Bolton's Lee out for nine months

Bolton Wanderers winger Chung-yong Lee faces at least nine months on the sidelines after breaking his leg against Newport County. 

The South Korea international was stretchered off during the first half of Bolton's 3-1 friendly victory over Newport on Saturday.

He was immediately placed in a leg brace and was taken to hospital where he underwent an operation on a broken right leg.

Lee sustained a double fracture to his lower right leg and he is now likely to miss the majority of the upcoming Premier League season.

Who will win tonight: Man Utd or Barca??

Its the clash of Football Giants and a rematch of Champions League Final-this time in the United States' capital Washington D.C.

FedEx Field seats roughly 91,000 people - nearly 16,000 more than Manchester United's Old Trafford, but 8,000 less than Barcelona's Camp Nou.

 

 Probable Lineups:

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes, Abidal, Pique, Puyol, Fontas, Thiago, Busquets, Iniesta, Afellay, Jonathan, Villa.

Xavi is doubtful with an Achilles problem while Lionel Messi and new signing Alexis Sanchez are still on holidays following their Copa America participation with Argentina and Chile respectively.

Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea, Jones, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Young, Carrick, Anderson, Park, Rooney, Berbatov

Javier Hernandez is out after suffering concussion in the previous game against the MLS All-Stars. Darren Fletcher is sidelined with a virus and Antonio Valencia with an ankle injury. 

Blues miss the chance to sign Pastore

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini claims sought-after midfielder Javier Pastore has joined Paris St Germain, ending Chelsea's pursuit of the Argentinian. 

Zamparini has revealed that a €43million (£37.5m) deal was struck late on Friday for the 22-year-old to join the Parc des Princes club.

Chelsea were thought to be chasing the talented youngster's signature but it appears they have been beaten to the punch by the Ligue 1 outfit.

The swoop is yet to be officially confirmed by the two sides, while Palermo sources had earlier said that the Argentina international's agent was still negotiating with the Blues over a move.

Bad news for Liverpool fans as their star palyer gets injured till September

Liverpool have been dealt a blow with the news captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out until September after being admitted to hospital with an infection related to his troublesome groin injury.

The midfielder had been undergoing rehabilitation from groin surgery that ended his season in mid-March but manager Kenny Dalglish had expected him to be back for the start of the new campaign.

However, a statement on the club's official website today revealed he will not be available until the following month.

N'Zogbia moves to villa

Aston Villa have completed the £9.5million capture of Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan Athletic.

The former Newcastle United man has signed a five-year deal having successfully completed a medical on Friday.

N'Zogbia had just one year remaining on his Latics contract and owner Dave Whelan was against running the risk of losing him for free next summer.

The winger, who is naturally delighted at the move, could make his Villa debut in next Wednesday's pre-season friendly with Derby.

Villa moved for N'Zogbia after losing Stewart Downing to Liverpool and Ashley Young to Manchester United and the French ace is looking forward to working with manager Alex McLeish.

Cesc Fabregas omitted from Arsenal's Emirates Cup side

Arsenal have announced that club captain and Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas has been omitted from the squad that will play in the Emirates Cup. The move to leave the Spaniard out will ignite further talk that a deal between Arsenal and the Spanish champions is edging closer to completion.
Fabregas’ manager Arsene Wenger concedes that the midfielder is struggling to focus on club targets as the saga continues over whether he will re-join his boyhood team, but the Frenchman is remaining understanding towards his captain’s situation.
"He is not settled and that has to be sorted out soon. He [Fabregas] is just coming back from injury and we have to make sure that he is focused on being with us," said Arsene Wenger.

"Cesc is torn between to loves. I can understand that but we want to be certain about his commitment"
Another player Wenger is required to keep his eye is compatriot Samir Nasri as his future is equally unresolved, but the club’s manager insists both players have been keeping faithful to the north London outfit.

"Samir loves the club [Arsenal]. We read that he and Cesc are somewhere else every day. But they are still here"
Arsenal will play Boca Juniors in the Emirates Cup on Saturday, before a tie with MLS side New York Red Bulls the following afternoon. 

QPR Bid for DJ Campbell Accepted

The 29-year-old has a clause in his contract which would allow him to speak to any club that offered £1.25million for his services.

Campbell was one of the beacons of success for the Seasiders last year as they were relegated from the top flight.

His return of 13 goals from 31 appearances made him one of the highest scoring Englishmen in the Premier League last season.

Johnson moves to Leicester

Leicester have signed Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson on a season-long loan.

As exclusively revealed by skysports.com earlier this week, Leicester have beaten off competition from the likes of Wolves and Leeds to land Johnson.

Sergio Agureo signs for Manchester City

Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has completed a switch to Manchester City, the player announced via Twitter.

"I am a City player already. I am happy to be at this club and in this city. Thank you everyone for the welcome and the reception !!!," Aguero tweeted.

The move is likely to signal the departure of compatriot Carlos Tevez, with Serie A side Inter reported to be in talks with City for a season-long loan. 

Spanish player Santi Carzola moves to Villareal

Malaga and Villarreal have come to an agreement regarding the transfer of Santi Cazorla to La Rosaleda, both clubs have announced on their respective websites.

The two clubs were locked in talks earlier on Tuesday and Cazorla will finalise a switch to Malaga on Wednesday, subject to him passing a medical with the club.
Neither side have disclosed any information about the transfer fee, but reports in Spain on Monday claimed that Cazorla will cost Malaga €19 million plus €2m in the form of bonuses. 

Cazorla, who is set to become Malaga's tenth signing this summer, will join up with the rest of the squad at their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Suarez as a kid on TV - The Kop Video - Liverpool FC

Suarez as a kid on TV - The Kop Video - Liverpool FC

Sergio Batista has left Argentina

Argentina have dispensed with the services of coach Sergio Batista, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced.

Batista's future at the helm of the South American giants had come under scrutiny following the team's failure to go beyond the quarter-finals at Copa America while hosting the competition.

Arsenal were refused by Fifa to use goal-line technology in pre-season matches

Fifa has refused to allow Arsenal to experiment with goalline technology during pre-season matches. The Gunners were hoping to use the technology to help officials at the Emirates Cup, with Arsene Wenger's side competing alongside Boca Juniors, Paris Saint-Germain and New York Red Bulls.
Yet, despite the games being classed as friendlies, the world football organisation will not allow the north London club to implement it.

“You need permission to use it and we didn't get it,” manager Arsene Wenger was quoted as saying by The Sun.
“I think they do not want to start to have a different set of rules here and there and I understand that.
“The good news is they are open to it and it looks like in the next World Cup we will have it.
“You want it so you have a better chance to make the right decisions. You know it could be a help for the referees.
“The more help they get, the more decisions they get right. I would like to use it for more than the goalline but it's a first step.”

The Frenchman has long been an advocate of using technology to assist officials in games but Fifa has been against its implementation.
Recently, however, they have showed signs of changing their stance with mounting pressure from managers, players, officials and fans to make the technology available.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter was in attendance at the World Cup match last year between England and Germany, and witnessed the referee refusing to allow Frank Lampard’s shot as a goal even though it was a significant way over the line.
Premier League chief Richard Scudamore said recently that he hopes England's top flight will have goalline technology in place for the 2012-13 season.

Evra asked to leave

Patrice Evra has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson talked him out of leaving Manchester United last summer.

The French full-back admits he returned from the 2010 World Cup - where he found himself at the centre of controversy following a strike within Les Bleus' camp - with his heart set on securing a move away from Old Trafford.

He claims Inter Milan and Real Madrid had expressed an interest and the time felt right, after four years with United, to try something new.

Evra informed Ferguson of his decision, but was happy to sit down with his manager and discuss the situation.

Those talks ended with Evra opting to stay in England, and he believes the right call was made eventually.

"Sometimes you have to make a choice in your life and there was an approach from two big clubs, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, and I just had a chat about it with the boss," said Evra.

Pastore 'likely' to join Chelsea

The Sicilian club's chief Maurizio Zamparini stated on Saturday that Manchester City and Roma, along with Chelsea, were interested in landing the Argentine forward.

But now Micciche has admitted that Chelsea are in pole position to land the 22-year-old, who Palermo have previously insisted would cost any side €45million (£39.7m).

"We are talking about a great player who, in my opinion, is extraordinary," Micciche explained to Radio Sportiva.
"There is no doubt that he should be sold for several reasons. He wants a big club and negotiations are well advanced with a very important team.

"His agent is working well and if someone pays the right amount we are happy to let him go.
"Very likely he will go to Chelsea but I think there are many other clubs of that level looking at the boy."

Micciche ruled out any suggestion of a player plus cash deal for Pastore, adding: "We don't want any players in exchange, it would be impossible because it would mean taking players of a level that Palermo could not afford."

Samir Nasri hoping to leave on free transfer

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is believed to be willing to remain in north London for another year and then leave on a Bosman transfer.

The 24-year-old had a breakthrough campaign last season, making 46 appearances, scoring 15 goals and contributing five assists. His performances also saw him nominated for the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards.

Despite his strong showings, Arsene Wenger's men again failed to lay their hands on any silverware, as the trophy drought extended to six years.

Since the end of the season the former Marseille man has been heavily linked with a move away from the club, with Manchester City thought to be interested in his services.

Now The Sun reports that the midfielder is ready to see out his contract at Ashburton Grove and leave for free next summer.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the Gunner has told his team-mates that he is not going to sign a new contract with the club.

For his part, Arsenal manager Wenger has maintained that he would be willing to risk losing the midfielder for free in order to keep him at the club for another season.

He said: "I'm willing to keep him for another year, even if it means we risk losing him for nothing in a year's time.

Bojan agrees Roma move

The Serie A outfit had already reached an agreement over personal terms with the 20-year-old last month.
The deal includes a buy-back option for Barcelona to bring the player back to Camp Nou in 2013 for €13million.

A statement from Barcelona read: "The cost of the operation is 12million euros but includes a compulsory buy-out option to be exercised by Barcelona at the end of the 2012/13 campaign, at a cost of 13million euros.
"This buy-out option can be blocked by AS Roma but in that case, the total cost of the transfer would be 40million euros."

Bojan struggled to hold down a regular place in Barca's star-studded side last season and they are willing to let him move on.
The Spain international admitted he was happy to move to Roma and he was also pleased Barcelona included a buy-back option in the deal.

"My dream was to triumph with Barca, but I am very happy that another club has given me the chance to continue succeeding," said Bojan.
"I'm going from one big club to another and all parties have an interest. That makes me happy. I consider myself privileged."

Man Utd fans face allocation cut

Manchester United supporters could see their ticket allocation for October's Premier League clash with Liverpool cut by more than a third because of 'persistent standing' problem at Anfield. 

A report submitted to Liverpool City Council has recommended cutting the visiting supporters' capacity from 3,015 to 1,965 in an attempt to combat the problem of people blocking gangways.

The Ground Safety Advisory Group, who compiled the report after the match between the two sides in April, suggest problems with United fans at Anfield are far greater than those of other visiting clubs.

"Pictures were presented which showed how the gangways at that game were affected compared to a similar high-profile game where persistent standing also occurred," said the report.

"The actions of the Manchester United supporters had overwhelmed the reasonable operations of the stewards through the management plan.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney tops list of most Premier League shirt sales

The top 10 was published as part of the review and is based on worldwide sales of names and shirt numbers, with Rooney the first United player to top the list since Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2007/08 season.

Chelsea’s Fernando Torres had been the biggest selling name for the past two seasons, but the striker has slipped to second place since moving from Liverpool to west London, while Steven Gerrard has also dropped down.

Rooney, Torres and Gerrard are the only players to have featured in the top 10 in the past four seasons, while big names such as Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Tevez did not shift enough shirts to make the list.

Arsenal’s Robin van Persie returns after a three-season absence, while Ryan Giggs made the list for the first time, as did Liverpool's January signing Luis Suarez.

The top 10:
1. Rooney
2. Torres
3. Gerrard
4. Chicharito (Javier Hernandez)
5. Van Persie
6. Lampard
7. Drogba
8. Suarez
9. Arshavin
10.Giggs

Wayne Rooney tips Liverpool to challenge Manchester United for Premier League title

The Red Devils overtook Liverpool’s league title record last term, winning their 19th crown, yet the Merseyside club have heavily invested in their squad this summer, with the arrivals of Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.

With the big money January signings of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez also part of Kenny Dalglish’s Anfield revolution, Rooney believes Liverpool could push United all the way this season as they hunt for their first ever Premier League trophy.

Speaking to reporters, Rooney said: "I think they will challenge this time. They have made some really good signings, British players, and under Kenny Dalglish I'm sure they will be trying harder than they ever have done, fighting to be up there. They will think they have a chance of winning the title next season.”
The 25-year-old also conceded that neighbours Manchester City are likely to contend for top spot this campaign, having ended their 35-year trophy drought with May’s FA Cup victory.

When asked if City will challenge for the league, Rooney said: “You'd think so. They've obviously got a lot of good players now and they had a big push towards the end of last season.

Official: Barcelona complete £33m signing of Udinese's Alexis Sanchez

The 22-year-old forward is due to sign a five-year contract and undergo a medical on Monday. The deal involves Barcelona paying £22.9M up front, with the potential of up to £10.1m being paid to the Serie A side in bonuses.

The attacker, who will become Barcelona's first ever Chilean player, had been given permission to leave his national squad's preparation for the Copa America in anticipation of the transfer being finalised late last month, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement and the move was therefore put on hold until the conclusion of the tournament.

Barcelona had hoped to negotiate a player plus cash deal for Sanchez, but both Bojan Krkic and Jeffren Suarez rejected moves to the Serie A side.

Arsenal and Tottenham to battle for Nepal star

Arsenal will battle north London rivals Tottenham for Nepalese teenager Rohit Chand.

The 18-year-old, who plays for Indian First Division side Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) SC, is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Asian football and is desparate to make the big time in European football.

Both Arsenal and Spurs are expected to run the rule over the classy defender when Nepal face Jordan in the World Cup 2014 qualifier next week.

Former Spurs skipper Graham Roberts, who is the current coach of Nepal, is in no doubt Chand is destined for the very top.
He said: "Rohit is by far the best centre-half I have ever coached. He is an extreme talent who will play at the highest level."
 

Fifa president Sepp Blatter named biggest villain of the past decade

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has been named biggest villain of the past decade in a poll by the Syfy channel that surveyed over 2,000 people.
Blatter took 9.2 per cent of the vote, ahead of second-place former-RBS boss Sir Fred Goodwin (on 8.2%), and beating out contenders Osama Bin Laden and Robert Mugabe it appears on his way to ‘victory’.
It seems the British public still resent the football chief for his role in denying England the chance to host the 2018 World Cup, while the 75-year-old has also been embroiled in a corruption scandal at world football's governing body in recent months.
The Fifa chief has run the organisation for over 13 years and overseen four World Cups in his controversial reign.
Other footballers to be ranked in the villain list include Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole and Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, who have both attracted controversy courtesy of well-reported off-the-pitch behaviour.
In the hero list, LA Galaxy star David Beckham came second, behind US president Barack Obama.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson downplays talk of Wesley Sneijder leaving Inter for Manchester United

Sir Alex feels a deal is unlikely and says that he would be happy to start the season tomorrow with the squad he has now, although he did admit that he was "overloaded" with strikers, while his midfield was "not nearly as strong".

Sneijder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, but the boss has once again dismissed talk of Manchester United signing the 27-year-old.

“Forget it,” he told the press when asked about the Dutchman.

“We are looking at some things but I am not so sure Sneijder will be easy to get.”

The veteran manager admitted that there are not many other players he could target who would add sufficient quality to his already strong team.

“I could pick three or four players to come in but they wouldn't be good enough for us so there is no point,” said the 69-year-old.

And when asked if he would be pleased to start the new Premier League season with the squad currently at his disposal, Sir Alex replied: “I would be happy enough.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wary of Liverpool title threat again

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Liverpool will be a force to be reckoned with again this season after two years outside the top four.

The Anfield club have not won the top flight title for 21 years, and last season United claimed their 19th, one more than the 18 the Reds have.

Sir Alex, who will turn 70 later this year, admitted that a full season under Kop idol Kenny Dalglish will put their rivals back in contention for silverware.

“Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it. Long-term you know they are going to be there,” he told reporters.

Shay Given joins Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has made his first signing as Villa boss after the club confirmed the arrival of Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given on a five year contract.

The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international completed a medical at Villa Park over the weekend before finalising his move on Monday evening for an undisclosed fee.

Given joined City in 2009 but found himself play second fiddle behind Joe Hart last season, and the lure of first team football was something that attracted him to the Midlands.

"Aston Villa is a huge football club and I'm really excited to be joining," Given told the club’s official website.

"I'm looking forward to training and playing with the players here. They're a good bunch of lads, very talented and I know several of them already which will help.

"Everyone knows that I didn't play enough football last season, so I'm really pleased that I'll be able to put that right here. Hopefully, this move will get me back to where I was before in the Premier League, which is where every player wants to be playing.”

Before moving to City, Given enjoyed the best times of his career at Newcastle United where he made 462 appearances, but rather than be second choice at City he chose the challenge of moving to Villa, and working under their new manager.

Liverpool complete Doni deal

Liverpool today confirmed they have completed the signing of Alexander Doni from AS Roma.

The goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a contract with the Reds after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Doni, who has 10 caps for his country, made 179 appearances for Roma in six seasons in Italy during which time he lifted the Coppa Italia twice as well as the Supercoppa Italiana.

The 31-year-old custodian also helped Brazil to success in the 2007 Copa America.

Bayern agree Boateng deal

Bayern Munich have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Manchester City for Germany international defender Jerome Boateng. 

The 22-year-old, who can play at full-back or in central defence, only moved to Eastlands last summer when City paid Hamburg over £10million for his services.

But he made just 16 appearances during the season and was never able to command a regular first-team place under Roberto Mancini.
Now City and Bayern have agreed terms after weeks of talks and Boateng is due for a medical in Germany ahead of signing a four-year deal.

Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger said: "Jerome Boateng is a young German international, who fits perfectly into the philosophy of FC Bayern.

Liverpool have agreed to sign Downing

Liverpool FC tonight announced they had agreed a fee with Aston Villa for the transfer of Stewart Downing.

Liverpool have now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the player and arrange a medical.

Manchester United and Inter agree €40m fee for Wesley Sneijder as negotiations continue on personal terms

Manchester United have agreed a €40 million club record fee with Inter for the transfer of Wesley Sneijder, Goal.com can reveal.

But Sneijder's wage demands are currently holding up the deal from being close to completion. Sources have told Goal.com that the player's camp have indicated they want around €227,000-a-week but United are reluctant to pay more than €193,000-a-week.

Nevertheless, the Premier League champions are hoping to reach a compromise over the difference as the prospect of a switch that would smash United's transfer record grows increasingly likely.

Senior officials from the two clubs are understood to have shaken hands on the terms of the deal after United chief executive David Gill made it clear the Premier League champions are willing to meet Inter's asking price in a series of meetings in recent days.

United have confirmed that Gill was in Zurich on Wednesday, where an Inter delegation was also present, to attend a European Club Association meeting but an Inter source told Goal.com that he had been in Milan on Tuesday and early on Wednesday to lead Sneijder negotiations with another Old Trafford director.

Konchesky has left liverpool to join Leicester City

Liverpool have finalised a deal to sell Konchesky to Leicester city.

The 30-year-old, who played 18 games for the Reds, will now join the Championship outfit for pre-season.

Arsenal sign Gervinho

The Ivory Coast international, who notched 15 goals and 10 assists to help the French side to their first league title in 57 years last term, arrives at the Emirates for a fee believed to be €12 million, although the length of his contract has not been revealed.

Wenger revealed the news about Gervinho as his side arrived in Malaysia, without their newly acquired forward, ahead of their pre-season tour of the Far East.

"Gervinho has come back from holiday and signed," said Wenger.

"He had a medical on Thursday and we sent him back home to sort things out for two days. He has a family with children.

"He came back yesterday and starts his fitness programme in London today. He is officially an Arsenal player now. I decided not to take him because he had had no training sessions."

Gervinho did not travel with Arsenal as part of their initial group and it remains to be seen whether he will link up with the squad.

Gervinho is Arsenal's second signing of the summer following on from the capture of youngster Carl Jenkinson.

After arriving in Malaysia for the Gunners' pre-season tour of the Far East, Wenger confirmed he expects Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to be part of his plans for the coming campaign.

Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro retires from professional football at the age of 37

The World Cup-winning captain has called it a day after an illustrious career with the likes of Parma, Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid.

Italian legend and 2006 Fifa World Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro has retired from professional football at the age of 37.

The veteran defender, who last played for Dubai-based Al Ahli, has claimed that injury has taken its toll and is the key reason for his decision to stop playing. He will continue in a coaching role for the Asian club, however.

Sunderland snap up Vaughan

Vaughan who arrives at the Stadium of Light on a free transfer, agreed personal terms and passed his medical late on Thursday night.

The 28-year-old left Blackpool earlier this summer after seeing out his contract at Bloomfield Road.

The Wales international was one of Blackpool's top performers last season and his performances alerted a number of Premier League sides to his availability.

O'Shea Joins Sunderland

Brown's move from Old Trafford to the Stadium of Light was confirmed earlier on Thursday and the Black Cats tied up O'Shea's transfer just a few hours later.

The Republic of Ireland international has been with United since the start of his professional career but will now embark on a new challenge at the age of 30.

Finally Adam is a LFC player

Adam put the finishing touches to his move from Blackpool after successfully passing a medical and putting pen to paper on his new Anfield deal.

With speculation rife for months that the Scottish midfielder would be on his way to Merseyside, Adam is now happy to focus on the future and play his part in the club's quest for honours.

"I am absolutely delighted to be here," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It has been a long process but now I can't wait to get started and hopefully this will be a successful period in my career and in the club's history.

"Liverpool is a massive club with terrific players and a terrific manager. You have seen since the new manager came in the forward strides that have been made. Kenny has a terrific respect from players and people in the game. He is a wonderful manager and it's an honour to be able to say I'm going to be able to play for Liverpool.

Official: Sunderland complete signing of Wes Brown from Manchester United on four-year deal

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Manchester United defender Wes Brown on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old, who made 361 appearances for the Red Devils, was part of five title-winning sides at Old Trafford, and twice won the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

The former England defender signs a long-term contract at the Stadium of Light with former team-mates John O'Shea and Darron Gibson expected to follow from Old Trafford.

Lionel Messi can learn from Falcao's example

It was the reality that, aside from a handful of sparkling moments that we almost take for granted from a player of his quality, he looked lost and ineffective in his role as a withdrawn No. 9, a centre-forward who could neither create nor define amongst a sea of tenacious defenders.

No-one could make the case that the Porto striker is a better player than the little Argentine, but Falcao demonstrated on Wednesday that he could become the focal point of an attack in the way that Lionel has struggled to over the last week.

Dropping deep, he had the strength to hold off the opposition defence, time and again drawing two markers before releasing a colleague into space. And when it fell to him to beat a man, Radamel proved himself capable of surging past with skill and pace. 

Most importantly, the Colombian did not allow himself to get sucked back into midfield like his opposite number. His territory begins on the edge of the final third and ends in the penalty area, and in this sector there are few who can match him run-for-run, shot-for-shot.  

Arsenal reject Manchester United's £20m bid for Samir Nasri

Gunners reject opening bid for in-demand Frenchman and are thought to be holding out for £25m (€28m) for him, with offer set to trigger bids from other clubs said to be interested.

Nasri could also move abroad with Inter said to be keen on bringing him in as uncertainty remains surrounding the future of Wesley Sneijder.

The Arsenal midfielder was beaten by only Gareth Bale in the PFA Player of the Season award last term after especially impressing in the first half of the campaign.

Since moving to the Emirates from Marseille in 2008, Nasri has made 124 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 24 goals.

Liverpool have reached agreement with Blackpool over a fee for the transfer of long-term target Charlie Adam

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has been pursuing the 25-year-old Scotland international for a number of months having failed with two bids for the midfielder in the January transfer window.

A statement on the club's official website read, "Liverpool Football Club today announced they have reached agreement with Blackpool for the transfer of Charlie Adam.

"The player will now travel to Merseyside for a medical to discuss personal terms."
Following the Seasiders' relegation from the Barclays Premier League, Adam made clear his intention to remain in the top-flight - a notion that has attracted attention from a number of rival clubs.

With Tottenham Hotspur the only other side to have made a firm offer for the talented playmaker's services, but still falling short of Blackpool's £9million valuation of their sought-after captain.

The path now appears clear for Liverpool to begin contract talks with a view to finalising a deal that will see Adam become the second confirmed Anfield signing this summer after the arrival of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for an initial £16million.

The 23 year old Portuguese player joins the Spanish club after consolidating himself as one of the best left backs in the world

Fabio Coentrao is Real Madrid's fifth signing for the 2011/12 campaign. His excellent run at Benfica, with whom he won the league and Cup of Portugal titles, and his regularity as a starter for the Portuguese national team have clinched the player a deal with the Spanish club. The left back is solid in attack, has excellent dribbling skills, has a powerful shot and is extremely varsatile, whic allows him to play in any winger position.


Coentrao was born on 11 March 1988 in Vila do Conde. The first important team he played for was Rio Ave, with whom he made his First Division debut when he was just 16. His excellent performances caught Benfica's attention, who decided to sign him in 2007 and loaned him out to Nacional, notching 16 appearances and 4 goals.

Coentrao returned to Rio Ave after a brief spell with Spanish side Zaragoza. His good run in the 2008/09 campaign secured his return to Benfica, with whom he truly blossomed and won his first titles, such as the 2009/10 edition of the league and the 2010/11 Cup of Portugal.
Coentrao first played for his country on the youth national teams, making his first team debut in 2009 against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He's since become a regular starter with Portugal, making a total 15 appearances for his country, four of which were in the 2010 World Cup.

CAREER:
2005-07: Rio Ave
2007/08: Benfica
2007/08: Nacional
2008/09: Zaragoza
2008/09: Rio Ave
2009-11: Benfica
2011- : Real Madrid

HONOURS:
Portuguese league: 2010
Cup of Portugal: 2011

Kolkata Stadium to be repaired before Arg-Ven friendly

As the city awaits arrival of football legend Lionel Messi, the authorities here have swung into action, laying out a revamp plan for the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, which will host the Argentina vs Venezuela friendly match on September 2.

The West Bengal government along with representatives from the Indian Football Association (IFA) chalked out their list of priorities ahead of the international friendly match after a marathon recce found the venue in a pathetic shape.

The entire stadium, having a crowd capacity of 1.20 lakh, will be painted afresh, Sports Minister Madan Mitra told reporters after an inspection today.

"We are short on both time and money. So we have made a list of priorities that includes revamping the turf, dressing rooms among others."


Giving details about their revamp plans, Mitra said "the stadium will sport a new look courtesy a new paint."

The much-maligned floodlights will also be changed but Mitra said with time being a constraint they would now replace only the faulty bulbs.

"In the long run, the entire floodlight arrangements will be replaced. Improving players' changing room, electronic scoreboard are also on the wishlist. Necessary changes will be made to the artificial turf."

Mitra said he had requested the Celebrity Management Group, the organisers of the match, to reduce the ticket prices initially pegged at Rs 1,000-Rs 50000.

However the affiliated units of the state football association will be given their quota of tickets at a reduced price, IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguli said.
Meanwhile the state sports minister directed to stop functioning of a hookah bar on the way to the stadium.

Sir Alex Ferguson prepared to spend big to make Wesley Sneijder the centrepiece of his re-shaped Manchester United side

Sir Alex Ferguson may have admitted defeat in his quest to sign stellar players such as Luka Modric, Samir Nasri and Alexis Sanchez but his refusal to give up on Wesley Sneijder shows just how important he thinks the Dutch midfielder could be as the Manchester United manager crafts what could prove to be the last team of his trophy-laden reign.




The late Sir Matt Busby famously built three teams during his reign as Manchester United manager and while Ferguson has already eclipsed his celebrated predecessor’s achievements he is aiming to repeat the trick in a bid to lead the Premier League champions back to the summit of European football next season with Sneijder the centrepiece of his masterplan.



Sir Alex has already bolstered his attacking ranks with Ashley Young and his defensive

options with Phil Jones as he looks to a long-term future without Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand, but he has identified Inter and Netherlands midfielder Sneijder for the 'here and now' as he sets his sights on Champions League glory after being pipped to the trophy by Barcelona at Wembley last season.