Football Transfers Talk (Ronaldo to Milan)

[A-Sot]

West Ham are paying 100 million euros for Mascherano and Tevez, and Svetoslav Todorov is loaned to Wigan Athletic.

[J@3]

100 million? Where'd you read that? I can't find any price listed on SkySports or the BBC, it's just "undisclosed".

[dada]

100 million is ridiculous.

What I heard (from quite a few people) is that they paid roughly 1 million for each of them with Man Utd getting first option after this year at around 20 million to buy Mascherano and/or Tevez at the same price (Tevez part is uncertain, I think its Chelsea who may have that option). MSI is a supposed investment group so they are looking for large returns on their players.

[dada]

Milan keen on Ronaldinho



Milan president Silvio Berlusconi today again confirmed his club's desire to sign Ronaldinho from Barcelona, although he admitted it would take a huge transfer fee to lure him away from the Nou Camp.


"Ronaldinho is an extraordinary player, one who can really make the difference and we would do all that is in our power to sign him," declared Berlusconi.

"We had said that we would not sign (Alessandro) Nesta because he was a symbol of Lazio," explained Berlusconi. "But the Biancocelesti then changed their mind and decided that the player was no longer untransferable, so we then made our offer and signed him.

"I hope something similar may happen with Ronaldinho. If Barcelona should change their mind then we will be ready to take advantage of the situation."

Ronaldinho is contracted to stay at the Nou Camp until 2014, and there has been no indication from the club that they would be prepared to sanction the sale of their talismanic forward.

Blues on new Ronaldinho trail



Chelsea are understood to be back on the trail of Porto starlet Anderson - heralded as the 'New Ronaldinho'.

The 18-year-old Brazilian is earning rave reviews following his move from Gremio and comparisons with Ronaldinho were already being made before he joined Porto - given that he also hails from the same city as the Samba superstar and he arrived in Europe on the back of starring for the same club side.

His emergence on the world scene came late last year when he starred at the Under-17 World championship - and despite Brazil not winning, Anderson was voted Player of the Tournament.

As we reported last summer, Chelsea were well aware of Anderson before he shone in Peru and they were in the running for his signature before Porto landed him last summer.

The player, who is reported to own half of his rights, did not actually join Porto until January this year as he wanted to help Gremio back to the top-flight in Brazil - which they did.

Because of the delay, Anderson played just a handful of games at the end of the Portugal season, but already he is being hailed as they best young South American player in a generation.

Chelsea's head of youth development Frank Arnesen personally took in Porto's midweek clash with CSKA Moscow to check on Anderson's progress.

Portuguese sources claim that Arnesen was clearly impressed with the young playmaker, who turned in a spectacular display - although Chelsea are by no means the only club showing an interest with Barcelona and Internazionale also thought to be keen.

The player himself has refused to comment on reports of Chelsea's renewed interest while Porto are aware that the scouts are arriving in their droves at The Estadio Do Dragao to check on their young asset.

[dada]

I swear that every scout in the real world must play FM.

Reds check on Sporting starlets



Manchester United are understood to be keeping a close eye on the progress of a number of the talented young crop of players at Sporting Lisbon.

Reports in the Portuguese press claim that United despatched a scout to Lisbon last weekend to take in Sporting's league clash with Pacos de Ferreira.

Sporting actually slipped to a 1-0 home reverse in the match, but United's intended targets all got a run-out.

The Premiership outfit were believed to be running the rule over centre back Miguel Veloso (20), midfielder Joao Moutinho (20, pictured), left winger Nani (19) and striker Djalo (20).

Veloso, Moutinho and Nani all played the full 90 minutes, while Djalo was summoned from the bench at half time as Sporting searched for a goal.

All four of the quartet have come through Sporting's youth system, a production line that also developed the skills of current United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

United have a good relationship with the Portuguese club, especially following the transfer of Ronaldo, and are now looking to ensure they are at the head of the queue for any emerging stars.

However, they are not the only club monitoring Sporting's latest batch of prospects with, unsurprisingly, Chelsea and European champions Barcelona also keeping up to speed with developments at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Chelsea director of football Frank Arnesen has also visited the Portuguese capital this season to make a personal check on Sporting's youngsters, while Barca - who along with Chelsea are known to be chasing Porto's highly-rated Brazilian teenager Anderson - are keeping tabs as well.

Sporting have refused to comment on the speculation, with a spokesperson stating: "No club has contacted us on this subject."

[dada]

Heres some Torres/United murmurs.

Atletico deny United deal


Atletico Madrid have told skysports.com that there has been no approach from Manchester United for Fernando Torres.

Speculation has been rife in the English media that United had all but sealed Torres's signature for next season by making a £5 million 'down payment' with Atletico.

United, along with most of Europe's elite clubs, have been trailing Torres for a number of seasons - but it appeared Sir Alex Ferguson's side had crept to the head of the queue for his services.

However, Atletico - who have always been resolute in their determination to hang on to one of the most gifted young players in Europe - have exclusively revealed to skysports.com that the latest reports are again inaccurate.

"We are tired of this question," sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch told skysports.com.

"Atletico is a club that doesn't speak about rumours, but I insist that we have not received any proposition from United or any other club in recent times for Torres.

"For us this subject is closed. 'El Nino' is our player and has just signed a contract with Atletico for a long time and it is our intention not sell him."

Torres's recent deal saw him pledge his future to his home-town club to the summer of 2009 - but the fact his get-out clause was reduced to £27 million from a massive £60 million, has led to renewed suggestions that he will depart next within the next 12 months.

[dada]

Adriano back to Brazil?



The latest rumor is that Adriano is going to Brazil to sign a loan-deal with Flamengo, the team he started with, but this was categorically denied by his agent, Gilmar Rinaldi. Rinaldi said Adriano wants to play for Inter.

[Joe']

Adriano wants to "play" for Inter but Inter doesn't want him to play for them... In my opinion, when Inter signed Adriano, they absolutely lost A LOT of money: in fact, Adriano played well for how many time? Six months? A season maybe... After that, the only thing he was able to do was just stay like a mummy in the middle of the field waiting for the ball, when s got the ball the greatest thing he was able to do was pass it backwards to one of his teammates...The best thing Moratti could do right now is to sell Adriano to whoever offers more than €10 million.
I know dada likes Adriano but right now, there's nothing to defend him: he's just making Inter spend money, and he's not giving any help to the team.

[dada]

I wouldnt make as bold a statement as dad likes Adriano. I think he is talented yes and I know he is wasting it but remember Adriano is the guy I was saying played shit in the World Cup in an attempt to direct the negative attention away from Ronaldo. I dont know how much I would have to like that person for me to throw them under the bus.

[Joe']

Oh well, you like everyone that plays soccer and comes from Brazil so I thought you liked Adriano too... I guess you're part of the 99% of the world that thinks he's an idiot then.

[dada]

Portuguese international Luis Figo will head to MLS in 2007 on a five-year contract worth about $20 million, this according to La Opinion. Figo is in the final year of his contract with Serie A co-leaders Inter, and he will pack his bags for the United States at the end of his deal in Italy
-- Goal.com

Rather interesting. The MLS is really pushing to get some talent in their league and I honestly wonder what other names will pop up.

On Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson chimed in on the Adu situation: "We've known about him for a long time. We tried to get him some years ago but he signed for D.C. United. That stopped our progress in keeping tabs on him."
-- Goal.com

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has suggested he could move for David Beckham were the former England captain to become available. Beckham's contract at Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, and although he has insisted he is happy to stay at the Bernabeu, a renewal looks no closer to being agreed.
-- Goal.com

The news have become extremely hot following the photo publications of a French weekly magazine (Voici) which showed Zidane and the Algerian singer, Nadiya, get into her building a few minutes after each other. This speculation has not been confirmed by Zidane or his wife, but was categorically denied by alleged lover, Nadiya, during a television program, where she only admitted that she met him once due to a charity initiative.
-- Goal.com

Thierry Henry is unhappy and wishes he had joined Barcelona in the summer, according to a respected source close to Eatsleepsport. Henry is said to be looking for a move in the January transfer window after becoming disillusioned with life at Arsenal.
-- eatsleepsport.com

Damn skippy you shoulda went. Imagine you and Etoo up front...goals galore (knock on wood). Ah well I still dislike you Thierry but in a Barca shart you may get a free pass.

Rumors indicate that Liverpool is finally ready to offload want-away striker Djibril Cisse to Lyon in a swap deal for the French side's striker Fred.
-- Talking Soccer

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Fred should be playing at Man Utd...thats my wish, screw Liverpool.

Real Madrid has secured the future of Roberto Carlos after agreeing a new contract that could keep the veteran full-back at the Bernabeau until 2009.
-- Football UK

Tottenham has won the race to sign NAC Breda's Leonardo Vitor Santiago, according to reports in England. The Brazilian winger has also been linked with Arsenal and Wigan Athletic but The Guardian claims Spurs will wrap up a deal in January, providing he is granted a work permit.
-- eurosports.com

Cardiff City has confirmed they have made an offer to loan Manchester United's Alan Smith until the end of the season. However, the player's agent warned that he was happy to remain at Old Trafford and battle for first-team football.
-- eurosports.com

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has played down rumors linking him to the Milan coaching job next season. A host of names have been linked to Milan in the expectation that Carlo Ancelotti will be sacked if the Rossoneri fail to win a trophy this season.
-- eurosports.com

[dada]

An offer to Adu after all?



Manchester United is expected to table a contract offer to 17-year-old USA international prospect Freddy Adu. Man U's Alex Ferguson, who has followed Adu since he was 14, won't want to delay the deal as it could give Chelsea the opportunity to snatch the midfielder.

Werder consider Klose offers



Werder Bremen have put several of Europe's top clubs on red alert after confirming they will consider offers for Miroslav Klose at the end of the season.

The prolific striker, who finished as top scorer at the World Cup, has continued his form into the new campaign having bagged ten goals for Werder.

Werder are loath to lose their prize asset but with his contract due to expire in 2008, Bremen have reluctantly agreed to his wish of a switch to a foreign league.

"If he expresses a wish (to go) we will deal with any enquiries," Werder's sporting director Klaus Allofs told Kicker.

"But we'll do everything possible to convince him to stay.

"A change would only be possible if the financial details were right and we had a replacement ready."

If reports emanating from Italy prove to be correct, then Klose's next port of call could be Juventus - who are believed to be weighing up a big money bid in January.

With Juventus currently looking good to win an immediate return to Serie A, following their demotion, it is thought Didier Deschamps could be armed with a substantial transfer chest in the summer.

Meanwhile, AEK Athens midfielder Perparim Hetemaj has also reportedly emerged as a target for the fallen Turin giants.

The 19-year-old playmaker admits it is flattering to be linked with a club of Juventus' stature but insists he is focusing his attention on AEK.

"I have a lot to achieve at this club but it's nice that my good performances have been recognised."

[Andreas Dahl]

In case you haven't heard already, 35 year old Henrik Larsson is going to Manchester United on loan from the 1st of January to the 12th of March. He's played fairly good in the Swedish league this season since he returned from Barcelona...
And I'm pretty excited about this. He played well for Barcelona for his age, and it'll be interesting to see if he is still able to keep up. People said the same thing when Barca signed him, and I hope that he'll do just as well this time around.

[dada]

Rumours floating about regarding Barca trying to get the services of C Ronaldo. With his form I doubt any money in the world could get Utd to sell him.

Also seems like the Owen Hargreaves deal to Utd could possibly go through since Bayern has softened their stance.

I'll post a better update later when more time is available.

[iG®]

Frank Ribery is interesrting to Real Madrid. If it's true, hopefuly he'll skip.

[dada]

I think Ribery is just a tad bit overrate. He works hard on the pitch yes but is just a bit too clumsy for my liking. If Real knew better theyd look elsewhere.

[Jing]

Well, Beckham denied the Real Madrid deal... the talent level between him and the majority of the MLS is hilarious.

I dunno, I personally really like Ribery. He's small, but pretty fast and hustles for everything, but there are other players who are just totally more gifted, and taller.

[dada]

Beckham to quit Real for LA Galaxy



David Beckham is to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy.

The former England captain is to quit Madrid when his contract runs out in June after agreeing a deal worth £128million.

He will kick-off the new MLS season in August.

Beckham said in a statement: "This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons.



"After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.



"I would like to thank the supporters and people of Madrid who have made my family and I feel so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.



"I have enjoyed my time in Spain enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans.



"I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own.



"For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100 per cent to my coach, team mates and fans as I believe Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve."


The announcement comes after days of speculation over Beckham's future with a host of clubs across Europe linked with the former England captain.

But Real Madrid have moved to confirm that Beckham will not renew his contract with the club.

"After a meeting this morning (Thursday) at the Bernabeu between the club and David Beckham's agents, both parties decided that David would not extend his present contract with the club which ends on June 30, 2007," Real said on their website.



In terms of finances, Beckham's five-year deal compares with the biggest in mainstream US sports American football and baseball.


The MLS have recently changed their salary cap rules to allow sides to make 'marquee signings' of top international stars. The Beckham deal will see the 31-year-old benefit directly from all his image rights and related sponsorship deals which, in the past, have had to be shared with his club.

[felix8621]

Maybe he got tired doing nothing on Real he decided to just be the biggest attraction on MLS.....

[Amphatoast]

espn said its over $250mill.. for 5 yrs thats 50mill a year.. thats crazy money.. i don't think any athlete has made that much money per year here..

[dada]

Whichever it is it is still crazy. 250 is a skeptical figure for me.

[Amphatoast]

£128million might be $250million (dont know the conversion)

but yes, he might make soccer the "5th major sport" who knows

[BigKaboom2]

I'm not prepared to make any predictions regarding Beckham's impact on the USA's perception of soccer/football. I think this will just cause Americans to realize that Beckham is a wildly overrated player .

[Gundy]

I don't follow soccer so maybe someone could fill me in on this. Is Beckham getting paid that ridiculous amount of money mostly because of his image rather than playing ability?

[Drex]

Well...yeah.

Beckham is a wildly overrated player