Photo: Sergio Aguero in a Manchester City shirt
Sergio Aguero has completed his transfer to Manchester City after signing a five-year contract with the club.
Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere on FIFA 12 Cover
EA Sports, the simulation-oriented division of publisher Electronic Arts, has announced that two of the biggest stars of English football, Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and midfielder Jack Wilshere from Arsenal, have been drafted to star on the cover of FIFA 12.This particular cover will be used for the version of the game that will be sold in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Middle East and in Scandinavia.
FIFA 12 will be launched on September 27 in the United States and the usual three days later in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe and players will be able to enjoy it on the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360, the PC, the PS2, the Nintendo Wii and the usual slew of mobile devices.
Arsenal confirm Jagielka bid
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood confirmed the Gunners were actively looking to strengthen their squad and had lodged a bid with Everton for Phil Jagielka."We have made a bid for him but they didn't think it was enough," Hill-Wood said. "It is very busy but nothing is actually happening.
"We are trying to buy a few players but it isn't going to happen overnight."
Rossi not moving to Juventus
Rossi's agent Federico Pastorello told Sky Italia: "Giuseppe Rossi has officially been taken off the market after they sold Santi Cazorla to Malaga."The economical problems which the club had have now been resolved by that transfer.
"Nevertheless, this decision has liberated Rossi as he's now just focusing on playing football and scoring goals.
"He's not used to being at the centre of such negotiations and tension. He wanted Juventus, but he's accepted the position taken by the president of Villarreal."
United States fire coach Bradley
Bob Bradley has been sacked as United States coach after four and a half years in charge."We felt now was the right time for us to make a change," said US Soccer president Sunil Gulati.
"It is always hard to make these decisions, especially when it involves someone we respect as much as Bob," added Gulati.
"We wish him the best in his future endeavours."
US Soccer added that it would make a further announcement on Friday, raising expectations that it may name a replacement.
Alexis Sanchez in a Barcelona shirt
The Chilean striker, signed for an initial £23million from Udinese, went through the traditional rigours of posing for the press during his official presentation on Monday afternoon.
Tottenham confirm interest in Adebayor
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in Emmanuel Adebayor."He is a name that was mentioned and I spoke to the chairman about the player, about the possibility of loaning him, but whether they [City] would loan him I don't know," Redknapp said.
"If they would loan him he would be of interest. He is a quality player. We will wait and see."
Galatasaray sign Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera
Galatasaray have signed Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera from Lazio in a five-year deal, the Turkish club said on Wednesday.Muslera, who will receive two million euros ($2.8 million) annually from the Turkish side, is currently representing his country at the Copa America in Argentina.
On Saturday he saved a penalty from Argentine striker Carlos Tevez to knock the hosts out of the tournament and on Tuesday the 25-year-old helped Uruguay beat Peru 2-0 to reach the final where they will play either Paraguay or Venezuela.
Liverpool close in on Bueno
Liverpool are targeting Pachuca's Mexican wonderkid Marco Bueno.Pachuca vice-president Andres Fassi was quoted as saying: "We are conducting negotiations with Liverpool and possibly, on August 1, Marco Bueno will pay a visit to Liverpool.
"We have already practically closed negotiations with them. They want to buy 100% of the rights."
Liverpool sign Stewart Downing from Aston Villa
Liverpool have signed England winger Stewart Downing from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee."It's been a long time coming and I've had to wait a few weeks, but I'm really pleased to be here.
"With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go."
Aston Villa bid for Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia
Aston Villa thought to be keen to sign the Frenchman to fill the void left by the departure of winger Ashley Young and the expected exit of Stewart Downing.
Ashley Young was sold to Manchester United earlier this summer and Stewart Downing is in talks with Liverpool after the clubs agreed a fee on Tuesday.
N'Zogbia, 25, has made almost 250 appearances in English football, with Wigan and former club Newcastle.
Bayern Munich agree Boateng deal
Bayern Munich have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Manchester City for Germany international defender Jerome Boateng, who is is due for a medical in Germany ahead of signing a four-year deal.Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger said: "Jerome Boateng is a young German international, who fits perfectly into the philosophy of FC Bayern.
"He was also the desire of our head coach Jupp Heynckes."
Porto president slams Villas-Boas and Chelsea
“Villas-Boas was living with Mourinho’s ghost. He was afraid he would not have the same success as in his first season. I think that was the crucial aspect in his departure,” said Porto president, Pinto da Costa.“In a conversation between the two of us I said ‘Are you worried about shipping three or four goals against FC Barcelona (in the European Super Cup)? Mourinho shipped five but that does not mean he is no longer the best coach in the world.’
“On the day he officially left I slept well because everything had been planned for. Villas-Boas rescinded his contract at 4pm and at 5pm I was presenting his replacement. I already had Vitor Pereira as back-up. Even before Villas-Boas knew himself he was going to leave, I suspected that he would be leaving.
“If I was his father I would have told him what I told him as his president and his friend: that he should have stayed at FC Porto. In football, when you talk about European giants, the measure is not Chelsea. It’s Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United. I told him that this would be Guardiola’s last season at Barcelona and that was the ideal club for him, but he was scared of the comparisons with Mourinho and left.”
“If 10 players leave I have replacements for each one of them. There is only one who I don’t have a replacement for, who is Hulk. If a player such as Alvaro Pereira or Falcao left, FC Porto would continue to play in the same style. But as there is no player with the same characteristics as Hulk, our game would have to change.”
Fulham complete John Arne Riise signing
"I'm delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham this morning and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League once again,'' Riise told fulhamfc.com."Fulham is a club that I have been following as my brother, Bjorn, plays here and he speaks very highly of the club and the staff.
"Obviously I also played against the club in the Europa League group stage when they went on to reach the final of the competition.
"I know that the club is ambitious and continues to make good progress each year, under the guidance of the chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed.
"I am looking forward to working with Martin Jol and the rest of the squad when I report to training next week."
Barton refused United States VISA
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will miss the club's pre-season trip to the United States after being denied a visa."Unfortunately, I was denied my visa due to my past. I regret not being able to travel with the club on this trip, but at the same time, I don't expect to be treated any differently or more favorably than anyone else in a similar situation," Barton said in a statement on the club's official website.
"All I can do is continue to improve as a person, which is what I intend to do.
"Again, apologies to all the NUFC supporters - as well as the fast growing legions of football supporters - in the United States who I was looking forward to meeting. I will see you in the future."
Cannavaro retires from football
Fabio Cannavaro has announced his retirement from football after doctors said the Italian's injured knee would not allow him to keep playing.The 38-year-old center back said Saturday that "I'm very sad. Football is everything for me in my life."
Cannavaro was injured for the last seven games of last season for Al Ahli. He will remain at the Dubai club as a technical adviser.
Wenger to fight for Fabregas and Nasri
"Our position is always the same, we want to keep Cesc and I will fight as hard as I can to keep him," Wenger told the official Arsenal website. "Samir Nasri is exactly the same. We will do everything we can to keep him.""My responsibility is first of all not to lose players and then to add and make us stronger. Let's hope we can bring in one or two more additions of top quality."
Wilkins: 'It will find be extremely difficult for Tottenham to keep Modric'
Speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, Ray Wilkins said: “I don’t think it’ll be too long before Chelsea start dipping into the [transfer] market.“There will be some big names coming in and there will probably be a few disappearing as well.
“I think it will be extremely difficult for Tottenham to hold on to Modric if you look at the numbers being thrown around.
“Modric is wonderfully talented but football is a job of work and if someone offers more money to go elsewhere, no matter what business or what vocation they have in life, they will leave and go for something better.”
Report: Manchester City reach agreement with Arsenal over Samir Nasri
Sky Sport Italia claims Nasri is set to join Roberto Mancini's side for a fee of €25 million [£22.2m], with the player believed to have been offered a contract worth €6m [£5.3m] a year - over £100,000 a week.City are yet to confirm or deny that a deal is in place to sign Nasri as the summer's biggest transfer saga takes a fresh turn.
Two Man City fans turn an Old Chevy to a Tribute Cruiser
Mike Radcliffe and Shaun Donohoe, two die-hard Manchester City fans, have spent £50,000 importing an old Chevrolet convertible car from America and customising it so that they can travel to matches in style.Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Mike explained how the pair needed to find a spray shop and upholsterer willing to take on the job after spending £20,000 to buy and transport the car over to England.
'We had to tell Tom Jones, a United fan from Oldham who has done art work on cars for us before, ‘don't you dare put a Red Devil on it’. Mike said.
'All their lads were United supporters and another lad from Stockport, who did the upholstery, is also a United fan,' he added.
'When it was finished we went over it with a fine tooth comb to make sure they hadn't hidden any United stuff in it.
'We drove to the ground to pick up the new away shirt and it caused plenty of comments. But we didn't take it to Wembley - it only does 10 miles to the gallon.'
On the right of the car are images of Nigel De Jong, David Silva and Carlos Tevez, while on the left you can see Colin Bell, Franny Lee and Mike Summerbee.
City owner Sheikh Mansour's face has been put on the spare wheel case - while a FA Cup replica trophy stands on the back of the car.
John Arne Riise to join Fulham
Fulham manager Martin Jol has confirmed that John Arne Riise is close to completing a move from Roma to Craven Cottage."He's coming for a medical. If that's okay we've got ourselves a very good player," Jol said after Fulham had secured its progress into the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
Riise's younger brother Bjorn Helge Riise is already on the books at Fulham and came off the bench in the Cottagers' goalless draw with NSI Runavik.
Henry: Liverpool might leave Anfield
Liverpool owner John W Henry has admitted the club may be forced to leave their historic Anfield home.Henry, in response to a question from a Reds supporter on Twitter, wrote: "Anfield would certainly be our first choice.
"But realities may dictate otherwise. So many obstacles..."
A move away from Anfield would certainly cause dismay among some supporters, but the owner would still see it as a crucial move to be able to compete at the highest level at home and abroad.
Swansea City in talks with Gudjohnson
Brendan Rodgers has made contact with the former Champions League winning striker over a deal to join the Swans.Eidur Gudjohnson is now a free agent could be on his way to the Liberty Stadium in what would be a signal of intent from the South Wales club.
Swansea are now awaiting a response from the Gudjohnson camp over the move.
Agent: Man City interested in Lavezzi
Giorgio De Giorgis, the agent of Manchester City's manager, Roberto Mancini, told Radio CRC: "Manchester City's interest in Lavezzi could be a reality."City have been negotiating for the past few months with Napoli, regardless of Tevez's situation. City has spoken to Napoli about Pocho (Lavezzi).
"But 31million euros for Lavezzi, I think it's excessive.
"However, to find a player who is ready like Pocho is, it's not easy.
"Manchester City could include a player in the deal, but I don't know what player could interest Napoli.
"The only one could be (Gareth) Barry, who is an England international and does not have a high salary."
Liverpool agree deal to buy Blackpool's Charlie Adam
A club statement read: "Liverpool Football Club today [Wednesday] announced they have reached agreement with Blackpool for the transfer of Charlie Adam.
"The player will now travel to Merseyside for a medical and to discuss personal terms."
Wes Brown to have medical at Sunderland
Brown, 31,is due to be unveiled on Thursday, while fellow defender O’Shea, 30, is also expected to agree terms with the north-east with Sunderland
Glen Johnson signs new Liverpool contract
Glen Johnson has signed a contract extension at Liverpool."We are absolutely delighted," said Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli. "It was easy to find an agreement because he wanted to stay and we wanted him to stay.
"We are very pleased he wants to commit long-term, and I think he was pleased we went to him and asked him to."
Stefan Savic completes Manchester City move
Montenegro defender Stefan Savic has completed his transfer from Partizan Belgrade to Manchester City."I watch the Premier League all the time and I know it's the place to be, so I am looking forward to helping this club achieve great things," said Savic.
"We have an incredible stadium and I've seen how passionate the City fans are many times on TV.
"It is a dream come true and I'm especially looking forward to meeting Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov, because they both speak my language and come from the Balkans, too."
Chelsea to name Michael Emenalo as sporting director
According to BBC Sports, Michael Emenalo is close to being named as Chelsea's new sporting director.Emenalo joined the club in 2007 as head opposition scout and was made assistant first-team coach after the departure of Ray Wilkins in November last year.
The 45-year-old represented Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup, winning 14 caps in total.
Madrid agree Coentrao deal
The Spanish giants have agreed to pay Benfica €30million (£27m), the Portuguese club have confirmed.The completion of the transfer is subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
Coentrao was under contract at Benfica until 2016, forcing Real to dig deep in pursuit of his signature.
Liverpool release Milan Jovanovic
"I got the paper from Liverpool that I am free to search for a new club," he told the Greek media.A move to Greek giants Olympiakos now appears likely for Jovanovic.
"Up to now, I still haven't received an official offer from Olympiakos, but I am looking forward to hearing their plans."
German clubs Schalke and Stuttgart and Belgians Anderlecht and Club Brugge are also said to be interested in the player.
Roma agree Bojan terms
Roma's sporting director Walter Sabatini has confirmed that they have agreed terms with Bojan Krkic ahead of his proposed move from Barcelona."The agreement with the player is done," he told La Graderia.
"We have to fix some things with Barcelona, I am very optimistic."
With Barca legend Luis Enrique now in charge at Roma, a move to the Eternal City was always on the cards for Bojan.
Doni to have Liverpool medical on Thursday
According to Italian source Sky Sport 24, Doni is set to travel to England on Thursday to undergo a medical in Merseyside to end his stint at Roma and sign for Premier League side Liverpool.The shot-stopper will provide competition for Spanish international Reina, although his task in dislodging one of the Premier League’s top number 1s looks a difficult one.
The Serie A club are pushing ahead with their swoop for Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and moving Doni off the wage bill will help matters.
Carlos Tevez wants to leave Manchester City
Carlos Tevez says he wants to leave Manchester City for family reasons."I need to be closer to them and to spend more time with them," Tevez said in a statement.
"Living without my children in Manchester has been incredibly challenging for me. Everything I do, I do for my daughters.
"I need them to be happy because my life is about them now. I need to be in a place where they can adapt.
Ajax sign Kolbeinn Sigthorsson
"I’m proud to have signed a contract with Ajax," the Iceland striker said. "(Nine) is a great number for me. Many great players have worn that number.
"I’m hoping to become a better player here. I hope I can do great things for the club, win titles, and I want to score more goals than last year."
Manchester City complete Clichy signature
A statement on Arsenal's website read:"Arsenal Football Club can confirm that the transfer of Gael Clichy to Manchester City has been completed for an undisclosed fee."
Arsène Wenger said: “We would like to thank Gael for eight years of terrific service to Arsenal, during which time he gave absolutely everything for the Club. He has grown and developed so much since joining us in 2003, and has been a crucial part of the team over recent seasons. Gael leaves with our respect and best wishes. We wish him the very best for his future career.”
Clichy set for Manchester City
Arsenal defender Gael Clichy is set to undergo a medical at Manchester City.He has arrived at a private hospital in the city and is expected to undergo a medical later on Monday before bringing an end to his eight-year stay in North London.
The defender is expected to move for £7 million.
Zigic set for Birmingham exit
"At the moment, the only thing that is sure is that Zigic is going to leave Birmingham this summer," his agent, Milan Calasan, told Serbian newspaper Sport."There is still a long time left to decide, so we are not in a rush. Nikola's wish is to continue his career in England or Spain."
"Zigic has started the training process much earlier in order to fill the gap that occurred with his injury late in the season," added Casalan.
"Even more, I am sure that Birmingham might have avoided relegation if he played in those decisive matches at the end of the season."
Marseille announce Diarra signature
Olympique de Marseille have announced France international captain Alou Diarra will complete his transfer from Bordeaux on Monday.A statement on OM's official website read:
Marseille internationals will join up with their teammates at the preseason training camp at Port-du-Crouesty on Monday. While Steve Mandanda, André Ayew, Mathieu Valbuena, Souleymane Diawara, Stéphane Mbia, Loic Remy and Charles Kaboré will be there at midday, new signing Nicolas N’Koulou and Argentine playmaker Lucho will be there mid-afternoon, after they were forced to take later flights. Finally, Alou Diarra will head first to Marseille in the morning to undergo a mandatory medical and to sign his new contract. He will then head to Brittany on Monday evening.
Ashley Cole: I'm not leaving Chelsea
Ashley Cole has told Sky Sports News he has not thought about leaving the club this summer."Never even thought about it," he told Sky Sports News when asked about a potential move to the Spanish capital.
"I had issues before where I thought about it, but this season I have been fine, I have been on holiday so I have not read anything."
Malouda wants to remain at Chelsea
Florent Malouda insists that he would like to remain at Chelsea for at least another next three years."My relationship with the coach [Villas-Boas] is good. My contract at Chelsea runs until 2013, and I want to stay until 2014 at least," the Frenchman said, according to The Express.
Malouda joined Chelsea in 2007 and has since made 184 appearances for the Blues, scoring 42 goals.
Charlie Adam confirms Liverpool talks
Charlie Adam has revealed current club Blackpool have held talks with the Reds."I go back to Blackpool on Monday and that's the way it is," the central midfielder told the Blackpool Gazette.
"Everybody knows the situation - the club have met with Liverpool but that's as far as it has gone. I had a conversation with the chairman but that will remain private.
"It's important that we keep everything in-house - whatever happens will happen."
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