Transfer Rumours 2009/2010 Season

[Il Duce]

Shunsuke Nakamura poised for Espanyol move:

Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is on the verge of sealing a move to Espanyol, after opting not to return home to Japan and sign for Yokohama F-Marinos.

The 30-year-old’s contract with current club Celtic is set to expire and he had initially indicated that a move back to Asia would be his preferred choice, with former club Yokohama signalling their intention to bring the player back to where his career began, before his 2002 move to Italy with Reggina.

However, Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed an interest in the player last month, and now the draw of playing in La Liga has convinced Nakamura that he can continue his career in Europe.

The Japanese players' agent travelled to Barcelona for contract talks with the club, who are set to move into a new 40,000-seater stadium within the city, and won 8 of their last 10 La Liga matches to avoid relegation to the Segunda Division.

The discussions edged the deal closer to completion, and Nakamura is expected to put pen to paper this week.

The free-kick specialist had four successful years at Celtic, collecting three Scottish Premier League titles in that time, and has scored 23 goals in 87 matches at international level with Japan.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

[JK]

Having Kaka and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, and then Eto' at Man Utd would make things very difficult for Barca

Fair call, but to potentially lose a 30mil valued player on a "free" a season later could be quite harmful to any club ... Remembering he also has a history with Barca of being unsettled and chucking the toys out of the cot.

All of these tabloid rumours are questionable anyway, so who really knows??

[devilsadvocate]

Rumor had it today tht Villa had joined Manure for 45m euros. Turned out to be bollox, but IMHO, Liverpool could do worse than fork out for him. Torres + Villa = best partnership in the world.

Some defenders would be a help though as Carra is off like prawns in the sun. Well past his use-by.

[RoosterMarty]

I'd be surprised if Liverpool could afford him.

[devilsadvocate]

The betting markets have been withdrawn on Glen Johnson moving to Liverpool after a flood of cash poured in for the move. Apparently the deal (reportedly in the region of 18m quid) will be announced later today.

[Il Duce]

Now I know that it is the sun but there are some strong rumors that Thomas Hitzlsperger is about to join Arsenal

http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/105/m ... ger-report

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... enger.html

[RoosterMarty]

Liverpool have been ripped off big time for Johnson.. there is no way he is worth 18/19mill.

[JK]

Liverpool have been ripped off big time for Johnson.. there is no way he is worth 18/19mill.

Thats exactly what I reckon ... Admit I didn't see much of him last term, but the season before I thought he was deplorable.

Capello and my other Liverpool comrades seem to think he's quality, but I'm really not sure about that.

The purchase will really only cost us Arbeloa, although I liked Arby and nearly 2 years in the Liverpool system should have seen him on the "same page" as the club's direction.

Not ultra impressed about this purchase, but gotta have faith in the gaffer I guess.

[devilsadvocate]

Have to agree that Liverpool have been ripped off. Unfortunately, that's what happens with English players - English clubs pay waaaayyyy over the odds.

I too thought Arbeloa was decent and am surprised that Liverpool see the need to pay 18m to upgrade an already reasonably strong position.

They should have saved their cash and made a silly offer for Villa.

[JK]

I also wonder if a UEFA requirement for local players isn't getting closer ... Rafa said years ago he wouldn't buy English when he can get that same role/position elsewhere for around half the price (sometimes even less).

Since last season he's made some priority plays toward the likes of Barry and now Johnson

[Pidge]

Now I know that it is the sun but there are some strong rumors that Thomas Hitzlsperger is about to join Arsenal

http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/105/m ... ger-report

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... enger.html

Would be a good purchase imo.

[RoosterMarty]

People whinge about top English clubs rarely signing English players... but as DA suggested you only have to look at Johnson's value as an example as to why clubs look to foreign lands. English players are ridiculous over valued, the money you spend on one 'decent' English player can usually net you 2 or 3 from elsewhere.

[JK]

People whinge about top English clubs rarely signing English players... but as DA suggested you only have to look at Johnson's value as an example as to why clubs look to foreign lands. English players are ridiculous over valued, the money you spend on one 'decent' English player can usually net you 2 or 3 from elsewhere.

I reckon therein lies the true value's of the academy's, and the better ones at that ... How many of the decent - best English footballers has a club like West Ham been responsible for? (despite the fact they're forced to sell most of them)

The demand for clubs to produce local players cheaper than the cost of transferring a decent homegrown will continue to become greater and greater.

[devilsadvocate]

I also wonder if a UEFA requirement for local players isn't getting closer ... Rafa said years ago he wouldn't buy English when he can get that same role/position elsewhere for around half the price (sometimes even less).

Since last season he's made some priority plays toward the likes of Barry and now Johnson

Last I heard is that that could never happen due to EU discrmination rules. For example, any other employer cannot place a job ad stating they require an English citizen etc.

If UEFA did bring in such a rule, they'd be breaking EU law.

I totally agree with your other point above though on the academies. How long is it going to take clubs to realise that developing home grown quality is the way forward? The depressing thing in the UK is that almost regardless of which part of the country you are in, there are neglected, dilapidated, sub standard facilities for football at all levels. How is this going to make youngsters want to play the game? When you look at Aussie Rules and the Aus kick program for example, plus the facilities of most amateur clubs, which as a minimum generally includes a decent set of change rooms, floodlit grounds, and a clubrooms for post match socialising, you start to see the source of the problem in the English game.

IMO, it's the FA's fault for not playing a bigger part in encouraging a link between the top flight rich boys and grass roots sport in England. The longer they wait, the further behind they'll fall and it will show louder and clearer at World and European Cup competitions.

It's like politics though. It's all about the here and now, with no thought given to what will happen in 5, 10, 20 years time.

[smithy]

Portsmouth owe Liverpool 7 mill still from the purchase of Peter Crouch.
With Arbeloa fetching 8 mill more than likely cause he wants to return to spain I'd say it isn't too bad, especially if the "local" rule comes in.

[The Real Number 3]

Wednesday 17th June

Spurs target Real trio - The Mirror
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been pictured in Madrid ahead of an audacious bid to sign Arjen Robben, Gabriel Heinze and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Will Spurs be able to secure the services of all three?


Premier duo battle for Villa - Daily Star
Manchester United and Chelsea are back in the hunt for David Villa after Real Madrid failed to meet Valencia's asking price. Where will the gifted Spain international be playing next season?


City close in on Santa Cruz - Various
Manchester City are reported to be on the brink of securing the services of Roque Santa Cruz after a long-running pursuit. Can the Paraguay international help fire the Eastlands outfit to glory?


Hammers to land Inter duo - Various
West Ham are reported to have agreed season-long loan deals for Inter Milan duo Mancini and Luis Jimenez. What do you make of Gianfranco Zola's latest market moves?


O'Neill linked with double deal - Various
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is said to be keen on Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe and Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas. Will either target head to Villa Park?


Chelsea join Ibrahimovic race - Various
Chelsea are reported to have added their name to the list of clubs interested in Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Could the Sweden international be on his way to the Premier League?


Galatasaray target Babel - Daily Mail
New Galatasaray boss Frank Rijkaard has made Liverpool winger Ryan Babel his first target after taking over in Turkey. Is it time for the Holland international to move on from Anfield?


Wenger ready to Melo out - Daily Mail
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is planning to make a £15million offer for Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo. Is the fiery Brazilian the right man to add steel to the Gunners' midfield?

From SkySports

[JK]

From http://www.4thegame.com

Reports suggest Javier Mascherano's agent has flown to Barcelona to discuss a possible transfer to the Nou Camp for the Liverpool midfielder.

The Argentina international is believed to be interested in moving to the Catalan giants even though the Reds insisted at the weekend that he was not for sale.

The midfielder's agent, Walter Tamer, is believed to have travelled to Barcelona to talk about the possibility of a switch which would see Yaya Toure move in the opposite direction.

Liverpool dismissed speculation linking Xabi Alonso and Mascherano with moves away from Anfield, with a statement on the club's official website reading: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.

"Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."

Know who's in form? Predict the results of this week's games and win with Soccer 7!
Twenty-five-year-old Mascherano moved to Anfield in January 2007 after an unhappy spell with West Ham United.

If this were to happen how much of a loss would it be for Liverpool (ie, I luv Masch, but have always rated Yaya from the little I've seen of him)?

[Il Duce]

All of these are from www.4thegame.com I have to say the main one on here that I dont see happening is Torres to Manchester United. When he was at Athletico Madrid, he said no to Real and Barcelona about 1000 times, he doesn't seem to be the player who would leave for a clubs rival, which is sad would of love to seen him in a Chelsea top. Also have to remember it is the silly season and alot of these may not happen.

Who? - Arjen Robben - Speculation
Where is he? - Real Madrid
Who is he linked with? - Tottenham Hotspur
Arjen Robben's agent and father insists there is no chance of the Netherlands international moving to Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Reports on Wednesday morning suggested Real Madrid trio Robben, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Gabriel Heinze were all heading to White Hart Lane this summer for a combined 36million transfer fee. However, Hans Robben was quoted in Algemeen Dagblad as saying: "There are reports currently circulating on the internet that the agent of Arjen has confirmed there are talks with Spurs. But the only person representing him is me, and I don't know anything about it. At the moment we are not in action with any other team than Real Madrid. I even want to bet on a bottle of wine Arjen won't play there." Twenty-five-year-old Robben has started only 44 matches during his injury-ravaged two-season spell with Real having spent the previous three campaigns with Chelsea.

Who? - Javier Mascherano - Speculation
Where is he? - Liverpool
Who is he linked with? - Barcelona
Reports suggest Javier Mascherano's agent has flown to Barcelona to discuss a possible transfer to the Nou Camp for the Liverpool midfielder. The Argentina international is believed to be interested in moving to the Catalan giants even though the Reds insisted at the weekend that he was not for sale. The midfielder's agent, Walter Tamer, is believed to have travelled to Barcelona to talk about the possibility of a switch which would see Yaya Toure move in the opposite direction. Liverpool dismissed speculation linking Xabi Alonso and Mascherano with moves away from Anfield, with a statement on the club's official website reading: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players. Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."

Who? - David Villa - Speculation
Where is he? - Valencia CF
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
Reports suggest Manchester United have joined the race to sign Spain international David Villa although Valencia insist they have received no bids for the striker. Real Madrid appear to have dropped their interest in the player but Barcelona are still believed to be keen to bring the 27-year-old to the Camp Nou. However, Valencia president Manuel Llorente told AS: "The conversations with Madrid have been paralysed since Saturday and we will now calm down and take our time to assess the situation before making any decisions. There are other teams who are interested in Villa but for the time being there have been no more offers for the player. I have been in charge for all of five days and we have put ourselves in the eye of the storm because everyone thinks that Valencia will sell all their players, but nothing could be further from the truth."

Who? - Joao Alves Jo - Speculation
Where is he? - Manchester City
Who is he linked with? - Fulham
Reports suggest Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is looking to bolster his strikeforce by snapping up Manchester City's Brazilian striker Jo. The 22-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton, would move to Craven Cottage on a permanent basis. Hodgson is keen to add to his attacking options as he prepares his team for a Europa League campaign and is believed to be willing to spend 8million on Jo. Despite finishing seventh last season, the Cottagers struggled for goals with Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora both failing to find the net on a regular basis. Jo moved to City from CSKA Moscow for 18million last summer but failed to settle at Eastlands, scoring just three times in 18 appearances for Mark Hughes' team. He fared better during his temporary spell at Everton, finding the net five times in 12 first-team games for the beaten FA Cup finalists.

Who? - Arjen Robben, Gabriel Heinze and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - Speculation
Where is he? - Real Madrid
Who is he linked with? - Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is planning to bring Real Madrid trio Arjen Robben, Gabriel Heinze and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to White Hart Lane this summer, according to reports. The Daily Mirror believes Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has travelled to the Spanish capital and entered into talks with Real's sporting director, Miguel Pardeza. It is thought that Spurs are willing to pay up to Â36million for the trio who Real are keen to sell having recently bought Kaka and agreed a deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Spurs are believed to have cooled their interest in another Real player, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is also surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu. Levy is reluctant to meet the Dutch striker's wage demands, particularly because of his recent injury problems. Real said earlier this week that they were hoping to sell at least nine players before the start of the new season. Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder Didier Zokora is on the verge of sealing his transfer to Sevilla after agreeing personal terms with the Spanish side. The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international will pen a four-year deal with Sevilla once the two clubs agree a transfer fee.

Who? - Franck Ribery - Speculation
Where is he? - Bayern Munich
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
Manchester United are interested in signing France international Franck Ribery, according to Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are also keen to sign the 26-year-old, who Rummenigge still believes will be a Bayern player when the new season starts in August. "We are completely relaxed and very proud that we have one of the best three players in the world under contract and that he has triggered such a huge demand in the transfer market," he told Bild. "Real have asked in person, through their president, Florentino Perez, and his adviser, Pedro Jimenez, whether we will talk to them about a deal. We have rejected that request, because we have no intention of selling Ribery. There is no offer from Real but there are clubs that have come to us with offers. Chelsea's bid has already been reported, and there's also Manchester United and Barcelona. We are approaching it calmly, because we are the ones who have the power to make the decision. I don't want to talk about sums of money because it is not in our interest. The amount is irrelevant. There is always going to be the perception that Bayern Munich are trying to push the price up and that there is a certain value at which we'll have to accept, but I'll say it again: we want to keep Ribery. We must do everything to make sure he stays in Munich and I am determined to do this. A player has to respect his contract, in this case until 2011."

Who? - Hulk - Speculation
Where is he? - FC Porto
Who is he linked with? - Arsenal, Manchester City
Porto have rejected an offer from an English club for striker Hulk, according to his agent. The powerful Portuguese forward made an impression in the Champions League last season, particularly against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester City are believed to be interested in signing him, but his agent has revealed that Porto are not keen to sell. Teodoro Fonseca said: "Porto have rejected an offer for Hulk and will only consider a bid of at least 40million euros. Big clubs from Europe are interested in Hulk, but he is very content in Portugal. I do not believe it will be likely that Porto will accept a sale this summer."

Who? - Roman Pavlyuchenko - Speculation
Where is he? - Tottenham Hotspur
Who is he linked with? - Stuttgart
Stuttgart are believed to be interested in ending Roman Pavlyuchenko's White Hart Lane misery this summer. The German side lost their star striker Mario Gomez to Bayern Munich recently, and are targeting Hoffenheim's Demba Ba as a replacement. However, if they miss out on him, they will turn to Tottenham's unsettled Russian striker instead. Director of sport Horst Heldt revealed: "Pavyluchenko is an interesting player and we have discussed his name internally." Pavlyuchenko struggled to find consistent form in his first season at Spurs, and is one of the players he would be willing to sell to raise transfer funds.

Who? - Andriy Shevchenko - Speculation
Where is he? - Chelsea
Who is he linked with? - AS Roma
Roma have emerged as favourites to sign Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, following the end of his loan spell at AC Milan. Shevchenko will certainly be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, having failed to settle in the Premier League. However, he is not expected to return permanently to the San Siro, despite spending last season on loan there. The 32-year-old is instead believed to be a target of Roma, though any transfer fee would be well below the 30m Chelsea paid for him three years ago. Also set to leave the Blues are Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, who look likely to link up with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Internazionale.

Who? - Deco and Ricardo Carvalho - Quite likely
Where is he? - Chelsea
Who is he linked with? - Internazionale
Chelsea duo Deco and Ricardo Carvalho could be heading to Internazionale after the Serie A giants confirmed their interest in the Portuguese players. Both men have spoken recently of their desire to work with Inter boss Jose Mourinho again, and now appear to be getting their wish. "Mourinho has asked us for Deco and Carvalho and we are working towards making him happy," Inter president Massimo Moratti told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Our wish is to sign both players and I have seen that the players' intention is to join us. We still haven't reached an agreement with Chelsea but I think we will do in a short time. We are interested in Carvalho primarily for the Champions League. He has the right experience, he is calm under pressure and brings experience in the defensive line. Our coach has guaranteed quality and I have every intention to make him happy. Deco will have two tasks - to do well immediately and to help Coutinho mature as a player. Coutinho will arrive next season and plays in the same role as Deco."

Who? - Robert Acquafresca - Speculation
Where is he? - Internazionale
Who is he linked with? - Fulham
Internazionale striker Robert Acquafresca has revealed that Fulham have expressed an interest in signing him. The 21-year-old, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Cagliari, is desperate to find a new club after admitting that he has no chance of breaking into Jose Mourinho's first-team plans at the San Siro. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Now I'm tranquil and I'm keeping my concentration for the Under-21 European tournament. Obviously I'll also think about my future, which is set to be decided in the next few days. I want to underline a thing - I have never said I want to go where I'd be guaranteed a regular starting place. I want only to have the possibility to play - to have my chance at the same level with the others. I'm used to having to fight to earn my place. Fulham called me personally on the phone. Each hypothesis must be considered - I could also try to go abroad as others have done. I don't want to say what side I prefer. Surely, playing in Europe with Genoa or Lazio would be a great result. Juve, then, are a really beautiful surprise."

Who? - Mamadou Sakho - Speculation
Where is he? - Paris St Germain
Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Arsenal target Mamadou Sakho insists he has no desire to leave Paris St Germain this summer. The teenager's agent, Tim Hager, claimed last week that the defender could move to the Gunners or Bayern Munich this summer. However, the France Under-21 international disagrees with his agent, telling skysports.com: "I am not going anywhere. There are not any transfer talks. There have been approaches by other clubs but I am staying with PSG. What I have to do is to meet the new manager to sort out my position, to see if he is counting on me. Anyway, my contract runs until 2012. I want to formally refute the statements that have been published in the press. There was never any question that I leave PSG. No transfer is in process." The 19-year-old made his debut for PSG in February 2007 and became a first-team regular in the second half of last season.

Who? - David Beckham - Speculation
Where is he? - LA Galaxy
Who is he linked with? - Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur
LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham could yet be set to return to the Premier League by the start of the new season. Beckham has returned to the American club after a successful loan spell with AC Milan, and is due to return to the San Siro in November. However, the deal was set up by Carlo Ancelotti, who has since left Milan to join Chelsea, so Beckham cannot be certain that he will be welcomed back by the new regime. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are believed to be interested in bringing Beckham back to England. A source close to Beckham said: "Ideally, he would like to go back to Milan before Christmas but they have not done anything about it. He's 34, so a full Premier League season might be a bit tough, but you can never say never."

Who? - Andrea Dossena - Speculation
Where is he? - Liverpool
Who is he linked with? - Juventus
Italian defender Andrea Dossena has revealed that he would be interested in a move to Juventus this summer. The international full-back has had a mixed first season at Liverpool, but claims that he is happy to stay at Anfield, despite interest from Serie A. However, he has not ruled out a switch to Juventus if they came in for him, saying: "I am happy at Liverpool, where I am going through a great experience. However, I can't deny I always keep an eye out for offers from Italy. When you get the news that Juventus are following you, it can only give you pleasure. I am monitoring the situation, and I'll see what happens, I hope there will be an agreement."

Who? - Tim Cahill - Speculation
Where is he? - Everton
Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Arsene Wenger has praised Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, sparking rumours that the Australian will be Arsenal's top transfer target this summer. Cahill played a big role in Everton's run to the FA Cup Final last season, and Wenger was hugely impressed. "He is efficient, he is a team player, he works very hard and in any English league, which has a reputation for being strong in the air, he dominates everybody in the air," Wenger said. "When you look at his size, it just shows you his intelligence. He must be a very intelligent player, because his anticipation level is very strong, and he is a fighter as well." However, Cahill has insisted that he is not looking to leave Goodison Park, even though he is tempted by Champions League football. "Every player would love to play in the Champions League and be winning medals and all that but you have to assess what's right for your family, what's right for you and what the club is trying to build," he said. "I love silverware, I love all the award nominations and all that but I also think I've achieved a lot and have been part of a league team that's been contesting more and more, not a team that's slumping or that's stayed stagnant. I've been here for five years and they've always rewarded and looked after me."

Who? - Miguel Veloso - Speculation
Where is he? - Sporting Clube de Portugal
Who is he linked with? - Bolton Wanderers
Reports in Portugal suggest that Bolton Wanderers are on the verge of making an offer for Sporting Lisbon youngster Miguel Veloso. It is believed that the Trotters may be able to bring the highly-rated 23-year-old to the Reebok Stadium for approximately 10million. Sporting had initially been asking 13million for Veloso but are now believed to be willing to accept a cut-price transfer fee in a bid to improve their current financial problems. Veloso, who has spent his entire career with Sporting, has been linked with a host of clubs in the past, but had always stayed loyal to the side from the Portugal capital. He now seems to have changed his stance though, saying recently: "An important offer from a Premier League club would be tremendously attractive."

Who? - Mirko Vucinic - Speculation
Where is he? - AS Roma
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
Manchester United target Mirko Vucinic insists he is in no rush to leave AS Roma. The 25-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who looks certain to finalise his transfer to Real Madrid later this month. Reports in Italy had hinted that United had expressed their interest in the Montenegro international, who recently signed a new four-year deal with Roma. "It's certainly pleasing that a great club like that are interested in me," Vucinic told Corriere dello Sport. "But I have only heard about it from the newspapers. At the moment I'm only thinking about relaxing by the seaside with my family. I've just signed a new contract and I'd like to stay at Roma."

Who? - Moussa Dembele - Speculation
Where is he? - AZ Alkmaar
Who is he linked with? - Chelsea
Chelsea have joined the race to sign AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele. New coach Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be a big fan of the 21-year-old, who is also interesting Genoa, Juventus, Fiorentina and Sevilla. AZ technical director Marcel Brands told De Telegraaf: "I know through his agent that Chelsea are following Moussa. But Genoa registered their interest a few weeks ago. I will certainly not say no to a transfer, but if there is nothing by 22nd June he will report for the club's first training session of pre-season." Dembele, whose goals helped Louis van Gaal mastermind a domestic title for AZ last season, was quoted in Het Laatste Nieuws as saying: "I am certainly not against such a development. I am indeed in a good position. I can continue at AZ, where it is excellent, or move to a foreign club."

Who? - Gary Neville - Speculation
Where is he? - Manchester United
Who is he linked with? - Middlesbrough
Reports suggest that veteran Manchester United defender Gary Neville could be heading to Middlesbrough this summer. Boro boss Gareth Southgate is keen to add the 34-year-old England international to his young squad as he prepares for life in the Championship, according to Sky Sports. Neville has spent the last 17 years at Old Trafford but a succession of injuries have restricted the full-backs' appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's team in the last two seasons. He has also struggled to displace Wes Brown and Rafael from the United team when he has been fit. Southgate also continues to be linked with another United stalwart, Paul Scholes.

Who? - Fernando Torres - Speculation
Where is he? - Liverpool
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
Manchester United have been linked with a shock bid to snatch Liverpool striker Fernando Torres from Anfield as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo's impending 80m move to Real Madrid leaves United in need of a regular goalscorer and with plenty of money to spend on a new one. Meanwhile, Liverpool's perilous financial state has left Rafa Benitez short of transfer funds and potentially vulnerable to losing some of his stars. He would be loathe to lose Torres to his rivals, but Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-term admirer of the Spanish striker, and United have the means to make an offer that would be difficult to refuse. The champions have also been linked with moves for Antonio Valencia of Wigan Athletic and Karim Benzema of Lyon.

[Bully]

not sure if i red the correct thing before but you said Tim Cahill with links to Arsenal from Everton??.

I aint heard nothing of the sorts and have checked with contacts and they aint heard a thing. Yes im sure Arsenal would love some of timmy at the emirates but havent heard nor nothing said on the website or forums in regards to this

[The Jack]

not sure if i red the correct thing before but you said Tim Cahill with links to Arsenal from Everton??.

I aint heard nothing of the sorts and have checked with contacts and they aint heard a thing. Yes im sure Arsenal would love some of timmy at the emirates but havent heard nor nothing said on the website or forums in regards to this

Whatever Bully! Got Arsene on speed dial do you??