantes.

Essien injury fears give Mourinho reasons to be fearful

Just when Jose Mourinho thought his injury worries were starting to fade, Michael Essien has joined the ranks of Chelsea's walking wounded.

Essien suffered a knee ligament injury in Sunday's record-breaking win over Birmingham and the Ghana midfielder is a doubt for Wednesday's trip to Reading.

After a pre-season scarred by injuries to a host of key players including captain John Terry, Mourinho must have thought things were looking up as Didier Drogba made a quicker than expected return to fitness against Steve Bruce's side.

Instead he could be facing a spell without his most versatile player.

Essien's value was underlined against Birmingham. He capped a dynamic display with the winner that ensured Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in league matches at Stamford Bridge to 64, beating Liverpool's previous top-flight record.

"It was something in the knee ligament," Mourinho said. "He (Essien) was limping and the doctor was saying he was in pain.

"I had two midfielders on the bench so I made the change immediately. If you ask me if he is ready for Wednesday I don't know.

"Claude Makelele will train with me on Monday, so will Paulo Ferreira. But Andriy Shevchenko, Terry, Wayne Bridge and Michael Ballack will be out."

Mourinho knows he cannot afford to take Reading lightly on Wednesday. Steve Coppell's side earned a gritty draw at Manchester United on Sunday and will fancy their chances of upsetting Chelsea.

As a result, Mourinho will resist the temptation to make significant changes to his team ahead of next Sunday's clash at Liverpool.

"These are different games, so maybe different choices but basically this is a moment when the players need to play," he said.

"I'm not going to make rotation like I would do if we were in February or March with Champions League matches around the corner.

"Reading played on Sunday like we did and it is the same for Liverpool next weekend. We play against Reading on Wednesday and they play Toulouse the same day."

Chelsea had to work hard for their record in a dramatic match. They fell behind to Mikael Forssell's early header, but Claudio Pizarro equalised two minutes later when goalkeeper Colin Doyle let his shot trickle in.

Florent Malouda finished a fine move to put Chelsea ahead before Olivier Kapo unleashed a stunning equaliser for the visitors.

Essien won it in the 50th minute when his curling drive was weakly palmed into the net by Doyle.

Mourinho is already setting his sights on reaching a personal milestone when Portsmouth visit on August 25.

If Chelsea avoid defeat in that match he will have got to a century of unbeaten home league matches during his time at the London club and Porto.

"I'm on 99 with my personal record and I hope my friend Harry Redknapp (the Portsmouth manager) does not kill my record of 100 in the next game at home because I would love to get there."

Birmingham boss Bruce took plenty of positives from the way his newly-promoted team went toe to toe with Chelsea.

"If we keep producing performances like that we will make a fist of it that's sure," Bruce said. "We know it will be difficult but if we keep showing that attitude we've got an outstanding chance."

One source of optimism for Bruce was the performance of France midfielder Kapo.

Bruce said: "I thought he was arguably the best player on the pitch. I saw him playing for Auxerre against Arsenal four years ago and he was fantastic.

"He got a big money move to Juventus but it didn't quite work for him.

"He is a natural footballer and put in a good shift for us. He will enhance the Premiership and we are delighted we've got him."

Pearson earns Scotland recall

Former Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson was rewarded Monday for helping Derby return to the English top flight with a call-up to the Scotland squad.

Pearson, who has six caps, was named by manager Alex McLeish in his 22-man squad for the friendly against visitors South Africa at Pittodrie in Aberdeen on August 22.

"It's a chance for us to look at another midfield while at the same time bearing in mind that victory is still very important for us," said McLeish.

"We want to win this game but I have rested some of the senior players and I have got them on a stand-by list should we have any problems."

The 24-year-old Pearson's former Motherwell team-mate James McFadden is also included despite missing Everton's first match of the season through injury.

But there is no place for Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam or Kilmarnock forward Steven Naismith following their Scotland debuts in June.

Naismith has been named in the Under-21 squad for their clash with the Czech Republic the night before the South Africa game.

However, McLeish urged the young pair to show patience.

"If they are disappointed to be left out, they shouldn't be. They just have to keep the form they have shown," he said.

"It's important we don't rush the young players."

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Ipswich/ENG), Craig Gordon (Sunderland/ENG), David Marshall (Norwich/ENG), Allan McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders: Graham Alexander (Preston/ENG), Russell Anderson (Sunderland/ENG), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Rangers), Jay McEveley (Derby/ENG), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Steven Pressley (Celtic)

Midfielders: Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher (Manchester Utd/ENG), Stephen Pearson (Derby/ENG), Barry Robson (Dundee Utd), Gary Teale (Derby/ENG)

Forwards: Craig Beattie (West Bromwich/ENG), Kris Boyd (Rangers), James McFadden (Everton/ENG), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa/ENG), Kenny Miller (Celtic), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham/ENG)

2007-08-05T03:43:00.000+03:00

Beckham says he likely won't play in Toronto

Former England captain David Beckham all but ruled himself out of making his Major League Soccer debut in Toronto on Sunday.

Beckham, who traveled with his Galaxy teammates to Toronto on Friday, spoke to the media on Saturday and indicated he did not expect to play.

"Unless there's a drastic change I won't be playing tomorrow," said the England midfielder, who is still recovering from a nagging ankle injury that his limited his playing time to a 78th minute substitute's appearance in a friendly against Chelsea two weeks ago.

"Today was the first time that I ran. Running straight forward is not a problem, but turning corners is still a problem, and I don't think I'll be involved in the game."

Beckham even threw into doubt his participation in the Galaxy's next game, on Thursday against DC United in Washington.

"It would be nice to play some part of the game in Washington but I'll just have to keep my fingers' crossed," he said. "A week to 10 days is what I'm looking at."

With only 12 minutes played at the end of the Chelsea friendly, Beckham has kept fans guessing as to what sort of impact he can have as he begins a five year contract with the Galax

Eriksson targets Aussie star Bresciano

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could make Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano his ninth signing of the summer on Sunday.

Former England manager Eriksson refused to state whether the Palermo player was the man he was after, but the Swede appeared to give the game away when he was asked whether he was trying to sign an Italian.

"Maybe not an Italian, but possibly someone who has played in the Italian league," he said.

Bresciano's arrival would certainly bring some bite to the City midfield, a commodity which appeared to be lacking in Saturday's 1-0 home friendly defeat to Valencia.

In a contest of few chances, David Silva's 10th-minute effort proved decisive, with both Michael Johnson and Ronaldo Bianchi hitting the bar as Eriksson's team strove for an equaliser.

Hammers fume as Dyer deal 'off'

West Ham were left fuming on Saturday after claiming Newcastle pulled the plug of on six-million-pound deal which would have taken England midfielder Kieron Dyer to Upton Park.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley insisted the deal was now "definitely off".

"We made an offer, had it accepted, agreed personal terms and the player passed a medical but it was pulled at the 11th hour by Newcastle and there's not much we can do about that," said Curbishley.

"It has never happened to me before. We are disappointed and the player is very disappointed but it's definitely off."

It remains unclear whether Newcastle had asked West Ham for more money after the London club had been promised two million pounds in the settlement over Carlos Tevez or whether a higher offer had then come in for Dyer.

Curbishley, who saw his side come back from behind to defeat Roma 2-1 at Upton Park in the final pre-season friendly, also insisted the Hammers had made efforts to keep Tevez who has moved to champions Manchester United.

"I'm disappointed he didn't want to come back to us. We tried but he decided his future is elsewhere. So all I can say is thanks for what he did.

"I don't believe he was the only player here last year but obviously had a big say in things. He knew we were keen for him to stay, but once Manchester United came in he decided his future was elsewhere."

Substitute Dean Ashton netted a 68-minute winner against the Serie A side who fielded Francesco Totti among other well-known names, after George McCartney's header had cancelled out Ludovic Giuly's first-half opener.

Ashton had been sidelined for a year after suffering an injury during an England training session but looked fighting fit by brushing past defender Max Tonetto and beating the goalkeeper with ease.

Blades secure Beattie and Carney transfer double

English Championship side Sheffield United on Saturday secured the signing of Everton striker James Beattie in a four-million-pound (5.9 million euro) deal.

Beattie's move to the Blades also coincides with the transfer of Sydney FC's Australian international David Carney to Bryan Robson's side for 50,000 pounds (74,200 euros).

Blades' boss Robson was happy to capture the 29-year-old Beattie as they begin their campaign to reclaim their English Premiership place.

He said: "We've got a strike force now that ranks as the best in the Championship. It's a signal of our intention to return to the top flight."

Beattie told the BBC that he was hoping to only spend one season in the Championship.

"I've been very impressed with the manager and the chairman. It's an ambitious club and I'm confident I can help them make a swift return to the top flight.

"Twelve months ago I was starting a new season as Everton's leading goalscorer, but last season was a nightmare."

Beattie suffered a frustrating time at Goodison Park and was muscled out of the side by Andy Johnson last season.

After having scored just 13 goals in his 76 appearances for Everton, Beattie fell out of favour with boss David Moyes.

Carney, a 23-year-year-old midfielder, impressed Robson with his performances in the recent Asia Cup and is believed to have signed a three-year contract.

"This is a great move for me. I reckon I need a couple of weeks training before I'm fully fit but I can't wait to get going. Hopefully I can help the Blades bounce straight back to the Premiership.

"A lot of people wanted me to stay in Australia but if I want to better my career this is the place to be," he said.

2007-08-05T03:30:00.000+03:00

Real offer 40 million euros for Ballack and Robben - reports

Real Madrid have offered Chelsea around 40 million euros for German midfielder Michael Ballack and Dutch winger Arjen Robben, Spanish media reported on Saturday.

The transfer could be settled in the "coming days," sporting dailies AS and Marca and Cadena Ser radio said.

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has been on the record as saying that the Spanish giants needed the likes of Robben and Ballack.

German captain Ballack has not played since he was injured playing for Chelsea in their Premiership match against Newcastle in April and had an operation to remove a loose bone from his ankle shortly after.

The 30-year-old missed his club's Champions League semi-final with Liverpool, the FA Cup final win over Manchester United and this month's Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Czech striker Koller unsettled at Monaco

Czech international striker Jan Koller is considering quitting French first division club AS Monaco after being sidelined from the first team, the Czech daily Sport reported on Saturday.

"I am very disappointed. I have thought about leaving," the giant striker told the paper.

"If the situation stays the same long term then I will have to look around for something different. But I will give it a try," he said of his substitute status.

Koller said Monaco apparently only want to play with one attacker up front with French striker Frederic Piquionne apparently preferred.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner has checked up on the situation of his first choice striker, the paper reported. The Czech team faces a key European Championship 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in September.

Tevez eyes long stay at Man United, says agent

Carlos Tevez hopes he will be a Manchester United player for "a long time to come", according to his representative Kia Joorabchian.

Although the final paperwork on Tevez's United contract has yet to be completed, the Argentina star has already passed his medical and trained with his new team-mates after West Ham agreed a two-million-pound settlement for the 23-year-old to leave the club.

Joorabchian told Sky Sports News: "We tried in the last couple of months to do it very quietly and quickly and I'm very happy, we're all very delighted it has come out to be a victory for everybody in this case.

"He made it clear he was very happy last year but he knew the ambition had come now to progress and he's absolutely thrilled to move on. He's very happy that he left West Ham on a good note.

"And he's absolutely thrilled now to join Manchester United and hope that will be his club for a long time to come."

Tevez could play his first Manchester United match in the humble surroundings of either Dunfermline in Scotland or Glentoran in Northern Ireland for pre-arranged friendlies with a split squad.

Tevez's debut will mark the start of a two-year loan period, which gives United the option to complete a permanent transfer at the end.

2007-08-03T14:01:00.000+03:00

Seville's Alves open to Chelsea challenge

Seville's left-sided Brazilian midfielder Daniel Alves is ready to try his luck in the English Premiership with Chelsea, media reports quoted the 24-year-old as saying Thursday.

Were the transfer to materalise it could pesuade the Blues to offload their Dutch international winger Arjen Robben to Real Madrid and cash in on a player who has two years left on his contract.

"You have to take the chances that come your way. A footballer's life is short," said Alves, who has spent five seasons with Seville since moving from Brazilian side Bahia, winning two UEFA Cups along the way.

Alves said that after Seville's achievement in landing back to back European triumphs and also coming third in La Liga he was now in the shop window and would relish "an offer, if it came."

Recruiting a player of Alves' quality could mean Chelsea would allow Robben to head for the Bernabeu although the Premiership giants want a reported 35 million euros (48 million US dollars) for the 23-year-old wide man, El Mundo reported.

Robben has been in long drawn-out negotiations with Chelsea over a contract extension until 2012 but has not always been in favour with the club's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

Newcastle close to double swoop for Smith and Cacapa

Newcastle are close to signing Manchester United forward Alan Smith and Lyon defender Cacapa.

The St James' Park club have agreed a fee of around six million pounds for Smith and are now in talks with the England international, while Cacapa is also discussing personal terms.

Cacapa, 31, is available on a free transfer, while Smith, 26, has also reportedly spoken with Newcastle's local rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough. But Sam Allardyce believes both players are likely to end up at St James' Park.

"Cacapa is top player and we will be delighted if we can pull this off as we regard him as a big capture," he told Newcastle's website.

"Our fans should not be put off by the fact they may not have heard of Cacapa because he has certainly been heard of in England and France.

"I'm hoping the Alan Smith deal will go through on Thursday. He has other clubs to consider but I'm hoping we are top of his list."

Getafe sign Signorino for four years

Spanish first division side Getafe have signed French left back Franck Signorino from Nantes on a four-year contract, the club said Thursday.

The 25-year-old had two years left on his contract but was allowed to seek a change after Nantes were relegated to the French second division at the end of last season.

A host of clubs, including Newcastle United and Deportivo La Coruna, had repertedly shown an intered in Signorino, who joined Nantes two years ago from FC Metz.

Getafe, who finished ninth in the La Liga last year, opens the 2007-08 season on August 26 against Sevilla.

2007-08-03T13:54:00.000+03:00

Baptista wants to stay at Real Madrid

Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Julio Baptista, who has sparked interest from AC Milan after spending last season on loan at Arsenal, said Thursday he wants to stay at the reigning Spanish champions.

"I am strongly determined to stay here to help the team win titles," he said in comments published on the club's Web site.

"It is nice to have received offers from big clubs like Milan, but I am currently at Real Madrid, who are also a great club, and I want to win titles with them," he added.

The 25-year-old player, who scored in Brazil's Copa America final win over Argentina this month, said he became determined to stay at Real after talking to the club's new German coach Bernd Schuster about his future.

"We both said what's on our minds and all I want to do now is work. He told me he counts on me," he said.

Baptista joined Real from Sevilla in July 2005 in a five year-year deal reportedly worth 20 million euros (27 million US dollars) but has struggled to find his place in the team's attacking line-up.

Tevez saga set for Friday finish

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez should be free to finalise his move to Manchester United on Friday after West Ham agreed to release him from his contract, it was reported here on Thursday.

An agreement with the player's representatives, which still needs to be ratified by the Premier League and Football Association, will see the Hammers paid between one million and three million pounds in compensation, the Press Association reported.

The deal will also mean the settlement of the 30-million-pound lawsuit brought against West Ham by Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian.

Manchester United have already indicated a desire to take the 23-year-old Tevez on the same sort of loan package that saw Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano move to Liverpool last season.

That deal took some weeks before it was signed off by the Premier League but with that transfer having already been picked over by the lawyers, a similar deal for Tevez should go through much quicker.

The agreement with West Ham brings an end to a long-running and painful saga for the club that began when former chairman Terry Brown signed Tevez and Mascherano under banned third-party agreements last summer.

The club were fined 5.5 million pounds as a result by a disciplinary commission in April and that led to an unsuccessful legal challenge by relegated Sheffield United, who claimed they should have been docked points.

Earlier Thursday, Tevez said he feared that the protracted transfer saga could damage his chances of making an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

"We need a solution quickly so that I can get on with my career," he told the Sun.

"My hope was I'd be involved in the Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday. That I'm not is very painful.

"I desire a swift solution and demand now that all parties arrive at an agreement because I just want to play. I am not responsible for all this bureaucracy.

"To play for a super club like Manchester United without any pre-season work behind me is going to be a real handicap.

"I am a fighter and am prepared for any challenge. But this is going to be very difficult.

"Mentally I am prepared to play for United at any moment, but physically it may be more difficult the longer it goes on."

Brazil's Juninho signs with Sydney FC

Brazilian midfielder Juninho Paulista was Friday named as Australian A-League side Sydney FC's marquee player for the upcoming season, in a deal reportedly worth one million dollars (859,000 US).

The signing of Juninho, an integral member of Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning team, ends the club's long search for a marquee player after Dwight Yorke returned to England 11 months ago.

"I think it's a new experience for me and a great opportunity for me to go to Australia," Juninho said at a press conference at Sydney Football Stadium.

"I came because the club was interested in Juninho and that made me make my head up to sign with them."

Sydney FC chief executive officer George Perry said that Juninho was the A-League's biggest-ever signing.

"Juninho is a true superstar of the world game, a household name to football fans around the globe," Perry said in a statement. "We're thrilled to welcome him aboard."

Coach Branko Culina said it was a relief to have secured the 34-year-old ahead of the A-League season opener on August 24.

Juninho's signing came after former Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler rejected an offer from the club.

"As a World Cup winner, Juninho brings a wealth of experience at the highest possible level to Sydney FC," Culina said. "It's not often that you get to work with someone of his phenomenal footballing ability.

"Not only is Juninho's signing great news for Sydney FC but also for Australian football in general. It demonstrates how the far the game has come in this country over the past few years," he added.

Under A-League rules, clubs can sign a marquee player whose wages are exempted from the team's salary cap as a means of raising the sport's profile in Australia.

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke filled the role in 2006, helping Sydney FC to the inaugural A-League title before moving back to Britain with Sunderland.

Juninho, who made 50 appearances for Brazil between 1995 and 2003, has also played for Sao Paulo, Middlesbrough, Atletico Madrid, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Celtic and Palmeiras.

2007-08-03T13:45:00.000+03:00

Bojinov joins Man City as Eriksson's spree continues

Sven Goran Eriksson's transfer market spree continued Friday when Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov signed for Manchester City from Fiorentina.

Bojinov signed a four-year deal and becomes Eriksson's fourth signing in 24 hours following Thursday's captures of Javi Garrido, Vedran Corluka and Brazil midfielder Elano. He is Eriksson's eighth signing since taking over as City boss just over a month ago.

The youngest foreign player ever to appear in Serie A, Bojinov's career has stalled over the past two seasons.

After an unhappy spell at Fiorentina, the 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Juventus but failed to make enough of an impression to persuade new manager Claudio Ranieri to offer him a new contract.

His arrival at Eastlands draws a line under City's transfer activity for this week at least and is also set to trigger a mass exodus of players, with Darius Vassell and Georgios Samaras among those likely to leave for pastures new.

In total, Eriksson has spent around 30 million pounds since succeeding Stuart Pearce as manager, with City fans set to get their first glimpse of their new-look side in tomorrow's friendly with Valencia.

And, while club owner Thaksin Shinawatra has bankrolled Eriksson's amazing splurge, the former Thai prime minister is realistic about the improvement he can expect over the next 12 months.

"This season, I feel we should be able to finish in the top 10," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"The second season we should be aiming for the top six and qualifying for Europe. I accept the first year is a learning curve but we should start to be successful by the third. That is what I would expect.

"I am pleased with what Sven has done. He has set about reshaping the side and has handled both the existing players and the new ones very well. He has given everyone their chance.

"Sven has proved to be quite a draw when it comes to signing players. His name and reputation have proved to be valuable.

"There is more money to spend if he feels he needs it but we will not be held to ransom by other clubs."

Bolton sign Norwegian Braaten

Norwegian winger Daniel Braaten has signed a three-year deal with English Premiership club Bolton Wanderers from Rosenborg for an undisclosed fee.

Braaten, 25, has Champions League experience and Bolton boss Sammy Lee believes the Norwegian will bring an extra dimension to the team.

"Daniel is another quality signing. I am delighted he has chosen Bolton ahead of other clubs," Lee said. "He is a powerful winger who can play on both flanks."

Real Madrid wants Van der Vaart

Real Madrid are interested in signing Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart from German side Hamburg, Spanish sports daily AS reported on Friday.

The 24-year-old, who signed with Hamburg from Dutch giants Ajax in 2005, is the prototype offensive and creative player which Real Madrid's new German coach Bernd Schuster wants to bring to the club, the paper said.

Van der Vaart, whose mother is Spanish, told German daily Bild in June that he would like to stay on at Hamburg "unless Real calls me".

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has promised several new signings after the reigning Spanish champions were beaten 3-0 by Bundesliga outfit Hanover in a friendly on Tuesday.

Calderon indicated to Spanish sports dailies As and Marca that Real would likely sign Chelsea winger Arjen Robben despite the high cost involved and that AC Milan playmaker Kaka could join the team if he demanded to leave AC Milan.

Chelsea are reportedly asking for 35 million euros for Robben while AC Milan have refused to consider letting Kaka go despite Real reportedly being willing to pay 90 million euros for the Brazilian who is under contract with the Italian side until June 2011.

Real Madrid are also reportedly chasing Marseille's French international Samir Nasri, Feyenoord defender Royston Drenthe and FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma.

The club have already signed goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, defenders Pepe and Christoph Metzelder and striker Javier Saviola during the pre-season.

2007-07-31T02:22:00.001+03:00

Atletico looking for Reyes sharp attack

Spanish international winger Jose Antonio Reyes became the eighth player to join Atletico Madrid in the close season when he moved from English Premiership side Arsenal for a fee believed to be 12million euros on a four year contract.

The 23-year-old had been on loan at Real Madrid last season but the Spanish champions did not want to meet Arsenal's asking price offering just six million euros.

Reyes played a pivotal role in the final match of the season that saw Real take the title off their bitter rivals Barcelona as he scored two of 'the meringues' three goals in their victory over Real Mallorca.

Reyes joined Arsenal in January 2004 and made 110 appearances for the side, scoring 23 goals, after transferring from Sevilla in January 2004.

He was part of the Arsenal side that completed the 2003-04 Premiership season undefeated, and made his last appearance for the north London club in the Champions League final in Paris against Barcelona as a substitute, in May 2006.

Atletico have spent over 50 million euros (68 million US dollars) on new signings since they finished seventh in the Primera Liga last season.

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan from Spanish side Villarreal, midfielder Luis Garcia from Liverpool and winger Simao Sabrosa from Benfica are among the club's new recruits.

The club is in the second qualifying round for the UEFA Cup.

Real set for record 90m euro bid for Kaka: report

Real Madrid will later this week offer AC Milan 90 million euros (123 million US dollars) for the Italian side's Brazilian star Kaka, Spanish sports daily Marca reported Monday.

If the deal goes through it would be the most expensive transfer in football history.

The offer will be made "probably Wednesday or Thursday" in Milan during a meeting between officials of the two clubs which officially will discuss the possible transfer of Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista, the newspaper said.

"Real Madrid will launch a total offensive this week for Kaka," it said.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has put Kaka, who was inspirational in Milan's Champions League triumph last season, on the top of his wish list.

But the 25-year-old is under contract with AC Milan until June 2011 and he has said he is happy to stay at the Italian side.

"Real Madrid are a fantastic club, but money isn't everything," he told Italian news agency ANSA last week.

"I have also learned from friends who have left Milan how they deeply regretted doing so. I want to make history here," he added at the time.

The biggest transfer in football history so far was that of Zinedine Zidane when he signed for Real Madrid from Italian side Juventus in 2001 for 75 million euros.

Castelen joins Dutch contingent at Hamburg

Bundesliga club SV Hamburg said Monday they had completed the signing of Dutch international winger Romeo Castelen from Feyenoord on a four-year contract.

The 24-year-old will move in a deal worth three million euros and will rejoin his fellow Dutch internationals Rafael van der Vaart, Nigel de Jong and Joris Mathijsen at the club which is coached by Dutchman Huub Stevens.

Surinam-born Castelen was injured for most of last season but has made 10 appearances for his country.

Hamburg, seeking to further boost a squad which was locked in a relegation fight last season, are awaiting an answer from fellow Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin on their offer to sign German Under-19 international Jerome Boateng.

Benfica poised to sign US star Adu

Freddy Adu, the most recognisable name in the Major League Soccer, was on Monday poised to sign a five year deal with Portuguese side Benfica.

The Ghana-born Adu, 18, was twice named an MLS All-Star - in 2004 and 2006 - helped DC United capture the 2004 MLS Cup during his rookie season.

According to press reports here Benfica have already paid out 1.5 million euros to recruit the United states international.

Benfica are also due to sign Argentina duo Angel Di Maria and Andres Diaz.

2007-07-26T23:43:00.000+03:00

Villarreal eye up swoop for Anelka

Spanish side Villarreal on Thursday became the latest club to indicate an interest in signing French international striker Nicolas Anelka from English Premiership outfit Bolton Wanderers according to sports daily Marca.

According to the paper the 2006 Champions League semi-finalists would swoop for the 29-year-old former Arsenal and Real Madrid star should they fail in their bid to sign another former Real and Gunners player Brazilian international Julio Baptista.

Bolton, whose manager Sammy Lee said last week were ready to accept offers from English or European clubs if they received a realistic offer, are prepared to negotiate with Villarreal should the Baptista chase fail.

Were Anelka to join he would line-up alongside two other former Arsenal players, central defender Pascal Cygan, former French international Robert Pires and French international midfielder Rio Mavuba.

Life looks Swede for Bolton

Bolton have agreed to sign Sweden winger Christian Wilhelmsson on loan from Nantes.

The 27-year-old is set to move to the Premiership club on a 12-month loan deal with a view to a permanent switch and will link up with his new team-mates as soon as he is given international clearance.

Wilhelmsson, who spent last season on loan with Italian club AS Roma, could make his Bolton debut in Saturday's friendly at Tranmere.

Wanderers boss Sammy Lee was delighted to get his man after a lengthy chase and said: "We've been working on this deal for some time and our patience has paid off.

"He has the potential to light up the Premiership with his pace and skill."

Eriksson brings Petrov to City

Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson vowed to carry on spending after signing Bulgarian international winger Martin Petrov for 4.7 million pounds from Atletico Madrid.

The 28-year-old passed a medical on Thursday and will become Eriksson's fourth signing since he took charge at Eastlands once he is granted a work permit.

Eriksson is certain Petrov won't be the last new arrival. He has been given substantial transfer funds by City's new Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra as he overhauls a squad that struggled in the Premiership last season.

The Swede has already brought in Rolando Bianchi, Geovanni and Gelson Fernandes and is lining up moves for Bayern Munich's Roque Santa Cruz and Racing Santander's Nikola Zigic.

Eriksson has no problem concentrating on non-English talent and said: "I don't think we are finished signing, there will be more new faces coming in different positions, whether they are English or not I can't say.

"I think that the new owner has shown that he means serious business when he says that he wants to build a strong team, which is not fighting at the bottom of the table but at the other end.

"This is one way in which he has shown that, and I'm very happy about it."

Petrov was also wanted by Tottenham and Eriksson praised City's directors for their efforts to land the star and his new team-mate Geovanni.

"I'm sure that a lot of clubs wanted both of them and I'm very happy that the board were able to get them. They will do very well for us, I'm sure about that."

McShane adds to Keane's Sunderland revamp

Sunderland boss Roy Keane on Thursday completed his sixth signing of the summer when he lured defender Paul McShane from West Brom.

The Midlands club will receive an initial 1.5 million pounds which could could ultimately rise to 2.5 million for the 21-year-old Republic of Ireland defender who joined the Baggies from Manchester United last summer and made 42 appearances, scoring three times.

McShane joins fellow new recuits Greg Halford, Russell Anderson, Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson and Dickson Etuhu at the Stadium of Light.

Simao set for Atletico switch

Portuguese international striker Simao was expected to finalise his move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid later Thursday, the Spanish club announced.

Simao, who has been with the Portuguese giants since 2001, will cost Atletico 20 million euros.

The deal will also see two Atletico players heading in the opposite direction with Spanish sports daily Marca predicting the pair to be Costinha and de Ze Castro.

"I am very happy to be coming to Atletico Madrid," said 27-year-old Simao. "I hope to do great things here."

Simao is no stranger to Spain having played for Barcelona from 1999 to 2001.

2007-07-25T15:56:00.001+03:00

Sanogo signs for Bremen

Ivory Coast international Boubacar Sanogo has waved goodbye to Hamburg's boo boys and signed a four-year contract at Werder Bremen, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old striker endured a torrid year at Hamburg, where he was booed by his own fans, and was courted by both Bremen and Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart before he finally signed for Werder in a deal believed to be worth four million euros.

After agreeing terms on Monday, Sanogo trained with his new club on Tuesday and is expected to play in the friendly against Paderborn the same night.

Sanogo was bought to replace Miroslav Klose, the top-scorer at last year's World Cup, who was sold to Bayern Munich for a reported figure of 12 million euros this summer.

This is Sanogo's third Bundesliga side having spent a year at both Kaiserslautern, where he scored 10 goals in 24 games, and Hamburg, four goals in 31 games, before signing for Bremen.

The move away from Hamburg will be a relief for Sanogo who suffered at the hands of his own fans for most of last season and admitted the jeers damaged his confidence at the time.

Alou Diarra expected in Bordeaux to sign contract

Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra is expected here on Monday to sign a four-year deal with the French first division side, club president Jean-Louis Triaud said on Saturday.

The 26-year-old France international, who played in Lyon's last match of the group stage at the Peace Cup in South Korea, will undergo the customary medical before heading off to the training camp to join his new teammates.

Diarra, whose transfer is estimated at 7.75 millions euros (10.6 million dollars), moved to Lyon in August 2006 from RC Lens.

Earlier in the week Diarra said he decided to leave Lyon to improve his chances of breaking into the French national side in time for the Euro 2008 finals.

"It's difficult not playing when one of your ambitions is to play for the national side," he said.

Charlton sell Rommedahl and Young

Relegated Charlton lost two of their international stars on Friday as Danish striker Dennis Rommedahl was sold to Ajax Amsterdam and defender Luke Young was set to move to Middlesbrough.

The 28-year-old Rommedahl, who had played in the English Premiership since 2004 having spent seven seasons with PSV Eindhoven, was sold to Ajax for 680,000 pounds.

Boro have negotiated a price of 2.5million pounds for 28-year-old Young.

Young, who can play at centre-half or left-back, joined the Addicks for four million pounds in 2000, but has been given permission by manager Alan Pardew to pursue his hopes of a return to the top flight following Charlton's relegation.

"Ajax fits me perfectly. I hope that Ajax think the same," said Rommedahl.

"I wanted to return to Holland very much. I played a lot of years in the Dutch league, and I love the positive football that is played there. That absolutely counts for Ajax."

Pardew tried to buy Young when he was in charge of West Ham but has already bought the man he believes can be the former club captain's long-term successor - Yassin Moutaouakil.

Moutaoukil signed for Athletic from French side Chateauroux last month for around 400,000 pounds and will be expected to take over from Young next season.

2007-07-25T15:56:00.000+03:00

South African Pienaar joins Everton

Borussia Dortmund's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar has joined Everton on a one-season loan, the German first division club said on Friday.

The 25-year-old Pienaar joined Dortmund in 2006 from top Dutch club Ajax as a replacement for Tomas Rosicky but, although he played 25 matches last season, he is no longer in the plans of coach Thomas Doll for the coming year.

Birmingham agree Mido fee

Birmingham have agreed a six-million-pound (12.3m dollar) fee with Tottenham for Egyptian striker Mido.

The 24-year-old, who would be the Blues' seventh permanent signing of the summer since winning promotion back to the Premier League, has yet to agree personal terms with the club.

The club said in a statement: "Mido had been rumoured in the media to be joining the club on a season-long loan but Blues can confirm that they are looking to sign the former Ajax, Marseille and Roma hot shot on a permanent deal."

Mido initially joined Spurs on an 18-month loan from Roma before signing for 4.5 million pounds in August 2006.

He started only seven league games for the north Londoners, making five further appearances as a substitute and scoring one goal.

2007-07-18T14:52:00.000+03:00

Villa sign West Ham striker Harewood

Aston Villa on Tuesday announced the signing of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood.

The 27-year-old forward has signed a three-year deal to join former Hammers team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker in the West Midlands.

Harewood has been linked with several clubs since the end of last season and had been expected to join Wigan until Villa closed in on his signature.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "I'm delighted that he's accepted the invitation to come and join us.

"I know there were other teams wanting to take him, but he's prepared to come here and challenge to try and work his way into the first team.

"I'm delighted to have him. He's a strong lad, very athletic and if he can recapture the form he showed in the two seasons before last, he will definitely be a big asset.

"Marlon's prepared to come in here and battle for his place and that's what we want at this football club. He's a confident lad who's willing to fight for his place."

Harewood said: "The manager is aiming high next season and it's great to be part of his plans.

"I want to recapture the form I showed a couple of seasons ago, when West Ham got into the cup final and we did so well in the league."

Juventus sign Portuguese defender Andrade

Juventus confirmed on Tuesday the signing of Portuguese international Jorge Andrade from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna for a fee of 10 million euros.

The 29-year-old defender has signed a three-year contract with the Turin outfit who went up as Serie B champions last season after their demotion for match-fixing.

Andrade was ruled out of Portugal's World Cup campaign last year after suffering a serious knee ligament injury while playing for Deportivo.

Brazilian Ewerthon signs for champions Stuttgart

Brazilian international Ewerthon has become Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart's fifth new signing for the new season, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old forward, who made the last of his six appearances for his country in 2003, played for fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund between 2002 and 2005, netting 47 goals in 119 appearances.

He joins fellow Stuttgart newcomers goalkeeper Raphael Schaefer, Brazilian defender Gledson, Turkish midfielder Yildiray Bastuerk and midfielder Georges Mandjeck.

He joins VfB on loan from Spanish club Real Zaragoza and Stuttgart will have the option to make the loan deal permanent for their new number nine next summer.

Ewerthon said: "I'm delighted to be back in the Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart. It's a dream come true to be able to play in the Champions League with the German champions next season. I'll be doing all in my power to aid VfB in continuing their recent success."

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2007-07-16T16:18:00.000+03:00

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2007-07-03T16:18:00.001+03:00

Birmingham sign Dutch winger de Ridder

Newly-promoted Birmingham City have signed young Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder on a free transfer from Spanish outfit Celta Vigo, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old -- who was part of his country's successful European Under-21 Championship campaign -- was out of contract in Spain.

He will be City manager Steve Bruce's fifth signing of the summer after Fabrice Muamba, Stuart Parnaby, Garry O'Connor and Olivier Kapo.

De Ridder is a graduate of the Ajax academy and made his first-team debut for the Amsterdam club in January 2004.

He left the Netherlands in 2005 to join Celta, where he made 20 Pleage appearances and score one goal.

He impressed Bruce with his performances in the recent European Championships as an over-age player and the deal was completed late on Monday night.

Black Cats lose patience with Nugent

Promoted Sunderland confirmed Monday they have withdrawn their offer for Preston striker David Nugent after waiting in vain for an answer from the player.

The Black Cats agreed an undisclosed fee, believed to be around six million pounds (12 million dollars), for the 22-year-old several weeks ago and were given permission to talk to him.

However, Nugent went away on holiday after the European Under-21 Championships without making a decision, and Sunderland manager Roy Keane has lost patience and is now looking elsewhere.

Chief executive Peter Walker said: I can confirm that we have withdrawn our offer for the player.

"Naturally, work continues behind the scenes to strengthen our squad ahead of the new season and talks are ongoing with a number of targets."

Nugent was part of the England under-21 squad that reached the semi-finals of the European Championships in the Netherlands and has already appeared for the full national side.

He scored 17 goals for his club last season, attracting interest from Sunderland, West Ham and Everton.

Lyon move for Armand and Grosso

French champions Lyon confirmed Monday that they have been in contact with both Paris Saint Germain's Sylvain Armand and Inter Milan's Fabio Grosso in a bid to fill the gap left by Barcelona-bound French international defender Eric Abidal.

"We're looking at tough negotiations with PSG who don't want to let him (Armand) go because they want to prolong his contract," said Lyon sporting advisor Bernard Lacombe.

"We've been in contact with Grosso and he wants to come," added club president Jean-Michel Aulas.

Grosso's agent Danilo Caravello told the Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday that Lyon had been in touch with the defender.

"This week could be decisive. Either the deal will be done or Fabio will stay at Inter," said Caravello.

"Fabio is a world champion and we're weighing up the technical aspect as well as the economic aspect. France is an attractive prospect but you have to also take into account Fabio's ambitions at Inter, a club where the player despite a slightly difficult season, feels good."

Arsenal sign Da Silva

Arsenal have signed striker Eduardo da Silva on a four-year deal from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb to boost their strike-force following the transfer of Thierry Henry to Real Madrid.

The London club did not reveal details of the transfer fee, but Dinamo president Mirko Barisic said it amounted to 24 million euros (32.6m dollars), the biggest in Croatian football history.

The 24-year-old was born in Brazil, but having moved to Europe at the age of 15, he took Croatian nationality in 2002.

"I'm happy but at the same time also a bit sad. Sad because I'm leaving Dinamo, fellow players, the club and the town where I started my career and reached the status of a national squad player," Da Silva told reporters in the Austrian city of Kapfenberg where the club are training.

"On the other hand I am happy and proud since it is really a big club, one of the biggest in the world."

Da Silva scored the first competitive goal at Emirates Stadium when the Gunners beat Dinamo during last season's Champions League third qualifying round in late August.

He has also scored seven goals in 12 appearances for Croatia - including one against England during the 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifier victory in Zagreb last October.

Manager Arsene Wenger had been keen to recruit a proven goalscorer, with Newcastle duo Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen reported to be on his shopping list.

However, the Gunners boss is now likely to turn his attentions to defensive cover following the signing of da Silva, who finished the Croatian season as their top scorer with a record 34 goals.

Newcastle set to sign Geremi

Newcastle United were expected to complete the signing of Chelsea utility player Geremi on Monday.

He would the fourth summer signing for new boss Sam Allardyce following Mark Viduka, Joey Barton and David Rozehnal as the former Bolton boss rebuilds the squad on Tyneside.

The 28-year-old Cameroon international was understood to have agreed a three-year deal to secure his transfer to St James' Park.

The former Real Madrid star, who spent a season on loan at Middlesbrough before heading for Stamford Bridge, made 28 appearances for the Blues last season, but has struggled to hold down a regular place.

2007-07-01T23:36:00.000+03:00

Torres Set For Liverpool Move

He may have came close to leaving Atletico Madrid for every summer over the past five years if we are to believe the gutter press but this summer looks like finally seeing the end of the Fernando Torres / Atletico Madrid love affair.

While nothing has been signed and sealed so far there are clear signs emerging from Atletico's Vicente Calderón stadium that the club are preparing for life after Torres and with today's announcement of a deal being concluded for Villareal's Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, it looks like it's now or never for the young Spaniard dubbed El Nino by his adoring Atletico fans.

Surprisingly, competition for his signature seems to have been a one horse race with Liverpool being the only real contender for much of this summer. In the past the big Spanish clubs would have been mentioned alongside the usual clutch of Italian and English giants but now it looks like Rafael Benitez is the only one prepared to match Atletico's buyout clause on Torres's contract with a bid of around £26.5m as Liverpool's new American owners finally open the pursestrings.

The Madrid fans have already been demonstrating in the streets of the Spanish capital at the thought of Torres leaving but in the current market a large fee for his club and the chance to play for this season's Champion's League finalists and one of European football's true giants is too hard for either party to turn down.

Whether Torres can adapt to the Premiership will be the most interesting questions as his fellow countryman Fernando Morientes found it quite a struggle during his short stay with Liverpool but for now that question has to remain unanswered. All we can do is wait for Fernando Torres to return from holiday in early July and put his signature on a Liverpool contract.

2007-07-01T23:26:00.000+03:00

Hargreaves completes United signing

England midfielder Owen Hargreaves on Sunday completed his signing for Manchester United from Bayern Munich.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract after a lengthy pursuit by the Premier League champions following last year's World Cup where he was the surprise success story of England's largely disappointing campaign.

"It's been a long time coming. It was probably the worst-kept secret in football, but it's great to be here," Hargreaves told the club's official website.

Hargreaves joined Bayern from the Calgary Foothills in 1997 and won four Bundesliga titles with Bayern as well as the 2001 Champions League and Intercontinental Cup (World Club Championship).

"I think it's great to finally reach a positive conclusion," said Hargreaves, who had been contracted to Bayern until 2010.

"Especially after all the time and energy that's been put in from everyone involved!"

Canada-born Hargreaves's transfer free was reported last month as 17 million pounds (34 million dollars).

Julien Faubert set for West Ham

West Ham confirmed Sunday they have signed rising French star Julien Faubert from Bordeaux.

The 23-year-old midfielder has penned a five-year contract worth 6.1 million pounds (12 million dollars), becoming manager Alan Curbishley's second summer capture following the arrival of Scott Parker from Newcastle.

Club chairman Eggert Magnusson told the club's website: "I am delighted to welcome Julien to Upton Park and feel sure that he will become a very successful signing for the club.

"He is one of the most highly-rated young players in European football and many clubs were attempting to sign him, so we are very pleased that he has decided to join West Ham United.

"I have been very impressed by his desire and ambition and I think he will be very popular among our supporters."

Faubert had been angling for a move to Rangers in Scotland but Bordeaux rejected their offer, thought to be in the region of 4.5 million pounds.

Bordeaux's new coach Laurent Blanc had wanted to keep the midfielder but president Jean-Louis Triaud earlier revealed he had accepted West Ham's bid.

Faubert's capture will help ease West Ham's pain on missing out on Darren Bent, who recently snubbed the club for Tottenham despite being offered better terms at Upton Park.

Faubert began his professional career at Cannes before joining Bordeaux three years ago. He helped the club finish runners up in the French championship in 2006, qualifying them for last season's Champions League.

His France debut came against Bosnia in August, and he marked the occasion with the winner in a 2-1 victory.

He was the first player to wear Les Bleus' number 10 shirt since the retirement of the legendary Zinedine Zidane. As well as West Ham and Rangers, Roma were believed to be interested in acquiring the player.

2007-06-30T19:05:00.001+03:00

Forlan to bolster Atletico's strike force

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan is poised to sign for Atletico Madrid, his club Villarreal disclosed on Saturday.

"Villarreal and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement on the transfer," Villarreal said on its official site without revealing the fee or length of the contract.

The deal follows reports that Atletico's Fernando Torres is likely to be heading to Liverpool after the Premiership side tabled a 27 million pound bid for the Spanish forward.

Forlan, who has 54 Spanish first division goals to his name, joined Villarreal in 2004 from Manchester United.

Real agree deal with Robben, says Spanish press

Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea's flying Dutch winger Arjen Robben according to reports in a Spanish newspaper on Saturday.

AS claims that Real have come to an agreement with the father and agent of Robben and are waiting for Chelsea to rubber stamp a 20-million-euro transfer.

Robben is currently in negotiations with Chelsea over a contract extension until 2012, although he has not always been in favour with the club's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

The 23-year-old is thought to be among Real's top three summer transfer targets alongside AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka and Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Olympiakos sign Argentina striker Galletti

Greek champions Olympiakos announced Friday that Argentine striker Luciano Martin Galletti has penned a four-year contract.

The club did not release financial details of the deal.

Galletti, 27, has played 13 matches for Argentina, scoring three goals.

For the last two seasons Galletti played for Atletico Madrid and before that for Real Zaragoza (2001-2005), Estudiantes (2000-2201 and 1997-1999) and in Italy for SSC Napoli and Parma AC (1999-2000).

"I am very happy and want to thank both Olympiakos and Atletico Madrid for this opportunity," he said.

"I am pleased with the way that the administration of Olympiakos, the coaching staff and the fans welcomed me and I want to show my appreciation on the pitch."

Toulouse sign Elfsborg defender Jonsson

Toulouse have signed Swedish defender Jon Jonsson from Elfsborg, the French club's coach Elie Baup said Friday.

The 23-year-old's signature is the third of the close season for Toulouse, who will play in the Champions League next season having finished third in the French league.

Already joined are goalkeeper Rudy Riou from Istres and forward Andre-Pierre Gignac from Lorient.

Tottenham smash transfer record to land Bent

Tottenham smashed their transfer record on Friday to sign England striker Darren Bent in a 16.5 million pounds deal from relegated Charlton.

The 23-year-old cost the club 5.5 million pounds more than Ukraine forward Sergie Rebrov when he joined from Dynamo Kiev in 2000.

Bent's signing will also provide a windfall for his first club Ipswich Town, who like Charlton will play in the Championship next season, as they will receive 20 percent of the fee due to a clause in Bent's contract when he left the Suffolk club to join Charlton.

Bent was delighted to sign for one of the few clubs capable of challenging the big four in the English Premiership.

"Tottenham have a lot of young English players and it's a young squad, it's a squad going forward and that's the direction I wanted to take.

"They seem to be getting better and better every season and I would love to be part of that.

"It helps a lot that I know a few of the lads from England internationals and I'm sure they will help me settle in.

"It's exciting times for me and the club, hopefully I'll show what I can do at Tottenham and we'll go on to win things."

Bent scored 15 goals last season but that was not enough to save Alan Pardew's men from relegation and his move from The Valley had been anticipated since Charlton's demotion was confirmed.

West Ham made the first move for Bent but he turned down the chance to be reunited with Alan Curbishley, who brought him to the Premier League from Ipswich two seasons ago.

He bolsters a Spurs attack that scored more than 60 goals last season - and that without Egyptian Mido who is expected to leave White Hart Lane.

Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane were Jol's first choice for the big games, with Jermain Defoe adding 18 goals as the third striker. The form of Berbatov and Keane means Bent will face a tough battle to get into the first 11.

Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli said: "The two signings we've completed so far in Darren and Gareth Bale offer us massive improvement in terms of the squad, players with great potential whose best days are in front of them."

Charlton chairman Richard Murray added: "Realistically, it was always going to be difficult to hang on to a player of his quality following relegation, but we feel we have negotiated the best deal possible for the club and, after a payment to Ipswich, it's a sum of money that will cushion the effects of relegation for the club."

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney admitted that Bent was always going to leave the club once relegation from the Premiership had been confirmed.

"He's done a great job for us here and we wish him all the best but, being an England international, he's keen to stay in the Premiership.

"That's the reality when you get relegated," he told Sky Sports. "I know fans will be disappointed but I think they are also realistic. The Premier League is the place to be if want to play for your country."

2007-06-27T15:18:00.000+03:00

AC Milan keeper Abbiati loaned out to Atletico Madrid

AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has joined Spanish first division side Atletico Madrid on a one-year loan, Milan confirmed on their website on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old former Italy international spent the whole of last season on loan to Milan's Serie A rivals Torino.

Abbiati joined AC Milan from Monza in 1998, but after four seasons as their number one keeper he lost his place to Brazilian Nelson Dida.

Abbiati was Milan's reserve keeper up until August 2005 when he was loaned out to their fierce rivals Juventus, making 19 league appearances for the Turin club.

He returned to Milan at the start of the 2006-07 season only to be sent out on loan again, this time to Torino.

Suazo officially signs for Inter

Honduras international striker David Suazo has officially joined Inter Milan, the Serie A champions confirmed on Tuesday.

Inter had been involved in a bitter tug-of-war with city rivals AC Milan over the 27-year-old Cagliari striker.

Last week AC Milan announced that they had snapped up Suazo only to be told that the player had already signed a contract with Inter.

Inter will unveil Suazo at a press conference at their Appiano Gentile training ground on Wednesday morning.

Suazo, who joined Cagliari from Honduran club Olimpia in 1999, scored 14 goals in Serie A last season.

His best return since arriving in Italy was 22 goals in 37 matches in the 2005-06 season.

Nakamura happy at Celtic, says agent

Japan international midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is happy at Scottish double winners Celtic, despite claims from an Italian agent claiming the player could use a get-out clause in his contract.

Italian agent Angelo Massoni claimed there could be a one million pounds (2 million dollars) get-out clause in Nakamura's contract, which he signed last summer, and stated that four giants of world football wanted to sign him.

However Celtic have now rubbished Massoni's suggestion, and the 29-year-old's agent Robert Takuda said Nakamura is settled in the west of Scotland.

In a statement on their website, www.celticfc.net, the club said: "Celtic can state categorically that there is absolutely no 'get-out clause' in Shunsuke Nakamura's contract."

Massoni does not represent Nakamura, who joined the Scottish champions from Reggina two years ago and completed a clean sweep of Scotland's player of the year awards last season.

Takuda confirmed: "I would like to stress that these reports about Naka are complete nonsense.

"Naka is currently preparing for the Asian Cup but straight after this, is very much looking forward to returning to Celtic.

"He and his family are very happy at Celtic and very happy in Glasgow. He has no reason to go anywhere else."

2007-06-26T01:36:00.000+03:00

TOP 5 PLAYERS ABOUT WORLD SOCCER PLAYERS 2006/2007

1. Kaka

Kaka's World Cup ended early in disappointment as Brazil failed to live up to their early billing and failed to reach the final for the first time since 1990. Personally the young playmaker was under pressure in the following months at both club level, where he was expected to fill the void left at AC Milan by Andriy Shevchenko's departure to Chelsea, and for Brazil where new coach Dunga began his reign by dropping Kaka to the bench in the friendly against Argentina. In both cases Kaka delivered the perfect answer by firing AC Milan to the Champion's League final and by regaining his Brazil starting spot in style.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo
No longer is the young Portuguese winger known as "the other Ronaldo" in world footballing circles as his performances for Manchester United, in both domestic and European competition, have catapulted him into the upper echelon of world soccer's greats. Skilful with either foot and deceptively strong in the air, Ronaldo has taken his game to an all new level this season, mixing the skilful showboating with plenty of end product in terms of goals and assists as Manchester United look set for the Premiership title and a possible league and cup double. Double Player of the Year awards haven't flattered him at all.

3. Steven Gerrard
While we usually clamour more for the skilful artists and big goalscorers when it comes to handing out awards, it would be completely remiss to leave Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard out of any list of the world's top players over the past season. Strength and skill personified, Gerrard is the engine room of a hard working Liverpool side that has now made it's way to a second European Cup final in three years and stand on the verge of bringing a 6th European Cup back to Anfield. If one player espouses all that is good about English football over the years, it is Steven Gerrard.

4. Ronaldinho
Unarguably one of the major disappointments at last summer's World Cup was the lacklustre performance of Barcelona's Brazilian star Ronaldinho. Long touted as the world's finest player he seemed slow and tired when given the chance to prove his worth on the biggest international soccer stage after a gruelling season winning La Liga and the Champion's League with Barcelona. 2006/2007 again saw his detractors aim digs at his weight and apparent disinterest in the game but 24 goals in 53 games tells a different story as the puppet master again has lit up world soccer at the most vital of moments.

5. Lionel Messi
It's been a tough year for Argentinian wonderkid Lionel Messi as injury robbed him of a lot of the 2006 part of the season for both club and country as he tries to establish himself in one of club football's most entertaining strikeforces at Barcelona and take on the international mantle of legend Diego Maradona, which is no small feat in itself! Messi has responded by firing in an average of a goal every other game for Barcelona and Argentina this season and with an unending bag of tricks is really my number one young player to watch over the next few years. "The new Maradona"-maybe not but then who ever could be?

2007-06-26T01:26:00.000+03:00

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TOP 10 FOOTBALL TRICKS

2007-06-26T00:39:00.000+03:00

BEST GOALS OF THE WORLD CUP 2006 IN GERMANY

2007-06-26T00:33:00.000+03:00

THE BEST GOALS IN THE WORLD

2007-06-25T18:46:00.000+03:00

Tevez In Demand For Europe's Big Guns

It may have been his controversial transfer to Upton Park which sparked as many back page newspaper headlines as his goal-grabbing antics which saved West Ham United from relegation but Carlos Tevez now looks certain to be packing his bags for a second successive summer and making the move to a real European giant that we thought had passed him by twelve months ago.

A shaky start to his Premiership career exploded into a final couple of months of goals which helped the Hammers keep their Premiership status and rebuilt the career status of the little Argentinian who had left Brazilian club Corinthians under an ownership cloud and, quite unbelievably, landed in the East End of London pledging to push West Ham United onto European qualification alongside international teammate Javier Mascherano.

English football watchers will know that it didn't quite work out as planned on that front but with Inter Milan weighing up a massive £34m move which completely eclipses the proposed £12m offer from Manchester United and interest lingering from Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid, Tevez looks set for a chance to shine at a club with real aspirations of silverware rather than another season long brush with relegation in the bottom tier of the English Premiership.

I'm ready for Barca challenge, says Toure

Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure said he was ready for the challenge ahead after the new Barcelona signing was presented to the press on Tuesday.

Toure, who cost the Spanish giants nine million euros (12 million dollars) from Monaco, became Barca's second summer signing following that of former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry.

The 24-year-old, the younger brother of Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure, signed for four years and is reported to be earning around 1.8 million euros a year.

"I feel ready for the challenge. I really wanted to play in a club like this and I'm going to give it my all," said Toure.

Barca president Joan Laporta was delighted with his latest acquisition.

"He is one of those players that are vital to have," said Laporta. "He has got a great future, he's strong physically, good technically. He has eveything to become a talisman for Barca."

Barcelona had wrapped up the signing on Monday night, after earlier showing off new star capture Henry in front of more than 20,000 fans.

Toure joined Monaco in August 2006 having previously played for Greek side Olympiakos.

source: World Soccer

2007-06-25T18:35:00.000+03:00

West Ham Not To Blame For Premiership Wage Inflation...Says West Ham

West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson moved swiftly to deny the figures involved in the proposed deal and with Darren Bent turning the move down this evening we can only assume that the true figures will never really be announced but having given similar deals to Lucas Neill last January when he moved to West Ham from Blackburn Rovers and Scott Parker only a week or so ago when he moved from Newcastle United, it is hard to absolve the cash rich Hammers from pushing the boundaries higher and higher salary-wise as they try to attract top players to the club. Just avoiding relegation last season and the prospect of facing further Premier League sanctions for the Carlos Tevez affair have left West Ham as not the most desirable destination for Europe's top players on a purely footballing basis and in the tradition of unglamorous destinations such as Middlesbrough and Newcastle before them, the club are finding that the only way to get their chosen targets is to bump up the weekly wage and completely gazump any potential rivals.

The latest Premiership TV deal has given all top flight clubs vast amounts of money and it's no surprise to see both transfer valuations and wages offered on the rise. Chelsea's spendthrift ways over the past few years on both types of expenditure may be calmed through a policy of signing only Bosman free transfers this summer but they still command a massive wage bill including at leats two players (Shevchenko and Ballack) on a reputed £120,000 a week each and captain John Terry and England colleague Frank Lampard are reputed to want similar amounts to sign new contracts.

The ordinary fan in the stands can only look on with mounting disgust as the people they shell out their hard earned cash to watch move even further and further away from them in terms of salary and lifestyle but it's really not a situation we can blame on just one club or even on the players and their so-called greedy agents, it's simply market forces at work and without a major initiative from UEFA or FIFA on salary capping we are unlikely to see an end to it any time soon. Provided the TV money keeps it's own upward spiral over the next few Premiership TV deals, the SKY really is the limit for the Premiership's chosen few.

Klose completes move to Bayern Munich

German international striker Miroslav Klose has completed his transfer from Werder Bremen to Bayern Munich, both Bundesliga clubs said on Tuesday.

Klose, 29, will have a medical on Thursday before signing a four-year contract. He is due to start training with Bayern on Friday.

He will form a striking partnership with Italian international Luca Toni, and Bayern have also signed French midfielder Franck Ribery to bolster a team that finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Klose scored five goals at last year's World Cup and has scored 33 goals for Germany in 69 appearances.

source: World Soccer

2007-06-25T18:29:00.000+03:00

Beckham Ends Reign In Spain With La Liga Title

He may be heading for a league more than just physical miles from Spain's La Liga Primera Division but David Beckham will always remember his last season as a Real Madrid player for his personal resurrection and ultimately Real Madrid's first La Liga title for four years.

A recurrence of his ankle injury sustained playing for England may have kept the former England captain off the pitch at the end of the title winning season finale game against RCD Mallorca but Beckham was one of the first jumping for joy with his teammates after two goals from on-loan Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes helped Madrid over the La Liga finishing line.

Reigning champions Barcelona may have beaten Gimnastic convincingly by five goals to one in their last game but it wasn't enough as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Mallorca 3-1 and give the club the title on a head-to-head victories basis over their old Catalan rivals.

The future of coach Fabio Capello may not even now be secured though and with old guard players like Beckham and Brazilian fullback Roberto Carlos moving on there may yet be more additions to the Madrid revolution at a joyous Santiago Bernabeu stadium this summer.

Real Madrid Looking To Keep Beckham In Spain?

The upside down world of David Beckham and Real Madrid looks to have taken yet another unpredictable twist with news coming out of Spain that the club are looking to exercise a clause in Beckham's LA Galaxy contract which could mean him staying at the Bernabeu after all.

Beckham's representatives have moved swiftly to deny any such possibility and have made it clear that the player is looking forward to making his much derided move to Los Angeles and beginning his quest to both win trophies for the Galaxy franchise and help promote
Major League Soccer outside of North America.

The U-turn by the Madrid hierarchy has came on the back of Beckham's superb late season form where he has helped Real Madrid to within a whisker of recording their first La Liga title success since the beginning of the Galactico era and a resumption of their own quest to become the top club in Spanish domestic football.

Beckham has been in scintillating form in recent months which has helped earn him a recall not only to the Madrid starting eleven but also a recall to the England national squad for the recent games against Brazil and Estonia where he demonstrated once again how potent a weapon his well-renowned right foot is when crossing the ball for team-mates to convert into precious goals.

Madrid or Los Angeles though? Let's hope it's not a question left to each club's lawyers to sort out as both Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy would be all the poorer for not having David Beckham in their lineups for next season.

source: World Soccer

2007-06-25T18:25:00.000+03:00

Barcelona - Such A Beautiful Horizon For Henry

It may have taken a year but this weekend has seen the long drawn out conclusion of Barcelona's chase for Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry as he jets into Catalonia for a medical ahead of a reputed £16m deal.

While Arsenal fans have spent the past few days in a state of frantic grief and disbelief, there have sighs of relief from fans of all other Premiership clubs now that the last on-field architect of Arsenal's "Invincibles" has finally left the English stage. Henry may be 29 years of age but that hasn't meant any diminishing of his powers and despite a final season at Arsenal spent more on the treatment table and in the Emirates Stadium stands than on the pitch, Henry leaves a gap in Arsene Wenger's lineup so huge as to completely unpluggable with Arsenal's current resources.

The writing has been on the proverbial wall since Arsenal's defeat in the 2006 Champion's League Final when it was widely believed that Henry would make his excuses and leave for Champion's League conquerors Barcelona but strangely he signed a new four deal instead and pledged his future to the club. His move to Barcelona a year on makes that pledge completely worthless and makes me wonder personally whether he didn't realise shortly after signing last summer's new contract what a huge mistake he had made.

I don't doubt that Thierry Henry holds Arsenal close to his heart but he has achieved all he can with the club and following the loss of David Dein, Arsene Wenger's inability to commit his own future to Arsenal and a palpable lack of transfer funds to reinvigorate a threadbare squad it seems like reality has finally dawned on one of the most sought after players in European football.

So it's onwards to the Nou Camp to test himself in another new league and, more tellingly, to give himself a genuine chance of winning the one major trophy that has eluded Henry so far in his career, the Champion's League.

source: World Soccer