..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Michael Owen 'getting closer' to finding a new club

Michael Owen has hinted on Twitter that he is close to a move to a mystery club following his release from Manchester United this summer and is excited to 'get going again' .

The 32-year old struggled for playing time at Old Trafford last season, and was not helped by a series of niggling injuries that restricted him to just four appearances, with half of those coming in the early rounds of the League Cup against Leeds United and Aldershot Town.

However the former Newcastle man revealed on Twitter on Monday evening that he was close to joining a new team, by posting: 'Getting closer to finding a new club. Had a good deal of interest but just need to pick right! Can't wait to get going again.'

Last week, he posted a series of tweets explaining that he would not be prepared to drop down a division and play in the Championship.

'If a good opportunity doesn’t come my way then so be it. At this stage of my career it has to be something that I’m going to enjoy doing,' he tweeted.

'Not being disrespectful when saying I wouldn’t play in The Championship. Always said I wouldn’t drop down the leagues like some have done. I know I can still bang them in at the top level. I proved that nearly every time I played for Manchester United. At 32, still got a few years in me.'

Owen has reportedly been attracting interest from Premier League clubs Stoke City and Everton in recent weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fulham in talks to loan Lukaku from rival Chelsea

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is closing in on a loan move to Fulham, Goal.com can reveal.

The west London rivals are in advanced talks on a deal that would take Lukaku across the capital on a season-long loan.

Martin Jol has sanctioned a move for the Belgian teenager after Chelsea made it clear it was looking to offload, either on loan or permanent deals, some of the fringe players of its first-team squad.

Chelsea has no problem in allowing Lukaku, 19, to move to Craven Cottage as long as he is guaranteed the opportunity to play more games than he would at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku has spoken of his frustration at the lack of first-team chances during a disappointing debut season at Chelsea following his 18 million pound transfer last summer from Anderlecht.

He said he was “really angry” that he started only a single Premier League match and claimed that he was treated poorly by former manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Despite the departures of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou this summer and Nicolas Anelka in January, Lukaku remains a long way behind Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order.

Chelsea and Fulham have now agreed the basic terms of a loan deal, which would be broadly similar to Gael Kakuta’s spell at Craven Cottage in the second half of the 2010-11 season, when the young Frenchman’s wages were equally shared between the two clubs.

If the deal is completed, Lukaku will become Fulham’s third forward signing of the transfer window.

The west Londoners have already signed Mladen Petric and Hugo Rodallega on frees, from Hamburg and Wigan Athletic respectively, but sold Andy Johnson to QPR and lost out to Reading in their bid to sign Russian Pavel Pogrebnyak, their loan star of last season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Subotic admits interest in England move

Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic has admitted his interest in a move to England, revealing that he wants to test himself in what he believes to be the most difficult league in the world.

The Serbia international still has two years to run on his current contract with the German champions and insists that he is happy at Signal Iduna Park.

However, Subotic, who was heavily linked with Chelsea during the January transfer window, would relish the opportunity to ply his trade in the Premier League one day.

"It's just a thought, if it fits at some point," the center half told Kicker. "I want to compete where it's hardest. I think the way they play there is cool."

Dortmund has lost Shinji Kagawa this summer but has been bolstered by the arrival of Marco Reus, Leonardo Bittencourt, Julian Schieber and Oliver Kirch, while Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels have both committed themselves to the club in recent months.

Consequently, Subotic is confident that Jurgen Klopp's side will prove just as competitive and united as it has been in recent seasons.

"We have been particular [in recruitment] so that we don't get a diva in the team," the 23-year-old explained.

"I see no reason to change that. This could happen only with an aggressive character. Reus is a humble kid.

"And the guys who got new contracts absolutely deserve them. I do not begrudge them that. I know how much they have worked for it. Extending a contract on better terms is just a recognition of performance."

Subotic joined Dortmund from Mainz in 2008, and has won 31 caps for his country since making his international debut three years ago.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Schurrle negotiations with Chelsea are over, says Leverkusen director

Bayer Leverkusen director Wolfgang Holzhauser has insisted that Germany international Andre Schurrle is not for sale after rejecting an improved bid from Chelsea.

The 21-year-old forward, who played a bit-part role in Germany's Euro 2012 campaign, has been earmarked as one of Chelsea's top targets as it looks to rebuild its squad for the forthcoming season.

But after rejecting a bid in the region of 16m pounds from the European Champions last week, Holzhauser has confirmed Schurrle will not be swapping the Bay Arena for Stamford Bridge this summer.

He told Kicker: "The players on the market are too expensive, and we would have replaced him with a worse player who is overpriced."

"There is no alternative to our decision because we would not be able to get an adequate replacement. I have also discussed this with Andre."

It has been reported that Chelsea returned with an improved offer of 18m pounds up front, with further add-ons based on appearances, but Holzhauser was defiant when questioned regarding any further negotiations.

"The offer was worth 20+ million euros. We do not want to talk anymore."

With its chances of signing Schurrle appearing to slip away, Chelsea may turn its attention back to Hulk following earlier rumors that a 38m pounds fee had been agreed with Porto.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newell's Old Boys president hopes for Messi return

Newell's Old Boys president Guillermo Lorente hopes Barcelona star Lionel Messi will return to the Argentine club at some point in his career.

The 25-year-old was part of Newell's youth ranks between 1995 and 2000 before moving to Barca. The Argentina international has always maintained that he plans to see out his career at Camp Nou, but Lorente has not lost hope of seeing the diminutive attacker wear Newell's shirt again.

"We can watch him and dream that one day he will come back," he told Liga BBVA's website. "He is still very young, let's hope that one day he can return, to retire here, or to play here.

"He should. It should be an obligation for him."

Lorente then spoke about the iconic status that Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa has at Newell's after guiding the club to one Primera Division title and one Clausura triumph.

"If there is one idol in the history of Newell's, it's Marcelo Bielsa," he added. "When you speak about Marcelo Bielsa, you speak about Newell's and vice versa. He talks about Newell's too - he is one of the most popular people at the club.

"One day he will come back to Newell's. He is one of the people who is most likely to have the doors open for him when he wants to come back."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jordi Alba: I would not go to the Olympics if I was not feeling fit enough

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has made it clear that he would have withdrawn from Spain's Olympic squad if he did not feel fit enough to participate.

"I'm a young guy and I'm feeling very well. I would have been the first to give up on the Olympics if I wasn't feeling fit enough," Alba stated to AS.



The Catalans are reluctant to let the 23-year-old take part in this summer's tournament after previously featuring at Euro 2012, as they fear the left-back will not have had enough rest ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.

Nevertheless, Alba has insisted that his fitness will not be a problem and that he is looking forward to the Games.

"I would not have gone if I wasn't feeling well. I'm really looking forward to the tournament, though, and I'm keen to get going," Alba said.

"I talked with the coach before the Euros and told him that I wanted to go to the Olympics. We all know the importance of the event. I'm very enthusiastic."

Spain has been drawn alongside Japan, Honduras and Morocco in Group D.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Milito: Coutinho is a bit special

Diego Milito believes Philippe Coutinho has what it takes to succeed at Inter, despite being linked with a move away from the club.

The 20-year-old joined the Giuseppe Meazza side from Vasco da Gama in July 2010, but initially struggled to make an impact in Serie A.

However, expectations have been piqued again after Coutinho impressed on loan at Espanyol in the second half of last season.

"Coutinho? He's a fantastic player. We all knew he was a bit special," Milito was quoted as saying on the official Inter website.

"The time in Spain has done him good and he'll help us a lot this year. He's different to other players."

Coutinho scored in Inter's 2-0 friendly win over Koper at the weekend.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United tops Forbes' most valuable team list

Manchester United has once again been named as the world's most valuable sports team according to Forbes, with Spanish champion Real Madrid ranking second in the annual top 50 list.


The 19-time champion of England, that is preparing to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, was valued at $2.23 billion, up from $1.86 billion last year and 19 percent above second-place Los Blancos at $1.88 billion.

The top 50 list, which is collectively worth $53 billion, included seven football teams, with Arsenal falling three places to 10th and Barcelona rising 18 spots to eighth.
United, that is owned by the Glazer family which also owns the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, can thank the many lucrative global sponsorship deals in its arsenal for its top ranking. Insurer Aon is currently paying 19.8 million pounds a year until 2014 to have its name on the team’s shirts.

DHL Express also recently signed a four-year deal with the club worth a reported 40 million pounds to sponsor United’s training shirts, in a first for a practice kit sponsorship deal for football in the UK, while sports brand Nike manages the team’s merchandise sales in and agreement worth approximately 25 million pounds annually.
The rest of the top ten is comprised of American sports franchises, with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees tied for third place.

Bayern Munich was placed just outside of the top ten at eleventh, while AC Milan featured 27th on the list, with Chelsea the final football representative at number 45.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi among the 32 nominees for UEFA's Best Player in Europe award

UEFA has announced a list of the 32 players who are in contention for its award for the best player of Europe.

La Liga champion Real Madrid is the most represented club on the list, with seven players, followed by Premier League holder Manchester City, who boast six players.

Champions League winners Chelsea and Catalan giants Barcelona boast four players each, while Radamel Falcao is the sole player from Europa League champions Atletico Madrid to make the cut.

The players were chosen by a a jury of journalists from each of UEFA's 53 member associations. The governing body for European football will reveal on August 14 the names of the three players who were given the most points by the writers, who will then proceed to the live vote to choose the overall winner in Monaco.

Barca's Lionel Messi was the winner of the first edition of the award, beating teammate Xavi and Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo to the honor.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Berbatov keen on Milan

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov's representative claims the Bulgarian would welcome the opportunity to join Italian giants AC Milan. Berbatov is expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer transfer window after admitting he is unlikely to figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

The Red Devils are understood to be willing to accept a fee of around £5million for the 31-year-old who, according to his agent Emil Dantchev, could also be heading for Juventus.

"He may leave Manchester United at any time. His most likely destination is Italy, he's always loved Italian football," Dantchev told calciomercato.com.

Red and black

"I know that Milan and Juventus are looking for a striker. I can say that they are two big clubs.
"I cannot say much but I do say that Berbatov likes Milan and looks good in red and black.

"Dimitar would run to AC Milan, because the club have appreciated him for years."They will have to speak with Manchester United and start negotiations."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd €38m Lucas bid rejected

Reports in Brazil suggest that Manchester United have had a €38 million bid for Sao Paulo youngster Lucas Moura rejected.

Lucas, 19, is a major target for Manchester United this summer, who are believed to have officials in Brazil working on a deal and saw an earlier €32 million bid turned down.

The Brazil midfielder, who flew to London on Tuesday to take part in the Olympic Games, was thought to also be a target for Italian giants Inter Milan, but the Serie A side are reportedly unable to meet the player's asking price.

Sao Paulo president Juvenal Juvencio is reluctant to sell his starlet, believing Lucas to be an important player in a potential Copa Libertadores challenge.

Globo Esporte quote a source close to the club hierarchy as saying: "Football is about winning titles and there is nothing more important. He will be an important player in any titles this club may win."

Lucas, who is in the process of negotiating a new deal at the Brazilian side, is known to be interested in a move to Europe, with his current salary less than €100,000 a month.

Sao Paulo, though, are determined to hold onto their prized asset, as Juvenal Juvencio looks to build a side capable of success, despite United's reported offer meeting their initial asking price.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Monawa €38m Bid 1kath Reject karalaKeeyakda danne naha Illanne€50m da?

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski holds Prem hope

Robert Lewandowski continues to fuel speculation that he could soon be on his way to England, with the striker reiterating his Premier League ambition.

The Borussia Dortmund striker has refused to hide the fact that he would relish the opportunity to test himself in the English top-flight.

A standout season in a Bundesliga title-winning campaign last term has helped to edge the transfer door open.

The likes of Manchester United are now reported to be keen, with Lewandowski having shown that he is capable of scoring goals on a regular basis at the highest level.The 23-year-old is, however, still tied to a contract in Germany and Dortmund are reluctant to sell.

Lewandowski is prepared to keep pushing the issue, though, and hopes he will not have to wait too much longer before fulfilling a sporting dream.

Dream

"This (the Premier League) is a league in which I would like to play and I hope to manage that at some point," he said in BILD.Dortmund are refusing to waver in their stance, though, and believe there is a still a chance that Lewandowski could pen an extension to a deal which is due to run until 2014.

"The reality is Borussia Dortmund, this is just a dream," said Dortmund boss Michael Zorc on his star striker's latest comments."There is nothing wrong with someone dreaming of the Premier League. We are experts in handling this."

On the possibility of fresh terms being agreed, Zorc added: "We remain in constructive talks."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

RVP’S out!

ROBIN VAN PERSIE returned to training with Arsenal yesterday insisting he still wants to quit.

And it seems the Gunners have given up on their skipper staying too, as their latest online catalogue does not even feature him. Now the £30million-rated Dutch striker is demanding fresh talks with boss Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

Van Persie, 28, wants his future sorted out before the squad leave for a Far East tour on Saturday.

An Arsenal spokesman confirmed: “Robin returned to training on Monday as expected and made it clear he wants to sit down and resolve the matter of his future, either way, as soon as possible.

“No date has yet been agreed for that meeting.” Van Persie, who has a year left on his Arsenal deal, is wanted by Man City, Man United, Juventus and Real Madrid.

But last season’s top Premier League scorer, with 30 goals, does not feature at all in the latest online club catalogue. There are even club T-shirts for lesser lights such as Per Mertesacker.

Van Persie helped launch the Gunners’ new home kit in April but he has been airbrushed out of the latest online brochure, which highlights the team’s new purple away kit. RVP wants to quit the Gunners to chase football’s biggest prizes but if the matter remains unresolved by the weekend, he will still go to the Far East.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG agree Ibrahimovic deal

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has confirmed "the deal is done" to sign AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

PSG have already snapped up his Milan team-mate Thiago Silva as part of a €65 million double swoop and have now settled personal terms with Ibrahimovic after days of wrangling with his agent, Mino Raiola.

The 30-year-old Sweden international has agreed a reported €13 million-per-annum, three-year deal and will undergo a medical in Paris on Wednesday morning.

"We have reached an agreement, the deal is done," Leonardo told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a PSG player, he can write our history." PSG have scheduled an official press conference at the Parc des Princes for Wednesday afternoon, when the former Barcelona striker is expected to be unveiled.

"All parties are happy, therefore so too is Zlatan," Raiola told journalists after finalising talks with PSG.The big-spending French club are also expected to present Pescara midfielder Marco Verratti to the press on Wednesday.

 

[Honest-killer]

newbie to football world

 

[Wolverine GTR]

newbie to football world

Welcome Bro!

 

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Robben targets three titles with Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has set his sights on winning three competitions in the 2012-13 season.

The Bavarian giant lost the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal titles to rivals Borussia Dortmund, while it was beaten by Chelsea in the Champions League final on penalties.

As Bayern prepares for the new season, Robben stated that he has regained full fitness following his holiday and underlined that the club are as ambitious as ever.

"We all thought of ways to be as fit as possible for the start of the season," he told Welt.de. "I think that is good.

"I had a nice holiday of four weeks. It was important. I noticed that I recovered completely. I am fresh and ready for the new season.

"I am of the opinion that you play to win if you are in three competitions. That must be the mentality for us all. At Bayern, you play to win."

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi among the 32 nominees for UEFA's Best Player in Europe award

UEFA has announced a list of the 32 players who are in contention for its award for the best player of Europe.

La Liga champion Real Madrid is the most represented club on the list, with seven players, followed by Premier League holder Manchester City, who boast six players.

Champions League winners Chelsea and Catalan giants Barcelona boast four players each, while Radamel Falcao is the sole player from Europa League champions Atletico Madrid to make the cut.

The players were chosen by a a jury of journalists from each of UEFA's 53 member associations. The governing body for European football will reveal on August 14 the names of the three players who were given the most points by the writers, who will then proceed to the live vote to choose the overall winner in Monaco.

Barca's Lionel Messi was the winner of the first edition of the award, beating teammate Xavi and Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo to the honor.

UEFA's Best Player is One&Only Andrés Iniesta

RVP’S out!

ROBIN VAN PERSIE returned to training with Arsenal yesterday insisting he still wants to quit.

And it seems the Gunners have given up on their skipper staying too, as their latest online catalogue does not even feature him. Now the £30million-rated Dutch striker is demanding fresh talks with boss Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

Van Persie, 28, wants his future sorted out before the squad leave for a Far East tour on Saturday.

An Arsenal spokesman confirmed: “Robin returned to training on Monday as expected and made it clear he wants to sit down and resolve the matter of his future, either way, as soon as possible.

“No date has yet been agreed for that meeting.” Van Persie, who has a year left on his Arsenal deal, is wanted by Man City, Man United, Juventus and Real Madrid.

But last season’s top Premier League scorer, with 30 goals, does not feature at all in the latest online club catalogue. There are even club T-shirts for lesser lights such as Per Mertesacker.

Van Persie helped launch the Gunners’ new home kit in April but he has been airbrushed out of the latest online brochure, which highlights the team’s new purple away kit. RVP wants to quit the Gunners to chase football’s biggest prizes but if the matter remains unresolved by the weekend, he will still go to the Far East.