Football Transfers Talk (Ronaldo to Milan)

[J@3]

It's Ashley Cole's wife.

[Drex]

Then he's a lucky motherfucker

[Dean]

Word.

Thats why im looking forward to seeing her at the Chelsea games..

Cheryl Tweedy

[dada]

Real Madrid sign Dutch striker Van Nistelrooy



MADRID, July 27 (Reuters) - Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will join Real Madrid from Manchester United on a three-year contract, the Primera Liga club said on Thursday.


The deal is reported by Spanish media to be worth around 15 million euros ($19.12 million).

'Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Manchester United for the signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy,' the Spanish club said in a statement.

'The player will take a medical on Friday morning and will be presented in the afternoon at 1700 GMT in the Bernabeu.'

The 30-year-old scored 150 goals for United since joining in 2001 for a then British record fee of £19 million ($35.39 million).

He is Real's third signing under new president Ramon Calderon following on from Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro and Brazil midfielder Emerson, and will link up with former Manchester United team mate David Beckham.

Van Nistelrooy put in a transfer request two weeks ago and Real and Bayern Munich had been competing to secure his services for next season.

The Dutchman fell out of favour at United in the latter part of last season as manager Alex Ferguson increasingly looked to Louis Saha to partner Wayne Rooney in attack.

He was an unused substitute in United's 4-0 victory over Wigan in the League Cup final in February and stormed out of Old Trafford when he was left out of their final league match of the season against Charlton Athletic in May.

Van Nistelrooy, who has scored 28 goals in 54 games for Netherlands, found the net just once at the recent World Cup and was left on the bench by Dutch coach Marco van Basten during their second-round defeat against Portugal.

The Dutchman will face stiff competition from Raul, Robinho, Julio Baptista, Antonio Cassano and Ronaldo for a place in the Real attack, although his arrival is likely to hasten the departure of at least one of the forwards.

Real are in the process of trying to put together a team under new coach Fabio Capello which will help them win their first trophy in four seasons.

Van Nistelrooy started his career with Dutch sides Den Bosch and Heerenveen before joining PSV Eindhoven in 1998 where he scored an impressive 62 goals from 67 appearances.

United manager Ferguson continued with his bid to bring Van Nistelrooy to the club even after the striker failed a medical in April 2000 and then sustained a serious cruciate knee ligament injury while training with PSV a few days later.

He finally arrived in 2001 and repaid Ferguson's faith in him by scoring 36 goals in all competitions in his debut season.

He was the Premier League's leading scorer with 25 goals when United won the championship in 2003 and was also named PFA Player of the Year.

He has scored 20 goals or more in four of his five seasons at Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy is United's all-time top scorer in Europe, having surpassed Denis Law's long-standing record in September 2004 and is the fourth highest scorer in the European Cup, level on 47 goals with Portuguese great Eusebio.

At first I wasnt too excited when news linking him to Real first came about but with time I'm kinda eager to see if he will do well. Good luck to him and Real Madrid.


EDIT:

REAL UNVEIL VAN NISTELROOY



Real Madrid have unveiled Ruud van Nistelrooy as their latest signing.

The Dutchman has signed a three-year deal at El Santiago Bernabeu after leaving Manchester United.

Van Nistelrooy was given permission to hold talks with Real on Thursday after the Spanish giants agreed a fee in the region of £10 million for the Dutch international.

The former PSV Eindhoven hit-man tied up the move earlier on Friday after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Real beat Bayern Munich in the race to sign van Nistelrooy and the Dutchman admitted it was an honour to join the Spanish titans.



"This move means everything to me," said van Nistelrooy.

"It's a great honour to stand here in the Bernabeu and it is a dream come true.

"Real Madrid is a great club; it's got history, the greatest players ever have played here, so it's a great honour on my side.

"I want to thank everybody for the confidence and belief they have shown in me and I will do everything in my ability to pay them back.

"I am very very happy, thank you all."

[afgshady]

i am soo happpy rud is leaving? wut happen to C.Ronald i thought he was leaving too? its sad that Torres is not coming to Man utd he said he wants to stay with madrid

[#12]

how will they put ronaldo, robinho, and van nistelrooy up front at the same time???

[dada]

how will they put ronaldo, robinho, and van nistelrooy up front at the same time???

Robinho can also play AM or come off the bench. He'll get his time on the pitch.

[dada]

Carrick to be confirmed as £18m United buy



Tottenham are expected to confirm the sale of their England midfielder Michael Carrick to Manchester United in an £18million deal later on Friday.

Spurs, who rejected a bid of £10million from United earlier this summer, are understood to have accepted their increased offer for the player.

Reports suggest the deal to take Carrick to Old Trafford was finally completed early this morning and he is expected to be unveiled as a United player later today.

The deal came just hours after Real Madrid claimed they had clinched the signing of United's Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for a fee in the region of £10million.

The striker is believed to have signed a three-year deal with the Spanish giants after quitting United in the wake of his end-of-season bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, while United allowed the player to travel to Madrid for a medical, the Premiership club insisted no deal had been finalised.

Carrick's move to Old Trafford will land Spurs a handsome profit on a player they signed from West Ham for just £2.75million two years ago.

Ferguson has been a long-time admirer of the midfielder who will help fill the void left by the departed Roy Keane. Although he will not be a direct replacement for the Irishman, Carrick's passing skills will provide them with an outlet they have lacked since Keane left the club.

Carrick's loss will still be a major blow for Spurs coach Martin Jol who helped the 25-year-old force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad.

The Dutch coach had hoped that Carrick would repay the club's loyalty by staying at White Hart Lane but Spurs would not agree to the player's wage demands - reported to be around £50,000-a-week.

Carrick had two years left on his Tottenham deal but had rejected a new contract offer in the wake of United's persistent interest.

Tottenham's determination to hold out for a fee which closely matched their £20million valuation of the player means has given them more transfer cash to spend but Jol will not need to buy a replacement for Carrick.

Tottenham have already signed 22-year-old Benoit Assou-Ekotto from Lens and spent £10.9m on Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov but missed out on Chelsea's left-winger Damien Duff.

But the summer signing of Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora will make Carrick's departure somewhat less painful for Jol, who can now continue his search for a left-sided midfielder in earnest.

Carrick will become United's fifth most expensive signing behind Rio Ferdinand, Juan Sebastian Veron, Wayne Rooney and Van Nistelrooy.

United visit Amsterdam next week where they are due to play both Porto and Ajax and Carrick is expected to be part of the squad.

[dada]

Tevez puts United on red alert



Carlos Tevez has put Manchester United on red alert by admitting his future at Corinthians is in doubt following a clash with supporters.

Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be chasing the Argentinian as a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, while a host of Europe's top club's are also likely to be keen on the 22-year-old.

Tevez is good friends with Gabriel Heinze and even attended a Corinthians media conference last season wearing a United shirt, which may suggest he would welcome a move to Old Trafford.

Tevez wants to leave Brazil after he celebrated scoring an equaliser against Fortaleza by gesturing to the Corinthian fans to be quiet after they had jeered the side when they fell behind.

The media and supporter reaction to his actions has prompted Tevez to state that "it is difficult to stay at Corinthians".

He said: "Florencia (Tevez's daughter) is very scared and my wife is too.

"They are very sad. Things which the Corinthians supporters did are not easy to forget."

Tevez met with chief supporters' group 'Gavioes da Fiel' (Hawks of the Faithful) on Thursday in a bid to end the feud but the former Boca Juniors forward is not convinced he will stay in Brazil.

"First, they (the fans) must respect me," he said. "I did those gestures because they insulted me. Otherwise, I would have done anything. They apologised and, so, I apologise to the entire Corinthians camp.

"I have to think it through very well. I have a daughter and it is not an easy thing. I am sure that I am not going to take them to the stadium any more.

"If I was single, I would be in Brazil for one more year. But I have to talk with my family."

Earlier this week Gavioes vice-president Wildner Rocha told the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper: "If he thinks he's above us, let's see how Tevez faces an organised campaign on our part.

"Nobody can stand constant pressure."

On another note, I forgot to mention the news regarding a swap of Ronaldo for Adriano. Not gonna happen now since they got their striker in Ruud but I would be royally disappointed if they did go get Adriano. Yes he is younger and all but his game is so one dimensional. Having played in Europe for a while the defenders have gotten used to his style and as a result he has a low strike rate. Ronaldo scored 14 goals in 20 games last year and showed signs of getting back in form at the World Cup. If he devotes himself to returning fully fit then I see no reason he wont set the world on fire again alongside Ruud. If Adriano came all I see is someone new for Real to boo (Similar to A-Rod in baseball). Bottom line, I dont think Adriano is better than Ronaldo.


Their other option was Luca Toni who has a great strike rate and would have probably been a good choice if they didnt get Ruud. Coming off their World Cup victory his confidence would be high and would come in fully motivated to do well. Oh well.

I'm happy with Ruud for now, contrary to my earler views.


Boo Adriano. Love you alot but not in a swap for Ronaldo.

[Chris.]

It's about time Man Utd bought a midfielder, I still don't think with the current squad we have right now we have a chance of winning the Premiership, espcially since we lost Ruud, but if we buy a good striker like Torres then we have a better chance to contest against Chelsea

EDIT:

United not chasing Defoe

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied that United are interested in signing Tottenham striker Jermaine Defoe.

Tabloid speculation had suggested that Sir Alex saw the England striker as an ideal replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, but the Scot told MUTV that Michael Carrick is the only Spurs player he covets.

“Well there has been no interest from us [in Defoe]," he said. "We made a move for Carrick and that’s the only thing we did, that is the only player of interest to us at this moment in time.

"I think it will stay that way. I’ve got young Rossi to consider and I want to see him progress as a centre forward. He's more likely to be staying here now."

Ferguson also revealed that he is less than hopeful of signing AC Milan midfielder Rino Gattuso, following Milan's reinstatement into the Champions League.

He said: "With Gattuso, we were always waiting to see what happened to AC Milan and now they're in the European Cup and still in Serie A, there’s very little chance of progress as he’s such an important player for them.”

Looks like Man Utd aren't interested in Defore after all. He could of fitted in well playing alongside Rooney but looks like that won't happen now.

[J@3]

Juventus have confirmed a deal has been agreed to sell Patrick Vieira to Internazionale.

Vieira has been tipped to link up with Inter ever since Juventus were relegated to Serie B for their role in the Italian match-fixing scandal.

The midfield powerhouse has admitted he does not wish to play outside the top flight and has also intimated an interest in a move to Manchester United.

But Inter have been strong favourites to snap up the former Arsenal captain and a deal now finally appears close to completion.

The Old Lady's general manager Jean-Claud Blanc revealed the two clubs had settled on a fee for Vieira.

"Between both clubs, everything is sorted out now," Blanc told L'Equipe.

Inter are thought to be paying in the region of €9.5 million (£6.5 million) for the France international, who is expected to sign a four-year contract later this week.

6.5 million for Vieira, 18 million for Carrick.

[dada]

I was reading about another forum and some guy living in South America reported that in the news over there they are saying Tevez+Mascherano may be heading to England (heavily implying Manchester United). If this is the case and Manchester United do sign them then they are right back up there at the top with Chelsea in the EPL. As of now they dont look alll too good overall and 1 or 2 injuries here and there could completely wreck their season. I know its probably unlikely they get both because I cant imagine the price tag on those two (especially Tevez if Chelsea has anything to say about that) but if they do I would be a very happy man.

[Drex]

Tevez AND Mascherano? Damn, if they pull this off, they would be in a great position this year

[dada]

Crespo signs two-year deal with Inter



MILAN, Italy (AP) -- Argentina striker Hernan Crespo signed for former club Inter Milan on Monday, leaving English champion Chelsea.

"I'm very happy to be back," Crespo said. "I love Italian soccer and the Italian country. Returning to Inter is a personal choice, a return home."

The 31-year-old forward signed a two year-deal on a free transfer, although Chelsea reserved the right to recall the player at the end of the first season.

Crespo played for Inter in 2002-03 before transferring to Stamford Bridge in a 16.8 million pound (US$26.20 million) deal in Aug. 2003.

Crosstown rival AC Milan -- where Crespo spent last season on loan -- also tried to sign the striker, but the Argentine chose Inter.

"The efforts that Inter made to sign me, truthfully, were greater than those of Milan," Crespo said. "I'd like to thank president [Massimo] Moratti, the other directors, and above all [coach Roberto] Mancini. I'm very happy for how much belief they have placed in me."

Chelsea had said that it would not sell Crespo -- under contract for another two years -- unless it received a suitable offer, despite the striker's stated desire to return to Italy. Crespo spurned Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's offer of an improved contract to stay with the London club last month.

"I wanted to come back," said Crespo, who has a house outside of Milan. "I've lived in this country for a long time. I have an Italian wife and two splendid Milanese daughters. I feel like Italy's son, as well as legally having Italian citizenship."

The forward expressed his gratitude to Abramovich and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho for allowing him to leave.

"They behaved really well toward me. They understood me as a man. I would like to thank them from the heart," he said. "I had a wonderful time at Chelsea with the support of the greatest fans, which, for an Argentine playing in England is not easy. I'm very grateful to them."

The player also dismissed speculation that he left Stamford Bridge due to the chances of being the third striker behind Andriy Shevchenko, newly signed from AC Milan, and Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba.

"I never thought about the arrival of Scheva or Drogba before him at Chelsea. This isn't how I am. In my career, I've had the possibility to play for big teams. It's normal for me to compete for my place," Crespo said.

Crespo is Inter's third big preseason signing. The club has already lured Italy defender Fabio Grosso from Palermo and France midfielder Patrick Vieira from Juventus on four-year deals.

Inter has also been linked to strikers Luca Toni of Fiorentina and Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Juventus.

However, following news of Crespo's arrival, Inter striker Obafemi Martins asked to be placed on the transfer list, reports said.

The player's agent, Patrick Bastianelli, told the Apcom news agency that English teams Tottenham, Newcastle and Portsmouth, or Spanish club Valencia, are possible destinations for the Nigeria striker.

He has also played for Italian sides Lazio and Parma -- where he won the UEFA Cup in 1999.

[dada]

Inter land Ibrahimovic



Juventus have confirmed they have sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Internazionale.

The Bianconeri have lost a host of players following their demotion to Serie B because of their involvement in the match-fixing scandal.

The likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram, Gianluca Zambrotta, Emerson and Patrick Vieira have all left the Turin giants and now Ibrahimovic has followed suit.

The Swedish international never hid his desire to leave Juve, as he insisted he did not want to play in Serie B.

Ibrahimovic angered Juventus officials recently by refusing to turn up for a pre-season friendly and Juve have decided to offload him.

Inter have paid €24.8 million (£16.7 million) to secure the signature of the former Ajax forward and he has signed a four-year deal at the Giuseppe Meazza.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been sold to Inter for a consideration of €24.8 million," read a club statement.

"The economic effect, net of additional costs, is positive for about €15 million."

Ibrahimovic is the second major striker to join Inter this week after the arrival of Hernan Crespo from Chelsea.

The signing is sure to increase speculation over the futures of Obafemi Martins and Adriano.

Martins has been linked with a host of English clubs, while reports emanating from Italy claim Manchester United are lining up a move for Brazilian star Adriano.

Seems more and more likely Adriano may be on the move. Too bad for Real Madrid as I am sure they would be interested in him more so than Ruud but now they dont need any more strikers unless they move one they already have and they may be Ronaldo. Maybe Adriano instead of Reyes, who knows. I'm not too sure about Adriano moving to Man Utd, doesnt seem like he would fit well in their system. Then again who knows? Maybe a move to Man Utd might get Adriano inspired a bit and we may see him really show the potential that hasnt fully come out. Oh well, I hope Chelsea doesnt get in the mix, I would puke.

[Srbija]

Ibrahimovic and Crespo to Inter. For some reason, I don't like that.

I would like Adriano to stay in Inter.

[J@3]

Whoa, awesome news. Ibrahimovic/Adriano would dominate (should Adriano stay). Crespo has always been great in Serie A so I'm not worried about that, and with Martins probably out the door there is room there.

[Joe']

Inter is burning money. They don't need another striker, they need midfielders god damn. God, Moratti is such an idiot. How does he do to not get that? He's been burning his and Inter's money on strikers for more than ten years and all they got was one Scudetto (that they didn't even win), a few Coppe Italia and lots of useless Trofei Birra Moretti (summer tournaments sponsored by the famous Italian beer brand Moretti. The most of the times the teams that partecipate are three between Inter, Juve, Milan and Naples).

[Stevesanity]

That 18 million for Carrick was a real Chelsea like signing from Sir Alex, way too pricy he better deliver big time.

Inter are packing up at the front, I wonder if they are still after David Trezeguet that would just be sick. Adriano, Crespo, Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic thats some goal factory shit.

Meanwhile Andreas Isakkson was signed by City, not really sure about him cause I've never seen him in action but I'm sure he'll be able to replace David James.

Anybody thinks Real Madrid can land Reyes?

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Ronaldo. Raul is probably going to play a CAM type role with Ruud and Reyes up front, wonder if Ronaldo will welcome a bench role.

[dada]

Anybody thinks Real Madrid can land Reyes?

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Ronaldo. Raul is probably going to play a CAM type role with Ruud and Reyes up front, wonder if Ronaldo will welcome a bench role.

Real Madrid are said to be on the brink of signing Reyes and I think he may be presented by the club around midweek. I dont think Ronaldo would be benched because even though he didnt have the best of Word Cups he is still a World Class Striker as can be seen by his goal total last year in an injury shortened season. When he is back to match weight and fitness we will all see the Ronaldo of old lighting it up again. Reyes will probaby be on the bench with an occasional start here and there.

[Pera]

Inter and Real are really on the move this summer.They both are going to be hard to beat (if the players will get a long well)

This worries me to many stars at one place.Can they play for the team instead of them selfs?Many times this strategy failled.A Club loads up on superstar players and then the players don't get along.I really hope this year it will be diffrent.

[J@3]

Isaakson or whatever it is is a great 'keeper, I was surprised he didn't end up somewhere bigger.

[dada]

Ronaldo to Milan?
Reports: Real considering Ronaldo swap for Kaka



MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Real Madrid may offer Ronaldo to AC Milan in exchange for Kaka, according to Spanish news reports on Sunday.

Milan is reportedly keen to bolster its attack by signing Ronaldo to replace Andriy Shevchenko, who left for Chelsea in May.

And Madrid could take advantage by using the Brazil striker as a bargaining tool for acquiring his compatriot Kaka, whose arrival was a pre-electoral pledge of the club's new president Ramon Calderon, sports daily Marca said.

Ronaldo, who spent five years in Milan with rival Inter before joining Madrid in 2002, has two years left on his contract but is believed to be unsettled. Last season, he threatened to leave Madrid due to continuing criticism from supporters.

The Brazilian's position appears to be further weakened by reports that Madrid's new coach Fabio Capello prefers recent signing Ruud van Nistelrooy to spearhead the attack for the new season rather than Ronaldo.

Ronaldo has yet to play under Capello as he is sidelined with a knee injury.

Milan has so far refused to countenance the transfer of Kaka _ who is under contract to Milan until 2011 -- but could change its mind if Ronaldo is offered, the paper added.

Madrid's interest in the attacking midfielder drew an angry response last month from Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, who referred to Calderon, sports director Predrag Mijatovic and his assistant Franco Baldini as "bandits."

Calderon sought to defuse the row by writing to Galliani, saying it was all a "big misunderstanding."

Kaka, who played for Milan in a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in a preseason friendly on Saturday, appeared unconcerned by the speculation.

"In this matter, those who decide are Milan and Real Madrid. I have played my part and I'm very happy with my team," Kaka was quoted as saying by Marca on Sunday.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

I dont have a view at this point, still have to gather my thoughts on this one.

[Pera]

This comes as a complete shock for me .
Capelo doesn't like Ronaldo that much so I can understand him in a way and Kaka has a lot of years in front of him,if Milan accepts this deal then Ronaldo will probably stay in Milan to the end of his carrer.CAn't say I wasn't expecting this from Real,but I thought it would be someone else.Real could get a lot out of Kaka and Milan needs a striker so this could be a good deal.

[dada]

Contrary to popular belief it seems Real do want to keep Ronaldo.

Milan keen on Ronaldo



Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has revealed that Milan are keen on signing Ronaldo, although he claims he is not interested in selling the Brazilian striker.


Since the arrival of new coach Fabio Capello there have been several new arrivals at the Bernabeu, although there have been no high profile departures thus far.

Ronaldo, who was jeered by sections of the Real support last season, would seem an obvious candidate to leave - particulary since the signing of Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, Calderon has now claimed that the Brazilian is happy with life in Madrid and has intention of leaving.

''The player wants to remain with us,'' Calderon told Gazzetta dello Sport.

''For sure there has been contact, we are talking about an extraordinary player, the best centre forward in the world.

''It is obvious there is interest. It seems to me that Milan have contacted him and I don't want to say no, but I can say he wants to stay here.

''He believes in the plans for the club, he has said it personally, and we will accept his demands.''