..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Hector Herrera: I'm in the dark about Manchester United's interest

While press, fans and his club are well aware of the chances that Pachuca midfielder Hector Herrera has to play in the Premier League soon, it seems that the only person left in the dark is Herrera himself.

The 22-year-old midfielder told ESPN that he has not had any contact with any of the interested clubs nor is he aware of any offers made in order to sign him.

"I don't know anything at the moment," Herrera told Raza Deportiva. "I found out about it thanks to the newspapers but I haven't spoken to anyone, not even Pachuca's president," he continued.

Following a great Olympic tournament at London 2012, Herrera's stock rose immediately, despite a previous interest from Liverpool for himself and Pachuca teammate Marco Bueno.

Reports are now placing Herrera's price tag at over 10 million euros after Manchester United entered the race to land him.

"I haven't had any type of contact or meeting with anyone, and in Manchester's case, I haven't had the pleasure of even meeting Chicharito," said Herrera, referring to United's resident Mexican player, Javier Hernandez.

Herrera is currently recovering from an injury he sustained at the Olympics that will keep him out until mid-September, where he will be expected to become a mainstay in Hugo Sanchez's lineup at Pachuca if he is not transferred out before then.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter confirms Gargano signing

Inter has announced the signing of Walter Gargano on a season-long loan from Napoli.

The Uruguay international, 28, will spend the 2012-13 campaign at the Giuseppe Meazza on a temporary basis, with the option of a permanent transfer if he impresses.

The club has also confirmed that the tenacious midfielder has agreed terms over a four-year contract if the arrangement is made full time next summer.

Gargano joined Napoli in the summer of 2007 from Danubio as part of the side's heavy recruitment drive following its return to Serie A, which also included the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik.

He made 163 Serie A appearances for the Partenopei, scoring four times, but he has opted to move on to pastures new, further aided by the recent arrival of Valon Behrami from Fiorentina.

The South American becomes one of a number of new arrivals at Inter, following in the footsteps of Rodrigo Palacio, Matias Silvestre, Samir Handanovic, Gaby Mudingayi and Antonio Cassano.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barton wants to play for Marseille and is in negotiations, claims agent

QPR midfielder Joey Barton wants to play for Marseille and is currently in negotiations with the club, according to his agent Willie McKay.


The controversial midfielder has been linked with the French side for some time, after losing the captaincy at Loftus Road and being left without a squad number.

Barton was hit with a 12-game ban at the end of last season following his dismissal against Manchester City and QPR has since gone on a huge recruitment drive over the summer.

Barton now looks set to leave Loftus Road with a move to Marseille seemingly his preferred destination.

“Joey Barton wants to play for OM next season,” agent Willie McKay told RMC. “We're in negotiations, but nothing is finished at the moment.

“I don't want to make any more comments on the negotiations out of respect to Jose Anigo [Marseille sporting director] and Vincent Labrune [Marseille president]."

Marseille has made a strong start to the Ligue 1 season taking six points from its first two games against newly promoted Reims and Sochaux.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Leonardo: Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are nothing like Ibrahimovic

Paris Saint-Germain director of football Leonardo feels that there is no better pure striker than Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and has stressed that the Swedish star cannot be compared to Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The capture of the towering attacker was one of the shocks of the summer transfer window, but Leonardo believes the signing of high-profile names by PSG will no longer be a big deal in a few years' time.

"We can talk about Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but they are nothing like Ibrahimovic. At almost 100 kilos and 1.96 meters, he's the best target man in the world," Leonardo was quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

"When we signed Thiago Silva and Zlatan this summer, everybody was really impressed with what we had done. In two or three years' time, people will react completely different."

The Brazilian then went on to stress that the club has not made an offer for Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy.

"He is a great player and he has the same agent as [Mathieu] Bodmer, so you could say that we have already been in touch with him," he said. "We have never discussed this issue, though. We have not made an offer for Debuchy and have not contacted Lille."

PSG has been struggling to find its best form in the opening weeks of the new season, but Leonardo isn't worried.

"The outcome of the season does not depend on the opening two games. I am not worried about our start. However, a PSG player should never want to settle for a draw."

Paris Saint-Germain resumes Ligue 1 action on Sunday when it takes on Bordeaux.

 

[charitha chandi]

Chelsea agree Moses fee

ma deal ekath hari neh..!

 

[charitha chandi]

real madrid elatama play kara defend walata pepe nathi ekai penalty ekai thamai case eka une , but 2nd leg eka aniva dinna puluwan

Pepe nathi paduwa godak thibba..! 2nd leg eka goda yawi..!

 

[sahanhj]

Chelsea complete £7m signing of César Azpilicueta from Marseille

The Spanish defender César Azpilicueta has completed his move from Marseille to Chelsea, the French club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old right-back has joined the European champions in a deal reportedly worth £7m.

Azpilicueta, who has represented Spain at several youth levels and played at the London Olympic Games this summer, missed Marseille's Europa League qualifier against FC Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night as he travelled to London to complete the deal.

"César Azpilicueta transfer to Chelsea's is official. The Spanish defender has signed with the Champions of Europe 2012," the Marseille statement said.

Azpilicueta made the last of his 69 appearances for Marseille in last weekend's 2-0 victory over Sochaux.

He joined the French club in 2010 from Osasuna, and although he suffered a serious knee injury in his first season on the Mediterranean coast, he went on to establish himself as the club's first-choice right-back.

Chelsea confirmed the deal with a statement on their own website. "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cesar Azpilicueta," thestatement said.

"The 22-year-old right-back, who recently represented Spain at the London Olympics, arrives at Stamford Bridge following a two-year spell in France's Ligue 1 with Marseille."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea complete £7m signing of César Azpilicueta from Marseille

The Spanish defender César Azpilicueta has completed his move from Marseille to Chelsea, the French club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old right-back has joined the European champions in a deal reportedly worth £7m.

Azpilicueta, who has represented Spain at several youth levels and played at the London Olympic Games this summer, missed Marseille's Europa League qualifier against FC Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night as he travelled to London to complete the deal.

"César Azpilicueta transfer to Chelsea's is official. The Spanish defender has signed with the Champions of Europe 2012," the Marseille statement said.

Azpilicueta made the last of his 69 appearances for Marseille in last weekend's 2-0 victory over Sochaux.

He joined the French club in 2010 from Osasuna, and although he suffered a serious knee injury in his first season on the Mediterranean coast, he went on to establish himself as the club's first-choice right-back.

Chelsea confirmed the deal with a statement on their own website. "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cesar Azpilicueta," thestatement said.

"The 22-year-old right-back, who recently represented Spain at the London Olympics, arrives at Stamford Bridge following a two-year spell in France's Ligue 1 with Marseille."

Congratzzzzzz Azpilicueta!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sunderland confirms Steven Fletcher signing from Wolves

Sunderland has confirmed the signing of Steven Fletcher from Wolves for a reported fee of 12 million pounds.

The Scotland international scored 12 times for the West Midlands club last season, but it was still relegated from the Premier League.

The Black Cats host Reading on Saturday afternoon and Martin O'Neill is delighted to have added some firepower to his ranks.

He told the club's official website: “It has been no secret that we needed to strengthen our attacking options and Steven has a proven track record of scoring goals.

“He is young and constantly improving and he will be a very welcome addition to the squad. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring him to Sunderland.”

Sunderland has been linked with Fletcher ever since he handed in a transfer request at the beginning of August, and the former Burnley forward joins Louis Saha on Wearside in a new-look front line.

Wolves signed Fletcher from Burnley for 7 million pounds in 2010 and will owe his former club 15 percent of the profit it will make on the striker.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter boss Stramaccioni overjoyed with signing of Alvaro Pereira

Andrea Stramaccioni has voiced his delight with Inter's capture of Alvaro Pereira from Porto, and has thanked the club's general and sporting directors for their hard work this summer.

The Uruguay international, 26, completed his move to the Nerazzurri on Thursday and is expected to be presented to the press before the start of the season, much to the satisfaction of Stramaccioni.

"I would like to thank Marco Branca and Piero Ausilio for their hard work. The technical director has been in Portugal for the last 48 hours and has come back with the player we wanted, Alvaro Pereira," the young coach said to Inter Channel.

"I thank them because they, along with the president, have granted my wishes.

"A new Inter side is being created with a very clear vision. The president, coach and directors all share that. We've only brought in players who can help this project."

Pereira is Inter's third signing this week after previously securing the services of Walter Gargano and Antonio Cassano.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mancini: Javi Martinez costs too much for Manchester City

Roberto Mancini has confessed that Athletic Bilbao's high valuation of Javi Martinez has priced Manchester City out of signing the midfielder.

The Spain international appears to be on the verge of a much-anticipated 40 million euro move to Bayern Munich, and, as Goal.com exclusively revealed earlier this week, City failed to convince Daniele De Rossi to leave Roma for the Etihad Stadium and could have considered Javi Martinez as an alternative.However, it seems City has been put off bidding for the 23-year-old Basque because Mancini believes the Spanish club value their asset too highly.

When asked by reporters on Friday morning if a deal could be done, the coach said it would be "difficult". He added: "The cost is too high for me."

Goal.com exclusively reported in early August that Mancini want to bring Swansea City winger Scott Sinclair into the Premier League champion’s squad.The Italian coach hinted that a potential deal could still by replying “maybe, maybe,” when asked if the former Chelsea youngster would be joining the club this summer.

The Premier League champion has had a quiet transfer window by its usually hectic standards, but the former Inter boss revealed work is going on behind the scenes to bring new faces in with just seven days until deadline day.

"I'm sure we can do what we want in the one week of the [transfer window]," Mancini added. "We are working, working."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger 'working' on more Arsenal signings

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that the club could still be involved in some late transfer business as the window edges towards its close.

Having lost both Robin van Persie and Alex Song this summer and brought in Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, Wenger is thought to be keen to add another midfielder and defender to his squad this summer and has refused to rule out any late action.

"Some things can still happen," Wenger told the club's official website. "I don't want make a promise that I cannot keep. It does not only depend on me. But there still could be some action on the transfer market - ins and outs.

"We are working in the market. We'll see what we can do. The transfer market is open for two months and yet for one month and three weeks it is nearly closed. It wakes up completely in the last week and then every minute becomes important.

"Everybody has played for time for seven or eight weeks and now suddenly everyone is in a hurry. And that is when the most intense activity happens."

Despite suggesting there will be more business for his side in the transfer market before the end of the month, Wenger said he was generally happy with the state of his squad.

"We have a good, stable, focused squad. We just have to show how good we are in the season," he said. "We have Abou Diaby and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back now while Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere are coming back.

"They are all international-stature players. I focus highly on that. If we get these players back in good shape then we have a very, very strong squad."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas: Di Maria's goal changes everything

Iker Casillas believes that Real Madrid still has every chance of winning the Spanish Supercopa at the expense of Barcelona following Angel Di Maria's late goal in Thursday's encounter at Camp Nou.

The Spanish champion appeared to be in for a tough task with the Catalans comfortably leading 3-1 shortly before the final whistle, but Di Maria then took advantage of a Victor Valdes howler to make sure the tie is still wide open ahead of Wednesday's return leg.

"We went through different stages in the match. We started well, but then they came back and at 3-1 it looked very difficult. Nevertheless, everything changed with the goal from Di Maria which makes the tie closer," Casillas stated to reporters.

"One of our objectives was to score at Camp Nou and we’ve done that twice. We are more or less pleased with the result.

"In these types of games there are always controversial moments, emotions and clashes. That's only normal. It's soccer and everyone is trying their best for the club."

The second leg takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea swoop for Azpilicueta

Chelsea have ended their search for a right-back with the signing of Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille.

Azpilicueta, 22, fills the gap in Chelsea's squad created by the decision to release Jose Bosingwa earlier this summer.

Marseille have confirmed the transfer on their official website, but there are no details as to the fee involved or the length of contract he has signed. Reports this week suggested the Blues were going to pay in the region of £7 million.

The defender played for Spain's Olympic team at the London Games - where they surprisingly exited at the group stage - after missing out on selection for Euro 2012.He made 41 appearances for Marseille last season, including eight in the Champions League, and scored one goal.

Prior to joining Marseille, he was a regular at Osasuna for three seasons, shifting into the backline after beginning life as a midfielder.

His arrival continues Chelsea's summer spending spree, with Victor Moses and another striker expected to also make the move to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes on August 31.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Next Victor Moses neh!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea is not superior to Atletico Madrid, says Simeone

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is eagerly anticipating Friday's European Super Cup faceoff with Chelsea, and is confident that his side can trouble the Champions League holders.

The Blues have strengthened their squad with players such as Oscar, Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses this summer, but Simeone feels they are by no means better than Atletico.

"People may think Chelsea are superior because they won the Champions League, but when there is only one match to play we all know that everything becomes more difficult," he told the official UEFA website.

"We don't have anything to prove. It is a match between two teams that have won two different cups – and we are very proud of the cup we won.

"We know the Super Cup match is beautiful, but we focus on every single match. We know how important it is. After having won the Europa League, and now facing the Champions League winners, we are in a nice place. I hope we can enjoy it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Heynckes hints at Bayern exit

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has hinted that he could leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 67-year-old took over the reins at the Allianz Arena in 2011 after Louis van Gaal's exit, and led the club to a Champions League final in May, only to see his side lose to Chelsea.

However, he has now admitted that his age means that he will most likely leave the club in 2013, with the board set to look for a younger option.

"Let's be honest, I have a two-year contract which ends on June 30 2012," he explained to Suddeutsche Zeitung. "And then another stage of life comes to an end. I am no longer 37 years old.

"Ultimately, it's also whether they want a young or an old coach here. At Bayern one thing is important: success."

Several names have been linked with the job, and it was revealed in June that the Bavarians had already made an approach for former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

Lucien Favre, who led Borussia Monchengladbach to a fourth-placed Bundesliga finish last season, has reportedly been a long-term target for the club, but signed a new contract with his current employers in July.

Meanwhile, Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that he expects his former side to make a move for 38-year-old coach Thomas Tuchel.

"I imagine that [president Uli] Hoeness would consider him," he commented to Sport1.

Heynckes, who has had two previous stints with Bayern has also coached the likes of Real Madrid, Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Adam Johnson joins Sunderland

Sunderland have completed the signing of winger Adam Johnson from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Mackems, and becomes the club's second signing on Friday following the acquisition of Steven Fletcher from Wolves.

Manager Martin O'Neill told the club's official website: “Adding quality players to the squad has been our main aim this summer and Adam certainly fits that bill.

“He has terrific ability, great delivery and I'm sure he is a player who will excite our fans. I couldn't be more delighted to have him at the football club.”

Johnson joined City in 2010 after several eye-catching performances for Middlesbrough following his graduation from the club's youth setup.

However, he failed to maintain a first-team spot throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium, regularly featuring as a substitute during Roberto Mancini's tenure.

The Middlesbrough-born wideman has 11 senior England caps but did not make Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012 this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2012.08.25 Upcomming Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2012.08.25 Upcomming Fixtures

Manchester United Vs Fulham

Norwich City Vs QPR

Aston Villa Vs Everton

Tottenham Vs WBA

Southampton Vs Wigan

Sunderland Vs Reading

Chelsea Vs Newcastle United

​

 

[rcccc]

Wenger 'working' on more Arsenal signings

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that the club could still be involved in some late transfer business as the window edges towards its close.

Having lost both Robin van Persie and Alex Song this summer and brought in Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, Wenger is thought to be keen to add another midfielder and defender to his squad this summer and has refused to rule out any late action.

"Some things can still happen," Wenger told the club's official website. "I don't want make a promise that I cannot keep. It does not only depend on me. But there still could be some action on the transfer market - ins and outs.

"We are working in the market. We'll see what we can do. The transfer market is open for two months and yet for one month and three weeks it is nearly closed. It wakes up completely in the last week and then every minute becomes important.

"Everybody has played for time for seven or eight weeks and now suddenly everyone is in a hurry. And that is when the most intense activity happens."

Despite suggesting there will be more business for his side in the transfer market before the end of the month, Wenger said he was generally happy with the state of his squad.

"We have a good, stable, focused squad. We just have to show how good we are in the season," he said. "We have Abou Diaby and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back now while Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere are coming back.

"They are all international-stature players. I focus highly on that. If we get these players back in good shape then we have a very, very strong squad."