Latest Premier League News

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CARLO EXPECTS TERRY TO STAY

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists John Terry will remain at the club and expects the matter to be resolved in the next week.

Terry's future at Chelsea has been the subject of widespread speculation, with Manchester City continuing their pursuit of the England captain.

Chelsea have already rejected two bids from City, but the speculation will not go away, particularly with the centre-back not breaking his silence.

However, Ancelotti is confident the whole transfer saga will be sorted out within the next week and he has been impressed at how Terry has handled the situation.

"For John it is not a distraction this question because he works very well, he is very concentrated, he is focused on himself, but I think in one week nobody will have a problem about John Terry," Ancelotti told Sky Sports News.

"John wants to stay in Chelsea and Chelsea want John Terry to be captain for more years."

Asked if he thought the situation would be resolved within a week, Ancelotti replied: "Yeah I think so."

The Italian claims he has no problem with City's pursuit of Terry and rejected talk of possibly reporting their Premier League rivals for allegedly tapping-up the defender.

"No, there is no problem," added Ancelotti. "If Manchester City want to improve and buy the best players it is normal because he is a great player and all teams want to buy a great player.

"These are normal questions but he stays in the same team because he is a captain for Chelsea, it is impossible to sell John Terry."

Ancelotti also admits loyalty is very important and claims Terry, along with team-mates Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba, have a big part to play for the rest of the side.

"It is very important because Terry, like Ashley Cole, Lampard, Drogba, is a very important player," added Ancelotti. "Not only as players but as men, they are great men and they present an example for other players. This is very important for the club."

 

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POMPEY TAKEOVER GIVEN GREEN LIGHT

Dubai-based businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim has been given the green light to complete his takeover of Portsmouth after passing the Premier League's stringent fit and proper persons test.

Al Fahim struck a deal to buy the Fratton Park club from current owner Alexandre Gaydamak in late May before entering a period of legal and financial due diligence.

The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday that Al Fahim had been cleared to complete his purchase of the club.

An official statement said: "The Premier League can confirm that Mr Al Fahim has submitted all the documentation required to satisfy our fit and proper persons test.

"Based on the information provided the League has found no reason why Mr Al Fahim would be liable to be disqualified as a Director of a Premier League club.

"Accordingly we have advised Portsmouth FC that his appointment may proceed.

"As with all changes in club ownership the Premier League will continue to monitor any material changes in circumstance."

Al Fahim was the initial figurehead of the Abu Dhabi United Group when they took control of Manchester City in the summer of 2008.

He is no longer involved but did not drop his interest in the Premier League.

In January, Al Fahim he was linked with a bold move for Chelsea, who are owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, before agreeing to buy out Portsmouth.

Gaydamak had announced last December he was looking for a buyer because he was unable to devote sufficient time to the club.

 

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RAFA FORSEES UNITED SPENDING

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects Premier League title rival Sir Alex Ferguson to use his world-record transfer profits to strengthen Manchester United further this summer.

The Red Devils earned £80million up front from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid this summer to significantly boost funds at Old Trafford.

But despite repeated reports linking him with Franck Ribery and Sergio Aguero, Ferguson claims he will not spend any more money before transfer deadline day.

Benitez, though, believes his opposite number, who has bought Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan while also signing free agent Michael Owen, will venture into the transfer market before the end of August.

"I am sure they will have money and they will buy some players," said the Liverpool boss when asked about United.

Benitez is confident Liverpool will again be able to compete with United in the new season after finishing runners-up in the last campaign.

The Reds have signed Glen Johnson from Portsmouth and Benitez feels the England full-back will add a neccesary edge.

"We have to be strong next season. We have improved with Glen and hopefully we can do a little bit better and that will be enough," he said.

Benitez is also aware of the emerging threat of Manchester City, who have spent big this summer on the likes of Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez.

"I think every club now is trying to improve and Manchester City is one of them," he said.

"I would like to be there at the top of the table and be contending but I cannot say too much on the other teams."

 

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RAFA FORSEES UNITED SPENDING

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects Premier League title rival Sir Alex Ferguson to use his world-record transfer profits to strengthen Manchester United further this summer.

The Red Devils earned £80million up front from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid this summer to significantly boost funds at Old Trafford.

But despite repeated reports linking him with Franck Ribery and Sergio Aguero, Ferguson claims he will not spend any more money before transfer deadline day.

Benitez, though, believes his opposite number, who has bought Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan while also signing free agent Michael Owen, will venture into the transfer market before the end of August.

"I am sure they will have money and they will buy some players," said the Liverpool boss when asked about United.

Benitez is confident Liverpool will again be able to compete with United in the new season after finishing runners-up in the last campaign.

The Reds have signed Glen Johnson from Portsmouth and Benitez feels the England full-back will add a neccesary edge.

"We have to be strong next season. We have improved with Glen and hopefully we can do a little bit better and that will be enough," he said.

Benitez is also aware of the emerging threat of Manchester City, who have spent big this summer on the likes of Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez.

"I think every club now is trying to improve and Manchester City is one of them," he said.

"I would like to be there at the top of the table and be contending but I cannot say too much on the other teams."

 

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MALOUDA EXTENDS CHELSEA STAY

Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda signed his new three-year deal on Tuesday and then declared: "This is just the beginning of the story".

Malouda, who had one year remaining on his current contract, is excited about the prospect of developing his game under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The France international played on the left side of a midfield diamond during Chelsea's recent pre-season friendly against Seattle.

"I was really happy when I heard it was Carlo Ancelotti because I have a lot of respect for him. At my former club Lyon I played many times against Milan. For me it is a really good choice and I believe in him," said Malouda.

"This year he wants to try the new system with a diamond so I have to adapt myself and that is why we are training really hard to do what the manager wants.

"It is a different role for me but that is part of my game, I can play in many positions, and I have played it a few times in Lyon when there were injuries and in the France national team I have played many times this position."

Malouda had agreed the new contract while away on holiday and he is delighted to be committed to Chelsea until 2012.

He told chelseafc.com: "I am really happy because it shows a mutual trust between the club and myself and for me it is just the beginning of the story.

"The last six months especially I was feeling great, plus we won a trophy that was really important to me. I feel really good and you can see it on the pitch and I hope we get more trophies."

 

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CATS OUT OF CROUCH RUNNING

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed the club has dropped its interest in England striker Peter Crouch.

The Black Cats boss met the 28-year-old Portsmouth frontman on Wearside last Thursday and had hoped to get the response for which he was looking within 24 hours.

However, despite agreeing personal terms, Crouch has since indicated he would prefer to remain in the south of the country with Fulham and Tottenham having also acknowledged their interest.

Bruce told the club's official website: "Naturally this is hugely disappointing for us as Peter was one of our primary targets.

"I know he was impressed with the set-up here when he came for talks, but it's simply a matter of geographical location and that's not something we can affect.

"What's pleasing however is that it shows the intent of the club going forward that we are trying to bring in players of his calibre, and we will continue to pursue other targets.

"We have a number of irons in the fire at present and we will be looking to make several additions to our squad in the coming weeks."

Bruce hinted in the hours immediately after speaking to Crouch that suggestions he was reluctant to move to the north-east could prove accurate.

He said after the Black Cats' 4-0 friendly win at Darlington on Thursday evening: "Location is the big thing, probably, in it, but we will do our utmost - and we have. That's all we can do.

"We have had him up, we have done our utmost, the club has backed me. We have done everything we possibly can and if we can pull it off, it will be a terrific signing for the club."

Today's development has simply confirmed Bruce's worst fears, and he will now turn his attention to alternative targets.

He remains on the trail of Bordeaux's Moroccan international striker Marouane Chamakh although Sunderland are one of several clubs, along with Arsenal, to be linked with the player, who has admitted even he is not convinced about the Gunners' reported interest.

Darren Bent has also been in the club's sights for some time now, although Spurs' valuation of a man for whom they paid £16.5million could be a problem.

Bruce has already landed Hull frontman Fraizer Campbell and Paraguay international defender Paulo da Silva this summer, but Crouch is the first of the six targets he identified to chairman Niall Quinn following his own arrival at the Stadium of Light to have slipped through the net.

 

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UNLUCKY BREAK FOR NASRI

Arsenal's pre-season preparations suffered a major blow on Tuesday with midfielder Samir Nasri breaking his leg.

The French international midfielder suffered a fractured fibula during a training session at Arsenal's training camp in Austria.

Nasri is expected to be out of action for up to three months.

The loss of Nasri will be a blow to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after his impressive first season at the Emirates following a £15.8million transfer from Marseille.

Nasri scored four minutes into his debut in a win against West Brom and went on to bag seven goals all season.

But the 22-year-old's absence will be eased by the return to fitness of midfielder Tomas Rosicky.

The Czech international has been troubled by a hamstring tendon injury but is expected to be ready for the start of the new campaign after playing his first game for the club in 18 months against Barnet at the weekend.

Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations tonight against SC Colombia.

 

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PERMANENT POMPEY ROLE FOR HART

Paul Hart has signed a two-year deal to become Portsmouth manager on a permanent basis, the club have confirmed.

Full story

 

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GERRARD 'LOST IT' DURING BAR FIGHT

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard launched a volley of uppercut punches at a man in a row over music, a court heard on Tuesday.

The England international "totally lost it" and attacked Marcus McGee, 34, "with the style and speed of a professional boxer" in a bar brawl, it is alleged.

Gerrard was at the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside on December 29 to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League hours earlier.

The Reds' captain, who scored twice in the game, was enjoying a night out with a party of friends including Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish, 58.

But trouble flared when Mr McGee refused to hand over a card controlling the CD player.

The victim was in charge of music for the venue after being given the card to pick songs for a staff party in an adjacent room to Gerrard's group.

David Turner QC, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court Gerrard asked McGee for the card, saying: "Here y'are lad. Give me that lad."

Turner said: "Mr McGee took offence at his attitude and the expression 'lad' and he refused.

"Not many people on Merseyside, or indeed anywhere else, would refuse a request from Steven Gerrard but Mr McGee did.

"There can be no doubt that this refusal astounded Steven Gerrard.

"He walked away back to his party but the CCTV shows how much his mood had changed.

"He was no longer the centre of that high-spirited party.

"He was clearly walking around pondering, musing over what had happened - about the man who said 'no' to Steven Gerrard."

Several minutes later CCTV showed Gerrard returning to the victim who was sitting alone at the bar and allegedly confronting him with the words: "Who the f*** do you think you are?"

McGee stood up and the pair were head to head, Turner said, "in the sort of hostile confrontation that is often seen between professional footballers".

The barrister added: "Steven Gerrard had clearly lost his cool: he was angry with Marcus McGee."

The situation attracted Gerrard's friends.

One, John Doran, who has admitted affray, pushed McGee away but "could not resist following through with his right elbow into Mr McGee's face", said Turner.

"We say at this stage Gerrard totally lost it.

"Almost immediately after the blow from John Doran, in fact within seconds, Steven Gerrard joined in the attack with a succession of well aimed uppercut punches delivered with the style and speed of a professional boxer rather than a professional footballer."

In a police interview Gerrard said he punched McGee because he believed he was going to be attacked.

But warning the seven women and five men of the jury, Turner said: "If you consider Steven Gerrard was or even may have been acting in self defence you will acquit.

"But we say on this occasion Steven Gerrard's fists, not his feet, did the talking.

"This was never self defence in a hundred years."

Gerrard sat in the dock throughout the proceedings listening carefully and looking straight ahead.

As well as Doran, of Woodlands Road, Huyton, Merseyside, five other men admitted affray.

They were Accrington players Robert Grant, 19, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland, and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport.

Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, both Huyton, admitted affray.

John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted threatening behaviour after denying affray.

Proceedings will resume on Wednesday morning when it is expected Mr McGee will give evidence.

 

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HUGHES: FERGIE WRONG TO WRITE OFF CITY

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes his side can pose a threat to Premier League champions Manchester United this season.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that, for all their summer spending, he could not see City being among his side's main competitors for the title.

But after watching Stephen Ireland's goal earn City a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the second match of their South African tour, Hughes said: "I have huge respect for him but that does not mean I have to agree with what he says."

He added: "I don't think this is a mind game."

New signing Gareth Barry made his debut as City recovered from their weekend loss to Orlando Pirates, but strikers Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz were again left to watch from the sidelines, while Emmanuel Adebayor also looked on, as Hughes continued to exercise patience with his high-profile summer signings.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Barry feels he is fitting in well after his move from the midlands.

"I was delighted to get out," he said. "The main aim was to have the fitness for 60 minutes. I came off feeling good and I am looking forward to playing in the final.

"I have only been training for a week with City. There are new faces and the training is different, but I am getting used to it."

Barry believes there is enough quality at Eastlands for the team to break into the top four before long.

The England international said: "I have signed a five-year contract with City and I believe I will play Champions League football with them."

Ireland hit the winner on the stroke of half-time at the ABSA Stadium in Durban as the midfielder converted Shaun Wright-Phillips' low cross.

Hughes added: "We are happy to have won the game, we played in a great atmosphere.

"We needed to balance the players on the field tonight, some of the players were not at the level of fitness needed so that needed to be taken into consideration."

Tevez did not feature after aggravating an injury yesterday, but Hughes feels he could play in the final, along with the club's other new signings.

He said: "Tevez had a bruised heel and it was aggravated in yesterday's training. We are hoping it will settle and it would be great to give him the opportunity to play.

"We have a world class striker (Tevez) with us now and we are delighted. World class strikers rarely come onto the market and we are lucky to have the opportunity to get him.

"If our new players are fit, they will play. We do not want to compromise our players if they are not ready. However we would like to present them in the final."

 

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MAGNIFICENT SEVEN FOR ARSENAL

Arsenal secured their first victory of pre-season with an emphatic 7-1 win over Austrian minnows SC Columbia.

Nicklas Bendtner, Robin van Persie and Aaron Ramsey all grabbed braces, while William Gallas also got on the scoresheet.

The Gunners did suffer a minor embarrassment when a freakish goal from Patrick Lehner gave the amateurs a shock first-half lead after Manuel Almunia's clearance cannoned off him into the net.

Stoke drew 1-1 with Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel Aviv in Austria.

City boss Tony Pulis named a strong side and they went ahead just after the half-hour through Salif Diao.

Hapoel sealed a draw as Douglas da Silva levelled just after the break.

In South Africa, Manchester City opened the Vodacom Challenge tournament with a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs.

The only goal of the game arrived just before the interval when Stephen Ireland scored.

Tottenham continued their excellent pre-season form with a third clean-sheet as they eased to a 4-0 win at Peterborough.

Darren Bent (35) opened the scoring for Spurs, before second-half goals from Jermain Defoe (66), Luka Modric (68) and Roman Pavlyuchenko (75) sealed the win.

Fulham's first pre-season clash back in Britain, after their trip to Australia, ended in a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth.

Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw at League One Colchester, but they had to battle back from 2-0 down.

The home side took the lead just before half-hour when Scott Vernon headed home, and then ten minutes into the second-half Ashley Vincent doubled Colchester's lead.

Villa pulled one back almost immediately through Steve Sidwell and then just moments Adam McGurk was on hand to fire home an equaliser for Martin O'Neil's men.

Hull came from behind to seal a 2-1 win at Carlisle.

Matt Robson opened the scoring for the hosts after just 12 minutes, and they held their lead until just after the break when Daniel Cousin volleyed home.

Peter Halmosi then gave Hull the victory with a well placed shot.

Portsmouth were held to a 2-2 draw by local non-league rivals Havant & Waterlooville.

Trialist Eugene Bopp was the star of the show as he grabbed a brace to put Pompey 2-0 ahead.

But a mistake from Bopp then allowed Mustafa Tiryaki to pounce and then late on Manny Williams struck to seal a draw for the home side.

Birmingham lost 2-0 against Stuttgart as Elson and Julian Schieber scored for the Bundesliga outfit.

Lee Clark lost out to his old club Newcastle as the Magpies claimed a 1-0 win over Huddersfield at the Galpharm Stadium.

Wolves claimed victory at Walsall with a 1-0 win at The Banks's Stadium.

The only goal of the game arrived after 16 minutes and it was new signing Andrew Surman who drove the ball home.

Bristol City claimed a 4-0 win at non-league Weymouth, while Barnsley fielded two sides in games at Gainsborough and Frickley, which ended in 1-0 and 3-1 wins respectively.

Derby emerged 2-0 winners from their clash at Huish Park against Yeovil, but Leicester were held to a 0-0 draw at Mansfield.

Sheffield Wednesday claimed a 2-0 win at Hartlepool as Leeds were held to a 1-1 draw at League Two Grimsby.

Preston could only grab a 1-1 draw at non-league Wrexham, and Crystal Palace were also held to a draw as they drew 2-2 with Brentford at Griffin Park.

Queens Park Rangers came through their test at Forest Green Rovers with a 2-0 win.

Brighton impressed at AFC Wimbledon as they claimed a 2-0 victory, and Oldham grabbed a 2-1 win at Moss Rose over Macclesfield.

Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham played out a 2-2 draw at Whaddon Road, as Millwall defeated Irish side Shelbourne 1-0.

Non-league Kidderminster claimed a 3-2 win over League Two Hereford, but Morecambe easily overcame Kendal Town 4-1.

Another non-league scalp saw Ebbsfleet claim a 3-2 win over Leyton Orient.

 

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GIGGS: DEPARTURES WON'T HURT US

Ryan Giggs is confident Manchester United will continue to prosper, even without the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

The departed duo were major inspirations behind United's Champions League-winning campaign two seasons ago.

And while Tevez ultimately left in bad-tempered fashion, annoyed at his lack of first-team opportunities, Ronaldo was also a key figure in a third straight Premier League title last term.

However, in his 18 years as a United regular, Giggs has seen countless stars come and go. On each occasion, the Red Devils have responded in the perfect manner.

And the Welsh veteran can see no reason why it should be any different this time round.

"Since I came into the team the likes of Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and David Beckham have left the club," he said.

"But that is what the manager is so good at - reshaping and re-energising the team.

"Carlos and Cristiano were great players but we move on. As players it's like ships in the night. You just get on with it."

Indeed, while only one of United's three summer signings is part of the squad currently touring the Far East, it would appear Ferguson has already unearthed someone who can replace Tevez in particular.

Michael Owen's background as a former Liverpool player may ensure he is never received quite as warmly as Tevez was. But the early indications are he could be more deadly in front of goal.

Owen scored in both United's games against a Malaysian side in Kuala Lumpur early this week.

And while the focus is now bound to be on Park Ji-sung as the Red Devils head to South Korea, Rio Ferdinand has a feeling his international colleague can be a big hit at Old Trafford.

"The lads get a great buzz out of seeing someone like Michael Owen score goals," he said.

"When he signed for the club there were a lot of doubters out there. People were saying all kinds of things about him. We have heard it all.

"But the players go in there with an open mind and just hope to see the player we know Michael can be.

"He is one of those players you might not see for 90 minutes but in time added on, he will score a goal. Those are the type of players you need to win things.

"It is great to have him in our squad because he is such a good player and a fantastic lad to have around.

"Fingers crossed he can have an injury-free season and score some goals for us."

 

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BERBA HOPES TO SCORE 'MORE AND MORE'

Dimitar Berbatov has admitted he expects to do better for Manchester United this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out a club record £30.75million to lure the Bulgarian north from Tottenham last summer.

Although Berbatov was good in patches, finding the net on 14 occasions, largely his debut campaign for the Old Trafford outfit has been written off as a disappointment.

In fact, failing to make the starting line-up for the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in Rome led some to suggest Berbatov might be sold on, less than 12 months after his arrival.

Yet it seems Ferguson has certainly not lost faith in Berbatov's silky skills.

If anything, the 28-year-old is now an even more important figure for the Red Devils given Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have left for pastures new.

It just increases the pressure a notch, not that the ultra laid-back Berbatov has ever given any indication of being affected by such trivialities.

However, he does concede the need for improvement. And he expects it to come.

"I think I can do better," he told MUTV. "I think I can do more. That's why I am happy to be here on the pre-season tour.

"It is always beneficial to start well and have a good pre-season and I feel I am training well at the moment.

"I am here to score goals and I hope to score more and more for United this season."

Berbatov has yet to open his account on a tour that, after two matches against a Malaysian outfit, now sees United tackle FC Seoul on Friday in a game where Park Ji-sung will undoubtedly be the centre of attention.

 

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PREM CLUBS MOVE FOR NEGREDO - AGENT

Alvaro Negredo's agent claims Premier League clubs have tabled bids for the Real Madrid striker.

Negredo is believed to be available for transfer this summer despite Real only recently exercising their option to buy the 23-year-old back from Almeria.

Spurs are being linked with a £17million move for the striker nicknamed 'The Wild Animal', although Liverpool have also been credited with an interest.

Negredo's agent, Alejandro Camara, claims Premier League clubs have moved for the striker, but that no deal has been concluded with the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.

While Negredo is being tipped to move to England's top flight, Camara is not ruling out his client staying in La Liga.

"We have had several offers from the Premier League, but no deal has been finalised and we are still studying which is the best option for the player," said Camano in the Daily Mirror.

"But also there are clubs in Spain who are interested."

 

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HULL WOULD INTEREST HAREWOOD

Marlon Harewood's agent has admitted that the Aston Villa striker would jump at the chance to join Hull City.

The Tigers are reported to have enquired about the striker's availability at Villa shortly after they secured their Premier League status on the last day of the season last term.

However, manager Phil Brown diverted his attention to more lucrative deals with Michael Owen, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Fraizer Campbell all offered the chance to move to the KC Stadium.

After seeing the trio reject the chance to join the club, Brown has now re-focused his gaze on Harewood with the 29-year-old desperate to leave Villa Park having made just six substitute appearances in the Premier League last time out.

His agent Phil Sproson declares that the opportunity to link up with former team-mate Bobby Zamora, who Hull hope to unveil on Thursday, would interest Harewood.

"Marlon would certainly jump at the chance to join Hull City and the club knows that," he told the Hull Daily Mail.

"Hull City know where we are and know Marlon's situation.

"I have spoken to Phil Brown recently and he said the situation was that Hull were looking at a couple of players and were assessing their options.

"Marlon and Bobby played together at West Ham, they know each other very well and are friends, so he would love to play alongside him again."

Meanwhile, Brown has revealed that the club have offered personal terms to Zamora, after having a £5million bid for the Fulham man accepted, and are waiting for the 28-year-old to weigh up his options.

"I spoke to Bobby and he was well received. I had a few hours with him and it was all positive," he said.

"He's gone back and he's got a lot to think about. Hopefully, from our point of view it will be a good return."

 

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SPURS PLAY DOWN BECKS LINK

Harry Redknapp has dismissed claims that Tottenham are keen on David Beckham, but has reiterated his desire to sign Peter Crouch.

Redknapp was speaking after Tottenham's latest pre-season clash at Peterborough - where they eased to a 4-0 win.

He was asked about reports linking Spurs with a move for LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham - who is believed to be keen on a return to England.

But Redknapp insisted that Spurs were not looking to bring in the 34-year-old.

"I don't know where that has come from," he told Sky Sports News.

"David Beckham is a fantastic player, an amazing professional but there is no truth in that.

"We don't know David's situation as we have not made an enquiry and we don't know where that has started from."

Redknapp, though, did confirm that he is still keen to sign Portsmouth's Crouch - who has rejected a move to Sunderland.

"Crouchy, I have signed several times, and if Portsmouth want to sell we could be interested," he said.

"It depends on everything about price etc, but everyone has their price and it would be up to the chairman and Portsmouth to sort out a price. I love Crouchy but we will have to wait and see."

 

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WENGER HINTS AT SENDEROS EXIT

Arsene Wenger has admitted defender Philippe Senderos could leave Arsenal this summer.

Senderos' future is uncertain after he openly conceded he would be keen to return to Italy having enjoyed a season-long loan at AC Milan last term.

A permanent stay at the San Siro has since failed to materialise and the Switzerland international is currently training with the Gunners in Austria.

Wenger admits Senderos, who signed for Arsenal from Servette in 2003, could be on his way out of the club, with reports suggesting he could be used as part of a deal for Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh.

He said in the London Evening Standard: "He has offers and it is open.

"He has come back here with us still looking for solutions but he is still yet to decide on his future."

 

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JONES BACK IN BLACK CATS TRAINING

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has returned to full training after recovering from a groin injury.

The 24-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international has spent much of the club's Portuguese training camp working with the physios after missing last week's friendlies against Darlington and Portimonense.

However, he was able to join the rest of the squad on Wednesday and could now be in contention for the Amsterdam Tournament clashes with Benfica and Atletico Madrid over the weekend.

 

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BLUES BOSS NOT IN STEPHEN HUNT

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has played down speculation that he is to make a bid for Reading's £4million rated winger Stephen Hunt.

McLeish is still aiming to strengthen his squad despite having already signed eight new players this summer.

But, although acknowledging Hunt's qualities, the former Scotland boss insisted he was not uppermost in his thoughts.

He said: "It's not true. I am not about to sign anybody at the moment. We've got to count our pennies.

"I don't really want to talk about players who are with other teams or I might get into trouble with the authorities. But Hunt is a good player."

McLeish has made it clear he wants to add to his midfield department despite acquiring experienced duo Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer.

Meanwhile, Blues are hoping winger Keith Fahey's abductor injury, suffered in the defeat against VFB Stuttgart last night, is not serious.

Fahey was substituted in the second half of the 2-0 reversal.

McLeish admitted: "We were going to take Keith off at half-time but thought we couldn't take everybody off and Keith is one of those who has got great energy.

"But when he flagged to the side that he had a slight abductor problem, we whipped him off right away."

 

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NEW BLACK CATS ROLE FOR SBRAGIA

Former Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has been appointed as Steve Bruce's new chief scout.

The Black Cats have confirmed the Scot had agreed to head up the club's coaching set-up after being promised a job for life following his stint as first-team boss last season.

Bruce said: "Ricky has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I'm delighted that he will be heading up our scouting operation.

"He has a vast network of contacts and he knows just what it takes to be a successful footballer at this club, so I'm sure he will be a fantastic asset to our backroom team."

Sbragia will succeed Mick Brown, who left the club earlier this month as part of a reshuffle in the wake of Bruce's appointment as the former Manchester United and Bolton coach's successor.

He first joined the club in 1994 as youth team coach and later took charge of the reserves.

He returned as first team coach in 2007 under Roy Keane, and was asked to take over as caretaker manager following the Irishman's departure in December last year.

A narrow 1-0 defeat at United in his first game in charge was followed by a 4-0 home victory over West Brom and a 4-1 win at Hull, and after he guided the Black Cats to a 0-0 draw with Blackburn on Boxing Day, chairman Niall Quinn offered him the job on a permanent basis.

Sbragia reluctantly accepted, but went on to win just three of the remaining 19 Barclays Premier League games as Sunderland slipped into the battle for top-flight survival.

Their status was secured on the final day of the season despite a 3-2 home defeat by Chelsea, and within minutes of the final whistle, he stood down.

Quinn was at pains to stress just how important a role Sbragia had played as new owner Ellis Short completed his takeover and Bruce was recruited, and he was desperate to keep him on board.

The new manager too was keen to retain his expertise, saying last week: "I am revamping the scouting at the club - I think it is vitally important part, especially today - and I have offered Ricky the head role in that.

"I sincerely hope he does [take it] because he is a very genuinely good man and good at his job."