Latest Premier League News

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O'NEILL - NO NEW REDS BARRY BID

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill feels Liverpool may have taken it for granted that Gareth Barry would move to Anfield this summer.

Barry was a prime target for Reds manager Rafael Benitez 12 months ago, but the two clubs failed to agree a fee for the England international.

Liverpool were expected to renew their interest in Barry this summer, only for the 28-year-old to seal a £12million switch to cash-rich Manchester City.

Benitez claimed money motivated Barry's decision to join City, with O'Neill revealing that Liverpool did not make a fresh offer for the former Villa captain.

O'Neill was "a bit surprised" the player chose to sign for City and has questioned why a transfer to Anfield never materialised.

"Did Liverpool take it for granted that Gareth Barry would sign for them?" said O'Neill. "They may well have done. And they missed out on Barry for that reason? They may well have done.

"All I will say is that I said to Barry's agent for us not to have the same debacle as last year, that they were perfectly at liberty to speak, I assumed to the top four teams. Liverpool were aware of the price we were asking if that was the case.

"Liverpool did not contact us directly at all in this matter and never offered any money for him.

"So the impression I got was that eventually it was a straight choice.

"I am not protecting anyone here because it doesn't really matter. I said I was a bit surprised because Barry had mentioned playing in the Champions League as a reason for going, that's a person's prerogative, but Liverpool had not put a bid in."

He added: "There was an agent working, supposedly, on Liverpool's behalf, but there was no offer forthcoming. Barry left, so that was the point.

"Why Barry wanted to leave was up to him, where he went to was a bit of a surprise. But that was it."

 

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CHAMAKH CLAIMS FRESH INTEREST

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh claims Fulham and Tottenham have joined the chase for his signature - but he is not expecting to move to Arsenal.

Chamakh is looking to leave the French champions and the Morocco international is eager to secure a deal in the Premier League.

Blackburn and Sunderland have shown an interest in the 25-year-old, who now says London duo Fulham and Spurs are monitoring his situation.

Chamakh does not believe he will be signing for Arsenal, despite Arsene Wenger confirming he is a possible option to replace Emmanuel Adebayor.

"I want a new challenge, I have a weakness for the English league," Chamakh told L'Equipe.

"My dearest wish is to leave Bordeaux. I have repeated it for several months and I hope my officials will listen to my wish.

"With my agent, we have agreed terms with several English clubs that are keen to sign me. They are just waiting for my decision.

"They are notably Sunderland, Blackburn, Tottenham and Fulham. Arsenal? I don't really believe in it anymore. My officials have not received any offer so far.

"I have not made my decision yet. I am studying the offers.

"I want to know which destination will be the best for me. When I have made my choice, the club will contact Bordeaux."

Chamakh is hoping that Bordeaux will allow him to leave after suggesting money is not a motivating factor in his desire to move on.

He added: "I know Bordeaux can match the conditions I have been offered in England, but that doesn't change anything for me.

"I would like to be understood and listened to. My position is very clear. Four years ago, I accepted the club's demand to not leave when Lyon was determined to sign me.

"I believe I deserve to be paid back."

 

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COTTAGERS CLOSE IN ON RIISE

Bjorn Helge Riise's agent has confirmed the player is close to joining Fulham.

Riise, younger brother of former Liverpool defender John Arne, is in talks with Fulham after the Premier League side agreed a deal with Lillestrom.

The versatile midfielder has been linked with a move to England for some time and Fulham are now ready to offer Riise his big chance.

Riise's represetative, Tore Pedersen, has revealed they are in talks with Fulham over a switch to Craven Cottage.

"We are in talks with Fulham about a move," Pedersen told skysports.com.

"I am having some meetings and hopefully I will have more news later."

 

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LEE POISED FOR TROTTERS TALKS

South Korea international Lee Chung-yong has confirmed he is heading for talks over a move to Bolton.

Trotters boss Gary Megson has been a long-term admirer of the winger and is now close to agreeing a deal.

A fee in excess of £2million has been mooted for the 21-year-old, who currently plays for FC Seoul in his homeland.

He left the South Korean capital on Monday morning to travel to England to hold discussions over personal terms and undergo a medical with Bolton.

And the highly-rated youngster is hoping that he can return to Korea with positive news regarding a switch to the Premier League.

"A deal has yet to be signed, but I will try to come back with good results," Lee told reporters.

FC Seoul have confirmed that they are ready to sanction Lee's move to the Reebok Stadium despite the domestic season being underway.

A club spokesman said: "We have decided to transfer Lee to Bolton, considering his promising future, even though the league is in full swing."

 

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ALONSO FLATTERED BY REAL INTEREST

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Big-spending Real have been courting Alonso all summer as they look to rebuild their squad after a disappointing campaign last term.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have already arrived at the Bernabeu this summer and Alonso is the next player in Real president Florentino Perez's sights.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is determined to keep Alonso as he plots another assault on the Premier League title this season.

Real are believed to be unwilling to meet Liverpool's current valuation of Alonso, but they are refusing to give up their pursuit of the playmaker.

Alonso admits he would be interesting in joining Perez's revolution, but insists he will not try and force the issue by asking for a transfer.

"It's always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now," Alonso told AS.

"But at this point, as I have always said, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves three parties, including myself.

"I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.

"Madrid's project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I can't tell you anything else."

Alonso will hold talks with Benitez over his future during Liverpool's pre-season training camp in Austria.

"I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive [in Austria] is to greet him," he professed.

"But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that, even though in reality, there's nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It's the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement."

Asked why Liverpool had rejected Real's initial overtures, Alonso said: "I am not the man who can answer these questions.

"The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller."

 

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LAMPARD ADDS TO TERRY UNCERTAINTY

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has added to the uncertainty surrounding John Terry's future after admitting he does not know if his team-mate will stay at Stamford Bridge.

England and Blues captain Terry has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City amidst speculation Eastlands boss Mark Hughes is lining up a £35million bid for the centre-back following two unsuccessful previous offers.

A host of Chelsea players have made it clear they want their skipper to stay at the club but Lampard, who was close to agreeing to a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan last season, has been more diplomatic.

Lampard is uncertain what the future holds for Terry, but insists his club and international colleague deserves the right to consider his options after progressing from Chelsea's youth set-up.

"I don't know what he will do," Lampard said in The Times. "I've been in John's position, but everyone at the club wants him to stay.

"I had an option to leave last summer, to go with a manager who I love, but it came at a time in my life that, maybe, just wasn't right.

"But the situation made me think an awful lot. It wasn't an easy decision, either, and I don't think people should criticise John.

"The fact is you can never take away what he's done for Chelsea. He'll always be a legend. I hope and I'm confident that, whatever happens, he will continue to be considered a legend here.

"People should respect his right to choose. When you're a successful player this kind of thing is going to happen and then you have to make a decision. John's a very honourable man and it doesn't come down to money and things like that.

"I know John. I know he'll be thinking about what's the right thing to do as a player and, in the longer term, for his career.

"No one should doubt that John Terry wants to be successful. No one should doubt that John Terry is a winner. This is not just about the money and people shouldn't try to make it that black and white.

"It's understandable because it's Manchester City who have come in, but it's up to John what happens. All I can say is that I'm very proud each time I play with him and, as a club, you want to keep players like John Terry. It's as simple as that."

 

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RAMS WAIT ON FIELDING

Derby boss Nigel Clough is waiting for a reply from Blackburn regarding his bid for goalkeeper Frank Fielding.

The 21-year-old is a target of the Rams as they look for cover for first-choice shot-stopper Stephen Bywater.

Clough has made an approach for Fielding, who spent part of last season on loan at Rochdale, and is now hoping Blackburn will accept his offer.

"We see him as a No 2 and he fits into what we are trying to do - groom some young players," Clough told the Derby Telegraph.

"We are just waiting for a decision back from Blackburn."

Clough admits that Fielding's possible arrival would mean Derby would allow Roy Carroll to look for a return to the top flight.

"It is a situation we have been in for the last few months and Roy is aware of it," said Clough.

"Financially, it would be best if he could try and get himself fixed up. I think he and his representatives are trying to do that.

"If one or two experienced keepers in the Premier League got injured or picked up knocks, I think Roy would be absolutely ideal to step in.

"He is probably too experienced and too good to be a No.2 in the Championship."

 

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OWLS STAND FIRM ON TUDGAY

Brian Laws insists Sheffield Wednesday will not be "bullied" into letting Marcus Tudgay secure a move to Burnley.

The Owls have already rejected a bid for the striker and have described the Premier League new-boys' offer as "derisory".

Tudgay is keen on a move to Turf Moor and his agent said last week that his client is considering handing in a transfer request.

However, Laws is adamant that the Championship club will not change their stance, irrespective of whether Tudgay asks to leave.

Laws told the Sheffield Star: "There is no change in our position; whether a transfer request is made or not, it does not change one jot.

"The club will not be bullied.

"It's not just about money; with what we are aiming to achieve next season, we value highly the part that Marcus can play in that."

Despite the player's desire to move on from Hillsborough, the forward's attitude on the Owls' pre-season trip to Malta has been praised by Laws.

He added: "I have a fantastic working relationship with the player - and that has been cemented.

"We shall never fall out about this. He is an ultimate professional, like I am. There has never been any problem between me and Marcus and there never will be.

"He has been absolutely first class (on tour]. He's been doing everything that he should be doing - that's getting on with his football - and Sheffield Wednesday will act professionally and do things how they should be done."

 

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DUFFEN DENIES REDS RUMOURS

Hull chairman Paul Duffen has dismissed reports that he is a contender to become Liverpool's new chief executive.

The Reds are aiming to appoint a new chief executive after Rick Parry left his position at Anfield at the end of last season.

Reports had claimed Duffen was to be put on a short-list of candidates to replace Parry on Merseyside.

However, Duffen has branded the speculation "ridiculous" and insists his focus is on helping manager Phil Brown improve his squad.

"It's a great example of the silly season at work, it's ridiculous," Duffen told the Hull Daily Mail.

"I am completely focused on working with the manager and strengthening the squad for next season."

Duffen has been with the Tigers for the past two years and also holds a shareholding in the Premier League club.

 

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BOUGHERRA - ENGLAND EXIT ONLY

Madjid Bougherra claims he would only leave Rangers for the Barclays Premier League, while Walter Smith insists there have been no bids for him.

The Algeria international has been strongly linked with a move to Bordeaux and admitted he considered joining the French champions.

It had been reported that an offer of £4million had been tabled for the former Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton centre-back.

But Smith is they have received no approaches and has reiterated chairman David Murray's stance that their key men are not for sale.

He said: "Despite reports to the contrary there have been no bids for Madjid.

"We have not been contacted by Bordeaux in regards to Madjid and that's the end of the story as far as we are concerned.

"As the chairman has said on a number of occasions he is a player we are not looking to sell.

"The strange thing is the story keeps getting repeated but we have had no contact with anyone from Bordeaux.

"I don't mind a bit of speculation but this story has been rumbling on for a week now. They have never been in touch with us."

Bougherra, though, told the Daily Record: "I thought long and hard about it.

"I weighed up the pros and cons of the move but I feel good at Rangers and the British game suits me.

"If I need to leave it will be for the English Premier League."

 

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BULLARD BACKS ZAMORA PURSUIT

Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard would relish the opportunity to link up with former Fulham team-mate Bobby Zamora once again.

The Tigers are hoping to meet Zamora on Tuesday to discuss terms after having a £5million bid accepted by Fulham last week.

The fee would match the club record amount paid to the London outfit for Bullard last January and the Cottagers striker is being urged by his erstwhile colleague to make the same move north.

Bullard said: "Bobby is a good centre forward, his play with his back to goal is brilliant. He's as good as I've played with up top.

"I played with him for a year and enjoyed every minute of it, he'll be a great asset if we can get him.

"I've spoken to him a couple of times, asked him if he's coming up, and he isn't giving much away - but hopefully we'll get him."

Bullard himself is set to miss the first two months of next season as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

The 30-year-old has so far played just 37 minutes of football for the Tigers after getting injured on his debut against West Ham six months ago.

He admits times have been tough since but he feels he is making good progress and is tentatively looking at October for a possible comeback.

"It's going well," said Bullard, who was out for 16 months after an operation on the same knee in September 2006. "I'm getting there slowly and can see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

"It's been a slog, it isn't easy work but it has got to be done to get the leg as strong as I want it to be, to cope with the Premier League.

"A couple of months ago I was struggling, there were dark times but now I am getting closer. I feel like I can kick a ball and feel like I am getting closer to running.

"It has been a nightmare start. To play 30 minutes and then wake up the next day with the knee like a balloon - something was wrong - but the boys have been fantastic.

"The manager and chairman have been behind me and backed me in a big way.

"Hopefully I'll not be too far away from October time, but I can't put a date on it.

"I have just set myself small targets, that is the way I dealt with it last time, building it up week by week."

 

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BENITEZ BACKS BABEL TO STEP UP

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has tipped Ryan Babel to become a major force at Anfield this season.

Benitez paid over £10million to bring the 22-year-old winger to England from Ajax in July 2007 but Babel has since struggled to hold down a permanent first-team place.

But having now spent two years in England, the Spaniard feels Babel is ready to step up and make his mark in the coming campaign.

"We are really impressed with him this year because he came back after the summer really fit, he's trying to do his best and it is very positive when you have a player with talent," Benitez said.

"The first two years is always difficult in another country but I think if you have the right mentality like he has now, he will improve."

Liverpool face Thailand in Bangkok tomorrow in the first leg of a two-match tour that also takes in Singapore.

Xabi Alonso, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, has travelled with the squad and Benitez refused to be drawn on speculation a reported £30million move to the Spanish capital was imminent despite the player being quoted in the Spanish press indicating he would welcome a return to his homeland.

"Xabi Alonso is here with us so he will be available," he stressed..

"One thing that you need to understand is the Spanish press. The future of Xabi Alonso is to enjoy being here with the people of Thailand and the weather and the game. The next week he will be here."

Rather than viewing an arduous trip to the Far East as an unwanted distraction, Benitez feels it will prove beneficial for their title assault over the coming season.

"You need to know the players, the understanding between them, the fitness levels, you always have to analyse what happened last year and how you can improve," he said.

"The preparation in pre-season is really crucial so this week will be important for us, we'll try to train properly and try to play well if we can. It is a key part of the season."

 

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BALLACK WORRY FOR BLUES

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack faces a fight to be fit for the start of the new season after picking up an injury in training.

Ballack sustained a toe injury during Chelsea's trip to the United States and he has been ruled out of the rest of the tour

The 32-year-old has been forced to return to England to have treatment on the injury.

It is feared the German may have broken his toe meaning Ballack is a major doubt for the Community Shield against Manchester United on August 9 and the start of the Premier League season at home to Hull a week later.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Ballack is struggling with a toe problem, but that he has no other injury concerns to deal with.

"Ballack took a knock on the toe, but everybody else is okay and didn't have injuries in this period," Ancelotti told the club's official website.

 

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TIGER TURNER ATTRACTS INTEREST

Phil Brown admits three Premier League sides are chasing Michael Turner, with the Hull boss adding he could sell for the right price.

The 25-year-old only signed a new four-year deal in February to keep him at the KC Stadium until 2013.

But Brown revealed if a club matched his valuation of the defender then he could be tempted to sell one of his star performers from last term.

The former Brentford man performed admirably in his debut season in the Premier League featuring in all 38 league games.

"I've had three Premier League managers enquire about Michael but I have an evaluation of him based on the current transfer market," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.

"Michael has a price tag and if someone decided to come in and reached that price tag, then there's a possibility we may lose him.

"But I will endeavour to keep Michael Turner - and all of our best players - at this football club."

Despite the speculation over his future, Brown insists Turner is more than happy at the club.

"Myself and the chairman have discussed it long and hard and if these clubs are serious then they're going to have to put serious money on the table," he confirmed.

"I think his heart is more than in the job at Hull City, there's no doubt about that. Judging by his body language and what I see on a day-to-day basis, Michael is still 100 per cent with us.

"That said, the transfer market works in strange ways. You see accusations of tapping up, and we know it goes on, but can we do anything about it? I don't think we can.

"I can see reasons behind a young man's head being turned, that would be down to the size of the club.

"I don't think Michael would want to play for any club in England probably outside the top four.

"As we've said all along, the chairman has given me a competitive budget whereby I don't have to sell to get in, it's as simple as that.

"We remain optimistic that we'll be bringing players in as opposed to losing them."

 

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LATICS LAND McCARTHY

Wigan have won the race for highly-rated Hamilton starlet James McCarthy.

The Latics have beaten off interest from their Premier League rivals Wolves to land the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.

Wolves and Wigan both agreed seven-figure fees with Hamilton for the youngster, but he has opted to make the move to the DW Stadium.

McCarthy is believed to have agreed a four-year deal at Wigan and is expected to tie up the loose ends of the move on Tuesday.

The move is a coup for Latics boss Roberto Martinez, who has been a long-term admirer of McCarthy, with the youngster being chased by a host of clubs.

McCarthy paid tribute to his former Hamilton team-mates after establishing himself as one of the best prospects in Britain at New Douglas Park.

"I had an absolutely brilliant time at Accies," McCarthy told the club's official website.

"The club have been tremendous with me. I made so many good friends and I wish everyone at Accies all the very best."

 

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ROQUE: WE HAVE BEST STRIKERS

Roque Santz Cruz believes Manchester City now have the best attacking line-up in the Premier League.

The Paraguayan has been joined at the club by Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor, while Robinho, Craig Bellamy, Caicedo and Valeri Bojinov were already at the club.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal's frontlines have been weakened by City's moves, while Liverpool are still lacking back-up for Fernando Torres.

"I would say the options we have are stronger than any other team in the Premier League," Santa Cruz told The Sun.

"Because of the quality of the strikers we have in the team, there are so many different tactics and formations we can use.

"There is a lot of excitement around the whole club."

 

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FERGIE WON'T RULE OUT RON RETURN

Sir Alex Ferguson has not written off the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United one day.

Ronaldo began a new phase in his career on Monday night when he made his debut for Real Madrid in a scrappy 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers.

Real paid a world record £80million to let Ronaldo fulfil his childhood dream and turn out for the Madrid giants.

And while Ferguson does feel the 24-year-old Portuguese superstar will prosper at the Bernabeu, he cannot entirely discount the possibility of Ronaldo eventually coming back to Old Trafford, where he spent six years developing into the world's best player.

"He may come back, you never know," said Ferguson. "Sometimes it happens that way.

"He loved United. If you look back at the six years he had with us, he never missed training.

"That's one of the things he has above all other players - he was never injured, he always played.

"And his best is yet to come. He is only 24."

Many United fans have already claimed they are happy to see Ronaldo go given his increasingly individual approach, particularly as it allows Wayne Rooney to resume the central attacking berth he craves.

However, Ferguson is not joining those now attempting to rewrite history.

Describing Ronaldo's exit as "a massive loss", the United manager paid a glowing tribute to the player he still regards as number one on the planet, even if the title which currently belongs to the former Red Devil is likely to be inherited by Lionel Messi this winter.

"Cristiano is a massive loss," said Ferguson.

"I have nothing but praise for the boy. He is easily the best player in the world.

"He is better than Kaka and better than Messi. He is streets ahead of them all.

"His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible. Strikes at goal, attempts on goal, raids into the penalty box, headers. It is all there. Absolutely astounding."

 

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HUGHES WILL WAIT FOR THE RIGHT DEAL

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is willing to wait for the right deal as he looks to put the finishing touches to his squad.

City were among the first clubs to enter the transfer market this summer when they swooped to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, and Hughes has since completed deals to bring forwards Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Roque Santa Cruz to the club.

But Hughes' attempts to improve the City defence have so far been met with frustration as Chelsea insist John Terry is not for sale and Everton have rejected an opening offer for Joleon Lescott.

While Hughes admits he wants deals done as soon as possible, he will not rush unnecessarily.

"At the beginning of the season, we wanted all the players in the building to start training, but we are prepared to wait," he said during the club's pre-season tour of South Africa.

"It is all about giving the deal the opportunity to develop.

"We want to strengthen our defence but we will concentrate on what we are doing here (in South Africa) first."

City's pursuit of Terry - a move which once again demonstrates the huge ambition of the Eastlands club - is being played out in public, and that is to the frustration of Hughes who has rejected the notion that City are in any way guilty of tapping up the England captain.

"We made a bid for John but we tried to keep it under the radar," Hughes said.

"Chelsea allowed the bid to enter the public domain and ever since I have been answering questions on the matter.

"There was no issue that needed to be raised."

Hughes must now decide whether to play Tevez against the Kaizer Chiefs in Durban tonight.

Tevez joined the team at the weekend but remains a major doubt due to a heel problem he sustained before his arrival at the club.

"Carlos will have his first training with the team today (Monday). He has not trained due to the bruising in his heel," he said.

"It may be too soon to play him tomorrow but we hope he will play a part in the game.

"Gareth Barry will take part in tomorrow's game.

"Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to be in the country tomorrow but will not play in tomorrow's game. He will however be available for the final."

 

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UNITED 'EXPLORED' RIBERY DEAL

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United "explored" the potential for a deal to sign Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

France international Ribery has been a target for many of Europe's leading clubs, with Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid expressing an interest.

Chelsea have also been linked with the winger, but Bayern have been adamant that the club will not be cashing in on the 26-year-old.

United were rumoured to be readying a bid as they sought to spend some of the world-record windfall from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real.

However, Ferguson confirmed a polite enquiry was met with a firm response from Bayern, who sold Owen Hargreaves to United two years ago.

"We didn't try to buy Ribery, we explored it in a nice, quiet way when David Gill was at one of his meetings with Bayern in March," said Ferguson.

"They told him, 'absolutely no chance' and the one thing you can say about Bayern is that, when they say something, they mean it.

"When we negotiated with them over Hargreaves, at the beginning they said 'no', but they also said that, if it ever changed, their minds, we'd be the first to know.

"It was exactly the same this time. There is no way that they will sell Ribery."

Ferguson also considered signing Karim Benzema from Lyon, but conceded he did not want to pay over the odds for the Real new-boy.

He added: "We tried to spend it (the Ronaldo money) on Karim Benzema as, at 21, I felt that there would be an improvement there.

"He is tough, good physique, a good goalscoring record, so it was worth going a wee bit extra for him because of his age.

"But when it went to £42million, it was beyond his value. We went to £35million and I think that was fair."

 

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TEVEZ PRICE WAS TOO HIGH - FERGUSON

Sir Alex Ferguson has declared Carlos Tevez was not worth the £25million his advisors wanted to turn his "lease" period into a permanent deal with Manchester United.

Tevez joined cash-rich neighbours City from United last week, ending an acrimonious parting with his former Old Trafford boss, who the Argentina star accused of not treating him with respect.

Ferguson did attempt to keep Tevez but only after trying to knock down a price that had previously been agreed with the player's long-time advisor Kia Joorabchian.

And, while many United fans are still unhappy at Tevez's loss, in the brutal final analysis, Ferguson just considered the price to be too high.

"I didn't think he was worth £25m - that's just my judgment, maybe I am wrong," said Ferguson.

"The fans quite rightly have their heroes and I respect them, so I was happy to go along with a deal as long as it was the right one - but he was simply not worth £25m."

Instead, Tevez has joined a massively expanded City squad that has now welcomed Emmanuel Adebayor into its fold, with the prospect of more to come.

The Blues have come under fire for their attempt to lure Chelsea skipper John Terry to Eastlands although, in the same position, Ferguson might well have done the same.

"If I was in City's shoes, with all that kind of money, then I would have a go at that," he said.

"I think it's sensible. He has experience and is the England captain. For some reason they must have known that he was interested.

"I am sure there have been plenty of phone calls going on."

Whether City eventually sign Terry or not, Ferguson is as intrigued as everyone else in football to see how the Abu Dhabi bankrolled project works out.

"It won't be easy for them to win anything, even with all the players they have bought," said Ferguson, moving onto the whole City project.

"They have bought a lot of high profile players but they have 10 strikers. That is a hell of a lot.

"I have not spoken to all the managers but the one or two I have are saying "Who are they going to leave out?".

"How do you tell players they are not even going to be travelling to London? How does he pick a team? We are all interested."