Eboue dismisses Barcelona rumours

Asked about the rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona (read more here), Arsenal right back defender and Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Eboué (26) has said in an interview with British tabloid The Sun that he never wanted to leave the English club:

"Even when people were booing me last season, I never said I wanted to move. The aim is to keep improving and to win a trophy. I have two more years at Arsenal. If they want me to sign for longer, I will do that. I love this club.

I am very happy, because I have a new partnership with the fans and now we are all together. They understand I will always give 100 per cent for this team and it helps me to know I have the confidence of the boss. Last season was difficult. I wanted to give my best and it didn't always happen. But I have forgotten everything that happened with the fans. Now they sing my name and I thank them for their support."

Read more:
Eboue tops right back target list
Transfer of Arsenal right back Eboue close
Eboue honoured by Barcelona rumours

West Ham finalising Gudjohnsen loan

British tabloid The Sun claims that Barcelona and West Ham are close to agreeing a loan deal for Barcelona attacker and Iceland international Eidur Gudjohnsen (30).

Because the Eglish Premier League club would be in no financial position to agree a 6 million euros° permanent deal for Gudjohnsen, Barcelona would be willing to accept a one-year loan.

Barcelona sources would have told the tabloid that the only thing that still needs to be solved is how much West Ham will pay towards the player's wages (read more here).

Read more:
Talks with West Ham on Gudjohnsen continue
Gudjohnsen still didn't make decision on future

West Ham sets Gudjohnsen deadline

British tabloid The Sun claims that West Ham has set a deadline for the transfer of Barcelona attacker and Iceland international Eidur Gudjohnsen (30).

The English Premier League club would want to find out this week if they can sign Gudjohnsen and is ready to push for a response from the player. The Icelandic striker could chose to leave Barcelona to get more playing time.

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Gudjohnsen close to joining West Ham
West Ham confirms interest in Gudjohnsen

Henry advises Arsenal to follow Barcelona example

Asked about his situation at the club, Barcelona player Thierry Henry (31) has said in an interview with British tabloid The Sun that he's now focusing on his recovery:

"I pushed myself so hard to play in the Champions League final. The doctors told me I should rest for two months after the initial injury but I was back after two weeks. I was virtually playing on one leg against Manchester United in the final but was so desperate just to be a part of the team.

Now I am being a bit more cautious. I'm working hard in training and will go with the team on the tour of the United States, but I am not kicking a ball yet. Hopefully I will be OK for the start of the season but the most important thing is to make sure the knee is fully recovered."

Henry also commented on the situation of his former club Arsenal: "It is more difficult to achieve success without money, but it's not impossible with the right attitude. Just look at Barcelona. We won the treble this year and proved you can succeed by developing your own players and blending them with one or two expensive signings. Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Puyol, Pique and Valdes all came through the system at Barcelona.

Arsenal are trying to do the same thing and are very close to achieving their ambitions. Yes, they are still a very young team. But they are not inexperienced. They have been playing together for quite a while and are capable of anything. I still believe they have enough quality to win the Premier League. It is difficult for me to talk about Arsenal. Whenever I do, it is always with my heart, not my head. It is going to be a difficult task for Arsenal this time and it is vital that everyone keeps the faith.

I know how those supporters feel. Like them, I am Arsenal through and through and we all suffer when the team doesn't win anything. Everyone wants immediate success and after four seasons without a trophy, Arsenal supporters have become impatient. All I can say to them right now is to have faith in Arsene and know that the first trophy in five years will be more enjoyable than ever."

read the complete interview here


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Manchester City preparing offer for Puyol

British tabloid The Sun claims that Manchester City is interested in Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol.

Puyol, whose contract expires at the end of next season, would be seen as the back-up alternative if the English Premier League club fails to sign their first choice, Chelsea centre-back John Terry. Manchester City would already be in talks with Puyol's advisers and preparing an offer.

Read more:
Renewal Puyol could be closed this week
Two-year extension offer for Puyol

Arsenal willing to sell Cesc

British tabloid The Sun claims that Arsenal would be willing to sell Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas (22) if a bid of around 47 million euro° comes in.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger would be desperate for funds to strengthen his squad in order to compete for the Premier League title next season and his team had last season an unbeaten run of twenty games in the league when the Catalan midfielder was injured last season.

An Arsenal insider is quoted by the tabloid as saying: "Nobody at Arsenal wants to see Fabregas go but there comes a point when the money is too good to turn down. If Arsenal receive a bid in the region of £40m there will be an enormous pressure to sell." Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo meanwhile claims that Cesc is the alternative option if the transfer of Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano wouldn't go through.

Read more:
Barcelona preparing bid for Cesc
Laporta comments again on the transfer market
Cesc is still an option for this summer

Barcelona still interested in Chelsea left back Cole

British tabloid The Sun claims that Barcelona is still interested in Chelsea left back defender and English international Ashley Cole (28) (read more here).

After Cole turned down a renewal offer by Chelsea this week, interested clubs could start moving for the player. Real Madrid is said to be on the verge of making a bid for the left back.

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Agent Essien opens Barcelona door
Barcelona ready to make bid for Cole
Chelsea offers Malouda to Barcelona

Vidic confirms Barcelona offer

Asked about rumours earlier this summer linking him with several European top clubs among which Barcelona (read more here), Manchester Untied central defender and Serbian international Nemanja Vidic (27) has confirmed in an interview with British tabloid The Sun that he received an offer from Barcelona but that he will continue in England next season:

"My wife Ana is unhappy with our lifestyle in Manchester but I am not going to change my mind as I am happy with the team and Manchester and the club's ambitions for next season.

I got offers from Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid and I played a very honest game. I disclosed all these offers to my boss Sir Alex. He reacted quickly. I was told he was raising my pay to bring it to the level where my reputation is in the Premier League and Europe.

After Milan and Real Madrid made their offers, Barcelona came in. They wanted to pay 30 millions for my services but after Sir Alex's move, I am definitely staying in Manchester until my contract expires in 2012. People often forget that when you move from one country to another and from one league to another, you have to change your playing style. My style of play is now completely adjusted to the Premier League."

Read more:
Vidic on top of Barcelona's target list
Vidic dismisses Barcelona rumours
Barcelona looking to sign Vidic this summer

Arshavin could be alternative for Ribery

Arsenal attacker and Russian international Andrei Arshavin (27) is quoted by British tabloid The Sun as saying that he would like to play for Barcelona one day: "If I have the chance to play for Barcelona, I'd be really happy."

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Arshavin, a well-known Barcelona fan, could be offering himself to Barcelona as an option in case the transfer of Ribéry would fail.

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Arshavin repeats Barcelona is his favourite club
Barcelona still interested in Arshavin

Eto'o has found a house to live in Manchester

British tabloid The Daily Mirror claims that Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o (28) will join Manchester City in the next few days.

The player would already have found a place to live in Hale, a village in Greater Manchester. Eto'o would rent a Georgian style house owned by English cricketer Andrew Flintoff for around 300 000 euro a year. The property reportedly has a pool and gym and has easy access to the airport and City's training ground.

British tabloid The Daily Star claims that Barcelona has already accepted the 30 million euro° offer by Manchester City to finance the bid for Valencia forward David Villa. British tabloid The Sun claims that Manchester City has offered Eto'o a year salary of over 15 million euro, which would double his current wages.

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Manchester City's last bid was 27 million euro° (plus 3 million euro in incentives). Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona has received a formal offer from Manchester City of 25,5 million euro° (plus 2,5 million euro in incentives), of which 15 million euro could go to Eto'o as a transfer bonus as indicated by Barcelona sources. Eto'o would have been offered a five-year contract worth 10 million euro net a year but sources close to the player would have said that Eto'o is not convinced by the sporting project of the English club.

Read more:
Agent Eto'o calls for press conference
Eto'o to sign for Manchester City next week
Laporta comments on the transfer market

Cesc wants to start winning titles

Asked about a rumour linking him with a move to Spain (read more here), Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas (22) has said in an interview with British tabloid The Sun that it would be difficult for him to choose between Barcelona and Real Madrid:

"At the moment it's not happened so I don't have to choose. For any player it gives great pride that those two clubs come to sign him. It would be a difficult choice.

Of course my family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid because they love me, they want me to be happy and what is best for me. They'd support me, whichever club I joined. My family will always be there for me, whatever decision I make. They're the ones who are always by my side.

The absence of titles at Arsenal is what angers me the most, seeing the impotence. This year we wanted it, we were giving everything - but we couldn't reach the level that everyone expected of Arsenal. When you win, you're well. But when you don't, everyone is in a bad mood. For four years now, we've needed a title to regain our belief in ourselves.

I will never force my way out by publicly declaring his desire to leave. It's not the way I am. If I have to say I want to leave I will do it face to face. If one day I'm not happy, I am the first who will tell the manager. I admire Arsene Wenger but each of us has his own life and looks after his own interests."

Read more:
Barcelona preparing bid for Cesc
Cesc wants to continue at Arsenal
Barcelona wants Cesc and four other players

Mascherano hounoured by Barcelona interest

Asked about the rumours linking him with a move to Spain (read more here), Liverpool defensive midfielder and Argentine international Javier Mascherano (25) has said in an interview with Spanish sports weekly paper Don Balón that he feels honoured by the interest:

"It's a great honour. For me this is a big recognition because we're talking about top clubs here. I feel comfortable in Liverpool but it's always good to know that teams like Barça or Madrid are interested in you. I feel very grateful."

Asked about the rumours linking Mascherano with a move to Barcelona, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero that a transfer won't be easy: "We're interested, it's a great player but it will be difficult to sign him. It's a key player for Liverpool."

British tabloid The Daily Mirror meanwhile claims that Liverpool may have to be foreced to treble Mascherano's wages. The cause of the Argentine's unhappiness at Anfield is the fact that he is paid considerably less than the majority of the squad. British tabloid The Sun also claims that Mascherano is one of the poorest paid first-team regulars and that Liverpool will have to more than double his salary to keep him at the club.

Read more:
Meeting on Mascherano in Barcelona
The report of Txiki (2) : Mascherano priority
Liverpool rejects first bid for Mascherano

Argentinian talent Pastore monitored

British tabloid The Sun claims that Barcelona is one of the European top clubs that are interested in Huracán attacking midfielder Javier Pastore.

Manchester United would be leading the race for the Argentinian player, with AC Milan also following him.

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Barcelona scouted Argentinian talent Salvio








Watch a video of Javier Pastore here:

Manchester United wants to sign Toure

British tabloid The Daily Telegraph claims that Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) is one of the five names on Manchester United's transfer target list. Touré would be valued at 17,5 million euro°.

British tabloid The Daily Mail also claims that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would like to sign Touré, while British tabloid The Sun claims that Arsenal is preparing a 17,5 million euro bid for the Ivorian midfielder. Inter Milan and AC Milan would also be interested.

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona is still confident about being able to renew the contract of Touré. The club would now first like to talk personally with the player to know his opinion about the renewal offer. A meeting could be scheduled next week when Touré will be back in Barcelona.

Read more:
Agent Toure putting pressure on renewal talks
Inter Milan dreaming of Toure
Talks with Manchester City on Toure transfer

Guardiola talks with Mascherano

Argentinian newspaper Clarín claims that Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has talked with Liverpool defensive midfielder and Argentine international Javier Mascherano (24).

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Mascherano and Fiorentina defensive midfielder and Brazilian international Felipe Melo (25) are two candidates to replace Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26) if the latter would leave this summer.

Melo has been followed by Barcelona for several years now and the excellent relationships between the player's agent Rodri - who also represents Barcelona player Dani Alves - and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would make a transfer more likely (read more here).

The paper nevertheless indicates that a possible transfer of Mascherano wouldn't necesarily mean the exit of Touré and that the Argentinian midfielder could be signed to strenghten the midfield. The news could also be a way to put pressure on the renewal negotiations with Touré.

British tabloid The Sun meanwhile claims that Barcelona is preparing a 22,5 million euro° bid for Mascherano, trying to take advantage of the financial problems the English Premier League club would be facing.

Read more:
Mascherano ideal candidate to strengthen midfield
Toure rejects first renewal offer
Offer for Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo

Barcelona could consider to sell Toure

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona could be ready to listen to offers for Barcelona defensive midfielder and Ivorian international Yaya Touré (26).

Although Barcelona will negotiate this summer with Touré about a pay rise (read more here ), Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain has been contacted by several clubs to sound him out on the situation of the player.

Taking into account the progress made by Barcelona midfielder Busquets and the possible new signing of a midfielder during the summer transfer market, Barcelona could consider to let the Ivorian midfielder go if the club would receive a huge offer for Touré in the coming months.

British tabloid The Sun meanwhile claims that Arsenal is willing to push hard for Touré (read more here). Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger would be preparing a 15 million euro° bid for the player but would accept he may have to improve on that following Touré's impressive performances in the Champions League last month. AC Milan would also be interested in Touré.

Read more:
Manchester City prepares summer bid for Toure
Mascherano ideal candidate to strengthen midfield
Barcelona wants to renew the contract of Toure

Barcelona interest leads to pay rise offer for Cole

British tabloid The Sun claims that Barcelona is interested in Chelsea left back defender and English international Ashley Cole (28) (read more here).

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola likes the player and Barcelona would be preparing a 22,5 million euro° bid but Chelsea are confident Cole will stay at the club. The English defender, whose contract expires in 2011, will be offered a new four-year deal worth as much as the club's top earners Frank Lampard, John Terry and Michael Ballack.

A Chelsea source is quoted by the tabloid as saying that new Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to hold on to Cole: "One of the first things Mr Ancelotti said when arriving at the club was not to allow Ashley to leave. He is aware that Barcelona rate him extremely highly and Guardiola sees the left-back position as the team's only weak link. We're extremely hopeful that Ashley will stay at Chelsea."

Read more:
Barcelona preparing bid for Chelsea left back Cole
Lahm offers himself to Barcelona
Chelsea will try to sign Alves this summer

Barcelona cannot deal with Manchester United

author: Terry Venables
source: The Sun
date: 23 May 2009
editing: fcbtransfers.blogspot.com





I expect Manchester United to beat Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday to retain their crown as Kings of Europe. And that is regardless of the line-up Alex Ferguson names for each match.

There has been much talk about the teams Fergie may or may not field in his final two games of the season. Such speculation is almost pointless. The astronomic abundance of ability at his disposal is so great that whoever he sends out will be good enough to claim victory. The stark reality is that, when it comes to Manchester United, there is no such thing as a 'weakened team'. I am pretty confident that, come 10pm at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola and his Barcelona boys will know it too.

United will not only have better players than the Catalans on the pitch. They will also have them on the bench. As Arsene Wenger has found this season, teams get you plaudits but it is squads who get you trophies. At the moment, there is no better group of players in the world than Manchester United's.

While Barcelona have been left reeling by the suspensions of influential full-backs Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal, United have almost shrugged off Darren Fletcher's harsh ban as an occupational hazard. While Barca fret over injuries to Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta, United are considering leaving Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez out of their starting line-up. It highlights the gulf in class and squads.

If centre-back Rafael Marquez, as expected, does not return against United, his absence - along with those already mentioned - would leave United holding the whip hand. It would also explain why Ferguson will leave Berbatov and Tevez on the bench and start Cristiano Ronaldo at centre-forward.

Berbatov and Tevez do not have the pace to trouble snail-like Yaya Toure, who may have to fill in at the back. If that is the case, it could be meat and drink for Ronaldo. It was a role Ron played so spectacularly, and to such devastating effect, against Arsenal in the semi-final. Wayne Rooney has become such an accomplished left-sided player. And with Park Ji Sung on the right, Fletcher's suspension may prove a silver lining for Fergie.

Rome will be a place for heroes. It will also be a place for unsung heroes. In the absence of Fletcher, Park and Anderson, who are tipped to fill one of the available midfield berths next to Michael Carrick and the ageless Ryan Giggs, will certainly provide one of those. Anderson will bring the aggression and energy in the middle of the park that is normally supplied by Fletcher.

Park has been a slow-burner at United. He is good on the ball and does the dirty work appreciated by team-mates but often overlooked by fans. He can get into the box and score the odd vital goal. Along with Rooney, he will act as the perfect foil for Ronaldo, whose pace is bound to frighten Barcelona - especially given their injury and suspension worries.

The expected midfield three of Giggs, Carrick and Anderson will be instructed to break up Barca's midfield passing combination before setting the likes of Park, Ronaldo and Rooney off on their rapid attacks. Counter-attacks are usually built on the 18-yard box. In Rome, I suspect they may start on the halfway line.

I would say Barca are more frightened of United than United are frightened of Barca. With good reason. I just cannot see how Barca will cope with United. Whoever Fergie decides to field.

read the full and original article here


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Barcelona ready to move for Cesc

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona will try to sign Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas (22) this summer.

Barcelona absolutely wants to avoid that Cesc joins Real Madrid and will move after the final of the Champions League next week. If a transfer isn't possible, Barcelona wants to convince the midfielder to stay one more year with the English Premier League club while promising to sign him in the summer of 2010.

Madrid sports tabloid As claims that Barcelona has an agreement with Arsenal saying that Barcelona has the first option on the Catalan: if Arsenal accepts to sell the player, he will come to Barcelona if they match the highest bid.

That deal would have been closed between former Barcelona sports vice-president Sandro Rosell and former Arsenal vice-president David Dein as some kind of compensation for the way Cesc had left Barcelona as a youth player. Spanish sports weekly paper Don Balón meanwhile claims that it's very unlikely that Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain will move for Cesc this summer.

Asked about his future, Cesc said in an interview with British tabloid The Sun that he will continue at Arsenal next season: "For the last four summers people have been saying 'Oh, Cesc will leave now' but I am still here and I will be here next season as well. I wouldn’t be so committed to the club if I didn't believe we will win trophies. It does become more disappointing every year without a trophy. Every player wants to win. But I repeat once again, I am very happy at Arsenal.

I don't regret leaving Barça. Everyone knows why I came to Arsenal and it has been proved to be the right decision. I'm only just 22 yet I have already played more than 200 games for this club and nearly 40 games for my country. I've won the European Championship and played in the Champions League final, the FA Cup final and the Carling Cup final. I would not have got those opportunities at any other club. Everyone chooses their own life and I believe I made the right choice."

Read more:
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Aguero, Cesc and Asenjo could join this summer
Cesc will make decision at the end of the season

Blackburn wants Bojan on loan

British tabloid The Sun claims that English Premier Leauge club Blackburn Rovers wants to sign Barcelona forward and Spanish youth internacional Bojan Krkic (18) on loan in the summer.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce would already have made a loan deal inquiry after the English club was alerted that Barcelona are hoping to get the Catalan striker fixed up with a club next season. Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola would not believe Bojan is ready to play regularly in the first team yet.

A senior Blackburn source is quoted by the tabloid as saying: "We heard he could be available and are starting to think about next season now our Premier League place is all but secured. Sam has worked with big-name stars before and would like to do so again with Rovers."

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