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Five controversial transfers

Dec Warrington

Carlos Tevez has already crossed the Manchester divide from United to City, which in turn sparked the transfer of Michael Owen - formerly of Liverpool - to United, and there is the possibility of another controversial move taking place this summer.

Patrick Vieira, the ex-Arsenal captain, has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Tottenham and the idea of such a move has led us to consider some of the most controversial transfers to have taken place in football history. These are the deals that even the most diehard fans wouldn't have dreamt of taking place; those that genuinely didn't even seem an option at the time.

Just the facts, Mame: the inside line on Manchester United's new signing

Tor-Kristian Karlsen, a Norwegian football scout who has worked for several leading European clubs, gives us the lowdown on Mame Biram Diouf, Molde's Senegalese forward who was signed today by Manchester United. Robert Dineen asks the questions.

Sir Alex Ferguson had said he would not make any further signings this summer. Were you surprised that he moved for Diouf?
There had been much speculation over the past week that he would leave Norway as he scored four goals in Molde's most recent home game in front of about 20 scouts but nobody expected him to go to United.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Manchester United sign Senegalese striker

THE NEWS

Manchester United have signed Mame Biram Diouf from Norwegian side, Molde. The 21-year-old Senegalese striker will have a medical next week and will be loaned back to Molde until January.

Inter Milan are in talks with Barcelona about a swap deal involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o. Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, met Joan Laporta, his counterpart last night. "We are trying to see if it is possible to enter both players in a deal," Moratti said. "This meeting was something that is born out of the friendship between two presidents."

Amadou Alassane, the Le Havre striker, has been offered a week's trial by Celtic . Tony Mowbray, the Celtic manager, has already signed forward Marc-Antoine Fortune in a deal reported to be worth £3.8m, as well as recruiting midfielder Landry N'Guemo on a season-long loan from Nancy.

The Rivals: Madrid close in on £32m Alonso

Madrid close in on £32m Alonso - Daily Mirror
Real Madrid believe they will finally get their man when they return with an improved offer for Xabi Alonso this weekend.
Gary Jacob's verdict: No offer has been made, but they are expected to sign him for £32 million as reported in The Times earlier this week. Rating: 8/10

Harry ready for Negredo - Daily Mirror
Tottenham are poised to wrap up a £13m deal for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo by this weekend.
Gary's verdict: Real Madrid and Tottenham both flatly denied this story yesterday, although it is possible that the striker’s name came up in conversation as Spurs seek to buy Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. If Real were selling Negredo to Tottenham, it would have been in their interest to confirm the story. 3/10

Tottenham still hope to sign Huntelaar - The Guardian
Tottenham remain hopeful that they can clinch the signing of Real Madrid's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar ahead of Stuttgart.
Gary's verdict: Tottenham need to raise their offer to match Stuttgart, who have agreed a fee, but the forward now prefers a move to London. 7/10

Thomas in the frame for Hull - Daily Mirror
Hull have offered Jerome Thomas a Premier League lifeline. The former Charlton winger, 26, is out of contract after an ill-fated spell at Portsmouth and will have a trial at the KC Stadium.
Gary's verdict: Thomas has been offered a trial, but he played just three times for Portsmouth last season, so maybe he is not good enough for the top-flight. 4/10

Spurs target Delph - Daily Express
Tottenham are ready to join the bidding for the Leeds midfielder, but need to move quickly if they are to hijack Sunderland's £12m move for Peter Crouch.
Gary's verdict: Tottenham seem reluctant to pay £12m for Crouch, yet they value Darren Bent at £18m. Where is the logic? Aston Villa like Delph too. 8/10

Manchester City increase pressure on Everton to sell Lescott - Daily Telegraph
City are understood to have lodged a £15m bid for the defender and also hope to complete a £25m deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal in the next 48 hours.
Gary's verdict: City appear determined to sign Lescott, but at what price would Moyes cave in and who does he replace him with? 8/10

Blackburn show interest in Smith - The Guardian
Alan Smith is attracting interest from his old manager Sam Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers. Allardyce would like to take the utility player to Ewood Park on a year-long loan from Newcastle but will demand that the Tyneside club continue paying a percentage of Smith's £60,000-a-week wages.
Gary's verdict: Smith was close to a move to Everton last summer for around £2m but his high wages proved problematic. This deal could make sense for all parties. 7/10

Chelsea set to nab Matic - The Sun
Chelsea are close to wrapping up a deal to bring Nemanja Matic to Stamford Bridge after months of talks.
Gary's verdict: The 20-year-old midfielder, who plays for MFK Kosice, has claimed to have accepted a contract. 9/10

It's Hoffer Sam can't refuse - The Sun
Blackburn have lined up Austrian striker Erwin Hoffer to replace Roque Santa Cruz.
Gary's verdict: He has been linked with Blackburn and Celtic after scoring nearly 30 goals last season. 6/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Liverpool make move for Aquilani

THE NEWS

Liverpool have sent a delegation to Rome to offer around €16m (about £14m) for Alberto Aquilani, the Roma midfielder, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italy international is a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso, who seems intent on a switch to Real Madrid.

Peter Crouch is discussing a £12 million move to Sunderland. The 28-year-old arrived at Newcastle International Airport this morning after Sunderland finally agreed a fee with Portsmouth at around midnight last night. He will hold talks with Steve Bruce, but has also been heavily linked with Fulham amid suggestions he will head for the London club tomorrow.

David Moyes is determined to keep Joleon Lescott at Goodison Park despite interest from Manchester City. "I have already said there will be no players sold at Everton and I do not feel I need to say any more," Moyes insisted. "The board have never sold a player from me, it will only be at my discretion."

The Rivals: Manchester City join race for Bentley

City join race for Bentley - Daily Mirror
Manchester City have made a surprise move for David Bentley, the Tottenham winger, but will now have to meet his £12 million valuation.
Gary's verdict: Harry Redknapp would drive him there. Only, where would City play him when they have Shaun Wright-Phillips? Rating: 5/10

Manny is taking his time - The Sun
Emmanuel Adebayor has asked for more time before he makes a final decision on a transfer to Manchester City with reports suggesting the Togo international could be holding out for a move to AC Milan.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Milan’s move for Luís Fabiano has stalled so it would not be surprising if Adebayor’s agent contacted Milan. The Italian side's preferred choices were Edin Dzeko, the Wolfsburg striker, Fabiano and lastly Adebayor, but they have shown little interest in the Togo striker in the past week. 7/10 

Manchester City are right to spend big on forward thinking

 

Tony Cascarino

I’m amazed by the number of strikers Manchester City have signed but it’s a vital part of their transition from mid-table outfit to serious players. Big clubs need big squads and when money’s no object you go out and get the best available players, simple as that.

No doubt some said before the 1998-99 season that Manchester United didn’t really need a quadruple strikeforce of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but all played key roles in a massively successful campaign.

With the options Mark Hughes now has up front, he doesn’t have to worry about how he would cope in an injury crisis and he has the versatility to make a wide range of tactical changes. I’d argue that with the incredible array of attacking talent Hughes has at his disposal, he’s got more variety of a higher quality than any other club manager.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Villa agree £12m fee for Downing

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THE NEWS

Middlesbrough and Aston Villa have agreed a fee of around £12m for Stewart Downing. The England winger has been sidelined by foot surgery but his agent says he could return to action as early as next month.

Burnley have signed Richard Eckersley from Manchester United on a four-year deal. He is the Clarets' fifth summer signing after the arrivals of Tyrone Mears, Steven Fletcher, David Edgar and Brian Easton.

Hull have agreed a £5m fee with Fulham for Bobby Zamora and the move could see Peter Crouch leaving Portsmouth for Craven Cottage.

The Rivals: Benitez turns to Silva with Alonso set for £30m move

Mascherano to Kop out in switch - Daily Mirror
With Xabi Alonso set to join Real before the end of the week, Rafael Benitez has told the Javier Mascherano that he must stay at Anfield this summer, despite interest from Barcelona. 

Gary Jacob's verdict: Mascherano hasn’t stamped his feet enough to force a move, but Liverpool should reward him with an improved contract or they will be left with an unhappy player. Rating: 8/10

Benitez turns to Silva after agreeing £30m Alonso sale - The Daily Telegraph
The Liverpool manager will use the funds from the sale of Alonso to pursue David Silva, the Valencia winger. He is also interested in bringing Sylvain Distin, the Portsmouth defender, to Anfield while Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez, also remains a target to replace Alonso in the centre of midfield. 

Gary's verdict: Liverpool have spoken to David Silva but no offer has been made as yet. As for Distin, The Times first reporter Liverpool's £2 million offer for the defender at the start of June, but Portsmouth will probably want closer to £5m even though the defender only has one year left on his contract. 8/10

Bale's out for Roma - Daily Mirror
Gareth Bale, the Tottenham defender, has emerged as a shock loan target for Roma.

Gary's verdict: The left back has been linked with several clubs in Italy, but Bale’s problem is that no one knows his best position. Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in him before he signed for Tottenham, but as a left winger! He needs to improve his defending to become a top-class left back. 4/10

The men who could replace Xabi Alonso at Liverpool

Declan Warrington

Liverpool will permit Xabi Alonso to leave if he publicly expresses his desire to join Real Madrid and it remains to be seen whether or not Rafael Benitez will seek out a like-for-like replacement for the stylish Spanish midfielder.

The great irony is that Benitez would now actually love to keep Xabi Alonso, despite trying to sell him last summer in an attempt to fund a move for Gareth Barry. With Barry joining Manchester City, Benitez is forced to look elsewhere to boost his side's title prospects.

If the Liverpool manager is shrewd he could re-invest the proposed fee of about £32 million in a midfield replacement and other potential targets. Here are five men who might be considered as replacements for Alonso in Liverpool's engine room next season:

Ferguson prepares to put his faith in youth once again

When Sir Alex Ferguson says that Real Madrid are “not nearly as afraid as debt as everyone else in the world,” is he saying that Manchester United are terrified of their status as the world’s most indebted club?

Those close to him suggest not, saying that the debts incurred by the Glazer family takeover in 2005 do not begin to impact on Ferguson’s day-to-day operations or his long-term transfer policy. The debts of Red Football Joint Venture Ltd, United’s parent company, rose to £649.4 million in the financial year ending July 31 2008, but both Ferguson, David Gill and the Glazers – communicating only through a spokesman – maintain that they are entirely comfortable with their position. The talk is always of “soft borrowings” and “no real pressure” from the banks.

So what is driving the air of prudence or parsimony that has swept through Old Trafford since the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world-record fee of £80 million? It would take an almighty leap of faith to believe that the debts are not one factor – last year’s record profits of £71.8 million were almost entirely wiped out by interest payments amounting to £68.8 million – but it is not the only one.

To put it bluntly, Ferguson believes there is no point paying out vast sums of money for players who (a) would not significantly improve United’s squad and (b) would hamper the progress of some of the outstanding youngsters already at the club. There is a strong argument for saying that he did just that with the £30.75 million club-record purchase of Dimitar Berbatov last summer, but, having baulked at the £35 million fee demanded by Lyons for Karim Benzema – a decision that was admittedly made easier by the striker’s desire to follow Ronaldo to Madrid – Ferguson chose instead to sign Michael Owen on a free transfer, leaving that £80 million burning a hole in his pocket.

The Times Transfer Bulletin: West Brom reject offer for Greening

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THE NEWS

West Brom have rejected an offer from Fulham of £2.5 million, plus winger Hameur Bouazza, for Jonathan Greening. Jeremy Peace, the West Brom chairman, claims they have no plans to sell their captain. "We didn't give Fulham's offer a second thought," he said. "It is derisory for a player of Jonathan's talent and experience."

Hull are confident that Daryl Murphy will join them after agreeing a £2.5m fee with Sunderland for the striker. Murphy, who turned down a move to Ipswich, is expected to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical this week.

Wolves have made a last offer, believed to be £1m, for James McCarthy, the Hamilton midfielder. The Ireland Under-21 player has also been linked with Celtic and Burnley.

The Rivals: Aston Villa close to £24m deal for Bent and Downing

Darren to lead a Bent force - Daily Star
Aston Villa want to finalise a £24m double move for Darren Bent, the Tottenham striker, and Stewart Downing, the Middlesbrough winger, this week.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Villa consider Bent overpriced even at £12m, while Tottenham are determined to recoup a fee as close to the £16m they paid for him. Bent would prefer Everton, who have shown a tentative interest, but he is less keen on a move to Sunderland. Rating: 5/10

£60m deal for Adebayor - The Sun
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, could use money from the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.
Gary's verdict: It’s very likely and a deal may already have been agreed, subject to the sale of the Togo forward. Chamakh has one year left on his contract and could cost around £8 million. 9/10

Terry in cash target - Daily Star
John Terry wants Chelsea to make him their highest-paid player before he rejects a move to Manchester City. Terry has been offered £250,000 a week by the Eastlands club.
Gary's verdict: City would be insane to offer him that much. Terry wants a pay rise of around £20,000 a week to take him to the £150,000 mark. Frank Lampard earns upwards of £140,000 a week at Stamford Bridge. 8/10

Roy Ful pelt for Greening - The Sun
Fulham are close to agreeing a deal to sign Jonathan Greening, the West Brom midfielder, for £2.5m, plus winger Hameur Bouazza.
Gary's verdict: Jonathan Greening's intelligence would suit Fulham's style of play, but is this a good enough offer to secure his services? 6/10

Teen's a steal for Gunners - Daily Mirror
Arsenal could poach Frank Nouble, Chelsea's highest-rated young striker, after he turned down professional terms at Stamford Bridge.
Gary's verdict: He has been at Chelsea since the age of 12 and so any deal to sign him would be subject to a compensation agreement. Lots of Facebook friends, but no clue on his future. 5/10

Zola seeks Eidur - Daily Star
Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, wants to sign striker Eidur Gudjohnsen from Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Gary's verdict: West Ham are mainly going to bring in players on loan this summer, but Gudjohnsen earns around £80,000 a week and that figure doesn't fit in with the club's pay structure. 1/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Manchester City in talks over Adebayor move

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THE NEWS

Manchester City are in talks with Arsenal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor, according to Sky Sports News. The Togo striker scored 16 goals for the Gunners last season.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, insists that he has completed his summer transfer business after the acquisitions of Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan and Michael Owen.

Aston Villa watched Miguel Veloso play for Sporting Lisbon at the weekend, according to reports in Portugal. Bolton have also shown interest in the defensive midfielder but have been unwilling to match Sporting's £13 million asking price for the player.

Egyptian side Zamalek claim that they are willing to pay up to £1m to sign Mido, the Middlesbrough striker, on loan.

The Rivals: Real Madrid change tack in Xabi Alonso pursuit

Real in new Xabi bluff - Daily Mirror
Real Madrid have still not given up their pursuit of Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool midfielder, but have decreased their offer by £3m to £22m.
Gary Jacob's verdict: Manuel Pellegrini, the Real manager, said that Alonso was "important, but not indispensable”. This strikes me as honesty since the club's posturing may make little difference to Liverpool unless they contemplate a sale. Rating: 6/10

Blues fear defeat in battle to hold on to Terry - Daily Mirror
Chelsea will hold intensive talks with their captain who they fear is increasingly likely to join Manchester City.
Gary's verdict: Chelsea want the situation resolved before they fly to the United States on Thursday, but this could drag on for some time since they are unwilling to pay him more. 6/10

Chelsea won't pay Terry any extra - Daily Mail
Despite their fears over his departure, Chelsea will not increase Terry's wages in an attempt to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Gary's verdict: At present, Chelsea are willing to hold out. 9/10

Promoted Arnesen may sign Ibrahimovic - Daily Telegraph
Chelsea's newly-appointed sporting director could make the Inter Milan striker his first signing after the Sweden international claimed the Premier League club had made a £60m move for him.
Gary's verdict: Several weeks ago, Chelsea said that they were not interested in Ibrahimovic or Maicon, both from Inter, when they were in talks about selling Carvalho and Deco to the Serie A club. They consider Ibrahimovic to be overpriced. 4/10

Boro adamant Adam staying - Daily Mirror
Adam Johnson, the Middlesbrough winger, has been told there is "no way" he will be allowed to join Chelsea.
Gary's verdict: Johnson wants to leave but Middlesbrough want to sell Downing instead when he is fit. 4/10

Tevez joins City on £150,000-a week - Daily Mail
Carlos Tevez will complete a £25m move to Manchester City today after rejecting a move to Chelsea.
Gary's verdict: Widely reported. 9/10

Villa lead chase for £12m Downing - Daily Mail
Aston Villa hope to complete the signing of Stewart Downing, the Middlesbrough winger, this week raising questions over the future of Ashley Young at Villa Park. Young is wanted by Tottenham, while Manchester United and Chelsea are also keen on the England player.
Gary's verdict: Villa will only consider a very large offer for Young, in excess of £25million, and though they have interest in Downing, their priority is a left back and centre back. 6/10

The Times Transfer Bulletin: Sunderland bid for Cattermole

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THE NEWS

Sunderland have made a undisclosed bid for Lee Cattermole, the Wigan midfielder. The England Under-21 player moved to the JJB Stadium from Middlesbrough last summer for £3.5million. The Black Cats are also on the verge of signing Fraizer Campbell from Manchester United for a fee of £5m. 

Jason Scotland's switch from Swansea to Wigan has moved a step closer after the two clubs agreed a transfer fee.

Gelson Fernandes has left Manchester City to join St Etienne for an undisclosed fee. The Swiss midfielder found himself on the first-team fringes last season after manager Mark Hughes's arrival from Blackburn Rovers.

Phil Brown, the Hull manager, has confirmed the club have made a "firm and substantial bid" for Fulham's Bobby Zamora. "I'm waiting to hear from my chairman for the next step," Brown said.

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.

Gary Jacob's verdict: Seems incredibly bizarre because of Liverpool’s lack of financial muscle, the price Bayern want for the winger and Ribery's preferred destination of Real Madrid. Liverpool would need to sell at least three players, including Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, to fund the move. Rating: 1/10

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.

Gary's verdict: It’s nothing to do with Barcelona, who are willing to sell. Bottom line is that the forward does not want to move to City, so he is ether looking for the Catalan team to improve their offer or he will try and find another Champions League team. Barcelona want him to sign or cash in, because he has one year left on his contract. 4/10

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.

Gary's verdict: Don’t be surprised if Terry signs an improved contract at Chelsea, using City’s interest as a lever. But if only Chelsea had the guts to pull the rug from under him and take the £40 million on offer. 5/10

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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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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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.