..::Football II::..

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Injury problems are behind me, now I want to win - Milan's Pato

Milan striker Alexandre Pato insists that his injury problems are a thing of the past and that he is now hungry for success.


The 22-year-old was restricted to just 11 Serie A appearances last season, managing just one league goal.

However, after a featuring for Brazil at the London 2012 Olympics, the young forward says he feels fit, and is not only ready to play, but ready to win.

"I have tried to forget all my physical problems. This is a new season, I am relaxed, happy, and I want to play as much as possible and win titles with Milan", he told Corriere dello Sport after netting a brace for the selecao against Sweden.

The summer has seen Milan lose stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, who were both sold to Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking of their loss, Pato wished his former team-mates the best of luck in winning this season, but, he joed, only within France.

"Zlatan is a champion and a good friend, and I wish him and Thiago Silva good luck in trying to win with PSG," he said. "But, only in France, they must leave the Champions League to Milan."

After having played at the Olympics and in Brazil's midweek friendly, Pato returned to Milan on Wednesday evening already in good shape ahead of the Serie A season.

 

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Liverpool captain Gerrard: I'm not ready for Scholes role

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists that he is not yet ready to drop into a deeper role as Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes has done, as he feels that he still has a lot more to give in an advanced position.

The 32-year-old has distanced himself from emulating the dropping-back performed by the Red Devils maestro, who came out of retirement in January of this year, and has the backing of new boss Brendan Rodgers in doing so.

Gerrard told reporters: "I think people want me to say I can't play the same way any more, that I have to go deeper to control the game from deep and play a slower game - but believe me, it's not happening. Not yet.

"I've spoken to the manager about what role he sees me filling and he sees me as an attacking midfielder. That's good, because I believe passionately I can play a dynamic energy-type game. People keep mentioning Paul Scholes, but he's four years older than me! As we work through the ages, maybe 33 or 34, then perhaps I might be dropping a bit deeper, but I don’t think that time has arrived yet.

"Look, I'm prepared to adapt - I'll do whatever the manager wants - but I can still play the same way and I don't think anything is going to change in my game this season. I'll play the Scholes role when I feel it's time, but it's not time yet. I can play that role no problem, I played it when I was 21, so I can do it when I'm 32, 33 or 34."

The Liverpool skipper points to his personal performances at Euro 2012 for England as evidence that he can continue to be effective, injuries permitting, adding: "I'm 32, and had major surgery on my groin and a big operation on my ankle through bad luck, but they're gone.

"I've only had half of the previous two seasons and it's been frustrating, because of the injuries. But I want to take my form from the Euros into next season - that is my plan. My groins now are better than they’ve been from ages 21-30, and my figures in the Euros were as good as any player.

"On the other side of it, I know I'm not going to be bombing forward every few seconds without a care of what's happening behind me. I have to play with my brain and control and pick the right time to go. I appreciate I’m no spring chicken, but I don't think I have to justify myself or say I'm ready to play a different position."

 

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Welbeck: Van Persie will help Manchester United challenge for the title

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck is confident that the signing of Robin van Persie will improve the club's chances of winning the Premier League.

The Dutchman scored 30 league goals last season, helping Arsenal to secure third place and a Champions League spot. But, with only a year left on his contract, the Gunners captain publicly announced in July that he would not be extending his deal, leading the north Londoners to decide to cash in.

Manchester City had been the early favorites, but Welbeck is thrilled that the Red Devils are set to seal his signature, after he underwent a medical on Thursday evening.

The England forward told talkSPORT: "We're all delighted [that Van Persie is joining]. He's a world class striker and he's got major ability. He can change games, score goals and create them also. He's only going to help us in the title race."

The arrival of the 29-year-old, who scored 132 goals in 277 appearances for Arsenal, is widely expected to limit Welbeck's first-team opportunities at Old Trafford, despite the youngster having formed a good partnership with Wayne Rooney last season which carried into Euro 2012.

However, the striker remains upbeat about his chances and will be looking to learn from his new teammate.

"You've got to look at the positive side," he insisted. "I'm going to be playing with a world-class striker. We've got a good core group of strikers now and there's still one or two [coming through]."

 

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We wanted to sell Kjaer - Wolfsburg boss Felix Magath

Denmark international Simon Kjaer looks set to remain with Wolfsburg this season, much to the dismay of coach Felix Magath.

The German tactician has revealed that the club and player had tried to part ways this summer, however, a lack of interest in the defender has meant that he will likely stay with the Bundesliga club for the upcoming season.

"The club and the player wanted to go their separate ways, however, the market has not made this possible. Nothing ever happened," Magath told a press conference.

With a number of central defenders already on the club's books, including the likes of Naldo, Marco Russ, Emanuel Pogatetz and Sortirios Kyrgiakos, Kjaer faces stiff competition for a starting berth.

Magath believes that the highly-skilled Denmark international will just have to make the best of it by working hard.

"Kjaer will just have to adapt," he said. "Simon is a good player with great skill. If he works hard, everything will turn out well."

Kjaer fell out of favor with Magath in the summer of 2011, prompting a loan move to Serie A with Roma.

 

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Brazil's Thiago Silva delighted with Sweden win

Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva was left encouraged by the way the Brazil responded against Sweden after losing the final of the London 2012 Olympics last weekend.

The former Milan star praised the attitude shown by Mano Menezes' side, who went on to win 3-0, believing it to be a sign that team has the ability to overcome their difficulties ahead of the World Cup in 2014.

"We had played so well up to the final [of the Olympics]," Thiago Silva told Globoesporte.com. "We were playing good football and had recorded good results. Then came the loss against Mexico. It was one that really hurt the group, it casted a shadow over our morale. But, now, I believe, we have a fresh start."

The PSG ace praised the impact of players like Daniel Alves, Dede and Paulinho, all of whom did not take part in London but did against Sweden, believing they provided the team with a boost. He went to reveal how the group is once again relaxed and motivated for the challenges ahead.

"The arrival of Daniel Alves, Dede, Paulinho, and the others who were not in the Olympics, gave us something else. Now we are more motivated for next month's two friendlies that we will have in Brazil", he contined.

"It was hard after the loss (to Mexico), we recieved alot of criticism from fans and commentators alike. We knew it would be a difficult to turn it around against Sweden, but we did and now we are sure that we are on the right track again."

The Brazil international was happy he did not have to face teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the match, and looked ahead to the upcoming season, where he warned that his star-studded club side will have to work hard to achieve success.

"I was happy that Ibra did not play, he is very difficult to play against. In training it is hard [to play against him], but, imagine in an official game," he said. "We talked after the game, about the result and about PSG. I am looking forward to the new season, I am a little anxious but excited at the same time... I am hoping to get off to a good start with my French league career.

"We know that almost everyone will be against us. The quality of the team is great. But we will have to work hard to achieve great things," he concluded.

 

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Defoe: It would be a blow to lose Modric

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has admitted it would be a blow if Luka Modric was to move to Real Madrid this summer.

The Croatian midfielder has been linked with a transfer to the Liga champion for most of the transfer window and appears to closing in a move to the Bernabeu.

Defoe feels it would be difficult for Spurs to lose a player of the 26-year-old’s caliber but feels it would be a hard move to turn down.

"Luka is a fantastic player. A lot has gone on. As players we don't know what's gone on," he told reporters. "He's been at the club - and he's been good for the club to be honest. If he does end up going, for us it is hard to lose someone like that. But, for him, I would say good luck to him because he's a fantastic player." The 29-year-old scored the winning goal in England’s 2-1 victory over Italy and hopes to replicate that form for his club.

"It was nice to get on and score. It is still early days with the sharpness and my fitness," he added. "It is fantastic to not only play for your country but, as a forward, to score is the best feeling in the world.

"The new season has come around quickly. I had a quick break in the summer because of the European Championships. But I always look forward to the new season and getting off to a good start. I do feel sharp and I'm looking forward to it."Defoe also hailed the impact of the younger players in Roy Hodgson’s squad particularly Spurs teammate, Jake Livermore.

"I think the younger lads that came in did well. Jake Livermore came on and did fantastic I thought," the forward said. "Especially playing that system [4-3-3], it was important for the midfielders to be brave and get on the ball."

 

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Manchester United announces Bwin partnership

Manchester United has announced a partnership with European bookmakers, Bwin.

The company, who also sponsor Real Madrid's playing kit, will integrate its services with United's official website and provide betting opportunities to fans at Old Trafford.

Norbert Teufelberger, Co-CEO of Bwin’s parent company bwin.party, told the club's official website: “Manchester United is one of the biggest names in world sport with a global fan base running into hundreds of millions. We share a passion for football that has always been at the heart of our long-term brand development strategy.

"Football is fundamental to our long-term success, making up approximately half of our total sports betting revenue of 261 million euros in 2011.

"As well as supporting our real money gaming business, the agreement complements our recent move into social gaming.

"United has 569 million followers outside of Europe, providing us with a great opportunity to offer jointly designed and innovative products in countries that do not yet allow real money online sports betting."

The Red Devils did not disclose how much the three year-deal is worth to them but commercial director, Richard Arnold was enthusiastic over the agreement.

He added: "Bwin has an established and reputable reputation in online gaming in Europe and Manchester United is pleased to be bringing that model to not only the 76,000 football fans who visit Old Trafford for every game, but also our huge global audience.

"Like Manchester United, Bwin is a leader in its market. This, along with the company’s knowledge of football, is why we chose to align ourselves with bwin and we are looking forward to a successful partnership."

 

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Galatasaray in for Kaka

Galatasaray are the latest club to show an interest in out of favour Real Madrid playmaker Kaka and hope they can convince him to move to the Turkish Super Ligue.

Spanish paper AS reported on Friday that the Istanbul side have joined AC Milan and Los Angeles Galaxy in the race to sign the Brazilian, who Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has said could leave this summer.

Galatasaray are prepared to pay half Kaka's annual salary of €9 million, with Madrid then paying the remainder, but that neither the player nor the club are interested in the idea. "Our objective is to convince Kaka," club president Unal Aysal said. "He and (Nuri) Sahin are destined to leave Madrid this summer."

Milan remain at the head of the queue for their former player, with the Serie A side's vice-president Adriano Galliani to put a proposal to his boss Silvio Berlusconi this weekend. However, Kaka's salary demands are an issue for Milan, while Madrid are also holding out for a sizeable transfer fee for the player they signed in 2009 for €65 million.

If Galatasaray were to sign him, it would most likely be on loan while their pursuit of Turkish international midfielder Sahin is also likely to end in failure. The Premier League remains his most likely destination, with the player reportedly preferring a loan move to Arsenal, although Mourinho is in favour of him spending the season under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.

 

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Kaka Galatasaray Join unoth nam Aparade

 

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Martinez deal close

Martinez deal close

Bayern Munich have still yet to announce the signing of Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao, but chairman Uli Hoeness has confirmed the board of directors has "given the green light" for the record transfer.

Hoeness was quizzed by journalists after a press conference for Bayern's basketball department on Thursday and said: "FC Bayern have raised the bar and have the means. You have to admit this amount is madness. We have worked hard to not go to the credit department to make a transfer like this happen for decades. The board of directors has given green light."Hoeness was also full of respect for Athletic's negotiating policy: "I raise my hat to Bilbao for not giving in."

About 1,000 fans watched Martinez and fellow wantaway Spain international Fernando Llorente train in Bilbao on Thursday, with some whistles and angry shouts directed at the pair. Local papers reported on Friday that Athletic were already lining up potential replacements, with Real Betis midfielder Beñat a reported €20 million target.

It certainly appears that it is no longer an issue of whether the Martinez transfer will take place but rather how exactly it is going to happen. Matthias Sammer, the new Bayern director of sport, has repeatedly explained Bayern are looking into different means of ensuring Martinez does not become their record transfer.The current record signing is Mario Gomez, who signed for Bayern from VfB Stuttgart in 2009 for a rumoured fee of somewhere between €30 million and €35 million.

Martinez, 23, has a €40 million buyout clause in his contract and Athletic are unwilling to negotiate. Club president Josu Urrutia made this obvious again during a press conference earlier this week. "To everyone wanting to buy players from Bilbao I say: We are not a selling club."

However, under Spanish transfer regulations, a player with a buyout clause is able to free himself from his contract if the amount stipulated is delivered to the league association.This would end the contractual relationship between the club and the player.

According to German tabloid Bild, Martinez could accept a cut to his annual salary amounting to €2 million to make the transfer happen. Over the course of his five-year contract, this would spare Bayern €10 million. "Obviously he has offered this," Hoeness confirmed. "Just the fact he thinks about it is a nice thing."

On Friday, though, Sueddeutsche Zeitung claimed this is a "naive miscalculation". As Athletic are unwilling to negotiate, the result is that Martinez will have to deliver the money to the Spanish league association. This would another €8 million of tax on top of the transfer fee.Bayern, though, still retain some hope that coach Jupp Heynckes can talk Athletic chairman Josu Urrutia into a transfer. Urrutia, 44, was an Athletic player under Heynckes in 2001-02.

Meanwhile, Franz Beckenbauer has told Sport1: "I don't know Martinez. I have never seen him play. But if Bayern Munich are interested, he must be good. He must be special, otherwise FC Bayern would not be after him." He added: "Certainly, he is expensive. But €30 million or €40 million - whatever. FC Bayern is a capable to take this liberty."

 

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AVB: M'Vila and Moutinho deals unlikely

AVB: M'Vila and Moutinho deals unlikely

Andre Villas-Boas has effectively ruled out Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila joining Tottenham this summer, and says signing Joao Moutinho from Porto will be "very difficult".

M'Vila has been also been linked with Arsenal in recent months, but reports in France claim Spurs tabled a €15 million bid for the midfielder earlier this week. However, in light of developments over Luka Modric's prospective transfer to Real Madrid, Villas-Boas is now seeking "a more creative player".

"[M'Vila] is an interesting player, but I don't think he will join Tottenham," Villas-Boas said. "The player is a player of defensive characteristics. We had initial interest in M'Vila but we have moved on from that one and are now looking for a more creative player."

The former Porto manager, meanwhile, is still keen to bring Moutinho to White Hart Lane, but says Spurs will be priced out of a move for the Portugal international."It will be very difficult to sign him. I have experience of Porto and it is a club that sells good products but they are expensive," Villas-Boas said. "It has been like that with numerous amounts of players and that is why it is very difficult."

Villas-Boas also said he would take care to introduce change slowly at Tottenham, having alienated a number of players during his time in charge of Chelsea."There are things that need to be done but I won't promote those changes as aggressively as I did at Chelsea," Villas-Boas said. "Mainly because when you promote so much change things can go wrong.

"When things are going along smoothly, everybody is happy and you are able to progress it. When you are faced with a setback, it's the ability to bounce back that will keep you on track. Our setbacks last year at Chelsea happened after three negative results in a row, which had a tremendous impact, and when we wanted to correct things, we were always putting the fire out and never establishing what we were before. "

 

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Wenger: Song could go

Wenger: Song could go

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that Alex Song could be the next player to leave the club, with Barcelona set to seal a move for him.

Wenger was unusually open about the possibility of further exits from the Emirates Stadium after Robin van Persie moved closer to completing a £24 million transfer to Manchester United. Pressed on the subject ahead of Saturday's season opener, Wenger replied: "Both could happen, but my focus is on the Sunderland game. This decision (on Song) is not made."Asked if the Gunners had received a bid, he replied: "No. I cannot tell you more."

Wenger suggested he would be open to a sale, given the number of players at his disposal."Midfield is a different area because we have nine or ten midfielders of top-class quality," he said. "Just today we have six or seven midfielders available, plus Wilshere and Frimpong who are coming back. Diaby is available again, Arteta, Cazorla, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain now plays central midfield - this is an area we have much more freedom to make decisions."

El Mundo Deportivo believes Arsenal are holding out for €25 million for Song, but Barcelona are only willing to offer €20 million. Even so, Adriano this week became the latest Barca player to speak positively about the prospect of his arrival.

"He is a very good player," Adriano said. "In our matches against them you could see he is a footballer with a lot of quality. He would be welcome here and well received."Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin has been linked with replacing Song, and the Arsenal boss claimed that he was considering his options.

"Midfield is an area where we have much more freedom to make decisions," Wenger said. "He [Sahin] is one of the players we are following."Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen was appointed as the new Arsenal captain with Mikel Arteta handed the vice-captaincy.

"It is Vermaelen and Arteta," Wenger said. "Vermaelen was vice-captain, so it is a quick decision. I think we have many potential captains in the squad, but at the moment it will be like that."

 

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Manchester United sign Van Persie

Manchester United sign Van Persie

Manchester United have completed the signing of Robin van Persie from Arsenal on a four-year deal for around £24 million.

Van Persie, 29, ends an eight-year association with the Gunners after growing frustrated with the club's direction, having won only the Community Shield and the FA Cup during his time in North London.

As he entered the final year of his contract this summer, he announced that he was unwilling to sign a new deal. Arsene Wenger reluctantly accepted his wishes and, though he made it clear he would have preferred to sell the striker to a club outside England, only Manchester United were both willing and able to fund the deal.A transfer fee, reported to be in the region of £24 million, was agreed on Wednesday, and Van Persie travelled to Manchester to begin his medical checks, which were completed on Friday.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football. His talents need no introduction to our fans - he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding."

Van Persie, will could be eligible to make his debut against Everton on Monday, added: "It's an honour to sign for Manchester United. I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can't wait to get started."Rio Ferdinand believes Van Persie will be a major boost for United.

"He scored 35 goals, he was their player of the year, their captain, and for us to take him and bring him here is fantastic news and I'm sure our fans are jumping for joy," he said. "There are players who play in his position, who are now going to be thinking 'I need to up my game now to make sure I'm in the manager's thoughts and get in the team'. We need to challenge people."At his press conference on Saturday, Arsene Wenger claimed his critics need to 'deal with reality' following Van Persie's contentious move.

"We live in a job where we have to deal with reality," he said. "Robin had one year left on his contract, he wanted to leave and I'm always surprised that people seem shocked by the reality of a situation like this."It would have been easier for him and us if he had gone abroad and not to Manchester United, but it didn't happen. There was only one club who came in with an offer that we felt was at an acceptable level and so this is what we had to do.

"For those who say we shouldn't have allowed Van Persie's contract to run down to just one year, I say this. You need two people willing to sign a contract. Robin didn't want to sign, that was the reality and we had to accept it.

"I agree that we have taken a big gamble by selling a world class player to one of our main rivals, but life goes on, Arsenal football club is 125 years old and it will not stop because one player leaves."

Furious Arsenal fans will hardly be placated by Wenger's insistence that he will not reinvest the money from Van Persie's sale into fresh talent, as he insists his major summer recruitment plans are already finished.

"We were prepared to keep Robin, but always anticipated this move might happen and the players we have signed this summer means we are prepared for this situation," claimed Wenger. "This is why we bought Podolski and Giroud and I don't feel we need any more players in this squad.

"I have a massive squad already and believe in the spirit and quality we have at the club and Van Persie's departure means we need to come together as a team more than even to compensate for the loss of a world class player. I am convinced we will do just that."

 

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Congratulations RVP!

Congratulations RVP!

Kalekin Manchester United karagattha Hodama Sign 1kak

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[Wolverine GTR]

Robin van Persie Trained with his New Team-Mates

Robin van Persie Trained with his New Team-Mates

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Apooo ahemanam wenna epaHabai Torres dan Form 1ke inne bro

උබට දුක හිතුනා නේ.rvp arsanal හිටියත් නැතත් හැමදාම මගේ favorite player කෙනෙක්. පොරට එහෙම වෙන්නේ නෑ බන් බය නොවී හිටපන්.අනිවා Torres කාරයත් දැන් form එකේ ඉන්නේ.

 

[rcccc]

Congratulations RVP!

Kalekin Manchester United karagattha Hodama Sign 1kak

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dan ithn ubala cup eka gahuwa wage thmay rooneyta thiyena pressure eka okkoma aduwenawa rvp awata passe.kohomath mun dhennage hodha partnarship ekak thyeyi.Shinji Kagawata moko wenne ban

 

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Clint Dempsey left out of Fulham squad as Jol confirms he wishes to leave the club

Clint Dempsey's stand-off with Fulham took a dramatic turn Friday, as manager Martin Jol confirmed the American wants to leave the club amid reports Dempsey has been fined for refusing to play.

The U.S. international striker's contract expires at the end of the upcoming season, and he's made no secret of his desire to move on to a bigger club, with Liverpool confirming its interest.

Dempsey has been left out of the squad for Fulham's Premier League opener against Norwich on Saturday.

“Clint Dempsey wants to move,” Jol said at a press conference. “He doesn’t want to commit to this club and, while I would like to keep him, it’s impossible because he wants to move. He told me that he wants to go to a Champions League club - he said it last year, he said it in the summer, and he said it again."

According to a report in Press Association Sport, Dempsey has been fined by Fulham for refusing to play for the club.

Jol expressed his frustration with Liverpool during the press conference. Reds manager Brendan Rodgers publicly stated his desire to sign the 29-year-old last month, but no firm offer has come through from Merseyside thus far.

"That was very disappointing," Jol said. "Clint told everyone he was going to Liverpool before he came back so we really thought there was quite a firm interest in him.

"Even (Rodgers) told everyone he was interested in Clint Dempsey, but our people never had an offer. It's almost embarrassing. If you have shown interest in a player, you have to follow it up with an offer."

If Dempsey is to leave Craven Cottage, he has two weeks to do so, as the summer transfer window expires Aug. 31. Jol said that the American would get his wish only if Fulham receives a bid it deems acceptable.

“We’ve got a chairman who is strong and if we get the right price for Clint then we will sell him," the Dutchman said. "If we don’t, then he will stay here. We won’t let Clint Dempsey go on the cheap, that’s for sure.”

 

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Dempsey Liverpool join wei

 

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Sevilla remains interested in Giovani dos Santos, says agent

Giovani dos Santos' whirlwind summer could still conclude with a move away from White Hart Lane, the player's legal counsel told Mexican outlets.

Vicente Montes said that there are top teams interested in the Mexican national teamer's signing, including Inter Milan and Sevilla.

"Inter? They're interested," Montes admitted. "Sevilla? They're one of the clubs that is most interested."

Montes confirmed that Tottenham has been more flexible in allowing the Olympic gold medalist to look for greener pastures, as the period for summer transfers nears its end.

"Their intention is for us to find a team that will satisfy all three parties," Montes said. "There's interest from several teams, but Italy and Spain are the markets from where we've had most teams approach us."

Tottenham's urgency to sell the player stems from Dos Santos entering the final year of his contract, which would allow him to sign for a team on a free transfer as early as next January.

In case there was any speculation, Dos Santos' agent was quick to state that he will not seek a contract extension with Spurs, following a drab four-year period in which the player has had very limited first-team action.

"Now they're much more flexible, [the communication] is more open at this point, it's very different. We're not going to renew the contract, so their options are to sell him now or watch him leave for free," he concluded.