Latest Transfer News

[wased]

Hoesen poised for Ajax

Striker set to leave Fulham for an 'unbelievable' opportunity

Fulham striker Danny Hoesen has confirmed he is set to join Ajax and admits it is 'unbelievable' to have the opportunity to sign for the Dutch champions.
Hoesen has been unable to make the breakthrough at Fulham

and has previously undertaken loan spells at HJK Helsinki

and Fortuna Sittard.
The 21-year-old impressed on loan at second division Fortuna last season, scoring 13 goals, and was the subject of three failed bids from VVV Venlo

earlier this summer.


He is now expected to sign a three-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, at Ajax,

who will reportedly pay around €500,000 (£395,000) to Fulham.
"Unbelievable," Hoesen told Algemeen Dagblad regarding his imminent move. "The biggest club in the Netherlands. As a young boy you dream of that.


"Initially, I could hardly believe Ajax was interested, but after I spoke with Marc Overmars I knew it was serious.
"For what position have I been signed? I have been told that I have been bought for the striker position.
"First I have to acclimatise to the level, but with better players around me I hope to adapt quickly."

 

[wased]

Modric - No hard feelings

Madrid new boy just happy to be with Spanish giants
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 8:25am

Luka Modric: No hard feelings after finally leaving Spurs for Real Madrid




Luka Modric insists there is 'no hard feelings' between himself and Tottenham after he finally completed his protracted move to Real Madrid.
The Croatian has signed a five-year deal at the Bernabeu after Real agreed a fee for his services following months of haggling with Spurs.
Modric

admits he is glad the transfer saga is over and has denied any suggestions of a breakdown in relations with the Spurs hierarchy.
"There are no hard feelings," said Modric. "I want to thank everyone there.


"I spent three great years there and enjoyed every moment.
"People thought there was something bad between us but it wasn't anything bad. It was normal [in negotiations]. I am glad that it is finished now and that I am at Real Madrid.

"When I was in Croatia

I always wanted to play in Spain one day."
Real choice

Modric admits he always had his heart set on Real despite attracting interest from elsewhere.
"I chose the Spanish league because it's one of the best leagues in the world," added Modric.
"And I chose Madrid because they are the best club in the world. They've won so many things, so many titles. It's amazing for me to be here.
"When I heard that Madrid noticed me, the rest lost interest."

 

[wased]

No Spurs switch for Damiao
Last Updated: August 28 2012, 8:20 BST

Tottenham target Leandro Damiao will not be heading to White Hart Lane this summer, according to Internacional's vice-president.

Leandro Damiao: Offer from Tottenham rejected

9. Da Silva Leandro Damiao

Appearances 7 (0) Goals 7 Assists 0 Yellows 2 Reds 0
*Current Season

The Brazil striker has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs and the sale of Luka Modric is likely to spark significant transfer spending by the London club.
But the 23-year-old is unlikely to be among the incoming players after Internacional vice-president Luciano Davi revealed that the Brazilian club have decided to keep the forward for now.
"Our intention is that Leandro Damiao doesn't leave this year," Davi told Globo Esporte.


"He is an Internacional player until December. Their offer wasn't relevant and we are not interested in selling him.
"Tottenham came to us but their offer didn't match our valuation of him. Leandro Damiao is a national team striker and we have to value that."
Davi had previously denied that Spurs had bid for the player, while Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas recently claimed he would not be signing another striker.

 

[wased]

Hernandez happy to fight for place
Last Updated: August 28 2012, 9:14 BST

Javier Hernandez has no qualms about the increased competition for places at Manchester United following the signing of Robin van Persie and is confident he will get plenty of opportunities this season.

Javier Hernandez: Happy at Manchester United


Van Persie's arrival from Arsenal earlier this month has given Sir Alex Ferguson an enviable array of strikers to select from, with Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov also at his disposal.
Hernandez has yet to appear this season and reports have linked the Mexico international with a move away from Old Trafford before the transfer window closes.


However, the 24-year-old is happy to fight for his place, with an injury to Rooney likely to see Hernandez more involved over the next few weeks.
"The great thing about this club is you know you will get opportunities because we play so many games in different tournaments," Hernandez told the club's official website.
"There is competition for places but you always have that. I had that in youth teams when I was growing up and we have it here now because you need a big squad of players.


"There are only 11 places each week and you need to do your best to get one of those places, but it's great to have that competition because it means every player will have to raise the level of their game.
"The gaffer has the decisions to make, but for me I just focus on doing my best every day in training and in every game so I can help my team-mates get closer to achieving our targets of winning the league and all the competitions we play in."
Hernandez, who endured a fitful second season with the Red Devils, is also looking forward to learning from new recruit Van Persie.
He added: "I think in life you never stop learning, no matter what age you are. I try to learn from all my team-mates, but obviously it's great to watch the other strikers in particular.


"They have all helped me a lot and I know I will learn a lot off Robin because he is a world-class striker who has a lot to give to the team and a lot to teach us all.
"I think for people that just love football Robin is like Wazza and other top players, you just need to see them play. Even if you're not a United fan, you should watch players like Robin and Wazza because they are world class.
"Robin is someone I have always enjoyed watching - he did a lot of great things for Arsenal and we want him to do the same for us."

 

[wased]

Jenkins hits out at Man City
Last Updated: August 28 2012, 9:11 BST

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has hit out at Manchester City for the way they have handled their pursuit of Scott Sinclair.

Scott Sinclair: Set for Manchester City move

11. Scott Sinclair

Appearances 2 (3) Goals 2 Assists 0 Yellows 0 Reds 0
*Current Season

Sinclair is poised to seal his move to the Premier League champions in the next 24 hours after weeks of haggling over his transfer fee.
Jenkins is unhappy at how long the deal has dragged on leaving Swansea with little time to bring in a replacement for Sinclair at the Liberty Stadium.
"It has been dragging on a while and I'd have thought if they really wanted to sign Scott they would have dealt with it a bit better than they have, but that's their business," noted Jenkins.


Jenkins is also hopeful of bringing in a couple of new faces before the transfer window slams shut on Friday.
"Hopefully, over the next few days, we'll get a couple more signings in and we can put the transfer window behind us at the end of the month," added Jenkins.
"Our proposed signing of a couple of players is not dependent on Scott's transfer out. I think it's more about numbers and making sure we have the right number in the squad."

 

[wased]

Milan end Kaka chase

Rossoneri pass on Samba star
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:38am

• 

Kaka: Looking for a way out of Real Madrid after falling out of favour

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claims the club have ended their interest in re-signing Kaka as there are 'too many risks' involved.
The Rossoneri sold the Brazilian playmaker to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 for a then world record fee.
Milan reluctantly agreed to part with the Samba star after benefitting from his considerable talent for six memorable years.


Kaka has struggled to produce his best since leaving Italy, with injuries and a loss of form seeing a former World Player of the Year reduced to a supporting role at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real are prepared to let him leave and find regular games elsewhere, but their asking price and the sizeable salary involved are making transfer negotiations difficult.


Milan have found that out the hard way and Galliani says they are ready to turn their attention elsewhere.
"We were waiting on the opinion of a well-known Spanish economics expert, and that's now arrived," he told the Milan Channel.
"The operation is closed because there are too many risks."

 

[wased]

'Dream' Milan move for Niang

Teenage forward on his way to Serie A giants
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:52am

M'Baye Niang: Ready to test himself in the Italian top flight




AC Milan have agreed a deal with Caen for their teenage forward M'Baye Niang, with the youngster hailing the switch as a 'dream come true'.
Milan were one of a number of clubs hoping to snap up a player considered to be among the most exciting talents in European football.
Premier League outfit Everton

were also believed to be in the hunt for the 17-year-old striker, who burst onto the scene in April 2011.
Niang was a regular feature for Caen

last season as they slipped out of Ligue 1 and has already broken in the France U21 side.
It was expected to be only a matter of time before he was lured to one of the continent's top sides, and Milan appear to have won that race.
Great club

Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani told the Milan Channel: "Niang? He will join (Massimiliano) Allegri and the first team.
"We think he's a good player, even if I usually wait six months before passing judgement on a new arrival."
Niang is looking forward to furthering his development at the San Siro, telling Tuttomercatoweb: "I have made a big dream come true by joining Milan.
"Now it's up to me to prove that I'm good enough to be in this great club."

 

[wased]

Canaries close on Bunn deal

Hughton makes third offer for keeper
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:55am

Mark Bunn: Closing in on a move to Norwich from Blackburn




Sky Sports understands Norwich are closing in on the signing of Blackburn goalkeeper Mark Bunn.
Norwich have been chasing the highly-rated Bunn all summer and have already seen two bids rejected for the 27-year-old.
Bunn is keen to make the move to Norwich and, as revealed by Sky Sports, handed in a transfer request at Ewood Park to secure his exit.


Bunn is keen to leave Rovers after growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities with Paul Robinson

the undisputed No.1 at Ewood Park.
Norwich are thought to be ready to table a third offer for Bunn and are hopeful of striking a deal for the former Tottenham trainee.
Hughton wants Bunn to provide cover and competition for John Ruddy

at Carrow Road and is keen to bring him in before the transfer window slams shut on Friday.

 

[wased]

Bendtner on Rossoneri radar

Milan keen on out-of-favour Gunners striker
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 12:26pm

Nicklas Bendtner: Looking for a way out of Emirates Stadium




Sky Sports understands that Italian giants AC Milan are prepared to offer Nicklas Bendtner a route out of Arsenal.
The Denmark international appears to have no future at the Emirates after being deemed surplus to requirements.
The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Sunderland, netting eight times in all competitions, but the Black Cats have opted against making the move permanent.


That decision has forced Bendtner back to North London, where the door to the first team remains bolted despite the Gunners' summer sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United.
Bendtner has openly expressed his desire to move on, and Arsenal are willing to listen to offers.
Enquiry

It is understood that Milan have made an enquiry, with the Serie A title hopefuls in the market for attacking talent after offloading Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris St Germain.
Wherever Bendtner ends up at the close of the summer transfer window, his next international outing will not be coming at the start of 2014 World Cup qualification.


UEFA have stung the striker with a one-match ban for 'improper conduct' and have rejected his appeal against the suspension and resulting fine.
That means Bendtner, who was charged following an ill-advised goal celebration at Euro 2012, will sit out Denmark's meeting with the Czech Republic on 8th September.

 

[wased]

Carvalho told he can leave

Mourinho informs centre-back he is not a part of Real's plans
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 5:54pm

Ricardo Carvalho: Out of contract next summer and does not feature in the plans of Real Madrid


Jose Mourinho has told Ricardo Carvalho to find a new club before Friday's transfer deadline or face a season on the sidelines at Real Madrid.
The former Chelsea

centre-back is in the final year of his contract and no longer features in the first-team plans of the Primera Liga champions.
Carvalho

was earlier in August thought to be close to a move to Queens Park Rangers and a return to the Premier League could yet happen.
The 34-year-old has been given a clear explanation of his status by Mourinho, who he worked with at Porto and Chelsea before in 2010 joining Real.


Mourinho said ahead of Wednesday's Spanish Super Cup second leg: "It's his decision whether he wants to continue playing football or to stay at Real Madrid

(for the rest of the season)."
Real in 2010 paid Chelsea a fee of £6.7million for the centre-back, who during his time at Stamford Bridge won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups.

 

[wased]

Milan rule out Carroll

Liverpool striker not needed at the San Siro, according to Galliani
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 7:44pm

Andy Carroll: Former club Newcastle and West Ham have also been linked with the England international


AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani does not think the club need to sign another striker amid new reports linking the Serie A giants with Liverpool's Andy Carroll.
The £35million man was this summer expected to leave Anfield, as he seemingly does not fit into the plans of new manager Brendan Rodgers.
Carroll's former club, Newcastle United,

are interested along with West Ham United

while Milan were also thought to be monitoring the situation.
But with the Italian club set to sign Bojan Krkic to add to their existing attacking options, Galliani has quashed the links to England international Carroll.


The Milan official told Italian media when asked about the 23-year-old: "We already have many forwards."
Liverpool

boss Brendan Rodgers last week said he would 'need to be a nutcase' to let Carroll leave on loan but speculation of a permanent exit has not gone away ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.
Carroll played just the final six minutes of Sunday's draw with Manchester City

and it has been suggested he will be sold to raise money for signings.
Stewart Downing,

Charlie Adam and Joe Cole

have also been reported as players who Rodgers is prepared to let leave in order to fund a move for Chelsea's

Daniel Sturridge.

 

[wased]

Dos Santos agent's 'hostage' claim

Mexico international looking to leave Tottenham this summer

Giovani dos Santos: Mexico international is keen to move on from Tottenham




Giovani dos Santos' agent Vicente Montes has claimed the Mexico international is being 'held hostage' by Tottenham.
The 23-year-old forward has never been able to make an impact at White Hart Lane following his £4.7million arrival from Barcelona

in 2008.
Dos Santos has spent spells out on loan with Ipswich, Galatasaray and Racing Santander and is keen to leave the North London club on a permanent deal.


Montes claims his client is wanted by a number of clubs in Spain and Italy, but feels the tough negotiating stance taken by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy

is putting off potential suitors.
"As yet, no concrete offer has arrived. Giovani still has one year left on his contract with Tottenham and the market is currently in a very difficult time," he told calciomercato.it.
Opportunity

"The Spurs chairman is a tough obstacle to overcome, as confirmed by the (Luka) Modric deal.
"Dos Santos is held hostage by Tottenham, but at the end of his contract he'll have the opportunity to agree a deal with another club."
Montes believes that Dos Santos would be happy to move to either Serie A or La Liga, and suggested that a host of clubs were keen to secure his services.


He added: "Several teams have shown an interest in the past, such as AC and Inter Milan,

Fiorentina,

Genoa and AS Roma.

"Atletico Madrid?

Yes, but there are also other interested clubs in Spain, including Sevilla,

Espanyol,

Granada and Malaga,

who asked for information on the player.
"Serie A and La Liga are of great interest to Dos Santos."

 

[wased]

Assou-Ekotto 'surprised' by Redknapp axing

Tottenham left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto says he was "very surprised" by Daniel Levy's decision to sack Harry Redknapp.

Assou-Ekotto: Mixed messages on AVB


Spurs chairman Levy took a big gamble this summer by sacking Redknapp - a man who had delivered fourth, fifth and fourth place finishes during his time as White Hart Lane boss.
Levy replaced the 65-year-old with Andre Villas-Boas, who has made a disappointing start with one loss and one draw so far.
Assou-Ekotto appears convinced Villas-Boas has the credentials to succeed at the north London club - but conceded it was surprising to hear Redknapp had been dismissed.
"I was very surprised," Assou-Ekotto said. "I was surprised because I don't think there are a lot of managers who finish fourth and they are sacked."


Assou-Ekotto offered two almost contrasting viewpoints on Villas-Boas after Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Brom.
In one interview the Cameroon international, who scored Tottenham's opener in the game, hailed the Portuguese's tactical nous and described him as "like the son of Mourinho".
But then in another interview when Assou-Ekotto was asked whether he liked working under the new manager, he said with a smile: "Hmmm, I play, so yeah, he is good for the moment."
Jermain Defoe, Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon all spurned chances for the home side against the Baggies before Assou-Ekotto broke the deadlock with a deflected half-volley.


Villas-Boas packed the midfield shortly after, hoping to stifle a resurgent West Brom, but his efforts proved in vein as James Morrison swept home from inside a packed box to steal a point for Steve Clarke's men.
Despite the club's faltering start, Assou-Ekotto is convinced Spurs can finish in the top four this term.


"Yes, we can finish in the top four because we finished fourth last season and we haven't changed much from then and maybe we will have one or two new players in too," he added.

"We also have new players with (Gylfi) Sigurdsson, (Jan) Vertonghen and (Emmanuel) Adebayor, and we know Adebayor."
Fourth would have normally been good enough for a place in the Champions League but, unluckily for Spurs, Chelsea's triumph in the 2012 final in Munich meant the north London club had to settle for Europa League football this season.


Assou-Ekotto admits it was agonising to watch the Blues come from behind to beat Bayern Munich on penalties, but accepts Spurs should have finished third after throwing away a 13-point lead they had over Arsenal.
"I was about to make a prayer that (Didier) Drogba would miss his penalty," Assou-Ekotto said.
"But I was happy for him. In the season we were 13 points in front of Arsenal and we can't think that we missed the Champions League because of Chelsea.
"I think we made a few mistakes in the league last season because it is obviously not normal to finish behind Arsenal when we were 13 points ahead of them."


There is a feeling Villas-Boas will be more content when he finalises the make-up of his squad by the end of the week.
Renowned for doing last-minute deals, Levy will be busy trying to seal agreements for the likes of Willian and possibly Leandro Damiao while also aiming to complete the sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid.
"The market can be frenetic in the last few days so anything can happen," Villas-Boas said.
"We are still looking to strengthen our squad with a midfielder so let's do the deals that we have to do."

 

[wased]

Tevez targets long City stay

Carlos Tevez says he is "seriously happy" at Manchester City now and will be there for "a long time".

Carlos Tevez: Says all his problems with City are in the past


The controversial Argentinian, now firmly back in favour after last season's problems, capped another fine display with the late equaliser that secured a 2-2 draw for the Barclays Premier League champions at Liverpool on Sunday.
It was the 28-year-old's 100th goal in English football and came straight after pledging his future to the club in a TV interview.
Tevez, who first came to the English game with West Ham in 2006, has often given the impression he has been unsettled during his time in the country.


But he now says any issues, including the circumstances which led to his extraordinary self-imposed exile last season, are firmly in the past.
Tevez told Sky Sports: "I return for a long time now. My family is here, my children are here. I am happy, my wife is happy, my children are happy now. No problem, I stay.
"I stay, for now it is two years, the contract, but I am seriously happy."


When asked if he could stay beyond his current deal, he said: "Yes, no problem."
It is a far cry from the situation last season when the player became embroiled in his infamous dispute with the club and manager Roberto Mancini.
Tevez, who also revealed he has lost seven kilograms since last season, said: "Now is now, the problem last season is finished.
"I am happy, Roberto is happy, the club is happy. The problem is finished."


Mancini is certainly pleased to have Tevez back onside after undoubtedly missing his world-class talents last year.
Tevez has started the season superbly, also scoring in the Community Shield against Chelsea and the Premier League opening win over Southampton.
Mancini said: "Carlos is in good form at this moment. I am happy for him. It is important he continues to play like he did in these two (league) games."

 

[wased]

Pulis: We need to freshen up squad

Stoke manager Tony Pulis hopes to bring several new players to the Britannia Stadium before Friday evening's transfer deadline.

Tony Pulis: Looking to make further signings


The Potters boss watched as American summer signing Geoff Cameron impressed during the goalless draw against Arsenal on Sunday and later revealed he is close to completing deals for at least two other players.
United States and Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu is set to finalise his move to Stoke today, and should be joined this week by Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone.
He said: "We'll hopefully know more about a couple of players on Monday, whether they're leaving or whether they're coming in.
"I hope next week will be a busy week for us because we need to freshen it up.


"We've taken Maurice Edu. Hopefully that will be completed by Monday.
"We have to do it [transfers] in a much more structured way this year.
"We spent 23 years outside of the top flight and we're putting together an infrastructure that most of the Premier League clubs have."
Pulis also admitted he is interested in bringing Tottenham defender Michael Dawson to the club.
He said: "I'd love to take Dawson off Spurs but whether we could afford him or not I'm not sure. We will see what happens.
"Huddlestone and Dawson and people like that would improve us and make us a better team, but whether you're Arsenal or Stoke City, you have a level to what you can spend and who you can bring in and we have to work to that level.


"If we have to bite the bullet a little bit we have to bite the bullet, but hopefully it will make this club better in future years."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was left to rue a lack of cutting edge as his new-look strike force again failed to score.
Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Gervinho were unable to make a breakthrough despite a dominant display in midfield led by Santi Cazorla, leaving Arsenal yet to open their goalscoring account after two Barclays Premier League games. They also drew 0-0 with Sunderland in their opener.
Wenger put the slow start down to a lack of understanding in his attack.


He said: "Offensively we still have some work to do because we missed a bit of accuracy in the final third in our movement and in our passing.
"We are used to finding each other in the final third and there's something missing but I still think we should have won the game 1-0.
"[It is] an understanding because you have Cazorla and Podolski who one month ago, they didn't know each other, so that will come.
"We have some work to do on the training ground but I believe we have the potential."


The Arsenal boss, who has been linked with a move for Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote as a replacement for Alex Song, denied he is interested in signing the Ivorian.
Wenger said: "Tiote is a good player but he is not on his way to Arsenal."

 

[wased]

Spurs' Willian bid rejected

Ukraine giants Shakhtar Donetsk refuse to sell at £11.8million

Willian: Is keen to move to England but Tottenham will have to up their bid


Shakhtar Donetsk have rejected an £11.8million bid from Tottenham for Brazilian forward Willian.
Sky Sports Chief News Reporter Bryan Swanson has spoken to Shakhtar's chief executive, who confirmed an offer has been rebuffed.
Andre Villas-Boas is eager to bring in additional firepower before the close of the transfer window on Friday and has earmarked Willian as his number one target.
The Portuguese tactician reportedly tried to sign the 24-year-old when Chelsea manager, with a sizeable offer rumoured to have been lodged last summer.


It is an interest Villas-Boas has resurrected upon moving to White Hart Lane, but it seems Tottenham will have to up the ante to land the player.
Willian, who has won 11 caps for his country, spoke last week of a desire to quit Ukraine for the Premier League.
"I don't regret having come here, but I regret what's been going on with this situation. Chelsea tried to sign me, now Tottenham, so I have to rethink," he said.
During his time at Shakhtar, Willian has helped them to three domestic titles and UEFA Cup success since arriving from Corinthians in 2007.

 

[wased]

Modric Real Madrid deal agreed

Medical set for Monday; Spurs and Real to work closely in future

Luka Modric: Set to undergo a medical with Real Madrid on Monday




Tottenham have announced that a deal has been struck for Luka Modric to join Real Madrid and Sky Sports sources understand he will undergo a medical on Monday, while the two clubs have signed a 'partnership agreement'.
Modric

has blossomed into one of the Premier League's brightest stars since arriving from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008, making 160 appearances for Spurs and scoring 17 goals.


Chairman Daniel Levy had been keen to keep Modric at White Hart Lane and rejected interest from Chelsea

last summer, but the Croatian again expressed a desire to leave during the current transfer window.
An agreement has now been reached with Real Madrid

and it is understood that Modric will now travel to have a medical with the Spanish club, before finalising a switch ahead of Friday's deadline.


He is expected to pen a five-year contract, while the deal agreed is understood to be worth at least £33million.
Tottenham have also confirmed that a deal has been struck with Real which will see the clubs continue to work closely in the future.
Real delight

"Luka has been a terrific player for us and, whilst we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership." "
Daniel Levy Quotes of the week
"The club can announce that it has signed a partnership agreement with Real Madrid FC and reached agreement for the transfer of Luka Modric, subject to medical, to the Spanish club," read a statement on Spurs' official website.


"The partnership agreement will see the two clubs working together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships."
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said: "The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric.


"We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years."
Levy added: "Luka has been a terrific player for us and, whilst we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership."

 

[wased]

Jol relaxed over Dembele

Fulham manager says Belgian would cost big money

Moussa Dembele: Playing a key role for Fulham and Martin Jol expects him to stay


Martin Jol has no worries about losing Moussa Dembele this week as he insists it would take a lot of money for Fulham to part with the Belgian.
Dembele has reportedly attracted attention from other clubs after a series of impressive performances for the Cottagers over the past couple of years.


He has started the new season in fine style, posing plenty of problems for Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday in a 3-2 defeat.
The way he played could lead to some late interest in the transfer market, but Jol doubts whether anyone will lodge a bid that would tempt Fulham to sell.


Dembele has always stressed that he is happy at Craven Cottage and remains a key part of Jol's plans, unlike somebody such as Clint Dempsey who has been left out so far this term after declaring a wish to move on.
Asked about Dembele, Jol said: "He plays and he likes the club, so there's no problem. You have to pay a lot of money to get Dembele.
"There won't be a lot of clubs putting that sort of money on the table, so I think we are fine."

 

[wased]

Wolves snap up Boukari

Togo international arrives at Molineux on four-year deal

Razak Boukari (Left): Has joined Wolves on four-year deal from Rennes


Wolves have signed winger Razak Boukari from Ligue 1 side Rennes on a four-year deal, the Midlands club have confirmed.
The 25-year-old has agreed terms and completed a medical at Molineux to become manager Stale Solbakken's sixth signing of the summer.
The Togo international scored seven goals in 37 appearances for previous club Rennes,

helping his team to a sixth-placed finish in the French top-flight last season.


Boukari told the club's official website: "I am very happy to sign for Wolves. It will be a pleasure for me to play for the club and for the fans.
"I know the club have good supporters and I have been to the stadium which I think is beautiful.
"I know it is not the Premier League but that is not a problem because I just want to play football and hopefully I can do that at Wolves."
Delighted

Boukari's signing follows that of Georg Margreitter, Frank Nouble, Bjorn Sigurdarson, Tongo Doumbia and Slawomir Peszko

as Solbakken reshapes the Wolves squad.
The manager added: "I am delighted to have signed Razak.
"He is a winger with good speed who can play on both sides and give us more options in the wide areas.
"We have been aware of him and know he has played a lot of games for Rennes and had some good seasons.
"He had an injury last season but is fit now and ready to go and he will help us in what we are trying to do."

 

[wased]

Pedersen wants Rovers stay

Norwegian committed to club after hitting back at owners with goal

Morten Gamst Pedersen: Scored Blackburn's winner against Leicester


Morten Gamst Pedersen says he remains committed to Blackburn after responding to criticism from the club's owners with the winning goal against Leicester on Saturday.
The 30-year-old hit back at owner Shebby Singh after he branded the winger a "pensioner" by sealing Rovers' 2-1 victory with a curling shot in the 79th minute, then grabbing a walking stick from the club's kit man as part of his celebration.


But Pedersen, who has been at Ewood Park since joining from Tromso in 2004, has refused to become embroiled in a war of words and says he will do his talking on the pitch.
He said: "It was a good celebration. When I arrived at Ipswich for the opening game, the walking stick was hanging on my peg in the dressing room!
"I can't control what people are saying. But if I have a problem with someone, I will go and see them and sort it that way. It is easier than doing it through the media."
Committed

The Norway international added: "I am not going to say all my thoughts because I think that is between me, the management and the owners.
"I try to keep things away from the media in that way. Of course I read newspapers, people talk to me and you hear things. Sometimes you are wondering what is going on.


"But Sunday is eight years since I signed for Rovers. I said earlier I am committed to Blackburn.
"I was one of the first people to say this. I have had offers to leave before but I have stayed.
"The main thing is to get back to the Premier League. That is where we want to be."