..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney is staying at Manchester United, says Moyes

The new manager has given his first press conference since arriving at Old Trafford and insists the wantaway England international will not be sold and will remain a Red Devil David Moyes has insisted striker Wayne Rooney is not for sale and will remain a Manchester United player.


The 50-year-old attended his first press conference as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Old Trafford and immediately faced questions on Rooney's future at the club.

Despite refusing to state whether the player categorically asked to leave the club, Moyes was adamant that the England international is not for sale and is working well under his management.

"I’m sure it’s a question on your lips and you couldn't wait to get it out, but the fact of the matter is Wayne’s not for sale," Moyes told reporters.

"He's a Manchester United player and will remain a Manchester United player. Let’s not kid ourselves, he’s a terrific player and he won’t be for sale.

"We’ve spoken several times and I’m saying whatever has happened before has gone, we’re working together now.

"I see a little glint in his eye at the moment. He looks happy, he looks as if he’s saying ‘I’m going to knuckle down, I’m going to get myself right’ and I can only say I’ve been impress with how he’s done."

Moyes is hoping to improve Rooney's form in the build-up to England's World Cup campaign and is focusing on helping him challenge for the privilege of becoming the club's greatest ever goalscorer.

"It's interesting to think that Wayne is only 50 goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton and 40 behind Dennis Law," he added.

"We’re looking to see how we can get Wayne Rooney getting those goals which are going to challenge Bobby Charlton and Denis Law’s numbers.

"This country has got a World Cup to hopefully play in, so for everybody’s benefit we’re trying to get him in a condition where everybody he’s getting much more like the Wayne Rooney we all know.

"I’ve had several meetings with Wayne. He’s training brilliantly well, he’s come back in good shape and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

"So as far as I’m concerned the way he is working I am more than happy to work with him and get success."

 

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Samba returns to Anzhi

The Congolese defender only joined QPR in January but, following the relegation of Harry Redknapp's side to the Championship, the 29-year-old has gone back to Russia Christopher Samba has returned to Anzhi Makhachkala from QPR, both clubs have confirmed.


The R's revealed on their official website that they have received an undisclosed club record fee for the defender, believed to be roughly €14 million, who only joined the club in the January transfer window from the Russian club.

Samba, thought to have earned over €100,000 per week at the west London club, often failed to live up to expectations at Loftus Road and was badly at fault for two of Fulham's goals in a crucial 3-2 defeat against the Cottagers in April.

The Congolese centre-back made just 10 appearances for Harry Redknapp's side after he was signed to help the club battle, unsuccessfully, against relegation.

Instead, the club are now looking to get some of their highest earners off the books, with Jay Bothroyd and Djibril Cisse already departing QPR, while Julio Cesar and Adel Taarabt are both available for transfer.

 

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Moyes not expecting new arrivals before Manchester United's pre-season tour

The former Everton manager refuses to comment on transfer speculation but suspects that he will have to wait until after visiting Asia to finalise his next signings Manchester United manager David Moyes says it is unlikely that the club will sign new players before the start of their pre-season tour.


The Scot will take charge of his new side for five games in Asia and a further game in Europe from July 13, before his first game at Old Trafford in a testimonial match for Rio Ferdinand.

While United's pursuit of Barcelona star Thiago has seen them offer him a £6.2 million-per-year contract, as exclusively revealed by Goal, the 50-year-old concedes that time is against him in his search for new arrivals before departure.

"I'll try [to bring some players in before the tour] but I couldn't honestly say yes. I will try if possible. Time is closing in a little bit just now," Moyes told reporters.

"The way the transfer window is, I think things might be done a little bit later in some cases this year. Partly because there are quite a few new managers in, as well, I don't think everybody will be done right away. In the ideal position we'd get players in right away."

The Scot refused to comment on speculation regarding other clubs' players although confirmed that United would always be in the market for top talent.

"We will do everything we can to add to the squad. This club is always interested in the best players," he continued. "This club has done it. We'll do everything we can to make sure we remain at the top.

"I would never speak about players at other football clubs – I think it's wrong, it's not my style. I'll answer as many questions as I can but, when people have a contract at other football clubs, I think it's wrong to talk about them."

 

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Tottenham sign Brazil midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians

Tottenham have signed Brazil midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for a fee believed to be just under £17m.

Paulinho has become Andre Villas-Boas' first summer recruit as he looks to reshape his squad ahead of a push for a top-four place in the Premier League next season.The player revealed during the Confederations Cup tournament in his native country that a bid from Spurs to seal his signature had been lodged and that north London was his most likely destination.

Inter Milan and Real Madrid were also believed to be interested in a move for the former Bragantino midfielder, who scored twice during the tournament, following on from his equalising goal in Brazil's 2-2 draw with England last month.Paulinho said: "It's a huge pleasure for my career to be at a club as big as Tottenham. I know it will be a huge challenge but I think I can help all my colleagues to succeed and give a lot of happiness to the supporters.

"The training centre is amazing and I'm very impressed about the conditions Tottenham offers to the players. I will focus on my job and use the facility as much as possible."We used to watch the Premier League in Brazil - including Tottenham - and this club has big players. I just want to help them to succeed here. It's nice to have another Brazilian in the squad and I'm excited to meet with Sandro and all the players."

Paulinho confirmed earlier this week that he had no regrets about his decision to move to White Hart Lane, telling ESPN Brasil: "They (Tottenham) made an offer to my agent and to Corinthians, I sat down, analysed the proposal and chose Tottenham. We think it was the best path, the best option.

"I am moving from one big club to Tottenham, another club in a big league. I am sure I will perform my job to the best of my ability. I don't regret and I won't regret [this decision]."His compatriot, and new team-mate Sandro, is confident that Paulinho has the ability to make an impact in the Premier League.

Sandro told Globo Esporte: "I think he has what it takes to do well here."This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions."Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger.

"I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'. I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt. If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."
Paulinho has been likened to Frank Lampard, and he acknowledged he is happy to take on board any comparisons with the veteran Chelsea and England midfielder.

"This comparison is a responsibility that I will take," said Paulinho. "I will not run away from it."Lampard is a great player, not only for Chelsea but in world football."I intend to follow in his footsteps as he is a very professional guy. David Luiz always speaks of him on international duty."I've always looked at what Lampard does and to me he is a huge phenomenon. The way he hits the ball, what positions he takes up, he really is incredible."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Paulinho!
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Tottenham sign Brazil midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians

 

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Sunderland agree Altidore fee

AZ Alkmaar have confirmed Sunderland’s bid for Jozy Altidore has been accepted.USA international Altidore, 23, is now allowed to speak to Sunderland to agree a deal and could have a medical as early as Monday.

A statement on the Eredivisie side’s official website read: “AZ Alkmaar and Sunderland reached an agreement on the transfer of Jozy Altidore on Friday.
“If the 23-year-old forward reaches an agreement with the Premier League club and passes a medical examination, he will sign a contract lasting several years in England. At AZ, Altidore had a contract until 2015.”

ESPN FC had been informed that AZ were seeking between €8 million and €10 million for Altidore.The former Hull City and Villarreal player moved to AZ two years ago and has scored 38 goals in 67 appearances for the Eredivisie club.

 

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Mancini admits Serie A desire

The ex-Manchester City coach has kept his doors open regarding a return home, but lambasted the Citizens' decision to show him the door Roberto Mancini will consider the prospects of returning to Serie A one day, but reiterated he was just enjoying his break from the game for the time being.


The 48-year-old has been out of job since being sacked by Manchester City in May, amidst failing to defend the club's Premier League crown and losing the FA Cup final 1-0 to Wigan.

The Italian admitted he might be interested in making a return the country he made his name as a coach, at Lazio and Inter, though he reiterated he was in no rush to do so.

"I have time to come back to Italy, as I am still young," Mancini told Sky Sports Italia. "Staying abroad, or being put in charge of a national team, could also be a good experience.

"However, I'm happy with this time off. I've done this work for many years, and there is always so much pressure. Going forward relentlessly is not easy."

However, Mancini expressed his bitterness at being shown the door at the Etihad again, claiming the Premier League runners-up comprehensively failed to grasp the feats he achieved during his four-year tenure.

"We did things well with a team that hadn't won for 50 years," he lamented. "I brought in three throphies, so I am very happy with what I achieved there."

 

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Positive Alaba praises Guardiola

The full-back is enjoying life under the new Bayern Munich boss and also thanked Philipp Lahm and Franck Ribery for help in developing him as a player David Alaba has praised new Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola for leaving great first impressions on the squad.


The trainer was announced as Jupp Heynckes' successor in January and assumed control in June after being formally unveiled by the club's hierarchy.
The former Barcelona boss has a hard act to follow after Heynckes guided Bayern to an historic treble last season, however, Austria international Alaba has been quick to praise the Spaniard for his treatment of the players.


"I'm feeling positive," Alaba told reporters. "The first encounter [with Guardiola] was very friendly. During training he is coaching us players well."
Alaba, 21, was also eager to pay tribute for his rapid rise to older team-mates Philipp Lahm and Franck Ribery, whom he credits with assisting in his development at the club."Philipp has helped me a lot and I am grateful for this," he added. "He has played for such a long time at a very high level, and right or left he was the best or one of the best players in the world. You can see this season after season.


"As a young player Franck Ribery looked after me. It was him who said 'come here my boy'. He looked out for me both on and off the pitch."As I lived in the boarding school, he often picked me up and we went out for dinner. Obviously you are grateful about those things and want to give something back. We get along very well."

 

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Shaqiri wants to force into Bayern first team

The versatile Swiss attacker is aiming to put himself in contention for the starting XI under new boss Pep Guardiola and praised the Spaniard's training methods Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri is hopeful of enjoying a breakthrough year under new coach Pep Guardiola.


The 21-year-old hit a second-half hat-trick on Friday to set die Roten on their way to a comfortable 13-0 victory to lift the Paulaner Cup and he is hopeful such form will lead to greater first-team opportunities next term.

"It was my first friendly match after vacation and we all had a lot of fun. I was particularly keen to be playing again at last, and I think it was obvious to everyone watching," the Switzerland international told the club's official website.

"I played a lot of games last season, but obviously I'm now looking to take the next step. I want to be starting the important matches too.

"Last year was superb because absolutely everything worked out. We have the potential for another superb year."

The Bavarians made headlines for their €37 million swoop for Mario Gotze, but Shaqiri is unfazed, insisting they can co-exist: "It's not a problem, because we could play together. At the end of the day, it's the coach’s decision."

Captain Philipp Lahm lauded the training expertise Guardiola brought to the mix and Shaqiri also took time to pay tribute to how his new coach was helping him progress as a player.

"I really like his [Guardiola's] training sessions," he concluded. "I like the football we're playing. After all, I’m a fan of attacking play.

"You do have to think a bit and listen hard to make sure you do the training right. We have to be very focused."

 

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Alex unsure of PSG future

The defender wants to remain at Parc des Princes but has admitted that he does not know if he is in new coach Laurent Blanc's plans yet Paris Saint-Germain defender Alex has revealed that his future at the club is shrouded in doubt but insists that he wants to stay.


Carlo Ancelotti left Parc des Princes for Real Madrid in late June and was simultaneously replaced by former France coach Laurent Blanc.

Alex, 31, is keen to remain at the Ligue 1 champions but accepts that whether he will remain with the Parisiens is down to the French club and the new head trainer.

"I do not know for sure if I'll stay," he told L'Equipe. "After all, it depends on the club whom I have not yet spoken to. But I want to stay.

"I have another year of contract and of course I want to stay at PSG. I have many friends here and I want to continue to play here."

Edinson Cavani has been heavily linked with a move to the capital-based club and Alex believes such a signing would help boost their chances in Europe's top competition, where they were beaten by Barcelona in the quarter-finals last campaign.

"It is a good thing for the team [to be linked with buying Cavani], if we want to have a good run in the Champions League," he added.

"We saw last season that it is not easy to win. So if we want to succeed, this type of player will help us."

 

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'Ronaldo will renew his contract' - Carvalho

The defender cast his prediction his compatriot would soon renew at the capital outfit and rates him more highly than counterpart Lionel Messi
Former Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho believes Cristiano Ronaldo will renew his contract at the club and warned him that those who leave always regret it.

Ronaldo's contractual situation at Madrid has hogged the airwaves this summer as speculation grows he would accept a move back to former club Manchester United.

But Carvalho, who recently signed for Monaco, has backed the los Blancos icon to put pen-to-paper on a deal to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond 2015.

"Every player who has quit Real Madrid will have regretted it later," the 35-year-old underlined to A Bola. "Cristiano will renew his contract.

"Cristiano is a winner, he always wants to play and win and that’s why I am in no doubt that he will continue with Madrid."

Carvalho also waged into the debate over whether Ronaldo is a better footballer than Barcelona star Lionel Messi and, as a compatriot and a former team-mate, the Portuguese defender unsurprisingly rates the Madrid attacker higher.

"Cristiano is a more complete player than Messi and I am not just saying that because I am Portuguese, looking at it objectively, it’s what I think," he said.

Asked about wantaway Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao's status, Carvalho replied: "I think that he wants to move on because he thinks that it would be the best thing for him to do career-wise.

"Personally, I think he should continue because he meets Madrid’s requirements. He played well in practically every game last season.

"He’s a great left-back, to the point where he even made a few of his critics change their opinion about him. I do think that he has a place at Real Madrid."

 

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Klopp: Champions League win would have caused problems

The German was more than gracious about losing Europe's premier club competition to rivals Bayern Munich and instead suggested it would serve as a springboard to more success Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is upbeat about his side's Champions League final defeat in May and wants to use losing to Bayern Munich as motivation heading into the new season.


The Schwarzgelben reached the final hoping to replicate their win in 1997, but ultimately surrendered 2-1 at Wembley to Jupp Heynckes' Bavarians.

However, Klopp has passed off the defeat as unfinished business, insisting the team are now hungrier than ever to achieve success and hinted that he has a change in tactics in store for his BVB squad.

"I was not as depressed [from BVB's Champions League defeat] as you might have guessed. A win would have brought other problems," the 46-year-old revealed to Bild.

"Then we would have won recently all that there is to win. Therefore, it is actually not so bad that it did not work the first time.

"Some people think that was our only chance [in the Champions League]. Others say we can do it again soon. We want to strive to another final experience one time or another.

"When everything is finally clear [in pre-season], we will change up the system a bit. Ideally, our style will change so that we concede fewer goals."

The Signal Iduna Park outfit have already snapped up striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Saint-Etienne and defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Werder Bremen this summer to boost their ranks.

 

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Ronaldo wishes Neymar chose Madrid

The former Santiago Bernabeu star, who also spent a spell at Camp Nou, says the 21-year-old has already achieved legend status in Brazil Brazil striking legend Ronaldo has revealed that he would have preferred Neymar to chose Real Madrid over Barcelona.


The 21-year-old joined the Catalans for €57 million in June, choosing to sign a five-year contract with the Blaugrana over the Blancos, who were also chasing his signature.

Ronaldo, who spent one year at Camp Nou and five years at the Santiago Bernabeu, admits that the move would not have been his ideal option but believes that the Brazilian "legend" will still thrive at Tito Vilanova's side.

"I would have preferred him [Neymar] to sign for Madrid, but it's not for me to say," he told reporters in Las Vegas.

"With so many clubs after him it was difficult to pull off. But Barcelona is a great team and we know he'll do well in Europe. For us Brazilians he is already a legend."

Neymar was one of the stars of the Confederations Cup for the victorious Selecao in June and scored the second goal in Luiz Felipe Scolari's side's 3-0 win over Spain in the final.

 

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Courtois eyes Barcelona Super Cup scalp

The Belgian goalkeeper insisted los Rojiblancos intend to fight for La Liga but admitted the Catalans and Real Madrid are difficult opponents to overcome
Thibaut Courtois is targeting another trophy with Atletico Madrid and has his eyes on the scalp of Barcelona in August's Super Cup.

The goalkeeper, who will spend a third year on loan at the Vicente Calderon from Chelsea this season, was part of the side that beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final in May.

Courtois is keen to claim another major victory over one of the Spanish giants, though he accepts that competing with the duo for the La Liga will be extremely tough.

"The team's objective has to be to win another trophy," Courtois told reporters at a press conference. "In August [during the Super Cup tie with Barcelona] we can win another one.

"We should also fight for the top of the league, but it will be difficult [to break Barca and Real Madrid's hegemony].

"We have to try to get as far in the Champions League as we can this season. We saw Malaga reach the quarter-finals, so nearly reach the semi-finals, so we'll see if we can get there."

Former talisman Radamel Falcao departed in a big-money switch for Monaco, but the 21-year-old shot-stopper insisted the side will still possess the means to challenge on all fronts.

"The team is all here and only missing Radamel," Courtois added. "I believe that the club is looking for other reinforcements in attack and I think we have the team to play well.

"I'm very happy because it was my desire to stay here and reach an agreement with Atletico for another year. The pre-season is hard, but it's important to compete and get to next June. I want to keep improving and go a step further."

 

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'Gomez wants to go to Fiorentina'

The striker is keen to join the Italian side, according to Bayern Munich chief Matthias Sammer, but he insists that the club must pay his valuation
Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has revealed that Mario Gomez wants to join Fiorentina but warned the Serie A side he will only leave if his valuation is met.


The striker, 27, found himself behind Mario Mandzukic in the pecking order last season as Bayern claimed a Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal treble.Sammer has admitted that the Germany international wants to join the Florence-based club for first-team football, but he says the Bavarian side will not accept a cut-price offer.


"If the conditions are not right, then it's just not going to work," Sammer told Sport1."As long as our wishes remain unfulfilled, nothing is going to happen. But Mario wants to go to Fiorentina."


Gomez has scored 113 goals in 174 appearances for Bayern since arriving from Stuttgart in May 2009.He has also netted 25 goals in 58 appearances for Germany.

 

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Illarramendi to Real Madrid not a done deal - Ansotegui

The Real Sociedad midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu but his defensive team-mate denies that a transfer has been completed Asier Illarramendi is not a Real Madrid player yet and it is not worth speculating about his future, according to his Real Sociedad team-mate Ion Ansotegi.


According to reports, Madrid are set to offer la Real €30 million, which would be enough to prise the highly-rated Under-21 Spain international away from the Basque club as it triggers a release clause in his contract.

On Friday current skipper Xabi Prieto was adamant that it would take a hefty offer to lure Illarramendi away from the Anoeta and centre-back Ansotegui refused to be drawn on the rumours.

"Until we’re told anything, there's no point talking about possibilities and hypothetical situations," he told AS.

"For the moment all we know is that Asier is a ‘La Real’ player. Unless we’re told otherwise, he has to be here on Thursday [for training]. Those of us who are here should keep calm and not take any notice of what is being said.

“It’s not down to me or any player to talk about what could happen in the future. Last year, Asier was very important for us; if he stays, he’ll continue to be important.

"He is a high-quality player, but he isn’t the only one. There are other players who played to a very high level [last season], and there will be teams who want to sign them. I don’t think it’s down to me to tell him to stay or to go. It’s something that Real, Madrid and he should decide.”

Illarramendi has a contract with Real Sociedad until 2018.

 

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Marchetti in the dark over Arsenal links

The Italy shot-stopper has caught the attention of the Gunners, who are looking to bolster their goalkeeping options, but the Lazio man says he is not aware of any interest Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has insisted he knows nothing of rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.


Marchetti, 30, has starred for the Biancocelesti since his arrival in 2011 and played a prominent role in their 2012-13 Coppa Italia success.His form during last season has reportedly piqued the interest of Arsene Wenger, who is believed to be preparing a significant close-season outlay and could look to replace current No.1 Wojciech Szczesny.


"I don’t know anything," Marchetti told Sky Italia. "I am on holiday and I’m only thinking about relaxing. The president knows what to do."Marchetti, whose contract with Lazio runs until 2016, has made 85 appearances for the Stadio Olimpico outfit.The goalkeeper has nine senior caps with Italy.

 

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Messi: Barcelona are ideal for Neymar

The Argentina superstar says he has had the privilege of playing with many world-class players and believes the Brazilian will fit right in at the Blaugrana
Lionel Messi says Barcelona are the "ideal club" for new striker Neymar.

The €57million signing from Santos lit up June's Confederations Cup with an array of stunning performances, including a venomous left-footed drive for Brazil in a 3-0 final win against Spain.

Many have questioned whether or not the 21-year-old will be able to play alongside Messi but the Argentine himself insists Barcelona can help nurture Neymar's development.

"I have the good fortune to play with many world champions and Neymar is another great player who has joined the club. It's very nice to play with great players and I think this is the ideal club for him," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

The Blaugrana romped to Liga success last season but suffered the ignominy of losing 7-0 on aggregate to eventual winners Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final and Messi says the target this year is to collect more silverware.

"The goal is to get all the titles with Barca," he added. Every year we prepare for that and we also want to have a good pre-season."

Zico revealed he believes Messi is the greatest player never to have lifted a World Cup and the four-time Ballon d'Or winner appreciated the Brazil legend's comments.

"I appreciate those words of Zico," he continued.

"I always try to perform to the highest level and get all the titles. Obviously the World Cup is a dream of mine, my team-mates and the entire country.

"But it's not only the World Cup that I want to play in, it's all competitions. I always want to play every game with the same desire.

"It's too far away to think about the World Cup just now with it being a year away."

 

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Wanyama good enough for a top Premier League club, says Ledley

The Kenyan looks destined to leave Neil Lennon's side this summer and his fellow midfielder feels that he would be a hit should he opt to move to England's top flight Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley says that team-mate Victor Wanyama is good enough to play for a top Premier League club.


The Kenyan's future is the subject of hot debate. Goal understands that Southampton, whose interest has been confirmed by Mauricio Pochettino, have had a £12 million bid accepted but have been joined by Liverpool, Everton and Cardiff City in the race for his signature.

Ledley expects his team-mate to leave and feels that he has the ability to become a huge success in the Premier League.

"He's been great but it looks like he'll continue his career somewhere else now," he told the Daily Record.

"The Celtic fans know how good Victor is and realise we got him at a steal. He can play for a top team in the Premier League, easily. He's got great potential and, if he can get to a top club, it would be fantastic to go up against him in the Champions League in the future.

"Anyone who saw him in that competition last year will know how good he is. I'm surprised none of the top clubs have come in for him but it's early days in the transfer window.

"If Victor goes it will be a massive blow to us. He was terrific in the Champions League for us last season."

Ledley, who spent six years at Cardiff prior to his move to Celtic, also feels that the Bluebirds would be an excellent move for Wanyama.

"The way Cardiff play would suit him as he could be their midfield holding player. He would be a fantastic signing for them," he argued. "They are nowhere near as big as Celtic but it’s the capital of Wales and they're getting more recognition now they are in the Premier League.

"If Victor went there, he'd enjoy it. I have friends who are fans and they've seen him when they're up watching me at Celtic. I know they were excited about the prospect of him going there."