..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Vertonghen seals Spurs switch

Vertonghen seals Spurs switch

Tottenham have confirmed that Jan Vertonghen has passed his medical to finally complete his protracted transfer from Ajax.

Spurs announced over the weekend that an agreement had been reached to secure the services of the Belgium international from the Eredivisie outfit.

The highly-rated centre-back has been a long-term target for the White Hart Lane side, with their interest first emerging during Harry Redknapp's tenure.

Spurs pressed ahead with their bid despite Redknapp's departure and held off interest from North London rivals Arsenal to land the 25-year-old.

New manager Andre Villas-Boas will now be able to call on the versatile defender for the new Premier League season, with midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson the other new face to join Spurs this summer.

A statement on the club's official Twitter feed announced: "We are delighted to announce that Jan Vertonghen has completed his transfer from Ajax after passing his medical."

 

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Pardew confident Ba will stay at Newcastle

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew remains confident that striker Demba Ba will stay at the club this summer.

The 27-year-old scored 16 league goals for the Magpies last season and is reportedly the subject of interest from several clubs due to the presence of a release clause in his contract.

Pardew admits the Senegal striker is keen to play in a more central role next term, but he insists there is no indication that he wishes to leave Tyneside.

"I've not seen any sign from Demba since he came back that suggests he wants to find another club. I don't sense that at all," Pardew told the Mirror. "I genuinely don't see a situation where he wants to move on. He has not stressed to me he wants to move to pastures new.

"He has said to me he wants some reassurance from me. He wants a more striking role this season and I think he will."

The 50-year-old went on to reveal that he is keeping tabs on out-of-contract winger Junior Hoilett, who has recently been offered a new deal by Blackburn.

"Wherever he ends up, we're keeping a close eye on that because he's a good player," he added.

 

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Muller: I have no intention of leaving Bayern

Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Thomas Muller has moved to categorically dismiss reports that he could be on the way out of the Bavarian club this summer.


The 22-year-old struggled for form last season, and accordingly lost his place in the starting lineup to Toni Kroos for key games such as both legs of the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid.

Before Euro 2012, he admitted that he was considering a move to Serie A giant Inter, but has now reaffirmed his commitment to his boyhood club.

"Anyone who knows me knows that Bayern are my club," he said according to Bild. "I am not the type of person who is willing to sit out his contract if the situation at the club is unsatisfactory, but I have absolutely no intention to leave at the moment.

"I'm a Bayern player through and through, and this will not change."

Muller joined the Bavarian club as a 10-year-old in 2000, and since making his professional debut four years ago, has made over 190 competitive appearances.

 

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Giroud was signed to replace Van Persie, admits Arsenal scout

Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi has admitted that recently-signed striker Olivier Giroud is a direct replacement for want-away captain Robin van Persie.

The 28-year-old, who scored 30 Premier League goals last season, last week announced his intention not to extend his deal with the north London club, which currently has just one year remaining. And former Gunners defender Grimandi has now revealed that the capture of the former Montpellier forward was made with the Dutchman's future in mind.

“Was the recruitment of Giroud made to compensate for his [Van Persie’s] departure? Yes, we worked to avoid being cornered," Grimandi told French website le10sport.com. “We want him to stay home but he is left with one year on his contract so it is complicated.

“At Arsenal, there is a healthy atmosphere, he’s been here for eight years and he has a real commitment to the club”.

Grimandi also conceded that the former Feyenoord striker, who joined the club for 2.75 million pounds in 2004, has his price.

“If there is a great offer and if he wants to leave, it will be difficult to keep him,” Grimandi added. “I would never have thought that players such as Thiago Silva [the AC Milan defender] could be transferable and that was the case at a time. There are parameters you cannot handle.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sneijder's Anzhi talk quelled

Wesley Sneijder's agent has dismissed speculation linking the Netherlands international with a move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

Reports in Russia have suggested Anzhi are close to agreeing terms with Inter Milan to acquire Sneijder, 28, on a permanent transfer.

However, Sneijder's agent, Soren Lerby, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "There is no truth in those reports, they are just rumours. There is nothing between Anzhi and Wesley."

Inter have previous with Anzhi having struck an £18.4 million deal to sell Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o to last summer.

Sneijder, who is under contract with Inter until June 2015, scored four goals in 20 league appearances for the Nerazzurri last season, and his future has been the subject of conjecture in recent weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal New Away Kit 2012/13- Gunners Unveil Purple Black Hooped Away Jersey 2012-201

Arsenal New Away Kit 2012/13- Gunners Unveil Purple Black Hooped Away Jersey 2012-2013 by Nike

Arsenal FC have today ( July 12, 2012) unveiled a purple black hooped jersey that will serve as their 2012/13 away kit. The Gunners’ new hooped away jersey 2012/2013 is sure to attract as much controversy as their 2012/13 home kit. Their Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny will also sport a pink strip as his away goalkeeper kit for the 2012/13 season.

 

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Fergie eyes more signings

Fergie eyes more signings

Sir Alex Ferguson is happy with the transfer business he has done so far this summer but admits he could bring in at least one more new player before the transfer window closes.

Speaking at a press conference to officially present new recruits Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell, Ferguson admitted that it was always harder to make signings when there was a major tournament taking place.

But he is now looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign, when United face the challenge of trying to regain the title they lost to neighbours Manchester City.

"We could possibly bring one, maybe two, more in," said Ferguson.

Delay

"When there's a major international tournament on, there's a delay in the transfer market. But now the European Championships are over, we're trying to bring someone in."

Ferguson is delighted to have snapped up Powell from Crewe and Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, and hopes they will make an impact for the club.He said: "We've always done well in terms of getting players at the end of season, instead of waiting all summer.

"In Kagawa's case, there was a fair bit of negotiating and that kept going for weeks. As for Powell, we knew Dario Gradi [Crewe Alexandra director of football] would help us do the deal quickly."

Make the difference

Discussing Powell's best position, Ferguson added: "I asked Dario if Nick could be a central midfielder. Dario thinks that's his position and Nick does too so we're all in accord. We hope he'll be a central midfield player and that's where we'll develop him."

Ferguson is excited about the sort of impression Kagawa could make in his debut season, having helped Dortmund win the Double in Germany last term."He'll play further forward [than Powell]. We shouldn't be looking at one player changing the way we play but he could make a difference," said Ferguson.

"He can give us that extra in the final third of the field. If his goalscoring record continues he could be a very good player for us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Common SAF!

Oka aniwa wenawanam Kochchara hodada SAF!Atleast 2 Signings wath one habai

(Joao Moutinho,Lucas Moura,RVP,Modric or Llorente)oya set 1ken Aduma tharamin 2nnek gatthanam Patta!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG to sign Milan duo

PSG to sign Milan duo

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has claimed he has sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris St Germain.

The Milan stars would move to the big-spending French club in a €62million deal (£49m).

PSG sporting director Leonardo had earlier confirmed that talks were set to take place with Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola on Thursday.

And Berlusconi has told the Italian media that both the Swedish striker and Brazilian defender will be leaving the club as part of cost-cutting measures at the San Siro."Yes, I have sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to PSG," Berlusconi is quoted as saying in Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We save €150m over two years."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata nam Therenne naha ai AC Milan la Thiyago Silva kesewethath Ibrahimovic wa sell karanna kamathi une kiyala

 

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Muller: I have no intention of leaving Bayern

Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Thomas Muller has moved to categorically dismiss reports that he could be on the way out of the Bavarian club this summer.


The 22-year-old struggled for form last season, and accordingly lost his place in the starting lineup to Toni Kroos for key games such as both legs of the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid.

Before Euro 2012, he admitted that he was considering a move to Serie A giant Inter, but has now reaffirmed his commitment to his boyhood club.

"Anyone who knows me knows that Bayern are my club," he said according to Bild. "I am not the type of person who is willing to sit out his contract if the situation at the club is unsatisfactory, but I have absolutely no intention to leave at the moment.

"I'm a Bayern player through and through, and this will not change."

Muller joined the Bavarian club as a 10-year-old in 2000, and since making his professional debut four years ago, has made over 190 competitive appearances.

patta

 

[rcccc]

Mata nam Therenne naha ai AC Milan la Thiyago Silva kesewethath Ibrahimovic wa sell karanna kamathi une kiyala

උන්ට සල්ලි ඕනේ බන් ඒක තමයි ප්‍රාදාන හේතුවඅපරාදි මුන් දෙන්නා milan ඉන්නම ඕනේ දෙන්නෙක්

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Owen ponders retirement after lack of Premier League offers

Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has suggested that retirement could be on the cards if he cannot find the right club.

The ex-England international is a looking for a new club following his expiration of his contract at Old Trafford at the end of the previous season, but has insisted that he would not drop down to the Championship in the search for first-team football.

And now, after a seemingly small amount of interest from Premier League clubs, Owen has hinted that he could call it a day on his playing career.

The 32-year-old said on Twitter: “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."

“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 was responding to criticism he had received on Twitter for a tweet he posted this morning, in which he also opened the door to a switch abroad.

However, many fans have today been angered by the striker’s apparent arrogance that he is ‘bigger’ than the Championship.

The forward had not been able to force a way into the Manchester United side following stiff competition for places and persistent injury setbacks.

 

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De Gea wants Olympic gold with Spain

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea has set his sights on a place on the podium at this summer's Olympic Games.

La Roja are one of the favorites for gold in the football tournament, with the inclusion of three players from their Euro 2012 title-winning side in Luis Milla's preliminary squad boosting the team's credentials.

Speaking ahead of Spain's friendly match against Senegal, De Gea called on the team to emulate the national team's feat in Poland and Ukraine and finish in the top three in Britain.

"We are calm, we want to play our game and be at 100 percent and go match after when when we are in London," De Gea told reporters at a press conference.

"The entire team is eager to try to get Spain a medal. The Euro 2012 squad? They made history, we cannot do more than try to emulate them."

Spain has been drawn alongside Japan, Honduras and Morocco in Group D at the Olympic Games, with its first match scheduled for July 26 against the Asian side.

 

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Barclays extends Premier League sponsorship deal

The Premier League has announced an extension to its deal Barclays bank which will see them sponsor England’s top league until the end of the 2015-16 season.

The deal is valued at around 120 million pound and will see the bank claim global title sponsorship of the league, plus exclusive worldwide marketing rights, an extensive advertising rights, and tickets and hospitality to matches.

The original deal, expiring at the end of the 2012-13, was valued at 27.5m pounds per year.
Barclays has sponsored the Premier League since 2004 when they replaced Barclaycard, a division of the same company, who had owned the rights since 2001 following from Carling.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA to continue with additional assistant referees

UEFA will continue to use additional assistant referee's in this season's upcoming cup competitions, the governing body has announced.

The extra officials were initially tested in European U-19 qualifying competitions in 2008 before being trialled in the 2009-10 Europa League group stages. Subsequently, trials were then expanded to include the 2011-12 Champions League competition and this summer’s Euro 2012.

Despite having no decision authority over calls, the officials act as an aid to the match referee in significant areas of the field such, as the goal-line and penalty area.

A statement on their official website read: “This [decision] follows the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) unanimous decision on 5 July 2012 to amend the Laws of the Game and allow the use of such extra officials, acknowledging the support they can provide in officiating matches, following the successful trials that were conducted in various competitions over the last few years."

The decision follows the approval of the use of goal-line technology at the same IFAB meeting, and comes after the credibility of Uefa’s additional officials system was brought into question following Ukraine’s ‘ghost goal’ against England in the Euro 2012 group stages.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Signing for Manchester United was like 'starting a new school' - Powell

Nick Powell has likened his first day at Manchester United to "starting a new school" but insists
that his focus is on now firmly on delivering trophies to Old Trafford.

The 18-year-old midfielder was unveiled by Sir Alex Ferguson at a press conference on Thursday alongside fellow new signing Shinji Kagawa.

And Powell admitted that he did not get much sleep ahead of his first day of training following his move from Crewe Alexandra, but praised his new team-mates for alleviating his nerves and making him feel welcome.

"I didn't really sleep to be honest! I was quite nervous – it felt like I was starting a new school again," he told the club's official website.

"It's been great. The lads are really nice and they've all helped me through the first week. I feel like I've fitted in well with everyone. The training is different but it's something I'm enjoying and just getting used to.

"I tried to get involved with everyone straight away when I arrived and that helped. And as I said before everyone around the place has been really friendly and welcoming."

Powell added that sharing a dressing-room with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes initially left him awestruck, but now he cannot wait to learn from the veteran duo on the training field and hopes to become part of the club's illustrious trophy-winning heritage.

The youngster continued: "Walking into the dressing-room and seeing my name on my peg was a great feeling and the first people I saw were Giggsy and Scholesy. I'm just used to seeing them on TV so it was pretty amazing to see them stood there.

"They came over straight away and welcomed me, which was great. I'm really looking forward to playing and training with them - Scholesy is a midfield maestro and one of the best in the world ever and then you've got Giggsy who has been running the left wing for over 20 years.

"It's the fact I've joined not only the best team in England, but one of the best in the world. They've won every trophy going on numerous occasions and that's something I want to be part of."

 

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Official: Fulham confirms Rodallega signing

Fulham has announced the signing of Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega on a free transfer subject to the player obtaining a work permit.

The 26-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the West London club after his contract with the Latics ran out at the end of the season.

"I'm thrilled to have signed for Fulham," Rodallega told the club's official website. "I wanted to stay in England and I'm delighted that I now have this opportunity with Fulham.

"I would like to thank the staff and fans of Wigan Athletic for three-and-a-half wonderful seasons there. I'm looking forward to preseason training with the rest of the Fulham squad and starting a new chapter in my career."

Fulham manager Martin Jol expressed his delight at the move, stating that it was a massive boost for the club considering some of the sides showing interest in the Colombian.

"I am delighted that Hugo has decided to join Fulham," Jol stated. "There has been a lot of interest in him from other top flight teams in England and abroad, so to be able to add his quality to our squad is a massive boost this early in our preparations for the new campaign.

"He is a great addition and I think he will contribute very well to our style and philosophy here."

 

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Sigurdsson: I moved to Tottenham to win trophies

Tottenham midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson is confident that his ambitions of winning trophies will be realized at White Hart Lane.

After impressing on loan at Swansea City last season it appeared that the former Hoffenheim player would be reunited with Brendan Rogers at Anfield, but the 22-year-old opted to move to north London despite interest from the Swans and Liverpool.

He told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to be here, it's a massive club with fantastic players.

"This club is always improving. There is massive ambition from the board and the players are really ambitious as well. We're all looking forward for the new season to begin."

With seven goals and three assists in 19 games for the Welsh side last season, much will be expected of the man from Reykjavik at White Hart Lane, and Sigurdsson understands that he will face a different type of pressure next season.

"The main target at Swansea was to stay in the league. Here at Spurs, it's a big club and we aim to win titles and silverware," he continued.

"I think the most important thing is that we get off to a good start in the Premier League, get a good momentum and then we can take that into the Europa League and then the FA Cup.
"We want to play for silverware in every competition we are in."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nilmar to join Al Rayyan

Villarreal forward Nilmar is on the verge of completing a move to Qatar to play for Al Rayyan.

The Brazilian had been linked with a host of clubs, including Internacional, following Villarreal's relegation from La Liga last season.

"Nilmar [is set] to complete the negotiations attached to the club Al Rayyan," read a statement on the Qatar outfit's official website on Thursday.

Subject to finalizing the deal, Nilmar will link up with fellow Brazilian Rodrigo Tabata next term.

Nilmar, 27, scored 26 goals in 85 Primera Division appearances during his time at Villarreal.