Transfer news...

Sunderland set for talks over signing Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood

• Westwood available on a free transfer
• Steve Bruce looking for cover for Craig Gordon



  • Louise Taylor
  • guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 25 May 2011 13.37 BST <li class="history">Article history Keiren Westwood is a target for Sunderland. Photograph: Getty Images

    Sunderland are set to open talks with the Coventry City goalkeeper Keiren Westwood before the weekend.
    Westwood is available on a free transfer and, with knee trouble likely to sideline Craig Gordon until late autumn, Steve Bruce is keen to sign Westwood as competition for his young Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
    Bruce has said he hopes to make "eight or nine" new signings this summer and already has his eye on another free transfer, Birmingham City's Seb Larsson.
    Wigan Athletic's Charles N'Zogbia, also admired by Newcastle United, remains one of his prime targets, with the Blackpool pair David Vaughan and DJ Campbell also on the list.
 
Chelsea linked with former Real Madrid boss

Published 17:20 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini's agent has hinted Chelsea have made an initial approach for the Chilean.
The Blues are again in the market for a new manager - their fifth in the past three years - after Carlo Ancelotti paid the price for a trophyless campaign just 12 months after guiding his team to an historic double.
While Guus Hiddink is said to be club owner Roman Abramovich's first choice to reprise the role he filled on a temporary basis to such great effect two years ago, convincing the Dutchman to leave his current post with the Turkish Football Federation could prove complicated.
That could lead to Chelsea looking at other targets, such as Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas.Pellegrini's agent has indicated the 57-year-old former Real Madrid boss is also on the Blues' radar.
Jesus Martinez told Chilean radio station Cooperativa: "It is normal for clubs without a coach, such as Chelsea, through intermediaries, to start asking Pellegrini, but he is very comfortable at Malaga and has a contract there.
"He has put a lot of effort into Malaga and is pleased and excited to work with the team."
Chelsea maintained they would not be making any comment on the continuing speculation regarding the appointment of their new manager.
 
Wenger drops massive new hint about Benzema bid

Published 23:00 24/05/11 By John Cross




Arsene Wenger has dropped a major hint that he is ready to make a spectacular move for Karim Benzema.
Wenger says a move for Real Madrid's French striker "doesn't seem impossible" even if it would represent a big change in transfer policy for the Arsenal manager.
10 things you need to know about Karim Benzema PLUS watch his best goals and skills
Wenger ready to clear the decks in anticipation of busy summer transfer window



Benzema, 23, may be available this summer as Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho looks to shake-up his squad to fund a move for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.
Wenger said: "Viewed from the outside, it doesn't seem impossible today. He's a player that I like.
"I think he's intelligent in his movement, I think he is capable of combining well and making a difference, and of doing individual moves as well. So, for me he's a player who's at the top level in the world."
Wenger has insisted he will be active in the transfer window this summer but has already warned he will shy away from "£50m signings" and Arsenal would have to shatter their transfer record and pay around £20m for Benzema.
But that sort of calibre of signing would please the Arsenal fans who are desperate for Wenger to break with his philosophy and spend big. Lorient's French international Kevin Gameiro is also on Wenger's list of potential strikers.
 
Sunderland play down Vaughan deal reports

Published 16:28 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is remaining patient as he attempts to secure an early summer transfer breakthrough.
The manager's indication that he would attempt to push through up to three Bosman free signings during the opening weeks of the close-season has prompted a flurry of speculation in recent days.
However, it is understood that, while groundwork is underway, no decisive move is imminent.
Bruce does have an interest in both Coventry's Republic of Ireland keeper Keiren Westwood and Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson, but he is not alone and clubs look to snap up the best of the players whose current contracts expire at the end of next month.The Sunderland boss was scheduled to meet owner Ellis Short and chairman Niall Quinn yesterday to discuss the club's latest recruitment drive with Bruce having earlier admitted he could be in the market for eight or nine new faces.
Craig Gordon's ongoing injury problems - the Scotland international is expected to miss a significant proportion of the first half of the new season as he recovers from knee surgery - will leave 23-year-old Belgian Simon Mignolet as the club's senior keeper unless they decide to strengthen in that department.
Westwood has proved himself one of the most capable goalkeepers in the npower Championship, and deputised ably at international level for Manchester City's Shay Given during his injury lay-off last season.
However, Bruce's main focus for the summer will be further up the field with strikers his priority following Darren Bent's January departure, Danny Welbeck's return to Manchester United after a season-long loan spell and Fraizer Campbell's latest bout of knee surgery.
That said, the return of four of Bruce's five loan signings to their respective clubs, as well as Bent's loss have left the manager with rebuilding work to do all over the pitch.
The former Manchester United defender remains an admirer of long-term target Charles N'Zogbia, although Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is desperate to hang on to the Frenchman.
Sunderland have also been linked with West Ham striker Demba Ba, but have played down their interest in the player.
 
Rio: Pique wouldn't be where he is if he'd stayed at United

Published 15:34 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Rio Ferdinand is convinced fellow centre-half Gerard Pique would not have taken such giant strides in his career if he had remained with Manchester United.
Pique signed for United as a teenager in 2004 and went on to make 23 appearances in a four-year spell that was punctuated by a year on loan with Real Zaragoza.
Barcelona stepped in to take Pique back to his homeland in 2008 and within a year the cut-price £5million star had beaten United in the Champions League final. Twelve months later, he was in the Spain side which overcame Holland in the World Cup final.
This season, Pique made 31 appearances as Barcelona secured their third successive La Liga title, yet Ferdinand is not convinced Pique was suited to the more physical nature of English football and doubts whether he would have been a success at Old Trafford.
"Everyone knew Pique had talent," said Ferdinand. "But English football is different.
"If you asked him if he could have been where he is now if he had been playing for Manchester United, he would probably have said 'I don't know'.
"When you get a chance, you have to take it. He has gone to Spain, is winning trophies with Barcelona and is doing fantastically well, so you have to give him credit for that."
Pique is one of the unsung heroes at the Nou Camp, but as it seems he will be partnered in central defence by Javier Mascherano at Wembley on Saturday, United should be encouraged to put pressure on the pair whenever possible.
Not that such a task is particularly easy when faced with the triple threat of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta at the other end of the pitch.
Up until a fortnight ago, Ferdinand had not watched a recording of the 2009 final, when United were pulled apart by the brilliant trio. Now he has, and he remains unmoved.
"It didn't scare us," he said. "It actually brought home that it wasn't as one-sided as we imagined. We had a lot of chances."
The failure of midfielder Darren Fletcher to play any part in Gary Neville's testimonial last night indicated that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has virtually given up on his fellow Scot having any meaningful involvement, which would be a major setback.
Fletcher's mental application is among the best in the Premier League and although Anderson, the most obvious alternative, may have more pure ability, he has yet to show the positional discipline which will be required to subdue Messi and Co.
"There is not one single way you can stop Messi," Ferdinand added. "You have to do it as a team.
"All the games we have watched when anyone has played well against Barcelona, is when the whole unit plays well.
"You have to defend as a team, cut down their angles and their space. Then you have a chance."
Ferdinand has not particularly enjoyed the increased attention on the club in the build-up to the match - which was only increased yesterday by the current media storm surrounding midfield veteran Ryan Giggs.
"You want to get the build-up out of the way," Ferdinand said.
"At least we are sharing the load. I can only imagine what it is like for a boxer who has to do it by himself for two or three months."
And the perception that Barcelona are favourites for the game has also not gone down well with the 32-year-old.
"Every week something is being said, either by other teams or the media," Ferdinand continued. "But I don't mind Barcelona getting all the credit now.
"I would prefer to be taking the plaudits on Saturday evening."

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Club-by-club end of season reports and summer transfer guides

Published 17:57 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




As the dust settles on another thrilling Premier League season, our reporters have taken stock and delivered their expert verdicts on what went right, what went wrong and what needs to be done in the summer months ahead. Follow the links below to see how your team shaped up:
Arsenal by John Cross
Aston Villa by James Nursey
Birmingham by James Nursey Blackburn Rovers by David Anderson
Blackpool by David Anderson
Bolton by David Anderson
Chelsea by Martin Lipton
Everton by David Maddock
Fulham by Neil McLeman
Liverpool by David Maddock
Manchester United by David McDonnell (coming soon)
Manchester City by Simon Mullock
Newcastle by Simon Bird
Stoke City by David Anderson

Tottenham by Darren Lewis
West Brom James Nursey
West Ham by Dan Silver
Wigan by David Anderson
Wolves by James Nursey
 
Elmander confirms he's leaving Bolton

Published 17:09 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Sweden striker Johan Elmander is looking forward to a "new challenge" following his departure from Bolton.
The club's record £8.2million signing from Toulouse three years ago joins Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O'Brien, Tamir Cohen, Sam Sheridan, Maison McGeechan and Tom Eckersley in leaving the Reebok Stadium after the expiration of their contracts.
Elmander is expected to join Galatasaray after the Turkish club last week announced they have agreed a deal in principal for the 29-year-old.
"I have had three good years at Bolton, especially the last 18 months, but the time is right for a new challenge," Elmander, who scored 12 goals last season, told bwfc.com."The manager [Owen Coyle] is one of the best I have worked with and he helped me re-ignite my hunger for the game."
Bolton have taken up a 12-month option on Robbie Blake, while negotiations are continuing with Ricardo Gardner and Tope Obadeyi.


​
 
Blackpool try to hang onto Adam for another year

Published 16:45 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Blackpool have activated a clause in Charlie Adam's contract which in theory gives him another 12 months at Bloomfield Road, but it is unlikely to prevent the Scotland midfielder moving in the summer.
The 25-year-old was the subject of failed bids by Liverpool and Tottenham in January and now Ian Holloway's side have been relegated from the Barclays Premier League it seems inevitable he will leave.
But having successfully fended off offers mid-season Blackpool will hold out for the best price for Adam, having turned down £6million offer from Liverpool four months ago.
In addition to their prize asset, it seems the Seasiders will also find there is plenty of interest in a number of other players as clubs seek to take advantage of their drop into the npower Championship.With that in mind 12-month options have also been taken out on Keith Southern, Neal Eardley, Ian Evatt, Billy Clarke, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Louis Almond.
The club have offered new contracts to goalkeeper Matt Gilks, left-back Stephen Crainey, midfielder David Vaughan, striker Brett Ormerod and youngsters Mark Halstead and Ash Eastham.
Blackpool have also confirmed a total of 11 players have been released.
They are goalkeepers Richard Kingson and Paul Rachubka, Marlon Harewood, Andy Reid, Rob Edwards, Danny Coid, Malaury Martin, Jason Euell, David Carney, Salaheddine Sbai and Ishmel Demontagnac.
"Blackpool Football Club would like to thank all of those players departing for their efforts and wishes them all the very best for the future," said a club statement.
 
Given opens door to Celtic move

Published 15:29 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has refused to rule out a move to Celtic after insisting a switch to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League would not be a step down for him.
The 35-year-old has spent most of the season warming the bench as second choice behind Joe Hart at Eastlands.
He is desperate to be playing regular first-team football again and has long been linked with a return to Parkhead, where he spent three years in the youth team in the early 1990s.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon recently hailed Given as "a top, top goalkeeper" but acknowledged he would cost a lot of money to recruit.However, a goalkeeper will be high on Lennon's agenda this summer, with Fraser Forster having now returned to Newcastle following the end of his loan spell, which is unlikely to be repeated at the Glasgow giants.
Given, who is on Carling Nations Cup duty with the Republic of Ireland this week, said: "It's no secret I'm a big Celtic supporter and have been all my life. I don't know what their goalkeeping situation is.
"Fraser Forster had a very good season up there and there has been talk of him moving on a permanent basis so we would have to wait and see. But it is a fantastic club with fantastic supporters.
"Ideally, I would like to be playing but it's out of my hands. If Manchester City want me, I've got another two years left on my contract. I don't really know what's going to happen.
"At the moment, I'm focused on the Scotland game on Sunday and then the game against Macedonia [Euro 2012 qualifier on June 4].
"After that we will see what comes up - if there are options to play somewhere. If not, I'll go back to Manchester City pre-season and get my head down and go again."
Asked if a switch to the SPL would be a step down, he said: "Not if you're playing with Celtic, it's not.
"It's a great club, with an unbelievable history, so I wouldn't look at it as a step down. It's a fantastic club but it's too soon to say what's going to happen or if that's going to happen.
"But you never say never when Celtic come calling."
Lennon looks set to sign a new contract with the Hoops despite missing out on the SPL title to rivals Rangers and Given has been impressed by the Celtic boss.
He said: "He's had a difficult season with all the off-field stuff and a lot of lesser men would have walked away from the job.
"It was brilliant to see him picking up the Scottish Cup at the weekend, although I think the biggest disappointment was the game they lost at Inverness.
"But there is always next year to go for the league and I'm sure Neil will be working extremely hard over the summer to strengthen the squad and come back stronger."
Given was thrilled to be between the sticks for the Republic last night, albeit a 5-0 win over Northern Ireland meant a quiet night for the goalkeeper.
He said: "It was nice to get playing again. I would have liked to have been a bit busier but the lads played very well and we scored some good goals.
"It was nice to pull the jersey back on and go through the mental side of things of preparing for the game, although I didn't have much to do.
"Northern Ireland actually started all right and had a good chance very early on. Maybe that was a wake-up call for us and we played some good stuff.
"I know Northern Ireland had a young team but we should take lots of positives from the goals we scored."
 
Sol Campbell leaves Toon

Published 13:19 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Newcastle have confirmed that Sol Campbell and Shefki Kuqi have left the club.
The 36-year-old former England defender and the 34-year-old one-time Finland striker have not been offered new deals after their respective short spells at St James' Park.
A spokesman said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Shefki Kuqi and Sol Campbell have left the club. The pair are on contracts which expire this summer, and both players are free to find new clubs.
"Everyone at Newcastle thanks Shefki and Sol for their efforts while at St James' Park and wishes them the very best for the future."Campbell, who started in pre-season training later than the rest of the squad after returning from his honeymoon, managed only eight appearances - three of them from the bench.
His last came as a starter in the 4-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Stoke on March 19, and he last made the matchday 18 as an unused substitute a fortnight later for the 4-1 victory over Wolves.
Only three of his appearances came under current boss Alan Pardew, including the new manager's opening game - a 3-1 victory over Liverpool.
However, Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson have spent much of the season in harness in central defence with Steven Taylor eloquently stating his case in the final three games after Williamson was sidelined by a broken bone in his arm.
Campbell had also been courted by derby rivals Sunderland, but his links with former boss Chris Hughton helped Newcastle clinch his signing.
Kuqi, who was recruited as a stop-gap replacement for Andy Carroll when he left the club for Liverpool in a £35million January switch, appeared six times as a substitute.
 
Norwich boss Lambert signs new contract

Published 17:48 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Norwich tonight confirmed manager Paul Lambert has signed a "new and improved" contract.
The Canaries are set to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2005 after securing back-to-back promotions under Lambert, who took charge in August 2009 with the Norfolk club near the foot of League One.
The 41-year-old Scot - who attracted an official approach from Burnley earlier in the season and emerged as a reported target for managerless West Ham - has been in lengthy discussions with the board over improvements to his rolling 12-month deal.
With those now concluded, Lambert will focus on securing new players to help the club stay in the Premier League.
 
Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers

Published 08:56 25/05/11 By Football Spy




Transfer rumours from today's Daily Mirror
Fergie confirms deal for 'outstanding van der Sar replacement' De Gea
EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea want £20m Aguero to take a pay cut
Wenger drops massive new hint about Benzema bid Wenger ready to clear the decks in anticipation of busy summer transfer window
Redknapp to fund Parker purchase by flogging Jenas to QPR
Spurs offer van Nistelrooy Premier League return
West Brom to battle Tottenham for Foster
Spurs keeper Gomes wants PSV return, claims boss
Bruce confirms Sunderland interest in £7m West Ham star
Stoke target Bothroyd to replace returning Carew
Stoke winning race to sign West Ham star
Balotelli '2,000 per cent certain' to stay at City
Wigan will only sell star trio to Champions League side
Sunderland lead chase to land Coventry keeper
Leicester preparing £2m bid for Schmeichel
McLeish set for Brum clear out talks today
Maradona targets former Man United striker as first signing at new club Al Wasl
Manager gossip
Porto chief warns Chelsea off Villas-Boas
Hill out of the running for Barnsley job
Benitez 'has not held talks about Turkey job' insists agent
Transfer rumours from other papers and websites
Manchester United have emerged as shock suitors for Arsenal star Samir Nasri , who is stalling on a new contract with the Gunners. (Metro)
But Arsenal could use cash generated from a sale to fund a move for Porto striker Radamel Falcao . (Daily Mail)
Liverpool are hoping to beat Arsenal to the signing of Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre . (Metro)
The Reds are also keen on Hamburg winger Eljero Elia . (talkSPORT)
Tottenham have insisted stars Gareth Bale and Luka Modric will not be sold this summer. (Daily Mail)
But Spurs boss Redknapp is hoping to offload up to 14 players in a summer clear-out, including Sebastien Bassong, David Bentley, Jermaine Jenas, Wilson Palacios, Niko Kranjcar, Jamie O'Hara, Giovani dos Santos and Robbie Keane . (The Guardian)
Arsenal and Liverpool are leading Spurs in the chase to sign Lille's £10m-rated striker Gervinho . (talkSPORT)
Chelsea will sign Neymar and Gregory van der Wiel this summer, with Paulo Ferreira and Jose Bosingwa both expected to leave. (The Guardian)
The Blues are also open to offers for Nicolas Anelka , who has just one year left on his current deal. (Independent)
Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic wants to seal a move to Chelsea or Manchester United , but doesn't fancy Arsenal. (Metro)
Aston Villa want to sign Bolton keeper Ali Al-Habsi, who has just returned from a successful loan spell at Wigan. (Daily Mail)
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign Man City striker Emmanuel Adebayor on a permanent deal. (Daily Mail)
Newcastle have upped their offer to £10m for Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro , in a bid to scare off fellow suitors Tottenham and Sunderland . (Daily Mail)
10 things you need to know about Kevin Gameiro plus video of him in action
Villarreal want to sign Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega if Giuseppe Rossi leaves for Barcelona. (talkSPORT)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told World Cup winning boss Marcello Lippi that he would take Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford "tomorrow". (The Sun)
Arsenal midfielder Alex Song is a £15m target for Inter Milan . (Daily Star)
 
Maradona targets former Man United striker as first signing at new club Al Wasl

Published 12:05 24/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan could become Diego Maradona's first major signing since becoming Al Wasl manager.
The ambitious Dubai-based club revealed they were "working" on a deal to sign Forlan, who was voted the best player at last summer's World Cup, less than a month after announcing Maradona as boss.
"He (Forlan) is one of the big names on the line, I can't deny that but we still haven't closed this deal," Al Wasl chief executive Ashraf Ahmad Mohammad told The Gulf News.
"We are working on it. We are certainly doing our best to bring top things to this country, because the UAE deserves it."Forlan won the Golden Ball at the World Cup finals in South Africa after his five goals helped Uruguay to the semi-finals.
The 32-year-old has, however, struggled for form in the second half of the Spanish Primera Liga season, prompting speculation he was set to leave the capital club.
Forlan also reportedly fell out with boss Quique Sanchez Flores who is to leave the club in the summer.
Maradona is set to begin his tenure with Al Wasl next month and begin preparations ahead of the new season in September.
It is the 50-year-old's first job since he guided Argentina to the last eight of the World Cup, and Mohammad has pledged to back his high-profile coach in the transfer market.
"If we give Maradona the right players and assistant I don't see where he will fail," he added.
"We are working with him hand in hand to make him successful. If we watch the show from afar and don't solve these problems immediately it will be a disaster.
"But if we're hand in hand from the beginning we will reach our goals and have our glory. Maradona will do his job but he must have the tools."
 
Sunderland deny tapping up West Ham star

Published 18:12 25/05/11 By MirrorFootball




Sunderland have defended themselves against claims that they have made an illegal approach to West Ham striker Demba Ba.
The Hammers have reported the Black Cats to the Barclays Premier League over an allegation that they have breached the rules governing transfers.
However, a spokesman said: "Sunderland AFC is fully aware of the Premier League regulations pertaining to player recruitment.
"If we are interested in any player currently under contract with another club, we will speak directly to that club, in line with the regulations."A Premier League spokesman confirmed that they have received a complaint from the Hammers, which will now be considered:
"We have received a letter from West Ham United. We will look into their complaint to see if there is a case to answer."
The regulations are detailed in Section K of the Premier League rulebook and state that a club cannot approach a contracted player at another club either directly or indirectly without prior written consent.
Indeed, even a public statement expressing an interest in a player can be construed as an offence.
Sunderland are one of a series of clubs - derby rivals Newcastle are among the others - to have been linked with Ba, who scored seven goals in the Hammers' ultimately vain bid to retain their top-flight status following a January move from German club Hoffenheim

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Glazers give Manchester United's manager green light for summer spree

&#8226; Sir Alex Ferguson told to target world's best players
&#8226; Owners 'relaxed' about spending large sums on transfers



  • Owen Gibson
  • guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 25 May 2011 18.17 BST <li class="history">Article history Sir Alex Ferguson has been told by Manchester United's owners to target the world's best players this summer. Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Reuters

    Manchester United's owners have made it clear to Sir Alex Ferguson that he has a substantial transfer budget at his disposal for big-name targets during a summer in which the club's bank account is expected to swell to more than £160m.
    The £17m signing of the Atlético Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea will not be the last big signing during a close season in which the club will spend more than in recent years, and Ferguson has been given the green light to target the best players in the world.
    The Glazers have consistently maintained that the manager has funds to spend, but fans have questioned the club's ability to compete for the biggest names in recent years, amid concern at the club's debt levels and interest commitments.
    Having smashed the pay ceiling to give Wayne Rooney a contract worth around £200,000 a week in the wake of his threat to leave, the owners are said to be relaxed about the prospect of Ferguson breaking the bank to sign a marquee name.
    It was the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m in 2009, followed by the departure of Carlos Tevez to Manchester City weeks later, that raised concerns among Manchester United fans worried that the demands of servicing the loans loaded on to the club had left it unable to compete for the best players.
    Club insiders say that any acquisitions will have to fit the template followed by Manchester United under the Glazers, with an emphasis on younger players who will retain value. The club has bought one player in the past 14 years who was over 27 and cost more than £3m &#8211; Dimitar Berbatov for £31m.
    According to Manchester United's most recent accounts, the club have £113m in the bank. That has fuelled suspicions that the owners will withdraw some of it in dividends but insiders claim it is there for transfers and to guard against unforeseen events.
    That figure is expected to rise to more than £160m by the end of the summer, if it follows the pattern of previous seasons, once season-ticket revenue for the coming season is banked. Despite racking up a record pre-tax loss of £109m last year, much of that was attributable to one-off costs associated with a £500m bond issue.
    The chief executive, David Gill, has repeatedly stated that the club will comfortably be able to pay the £45m annual interest on those bonds, especially as it now owns 26% of them itself, and still has about £60m in cash every year thanks to global growth in commercial and TV revenues.

 
Patrice Evra invites Arsenal's Samir Nasri to join Manchester United

&#8226; France team-mate says Nasri should move to Old Trafford
&#8226; Arsenal midfielder entering last year of contract



  • Agencies
  • guardian.co.uk, Thursday 26 May 2011 00.54 BST <li class="history">Article history Arsenal's Samir Nasri has been encouraged by his France team-mate Patrice Evra to join Manchester United. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

    Manchester United's left-back Patrice Evra has risked upsetting Arsenal by encouraging Samir Nasri to leave the Emirates and join him at Old Trafford.
    Nasri has one year left to run on his contract with Arsenal and the 23-year-old midfielder is set for talks about a new deal next month, but Evra made it clear he believes his France team-mate would be better off at Manchester United.
    "If Samir comes, he has to know there is no room for mistakes," said Evra in the French newspaper L'Equipe. "Each year you are playing to win. That is Manchester United's culture.
    "I have been at Manchester United for five years and I can't remember how many trophies I have won &#8230; 13? 15?. So 'Petit Prince', if you want to be King, you know where you have to go."

 
Transfer Window - Golden Deals!

1. Radamel Falcao (age: 25)
New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas could raid former club Porto to make forward Radamel Falcao his first signing since being appointed at Stamford Bridge.
2. Cesc Fabregas (age: 24)
Arsenal are prepared to sell Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona if the two clubs can agree a price for the Spanish midfielder.
3. Andrea Pirlo
Italy international Andrea Pirlo has completed his move to Juventus on a 3-year contract. The signed contract will run from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014.
4. Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema's agent has denied travelling to London last week to discuss a potential £21.6m transfer to Arsenal. Real are reported to be prepared to listen to offers to fund the signing of Adebayor.
5. David De Gea (age: 20)
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea is having a medical ahead of his proposed move to Manchester United. The 20-year-old will replace Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford and will cost a reported £18.9m.
6. Sergio 'Kuna' Aguero (age: 22)
Argentine striker has refused to rule out the possibility of joining arch-rivals Real Madrid in the summer.
ManCity, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been linked with the talented forward, but he is thought to want to stay in Spain.
7. Wesley Sneijder
"I'm staying". Dutch star rules out summer move.
The Dutch midfield schemer is understood to be on Manchester United's radar as Sir Alex Ferguson looks at potential successors for Paul Scholes.
8. Gervinho (age: 23)
Lille chairman Michel Seydoux admits Gervinho has set his heart on securing a move to Arsenal this summer.
9. Stewart Downing (age: 26)
Aston Villa star has confirmed that he will not be committing to a new contract 'at the moment'. The England winger enjoyed an excellent campaign for Villa, winning their Player of the Year award.
 
Arsenal and Liverpool both keen on signing Lille striker Gervinho

&#8226; Arsène Wenger may have to sell Arshavin to sign Gervinho
&#8226; Ivory Coast striker has helped Lille win French title



  • David Hytner
  • guardian.co.uk, Friday 27 May 2011 14.54 BST <li class="history">Article history Gervinho, right, with the Ligue 1 trophy at Lille's victory parade. The striker is an Arsenal target. Photograph: Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images

    Arsène Wenger wants to sign Lille's Ivory Coast striker Gervinho this summer but he faces competition from Liverpool. The Arsenal manager is a long-term admirer of Gervinho and he has placed him prominently on his list of targets.
    Wenger has said that "for the first time in a while, I will be very active" on the transfer market yet the deal for Gervinho could hinge on his ability to sell Andrey Arshavin.
    He is open to offers for the Russia forward, who has been a disappointment this season, and he would like to swell his transfer kitty by recouping the £15m that the club paid for him in the winter window of 2009.
    Gervinho, 24, has made it clear that he wants to play Champions League football next season, which he would be able to do if he stayed at Lille, who have won the French title for the first time since 1954.
    But the prospect of a move to the Premier League appeals, with Liverpool also an attractive option. Gervinho intends to make a firm decision on his future after Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin on 5 June.

 
Mancini told: No crazy City spending

Published 23:59 28/05/11 By Steve Bates




A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Roberto Mancini has been told by Manchester City's owners they'll back him in the transfer market &#8211; but they won't go crazy with the owner's billions.
Mancini flew to Abu Dhabi to get assurances on key targets like £58million Cesc Fabregas, £40m Spurs playmaker Luka Modric and £26m Udinese striker Alexis Sanchez. But City's FA Cup-winning boss was also reminded of UEFA's financial fair play rules that are coming into force and told the club aren't going to spend wildly.
Mancini wants funds to go toe-to-toe with Manchester United but club bosses believe three big signings will do it, while football administration officer Brian Marwood thinks only minor tinkering is necessary.
 
Modric quit fear as it emerges he earns less than Keane

Published 23:59 28/05/11 By Steve Bates




A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Tottenham face the threat of losing midfield maestro Luka Modric this summer *after it emerged the Croatian star earns just £45,000-a-week.
That figure is peanuts compared to what £200,000-a-week stars like Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and FA Cup Final hero Yaya Toure from Manchester City take home. Modric is even way off being Tottenham's top earner, with Robbie Keane the highest paid player at White Hart Lane on £65,000-a-week.
And boss Harry Redknapp knows that leaves Spurs vulnerable to a bid from Premier League big boys Chelsea, as well as both Manchester clubs when the transfer market snaps into action.
 
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