..::Football II::..

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Berbatov on verge of Fulham move after medical

Dimitar Berbatov is on the verge of completing a move to Fulham after undergoing a medical with the Craven Cottage outfit, as confirmed by manager Martin Jol.

Fulham owner Mohamed Al-Fayed is ready to back Jol with a marquee signing following the sale of fan favorite Mousa Dembele to Spurs for 15 million pounds and the likelihood that Clint Dempsey will move before the end of the window.

Berbatov was top scorer in the Premier League two seasons ago but made just 12 league appearances last season, scoring seven goals.

Jol has confirmed that the club is also confident of signing Kieran Richardson from Sunderland before the transfer window closes on Friday.

Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill confirmed that the Wearside outfit had accepted a fee for the wide man on Wednesday with the 27-year-old in the final year of his contract.

 

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Chelsea midfielder Benayoun in loan talks with two Premier League clubs

Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun has confirmed he is in talks with two unnamed Premier League clubs over a potential loan deal.

The 32-year-old, who signed for Chelsea from Liverpool in 2010, spent the whole of last season on loan at Arsenal, where he made 19 Premier League appearances for Arsene Wenger's side.


"I can confirm that I'm in talks with two premier league clubs about a loan move,hope to sort it by tomorrow evening," Benayoun posted on Twitter.

The Israeli has a year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge and has been linked with moves to Fulham, West Ham and Greek side Olympiakos this summer.

 

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Group stage set for 2012-13 UEFA Champions League

Group stage set for 2012-13 UEFA Champions League

Manchester City have been handed another tough UEFA Champions League draw as they face the champions of Spain, Germany and Holland.The Premier League holders will face nine-time winners Real Madrid in Group D as well as four-time champions Ajax and German giants Borussia Dortmund.

All four teams won their national leagues last year and Roberto Mancini's mood is unlikely to be improved by the draw handed to rivals Manchester United.

The Red Devils will line up against Braga, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj in Group H.Holders Chelsea take on Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjaelland in the group stages as they aim to become the first team in the Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy.

Celtic, who are competing in the group stages of the tournament for the first time in four years, will be up against favourites Barcelona but may hope to trouble Benfica and Spartak Moscow in Group G.Arsenal are in Group B with Schalke, last year's group opponents Olympiakos and newcomers Montpellier.

The first group matches will be played on September 18 and the final of this year's tournament will be contested on May 25 at Wembley Stadium.

Champions League draw

Group A

Porto
Dynamo Kiev
Paris St Germain
Dinamo Zagreb

Group B

Arsenal
Schalke
Olympiakos
Montpellier

Group C

AC Milan
Zenit St Petersburg
Anderlecht
Malaga

Group D

Real Madrid
Manchester City
Ajax
Borussia Dortmund

Group E

Chelsea
Shakhtar Donetsk
Juventus
Nordsjaelland

Group F

Bayern Munich
Valencia
Lille
BATE

Group G

Barcelona
Benfica
Spartak Moscow
Celtic

Group H

Manchester United
Braga
Galatasaray
CFR Cluj​

 

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Manchester United & Arsenal nam shape wageMepara Group D 1ka thamai Group of DeathReal Madrid,Manchester City,Ajax & Dortmund

 

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Iniesta wins UEFA best player award

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has scooped UEFA's award for the best player in Europe over the last season ahead of Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 28-year-old shined as Blaugrana endured a frustrating campaign throughout, seeing their Liga title surrender to archrival Real Madrid and crashing out of the Champions League semifinal.

However, he was able to help his country retain its European Championship crown in Ukraine and Poland in June and July, and was subsequently named the best player at the tournament.

And he has now scooped another award, pipping the Argentine and Portuguese forwards, despite their respective 73 and 60-goal campaigns."Without my teammates at the Spanish national team and Barcelona I wouldn't have won this individual trophy," Iniesta commented.

His captain at the club level, Carles Puyol, was quick to congratulate the Albacete-born Iniesta on his official Twitter page, writing, "Congratulations, Andres!! You deserve this."

Iniesta received 19 votes from the panel, while Messi and Ronaldo were both given the nod by 17 voters.

In last year's edition of the award, Messi was named as the best player in Europe, with fellow Barcelona star Xavi and Ronaldo finishing in second and third place respectively.

 

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Congratulations Iniesta!

 

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Manchester United & Arsenal nam shape wageMepara Group D 1ka thamai Group of DeathReal Madrid,,Ajax & Dortmund

Arsenal, AC Milan ,Manchester United මේ තුන නම් නිකන්ම ගොඩ බන්.Manchester City එවුන්ට තමයි අවුල හතරම සුපිරි ටීම් හතරක්.AFC Ajax වුනත් පට්ට ටීම් එකක් නේ.

 

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UEFA's Best Player is One&Only Andrés Iniesta

ඔන්න මම කිව්වා වගේම UEFA's Best Player Andrés Iniesta

 

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Hughes: Form will decide who plays in goal for QPR

QPR boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that Robert Green could be made to warm the bench in their Premier League clash with Manchester City following the arrival of Julio Cesar.

The London club completed the signing of the Brazil international and Champions League winner from Serie A side Inter Milan, and Hughes is delighted that he now faces a selection headache.

"We never thought we could pull off the deal [for Cesar], but from a football and a business sense it was an opportunity not to be missed," he told reporters.

"How do I keep both keepers happy? It's different for them I admit, but injuries and suspensions will always be there, and performances will decide who plays well enough to keep their shirt."

Green only made his debut on the opening day of the season but suffered an embarrassing first day defeat as the Hoops were thrashed 5-0 by Swansea City, and was at fault for the opening goal.

The 32-year-old made the move across London from West Ham during the summer, and now looks set to lose his place in the first team.

The arrival of Cesar is the latest of a number of high profile signings for the outfit, which is looking to strengthen the squad following the threat of relegation last season.

 

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Babel signs for Ajax after termination of Hoffenheim contract

Ajax has signed Ryan Babel on a free transfer after the winger was released from German side Hoffenheim, according to the player’s agent.

His contract with the Bundesliga side was terminated by mutual consent yesterday and the Eredivisie champion has apparently swooped in to sign him on a one-year deal on transfer deadline day.

The Netherlands international is a product of the Ajax youth system and was a key member of the Amsterdam giants first-team for three years before joining Liverpool in 2007.

Babel’s agent, Winny Haatrecht, revealed the Dutch giant had offered the 25-year-old a contract and said the Amsterdam native is committed to the club and is keen to get his career back on track after failed stints at Liverpool and Hoffenheim.

"Ryan knows the club, the coach and hopes to make a major contribution to the further development of the team," Haatrecht told De Telegraaf.

“[Ajax coach] Frank [de Boer] knows Ryan from his time at the Dutch national team and knows he can use him as a left winger and a striker."One benefit is that Ryan recent seasons never been injured."

He added: “There were many clubs interested in Ryan, but Ajax stood out for him. It should be a good partnership."

 

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Babel signs for Ajax after termination of Hoffenheim contract

Ajax has signed Ryan Babel on a free transfer after the winger was released from German side Hoffenheim, according to the player’s agent.

His contract with the Bundesliga side was terminated by mutual consent yesterday and the Eredivisie champion has apparently swooped in to sign him on a one-year deal on transfer deadline day.

The Netherlands international is a product of the Ajax youth system and was a key member of the Amsterdam giants first-team for three years before joining Liverpool in 2007.

Babel’s agent, Winny Haatrecht, revealed the Dutch giant had offered the 25-year-old a contract and said the Amsterdam native is committed to the club and is keen to get his career back on track after failed stints at Liverpool and Hoffenheim.

"Ryan knows the club, the coach and hopes to make a major contribution to the further development of the team," Haatrecht told De Telegraaf.

“[Ajax coach] Frank [de Boer] knows Ryan from his time at the Dutch national team and knows he can use him as a left winger and a striker."One benefit is that Ryan recent seasons never been injured."

He added: “There were many clubs interested in Ryan, but Ajax stood out for him. It should be a good partnership."

 

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Paris Saint-Germain agrees Van der Wiel deal with Ajax, says agent

Paris Saint-Germain has agreed terms with Ajax for the capture of full back Gregory Van der Wiel, according to the player's agent Mino Raiola.

Reports on Friday morning suggested that talks were at an advanced stage and with the Ligue 1 side keen to add a new right back to its squad, the deal is now on the verge of completion.

"The clubs have reached an agreement. We will now try and wrap up the deal. It is 80 percent done, but there are still a few important details. We have yet to discuss the length of his contract," he revealed.

The 24-year-old Netherlands international has previously stated his desire to leave the club and cited PSG's ambition as a major factor behind the potential move.

"Paris Saint-Germain are a wonderful club with a lot of ambition. I've had a great time at Ajax, but the time has come to move on. I've won two Eredivisie titles, a KNVB Beker and have played in the Champions League. I need a new challenge," he told De Volkskrant.

The Netherlands international has a contract with Ajax until June 2013, but the club is eager to cash in the player this summer and an offer in the region of 6 million euros could be enough to lure him away from the Amsterdam ArenA.

Van der Wiel previously turned down moves to Roma and Newcastle United, while he has reportedly also caught the attention of Inter.

 

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AC Milan signs De Jong from Manchester City

AC Milan has announced the signing of Nigel de Jong from Manchester City, for an undisclosed fee.


The Dutch defensive midfielder revealed that playing for the Rossoneri has been a childhood dream of his, and is looking forward to seize the opportunity.

He also challenged his new teammates to compete for honours both domestically and abroad - saying the quality of the squad is good enough to fight on all fronts.

"I'm happy, AC Milan is a great club and they are a new important chance for me in my life," he told Sky Sports Italia.

"Everyone knows AC Milan's history. Everyone wants to play for AC Milan as a child. With this team we can compete both in Italy and in Europe, we have so many good players."

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has praised his club's recent moves in the transfer markets, and told coach Massimiliano Allegri that only winning Serie A would be an acceptable return on this summer's spending.

"We think De Jong is one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe," he told TV 7 Gold.
"We believe we are making a good last market week with Niang, Bojan and De Jong. We thank president Silvio Berlusconi, who again has built a competitive AC Milan to win the Scudetto.

"[AC Milan coach, Massimiliano] Allegri has to worry now because our goal is no longer the third place, but the first. Among the players arrived in Italy from abroad, De Jong is the best."

 

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Berbatov joins Fulham from Manchester United

Fulham has officially completed the signing of Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov on a two-year contract.

Despite a last-ditch attempt from former club Tottenham to hijack the deal earlier on deadline day, the 31-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal at Craven Cottage that will run until 2014.

Speaking to his new club's official website, Berbatov said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Fulham and I look forward to playing under Martin Jol once again.

"As soon as I was aware of Fulham’s interest my decision to join was an easy one to make. I’m impressed with the set up here and the people have made me feel welcome. There is a close and personal feel around the club and I can’t wait to get started.”

Jol was delighted at his capture of the Bulgarian, speaking of his admiraiton for the player's talents.

“Dimitar is a player I’ve always admired. He did well for me at Spurs and I’m sure that he will do well here at Fulham," he said. "He is a player of great quality and technical ability who will give me the attacking option I’ve been looking for. When he’s not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads chances being created for his team-mates.

"I’m delighted that we’ve been able to convince him to come to us, as there was a lot of attention from other clubs.”

In comfirming the sale of Berbatov, Manchester United released a farewell statement wishing the player well after he spent four seasons at Old Trafford.

The statement, which praised the striker, read: "An artist as much as a sportsman, Berbatov delighted in making football beautiful.

"He took as much pleasure in setting up goals as he did scoring them, although he will probably be best remembered by United fans for a historic hat-trick against Liverpool – the first by a Red in 64 years – in 2010-11."

 

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Good Bye Berba!

 

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Manchester City signs Inter defender Maicon

Manchester City has completed the signing of Brazilian defender Maicon from Inter.
Goal.com revealed on Wednesday that the Premier League champion was stepping up its attempts to sign the Brazil fullback, with the Serie A club having now confirmed that the 31-year-old is joining Roberto Mancini's side.Maicon spent six years at Inter, winning four Serie A titles as well as the Champions League, under Jose Mourinho in 2010, during a successful spell in Italy.The former Cruzeiro star is reunited with Roberto Mancini, who initially signed the Brazilian from Monaco back in 2006.

With deals for Maicon and Scott Sinclair already completed, City have also confirmed that they have finalised a deal to take goalkeeper Richard Wright to the Etihad Stadium, a move that was exclusively revealed by Goal.com on Thursday.

Goal.com understands that Mancini is also in the market for Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia, as well as Fiorentina defender Matija Nastasic ahead of the transfer window closing on Friday night.

 

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Van der Vaart completes Hamburg move from Tottenham

Hamburg has completed the signing of Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

The Netherlands international has returned for a second spell with the Bundesliga club, who he previously played for between 2005 and 2008 before moving to Real Madrid.

Van der Vaart went on to join Tottenham in 2010 and has played in both of their Premier League matches this season despite repeated speculation linking him with the German club.

While in the United States on Spurs' pre-season tour, the 29-year-old insisted that he planned to stay at White Hart Lane but a move was revived as the transfer window drew to a close.

Earlier on Friday, Van der Vaart's representative, Roberto Geerlings, confirmed that his client was on his way to Hamburg to undergo a medical.

Geerlings did state that at that point, a fee had not been agreed between the two clubs, but added that it was "clear that the two parties intend to find a solution".

Van der Vaart made 63 top flight appearances for Spurs during his time in London, scoring 24 goals in the process.

 

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Tottenham agrees 15 million euro Lloris fee with Lyon

Tottenham has agreed a fee worth around 15 million euros with Lyon for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The France captain, who has been targeted by Spurs throughout the summer transfer window, is expected to complete a medical with the north London club on Friday having already agreed personal terms.

Reports in France suggest Spurs will pay an initial 12 million euros for Lloris, with the rest of the fee dependent on performance-related add-ons, while Lyon will also have to give 25 percent of the fee to Nice.

Lyon released a statement on Thursday night claiming it had failed to agree a fee with Spurs - but the Londoners were always confident of signing Lloris today.

Lloris, 25, will replace 41-year-old Brad Friedel has Andre Villas-Boas' No.1 but he will not join in time to be included in the squad to face Norwich at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Spurs first made an approach to Lyon at the start of the summer but revived the deal in the final week of the transfer window following Luka Modric’s 42 million euro switch to Real Madrid.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy also felt a deadline day deal would take advantage of Lyon’s uncertain financial position.

Lloris’ move to Spurs would be the latest on an exceptionally busy day at White Hart Lane.

Goal.com broke the news that the Londoners have agreed a27 million euro fee with Porto for playmaker Joao Moutinho, while they have also tried to hijack Fulham’s move for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Moutinho’s arrival has paved the way for Rafael Van der Vaart to complete a 13 million euro return to Hamburg.

Danny Rose has joined Sunderland on loan and Giovani dos Santos has signed for Mallorca, but central defender Michael Dawson will stay at Spurs following a knee injury to Younes Kaboul that will keep him out for four months.

 

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Moutinho th Tottenham join wei

 

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blasts FA for revealing Young injury

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is furious with the FA for revealing an injury to winger Ashley Young.


The 27-year-old was left out of Roy Hodgson's England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine in September after suffering a knee injury, and Sir Alex has taken a swipe at the FA for revealing that the England international was injured.

"It was nice of the FA to let everyone know Ashley Young was injured," Ferguson told reporters. "There's no point in me giving any information. He's out, he got a knee injury last week but it's not serious and he'll be ready for a couple of weeks' time."

The winger has played a part in both of United's Premier League games this season, but didn't have the best of years for the club last term, starting well but fading as the season progressed, and also had an uninspiring Euro 2012, missing a penalty in the shootout against Italy in the quarterfinals.