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The Rivals: Odds slashed on Ribery joining Liverpool

Odds slashed on Ribery joining Liverpool - Daily Mirror
SkyBet are among a number of bookmakers to slash their odds on the Bayern Munich midfielder joining Liverpool. Bookmakers were forced to cut their price from 66/1 to 8-13 on in the wake of huge interest last night.

City D-Day for Eto'o - The Sun
Manchester City have given Barcelona a weekend deadline over the deal to bring Samuel Eto'o to Eastlands, which would make the Cameroon striker the best-paid player in English football.

City bank on Terry swoop - Daily Mirror
Mark Hughes is increasingly confident of tempting the England captain away from Stamford Bridge despite Chelsea's offer of a new contract which would make the 28-year-old their highest-paid player.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Sunderland bid £11m for Crouch

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THE NEWS

Sunderland have bid about £11 million for Peter Crouch and Portsmouth are considering their response. The forward has expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation at the club, with many out-of-contract players having left and uncertainty surrounding the proposed takeover by Sulaiman al-Fahim. The England striker scored 18 goals last season after his £11m move from Liverpool.

Wigan remain favourites to sign Jason Scotland from Swansea despite Hull expressing an interest in the striker. "I spoke to Brian Horton [the Hull assistant manager] and he asked me what the bottom-line price would be for Jason," Mike Berry, the player's agent said. "I said a fee of £2 million would probably be enough to get him in. My belief was that he'd be ideal for Hull, but I expect the Wigan deal to go ahead now."

Burnley are in talks with Hamilton to sign Brian Easton, the Scotland Under-21 defender, for a fee of about £300,000. "We have opened discussions," Ronnie McDonald, the Hamilton chairman, said. "They will remain confidential but are ongoing."

The Rivals: Manchester United target Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Take Zlat - Daily Mirror
Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, is weighing up a move for Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

George Caulkin’s verdict: how exactly do you weigh up a move? Is Fergie sitting in his office with a gigantic set of scales and £80m on one side? Ibrahimovic is one of those players who seems to have been around forever. I thought he was about 40, but in fact he is only 27. Which, while not particularly relevant, is factually accurate.
Our rating: 5/10

Downing and Tuncay in frame for Villa - Daily Mirror
Martin O'Neill is keen to sign Stewart Downing and Tuncay from Middlesbrough in deal worth £18m.

George’s verdict: Football is so unfair. Your team gets relegated. You feel sad, nauseous, angry. But the very people who got you relegated then move somewhere else and are furnished with a pay rise. In effect, they get a promotion. How does that work? It should be enshrined in European law that relegated footballers either have to spend at least one season with the team they relegated or in a coal mine. Not that there are any coal mines. Anyway. Yes, Villa are firm admirers of Stewie D, who at least cares about Middlesbrough, although the England winger will not return to fitness until September.
Our rating: 7/10

Don't let Terry go - The Sun
Roman Abramovich has been urged to do all he can to prevent John Terry from leaving Chelsea for Manchester City. However, Terry's future remains uncertain despite the club offering him a £15,000-per-week pay rise.

George’s verdict: a pay rise of £15,000-per-week! This is an insult! You could not offend John Terry more if you spat in his face while burning the Union flag and telling him that jellied eels are an affront against nature. City are offering him a basic salary of £19bn-per-minute plus a £5bn loyalty bonus if he stays at Eastlands beyond January. You can’t argue with those figures.
Our rating: 3/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Van Persie commits to Arsenal

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THE NEWS

Robin van Persie has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a long-term contract. "My heart is with Arsenal and I just can't picture myself in a different shirt," he said.

Manchester United will announce the signing of winger Gabriel Obertan from Bordeaux for £3 million today after tying goalkeeper Ben Foster to a new four-year contract.

Bruce Buck, the Chelsea chairman, has admitted that the club are finding it difficult to sign a marquee name as they stepped up their pursuit of Franck Ribery. "Most of the big clubs are chasing the same players, but we are looking and we are optimistic," he said.

The Rivals: Terry's Chelsea future remains in doubt

Terry wants Rom showdown - The Sun
The Chelsea captain is demanding talks with Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, over his future after reportedly being left in the dark over Manchester City's latest bid.

Gary Jacob's verdict: Although Carlo Ancelotti slightly backed Terry into a corner with his praise of the Chelsea captain this week, it looks increasingly like an attempt by Terry to negotiate a new contract. He signed a five-year deal two years ago that was worth around £115,000-a-week. However, last summer Frank Lampard signed a deal worth around £135,000-a-week.

Terry will be hoping that Chelsea will raise his wages to their valuation of him or at least to Manchester City's £40m valuation (their failed bid) for him. If Chelsea were brave they would call Terry’s bluff and let him go knowing that he has had injury problems and is not the player he was. Chelsea won't do that, because Terry is seen as the face of the club and the side's backbone. Rating: 5/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Real set deadline for Alonso capture

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THE NEWS

Real Madrid are believed to want any move for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso sorted out in the next fortnight, according to sources close to the Bernabeu club, otherwise Manuel Pellegrini, the club's new coach, will want to move on to other targets. Rafael Benitez is expected to decide upon the midfielder's future before the player returns for pre-season training on July 19.

Lee Bowyer is set to join Birmingham from West Ham on a free transfer. The midfielder was on loan at St Andrews last season, helping Birmingham get promoted to the Premier League.

Celtic are hoping to tie up the signing of Marc-Antoine Fortune after the Nancy striker travelled to Glasgow for talks. Celtic are one of a number of British clubs, including West Ham, Hull, Fulham and Portsmouth, hoping to secure the Frenchman in a £3.8 million deal. "Any decision has still to be made," Nicholas Holveck, the Nancy general manager, said.

Newcastle need the right buyer, not a quick sale

George Caulkin

It needs to end and it needs to end soon; each day that elapses with Newcastle United still unsold, still without a manager, with nobody in place to take footballing decisions, with new players not bought and the old ones fuming and festering, an opportunity is lost. The smell of decay is pervasive and yet, and yet ... In the long-term, some good may come of this, utterly counter-intuitive though it may feel at present. Here’s why.

Each day that elapses, another question is posed, questions that Mike Ashley could not bring himself to ask when he bought the club without undertaking due diligence in 2007. Arguably, Newcastle is still creaking from that failing, one that obliged Ashley to immediately repay the loan taken out for regenerating St James’ Park. The next lot - whoever they may be - have not made the same mistake.

Each day that elapses, Newcastle’s books are pored over - with "the finest of fine tooth combs," it has been put to me. Does that automatically mean that Ashley's successor or successors will be an improvement (it stretches credibility to imagine how they could possibly be worse)? No, of course not. What it means is that, unlike the sportswear retailer, they will be better prepared.

Mowbray will struggle to sign big names at Celtic

Graham Spiers

At this time of the football season - back from holidays, sun-tanned, having not looked at or kicked a ball for five weeks - you might expect a freshness about the faces of most players and managers. But not in Scotland. And certainly not on the otherwise highly expressive face of Tony Mowbray.

The Celtic manager, even this early into his exciting new career, is feeling something of the slog about his job. Mowbray, in truth, is dragging his heels in having to go to Australia with Celtic for what he views as a mind-numbing pre-season challenge against Brisbane Roar on July 12, but even more draining is Mowbray's current effort to rejuvenate Celtic by making a batch of uplifting and inspiring new signings.

Marc-Antoine Fortune is expected in most circles to sign for Celtic, though with two or three Barclays Premier League clubs also chasing him, the French striker has clearly been in two minds about coming to Glasgow. The very saga that signing Fortune has become has only underlined the severity of the job facing Mowbray.

The Rivals: Manchester United set to revive Huntelaar bid

United set to revive Huntelaar bid - The Sun
Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to make a £20million bid for Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Real Madrid's Dutch striker.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Huntelaar has done little since he left Ajax for £19m in January – so why would United pay £20m? – and he had been unhappy in Madrid. AC Milan have confirmed making a bid for the Dutch forward as well as one for Luis Fabiano, the Seville striker. Having said that Huntelaar would prefer a move to a Champions League club, such as Arsenal or Manchester United, and has four years left on his contract.
Rating: 4/10

Rovers want Ruud - The Sun
Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn manager, has launched an ambitious bid to sign Ruud van Nistelrooy, the 33-year-old former Manchester United striker, from Real Madrid.
Gary's verdict: The bid was made last week but Blackburn have since also offered Christian Vieri the chance to join them for a one-week trial on their pre-season trip to Austria. This suggests that Blackburn are either going to be spending the £18m from the sale of Roque Santa Cruz, or are having trouble in persuading target forwards, such as Van Nistelrooy and Peter Crouch, to move there. 

Van Nistelrooy has indicated that he wants to stay at Real, which is transfer code for that he is not willing to move and take a drop in salary.
Rating: 5/10

Crouch swoop - The Sun
Aston Villa lead the race for Peter Crouch, the Portsmouth striker. However, Villa, who could be challenged by Sunderland, are not willing to match Portsmouth's £12m asking price.
Gary's verdict: According to several agents, Martin O’Neill is not looking for a striker. Crouch to Sunderland is a decent shout, but where will that leave Kenwyne Jones and their proposed move for Darren Bent?
Rating: 8/10

Arbeloa is a Real bargain - Daily Mirror
Real Madrid have made a £5m offer for Alvaro Arbeloa, the Liverpool defender, who they claim is desperate to join them.
Gary's verdict: This one looks likely to go through. He is expected to move to Real for about £5m.
Rating: 8/10

Now Villa are Mig fighters - Daily Mirror
Martin O'Neill will bid for Miguel Veloso, the Sporting Lisbon midfielder, after Bolton had an £8m offer turned down.
Gary's verdict: The Portuguese media suggested yesterday that Villa and Manchester City had joined the race with Bolton Wanderers, who are very keen but only willing to offer about £8m. Veloso has been linked with clubs for the past three windows, although no club have got close to signing him, which might raise questions about him as a player or person, or perhaps it's just that the £14m fee asked by Sporting is too high.
Rating: 5/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: John Terry is going nowhere

 

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THE NEWS

Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, has denied he is preparing to sell John Terry, his captain, to Manchester City. "John Terry is a symbol of this team," Ancelotti said. "He will be captain next season: he said he wants to stay forever and we want to keep him forever."

Petr Cech, however, claims he can understand why Terry would contemplate a move to the north west. "Sometimes people want a new challenge," the goalkeeper said. "They want to go on different adventures. It's been the case that JT has wanted to stay at Chelsea as it's in his heart."

Youssouf Mulumbu is expected to sign a three-year contract with West Bromwich Albion after the midfielder spent last season on loan from Paris St-Germain.

The Rivals: Arsenal could sell £40m Fabregas to Spanish giants

£40m for Fab - The Sun
Arsenal have attempted to ward off interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid by placing a £40m price tag on Cesc Fabregas. However, club insiders claim Arsenal could be willing to sell their captain if they are offered a bid that is "too good to turn down".
Gary Jacob's verdict: Arsenal will not allow him to leave this summer, but it will be a different matter next summer.
Rating: 4/10

Fergie plots Toure move - Daily Mail
Manchester United have enquired about the possibility of signing Yaya Toure, the Barcelona midfielder, amid concerns over the long-term fitness of Owen Hargreaves.
Gary's verdict: Yaya Toure signed a new four-year contract last month. Barcelona have also increased the value of the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international's buyout clause to €100m (£85m).
Rating: 3/10

Barton halfway to Blues - Daily Mirror
Birmingham City are willing to pay Joey Barton £25,000-a-week to take him on loan for the season - less than half of what he currently earns at Newcastle United.
Gary's verdict: Barry Ferguson would seem a more likely option because he has played under Alex McLeish, but equally he is older than Barton. Rating: 4/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Owen close to United move

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Michael Owen has arrived at Carrington, the Manchester United training complex, for a stringent medical with a view to joining the club on a free transfer. The forward underwent an assessment of his troublesome knee yesterday and should Owen be given the all-clear by United's medical staff, he could be confirmed as the Premier League champions' shock new signing by the start of next week.

Manchester City have had a £30 million bid to sign John Terry rejected by Chelsea. City made an approach for the England captain last season, but returned with a formal offer during recent talks between Garry Cook and Peter Kenyon, the two chief executives. "It was made clear to City, for the second time following another approach last season, that we would not entertain any conversation on the subject," Chelsea confirmed last night. "We would like to make clear that John is not for sale."

Glory days: Owen's greatest goals

The strike against Argentina, the goals to win the FA Cup for Liverpool, the inspired flick past Ricardo in Euro 2004, they are all seared into our consciousness. Michael Owen's career may have decayed on Tyneside, but Sir Alex Ferguson has backed the player to stop his rot at Manchester United. Can Owen be the next Sheringham or Larsson? Will his dodgy knee stand strong to the rigours of a title challenge? Here's a reminder of the goals by one of the outstanding strikers of his generation. Now time will tell whether Fergie's lost the plot or pulled off a masterstroke …

The rivals: Manchester United want £16m Luis Fabiano

United want Fab new star - Daily Mirror
Manchester United are poised to make a £16m offer for Luis Fabiano, the Brazil forward with Seville.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Suggested in the Spanish papers yesterday, but the forward is also AC Milan’s second choice if they cannot sign Edin Dzeko, the Wolfsburg striker. Rating: 4/10

Fulham in for £10m Crouch - Daily Mail
Roy Hodgson is preparing a bid for the Portsmouth forward, though he could face competition from AC Milan.
Gary's verdict: Milan’s interest in Crouch was mooted on a website in Italy, but Sunderland are very keen on the striker. 4/10

O'Neill eyes £8m Berg - Daily Express
The Aston Villa is considering an offer for Marcus Berg, the Sweden under-21 forward who has also attracted interest from Everton and Tottenham.
Gary's verdict: Berg has been offered to several clubs. But it’s a risk to sign a player on the back of the European Under-21 Championship rather than watching him over the season. Groningen seem to want a lofty £10m. 5/10

Tottenham consider Bastos bid - Daily Mail
Lille have told Harry Redknapp that Michel Bastos, the Brazilian midfielder, will cost them £12m.
Gary's verdict: Bastos plays on the left, but if Tottenham are going to try to sign a left winger - and that is not necessarily required given the need to accommodate Luka Modric and Robbie Keane  - then they would look again at Stewart Downing. 4/10

Campbell in line for Newcastle move - Daily Express
Alan Shearer hopes to bring the Portsmouth centre half to St James' Park once his appointment as manager is confirmed.
Gary's verdict: Shearer’s interest is understandable, but the defender wants to stay in the top flight. 5/10

Platini hasn't a hope of imposing salary cap on clubs

 

Tony Cascarino

Michael Platini’s attempt to introduce a salary cap for clubs in European competitions will fall flat on its face. It’ll be hard enough to persuade clubs to accept it – and if by some miracle it’s agreed, it will be ineffective.

I know well enough from my playing days that clubs will always find a loophole, always spend more than they should, because common sense is always blinded by an irresistible desire to win, to get the best players possible at almost any cost. In an ultra-competitive marketplace at the elite level, with clubs chasing a handful of top-class players, they will do whatever it takes, pay whatever is necessary, to get an edge over their rivals. Just as Real Madrid are doing now.

Think back to the Seventies, for example, when clubs came up with all kinds of imaginative bonus schemes to supplement wages. Houses, cars, all sorts of incentives were offered. It won’t matter if Uefa bring in a rule limiting expenditure and salaries to a percentage of turnover - clubs’ accountants and lawyers will find a loophole somewhere and players will continue to enjoy vast and ever-rising salaries.

Uefa are playing a dangerous game here with their attempts to dictate what clubs can and can’t spend. They’re leaving themselves open to legal challenges – why, Manchester United might could argue, should Platini tell us how to run our business? The timing seems wrong, anyway – with television income still vast and interest in the game as massive as ever, the message that they must tighten their belts and curb their spending isn’t going to cut much ice with clubs enjoying rising revenues, no matter how sensible it may seem in theory.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Ribery wants Real move

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Franck Ribery has confirmed he wants to leave Bayern Munich to join Real Madrid. "I have decided that I want to leave," he said. "It will be Real Madrid or nothing. I will wait to see how things pan out but I would like to hold talks with the Bayern management soon."

Peter Coates, the Stoke chairman, has dismissed speculation linking the club with a bid for Obafemi Martins, the Newcastle striker. "There's nothing in that one," he said. "We haven't had contact or discussions about him at all."

Wigan have signed midfielder Hendry Thomas from Honduran club Deportivo Olimpia on a three-year contract, subject to international clearance. The 24-year-old was due to join last summer but he did not meet work permit criteria because he had not played enough games for his country.

The rivals: Barcelona to offer £25m for Javier Mascherano

Barca make £25m move for Mascherano - Daily Mirror
The Spanish club are refusing to give up their pursuit of the midfielder and will test Liverpool's resolve with a concrete offer.
Gary Jacob's verdict: It may be true that Barcelona have yet to give up and Mascherano would like to join them but Rafael Benitez is determined to keep him. Having missed out on Gareth Barry and with Xabi Alonso's future uncertain, the Liverpool manager cannot afford to lose a key midfielder. It's worth noting that Mascherano is not among the club's top earners and could be fuelling speculation to get an improved contract. Verdict: 6/10

City to sign Tev on Monday - Daily Mirror
Manchester City are confident that they will confirm Carlos Tevez has completed a £25m deal by Monday.
Gary's verdict: The deal is practically done. Only Tevez suddenly changing his mind could scupper it. 9/10

Chelsea refuse to give up Ribery hunt - Daily Mail
The Stamford Bridge club will make one final attempt to persuade the Bayern Munich midfielder to join them.
Gary's verdict: Chelsea certainly want to sign him but they will not pay the inflated fee that Bayern are demanding. More importantly, Ribery's agent has said he wants to join Real. 4/10

Chelsea close in on Pirlo - Daily Express
Roman Abramovich's representatives were holding talks with AC Milan over the midfielder's possible transfer last night.
Gary's verdict: It is hard to read Pirlo's intentions because he has contradicted himself when asked whether he wants to join Chelsea. At 30, he would represent a short-term measure. That said, having worked with Carlo Ancelotti, he would give the new manager an ally in the dressing room. 6/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Hughes tracks Eto'o and Tevez

THE NEWS

Manchester City have unveiled Roque Santa Cruz, but manager Mark Hughes is still hoping to complete deals for Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Tevez. "We just have to sit back and see what develops," he said. "Patience is a word that has been mentioned and we may need some of it."

Cristiano Ronaldo's world-record £80 million transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid has been completed, the Premier League champions have confirmed.

Sean Davis has signed a three-year contract with Bolton after leaving Portsmouth on a free transfer.

Wolves have signed midfielder Andrew Surman from Southampton for a fee believed to be £1.2 million, rising to a possible £2m based on appearances.

The Rivals: Spurs line up £6m Euro flop Loach

Spurs line up £6m Euro flop Loach - The Sun
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will bid £6million for Scott Loach - despite the Watford keeper's Euro final woe.
George Caulkin's verdict: Woe, flop, Tottenham and keepers go together like Paul and Robinson.
Our rating: 7/10

Davis snubs Pompey to join Bolton - The Sun
Bolton will confirm today midfielder Sean Davis has signed a three-year deal.
George's verdict: A done deal, agreed in principle last month.
Our rating: 10/10

Everton will go for Jo - The Sun
Manchester City misfit Jo is back off to Everton on loan.
George's verdict: Moyes can’t afford and won’t buy him permanently but he is keen for a season-long loan.
Our rating: 8/10

Forget limbo, Newcastle United are in decay

George Caulkin

Two little things. Two episodes which, in the context of relegation, a club up for sale, with no manager and no new players, have escaped much notice and yet which illustrate vividly the corrosive nature of recent events at Newcastle United. Two little things which demonstrate how Mike Ashley's inadequacy ' the polite term - has rippled out into a city, a region and beyond.

This Wednesday will herald a psychological moment at St James' Park or, more precisely, Newcastle's training ground, where players will reconvene for pre-season training. The same highly-paid failures (with a few exceptions), who were incapable of living up to their own inflated reputations will return to the scene of their humiliation. None have been sold, none bought.

They will encounter not Alan Shearer, but Chris Hughton, the first-team coach. Many will know (or certainly hope) that, come August, they will have been bought by or loaned to some other mugs and yet still they must go through the motions of pulling on an adidas training top and showing a commitment they cannot possibly feel. This will be the public face, the public farce, of Ashley's Newcastle.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Wolves splash £6.5m on Doyle

THE NEWS

Wolves have signed Kevin Doyle from Reading for a club-record £6.5 million. The Irish international striker has agreed a four-year contract.

Tyrone Mears has agreed a three-year deal with Burnley. The full back, on loan at Marseilles last season, will cost an initial £500,000 from Derby County.

Arsenal target Felipe Melo has signed a one-year contract extension at Fiorentina. The 25-year-old Brazil midfielder made 29 league starts for the Serie A club last season.

Nottingham Forest have agreed to sign striker Dele Adebola from Bristol City on a two-year deal. The 33-year-old has turned down a new contract at Ashton Gate to move to the City Ground.

The Rivals: Freddy Shepherd ready for Newcastle return

Shep's back in Toon - Daily Star
Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is a shock front-runner to buy out Toon owner Mike Ashley and take over the troubled club.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Shepherd tried and failed to take over at Mallorca, but is he any better than Ashley as an owner? He spent silly money and wages on average players and paid £17 million for Michael Owen, when few other clubs appeared interested and he had left Liverpool for £8m the summer before. Rating: 4/10

Bruce and Sam in Beye battle - Daily Star
Sunderland are in a tug-of-war with Blackburn for Newcastle defender Habib Beye, with Stoke also showing interest in the Senegal international.
Gary's verdict: Sunderland are supposed to be wealthy, but they are looking at a 31-year-old right back. Stoke are more of a realistic possibility. 4/10

Owen Coyle immortalised in pie form

According to the Burnley Express, Owen Coyle, the Burnley manager, has been immortalised in pie form. A pastry bust of Coyle was created by Holland's Pies, the newly-promoted Barclays Premier League club, to mark the end of a three-year shirt sponsorship deal.

Two feet high and weighing almost 60kg, the meat-free sculpture has been baked in such a way that it should last up to two years – so perhaps “immortalised” is not quite the right word, although compared to the shelf life of the average Premier League manager, two years is an eternity.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Chelsea warned off Pato

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THE NEWS

AC Milan have warned Chelsea they have no intention of selling Alexandre Pato. Reports in England claim that Chelsea are preparing a bid of €60 million [around £51m] to lure the Brazil striker to Stamford Bridge. "We previously received a superior offer to this one [mentioned] and we already said no to that, so the answer would be no [to this offer]," Adriano Galliani, the Milan vice-president, said.

John Hughes, the Hibernian manager, has confirmed Burnley are interested in signing striker Steven Fletcher. Owen Coyle, the Burnley manager, phoned Hughes to inform him of his interest in the player and the Hibs boss will hold talks with the board regarding Fletcher's future. "Owen called to give me the heads-up that there's an interest there," Hughes said.

Graham Alexander has agreed a new one-year contract at Burnley. The 37-year-old Scotland international played an integral role in the club's promotion to the top-flight for the first time in 33 years.

Dave Edwards, the Wolves midfielder, has signed a three-year contract at Molineux. The Wales international Edwards had just 12 months to run on his existing deal and had been in talks with the club since the end of the season.

The rivals: Manchester United ready to complete Valencia signing

Manchester United to sign Wigan's Luis Antonio Valencia for £16million - Daily Mirror
Luis Antonio Valencia flew in last night to complete his dream £16million move to Manchester United - and end Sir Alex Ferguson's wait for a first signing of the summer.
Gary's verdict: Wigan have received bids and interest from several clubs and they claim that they will ask Valencia for his choice of destination when he returns from holiday today. Wigan believe he will say United. 8/10

Kar trouble for Fergie - Daily Star
Sir Alex Ferguson will return to work from holiday today with his hopes of signing Lyons striker Karim Benzema in danger. Real Madrid are now clear favourites to sign the 21-year-old after tabling a £28m bid yesterday.
Gary's verdict: It is not clear whether Real are hoping that, by moving for Karim Benzema, Valencia will cave in and sell David Villa. Benzema has said that he wanted to remain at Lyons for another season, but Jean-Michel Aulas, his chairman, has said that they would be powerless to reject a substantial offer. 7/10

Everton boss Moyes hot for ice-cool Berg as £10m Sweden goal ace linked with Goodison - Daily Mail
Everton are interested in Marcus Berg, Sweden's goal sensation at the European Under 21 Championship, though Ajax are expected to make a £10m bid to sign him from Dutch club Groningen.
Gary's verdict: Marcus Berg has claimed that he wants to move to England , has a promising record, but Moyes might be able to obtain Jo, who impressed on loan at  Manchester City. 5/10

McCarthy bids for Croatian - Daily Mirror
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has put in a bid for Monaco's £1.5m-rated Croatian Jerko Leko.
Gary's verdict: They declared an interest in the midfield player. 5/10

Allardyce ready to sign N'Zonzi - Daily Mirror
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is signing midfield prospect Steven N'Zonzi from Amiens for £400,000.
Gary's verdict: A deal has been all but agreed. 8/10

Benitez beats Barcelona for Fernandez - Daily Mirror
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has beaten Barcelona to the signing of Spanish teenage sensation Jesus Fernandez, 16.
Gary's verdict: Benitez bought around eight promising players last summer, after complaining that Liverpool did not have sufficient quality young players. He is continuing his policy. 6/10

Eck: I can rescue Baz - The Sun
Alex McLeish wants to end Barry Ferguson's Rangers hell and hand him a second crack at the Premier League.
Gary's verdict: Possibly, but McLeish was on holiday last week and made no contact with the agent. It’s a straightforward deal for McLeish to do because he knows the player and Rangers wants to sell, so if he doesn’t do it quickly, it could mean that he does not want him. 6/10

Ricketts to move to Portsmouth - The Sun
Sam Ricketts is set for a £2m move to Portsmouth after rejecting a new Hull contract.
Gary's verdict: Ricketts is available, but how much money do Portsmouth have to spend? 6/10

Van Persie set to stay - The Independent
Robin van Persie has insisted he wants to stay at Arsenal, despite speculation linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Gary's verdict: The speculation is simply to obtain the deal he wants. 8/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Fortune to choose between Hull and Celtic

THE NEWS

The destination of Marc-Antoine Fortune, the Nancy striker, will be decided next week. "It's now a straight-forward choice between Celtic and Hull City," Michael Manuello, Fortune's agent, said. "No personal deal has been struck with either side but I can say that we're very close."

Blackburn have completed the signing of on-loan Marseilles defender Gael Givet for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old Frenchman has agreed a four-year deal at Ewood Park.

Owen Coyle, the Burnley manager, is keen to sign Tyrone Mears and hopes the defender's desire to play in the Premier League will see him join The Clarets. Marseilles, where he spent last season on loan, have bid £1.3m for the Derby player. "I've liked him for a number of years, but equally I would think he's got a point to prove," Coyle said.

Mark Yeates, the Colchester winger, has joined Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in the region of £500,000. The 24-year-old has agreed a three-year deal.

The rivals: Manchester United prepare £40m David Villa bid

Barca bid for Villa - Daily Mirror
Manchester United are preparing to make a £40m offer for David Villa after Barcelona made the first bid last night.
Gary Jacob's verdict: The Guardian are right with their contradictory report (see below). Rating: 3/10
 
Villa rules out England move - The Guardian
The Valencia forward insists he will only leave Valencia for a Spanish club, despite interest from United.
Gary's verdict: There are strong suggestions that Barcelona will heighten their interest. 9/10

Nice one Maicon - Daily Express
Manchester City will offer Elano plus £10m for the Brazil right back at Inter Milan.
Gary's verdict: Possible but Maicon apparently comes with baggage in his personal life that Chelsea were unwilling to consider. 5/10

Ferguson uses Nani as bait - Daily Mirror
The United manager has offered the winger to Wigan in part-exchange for Luis Antonio Valencia.
Gary's verdict: Wigan want straight cash. 6/10

Ku ready to jump - The Sun
Manchester United are selling Tomasz Kuszczak to Zenit St Petersburg for £2m.
Gary's verdict: The goalkeeper has been a disappointment since signing from West Brom and Ben Foster has become the club's second-choice. 8/10

Four ways to stop Spain

 

Gabriele Marcotti

1. Clog the middle, concede the flanks

Spain’s intricate passing can befuddle any opponent, but the short-passing style of Xavi and co. is most effective through the centre of the pitch. That’s why it makes sense to tuck your full backs inside and defend more narrowly. This will make it far more difficult for Spain to work their way through into your area. 

The flipside of this, of course, is that you will concede space on the wings. That’s fine. You should be able to handle their crosses. Spain do not pose much of an aerial threat, except possibly on set-pieces when guys like Gerard Pique or Sergio Ramos advance. The real danger from wide areas come from the cut-backs which find runners from midfield. That’s why it’s essential to have bodies in the middle ready to pick up any late runs into the box.

2. Defend deep and resist the temptation to press

There are various schools of thought regarding pressing but it’s generally accepted that it’s not a good idea to do it against very technical opponents. And the fact of the matter is that Spain may well be the most technical side in the world, with the guile and passing ability to break any press you throw their way.

Instead, it’s better to defend deep, denying Fernando Torres and David Villa the space behind your defenders. This will help you deal with their pace and it will also make Spain less effective on the counter-attack.

3 Take the full backs out of the game, make the central defenders work instead

Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila are outstanding going forward and are often Iker Casillas’ first option.  They are tough to handle because they are equally adept at running at opponents as they are at picking out teammates with a pass. 

Therefore, encourage your strikers to pick up the fullbacks at goal-kicks and restarts. This will force Spain to involve the central defenders (Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique or possibly Marchena or Albiol) who are simply not as technically accomplished. It will also naturally drive them towards the centre of the pitch, which you will presciently have clogged (see 1).

4. Be lucky

I appreciate that this one will likely be out of your control but it’s a huge part of the game. The fact of the matter is that Spain are so gifted that they can create chances against anyone, even when they’re being out-fought and out-thought.  We saw it against the US, when they continued to generate dozens of goalscoring opportunities.

You just have to accept that sometimes your best laid plans can be shattered by a moment of individual genius.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Gremio refuse United Costa trial

THE NEWS

Manchester United have been unable to take Douglas Costa on trial. The 18-year-old Gremio forward has been priced at around £18 million. "We have said to them [United] that this will not happen," Duda Kroeff, the Gremio president, said. "Douglas is not at the stage where he would go through such a situation."

Stoke are in talks with West Ham over the possible signing of Dean Ashton. The striker signed a five-year contract at Upton Park in 2008.

Nicolas Burdisso, the Inter Milan centre back, has denied speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea in a swap deal for Ricardo Carvalho. "I have spoken to [Jose] Mourinho, who told me that he is happy with me and that I have a lot to give to Inter," Burdisso said.

The rivals: Cesc Fabregas puts Arsenal on alert

Fabregas puts Arsenal on alert - The Sun
The midfielder has called the club impotent and said his family would support a move to Real Madrid.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Fabregas, who has a column in The Sun, is sending out a similar message to that which Arsene Wenger delivered to the board a few weeks ago when he flirted with Real. Invest in players or I’m off. For Fabregas, it may not be this summer but next. Rating: 5/10

£52m or Ferget it - Daily Star
Atletico Madrid have told Manchester United that Sergio Aguero will cost them at least £52m.
Gary's verdict: The Times broke the story that Chelsea had offered £45m for Aguero, which would probably have been enough to secure a deal except that the player wants £100,000 net a week. So why would United offer £52m, the player’s buy-out clause? It is not clear whether a clause of this nature means anything between clubs from different countries, but United would also need to offer him a salary in excess of £150,000 a week gross. 4/10

Stoke join chase for Owen - The Guardian (and others)
Tony Pulis says he will rival Hull in their bid to sign Michael Owen once his Newcastle contract expires.
Gary's verdict: Can anyone see Owen being willing to play at Stoke? He turned his nose up at Wigan. This is Pulis looking for publicity. Phil Brown at Hull makes similar noises. 1/10

Hull of an Idea, Fraiz - The Sun
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Fraizer Campbell to accept a £6m move to Hull.
Gary's verdict: Ferguson wants the £6m but note that Phil Brown claims the United manager has said this. 8/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Birmingham agree fee for Johnson

THE NEWS

Cardiff have accepted a bid from Birmingham for defender Roger Johnson. The Championship side placed a price tag of £5 million on the player after he expressed a desire to join a Premier League club this summer. The 26-year-old has made 129 appearances and scored 14 goals for Cardiff since signing from Wycombe for £275,000 three seasons ago.

Joe Hart, the England Under-21 goalkeeper, has joined Birmingham on a season-long loan. "I know he will relish the prospect of regular Premier League action, which is vital at this stage in his career," Mark Hughes, the Manchester City manager, said.

Hermann Hreidarsson has agreed a new one-year contract at Portsmouth. The 34-year-old left-back's decision to stay at Fratton Park ends speculation linking him with Middlesbrough. The deal also includes the option of a further year should Hreidarsson play a certain number of games next season. "Hermann's a real character and a great influence in the dressing room, so we're pleased to have him back," Peter Storrie, the club's executive chairman, said.

The rivals: Manchester United to hijack Sergio Aguero deal

Fergie to hijack bid for Aguero - Daily Mirror
Manchester United hope to beat Chelsea to the signing of Sergio Aguero, the Atletico Madrid forward.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Chelsea offered up to £45m for the player, as reported in The Times several weeks ago, but his wage demands of £100,000 a week net were too high. Foreign clubs are willing to pay the wages, but not the fee. Rating: 5/10

I'll sell Ade to Milan - Daily Express
Arsenal have offered Emmanuel Adebayor to both Milan clubs in a bid to stave off interest from Chelsea.
Gary's verdict: He has been offered to several clubs. 7/10

Chelsea fear Ribery failure - The Guardian
Carlo Ancelotti fears Real Madrid will beat him to the signing of the Bayern Munich forward.
Gary's verdict: Chelsea are unwilling to pay over the odds for Ribery, who has been advised to move to Real. 8/10

Bruce in hunt for Royals - Daily Mirror
Sunderland are keen on signing Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt, the Irish internationals at Reading.
Gary's verdict: Hunt was linked with Sunderland when Roy Keane was in charge because of the Ireland link, but why would he be now? Doyle is more likely to move to Wolves or Fulham. 5/10

The Tehran Four, Owen's shocker and Cesc's lose-lose proposition

Gabriele Marcotti

Unless you've been hiding under a rock (or only read the back of the paper) you're probably aware of what's going on in Iran and the turmoil following Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election.

According to reports in a pro-government newspaper, four Iranian players have been told they will never again represent their country after they wore green armbands - a symbol of support for Ahmadinejad's rival, the pro-reform Mir Hossein Mousavi - during their match against South Korea last week. The group includes some of the country's most high profile stars, including Ali Karimi, a former Asian Footballer of the Year, and Mehdi Mahdavikia, the veteran wingback who has been one of the most consistent performers in the Bundesliga for over a decade.

Fifa rules ban the display of political symbols or messages during games (as Robbie Fowler found out a decade ago), but clearly this is a gross over-reaction from Iranian authorities. Far more worrying however is the fact that, according to reports, the men have had their passports taken away and, for now at least, can't leave the country.

Politics and sport should not, on principle, mix. But, when they do - and, inevitably, it occasionally happens, since sport does not exist in a vacuum - you can only admire young men who have the courage to take a stand and face the consequences.

Newcastle United: the stage play

George Caulkin

A surfeit of drama has been associated with Newcastle United over recent months, but you would struggle to describe much of it as great. There has been stupid, mortifying, toe-curling drama in spades; drama that gnaws at the heart and corrodes the soul, plotlines so ridiculous that credibility evaporates. Sound, fury, aching pessimism and ham acting.

Mike Ashley should have left it to the professionals, which is where the Live Theatre comes in. Beginning this Thursday, the curtain is lifted on a play which, in its run earlier this year, did more to contextualise and humanise the decline at St James’ Park than countless column inches, radio phone-ins or television obituaries. It did so with wit, ferocity and, most important of all, unbridled affection.

The rivals: Liverpool prepare to sacrifice Xabi Alonso

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Liverpool prepare to sacrifice Alonso - Daily Mail
Real Madrid are confident they will persuade Liverpool to sell Xabi Alonso for £30m and Alvaro Arbeloa for £8m.
Gary Jacob's verdict: The Spanish club lack a creative holding midfield player, but it would be a big blow for Liverpool and who would they replace Alonso with? Rating: 5/10
 
Diamonds and Pirlo for Carlo - Daily Mirror
Silvio Berlusconi, the AC Milan president, has admitted the club are prepared to sell Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea.
Gary's verdict: Chelsea need a passer, but Pirlo is 30, so would be a short-term measure. 5/10

One Nil's a possibility for Fergie - Daily Mirror
Manchester United are considering a £20m bid for Nilmar, the Brazilian striker at Internacional.
Gary's verdict: Tall and with a decent record, Nilmar has not played frequently enough for Brazil to automatically obtain a work permit. 4/10 

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Hull to approach Owen

THE NEWS

Phil Brown, the Hull manager, has said that he is interested in signing Michael Owen when his contract with Newcastle ends on July 1. "It has been sounded out as a possibility, but, as yet, there has been no offer put to Michael and it would have to be on the right terms," he said.

Karim Benzema's agent, Karim Djaziri, has reiterated that the forward wants to stay at Lyons for another season to prepare for the World Cup, despite interest from Manchester United among others. "I think that Sir Alex [Ferguson] knows this," Djaziri said. "Perhaps he wants to make an offer to Lyons. If that happens, then Karim will think about it."

The rivals: Carlos Tevez says yes to Manchester City

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Our expert gives his verdict on the top rumours in today's other newspapers.

Tev yes to City - Daily Mirror
Carlos Tevez agreed to join Manchester City two weeks ago and will complete a £25.5m transfer in the next few days.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Chelsea are desperate to make a big signing and have not given up on him. Rating: 6/10

Davis bound for Bolton - The Daily Telegraph
Gary Megson is set to make Sean Davis, the Portsmouth midfielder, his first signing of the summer.
Gary's verdict: Logical move. They tried to sign Davis in January and he is among 15 Portsmouth players out of contract this summer. 7/10

Birmingham still keen on Johnson - The Guardian
The newly promoted Premier League side have not given up in their pursuit of Roger Johnson despite Cardiff refusing to lower their £5m valuation.
Gary's verdict: They have offered £5m already but are arguing over the payment schedule for the defender. Expect Joe Ledley to want to leave Cardiff, too. 8/10

Morientes heads to Cottage - Daily Mail
Fulham want the former Spain and Liverpool forward to provide the experience they will need in the Europa League.
Gary's verdict: Interesting link. They need a forward, but Morientes is 33. 5/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Chelsea re-enter race for Johnson

THE NEWS

Chelsea have matched Liverpool's £18.5 million bid for Glen Johnson and the Portsmouth right back is expected to make his decision on who to join next week. "The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him and which club he prefers, which one is going to pay him more money," Peter Storrie, the Portsmouth chief executive, said.

Birmingham are targeting Oguchi Onyewu, the Standard Liege centre half, who is out of contract at the end of the month. However, the Belgian club are hoping he will sign a new short-term deal to help them through the initial stages of the Champions League. Onyewu is expected to make his decision after the United States's final game of their Confederations Cup campaign against Egypt on Sunday. Fulham and Fenerbahce are also understood to be interested in the 27-year-old.

Andrea Dossena's agent believes Juventus will decide by next week whether to make a bid for the Liverpool defender. Juve are considering Fabio Grosso to fill their left back spot. "The position is a necessity for the Bianconeri and the directors are not willing to drag this on," Roberto La Florio said. "Dossena's age and wages are on his side."

The Rivals: Manchester City wait on £20m Eto'o

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City wait on £20m Eto'o - The Sun
Barcelona have indicated they would be willing to sell their 28-year-old star striker, who has just 12 months left on his contract, to Manchester City.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Barca have offered Eto'o a new deal but if they can't agree terms then Eastlands could well be a likely destination as few other teams could afford his wages. Rating: 8/10

City eye top four as Santa Cruz signs up for £18m - Daily Mail
The Blackburn striker will finally link up with Mark Hughes, his former manager, who wanted to bring the Paraguayan with him to Manchester City last summer.
Gary's verdict: No-one else has come in for him and certainly not at that price. The problem being with Craig Bellamy, Valeri Bojinov, Robinho and possibly Eto'o and Carlos Tevez at the club next year, where would he play? 7/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Vermaelen close to £10m Arsenal move

THE NEWS

Thomas Vermaelen claims that he will have a medical at Arsenal tomorrow after they agreed a fee of around £10 million with Ajax for the centre back. "The signature is not there yet, but everything is in order," the Belgium international said. "This will be a big change in my life, next year I will suddenly be facing the best strikers in the world. This does not scare me, I will give everything my body has."

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, could revive an interest in Aston Villa's Nigel Reo-Coker as a replacement for Didier Zokora, who is on the verge of joining Seville.

Julio Baptista wants to stay at Roma despite reports linking him with Manchester City. "I signed a four-year contract with Roma and I want to remain and help the team do better with respect to last season," the former Arsenal striker said.