Topic: Transfer news...

Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours


TRANSFER GOSSIP
For the latest breaking football news, follow Sportsday Live
American Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire are reportedly keen to sign Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
Full story: Daily Mail
Unsettled Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez could be set to join fellow Argentine Diego Maradona, who manages Al Wasl in Dubai.
Full story: talkSPORT
Tottenham are attempting a last-minute bid to sign Bradford's 15-year-old wonderkid George Green, who was thought to have opted to join Everton.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester United are set to go head-to-head with AC Milan for Benfica's £10m-rated midfielder Javi Garcia.
Full story: Metro
Aston Villa are tracking 21-year-old Serbian striker Nemanja Milic, who plays for OFK Belgrade.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Lille striker Moussa Sow, thought to be a target for Spurs and Arsenal, claims he is unsure where his future lies beyond the end of the current season, with contract negotiations seemingly at a standstill.
Full story: talkSPORT
Newcastle United have joined the race for Leicester's versatile 18-year-old Jeffrey Schlupp, who is also attracting interest from Stoke City and Liverpool.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny admits he would not rule out a move away from Emirates Stadium, particularly to Barcelona.
Full story: Metro
Scotland international and former Birmingham attacker James McFadden finally looks set to sign for Wolves after a spell training with the club.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Millwall hope to persuade Swansea striker Stephen Dobbie to join them in a three-month loan move.
Full story: Daily Mail
Doncaster have expressed an interest in Dan Gosling after Newcastle decided to send the midfielder out on loan.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Derby are keen to take versatile Leeds player Aidan White on loan, with a view to a permanent move.
Full story: Daily Mirror
OTHER GOSSIP
Martin O'Neill is top of the list to replace Blackburn manager Steve Kean should the Scot be axed from Ewood Park.
Full story: Daily Star
Spurs playmaker Rafael van der Vaart has admitted he was surprised to be used on the right side of midfield in the victory over Arsenal at the weekend.
Full story: Daily Mail
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez says the club should focus on a cup this season after admitting winning the Premier League is "very difficult".
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has revealed he would like to captain the Gunners.
Full story: talkSPORT
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has been warned by Spain boss Vicente del Bosque that he risks losing his place in the national team ahead of Euro 2012 if he fails to discover his best form.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is fully expecting another cauldron-like atmosphere when his team visit Liverpool on 15 October. "Every time we go there it is as if it's the biggest game of the century," he said.
Full story: Metro
AND FINALLY
Unhappy Chelsea fans are organising a campaign to save Stamford Bridge after the club launched a proposal to buy back the parts of the stadium sold to supporters in the 1990s. That would enable the west London club to redevelop the site if it finds a new location.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Fulham boss Martin Jol has apparently fined himself in the follow-up to the Carling Cup defeat by Chelsea, after which he reportedly fined rookie Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami for missing a penalty.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Sao Paulo supporters have demanded on-loan Arsenal midfielder Denilson never plays for the club again, after he allegedly branded them "very, very annoying" on Twitter.
Full story: Metro

• Sport
• Football
• Luis Suárez

'Composed' Patrice Evra taken at his word in race row with Luis Suárez

The FA's report shows that in a row between two men, the one from Manchester United was deemed to be telling the truth

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• Sachin Nakrani
  
• guardian.co.uk, Saturday 31 December 2011 21.58 GMT
• Article history

Luis Suárez exchanges words with Patrice Evra during Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Anfield in October. Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images

The 115-page report covering the racism row between Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra, and which was released by the Football Association on Saturday, is by far the longest and most detailed of its kind. This is largely because of the complexities of the case, which sparked into life in the aftermath of Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Anfield on 15 October and took the appointed three-man independent commission two months to resolve.
What the report shows is that in deciding to ban Suárez for eight matches and fine the player £40,000 for racially abusing Evra, the panel judged that in a row which that boiled down to one man's word against another, it was Evra who was telling the truth. The report states "this is not simply a case of one person's word against another" but goes on to describe the United full-back as "calm, composed and clear", while Suárez is labelled "unreliable" and "inconsistent". He is deemed to have called Evra a "negro" seven times and, having consulted linguistic experts, Suárez's assertion that he spoke to Evra in a "conciliatory and friendly" manner is rejected.
The panel concluded "it did not contend Mr Suárez acted as he did because he is a racist", but, overall as can be seen from the extracts below, its verdict is damning of the Uruguayan and leaves little scope for a successful appeal.
What Evra said happened

Mr Evra asked Mr Suárez why he had kicked him, referring to the foul five minutes previously. Mr Suárez replied "Porque tu eres negro", meaning "Because you are black". Mr Evra then said to Mr Suárez "Say it to me again, I'm going to punch you". Mr Suárez replied "No hablo con los negros", meaning "I don't speak to blacks". Mr Evra continued by saying he was going to punch Mr Suárez. Mr Suárez replied "Dale, negro, negro, negro", which meant "Okay, blackie, blackie, blackie". As Mr Suarez said this, he reached out to touch Mr Evra's arm, gesturing at his skin. When the referee blew his whistle and called the players over to him in the goalmouth, Mr Evra said to the referee "Ref, ref, he just called me a ****ing black."
What Suárez said happened

Mr Suárez agreed with Mr Evra that they spoke to each other in Spanish. When Mr Evra asked why he had kicked him, Mr Suárez replied that it was a normal foul and shrugged his shoulders. Mr Evra then said that he was going to kick Mr Suárez, to which Mr Suárez told him to shut up. According to Mr Suárez, at no point did he use the word "negro" [during their first exchange]. Mr Evra spoke to Mr Suárez and said [in English] "Don't touch me, South American." Mr Suárez replied "Por que, negro?" He says that he used the word "negro" in a way with which he was familiar from his upbringing in Uruguay. Mr Suárez claimed it is used as a friendly form of address to people seen as black or brown skinned. Thus, it meant "Why, black?" [In his own witness statement, Suárez added: "my wife calls me negro in an affectionate way."
The linguistic issue

We received expert evidence as to the use of the word "negro" in Uruguayand other areas of Latin America. It is often used as a noun to address people, whether family, friends or passers-by, and is widely seen as inoffensive. It is inoffensive when its use implies a sense of rapport or the attempt to create such rapport. However, if it were used, for example, with a sneer, then it might carry negative connotations. The Spanish language experts told us that if Mr Suárez said the things Mr Evra alleged, they would be considered racially offensive in Uruguay and other regions of Latin America.
Commissions' character assessments

Mr Evra was a credible witness. He gave his evidence in a calm, composed and clear way. It was, for the most part, consistent. Mr Suárez's evidence was unreliable. It was, in part, inconsistent with the contemporaneous evidence, especially the video footage. For example, Mr Suárez said that he pinched Mr Evra's skin in an attempt to defuse the situation. He also said that his use of the word "negro" to address Mr Evra was conciliatory and friendly. We rejected that evidence. To describe his own behaviour in that way was unsustainable and simply incredible given that the players were engaged in an acrimonious argument. That this was put forward by Mr Suárez was surprising and seriously undermined the reliability of his evidence on other matters.
Suárez's seven sins

Mr Suárez fouled Mr Evra in the 58th minute of the game. In the 63rd minute, Mr Evra challenged Mr Suárez about the foul. Mr Evra used an offensive phrase, which did not have any racial element and which Mr Suárez did not hear. An acrimonious argument ensued in which both players had a go at each other. In the course of this confrontation, Mr Suárez used the words "negro" or "negros" seven times. He also made other derogatory comments using the word.
Commission's key conclusion

We apply the standards that we consider appropriate to games played in England under the FA Rules. Whether the words or behaviour are abusive or insulting is an objective matter; it does not depend on whether the alleged offender intended his words to be abusive or insulting.
Justification for length of ban

Had Mr Suárez been sent off for using insulting words (not including reference to a person's colour), he would have received an automatic two-match suspension. The guidance in the FA Rules suggested that our starting-point should be to double that sanction; ie a four-match suspension. However, we were entitled to increase or reduce the penalty further. We took account of various aggravating and mitigating factors.
Suárez's saving grace

The FA made clear that it did not contend that Mr Suárez acted as he did because he is a racist. Mr Evra said in his evidence that he did not think Mr Suárez is a racist. Mr Suárez said in evidence that he will not use the word "negro" on a football pitch in England in the future, and we believe that is his genuine and firm intention. He has in the past supported, and continues to support, a charitable project in South Africa designed to promote multi-racial football.

André Villas-Boas forced to admit Chelsea title is now 'a fantasy'

• Home defeat to Aston Villa puts Chelsea out of race
• 'Fans have the right to boo,' says Chelsea manager

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• Dominic Fifield
  
• guardian.co.uk, Saturday 31 December 2011 22.37 GMT
• Article history

'The booing is the most valuable criticism we have,' Chelsea's André Villas-Boas said. 'It is acceptable and we take it on board.' Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC

André Villas-Boas admits he has fallen short of the minimum requirement expected at Chelsea and dismissed the team's chances of challenging for the title as fantasy, with the manager left to target the more humble objective of finishing in the top four.
Villas-Boas saw his team stumble into the new year in fifth place after suffering a third home league defeat of the season, 3-1 to Aston Villa, with his players departing to a chorus of boos. He does not fear for his own future at the club six months into his three-year contract, though the 34-year-old appears resigned to a frustrating first season in charge.
"The minimum requirement for a club like this is first place," Villas-Boas said after Villa had secured a first victory at Stamford Bridge in nine years. "But I don't think the title is realistic. That is fantasy. Our reality has to be a top-four finish, but even that would not be good enough. We have to continue to pursue the best possible finish for the league, and what will be a more humble finish for this club."
Roman Abramovich set a benchmark by sacking Luiz Felipe Scolari in February 2009 when Chelsea's position in the top four appeared to be under threat, though the owner, who is celebrating the new year in the Caribbean, has privately pledged his support for the incumbent and charged him with reinvigorating this squad. That is proving a painful process."The fans have a right to show their disappointment," Villas-Boas said, who hopes to add Bolton's Gary Cahill to the ranks early next week. "Their away support has been magnificent. Their home support is improving. They know they can make a difference and we need them, but there is no running away or making excuses.
"We have lost a big opportunity in the last four games to shorten the gap to the leaders. We would have been in the running for the title if we'd had a better December. The booing is the most valuable criticism we have. It is acceptable and we take on board."
Villas-Boas did express exasperation at the schedule demanded of his team, with Chelsea forced to play four times in 11 days while other contenders – principally Manchester United – have been granted slightly more time to recover. "Every single club should have the same programme," he added. "It should be the same for everybody, and it's not fair the way it's split at the moment. I know the demands from television are high, but the players will go through physical strains that will undermine their careers and ambitions at Euro 2012, and their clubs' objectives. This is a very difficult situation."

Mkuu upo pande ipi
Heri ya mwaka mpya

• Sport
• Football
• Transfer window

20 top transfer window targets this January – in pictures

As the transfer window swings open once again, we look at 20 of the players most likely to jump ship before deadline day at the end of the month. (Ages and statistics correct as of 1 January 2012)



Name: Hulk Age: 25 Club: Porto Position: Forward Estimated value: £40m

Although he signed a new five-year contract at Porto in the summer, Hulk has made it clear that he eventually expects to move on to a bigger club and his form in Europe – with four goals in six Champions League games this season – has certainly caught the attention of a few. Paris St Germain might be the one candidate willing to countenance a €100m release clause

Name: Daniele De Rossi Age: 28 Club: Roma Position: Midfielder Estimated value: £20m

With his contract set to expire in the summer and negotiations over a replacement having reached an impasse, De Rossi may be more open to a move away from the club he adores than at any other point in his career. With 70 Italy caps to his name, it is a safe bet that the world's leading sides would be interested

Name: Cheik Tioté Age: 25 Club: Newcastle Position: Midfielder Estimated value: £15m

Signed from FC Twente for just £3.5m last summer, Tioté's strength and capacity to break up play has been crucial to Newcastle's fast start to the season but now several Premier League rivals are circling. The Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has not completely ruled out departures in January, but warned would-be suitors that they would have to pay 'a hell of a lot of money' for key starters such as Tioté

Name: Jan Vertonghen Age: 24 Club: Ajax Position: Centre-back Estimated value: £10m

Named Ajax's captain following the departure of Maarten Stekelenburg to Roma in the summer, Vertonghen could soon be following the goalkeeper out of the club if reports of interest from Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal were to be confirmed

Name: Nicolas Gaitán Age: 23 Club: Benfica Position: Winger Estimated value: £30m

A key figure in Benfica's progress to the Champions League knock-out stages, Gaitán's future has been the subject of much speculation in Portugal – where many believe he already has a deal in place to join Manchester United, despite Benfica's statements to the contrary

Name: Frank Lampard Age: 33 Club: Chelsea Position: Midfielder Estimated value: £8m

Increasingly uncertain of a first-team place under André Villas-Boas, Lampard would not struggle to find another club should he decide to move on. Tottenham have been linked with a bid for the player in recent weeks, as have Real Madrid – coached by his former manager at Chelsea José Mourinho

Name: Lukas Podolski Age: 26 Club: FC Köln Position: Forward Estimated value: £16m

A player who has been in prolific touch this season, scoring 14 goals in 15 Bundesliga games for FC Köln, Podolski has just 18 months left on his existing contract, and has been linked with a move to Arsenal – among others

Name: Jack Rodwell Age: 20 Club: Everton Position: Midfielder Estimated value: £15m

Dynamic and muscular, Rodwell has become a key figure in Everton's midfield and won his first England cap in the friendly win over Spain last November. He has also, as a consequence, caught the eye of leading clubs and in particular Manchester United – who will be seeking midfield reinforcements after Darren Fletcher was ruled out indefinitely

Name: André Ayew Age: 22 Club: Marseille Position: Winger Estimated value: £12m

Potential suitors may be put off by the Ghanaian winger's involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations – as well as the new one-year contract extension he recently signed at Marseille – but Ayew has caught the eye of numerous leading clubs during his club's run to the Champions League knock-out stages

Name: David Beckham Age: 36 Club: Los Angeles Galaxy Position: Midfielder Estimated value: £0

With his contract in Los Angeles having expired on 31 December, Beckham is expected to return to Europe and most likely Paris St Germain – who have been open in their pursuit of the player but are yet to reach agreement with him on a deal

Name:Milos Krasic Age: 27 Club: Juventus Position: Winger Estimated value: £12m

After a superb start to life at Juventus, the fleet-footed Krasic's form tailed off in the second half of last season and he has failed to establish himself under the new manager Antonio Conte. With the manager's formations leaving little room for a traditional winger such as Krasic, the club are expected to cash in this January

Name: Carlos Tevez Age: 27 Club: Manchester City Position: Forward Estimated value: £35m

The Argentinian's departure in January seems inevitable at this stage, so the real questions are which club he will join and on what terms. Milan have been most active in pursuing Tevez, but would prefer an initial loan deal with an option to buy in the summer. City would much rather a permanent deal but with Paris St Germain uninterested they may struggle to find an alternative suitor

Name: Yann M'Vila Age: 21 Club: Rennes Position: Midfielder Estimated value: £30m

Linked at different times with Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid, M'Vila has established himself as arguably France's finest defensive midfielder – becoming a regular fixture in Laurent Blanc's national team

Name:Fernando Torres Age: 27 Club: Chelsea Position: Forward Estimated value: £25m

This has been a dismal year for Torres, who has scored just three goals in 25 games since joining Chelsea in January. The club may finally be ready to cut their losses on a player who cost them £50m when he joined from Liverpool – with Milan said to be considering the player as a potential alternative should their move for Tevez fall through

Name: Neymar Age: 19 Club: Santos Position: Forward Estimated value: £35m

Despite failing to live up to billing in his much-hyped head-to-head with Lionel Messi at the Club World Cup, Neymar remains an exceptional talent and very much at the forefront of several major clubs' thinking. He recently extended his contract with Santos to 2014, but that has done little to dampen speculation regarding an imminent move to Europe

Name: Gary Cahill Age: 26 Club: Bolton Wanderers Position: Centre-back Estimated value: £7m

Sought by both Arsenal and Tottenham over the summer, Cahill has since made his first competitive start for England – against Bulgaria in September – though his club form has not always been consistent. Chelsea are now also understood to be interested and with the player's contract set to expire in the summer, this will be Bolton's last opportunity to get a fee for the player

Name: Marco Borriello Age: 29 Club: Roma Position: Forward Estimated value: £10m

Roma's second-top goalscorer last season, Borriello has fallen out of favour under the new manager, Luis Enrique, and is keen to move on. A powerful targetman, he has been linked with moves to Juventus or Marseille